Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Hardly a feel good movie, this film kept me on the edge of my seat for the full 2 hours. Gripping portrait of things just getting worse and worse, as people make bad decisions hoping for a way out of their troubles. The story as advertised is exactly correct - a brothers' robbery of their parents' store goes horribly wrong, creating a cascade of more and more horrible situations. In the end, none of the men are without a healthy portion of culpability (strangely, the women are primarily victims here, although the men bear a hefty share of the burden too). Great performances all around. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is exceptional as the slick older brother slipping into the abyss, the architect of this entire tragedy. Most of the other cast is also good, although Albert Finney's father is nothing particularly deep. I found Ethan Hawke to be a bit unbelievable as the naive baby brother, but could certainly feel his desparation at wanted to be better that he is (but he is certainly no saint, so sympathy is limited). The script and the look of the film are exceptional - tight dialogue and editing, great use of time jumping to introduce the elements of the story at just the right time. I can't say I enjoyed the film, it certainly doesn't provide any uplifting message, just a warning that it doesn't work to try to correct your life's messes by making things messier - kind of like digging a hole in the sand on the beach: the water just keeps getting deeper.

- ROBYN

OK, reading those comments, I was almost convinced we'd seen different movies... I didn't really like much about this movie. It didn't grab me, I didn't feel any growing tension or dread, instead I fidgeted and kept looking at my watch. Philip Seymour Hoffman was good, but too similar to the conniving scoundrel of Owning Mahowney and Punch Drunk Love. Ethan Hawke was pretty good as the weaselly no-good younger brother, but I didn't really sympathize with his desperation (months behind on child support? what a jerk!)

I thought the time-shifting storyline was used quite ineffectively. Starting with a climactic moment and then back-tracking to show the build-up - it actually was not that straightforward - jumping back and forth in time with each character's perspective - I didn't feel that any useful insight to the characters or plot was gained by this. When the story finally catches up to the opening moment, we've seen enough screw-ups by the brothers that there's no hope of positive outcome. The ending leaves some things unresolved, but I was just glad it was over.

Two final complaints (caution: spoiler ahead!): it's impossible that the cops didn't catch up to the brothers in the first day! A robber is shot dead, no escape vehicle on site, but last seen just prior coincidentally and uncharacteristically with the son of the jewellery store's owner? Hello!!?! And then there's Marisa Tomei - the character isn't much to speak of, but there are numerous nude scenes, it's like she was attracted to the part because it was a chance to remind the world that she has nice boobs. (She does, but please woman show some respect for yourself!)

- JODI

Across the Universe

Wow - put this right up there with Moulin Rouge! for me. I think like most Beatles fans, I was nervous about seeing the music put into a story, and even more nervous about how it would sound - could these unknown singers/actors do justice to some of the greatest music ever. You bet! The versions of I Wanna Hold Your Hand and If I Fell (and also I've Just Seen a Face) are now some of my faves - huge kudos to Elliot Goldenthal for doing the impossible: making Beatles music sound even better. The story is surely the most appropriate setting for the music, reflecting part of the dramatic era that spawned the music in the first place. Part of the fun is to spot the Beatles references - characters such as Sadie, Prudence, Jude, Maxwell (who appears at one point with a hammer, of course), Lucy, and Jojo are just the beginning. True to form, Julie Taymor paints the screen with brilliant colours and create a visual delight that draws you in and gives a perfect backdrop (and often foreground) for the music and story. Some of my favourite images: strawberry fields, I Want You, the bowling scene, the grey beach in the opening scene. Overall, a wonderful visual and musical spectacle that I really enjoyed and highly recommend. Definately some Oscar potential here in the visual categories (editing, cinematography, art direction and visual effects) and sound, and possibly Julie Taymor for directing although that will really depend on what else emerges as strong here. The ensemble would be a good bet for a SAG.

- ROBYN

I was pretty wowed by this film! It was a surprise and delight that the songs were interpretted and arranged with such imagination (and success). Robyn and I both bought the soundtrack within a week of seeing the film and have really enjoyed it (though different songs). For me, there were weak points in the film (Mr. Kite, and Bono) and a bit of weakness in the soundtrack (quite a few tracks are similar with slowed-down tempo and a-capella intros). But numerous instances of visual imagery were stunning and have stayed with me long after seeing the film - I Wanna Hold Your Hand, I've Just Seen a Face, and I Want You.... it was art, and perfectly done. And the song performances are energetic, soulful and moving (All My Lovin', Hold Me Tight, It Won't Be Long, etc)
I've been telling people to see this film, recommending it wholeheartedly. If they like Beatles music, assuring them not to worry about the songs being butchered.
Really, this film is a triumph.

- JODI

Transformers - More Than Meets the Eye

I was not expecting much from this - cars and robots, evil doers and kids, and some cool animation. Yes, it was all of that, but amazingly the story was pretty well done and the VGA was very well done such that it made this movie very enjoyable. They do a great job of telling the back story, such that you do develop a connection with the characters of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. The great animation help with this, as you can't help but be amazed at their motion and transformations. There is just the right amount of humour, a bit of romance, great chase scenes and well paced action. Even the evil government agents are not over done. This is definitely not a kids movie - when Megatron shows up, mankind needs to look out. I would definitely recommend this one for a good action movie, popcorn kinda night.