SPLING MOVIES
Scroll down to browse 'B'
BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX, THE - An excellent 8! Germany's RAF terrorism era is brought to life. Intense, gripping, informative and violent. Better as mini-series. Like: Munich
BAARIA - A satisfactory 6! This epic multi-generational 1900s world cinema drama has a beautiful soundtrack, yet doesn't ground itself - making for a beautiful yet somewhat superficial take. Like: Malena
BABY MAMA - A satisfactory 6! Sweet, predictable chick flick comedy that leans on its able cast. Some crude humour. Like: Knocked Up
BABYLON A.D. - A flat 5! A choppy post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller with flat Vin Diesel action and gaping plot holes. Like: Children of Men
BABYSITTERS - A flat 5! A controversial indie drama bordering on teen exploitation with some recognisable faces and sleazy sexuality. Like: Ken Park
BACK-UP PLAN, THE - A terrible 2! A formulaic, predictable "romcom" that lacks chemistry, laughs and good taste. Like: Trust the Man
BAD LIEUTENANT, THE - A third-rate 3! Herzog's crime drama send-up is purposefully bad and rather pointless, featuring an over-the-top Nicolas Cage as a hedonistic hunchback and part-time bad cop. Like: Bad Lieutenant
BAD TEACHER - A flat 5! A top-notch comedy cast can't commit to a superficial script with a nasty streak, a lack of heart and unlikable caricatures. Like: Orange County
BAKGAT - A satisfactory 6! Americanised local Afrikaans mixture of The Karate Kid, She's All That and American Pie. Like: Poena is Koning
BAKGAT! 2 (13MDL, 98 min) - A satisfactory 6! Wimpie's in University for even more laughs and feel good fun in this formulaic subtitled Afrikaans "American Pie" meets "The Karate Kid" comedy. Like: Bakgat!
BALLS OF FURY - A flat 5! An Enter the Dragon and Karate Kid take on the world of ping pong with Jack Black wannabe. Like: Dodgeball, A Knight's Tale
BALLS OUT - A flimsy 4! Offensive underdog tennis story with nudity, bad language and a gruff performance from Sean William Scott. Like: Mr. Woodcock
BAND'S VISIT, THE - An excellent 8! Witty, touching and humane cross-cultural foreign drama with a dash of charm and comedy. Like: The Long Journey
BANDSLAM- A satisfactory 6! Coming-of-age drama, clever scripting... this teen film is fun, entertaining and filled with great music. Like: Camp Rock
BANG BANG CLUB, THE - A satisfactory 6! A good cast bolster this informative, entertaining and deadly serious drama on a group of photojournalist's true-life experiences in the last days of Apartheid. Like: Salvador
BANGKOK DANGEROUS - A flimsy 4! Flat performances, uneven pacing, weak script and predictable story ruin this action remake. Like: Bangkok Dangerous (1999)
BANK JOB, THE - A solid 7! Well-cast, absorbing and entertaining British heist thriller based on a true story. Like: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
BARBIE - A satisfactory 6! Barbie animated features tend to follow the same formula. Good songs and sweet stories that build up to a life lesson.
BARNEY'S VERSION - A solid 7! A realistic biological portrait of a flawed, funny and endearing character played to perfection by Paul Giamatti. American Splendour
BATTLE FOR TERRA - A satisfactory 6! This animated action sci-fi movie carries an emotional resonance, amid dazzling CGI and a compelling anti-war message. A few minor flaws, 3D optional. Like: Titan A.E.
