HiFi’s Film Reviews

353 Films have been rated or reviewed by HiFi.

Future, The (2011): There are a couple of slight overreaches and miscalculations, but the rest of this astonishing film resonates like a bell.
Haywire (2011): Or 'Bourne a Woman'. Airport novel premise, '3 Days of the Condor' music. Murky DV ('experimental' Soderbergh) and starry cast ('mainstream' Soderbergh). Fun when it gets going. Carano: beautiful and kick–ass!
Hunger Games, The (2012): Lawrence's fine performance anchors the centre, while Ross deftly balances spectacle and character. The romantic subplot is a bit clunky, but this is still impressive and I can't wait for the sequel(s).
Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011): Appealing and unpredictable, but somehow less than the sum of its parts. There\'s enough here for a short film, but at feature length it seems stretched and underwritten. Helms and Segel are great, though.
Breach (2007): Thank heavens for Billy Ray...meticulous, unflashy direction and mise–en–scene (sorry, pretentious) and knockout performances from everybody. Mychael Danna's score comprehensively rips off Carter Burwell, however.
Von Ryan's Express (1965): Nice cinematography, crisp and effective score from Jerry Goldsmith, good cast, great fun, \'nuff said.
An Affair to Remember (1957): Meant to sparkle like pink champagne, but doesn\'t. Stiff, awkward and unconvincing. This kind of film would usually have stalwart supporting actors but they\'re conspicuously absent. Look elsewhere, friend.
They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970): Workmanlike, with vague plotting and too much domestic drama. Decent score and cinematography, and I always enjoy watching Anthony Zerbe, but on the whole not very engaging.
Portlandia (TV Series) (2011): Delirious stuff. My favourite sketch is the \'safe–word\' couple (with Carrie playing the man, Fred the woman). The quality falters slightly in the final episode, but otherwise...genius!
Heat (1995): Always a pleasure. Stylish, intricate, involving. Impeccably cast down to the smallest roles. I don\'t think Mann has surpassed this.

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HiFi’s Film Reviews