Oslo, August 31st

Danish writer and director Joachim Trier's second film features the same themes of his debut but on a much more mature level which makes for a devastating character study. A recovering drug addict returns to Oslo where he must face his past life in order to begin a new one which can mean life and death. Trier's psychological drama gives a profound insight into the mind of young man whose drug addiction scarred him for life. Trier's second film takes him on a new level as a filmmaker whose precise vision makes for a shattering experience into the human psyche. Anders Danielsen Lie reunites with Trier for another terrific performance on which the entire film rests. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Bourne Legacy

Writer turned director Tony Gilroy takes the helm of the Bourne franchise for which he wrote the screenplays and gives it new life and direction. In the aftermath of Jason Bourne disappearance, the government's secret branch abandons similar programs in the fear of exposure but one of their genetically enhanced agents escapes with the help of a doctor which launches a new manhunt. Gilroy made a solid action thriller with a stellar cast that includes Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norten. Gilroy managed to successfully relaunch the franchise without Matt Damon but left a window for him to return which could makes for a bigger sequel that would unite him with Jeremy Renner, otherwise Renner makes solid replacement. Smart writing, kinetic action sequences along with top talent are the Bourne franchise key attraction which the fourth film surprisingly delivers. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

Total Recall

Director Len Wiseman returns with remake of the Paul Verhoeven film which was bound for an update. After a man finds himself implanted with fake memories, he goes on the run to discover his true identity. Wiseman and his cast and crew mostly improve on the original film with this remake of the sci-fi thriller with some inspired choices, specially in the casting of the film. Colin Farrell stars along with Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale with the solid support of Bryan Cranston and Bill Nighy. The production design and visual effects are effective but not as ground breaking as the original when it was released. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Hunger Games

Director Gary Ross returned after decade for this solid adaptation of the Suzanne Collins bestseller set in a dystopian society that's separated into twelve districts but connected through television where every year two teenagers from each districts fight to death on live television until one wins. A young girl volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the games which takes her on a journey of survival and self-discovery. Ross and his solid cast and crew hit the right notes that makes for entertaining and thought provoking film. While the story is set in a fictional world, it's many similarities to the US and raises interesting questions about its constitution, reality tv shows and violence amongst others. A perfectly cast Jennifer Lawrence stars along with Josh Hutcherson and solid supporting cast that includes Wes Bentley, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Headhunters

Norwegian director Morten Tyldum takes on several genres in this thriller which starts well before it derails on several levels. An accomplished headhunter's double life as an art thief gets him in trouble when he meets a mercenary vying for a corporate position. Tyldum and his writers keep throwing ideas and plot twists in the hope that it will stick but instead they ruin an intriguing premise which becomes preposterous with every scene. The production values and cast are solid which could have fared better with a better script. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Tony Scott 1944 - 2012

Captain Abu Raed

Jordanian-American writer and director Amin Matalqa made his feature debut with this heartwarming drama. After finding a pilot's hat, a lonely airport janitor becomes the center of attention among his neighborhood kids which gets him involved in their lives. While Matalqa has noble intentions, his contrived screenplay slick visuals shortchanges the potential emotional which could have made for a powerful and inspirational story. Nadim Sawalha stars with a dignified performance that saves the film. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

5 Days of War

Director Renny Harlin returns with another action thriller based on true events that leaves a real bitter aftertaste. After a tragic incident, an American journalist travels to Georgia where he witnesses the horrors of war again as the Russian army crosses the borders that lead to five days of war. The five days of war was real as the Republic of Georgia faced the invasion of Russia but its treatment to the screen as an action film by Renny Harlin was the wrong way to go. Poorly written and directed full of cliches borrowed from countless other films is cringe worthy at the expense of the people who suffered and some of them appear at the end which makes the film a dubious effort. The production values thanks to the support of the Georgian government looks great. Rupert Friend stars along with Andy Garcia and Rade Serbedzija in the supporting roles. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Fireflies in the Garden

Writer and director Dennis Lee made his feature debut with uneven drama featuring an all star cast. A tragic accident overshadows a family reunion where old wounds are torn and new bonds are created. Based on the poem by Robert Frost, Lee's screenplay brings nothing new that hasn't been explored before in better films. It's a rather ambitious effort for a debut film with too many character arches along with an array of experienced cast whose performances needed the guidance of an equally experienced director to make a coherent and powerful film. The talented cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson and Julia Roberts amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Attenberg