BATTLE: LOS ANGELES - A solid 7! This Independence Day/Hurt Locker crossover hooks you like a video game with its action-intensive documentary style and visual effects. Like: The Hurt Locker, Avatar
BE KIND, REWIND- A solid 7! Fun, whimsical jaunt, aided by likable characters and a series of nostalgic "amateur" VHS movie remakes. Like: Click
BEASTLY - A flimsy 4! Beauty & The Beast meets Dorian Gray in this sometimes cheesy and middling TV quality paranormal romance. Like: Twilight
BEAUTIFUL BOY - A satisfactory 6! An intense, taut and thought-provoking domestic drama with solid performances. Like: Adoration
BEAVER, THE - A satisfactory 6! Gibson's full performance and Foster's intuitive direction underwrite this honest, compassionate and deeply human drama. Like: The Man Without A Face
BECOMING JANE - A satisfactory 6! A competent chapter from Jane Austen's life with possible inspirations. Like: Sense & Sensibility, Miss Austen Regrets
BEDTIME STORIES - A flat 5! Mild, forgettable family, fantasy comedy buoyed by Adam Sandler. Sweet, dumb and a little dull. Like: Jumanji
BEE MOVIE - A satisfactory 6! A funny, comedy vehicle for Seinfeld in the same groove as Ants. Flashes of brilliance. Like: Ants, A Bug's Life
BEETHOVEN'S BIG BREAK - A flat 5! Carries the St. Bernard torch... Middling family comedy will appeal to the kids. Some rude humour. Like: Beethoven's 2nd
BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD - An excellent 8! Powerful, dark heist movie about a father and his sons. Multiple viewpoint narrative. Like: The Killing, Vantage Point
BEFORE THE RAINS - A satisfactory 6! Poetic, political and beautifully filmed, but this doomed love story borders melodrama. Like: The Mistress of Spices
BEHIND ENEMY LINES II - A flimsy 4! Cheesy, predictable straight-to-video action B-movie with a weak plot and a few recognisable faces. Like: Behind Enemy Lines
BEHIND THE MASK - A solid 7! Behind-the-scenes slasher in vein of Nightmare on Elm St, Halloween & Jason turns from mockumentary to reality. Like: Scream
BEHIND THE RAINBOW - A solid 7! Comprehensive, informative and relevant SA historical documentary unveils the story of the ANC up to 2008. Like: Mandela
BELLA - An excellent 8! Simple, heart-warming and life-affirming indie romance drama with top performances from ensemble. Like: Quinceanera
BEN 10: RACE AGAINST TIME - A flat 5! Fun live-action family sci-fi adventure TV movie from Cartoon Network. Cheesy acting and mediocre CGI. Like: Sky High
BEOWULF - A solid 7! Beowulf's 3D animation helps to suspend the medieval fantasy world and blunts violence/nudity. Like: 300, Troy, Braveheart
BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA - A flat 5! This Disney talking dog comedy/adventure is made fun and lively by its talented voice cast. Like: Firehouse Dog
BHOOTHNATH - A satisfactory 6! A lively, entertaining Bollywood comedy musical for the family about a ghost. Like: Om Shanti Om
BIG FELLAS - A third-rate 3! Silly wannabe road trip buddy comedy about BEE with beautiful scenery. Like: Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
BIG NOTHING - A satisfactory 6! A dark comedy/thriller crime caper that boils over without blowing the lid off! Like: Ruthless People
BIG MOMMAS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON - A third-rate 3! Martin Lawrence fans of the series will love it. For others it's just more of the same pointless, low on laughs fodder. Like: Big Mommas 2
BIG STAN - A satisfactory 6! Entertaining Prison Break meets The Karate Kid hybrid tarnished by prison style comedy. Like: The Animal
BILL - A flat 5! A suburban comedy drama about mid-life crisis that devolves into a blurry mess. Not for everyone. Like: American Beauty
