Insidious: Chapter 2

Director James Wan returns with his cast and crew for the sequel of horror hit. After the family survived the first attack from the insidious spirits, they find themselves under new attack which has its roots in the past of the father which comes to haunt them again. Writer Wan and Leigh Whannell return where they left off with more of the same results. If the first film used "Poltergeist" as its inspiration, this one uses "The Shining" which provides some good moments. Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Barbara Hershey reprise their roles. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

White Shadow

Germany based Israeli writer and director Noaz Deshe made his feature debut with this drama set in contemporary Africa. A young albino boy fights for survival in rural Tanzania where he's under constant threat from the youth and adults at same time. Deshe chose a fascinating topic which seems stranger than fiction but modern day dilemma for albinos who are sought after for ancient rituals by witch doctors. Deshe's background in documentary influences his approach which suits the film and its non-professional actors well despite some flaws in writing and editing. 1001 Films' coverage of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival.

The Seventh Walk

Indian writer and director Amit Dutta returns with another experimental film about the painter Paramjit Singh. A non-linear and abstract film that blends sight and sound to make a visually striking film that's strange and familiar as the same time. More an art installation than a traditional documentary, Dutta uses stunning landscapes and architecture along with natural sounds and hypnotic music as well as the art by Singh who also appears that makes for an interactive artwork between the filmmaker and its subject. 1001 Films' coverage of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival.

RIP: Bob Hoskins 1942 - 2014

Salvation Army

France based Moroccan writer Abdellah Taia made his feature debut with his adaptation of his autobiographical novel. A young boy discovers his sexuality while growing up in a big family where he finds himself isolated amongst his sisters and older brother. While Taia is familiar with the story, his lack of skill to adapt the story for the screen is evident which undermines the potential of the powerful story. The film lacks the vibrant energy of the Moroccan culture and feels more sedated despited the striking visual by ace cinematographer Agnès Godard. 1001 Films' coverage of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival.

Tracks

Director John Curran travelled down under for this incredible true story. A young woman travels Australia from coast to coast on a 1,700 mile journey across some of the most remote and unforgiving places on earth along with her four camels and beloved dog. Based on the experiences and book by Robyn Davidson, Curran created a hauntingly beautiful film about a courageous woman and her inspiring journey which seems even more fascinating four decades later. Mia Wasikowska stars with another solid performance along with a scene stealing Adam Driver who brings comic relief. 1001 Films' coverage of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival.

Young & Beautiful

French writer and director François Ozon returns with a character study about a disillusioned youth. A young and beautiful girl takes a double life as a prostitute which is not sex or money driven much to the shock of her family. Ozon's cool approach serves the story well but fails to go deeper beyond the surface. Marine Vacth stars and fits the character along a fine supporting cast that includes Géraldine Pailhas, Frédéric Pierrot and Charlotte Rampling. 1001 Films' coverage of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival.

Chinese Puzzle

French writer and director Cédric Klapisch completes his trilogy with this film which provides a satisfying conclusion. The group of friends end up in New York because of love, children and work which brings new challenges as they try to adapt to the new city. Klapisch bounces back to top form with his urban tale which has found the perfect location for its characters. Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Cécile De France and Kelly Reilly return to reprise their roles which makes the film worthwhile. 1001 Films' coverage of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival.

The Two Faces of January

British-Iranian writer Hossein Amini made his directing debut with this adaptation of the novel by Patricia Highsmith. An American couple on the run in Greece seek the help of a mysterious stranger which takes them on a dangerous journey. Amini made an accomplished debut with this thriller which he also brilliantly adapted for the screen with solid structure and breathless pacing where the loyalties and dynamics constantly shifts and the characters are not what they seem. Viggo Mortensen, Oscar Isaac and Kirsten Dunst star in the leads with solid performances while the sun drenched exotic locations enhances psychological effect. 1001 Films' coverage of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival.

The Invisible Woman

Actor turned director Ralph Fiennes delivered another accomplished film as his second feature about the controversial love affair by literary giant Charles Dickens. At the height of his carreer, celebrated writer Charles Dickens falls for a young actress who initially rejects him but becomes his mistress with the support of their families. Based on the book by Claire Tomalin,  writer Abi Morgan and Fiennes created an excellent film about the unconventional love affair that also provides insight into the Victorian society and its greatest writer. Felicity Jones and Ralph Fiennes star with outstanding performances along a terrific supporting cast that includes Kristin Scott Thomas, Michelle Fairley, Tom Hollander and Joanna Scanlan who's excellent as Dickens wronged wife. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Café de Flore