Greek writer and director Athina Rachel Tsangari delivers a playful and unique vision with her second feature. A young woman's sexual awakening coincides with her father's impending death which forces her to spread her wings into the world. Tsangari's original and refreshing look at sex and death makes this coming of age drama infused with off beat comedy stand out. Tsangari along with Giorgos Lanthimos who appears in the film are the leaders of the new generation of Greek filmmakers whose original vision could lead to a new golden age. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Margaret

Writer and director Kenneth Lonergan delivered his second film after a decade, most of it in post-production battle of this film. After a young woman witnesses a bus accident that she may have caused it, the repercussions have a wide ranging affect on the people involved. After his brilliant debut, Lonergan's desire to go bigger and wider got him in trouble with this ambitious film with too many characters and subplots that derails the film despite the noble intentions to make a statement about the complexities of life. The solid cast includes Anna Paquin, Mark Ruffalo and Matt Damon amongst many others in the ensemble. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Wild Things

Director John McNaughton made this trashy and sleazy yet entertaining thriller with too many turns and twists. After a handsome counselor is accused of raping two of his students, a devious plan comes to light leading to deception and murder. McNaughton and his cast and crew borrow heavily from other films that makes for an entertaining ride. It's a campy film and it doesn't hide the fact, therefore you either enjoy the fun or turned off by it. The game cast includes Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, Bill Murray and many other familiar faces. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Marvin Hamlisch 1944 - 2012

The Dark Knight Rises

British writer and director Christopher Nolan rises to the occasion to the complete his epic Batman trilogy with the third and final film. The dark knight returns to Gotham to rescue it from the claws of the terrorist Bane who has brought Gotham to its knees with the help of old and new allies including a rookie cop and a jewel thief. Brilliantly written and executed by Nolan and his stellar cast and crew that makes for satisfying conclusion. Nolan whose films were more adult oriented stays true to his vision to base the superhero and villains into reality by addressing issues of global terrorism and economic meltdown that will resonate with the audience while being entertained. Christian Bale returns with his best performance as the Dark Knight along with the always solid Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman. The new additions of Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard arrive with superb performances in key roles. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

The Fairy

The Belgian trio of Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon, Bruno Romy wrote, directed and acted in this whimsical slapstick comedy. A lonely hotel clerk falls for a fairy who grants him three wishes. A comedy in the tradition of Chaplin, Keaton and Tati taking physical comedy to new heights by adding social and political context by the talented three filmmakers. The film is a rare gem that will put a smile on audiences of all ages. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Man with Movie Camera

Russian writer and director Dziga Vertov delivered his masterpiece with this ground breaking documentary. A portrait of a city and its people during a day is captured by a cameraman. Dazzling cinematography, editing and score makes this classic one of the greatest films of all time featuring groundbreaking effects ahead of its times, full of inventiveness that still holds up 80 years later. The film is also a perfect time capsule of the era depicted full of detail. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Sunrise

Legendary German director F.W. Murnau made his Hollywood debut with this classic masterpiece. A married farmer falls under the spell of a beautiful from the city which threatens to destroy his life. Brilliantly written and executed with terrific performances and breathtaking cinematography that has stood the test of time. The special effects and score with sound design were ahead of its time. Janet Gaynor and George O'Brien star in this silent classic. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Greatest Films - Sight & Sound 2012

CRITICS TOP 10
01. VERTIGO, ALFRED HITCHCOCK
02. CITIZEN KANE, ORSON WELLES
03. RULES OF THE GAMES, JEAN RENOIR
04. TOKYO STORY, YASUJIRO OZU
05. SUNRISE, F.W. MURNAU
06. 2001, STANLEY KUBRICK
07. THE SEARCHERS, JOHN FORD
08. THE MAN WITH A CAMERA, DZIGA VERTOV
09. THE PASSION OF JOAN ARC, CARL THEODOR DREYER
10. 8 1/2, FEDERICO FELLINI



DIRECTORS TOP 10
01. TOKYO STORY, YASUJIRO OZU
02. 2001, STANLEY KUBRICK
03. CITIZEN KANE, ORSON WELLES
04. 8 1/2, FEDERICO FELLINI
05. TAXI DRIVER, MARTIN SCORSESE
06. APOCALYPSE NOW, FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA
07. THE GODFATHER, FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA
08. VERTIGO, ALFRED HITCHCOCK
09. MIRROR, ANDREY TARKOVSKIY
10. BICYCLE THIEVES, VITTORIO DE SICA