SPLING MOVIES
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FAIR GAME - A solid 7! Superb performances from co-leads underline this solid and timely political drama/thriller about being caught in the crossfire. Like: Nothing but the Truth
FAITH HAPPENS - A satisfactory 6! No candy-coating in this touching collage of Christian-themed stories surrounding a church. Like: Fireproof
FAMILY HOLIDAY, THE - A flat 5! A light-hearted family Christmas story that lacks the comedy and charisma of a Jim Carey lead. Like: Home for the Holidays
FAME - A flat 5! Top dancing and singing can't substitute for a thin story, too many main characters and a superficial TV feel. Like: Fame (1980)
FANBOYS - A satisfactory 6! Five Star Wars fans hit the road to steal copy of Episode 1. Fun, geeky, light and entertaining comedy. Like: Wayne's World
FANTASTIC MR. FOX - A solid 7! Roald Dahl's tale gets a Wes Anderson animation reworking, which is warm, funny, charming and appeals to all ages. Like: The Witches
FAR CRY - A third-rate 3! Uwe Boll's video game action/adventure features decent B-movie stars and starts well, but the direction and script get progressively worse. Like: Alone in the Dark
FAR NORTH A satisfactory 6! A disturbing, violent, primal yet beautifully shot character study drama with a fine turn from Michelle Yeoh. Like: The Warrior
FAST & FURIOUS - A satisfactory 6! Adrenalin/car junkies will get a rev from superficial, yet slick music video/action/stunt flick. Like: The Fast & The Furious
FAST & FURIOUS 5: RIO HEIST (13LV, 129 min) A solid 7! All the main players team up in an intense, action-packed Ocean's Eleven/Italian Job style heist in Rio. Like: The Fast and the Furious
FASTER - A satisfactory 6! Johnson hits back hard in this surprising, thrilling yet forgettable revenge "actioner", complete with muscle cars and shotguns. Like: Crank
FAUBOURG 36 - A satisfactory 6! Sweet, silly and lightweight musical/comedy drama tribute to French vaudeville. Like: Les Choristes
FEAST OF LOVE - A solid 7! Insightful, character-driven love stories intertwine amid fuzzy love logic and sex. Like: Love Actually, Dedication
FEEL THE NOIS -E A flimsy 4! Rapper music/drama that plays the same tune as other music-themed movies. New genre, old story. Like: Save The Last Dance
FELON - A solid 7! Tough performances, gritty realism and hard-hitting, yet familiar story guided by stuntman/director. Like: An Innocent Man
FIDO - A solid 7! A crisp zombie comedy set in the good old '50s. Like: Shaun of the Dead, Pleasantville
FIFTH COMMANDMENT, THE - A flat 5! Lack-lustre Rick Yune action/crime/thriller vanity project doesn't improve from the kick-start. Like: Bangkok Dangerous
FIFTH PATIENT - A flimsy 4! Familiar, predictable straight-to-DVD spy drama/thriller set in Africa starts off well, but flags with unknown cast. Like: Menace
FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING A flimsy 4! Mumbled, sluggish and miscast IRA action/thriller set in Belfast feels more like a TV movie. Like: The Devil's Own
FIGHTER, THE - A solid 7! Brilliant supporting performances overshadow the lead title character in this inspiring true underdog boxing drama. Like: The Wrestler
FIGHTING - A flat 5! Impressive fight choreography and a likable lead aren't enough to save this film's plot from being knocked out. Like: Never Back Down
FINAL DESTINATION 4, THE - A flat 5! Nothing new in this formulaic, gimmicky 3D horror thriller. Undermined by poor acting, -1 point in 2D. Like: Final Destination 3
FINAL DESTINATION 5 - A satisfactory 6! Imaginative, first-rate special effects and a new dimension end the series on a high note. Like: Final Destination
FINAL INQUIRY, THE - A flat 5! This Biblical adventure/drama remake is melodramatic. Good subject matter, but poor execution. Like: L' Inchiesta (1986)
FIRED UP - A flat 5! Predictable and lukewarm teen comedy has good chemistry and some laughs, but plays it too safe. Like: Wedding Crashers, Bring It On
FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN - A flat 5! A middling drama with sound direction and a strong cast centres on a dysfunctional family, limited by flat script. Like: The Squid and The Whale
FIREPROOF - A flat 5! Middling Christian relationship drama with focus on divorce. Solid production values, sincere performances. Like: Facing the Giants
FIRST GRADER, THE - A solid 7! An inspiring, heartrending and important true story with top performances set against Kenyan backdrop. Like: I Am Slave
FIRST SUNDAY - A flimsy 4! A 'heartwarming comedy' crime caper with lots of heart, but not enough laughs. Like: The Ladykillers
FIVE ACROSS THE EYES - A third-rate 3! Weak low budget, grotesque indie slasher horror filmed using handheld cameras. Like: The Blair Witch Project
FLASH OF GENIUS - A satisfactory 6! Kinnear is flawless in lead as Kearns. Solid writing and pacing underpin this worthy underdog story. Like: A Beautiful Mind
FLASH POINT - A satisfactory 6! A decent martial arts police force movie with pulsating action, a familiar script and Donnie Yen. Like: Police Story
FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL - A satisfactory 6! Competent, coming-of-age drama about a Hollywood has-been. Good performances, but uneven script. Like: Stand By Me
FLAWLESS - A satisfactory 6! Average period heist caper with Moore, elevated by Caine's performance. Like: The Score, The Bank Job
FLIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD - A satisfactory 6! Fun, entertaining, gory and scary zombie flick. All-out action in this zany, low budget horror. Like: Snakes on a Plane
FLOCK, THE - A flat 5! Perverse and violent cop drama/thriller with a reasonable cast and good performances. Like: Suspect Zero, Taking Lives
FLOOD - A flimsy 4! Unrealistic 3-hour British disaster film with lack-lustre performances and TV quality direction. Like: Poseidon
FLY ME TO THE MOON - A flimsy 4! First 3D animated movie is technically brilliant, but lacking in animation and story, even for kids. Like: Space Chimps
FOKOFPOLISIEKAR - A solid 7! Familiar, yet entertaining post-Apartheid behind-the-scenes rockumentary with Afrikaans punk band. Like: Some Kind of Monster
FOOD, INC. - An excellent 8! Alarming, yet fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary on the state of the modern food industry. A must-see for health nuts. Like: Supersize Me
FOOL'S GOLD - A flimsy 4! Brainless and lack-lustre summer escape follow-up to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Like: Sahara, Into The Blue
FOR THE LOVE OF THE DOG - A flimsy 4! Low budget family movie with a few recognisable TV stars about a town, a dog and a vet. Based on true story. Like: Ace of Hearts
FOR COLORED GIRLS - A flat 5! Tyler Perry's star-studded yet inconsistent adaptation of the 1975 play may be a bit too melodramatic for most. Like: The Secret Life of Bees
FOREVER STRONG - A satisfactory 6! Indie rugby sports drama is predictable, but earnest performances overcome formulaic Hollywood feel. Like: Invincible
FORFEIT - A flimsy 4! Low budget psychological thriller has decent acting and an intriguing story, but lacks focus and clear direction. Like: The Matador
FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL - A solid 7! Fine performances, smart script and the right balance of raunchy and romantic comedy. Like: The 40-Year-Old Virgin
FOUNTAIN, THE - A satisfactory 6! A beautiful 3-tier film that becomes melodramatic within the realm of the metaphysical. Like: Solaris, The New World
FOUR LIONS - A solid 7! This farce about inept British terrorists is an instant cult classic: brave, defiant, funny and timely. Like: American Dreamz
FOURTH KIND, THE - A flat 5! Banking on Paranormal Activity's runaway reality success and backed by a few name stars, this dull alien mystery/sci-fi only has a few scares. Like: Quarantine
FOX AND CHILD, THE - A satisfactory 6! French documentary-turn-fantasy tale is slow, but beautifully shot with narration by Kate Winslet. Like: Arctic Tale
