Reviews by Michael Pattison

Order by: Date, A–Z

• 
  Resolution (2012)

  Review preview for Resolution

  Resolution is an excellent amalgamation of horror traits that also stands on its own two feet.

  An attempted intervention at the remote woodland home of a troubled addict reveals unexpected dangers.
• 
  Sofia's Last Ambulance (2012)

  Review preview for Sofia's Last Ambulance

  The film’s strict and self-imposed limitations mean that the wider forces by which the trio’s gruelling routine is largely governed only seep through here and there.

  Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, has more than two million inhabitants and only 13 ambulances... this documentary follows one of them.
• 
  Somebody Up There Likes Me (2012)

  Review preview for Somebody Up There Likes Me

  A fast, furious and occasionally hilarious angster comedy.

  Dark comedy tracks happy-go-lucky slacker Max across three decades.
• 
  The Stoker (2010)

  Review preview for The Stoker

  Singular writer-director Alexey Balabanov does things his own way.

  A story of hit men and moral corruption is told through the eyes of the man who helps to burn the bodies.
• 
  Three Sisters (2012)

  Review preview for Three Sisters

  Wang is matter-of-fact in his presentation of these quiet dramas.

  Three peasant sisters - aged ten, six and four - try to get by in the mountains after their mother abandons them and their father has to go away to work.
• 
  Tokyo Waka (2012)

  Review preview for Tokyo Waka

  Subtly symphonic.

  Documentary about the life and culture of Tokyo.
• 
  The Turtle's Rage (2012)

  Review preview for The Turtle's Rage

  El-Qalqili Sr. is a fiery figure who seems unable to sit with his daughter without finding some point of contention in the wording of her questions.

  "We will not return. We cannot. Where would we return to?" - a personal consideration of Palestine.
• 
  The Valley Of The Jato (2012)

  Review preview for The Valley Of The Jato

  The underlying implication here is that organised crime is a social phenomenon: a form of systematic opportunism, it flourishes under certain historical and political conditions.

  Documentary about a family-run TV station in Sicily that has taken a stand against corruption.
• 
  West Of The Tracks (2003)

  Review preview for West Of The Tracks

  As a consciously durational work, Wang’s epic poses a suitably gruelling challenge to viewers.

  Documentary focusing on the decline of heavy industry in the Tiexi district of Shenyang, China.
• 
  We Did It On A Song (2014)

  Review preview for We Did It On A Song

  Working closely with his selected cast, André has allowed these youngsters to express their current fears and anxieties in a distinctive and personalised way.

  Musical docudrama following six 17-year-olds on the cusp of leaving school.
• 
  White Epilepsy (2012)

  Review preview for White Epilepsy

  Grandrieux’s view appears to be a cold and harsh one.

  Bodies interact as if in a dream.
• 
  Workers (2013)

  Review preview for Workers

  Valle’s deadpan comedy demonstrates a master image-maker at work.

  A loyal factory cleaner is refused a pension whilst a maid finds herself employed by the dog who inherited the house where she works.
• 
  The World's End (2013)

  Review preview for The World's End

  While there are plenty of laughs, the film might be victim of a too-linear, too-literal and too-revealing trailer, and the impact of its funnier moments are dampened by familiarity.

  Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind's only hope for survival.
• 
  X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)

  Review preview for X-Men: Days Of Future Past

  What makes this film so enjoyable is the chemistry that holds its ensemble together.

  Wolverine travels back in time in a bid to change history.
• 
  The Years Of Fierro (2013)

  Review preview for The Years Of Fierro

  A clear and succinct overview of the case at hand.

  Documentary about a Mexican who has been on Death Row - and protesting his innocence - for 30 years.
• 
  Yumen (2013)

  Review preview for Yumen

  Mournful in tone and associative in style and rhythm.

  A visit to a Chinese ghost town.