BIUTIFUL (16LN, 145 min) - A satisfactory 6! A dark, intense and depressing personal domestic drama with multiple plot levels carried by a strong lead performance from Bardem. Like: 21 Grams
BLACK IRISH - A flat 5! Coming-of-age family drama with a good lead, but one too many Irish clichés and stereotypes for 95 min. Like: Angela's Ashes
BLACK SNAKE MOAN - A solid 7! The Blues, a God-fearing man, the devil and a chained wild woman... surprisingly good music drama! Like: Wild at Heart
BLACK SWAN - An excellent 8! A career best lead performance, a stellar supporting cast and visionary direction power this beautiful, haunting psychological fantasy thriller home. Like: The Wrestler
BLIND SIDE, THE - A solid 7! A strong true story and stand-out performance from Bullock highlight this heartwarming sports drama. Like: We Are Marshall
BLINDNESS - A solid 7! Innovative allegory concept drama about human nature is inspiring, thought-provoking and poetic. NFSV Like: The Stone Raft
BLONDE AMBITION - A third-rate 3! Formulaic, predictable Jessica Simpson vanity vehicle loaded with product placements and Andy Dick. Like: Coyote Ugly
BLOOD: LAST VAMPIRE- A flat 5! Horror/thriller anime loses bite in live-action transition. Dynamic, yet mediocre in all departments. Like: Vampire Hunter D
BLOODRAYNE 2 - A third-rate 3! Uwe Boll's camp and trashy sequel to video game adaptation. Set in Wild West with cowboy vampires. Like: Bloodrayne
BLUE SMOKE - A flat 5! A TV movie adaptation of a Nora Roberts novel that is pushed for time. Like: Montana Sky, Angel Falls
BLUE STATE - A flat 5! Awkward and preachy political drama disguised as a charming romantic comedy roadtrip. Like: Wag the Dog, Grace is Gone
BLUE VALENTINE - An excellent 8! Gut-wrenching co-lead performances and indie grit underpin this gripping portrait of a contemporary marriage on the rocks. Like: Revolutionary Road
BOAT THAT ROCKED, THE- A satisfactory 6! Great cast, terrific soundtrack and good comedy in this farcical tribute to Brit-Pop. Like: Good Morning Vietnam
BODY OF LIES - A solid 7! This espionage action/thriller is thought-provoking, but relies on DiCaprio and Crowe to pull through. Like: The Kingdom
BOLT - A solid 7! Strong CGI visuals, endearing characters and feel-good entertainment override story's familiarity with Lassie. Like: Underdog
BOOGEYMAN 2 - A third-rate 3! Mindless production line slasher horror sequel with cheap thrills. Like: Jeepers Creepers 2, Boogeyman
BOOK OF ELI, THE - A flat 5! Decent lead performances and an intriguing premise underpin this blood-thirsty middling Mad Max/Highlander sci-fi cross-over. Like: Doomsday
BOOM, BOOM SABOTAGE - A third-rate 3! A lame low budget 70 min animated skateboard video adventure with Tony Hawk. Like: Hoodwinked!
BOOT CAMP - A flat 5! Entertaining yet uneasy thriller with decent cast and performances. Themes around abuse in torture camp. Like: Naked Weapon
BORDERTOWN - A solid 7! A powerful yet heavy-handed film about the deaths of hundreds of women near American-owned factories. Like: Rendition, Zodiac
BOSTON STRANGLER, THE - A third-rate 3! Low budget crime/thriller with weak script, poor performances and slow pacing. Like: The Boston Strangler (2006)
BOTTOM FEEDER - A flimsy 4! Cheesy, low budget, midnight monster sci-fi/horror movie with Tom Sizemore. Old school, little or no CGI. Like: Mulberry Street
BOUNTY HUNTER, THE - A third-rate 3! This cat-and-mouse action comedy lacks chemistry between the half-hearted leads. Predictable, uninspiring and low on laughs. Like: Bird on a Wire
BOURNE ULTIMATUM, THE - An excellent 8! Bourne's back for another smart, gripping, thrilling and exhausting action/thriller. Like: The Bourne Supremacy
