SPLING MOVIES
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TAKE - A flat 5! Preachy, low budget death sentence drama told through flashbacks with bursts of emotional intensity. Like: The Life of David Gale
TAKE DOWN - A satisfactory 6! Authentic, low budget urban crime/drama with gritty performances, gutsy story-telling and atmosphere. Like: Inside Man
TAKEN - A solid 7! A high-speed revenge action/thriller that sticks to its guns with Neeson in firey form. Like: The Professional
TAKERS - A flimsy 4! Stylish yet generic, dull and routine heist movie with a decent cast and an undecided script. Like: Armored
TAKING OF PELHAM 123, THE - A flat 5! Relies heavily on talents of Washington, Travolta and Scott. Predictable, familiar hijack thriller. Like: Taking of Pelham 123 (1974)
TAKING WOODSTOCK - A satisfactory 6! This coming of age drama about a young man's Woodstock experience delivers fine performances within an accurate environment, but the generation-defining music is missing. Like: Rushmore, Milk
TALE OF DESPEREAUX, THE - A satisfactory 6! This video game spin-off is familiar yet entertaining, with great CG and a top voice cast. Like: Shrek the Third
TALK TO ME - A solid 7! Funny, authentic, biographical movie about an ex-con radio personality. Great performances! Like: Private Parts, Ray
TAMARA DREWE - A flat 5! A good cast and interesting premise is ruined by unlikable characters, a prickly script and a lack of heart. Like: Cemetery Road
TANGLED - An excellent 8! Breathtaking visuals, a witty script and great storytelling all add up to a fun, entertaining and worthwhile movie experience for all ages. Like: The Princess and the Frog
TARA ROAD - A satisfactory 6! Entertaining despite rusty performances and heavy-handed adaptation. Like: The Holiday
TEACHER'S CRIME, A - A flat 5! Middling straight-to-video TV crime drama with a no-name cast and an intriguing plot. Like: Teaching Mrs Tingle
TEETH - A satisfactory 6! Original, refreshing, smart, black comedy/horror that pushes the boundaries of bad taste. NFSV Like: Basic Instinct
TELL-TALE - A flat 5! A brilliant premise and a potent cast is laid to waste by an uninspired script and sluggish pacing. Like: 21 Grams
TERMINATION POINT - A flimsy 4! Cheesy made-for-TV Sci-Fi B-movie starring a wooden Jason Priestly and Lou Diamond Phillips. Like: Alien Agent
TERMINATOR SALVATION - A satisfactory 6! Arnie's gaping hole in Terminator franchise filled by Bale, cult cast, impressive CGI and non-stop action. Like: Transformers
THEMBA: A BOY CALLED HOPE (13M, 105 min) A solid 7! Spirited, coming-of-age drama with great performances,solid productions values and an uplifting message. Like: More Than Just A Game
THEN SHE FOUND ME - A satisfactory 6! Pleasant comedy, drama romance and directorial debut for Helen Hunt. Good performances support thin story. Like: Smart People
THERE WILL BE BLOOD - A near-perfect 9! Day-Lewis's career best performance. As powerful, distinct and original as Kubrick. Like: Scarface, The Godfather
THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE - A solid 7! Coming-of-age story about mourning and drug abuse, bolstered by honest performances. Like: Reign Over Me, American Beauty
THIS CHRISTMAS - A flat 5! Strong performances and a sharp script are let down by too many holiday movie clichés. Like: Why Did I Get Married?
