The Disappearance of Alice Creed: Movie Review

Stark and brutal and phenomenal filmmaking.

In The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Alice (Gemma Arterton) is kidnapped. Danny (Martin Compston) and Vic (Eddie Marsan) are careful criminals and think they know what it takes to get what they want and not get caught. What follows is a well written, unconventional and startling exploration of the relationships of everyone involved and their plans to get to a better life.		2009 Directed by: J. Blakeson Screenplay by: J. Blakeson Starring: Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston
Everything in this film is thoughtful, intelligent, and only slightly dark. This is a well thought-out, incredibly well written, and a rather unique character drama disguised as a thriller. There are some stark and brute acts of selfishness to withstand, but the rewards are remarkable. The Disappearance of Alice Creed is the paramount of independent filmmaking. Writer and director J Blakeson has crafted a truly impressive film giving both the perpetrators and the victim interesting but realistic character traits that translate into an original and astute plot about kidnapping. I recommend this as a must-see for the dominating and masterful performances by Arterton, Compston and Marsan, for the perceptive, engrossing and bewitching story-telling and direction, and for capturing the true art of independent filmmaking.

Recommended:

The Town (2010) - A thriller that is driven by characters and their relationships just as much as plot. The American (2010) - A character study disguised as a thriller with an impressive visual telling. Best Laid Plans (1997) - An interesting, twisted story of committing crimes. Dark Matter (2007) - Hauntingly real story when academic drive turns dark and dangerous.

The Four-Faced Liar: Movie Review

Starts nowhere, goes nowhere, and apparently that doesn't matter because it's New York City.

"The Four-Faced Liar" seems to have an interesting enough title, and it is done very well for its low budget. It also has a whole host of problems. Where should I begin? It doesn't really matter because the film itself doesn't begin anywhere, except, of course, in New York City. I'm starting to think that young film-makers have never been anywhere else.		2010 Directed by: Jacob Chase Screenplay by: Marja Lewis Ryan Starring: Marja Lewis Ryan, Emily Peck

Cemetery Junction: Movie Review

Ricky Gervais comes of filmmaking age with "Cemetery Junction".

Cemetery Junction is one of those poor, small British towns, where the men go to work in factories and the women try to keep their kids out of jail. Freddy (Christian Cooke) wants something different; he wants to wear a suit to work, drive a Rolls Royce home to a beautiful wife and kids in a big house. He thinks this is a more noble life to live, and at least he's doing something about it.		2010 Directed by: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant Screenplay by: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant Starring: Christian Cooke, Felicity Jones