Exam

Release Date: November 16th, 2010 (DVD)

Genre: Mystery / Thriller

Stars: Luke Mably, Chukwudi Iwuji, Nathalie Cox, Adar Beck, Gemma Chan

Synopsis: Eight candidates for a highly desirable position at a powerful company sit down to take an examination with very specific instructions and quickly discover their test forms are blank leaving the participants to seek the question as well as the answer.

AltAss Ratings (On a scale of 1 to 5 asses)

Plot:                                      

A solid idea that wasn't quite perfectly formulated.

Writing / Production:           

Struggles to establish a nice rythym but eventually becomes very interesting before the momentum is spoiled by a ridiculous ending. 

Acting:                                  

Mostly decent with a smattering of poor cheeseball moments that stick out badly.

Originality:                            

I think the basic premise is a very original idea but the ending plot twist meant to blow the mind's of the audience is old hat and poorly executed to boot.

Overall:                                 

"Exam" was a film that had a lot going for it but ended up feeling awkward like something was just a little off throughout the entire movie.  In the end the explanation for the tense scenario is completely absurd which does not help the overall impact of the movie.

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Dad's in Heaven with Nixon

Release Date: September 14th, 2010

Genre: Documentary

Stars: Tom Murray, Chris Murray

Synopsis: A portrait of the filmmaker's family, particularly his autistic brother, and their trials and breakthroughs in spite of a difficult relationship with their father.

AltAss Ratings (On a scale of 1 to 5 asses)

Plot:                                            

The decision to share an intimate family struggle with mental disorder is sure to be appreciated and helpful to many who face similar circumstances while managing to peak the interest of a broader audience.

Writing / Production:              

The filmmaker often fails, particularly during the first half of the film, to focus on the most interesting and entertaining aspect of the story he is trying to present (his autistic brother).  Instead he focuses on the havoc instilled upon the family by his dead bi-polar father which is relevant historical information that unfortunately hijacks a large part of the film along with old home movie reels.  Thankfully, the second half of the documentary is much more enjoyable.

Acting:                                     

The most entertaining character in "Dad's in Heaven with Nixon" is the filmmaker's brother Chris Murray who is a charming and funny man with a child's innocence that has not let his autism keep him from living a full, happy, and independent life. 

Originality:                              

I know that there are documentaries about mental disorder and autism but I don't think they have become common enough to make audiences grow tired of them.

Overall:                                   

This film would have been a real gem if the rest of the Murray family would have got out of the way and let it be even more about Chris.  As it stands I would still reccomend a look as the interviews with the filmmaker's brother are priceless and you can always fast forward through the uninteresting material to get to them.

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The Girl Who Played with Fire

Release Date: July 9th, 2010

Genre: Crime / Mystery / Thriller

Stars: Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist, Lena Endre

Synopsis: Lisbeth Salander is back and this time she is being framed for a triple homicide and must dodge the police as well as thugs while she tries to clear her name with help from a familiar ally.

AltAss Ratings (On a scale of 1 to 5 asses)

Plot:                                                                     

There is alot to keep up with (especially if you must rely on the English subtitles) but if you are up to the task the storyline is well put together and rewarding.

Writing / Production:            

While I am not a big fan of long films, "The Girl Who Played with Fire" seemed to leave out some vital information and reveal other facts at the wrong time making certain aspects of the plot almost nonsensical.  Most everything is cleared up by the end of the film however and the journey was not without entertainment value.

Acting:                                    

All of the players were capable and talented.  Noomi Rapace just seems to be one with her role as Lisbeth Salander and she sure can kick butt. 

Originality:                         

Although there isn't much of anything in "The Girl Who Played with Fire" that audiences haven't seen before, it is remarkably on par with some of the best Hollywood has to offer in this genre.

Overall:                                

I liked this sequel better than its predecessor, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" because it is more consistent and doesn't keep the audience waiting as long for something significant to happen.  The film is quite interesting and entertaining although it may be hard to follow for some audiences.

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Pan's Labyrinth

Release Date: January 19th, 2007

Genre: Drama / Fantasy

Stars: Ivana Baquero, Maribel Verdu, Sergi Lopez

Synopsis: A pregnant woman moves herself and her young daughter in with a military Captain whom she has recently married near a warzone in 1940's Spain where fantasy and reality collide resulting in heart wrenching drama.

AltAss Ratings (On a scale of 1 to 5 asses)  

Plot:                                        

A fantastic and well imagined story that may have been guilty of being slightly over ambitious.

Writing / Production:               

A stunning visual achievement that did not feel the least bit hokie even when dealing with outright fantasy.  The characters and dialogue are believable and effective which makes "Pan's Labyrinth" a delight to watch.

Acting:                                   

Excellent performances resound throughout this film.  Sergi Lopez as the Captain is as cold and unlikeable a villain in any film and Maribel Verdu plays the brave and rebellious Mercedes brilliantly as well.

Originality:                              

The crafting of this sort of fantasy film for an adult audience is certainly a tactic that is rare indeed.

Overall:                                   

It may take more than one viewing of "Pan's Labyrinth" before the film can be fully appreciated (especially if you don't speak Spanish).  Most audiences should be captivated by a film that achieves excellence in multiple categories which adds up to an entertaining ride.

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