HiFi’s Film Reviews

353 Films have been rated or reviewed by HiFi.

Stardust Memories (1980): His public are feebs and freaks, beautiful women are endlessly available, and his existential musings are the stuff of Philosophy 101. Beautiful photography (Gordon Willis again) but, sheesh, enough already!
Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The (1964): Once acclimatised to dialogue sung as recitative I loved it – the bright, pop surface with the sadness underneath. And the scene in the gas station at the end...
Rabbit Fall (TV Series) (2007): OK, but marred by weak writing and direction and a general woolly–headedness. For a half–hour drama the creators need to make every minute count, and they don\'t. However, it improves in season 2, and I do want to find out what happens next...
Breaking Bad - Season 1 (TV Series) (2008): Completely addictive (sorry!) with an excellent cast, pitch–black humour and an unpredictable rhythm. A standout among the premium cable shows.
Game of Thrones - Season 1 (TV Series) (2011): Gripping and visually breathtaking, but a lot of standing around in mud or castle corridors delivering reams of exposition does slow the pace...still, classy entertainment with maybe (I can\'t believe I\'m saying this) too much gratuitous sex.; DVD ~~$30~~ $20
Sherlock - Series 2 (TV Series) (2012): While I enjoy the \'Jazzing the Classics\' approach, I do object to the inability to respect the spirit of the stories (especially re:Holmes vs. Adler) or trust the audience (the reveal at the end of \'Reichenbach\').
Sucker Punch (2011): Movie–length pop video. I'm afraid I couldn't watch it all. However, on the positive side, if you've ever lusted after your daughter's school friends, then this is the film for you.
I Love You Phillip Morris (2009): Difficult to portray passion without becoming tedious or ludicrous, and this avoids both but the central relationship still didn't hold my attention. A fun and sometimes profound docudramedy, but it evaporates quickly.
Eat Pray Love (2010): Narcissistic cultural–imperialist wish–fulfillment doesn't come sliced any thicker than this tripe, and it doesn't even work as a movie. Nice performance from Jenkins, but this is one picturesque third–world bridge too far.
True Blood - Season 1 (TV Series) (2008): I didn\'t expect much but was slowly drawn in. Wesley, Ellis and Ryan Kwanten in particular give good value. Has a nice \'blue collar\' feel not so evident in the later seasons. Well made, full of dark humour.; DVD ~~$20~~ $15

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HiFi’s Film Reviews