THIS IS IT aka MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT - A solid 7! Michael Jackson's music documentary features behind-the-scenes footage as a loving testimony to the King of Pop. Like: Shine a Light
THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC - A satisfactory 6! A spoonful of Mary Poppins, Enchanted and Bollywood brings this sweet family story to life. Like: The Sound of Music
THOR - A solid 7! Thoroughly entertaining, visually stunning and jam-packed with epic superhero action-comedy. Like: Iron Man 2
THREE MUSKETEERS, THE - A flat 5! Big budget special effects, flashy magpie visuals and an all-star cast carry this mindless, overblown entertainment fodder. Like: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
TIME TRAVELLER'S WIFE, THE - A satisfactory 6! Romance and melodrama for girls. Sci-Fi time travel for guys. Decent cast, weak adaptation. Like: Kate & Leopold
TINKERBELL - A satisfactory 6! TinkerBell gets a lead speaking role in this sweet, funny straight-to-DVD Disney animation. Like: Peter Pan (1953)
TINKERBELL & THE LOST TREASURE - A flat 5! Straight-to-DVD Disney sequel with a decent voice cast and a new pixie dust story for the kids. Only 76 min. Like: Tinker Bell
TO SAVE A LIFE - A satisfactory 6! This authentic Christian teen/family drama is a little inconsistent in places, but competent and unpreachy on the whole. Like: The Ultimate Gift
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (TV) - A solid 7! An epic sea saga period piece. Historically compelling with rich dialogue and authentic visuals. Like: Master & Commander
TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN - A flat 5! Aussie soap stars wrestle with their lines in this action-intensive, entertaining blockbuster teen book series adaptation. Like: Pearl Harbour
TOOTH FAIRY, THE - A flimsy 4! This high concept fantasy comedy has a solid cast, but is too sweet, simple, predictable and dull to appeal to anyone older than 10. Like: Meet Dave
TORNADO AND THE KALAHARI WHISPERER - A satisfactory 6! Inspiring, uplifting true story has its moments, but weakened by cliches and lack of intimacy. Like: Faith Like Potatoes
TORTURED - A satisfactory 6! Great cast, production values and hot/gruesome topic. Entertaining yet predictable mystery/thriller. Like: Rendition
TOTENWACKERS, THE - A flat 5! Strange, wacky Spanish children's adventure fantasy horror movie about the paranormal with mediocre FX. Like: House of the Damned
TOURIST, THE - A flat 5! Beautiful backdrops of Venice and an attractive lead couple can't substitute a lack of chemistry and a confusing plot in this flat espionage romance thriller. Like: Original Sin
TOURNAMENT, THE - A flat 5! This B-movie actioner has a survivor plot with assassins. Heavy on gore, light on laughs. Like: Series 7: The Contenders
TOWN, THE - A solid 7! Ben Affleck directs and stars in this gritty, well-crafted "cops and robbers" heist thriller. Like: The Departed
TOY STORY - An excellent 8! While dark in places, Pixar manage to capture a funny, entertaining and magical story about toys for all ages, now in 3D. Like: Toy Story 2
TOY STORY 2 - A near-perfect 9! This touching animated toy story has the laughs, the CGI, the voice cast and now the technology to make it a true family classic. Like: Toy Story
TOY STORY 3 [in 3D] - A near-perfect 9! Brilliant storytelling, amazing visuals, charming characters and loads of adventure in Pixar's latest triumph. Like: Toy Story 2
TRAILER PARK BOYS: THE MOVIE - A satisfactory 6! Cult crime comedy TV series takes blend of natural warmth and tasteless comedy to big screen. Like: Trailer Park Boys (TV)
TRAITOR - A solid 7! Cheadle's reliable performance is the backbone to this entertaining, yet unfocussed and predictable FBI thriller. Like: Body of Lies
TRANSFORMERS - A near-perfect 9! Cult cartoon from 1980s transformed into monstrous CGI machine vs. machine masterpiece. Like: Iron Man
TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - A solid 7! While bloated at 154 minutes - the comedy, performances and dazzling 3D visual effect overload make for great entertainment value. Like: Transformers
TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN - A satisfactory 6! CGI overload and swirling subplots in this louder, bigger and longer rehash sequel. 150 min Like: Transformers, Spider-Man 3
TRANSPORTER 3, THE - A satisfactory 6! Only if you like Jason Statham and pointless, ridiculous, over-the-top action. Like: The Transporter
TREE OF LIFE, THE - An excellent 8! Malick's transcendent, dazzling and awe-inspiring masterpiece is visually and emotionally rewarding for the patient. Like: Days of Heaven
TRICK 'R TREAT - A solid 7! Exciting, entertaining, the best elements of Hallow's Eve and straight-to-video horrors. An instant classic. Like: Halloween
TRON: LEGACY - A flat 5! Amazing 3D visuals and an aural assault from Daft Punk can't redeem this tribute's sagging story, 2D characters and average performances. Like: TRON
TROPIC THUNDER - A satisfactory 6! Foul-mouthed and violent satire of Hollywood and classic war films like Apocalypse Now and Platoon. Like: Rambo
TRUE GRIT - An excellent 8! This authentic Western boasts brilliant performances, beautiful cinematography and a sharp blend of comedy and suspense make this remake a pleasure to watch. Like: True Grit
TRUST - A solid 7! A disturbing hot topic drama thriller with gut-wrenching performances. Like: Hard Candy
TWILIGHT - A satisfactory 6! Action-packed, smouldering teen paranormal romance will impress fans, but loses some bite on film. Like: My Best Friend Is A Vampire
TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, THE - A flimsy 4! While better than New Moon, Eclipse still resembles a TV movie with second-rate CGI, average performances and a soap opera format. Strictly for the fans. Like: Twilight
TWIN DAGGERS - A third-rate 3! Patchwork mix of random and eccentric ideas tries to pass for martial arts action/adventure. Like: Master with Cracked Fingers
TWO LOVERS - A solid 7! Complex characters, top-notch performances and an intriguing romance drama make for compelling viewing. Like: Match Point
TWO WEEKS - A flat 5! A bittersweet dramedy about a woman in her last 2 weeks. A brave performance from Fields with a good cast. Like: Magnolia
TYSON - A solid 7! Iron Mike sports doc confessional sheds sympathetic light on Tyson's life and boxing career. Like: Tyson (1995)
TAKE - A flat 5! Preachy, low budget death sentence drama told through flashbacks with bursts of emotional intensity. Like: The Life of David Gale
TAKE DOWN - A satisfactory 6! Authentic, low budget urban crime/drama with gritty performances, gutsy story-telling and atmosphere. Like: Inside Man
TAKEN - A solid 7! A high-speed revenge action/thriller that sticks to its guns with Neeson in firey form. Like: The Professional
TAKERS - A flimsy 4! Stylish yet generic, dull and routine heist movie with a decent cast and an undecided script. Like: Armored
TAKING OF PELHAM 123, THE - A flat 5! Relies heavily on talents of Washington, Travolta and Scott. Predictable, familiar hijack thriller. Like: Taking of Pelham 123 (1974)
TAKING WOODSTOCK - A satisfactory 6! This coming of age drama about a young man's Woodstock experience delivers fine performances within an accurate environment, but the generation-defining music is missing. Like: Rushmore, Milk
TALE OF DESPEREAUX, THE - A satisfactory 6! This video game spin-off is familiar yet entertaining, with great CG and a top voice cast. Like: Shrek the Third
TALK TO ME - A solid 7! Funny, authentic, biographical movie about an ex-con radio personality. Great performances! Like: Private Parts, Ray
TAMARA DREWE - A flat 5! A good cast and interesting premise is ruined by unlikable characters, a prickly script and a lack of heart. Like: Cemetery Road
TANGLED - An excellent 8! Breathtaking visuals, a witty script and great storytelling all add up to a fun, entertaining and worthwhile movie experience for all ages. Like: The Princess and the Frog
TARA ROAD - A satisfactory 6! Entertaining despite rusty performances and heavy-handed adaptation. Like: The Holiday
