Soul Kitchen - Movie Poster

Soul Kitchen

3.0 Anne Murphy

Zinos unknowingly disturbs the peace in his locals-only restaurant by hiring a more talented chef.

A motley collection of likable characters encounter some unlikely events. Scenes reveal darker forces at play and there's adversity to overcome along with unexpected romance whisked together with a slapstick sort of tone. These are good ingredients roughly chopped to make "Soul Kitchen" a rambunctious romp. However, most characters and some storylines are a little undercooked, and the film fails to connect on a meaningful level. This fare is easy to digest and pleasant enough without being truly satisfying for the soul.


Tulpan - Movie Poster

Tulpan

3.0 Anne Murphy

A sailor returns to the steppes of Kazakhstan with a dream of a simple existence as a shepherd. He discovers love in the life he lives rather, than the love of his life.

"Tulpan" is a story mostly shown in real time. The director uses no special effects, and the unorchestrated soundtrack is composed of the everyday cacophony of life in a crowded yurt, accompanied by the rush of violent windstorms. There are actors, of course, but the most heart-rending scenes are played out by a sheep and a camel. The simple yet tenacious characters save this delightful drama from being pure documentary.


Cairo Time - Movie Poster

Cairo Time

3.0 Anne Murphy

A romantic drama about a brief, unexpected love affair that catches two people off-guard.

Cairo creates a magnificent backdrop for this movie, the mood is exotic and the scenery is breathtaking. The pace in the summer heat is languid, and the already heavy atmosphere is laden with meaningful glances. Without meaning to give anything away, the previous sentences provide a full plot description, as not very much happens. "Cairo Time" is well produced and almost serves better as a travel documentary than a romantic drama, as charming as the love story is. Slow, subtle and lingering, it might stay around for a time.


My Name Is Khan - Movie Poster

My Name Is Khan

3.0 Amit Jain

Rizwan Khan, a muslim boy from Mumbai suffers from Asperger syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism that complicates socialisation.

"My Name is Khan" is both a love story and a quest with an angle of religion and world- trembling repercussions. The film is captivating, well-acted and amusing in some parts. It preaches important messages about tolerance, hope, persistence, forgiveness and the power of love. Strong performances from the lead cast and strong cinematography and score make this a well made movie that not only entertains, but mesmerises.


City of Your Final Destination - Movie Poster

City of Your Final Destination

3.0 Tom Jones

Omar Razaghi wins a grant to write a biography of Latin American writer Jules Gund. Omar must get through to three people who were close to Gund so he can get authorization to write the biography.

Despite lacking in action or drama, don't expect to become restless in your seat or repeatedly check your watch during this film. It's not boring, but relaxing. The greenery, the food, the drinks and the sounds of nature which accompany every scene add to the sense of tranquillity which is created for the audience. The high calibre cast prove why they're at the top with some impressive performances. Until you reach the city of your final destination, sit back, relax, enjoy.


Lost Kisses - Movie Poster

Lost Kisses

3.0 Anne Murphy

A girl in the deprived outskirts of a Sicilian city becomes a local celebrity to her community when word spreads that she just might be able to perform miracles.

"Lost Kisses" uses cynicism to explore our faith in the inexplicable, and satirically mocks our need to keep up appearances. While not taking an overt stance on one side or the other of religious belief and our desire for miracles, there's a lot going on under the surface-line of the story. It's a pleasure to be allowed to draw your own meaning. A peck on the cheek.


Carnage - Movie Poster

Carnage

3.0 Anne Murphy

Two sets of parents convene a cordial meeting after their sons are involved in a fight, as their time together progresses, increasingly childish behaviour throws the afternoon into chaos.

Set in one room, "Carnage" is an intimate but dark comedy of manners and, as it turns out, manners that serve only as a thin veneer of refinement when a war of words erupts. A fly-on-the-wall experience is provided and audiences will come away glad not to be like the jousting individuals and couples on the screen, but wanting only to gossip about them. The strong cast avoid both sophistication and annihilation.


Map of the Sounds of Tokyo - Movie Poster

Map of the Sounds of Tokyo

3.0 Anne Murphy

A dramatic thriller that centres on a fish-market employee who doubles as a contract killer.

