Reviews by Josh Morrall

Order by: Date, A–Z

• 
  The Rebound (2009)

  Review preview for The Rebound

  While many of the genre specifics are at work, so, too, are a considered script, a pacing that favours the story and an ending that doesn’t cheat.

  A young New Yorker finds himself smitten with the single mother next door, despite a challenging age difference.
• 
  Sky-Caper (2009)

  Review preview for Sky-Caper

  Offers the audience moments of genuine comedy that is both cutsey and clever.

  A window-washing duel.
• 
  Wound Footage (2009)

  Review preview for Wound Footage

  Genuinely advancing the form of the found footage film by attempting to merge it with the digital.

  Unification of the digital with the analogue world.
• 
  Walk The Line (2005)

  Review preview for Walk The Line

  Although the plot is a tired one, Walk The Line avoids hitting any dud notes, thanks to the excellence of the two leads.

  Johnny Cash biopic that feels the lurve.
• 
  The Libertine (2004)

  The tragic, promiscuous, defiant world of a 17th century philandering philosopher earl.
• 
  Domino (2005)

  Action movie, loosely based on the life of glamour model turned bounty hunter.
• 
  Room 36 (2003)

  Review preview for Room 36

  Points awarded for confident disregard for substance and for packaging this farce with an eye for detail. Points deducted for everything else.

  A black comedy in black-and-white about a contract killer in a vile hotel.
• 
  Lords Of Dogtown (2005)

  A group of talented teenagers from California kick start the skateboarding craze.
• 
  The Longest Yard (2005)

  Review preview for The Longest Yard

  The lack of any subtlety numbs the audience.

  Remake of the Burt Reynolds prison football drama of the Seventies - with jokes?
• 
  Wedding Crashers (2005)

  Review preview for Wedding Crashers

  The double act of Wilson and Vaughn will not be enjoyed by all, but there is a lot more fun to be had than just the childish antics of its lead characters.

  A womanising duo, who specialise in trawling weddings, take on their last, hilarious challenge.
• 
  A Bizarre Love Triangle (2002)

  Review preview for A Bizarre Love Triangle

  A bizarre film, its weird is in equal measure to its wonderful.

  Comedy takes an off-beat look at modern relationships.
• 
  Madagascar (2005)

  Review preview for Madagascar

  By no means a classic piece of animation, but it is vastly entertaining.

  Four animated animals from Central Park Zoo are shipwrecked on the wild shores of Madagascar.
• 
  The Ring Virus (1999)

  Review preview for The Ring Virus

  An entertaining, anxious film.

  Korean adaptation of the book about the cursed videotape.
• Monster-In-Law (2005)

  Review preview for Monster-In-Law

  With plenty of rom in this com, it's easy to be taken in by the simple characters and the simple plot.

  War breaks out between a bride-to-be and her prospective mother-in-law.
• 
  Sahara (2005)

  Review preview for Sahara

  The political element adds intrigue but, ultimately, is secondary to the action.

  An adventure yarn, with extreme treasure hunters and a beautiful doctor on a life saving mission.
• 
  The Interpreter (2005)

  Review preview for The Interpreter

  Occasional flourishes... add depth to an otherwise superficial film.

  A political thriller at the UN headquarters in New York.
• 
  Understanding Jane (1998)

  Review preview for Understanding Jane

  Director Caleb Lindsay tries in vain to create something out of nothing...His attempts only cheapen already empty scenes.

  Romantic adventure between two men and women who meet through a personal ad.
• 
  Valiant (2005)

  Review preview for Valiant

  This unfunny kids animation flaps around for 70 minutes before finally lifting off in the closing stages.

  An unlikely hero leads the way in the Allied WWII victory.
• 
  Be Cool (2005)

  Sequel to Get Shorty moves into the music business.
• The Ring Two (2005)

  Review preview for The Ring Two

  Cliched to the point of being scream-out-loud irritating.

  The continuing story of the journalist and her son and the ghost in the video tape.
• 
  An Eye For An Eye (1981)

  Chuck Norris is an undercover narc in San Francisco who goes feral.
• 
  The Machinist (2004)

  Review preview for The Machinist

  Bale's performance is superb, his devotion to the role scary.

  Christian Bale lives in the subconscious of a mentally frail insomniac.
• 
  Robots (2005)

  Review preview for Robots

  Fast, funny, endearing, predictable, harmless family fun.

  Animated idealism meets corporate ruthlessness in Rivet Town.
• 
  Hitch (2005)

  Review preview for Hitch

  The use of soft focus adds an unusual sense of depth to the proceedings, which works well in the darker moments.

  Date doctor struggles to win the heart of a good lady.
• 
  Flight Of The Phoenix (2004)

  Review preview for Flight Of The Phoenix

  Flight Of The Phoenix has very little going for it.

  Plane crash in desert drama leads to predictable outcome.
• 
  The Untouchables (1987)

  Review preview for The Untouchables

  Inspires a feeling of awe.