BOX, THE - A flat 5! A short story of morals is stretched in ambition, imagination and scope, resulting in a muddled yet tense sci-fi/thriller. Like: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
BOX, THE - A flimsy 4! Straight-to-DVD crime/thriller - boring due to poor script, mediocre acting and too many twists. Like: Confidence
BOXBOARDERS - A satisfactory 6! A low budget underdog adventure with plenty of laughs, a zippy young cast and loads of fun for all. Like: Hot Rod
BOY A - An excellent 8! Gritty and thought-provoking crime/drama lifted by superb performances and deliberate direction. Like: Leo
BOY IN STRIPED PYJAMAS, THE - A solid 7! Deeply moving drama with an unquietening approach to unveiling the Holocaust through the eyes of a child. Like: Fateless
BOYS ARE BACK, THE - A solid 7! Top-notch performances in this honest, heartwarming, coming-of-age family drama about a father and his boys as they deal with loss, abandonment and responsibility. Like: Driving Lessons
BRAVE ONE, THE - A solid 7! Entertaining vigilante revenge thriller with top class direction and a great performance from Foster. Like: .45
BREATHING ROOM - A flimsy 4! Another SAW concept rip-off "game". Decent suspense without the moral dilemna and climax pay-off. Like: Saw IV
BRICK LANE - A satisfactory 6! Slow-moving drama about Bangladeshi arranged marriage saved by Chatterjee and Gavron. Like: The Namesake
BRIDE WARS - A flat 5! Watchable romcom with a lazy script and unoriginal concept. Lacks laughs and protagonists. Like: Bridezillas (TV)
BRIDESHEAD REVISITED - A satisfactory 6! Adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel is beautiful and suspenseful, yet cold and detached. Like: Closing the Ring
BRIDESMAIDS (16LS, 120 min) - A solid 7! Part '27 Dresses' and part 'The Hangover', this hilarious and enjoyable "chick flick" runs 15 minutes too long. Like: Bridget Jones's Diary
BRIGHT STAR- A flat 5! Beautiful cinematography, atmosphere and fine performances negate slow pacing, poor story development and selfish characters. Like: Becoming Jane
BRING IT ON:FIGHT TO THE FINISH- A flat 5! Decent sequel carries the cheer leading torch with same formulaic, predictable chick flick flair. Like: Bring It On: All or Nothing
BROKEN PATH - A flat 5! Power Rangers crew create action flick. Anime-style and long ambitious fight scene from 20 minute mark. Like: Wicked Game
BROKEN EMBRACES - A solid 7! Top-notch performances from the ensemble, beautiful visuals and some captivating emotional drama smooth over flaws in the story. Like: Volver
BROOKLYN'S FINEST - A satisfactory 6! Intense, gritty yet clichéd crime thriller set in Brooklyn with solid performances from an underrated cast. Like: Pride & Glory
BROTHERS- A solid 7! Excellent performances from lead trio override melodramatic feel. Powerful, but not on par with original. Like: Brothers (2004)
BROTHERS BLOOM, THE - A solid 7! Imaginative multi-genre crime caper with good writing, a solid cast and fine performances. Fun, fresh and meaningful. Like: Big Fish
BRUNO - A satisfactory 6! Shamelessly offensive, yet entertaining and hilariously over-the-top mockumentary. Like: Borat
BTK KILLER, THE - A flimsy 4! Low budget straight-to-video take on true BTK Killer. Poor acting and slow storytelling make it boring. Like: The Boston Strangler
BUCKET LIST, THE - A satisfactory 6! Screen legends shine through larger-than-life story for heart-warming tale of friendship and family. Like: Click
BUG - A satisfactory 6! Good performances in this psychological horror/thriller adaptation of a stage play. Like: Black Snake Moan
BUNDY - A flat 5! Low budget straight-to-video serial killer horror with no name cast, based on Ted Bundy. Like: B.T.K., The Boston Strangler
BURLESQUE - A flat 5! So bad it's almost good, this entertaining, camp, star-studded musical features surprising performances from Cher and Christina. Not for everyone. Like: Coyote Ugly, Moulin Rouge