Canadian writer and director Jean-Marc Vallée delivered an absorbing and fascinating film with this drama. Two stories of profound love share a mystical connection across time and space, a mother's love for her child and a man caught between two woman. Vallée weaves the stories slowly with a concept will divide the audiences depends on their perspectives on the philosophy at the core of the story which is brilliantly brought to the screen by the talented cast and crew. Vanessa Paradis stars along a fine cast that includes Kevin Parent, Hélène Florent and Evelyne Brochu. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

A Touch of Sin

Chinese writer and director Jia Zhangke delivered another masterpiece with this terrific drama. Four ordinary people use random acts of violence to revolt against the modern society that cost them their dignity and humanity. Zhangke who always captured the changes of contemporary China in his films and documentaries without shying away remains one of the most important directors. The transition of China is one of the most significant changes in the world in every aspect from economical to environmental and beyond.  1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Saving Mr. Banks

Director John Lee Hancock brings the story behind the scenes of the making of Mary Poppins. After a long courtship, British author P.L. Travers travels to Hollywood to meet Walt Disney who will do anything to get the rights to the beloved novel based on Travers' traumatic past. Hancock and writers Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith took the drama behind the scenes of the beloved classic to deliver an entertaining film about the challenges of filmmaking which comes through despite the glossy treatment. Emma Thompson stars with a terrific performance along a stellar supporting cast that includes Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti, Colin Farrell and Ruth Wilson amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Shallow Grave

British director Danny Boyle made his feature debut with this terrific thriller that jump started the careers of its talented cast and crew. Greed tears apart the live of three friends when they discover their new flatmate dead with a suitcase full of cash. Highly original with a kinetic energy, Boyle and his talented cast and crew delivered a knockout film with this thriller infused with dark humor. Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and Kerry Fox star with terrific performances along with solid supporting cast that includes Peter Mullan. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Mohammad Ali's Greatest Fight

British director Stephen Frears brings the story behind the scenes of the Supreme Court's ruling in the case against of Ali. At the height of his career, Mohammad Ali refused to go to Vietnam war which not jeopardized his career but also risk prison for his belief when the case went to the Supreme Court whose ground breaking ruling was a milestone. Using archival footage and a stellar cast, Frears delivers a terrific film about a crucial time in US history which is informative as it's entertaining. Christopher Plummer and Frank Langella star along a solid supporting cast. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Family

French writer, director and producer Luc Besson brought together Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer for this comedy about the mob with a French twist. A mob family relocated to France under the witness protection program realize that bad habits die hard when cultures clashes. Besson and his talented cast and crew do their best and the film has its moments but the genre has been exploited with every angle that it's hard to break any new ground. Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer star with solid performance that recalls their better work in the mob universe. The supporting cast includes Tommy Lee Jones, Dianna Agron and John D'Leo. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Way Way Back

Actors turned writers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash made their directing debut with this terrific coming of age drama. A shy teenager forced to go on vacation with his mother and her boyfriend finds a refuge at a amusement park that helps him find himself. Writing and directing team of Faxon and Rash hit all the right notes with thoughtful film about the pains of growing up during puberty. Liam James is perfectly cast in the lead with a terrific performance along a stellar supporting cast that includes Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb among others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Directing brothers Anthony & Joe Russo return to feature films after a long hiatus for the sequel of the Marvel franchise. While Steve Rogers is still adapting to modern times, he and his allies face a new and powerful threat that has its roots in his past. The Russo brothers continue where Joe Johnston left off in the first film and taking it to new heights which puts the film among the best of the superhero films. Chris Evans stars with a solid performance along a stellar supporting cast that includes Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie and Hayley Atwell. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

The Broken Circle Breakdown

Belgian writer and director Felix van Groeningen delivered a knockout with this tragic love story that wears its emotions on its sleeves. An American country music loving couple's life is marked by tragedy which tests their love and faith. Based on the play by Johan Heldenbergh who also stars in the film, Groeningen has created a meticulous film which is infused with beautiful bluegrass and country music that takes the story and film to new heights. The terrific Veerle Baetens along with Heldenbergh stars with outstanding performances that's the core of this film along with its glorious music. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

BackWoods

Spanish writer and director Koldo Serra made his feature debut with this uneven thriller. Two Englishmen and their girlfriends' holiday in a remote Spanish location turns into a nightmare when they discover a little local girl imprisoned which begins deadly a chase. Serra uses xenophobia as the catalyst for this thriller where mutual distrust between locals and foreigners turns into a deadly fight for survival. Gary Oldman and Paddy Considine stars with performances which far below their expertise. The supporting cast includes Virginie Ledoyen, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón and Lluís Homar. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Mickey Rooney 1920 - 2014

Snowpiercer

Korean writer and director Bong Joon-ho returns with an ambitious but original sci-fi thriller. Set in a dystopian future where global warming and a failed experiment has turned the earth into a desolate wasteland covered with ice and snow, the only survivors are on board of a train with all of the humanity's flaws and strength florishes among the divided class system. Based on the French graphic novels, Joon-ho and co-writer Kelly Masterson have created a gritty film that takes risks despite the inherent flaws of the source material which is a remarkable achievement. The stellar international ensemble includes Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Ed Harris, Octavia Spencer and Joon-ho regular Song Kang-ho. 1001 Films' coverage of upcoming releases.