"Map of the Sounds of Tokyo" delivers edgy views of Tokyo, with interesting landscapes you are unlikely to view as a tourist. The movie title bears no relation to the scenes and story - it could be lost in translation. At its core this is a love story, or story of physical yearnings over romantic love. Whatever the level, there is a strong and credible connection between two unlikely characters, each a little lost in their own world. A stylish movie with lots of Tokyo, but no map and no sounds.


Choke - Movie Poster

Choke

3.0 Anthony Macali

A sex-addicted con-man pays for his mother's hospital bills by playing on the sympathies of those who rescue him from choking to death.

Victor Mancini is your atypical hero. Beneath a vivid sex addiction that thrives with perverse nudity is a man affectionate to his mother and seeking redemption from his self-destructive way of life. He also strives to identify his father, which leads to a bizarre and confusing set of events. It's this outlandish story that, complete with moral dilemmas and plot twists, heighten "Choke's" appeal, despite requiring your attention till the end.


Somewhere - Movie Poster

Somewhere

3.0 Tom Jones

A hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit.

Not exactly entertaining, "Somewhere" is a thought provoking look at the world of show business and the people who live it. You get the impression that this depiction is closer to the real thing than the glamorized celebrity lifestyle we're used to being sold by Hollywood. There are a number of extended shots, which gives the audience the chance to think about what such a film is trying to prove, but don't expect to get any answers, here, there or anywhere.


Violet Tendencies - Movie Poster

Violet Tendencies

3.0 Anne Murphy

A woman tries to distance herself from her gay friends in an effort to land a straight boyfriend.

"Violet Tendencies" is vibrant rom-com. It cracks a rollicking pace and has a buoyant mood to a point of almost being over-loaded with comic social observations. If there are more quips than conversation, it doesn't mean that the flamboyant characters don't take themselves seriously. The various couples and singles are trying to grow up and there's an earnest 'what next?' question being asked. A funny, smutty and entertaining offering that asks little of its audience. Paint me purple.


Becoming Chaz - Movie Poster

Becoming Chaz

3.0 Anne Murphy

A documentary following Chaz, formerly Chastity, Bono's gender transition.

Allowing a camera, and the crew required to operate it, to follow your gender transition might seem like a curious decision. Then again if you have grown up in the spot light of the public eye then this might a good chance to inform about transgender dilemmas and the process of change. "Becoming Chaz" is not only informative, it also documents a courageous protagonist who is an advocate for having enough sense of self to really be on the outside who you already are on the inside. A tough path walked on the way to Chaz.


Smart People - Movie Poster

Smart People

3.0 Anthony Macali

Into the life of a widowed professor comes a new love and an unexpected visit from his brother.

"Smart People" is a comedy with a pretentious title, but enough wit to make it enjoyable. The film centres round a naive professor and how most of the people in his life loathe him. He falls in love with his nurse, a former student with an infatuation with the arrogant scholar that is questionable. It's the playful dynamics of his gifted family, and in particular, the sarcasm and rudeness of his daughter which are the most fun to watch. If only all those other issues didn't get in the way of spending time with this family. Interesting people, but not the smartest film.


Rubber - Movie Poster

Rubber

3.0 Anthony Macali

The story of Robert, a murderous tyre with psychic powers.

"Rubber" doesn't travel far from its amusing premise. Robert rolls around the desert in style, camera low to ground and in-close focus, using his grumbling powers to produce carnage. Undoubtedly circumstances like these will always lead to laughter. An odd sub-plot weaves between moments of madness, where an audience in the movie observe the action from afar using binoculars and comment on the story as it unfolds. Yet it's these bizarre moments that help to drive the film when bogged down by following a tyre that simply rolls. An unconventional and slightly amusing vehicle.


Happy Few - Movie Poster

Happy Few

3.0 Anne Murphy

Two couples fall in love, lose sight of each other in the confusion and end up pulling through.

"Happy Few" covers many relationships between two couples, each person with every other, and then with their children. All of the inter-relationships are handled respectfully, and the characters are strong and credible. It's a shame the emotional development is secondary to the depictions of the physical encounters, and surprisingly, this translates to the movie revealing less intimacy than one might have expected. Still, there's much happiness to be found in this French romp. Many will be happily seduced.