BURN AFTER READING - A solid 7! The Coen bros. are back to their roots with a wild comedy crime caper, loaded with a supercool cast. Like: The Big Lebowski
BURNING PLAIN, THE- A satisfactory 6! Solid performances from all-star cast overcome sluggish pace and constant air of melodrama. Like: 21 Grams, Babel
BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX, THE - An excellent 8! Germany's RAF terrorism era is brought to life. Intense, gripping, informative and violent. Better as mini-series. Like: Munich
BAARIA - A satisfactory 6! This epic multi-generational 1900s world cinema drama has a beautiful soundtrack, yet doesn't ground itself - making for a beautiful yet somewhat superficial take. Like: Malena
BABY MAMA - A satisfactory 6! Sweet, predictable chick flick comedy that leans on its able cast. Some crude humour. Like: Knocked Up
BABYLON A.D. - A flat 5! A choppy post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller with flat Vin Diesel action and gaping plot holes. Like: Children of Men
BABYSITTERS - A flat 5! A controversial indie drama bordering on teen exploitation with some recognisable faces and sleazy sexuality. Like: Ken Park
BACK-UP PLAN, THE - A terrible 2! A formulaic, predictable "romcom" that lacks chemistry, laughs and good taste. Like: Trust the Man
BAD LIEUTENANT, THE - A third-rate 3! Herzog's crime drama send-up is purposefully bad and rather pointless, featuring an over-the-top Nicolas Cage as a hedonistic hunchback and part-time bad cop. Like: Bad Lieutenant
BAD TEACHER - A flat 5! A top-notch comedy cast can't commit to a superficial script with a nasty streak, a lack of heart and unlikable caricatures. Like: Orange County
BAKGAT - A satisfactory 6! Americanised local Afrikaans mixture of The Karate Kid, She's All That and American Pie. Like: Poena is Koning
BAKGAT! 2 (13MDL, 98 min) - A satisfactory 6! Wimpie's in University for even more laughs and feel good fun in this formulaic subtitled Afrikaans "American Pie" meets "The Karate Kid" comedy. Like: Bakgat!
BALLS OF FURY - A flat 5! An Enter the Dragon and Karate Kid take on the world of ping pong with Jack Black wannabe. Like: Dodgeball, A Knight's Tale
BALLS OUT - A flimsy 4! Offensive underdog tennis story with nudity, bad language and a gruff performance from Sean William Scott. Like: Mr. Woodcock
BAND'S VISIT, THE - An excellent 8! Witty, touching and humane cross-cultural foreign drama with a dash of charm and comedy. Like: The Long Journey
BANDSLAM- A satisfactory 6! Coming-of-age drama, clever scripting... this teen film is fun, entertaining and filled with great music. Like: Camp Rock
BANG BANG CLUB, THE - A satisfactory 6! A good cast bolster this informative, entertaining and deadly serious drama on a group of photojournalist's true-life experiences in the last days of Apartheid. Like: Salvador
BANGKOK DANGEROUS - A flimsy 4! Flat performances, uneven pacing, weak script and predictable story ruin this action remake. Like: Bangkok Dangerous (1999)
BANK JOB, THE - A solid 7! Well-cast, absorbing and entertaining British heist thriller based on a true story. Like: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
BARBIE - A satisfactory 6! Barbie animated features tend to follow the same formula. Good songs and sweet stories that build up to a life lesson.
BARNEY'S VERSION - A solid 7! A realistic biological portrait of a flawed, funny and endearing character played to perfection by Paul Giamatti. American Splendour
BATTLE FOR TERRA - A satisfactory 6! This animated action sci-fi movie carries an emotional resonance, amid dazzling CGI and a compelling anti-war message. A few minor flaws, 3D optional. Like: Titan A.E.
