Yet Another Movie Round Up!!

Awake (2008 / USA)
A reasonable thriller that threatens to really engage without ever quite succeeding. It seems oddly structured with an overly lengthy introduction and abrupt ending (which could easily have been the middle act!) The central premise, that of “anaesthetic awareness”, is oddly redundant and could have been omitted without affecting the plot.

30 Days of Night (2007 / USA)
A fast-moving and extremely gory survival-horror that wastes few of its 113mins. The dialogue can be a bit ropey at times and there are a few gaping plot holes but bar that it comes highly recommended to fans of the genre.

I am Legend (2007 / USA)
A decent post-apocalyptic romp marred by unnecessarily sentimental “Hollywood moments” especially during the latter half. Overall a bit hit and miss

Lars and the Real Girl (2007 / USA)
Not the mindless comedy I was expecting but rather an enjoyable, albeit slightly sentimental, look at the approach to mental illness which is neither too light-hearted nor too preachy. Top performances all round, especially Gosling as Lars, enhances the experience further.

One Missed Call (2008 / USA)
Poor remake of the cult Japanese horror that lacks the intensity and sense of humour of the original. The attempt to tie up the loose ends (as opposed to the originals fairly loose explanations) works somewhat but fails to have any real impact.