FRED CLAUS - A flat 5! Great cast wasted in the rift between slapstick family comedy and sentimental holiday movie moments. Like: The Santa Clause 2
FRIDAY THE 13TH - A flat 5! Remake has markings of series. Entertaining killing spree slasher with gore, attractive teens and one-liners. Like: Friday the 13th
FRIGHT NIGHT - A solid 7! An unnerving performance from Farrell and a slick, multi-layered revision of the original cult classic make this one superior. Like: Disturbia
FROM PARIS WITH LOVE - A flat 5! Enjoyable yet formulaic Luc Besson action thriller. Muddled at times with a fun, over-the-top performance from Travolta. Like: Transporter 3
FROM PRADA TO NADA - A flimsy 4! A predictable, bland hit-and-miss "romcom" LA take on Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Like: Clueless
FROST/NIXON - An excellent 8! Top class production's content holds finesse and gravity, while Oscar-worthy performances pack a weighty punch. Like: Nixon
FROZEN KISS - A flat 5! Middling low budget straight-to-video drama/thriller based on true events, starring Mimi Rogers. Like: Mockingbird Don't Sing
FROZEN RIVER - A solid 7! Grim, powerful indie crime drama bolstered by an excellent lead performance by Melissa Leo. Like: It's A Free World...
FUGITIVE PIECES - A solid 7! Strong performances, subtle film-making and poetic textures elevate this lyrical holocaust drama. Like: Fateless
FUNNY MONEY - A flat 5! Amusing briefcase of money switcheroo farce that just doesn't make the grade. Like: Mad Money
FUNNY PEOPLE - A satisfactory 6! Complex, mature and dark drama/comedy from Apatow, 150 minute Reign Over Me/Superbad hybrid. Like: The Great Buck Howard
FURNACE - A flimsy 4! This disconnected prison horror smacks of The Ring. Story has potential, but burns into nothing. Like: White Noise
FURRY VENGEANCE - A third-rate 3! Over-the-top acting, repetitive toilet humour and weak writing make this eco-movie torture if you're not between the ages of 5 and 9. Like: Dr. Doolittle 2
FAIR GAME - A solid 7! Superb performances from co-leads underline this solid and timely political drama/thriller about being caught in the crossfire. Like: Nothing but the Truth
FAITH HAPPENS - A satisfactory 6! No candy-coating in this touching collage of Christian-themed stories surrounding a church. Like: Fireproof
FAMILY HOLIDAY, THE - A flat 5! A light-hearted family Christmas story that lacks the comedy and charisma of a Jim Carey lead. Like: Home for the Holidays
FAME - A flat 5! Top dancing and singing can't substitute for a thin story, too many main characters and a superficial TV feel. Like: Fame (1980)
FANBOYS - A satisfactory 6! Five Star Wars fans hit the road to steal copy of Episode 1. Fun, geeky, light and entertaining comedy. Like: Wayne's World
FANTASTIC MR. FOX - A solid 7! Roald Dahl's tale gets a Wes Anderson animation reworking, which is warm, funny, charming and appeals to all ages. Like: The Witches
FAR CRY - A third-rate 3! Uwe Boll's video game action/adventure features decent B-movie stars and starts well, but the direction and script get progressively worse. Like: Alone in the Dark
FAR NORTH A satisfactory 6! A disturbing, violent, primal yet beautifully shot character study drama with a fine turn from Michelle Yeoh. Like: The Warrior
FAST & FURIOUS - A satisfactory 6! Adrenalin/car junkies will get a rev from superficial, yet slick music video/action/stunt flick. Like: The Fast & The Furious
FAST & FURIOUS 5: RIO HEIST (13LV, 129 min) A solid 7! All the main players team up in an intense, action-packed Ocean's Eleven/Italian Job style heist in Rio. Like: The Fast and the Furious
FASTER - A satisfactory 6! Johnson hits back hard in this surprising, thrilling yet forgettable revenge "actioner", complete with muscle cars and shotguns. Like: Crank
FAUBOURG 36 - A satisfactory 6! Sweet, silly and lightweight musical/comedy drama tribute to French vaudeville. Like: Les Choristes