BATTLE: LOS ANGELES - A solid 7! This Independence Day/Hurt Locker crossover hooks you like a video game with its action-intensive documentary style and visual effects. Like: The Hurt Locker, Avatar
BE KIND, REWIND- A solid 7! Fun, whimsical jaunt, aided by likable characters and a series of nostalgic "amateur" VHS movie remakes. Like: Click
BEASTLY - A flimsy 4! Beauty & The Beast meets Dorian Gray in this sometimes cheesy and middling TV quality paranormal romance. Like: Twilight
BEAUTIFUL BOY - A satisfactory 6! An intense, taut and thought-provoking domestic drama with solid performances. Like: Adoration
BEAVER, THE - A satisfactory 6! Gibson's full performance and Foster's intuitive direction underwrite this honest, compassionate and deeply human drama. Like: The Man Without A Face
BECOMING JANE - A satisfactory 6! A competent chapter from Jane Austen's life with possible inspirations. Like: Sense & Sensibility, Miss Austen Regrets
BEDTIME STORIES - A flat 5! Mild, forgettable family, fantasy comedy buoyed by Adam Sandler. Sweet, dumb and a little dull. Like: Jumanji
BEE MOVIE - A satisfactory 6! A funny, comedy vehicle for Seinfeld in the same groove as Ants. Flashes of brilliance. Like: Ants, A Bug's Life
BEETHOVEN'S BIG BREAK - A flat 5! Carries the St. Bernard torch... Middling family comedy will appeal to the kids. Some rude humour. Like: Beethoven's 2nd
BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD - An excellent 8! Powerful, dark heist movie about a father and his sons. Multiple viewpoint narrative. Like: The Killing, Vantage Point
BEFORE THE RAINS - A satisfactory 6! Poetic, political and beautifully filmed, but this doomed love story borders melodrama. Like: The Mistress of Spices
BEHIND ENEMY LINES II - A flimsy 4! Cheesy, predictable straight-to-video action B-movie with a weak plot and a few recognisable faces. Like: Behind Enemy Lines
BEHIND THE MASK - A solid 7! Behind-the-scenes slasher in vein of Nightmare on Elm St, Halloween & Jason turns from mockumentary to reality. Like: Scream
BEHIND THE RAINBOW - A solid 7! Comprehensive, informative and relevant SA historical documentary unveils the story of the ANC up to 2008. Like: Mandela
BELLA - An excellent 8! Simple, heart-warming and life-affirming indie romance drama with top performances from ensemble. Like: Quinceanera
BEN 10: RACE AGAINST TIME - A flat 5! Fun live-action family sci-fi adventure TV movie from Cartoon Network. Cheesy acting and mediocre CGI. Like: Sky High
BEOWULF - A solid 7! Beowulf's 3D animation helps to suspend the medieval fantasy world and blunts violence/nudity. Like: 300, Troy, Braveheart
BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA - A flat 5! This Disney talking dog comedy/adventure is made fun and lively by its talented voice cast. Like: Firehouse Dog
BHOOTHNATH - A satisfactory 6! A lively, entertaining Bollywood comedy musical for the family about a ghost. Like: Om Shanti Om
BIG FELLAS - A third-rate 3! Silly wannabe road trip buddy comedy about BEE with beautiful scenery. Like: Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
BIG NOTHING - A satisfactory 6! A dark comedy/thriller crime caper that boils over without blowing the lid off! Like: Ruthless People
BIG MOMMAS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON - A third-rate 3! Martin Lawrence fans of the series will love it. For others it's just more of the same pointless, low on laughs fodder. Like: Big Mommas 2
BIG STAN - A satisfactory 6! Entertaining Prison Break meets The Karate Kid hybrid tarnished by prison style comedy. Like: The Animal
BILL - A flat 5! A suburban comedy drama about mid-life crisis that devolves into a blurry mess. Not for everyone. Like: American Beauty
BIUTIFUL (16LN, 145 min) - A satisfactory 6! A dark, intense and depressing personal domestic drama with multiple plot levels carried by a strong lead performance from Bardem. Like: 21 Grams