  How the infamous Chicago gang boss, Al Capone, was brought down.
• 
  Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994)

  Review preview for Four Weddings And A Funeral

  The audience is taken from delight to despair, while never truly losing its grin.

  Comic observations of the emotionally cauterised English upper-middle-classes at play.
• 
  Coach Carter (2005)

  Review preview for Coach Carter

  The best way to enjoy Coach Carter is not to look beneath the surface, but allow yourself to be carried away by the innocent excitement.

  Authoritarian basketball coach is hired to pull a run down Californian high school team together.
• 
  In Good Company (2004)

  Review preview for In Good Company

  A simple, delicate comedy .

  Ageist comedy of office politics and father/daughter issues.
• 
  Luther (1973)

  Review preview for Luther

  The film is directed with an air of dignity and the performances are deserving of eternal praise, but as a child of the movies, I was sucked helplessly into a comatose state of boredom.

  The story of the Augustinian monk.
• 
  Ocean's 12 (2004)

  Review preview for Ocean's 12

  Twelve is the new 11 and mediocre is the new good.

  Danny Ocean gets the gang back together to pull of a trio of European heists.
• 
  Sideways (2004)

  Review preview for Sideways

  Sideways involves you and lulls you into a state of drowsy acceptance of unenthralling happenings.

  The adventures of two middle-age men on a wine-drinking stag weekend.
• 
  Meet The Fockers (2004)

  Review preview for Meet The Fockers

  Nothing new is offered, although the simple concept and well-judged performances from the older crowd saves it from being disappointing.

  Comedy sequel sees clash of the in-laws.
• 
  Ray (2004)

  Review preview for Ray

  An epic biopic with charm, finesse and very few flaws.

  The genius that is Ray Charles.
• 
  Team America: World Police (2004)

  Review preview for Team America: World Police

  A great film in every way, never smug, somehow managing to juggle comedy and political purpose without one becoming more important than the other.

  A disillusioned actor joins a team of five specially selected all-American heroes aiming to thwart evil terrorists in Parker and Stone's attempt to make a Jerry Bruckheimer movie using puppets.
• 
  The Aviator (2004)

  Review preview for The Aviator

  The Aviator is a beautiful picture with flawless performances, wonderful cinematography and extravagant mise-en-scene.

  The early years of movie mogul and planemaker, Howard Hughes.
• 
  Without A Paddle (2004)

  Review preview for Without A Paddle

  The film's weakness lies in its lack of comedy.

  Three school friends meet up as respectable, bored adults and decide to go on a treasure hunt.
• Surviving Christmas (2004)

  Review preview for Surviving Christmas

  This offbeat comedy is a genuine step forward in the Scrooge-U-Like repro market.

  A highflying corporate executive finds himself lonely and confused at Christmas, so decides to relive his youth with a completely random suburban family.
• 
  The Polar Express (2004)

  Review preview for The Polar Express

  A beautiful painting that doesn't speak a thousand words.

  A sceptical boy rides on a magic train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Out on re-issue.
• 
  The Phantom Of The Opera (2004)

  Review preview for The Phantom Of The Opera

  A considerably flawed, yet visually superb, tale of beauty, beast and love.

  Phantom of the opera sings once again that strange duet, this time to the tune of Andrew Lloyd Weber.
• 
  The Incredibles (2004)

  The family life of superheroes, living incognito in the 'burbs, while saving the city from destruction.
• 
  Beyond Borders (2003)

  American socialite becomes infatuated with British aid worker in Ethiopia.
• 
  Hero (2002)

  Review preview for Hero

  Hero is beautiful and awe-inspiring. What it lacks in plot substance, it makes up for with structure and script.

  Visually ravishing fable of maverick warriors in ancient China.
• 
  Collateral (2004)

  Hitman hires a taxi driver in L.A to drive him to his human targets.
• 
  The Terminal (2004)

  Review preview for The Terminal

  Spielberg's direction is delicate, but very relaxed.

  Tom Hanks is stateless, Eastern European and living in a big American airport.
• 
  Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

  Misfits enter LA dodgeball tournament in a bid to save gym from closure.
• 
  A Murder Of Quality (1991)

  Review preview for A Murder Of Quality

  Somehow, A Murder Of Quality draws you in to its clichéd story through the charm of its well developed and coyly satirical characters.

  John Le Carre murder mystery with George Smiley in Agatha Christie territory.
• 
  The Village (2004)

  Review preview for The Village

  Gentle, touching, amusing, terrifying, shocking and dramatic all rolled up into a beautifully shot and skilfully rendered film.

  The secrets and passions of an isolated community, trapped by the fear of mythical beasts.
• 
  Jump London (2003)

  Review preview for Jump London

  This documentary lacks honesty. It presents the sport as a lot more dramatic than it actually is.

  Three suicidal Frenchmen take on London’s landmarks as they bring free running to the UK.
• 
  Gone In 60 Seconds (2000)

  Review preview for Gone In 60 Seconds

  Gone In 60 Seconds provides you with all you need for a popcorn blockbuster.

  A celebration of testosterone, driven by an all star cast.