Katy Hennessy

Characters in the film convincing themselves of something that just isn’t true is so well directed..I can’t think of a more persuasive movie. Hitchcock is way out in front, as usual.

This is my favourite adaptation of the book. I feel that the casting and the treatment have allowed the director to fit all of the poignant bits into the limited time slot. Each and every cast member absolutely nailed it. Very clever direction. (I often wonder how ladies managed to survive the damp walks on the breakwater. Gentlemen after all, were wearing far more clothes. But that’s not for now.)

I couldn’t get through this. The Meryl Streep character is so horrific that I didn’t care if her demands were met and I was hoping that everyone scrambling to accommodate her would fail.

Absolutely perfect casting and performances and an entertaining and often hilarious story. I was wishing the dialogue was a little sharper. The writers were more comfortable with the farce than with the deadpan romance aspect. Recommended though.

One of my very favourites! Russian submariners are stuck on a New England Island during the Cold War and trying desperately to get their submarine unstuck from a sandbar. Everyone is anxious, over reacting and the casting is brilliant. Jonathan Winters and Alan Arkin… it doesn’t get any better than this.

A gangster film which is way ahead of the rest. Cagney is brilliant as are O’Brian and Mayo. The direction is unflagging and every aspect of the plot falls soundly into place. Highly recommended!

A brilliant film. I found certain scenes difficult to watch but these characters are ‘prisoners’ of their circumstances so, unavoidable. The acting, particularly Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance, is extremely good. Gyllenhaal has created a multi layered character and done it very subtly. Melissa Leo and Maria Bello too... very well done as is the performance by Viola Davis. Cinematography and framing... all excellent and the score was, thankfully, just right. Not to be missed.

The action, editing and international sets we’ve come to expect but I think Jeremy Renner’s performance was superior to Matt Damon’s. Rachel Weicz was totally believable as someone who’s been dragged unwillingly out of academia. My favourite of the bunch.

This film lacks nuance in the telling... much required with the love story. I found myself predicting ( correctly) major plot outcomes. However, the acting is very good, there is significant tension and there are things to be learned about snipers and how they must work. I liked it.

This film is frightening, dark and relentless. It’s strength is in the casting/ acting. Pitch perfect.