BLACK IRISH - A flat 5! Coming-of-age family drama with a good lead, but one too many Irish clichés and stereotypes for 95 min. Like: Angela's Ashes
BLACK SNAKE MOAN - A solid 7! The Blues, a God-fearing man, the devil and a chained wild woman... surprisingly good music drama! Like: Wild at Heart
BLACK SWAN - An excellent 8! A career best lead performance, a stellar supporting cast and visionary direction power this beautiful, haunting psychological fantasy thriller home. Like: The Wrestler
BLIND SIDE, THE - A solid 7! A strong true story and stand-out performance from Bullock highlight this heartwarming sports drama. Like: We Are Marshall
BLINDNESS - A solid 7! Innovative allegory concept drama about human nature is inspiring, thought-provoking and poetic. NFSV Like: The Stone Raft
BLONDE AMBITION - A third-rate 3! Formulaic, predictable Jessica Simpson vanity vehicle loaded with product placements and Andy Dick. Like: Coyote Ugly
BLOOD: LAST VAMPIRE- A flat 5! Horror/thriller anime loses bite in live-action transition. Dynamic, yet mediocre in all departments. Like: Vampire Hunter D
BLOODRAYNE 2 - A third-rate 3! Uwe Boll's camp and trashy sequel to video game adaptation. Set in Wild West with cowboy vampires. Like: Bloodrayne
BLUE SMOKE - A flat 5! A TV movie adaptation of a Nora Roberts novel that is pushed for time. Like: Montana Sky, Angel Falls
BLUE STATE - A flat 5! Awkward and preachy political drama disguised as a charming romantic comedy roadtrip. Like: Wag the Dog, Grace is Gone
BLUE VALENTINE - An excellent 8! Gut-wrenching co-lead performances and indie grit underpin this gripping portrait of a contemporary marriage on the rocks. Like: Revolutionary Road
BOAT THAT ROCKED, THE- A satisfactory 6! Great cast, terrific soundtrack and good comedy in this farcical tribute to Brit-Pop. Like: Good Morning Vietnam
BODY OF LIES - A solid 7! This espionage action/thriller is thought-provoking, but relies on DiCaprio and Crowe to pull through. Like: The Kingdom
BOLT - A solid 7! Strong CGI visuals, endearing characters and feel-good entertainment override story's familiarity with Lassie. Like: Underdog
BOOGEYMAN 2 - A third-rate 3! Mindless production line slasher horror sequel with cheap thrills. Like: Jeepers Creepers 2, Boogeyman
BOOK OF ELI, THE - A flat 5! Decent lead performances and an intriguing premise underpin this blood-thirsty middling Mad Max/Highlander sci-fi cross-over. Like: Doomsday
BOOM, BOOM SABOTAGE - A third-rate 3! A lame low budget 70 min animated skateboard video adventure with Tony Hawk. Like: Hoodwinked!
BOOT CAMP - A flat 5! Entertaining yet uneasy thriller with decent cast and performances. Themes around abuse in torture camp. Like: Naked Weapon
BORDERTOWN - A solid 7! A powerful yet heavy-handed film about the deaths of hundreds of women near American-owned factories. Like: Rendition, Zodiac
BOSTON STRANGLER, THE - A third-rate 3! Low budget crime/thriller with weak script, poor performances and slow pacing. Like: The Boston Strangler (2006)
BOTTOM FEEDER - A flimsy 4! Cheesy, low budget, midnight monster sci-fi/horror movie with Tom Sizemore. Old school, little or no CGI. Like: Mulberry Street
BOUNTY HUNTER, THE - A third-rate 3! This cat-and-mouse action comedy lacks chemistry between the half-hearted leads. Predictable, uninspiring and low on laughs. Like: Bird on a Wire
BOURNE ULTIMATUM, THE - An excellent 8! Bourne's back for another smart, gripping, thrilling and exhausting action/thriller. Like: The Bourne Supremacy
BOX, THE - A flat 5! A short story of morals is stretched in ambition, imagination and scope, resulting in a muddled yet tense sci-fi/thriller. Like: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
BOX, THE - A flimsy 4! Straight-to-DVD crime/thriller - boring due to poor script, mediocre acting and too many twists. Like: Confidence
