Reviews

'No Distance Left to Run' is a sentimental journey through Blur's beginnings, success, disillusionment, re-invention, arguments, break-ups and the emotional reunion and gigs of summer 2009.

This documentary is fantastically shot, with intertwined footage from the band's 1990's Brit- pop haze. The interviews with the band, although not altogether open and revealing, do illustrate somewhat the band's dynamics and demons they each faced.

Blur have always been a special band for me, a band which defined and re-defined the 1990s and early 2000s. This documentary is a superb representation of their chameleon-type talent: a band who were not afraid to take risks. Unlike their old adversaries, Oasis.

The film illustrates Blur as an utterly original band, whom I am sure, will be remembered in many years to come, as one of the most influential bands to come out of England of the last thirty years

Generation Kill is an enjoyable, funny and enlightening account of an elite Marine Company's experiences in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003.

Every episode is excellently filmed, acted and presented. It can be slightly confusing as the director and writer literally throw the viewer into the world of these marines; who have an entirely different language and dialogue when talking to each other (lets just say, if you are easily offended, do not watch this series!).

Although some of the exchanges between the Marines themselves can be quite uncomfortable, the majority of the dialogue is witty and funny (am thinking about the 'wall of heroes' at the local Publix supermarket). The acting is also fantastic, Alexander Skarsgård's (Sgt. Brad 'Iceman' Colbert) dry and witty exchanges with James Ransone (Cpl. Josh Ray Person) are laugh-out loud. Skarsgård's cool performance illustrates his growing frustration with the mission. I was also impressed with Stark Sand's (Lt. Nathaniel Fick) performance, so much of his character's slow developing discontent and disillusionment by the way the invasion is progressing is shown in his eyes. He also illustrates a quiet, confident leadership in which he is constantly faced with questionable orders from his senior officers. It is clear to see that he has no choice, he has to to carry these orders out. Flick's concerns are maintaining the safety in his Company of soldiers and trying to sustain some sort of moral code (which he has to unhappily compromise at times, because orders have to be followed).

I do recommend that you watch the series more than once. On first viewing, the Marine dialogue can be a little confusing and it takes a while to get to know the characters (they all look the same in uniform!) On second viewing, I found the series much more powerful and critical of the decisions upper powers make and its effect on the middle to lower soldier ranks. Particular mention is the last scene of the final episode which is is VERY moving and makes a strong statement.

'Garden State' came out in the Uk on December 10th. I had heard wonderful things about it from friends and relatives in the US - I wasn't disappointed...

From start to finish, the film made me laugh and cry. I thought the opening in which we met Braff lying emotionless in bed. Listening to the answer machine message from his dad about his mother's death was disturbing and really drew me in.

So many memorable moments: The funeral, touching and funny, the party scenes, the scan scene...And as for the dialogue - well, sharp and witty. I don't think I will ever forget Natalie Portman's dancing in her bedroom - just to be 'unique' or Zach Braff's touching comments about what makes a 'home' in the swimming pool.

Even those touching moments were funny; the fact that he couldn't swim!

As a mid twenty-something, This film really spoke to me. It's that question we all dread. We've graduated university, got jobs....then what?

Fantastic...just a shame it is not on wide release here...

One of the best films I have seen in ages!

9/10