Kill Your Darlings

Writer and director John Krokidas made his feature debut with the drama about the formation of the beat generation writers. Inspiring young writer Allen Ginsberg meets the charismatic Lucien Carr at the Columbia University who inspires him into a new direction and introduces him to William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac before they are all involved with a murder that changes the course of their friendship. Krokidas made a solid period drama about iconic characters which is a remarkable achievement for a debut. Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan star with strong performances along with a terrific supporting cast that includes Ben Foster, Jack Huston, Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Elizabeth Olsen and Kyra Sedgwick. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

British director Justin Chadwick created an emotional film based on the life of Nelson Mandela. The story of Nelson Mandela who sacrificed his family to fight the injustice in South Africa before becoming the legendary leader of the nation. Chadwick and writer William Nicholson focus on Mandela the man rather than the legend to show the journey of a remarkable man who changed his nation and inspired the world. Idris Elba and Naomie Harris star with terrific performances which is the highlight of this emotional drama. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The End

Spanish director Jorge Torregrossa made his feature debut with this unsettling existential horror thriller. A group of friends meet in remote location for a reunion after twenty years where a mysterious event forces them on a terrifying journey. Based on the novel by David Monteagudo, Torregrossa has created a visually striking thriller which defies the genre conventions with a simple and powerful message that goes to core existentialism. The talented ensemble includes Daniel Grao, Maribel Verdú and Clara Lago amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Camille Claudel 1915

French writer and director Bruno Dumont delivered another powerful character study about the tragic fate of artist Camille Claudel. 1915, after years of being abandoned and confined to a mental asylum by her family, Camille tries to keep her sanity despite the grim reality but hoping that a visit from her brother will end her suffering. Dumont whose films have a religious angle, shows the tragedy of a female artist wrongfully punished by her religious family represented through her fanatic brother who seems more crazy than her. It's an heartbreaking film about a great artist robbed of most of her life by her own family. Juliette Binoche stars with another terrific performance that shows how Claudel was misunderstood and punished for being a woman and an artist. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Diana

German director Oliver Hirschbiegel took the daunting task for this biographical film. After her separation from Prince Charles, Princess Diana tried to make a new life for herself but another failed love affair sends her life out of control before her tragic death. Hirschbiegel and writer Stephen Jeffreys seem to fill the gaps between the iconic public images to show the drama behind the scenes instead of intimate character study that Stephen Frears brilliantly achieved with "The Queen."Hirschbiegel and company's biggest mistake was to rely on the public perception of the most famous woman in the world instead of a woman dealing with fame and loneliness in the pursuit of love and happiness. Naomi Watts stars with a solid performance hinting at the missed opportunity and is the only saving grace but can't overcome the inherent flaws in the script and direction. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Noah

Visionary writer and director Darren Aronofsky reinterprets the classic story in a bold way with mix results. Through visions, Noah finds he's chosen to save his family and the animals before the world is flooded to annihilate the rest of the humanity. Aronofsky and co-writer Ari Handel took the religious story and turned it into an action film with special effects to please a broad audience beyond the core target who might not agree with this vision. So with the ultimate origin story with a hero worthy of superhero status, add some cautionary tale and environmental issues to the mix, the film should attract a wider audience. Despite its monumental ambitions, Aronofsky and his talented cast and crew deliver a decent epic which its moments that comes in small doses. Russell Crowe stars with a solid performance along a stellar supporting cast that includes Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth. Aronofsky's regular partners in crime cinematographer Matthew Libatique and composer Clint Mansell deliver as expected with impressive images and sounds. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

Blood Ties

French actor turned director Guillaume Canet made his English language debut with this crime drama. Two brothers on opposite sides of the law loose control of their lives due to their blood ties which forces them to commit actions that will affect each other's life. Based on the novel and French film, Canet and co-writer James Gray set the drama in the 70's New York which evokes the great films of the era and serves as an homage. However due to the high expectations set by the pedigree of the talent involved, the film comes short on several levels despite the solid efforts. Clive Owen and Billy Crudup star as the brothers along a stellar supporting cast that includes Marion Cotillard, Zoe Saldana, James Caan and Matthias Schoenaerts amongst many others. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.