BOXBOARDERS - A satisfactory 6! A low budget underdog adventure with plenty of laughs, a zippy young cast and loads of fun for all. Like: Hot Rod
BOY A - An excellent 8! Gritty and thought-provoking crime/drama lifted by superb performances and deliberate direction. Like: Leo
BOY IN STRIPED PYJAMAS, THE - A solid 7! Deeply moving drama with an unquietening approach to unveiling the Holocaust through the eyes of a child. Like: Fateless
BOYS ARE BACK, THE - A solid 7! Top-notch performances in this honest, heartwarming, coming-of-age family drama about a father and his boys as they deal with loss, abandonment and responsibility. Like: Driving Lessons
BRAVE ONE, THE - A solid 7! Entertaining vigilante revenge thriller with top class direction and a great performance from Foster. Like: .45
BREATHING ROOM - A flimsy 4! Another SAW concept rip-off "game". Decent suspense without the moral dilemna and climax pay-off. Like: Saw IV
BRICK LANE - A satisfactory 6! Slow-moving drama about Bangladeshi arranged marriage saved by Chatterjee and Gavron. Like: The Namesake
BRIDE WARS - A flat 5! Watchable romcom with a lazy script and unoriginal concept. Lacks laughs and protagonists. Like: Bridezillas (TV)
BRIDESHEAD REVISITED - A satisfactory 6! Adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel is beautiful and suspenseful, yet cold and detached. Like: Closing the Ring
BRIDESMAIDS (16LS, 120 min) - A solid 7! Part '27 Dresses' and part 'The Hangover', this hilarious and enjoyable "chick flick" runs 15 minutes too long. Like: Bridget Jones's Diary
BRIGHT STAR- A flat 5! Beautiful cinematography, atmosphere and fine performances negate slow pacing, poor story development and selfish characters. Like: Becoming Jane
BRING IT ON:FIGHT TO THE FINISH- A flat 5! Decent sequel carries the cheer leading torch with same formulaic, predictable chick flick flair. Like: Bring It On: All or Nothing
BROKEN PATH - A flat 5! Power Rangers crew create action flick. Anime-style and long ambitious fight scene from 20 minute mark. Like: Wicked Game
BROKEN EMBRACES - A solid 7! Top-notch performances from the ensemble, beautiful visuals and some captivating emotional drama smooth over flaws in the story. Like: Volver
BROOKLYN'S FINEST - A satisfactory 6! Intense, gritty yet clichéd crime thriller set in Brooklyn with solid performances from an underrated cast. Like: Pride & Glory
BROTHERS- A solid 7! Excellent performances from lead trio override melodramatic feel. Powerful, but not on par with original. Like: Brothers (2004)
BROTHERS BLOOM, THE - A solid 7! Imaginative multi-genre crime caper with good writing, a solid cast and fine performances. Fun, fresh and meaningful. Like: Big Fish
BRUNO - A satisfactory 6! Shamelessly offensive, yet entertaining and hilariously over-the-top mockumentary. Like: Borat
BTK KILLER, THE - A flimsy 4! Low budget straight-to-video take on true BTK Killer. Poor acting and slow storytelling make it boring. Like: The Boston Strangler
BUCKET LIST, THE - A satisfactory 6! Screen legends shine through larger-than-life story for heart-warming tale of friendship and family. Like: Click
BUG - A satisfactory 6! Good performances in this psychological horror/thriller adaptation of a stage play. Like: Black Snake Moan
BUNDY - A flat 5! Low budget straight-to-video serial killer horror with no name cast, based on Ted Bundy. Like: B.T.K., The Boston Strangler
BURLESQUE - A flat 5! So bad it's almost good, this entertaining, camp, star-studded musical features surprising performances from Cher and Christina. Not for everyone. Like: Coyote Ugly, Moulin Rouge
BURN AFTER READING - A solid 7! The Coen bros. are back to their roots with a wild comedy crime caper, loaded with a supercool cast. Like: The Big Lebowski
BURNING PLAIN, THE- A satisfactory 6! Solid performances from all-star cast overcome sluggish pace and constant air of melodrama. Like: 21 Grams, Babel
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