Films

In this age of unending thirst for entertainment, film is the lazy man's art. Fortunately it's still very powerful.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Jim Carrey in a serious role? Kate Winslet with blue hair? Yep, this is weird. But there's something very compelling about it. It's a really original idea, and you'll probably get a sense of that from the trailer, and unlike so many films, it delivers on its promises.
Definitely one of the best films of the year.

Lost in Translation

This film blew me away. I love everything about it.
For a start, it's been marketed really badly. It's not a comedy, though it is funny. And there's a start--seeing Bill Murray in a serious role, pulling it off with real skill, is a joy.
Scarlett Johansson holds up her end of the plot admirably as well, epitomising the "thinking man's crumpet" without a thinking man.
The acting is the first thing that really stands out about LIT. The leads interact for most of the time on a level far above the vocal, and every sideways glance, long silence and smile is used to flawless effect in building the story.
Alongside this is the stunning camerawork, which takes full advantage of Japan's beauty and intensity, from the shrines of Kyoto to the bustle of Tokyo traffic, even giving us a look at their world-famous love for karaoke.
All this is wrapped up by Sofia Coppola's direction, and the result is much more than the sum of its parts. The feeling that one is really watching two people interacting is never interrupted, and the tension builds to a climax I simply can't fault.
A truly beautiful slice of life. Don't miss it.

The Incredibles

It's a tie with Shrek 2 for the best animated film to date. Couldn't fault the characterisation, action, plot, anything really. Quite apart from the impressive technological advancement, it was so much fun to watch I had to go twice.