FEAST OF LOVE - A solid 7! Insightful, character-driven love stories intertwine amid fuzzy love logic and sex. Like: Love Actually, Dedication
FEEL THE NOIS -E A flimsy 4! Rapper music/drama that plays the same tune as other music-themed movies. New genre, old story. Like: Save The Last Dance
FELON - A solid 7! Tough performances, gritty realism and hard-hitting, yet familiar story guided by stuntman/director. Like: An Innocent Man
FIDO - A solid 7! A crisp zombie comedy set in the good old '50s. Like: Shaun of the Dead, Pleasantville
FIFTH COMMANDMENT, THE - A flat 5! Lack-lustre Rick Yune action/crime/thriller vanity project doesn't improve from the kick-start. Like: Bangkok Dangerous
FIFTH PATIENT - A flimsy 4! Familiar, predictable straight-to-DVD spy drama/thriller set in Africa starts off well, but flags with unknown cast. Like: Menace
FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING A flimsy 4! Mumbled, sluggish and miscast IRA action/thriller set in Belfast feels more like a TV movie. Like: The Devil's Own
FIGHTER, THE - A solid 7! Brilliant supporting performances overshadow the lead title character in this inspiring true underdog boxing drama. Like: The Wrestler
FIGHTING - A flat 5! Impressive fight choreography and a likable lead aren't enough to save this film's plot from being knocked out. Like: Never Back Down
FINAL DESTINATION 4, THE - A flat 5! Nothing new in this formulaic, gimmicky 3D horror thriller. Undermined by poor acting, -1 point in 2D. Like: Final Destination 3
FINAL DESTINATION 5 - A satisfactory 6! Imaginative, first-rate special effects and a new dimension end the series on a high note. Like: Final Destination
FINAL INQUIRY, THE - A flat 5! This Biblical adventure/drama remake is melodramatic. Good subject matter, but poor execution. Like: L' Inchiesta (1986)
FIRED UP - A flat 5! Predictable and lukewarm teen comedy has good chemistry and some laughs, but plays it too safe. Like: Wedding Crashers, Bring It On
FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN - A flat 5! A middling drama with sound direction and a strong cast centres on a dysfunctional family, limited by flat script. Like: The Squid and The Whale
FIREPROOF - A flat 5! Middling Christian relationship drama with focus on divorce. Solid production values, sincere performances. Like: Facing the Giants
FIRST GRADER, THE - A solid 7! An inspiring, heartrending and important true story with top performances set against Kenyan backdrop. Like: I Am Slave
FIRST SUNDAY - A flimsy 4! A 'heartwarming comedy' crime caper with lots of heart, but not enough laughs. Like: The Ladykillers
FIVE ACROSS THE EYES - A third-rate 3! Weak low budget, grotesque indie slasher horror filmed using handheld cameras. Like: The Blair Witch Project
FLASH OF GENIUS - A satisfactory 6! Kinnear is flawless in lead as Kearns. Solid writing and pacing underpin this worthy underdog story. Like: A Beautiful Mind
FLASH POINT - A satisfactory 6! A decent martial arts police force movie with pulsating action, a familiar script and Donnie Yen. Like: Police Story
FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL - A satisfactory 6! Competent, coming-of-age drama about a Hollywood has-been. Good performances, but uneven script. Like: Stand By Me
FLAWLESS - A satisfactory 6! Average period heist caper with Moore, elevated by Caine's performance. Like: The Score, The Bank Job
FLIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD - A satisfactory 6! Fun, entertaining, gory and scary zombie flick. All-out action in this zany, low budget horror. Like: Snakes on a Plane
FLOCK, THE - A flat 5! Perverse and violent cop drama/thriller with a reasonable cast and good performances. Like: Suspect Zero, Taking Lives
FLOOD - A flimsy 4! Unrealistic 3-hour British disaster film with lack-lustre performances and TV quality direction. Like: Poseidon
FLY ME TO THE MOON - A flimsy 4! First 3D animated movie is technically brilliant, but lacking in animation and story, even for kids. Like: Space Chimps
