Reviews by Darren Amner

Order by: Date, A–Z

• 
  Death Sentence (2007)

  Review preview for Death Sentence

  Death Sentence is a gritty throwback to the films of the Seventies like Death Wish, and it has you rooting all the way for this ordinary man to dish out his own brand of justice.

  The story of a man who will stop at nothing to protect his family.
• 
  Breach (2007)

  Review preview for Breach

  You could describe Breach as a thinking man’s Bourne.

  A young, ambitious FBI agent is ordered to spy on his boss, who the organisation believe has been betraying his country for 20 years.
• 
  Skinwalkers (2006)

  Review preview for Skinwalkers

  Skinwalkers had me occasionally howling with laughter, whether it intended to be funny or not.

  A creepy tale of werewolves living among us.
• 
  Disturbia (2007)

  Review preview for Disturbia

  Director Caruso balances humour with intense set-pieces to craft a fun thrill-ride.

  A teenager becomes convinced his neighbour is a serial killer.
• 
  Most Haunted: The Best Of Live - Volume Five (2007)

  Review preview for Most Haunted: The Best Of Live - Volume Five

  This is a show that is probably a victim of its own success.

  The paranormal investigations team visit Edinburgh, Portsmouth and Wales.
• 
  Talk To Me - The Complete First Series (2007)

  Review preview for Talk To Me - The Complete First Series

  One of the series' main strengths is making its protagonists thirtysomethings, broadening the scope of the plot.

  TV drama exploring modern relationships and friendships.
• 
  Notes On A Scandal (2006)

  Review preview for Notes On A Scandal

  A great psychological thriller, that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

  A sexual adventure leads to emotional blackmail in a comprehensive school.
• 
  Super Size Me (2003)

  Review preview for Super Size Me

  Everyone needs to see this film.

  Documentary filmmaker acts as guinea pig in fast food experiment.
• 
  Marebito (2004)

  Review preview for Marebito

  I was creeped out for sure but cared little for the outcome.

  Gory J-horror about a cameraman obsessed with capturing fear on film.
• 
  The Wicker Man (2006)

  Review preview for The Wicker Man

  Dire plotting, snail-like pace and comatose cast.

  A detective searches for a missing child in a mysterious Pagan community.
• 
  The Lives Of The Saints (2006)

  Review preview for The Lives Of The Saints

  A breath of fresh air for the British film industry.

  A small boy grants wishes, but what should people wish for?
• 
  Bug (2006)

  Review preview for Bug

  The script is well layered and clearly is designed to secure repeat viewings.

  A lonely woman finds romance with a stranger only for things to turn nasty when her ex-husband gets out of jail.
• 
  The Last King Of Scotland (2006)

  Ugandan dictator's rise to power as seen through the eyes of a young doctor.
• 
  Half Nelson (2006)

  Review preview for Half Nelson

  Half Nelson is a believeable film, depressing at times but smart and moving.

  A drug-addicted teacher is befriended by a student.
• 
  Candy (2006)

  A junkie poet falls in love.
• 
  Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

  Review preview for Ferris Bueller's Day Off

  Featuring snappy dialogue, catchy pop tunes and memorable cinematic set-pieces that stand the test of time, Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a thought-provoking look at adolescence.

  A teen plots a day off school.
• 
  Tom Brown's Schooldays (1951)

  Review preview for Tom Brown's Schooldays

  Very dated, but the themes that run throughout are still significant.

  Surviving public school in the bad old days of institutionalised bullying
• 
  November (2004)

  Review preview for November

  November is similar to abstract art and will engage people for part of the time and possibly cause some debate, but there isn't enough substance for it to truly hold an audience.

  The truth lies outside the frame.
• 
  You Rang, M'Lord? - The Complete First Series (1988)

  Review preview for You Rang, M'Lord? - The Complete First Series

  Each episode furthers character development and aids its audience in feeling and caring for this motley band of hired help.

  British TV class comedy series on an upstairs/ downstairs theme.
• 
  Beautiful Boxer (2003)

  True story about transgender kick boxer Nong Toom.
• 
  Real Fiction (2000)

  Review preview for Real Fiction

  While often surreal and almost intriguing, the film lacks direction.

  A repressed and bullied street artist takes his revenge.
• 
  Fever (1999)

  A down-on-his-luck artist with a fragile state of mind is implicated in a murder.
• 
  Dark Horse (2005)

  Review preview for Dark Horse

  Certainly a film for art house audiences, but also a nice first time introduction to Danish cinema that is bold and confident.

  When a graffiti artist in Copenhagen meets a girl on magic mushrooms, his slacker days are numbered.
• The Wendell Baker Story (2005)

  Review preview for The Wendell Baker Story

  Low-budget charmer shows a different side and range to Owen Wilson.

  Feelgood romp with a positive message for old folks.
• 
  Elizabethtown (2005)

  Review preview for Elizabethtown

  A love letter to the resilience of the bereaved.

  A man heads for a funeral and finds love on the way.
• 
  The Brothers Grimm (2005)

  Review preview for The Brothers Grimm

  For fans of Gilliam, there is much to enjoy, such as his quirky humour and ever-present oddball supporting characters.

  Bogus ghostbusters finally meet their match in a genuine enchanted forest.
• 
  Brick (2005)

  A teenager investigates the underworld of a local high school.
• 
  Four Brothers (2005)

  Review preview for Four Brothers

  Instantly forgettable.

  Nobody messes with the Mercers.
• 
  Casanova (2005)

  Review preview for Casanova

  A swashbuckling romp that has enough seduction and romance to float a gondola down the canals.

  Has the serial seducer finally met his match?
• 
  Brokeback Mountain (2004)

  The illicit love of two cowboys.
• 
  Addicted (2002)

  A twisted tale of forbidden love.
• 
  Escape From Hong Kong Island (2004)

  Review preview for Escape From Hong Kong Island

  Chan gives a performance of real depth, displaying a wide range of emotions and great physical comedy.

  A stock trader in Hong Kong discovers that power and wealth is nothing if you are not happy.
• Swimming Upstream (2003)

  Review preview for Swimming Upstream

  The performances are excellent, with Spencer conveying the emotions and suffering Tony endures admirably and Rush, as his alcoholic, abusive father is wonderful.

  Drama, based on the true-life story of Aussie swimmer Tony Fingleton.
• 
  A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (1945)

  Review preview for A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

  As sentimental as it is endearing.

  Growing up poor in Brooklyn, with an irresponsible father and the dream of becoming a writer.
• Seed Of Chucky (2004)

  Review preview for Seed Of Chucky

  The style and dark comedy will draw in a new audience and please diehard Chucky fans as well.

  Fifth slice of horror with the demonic doll.
• Silent Grace (2001)

  Review preview for Silent Grace

  The performances are excellent, but this is a movie that could have used more dramatic scenes to put across the struggle and prove a point.

  PoW movie from a women's perspective, tracking dirty protests in the 1980s.