FOKOFPOLISIEKAR - A solid 7! Familiar, yet entertaining post-Apartheid behind-the-scenes rockumentary with Afrikaans punk band. Like: Some Kind of Monster
FOOD, INC. - An excellent 8! Alarming, yet fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary on the state of the modern food industry. A must-see for health nuts. Like: Supersize Me
FOOL'S GOLD - A flimsy 4! Brainless and lack-lustre summer escape follow-up to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Like: Sahara, Into The Blue
FOR THE LOVE OF THE DOG - A flimsy 4! Low budget family movie with a few recognisable TV stars about a town, a dog and a vet. Based on true story. Like: Ace of Hearts
FOR COLORED GIRLS - A flat 5! Tyler Perry's star-studded yet inconsistent adaptation of the 1975 play may be a bit too melodramatic for most. Like: The Secret Life of Bees
FOREVER STRONG - A satisfactory 6! Indie rugby sports drama is predictable, but earnest performances overcome formulaic Hollywood feel. Like: Invincible
FORFEIT - A flimsy 4! Low budget psychological thriller has decent acting and an intriguing story, but lacks focus and clear direction. Like: The Matador
FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL - A solid 7! Fine performances, smart script and the right balance of raunchy and romantic comedy. Like: The 40-Year-Old Virgin
FOUNTAIN, THE - A satisfactory 6! A beautiful 3-tier film that becomes melodramatic within the realm of the metaphysical. Like: Solaris, The New World
FOUR LIONS - A solid 7! This farce about inept British terrorists is an instant cult classic: brave, defiant, funny and timely. Like: American Dreamz
FOURTH KIND, THE - A flat 5! Banking on Paranormal Activity's runaway reality success and backed by a few name stars, this dull alien mystery/sci-fi only has a few scares. Like: Quarantine
FOX AND CHILD, THE - A satisfactory 6! French documentary-turn-fantasy tale is slow, but beautifully shot with narration by Kate Winslet. Like: Arctic Tale
FRED CLAUS - A flat 5! Great cast wasted in the rift between slapstick family comedy and sentimental holiday movie moments. Like: The Santa Clause 2
FRIDAY THE 13TH - A flat 5! Remake has markings of series. Entertaining killing spree slasher with gore, attractive teens and one-liners. Like: Friday the 13th
FRIGHT NIGHT - A solid 7! An unnerving performance from Farrell and a slick, multi-layered revision of the original cult classic make this one superior. Like: Disturbia
FROM PARIS WITH LOVE - A flat 5! Enjoyable yet formulaic Luc Besson action thriller. Muddled at times with a fun, over-the-top performance from Travolta. Like: Transporter 3
FROM PRADA TO NADA - A flimsy 4! A predictable, bland hit-and-miss "romcom" LA take on Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Like: Clueless
FROST/NIXON - An excellent 8! Top class production's content holds finesse and gravity, while Oscar-worthy performances pack a weighty punch. Like: Nixon
FROZEN KISS - A flat 5! Middling low budget straight-to-video drama/thriller based on true events, starring Mimi Rogers. Like: Mockingbird Don't Sing
FROZEN RIVER - A solid 7! Grim, powerful indie crime drama bolstered by an excellent lead performance by Melissa Leo. Like: It's A Free World...
FUGITIVE PIECES - A solid 7! Strong performances, subtle film-making and poetic textures elevate this lyrical holocaust drama. Like: Fateless
FUNNY MONEY - A flat 5! Amusing briefcase of money switcheroo farce that just doesn't make the grade. Like: Mad Money
FUNNY PEOPLE - A satisfactory 6! Complex, mature and dark drama/comedy from Apatow, 150 minute Reign Over Me/Superbad hybrid. Like: The Great Buck Howard
FURNACE - A flimsy 4! This disconnected prison horror smacks of The Ring. Story has potential, but burns into nothing. Like: White Noise
FURRY VENGEANCE - A third-rate 3! Over-the-top acting, repetitive toilet humour and weak writing make this eco-movie torture if you're not between the ages of 5 and 9. Like: Dr. Doolittle 2
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