TEACHER'S CRIME, A - A flat 5! Middling straight-to-video TV crime drama with a no-name cast and an intriguing plot. Like: Teaching Mrs Tingle
TEETH - A satisfactory 6! Original, refreshing, smart, black comedy/horror that pushes the boundaries of bad taste. NFSV Like: Basic Instinct
TELL-TALE - A flat 5! A brilliant premise and a potent cast is laid to waste by an uninspired script and sluggish pacing. Like: 21 Grams
TERMINATION POINT - A flimsy 4! Cheesy made-for-TV Sci-Fi B-movie starring a wooden Jason Priestly and Lou Diamond Phillips. Like: Alien Agent
TERMINATOR SALVATION - A satisfactory 6! Arnie's gaping hole in Terminator franchise filled by Bale, cult cast, impressive CGI and non-stop action. Like: Transformers
THEMBA: A BOY CALLED HOPE (13M, 105 min) A solid 7! Spirited, coming-of-age drama with great performances,solid productions values and an uplifting message. Like: More Than Just A Game
THEN SHE FOUND ME - A satisfactory 6! Pleasant comedy, drama romance and directorial debut for Helen Hunt. Good performances support thin story. Like: Smart People
THERE WILL BE BLOOD - A near-perfect 9! Day-Lewis's career best performance. As powerful, distinct and original as Kubrick. Like: Scarface, The Godfather
THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE - A solid 7! Coming-of-age story about mourning and drug abuse, bolstered by honest performances. Like: Reign Over Me, American Beauty
THIS CHRISTMAS - A flat 5! Strong performances and a sharp script are let down by too many holiday movie clichés. Like: Why Did I Get Married?
THIS IS IT aka MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT - A solid 7! Michael Jackson's music documentary features behind-the-scenes footage as a loving testimony to the King of Pop. Like: Shine a Light
THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC - A satisfactory 6! A spoonful of Mary Poppins, Enchanted and Bollywood brings this sweet family story to life. Like: The Sound of Music
THOR - A solid 7! Thoroughly entertaining, visually stunning and jam-packed with epic superhero action-comedy. Like: Iron Man 2
THREE MUSKETEERS, THE - A flat 5! Big budget special effects, flashy magpie visuals and an all-star cast carry this mindless, overblown entertainment fodder. Like: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
TIME TRAVELLER'S WIFE, THE - A satisfactory 6! Romance and melodrama for girls. Sci-Fi time travel for guys. Decent cast, weak adaptation. Like: Kate & Leopold
TINKERBELL - A satisfactory 6! TinkerBell gets a lead speaking role in this sweet, funny straight-to-DVD Disney animation. Like: Peter Pan (1953)
TINKERBELL & THE LOST TREASURE - A flat 5! Straight-to-DVD Disney sequel with a decent voice cast and a new pixie dust story for the kids. Only 76 min. Like: Tinker Bell
TO SAVE A LIFE - A satisfactory 6! This authentic Christian teen/family drama is a little inconsistent in places, but competent and unpreachy on the whole. Like: The Ultimate Gift
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (TV) - A solid 7! An epic sea saga period piece. Historically compelling with rich dialogue and authentic visuals. Like: Master & Commander
TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN - A flat 5! Aussie soap stars wrestle with their lines in this action-intensive, entertaining blockbuster teen book series adaptation. Like: Pearl Harbour
TOOTH FAIRY, THE - A flimsy 4! This high concept fantasy comedy has a solid cast, but is too sweet, simple, predictable and dull to appeal to anyone older than 10. Like: Meet Dave
TORNADO AND THE KALAHARI WHISPERER - A satisfactory 6! Inspiring, uplifting true story has its moments, but weakened by cliches and lack of intimacy. Like: Faith Like Potatoes
TORTURED - A satisfactory 6! Great cast, production values and hot/gruesome topic. Entertaining yet predictable mystery/thriller. Like: Rendition
TOTENWACKERS, THE - A flat 5! Strange, wacky Spanish children's adventure fantasy horror movie about the paranormal with mediocre FX. Like: House of the Damned
TOURIST, THE - A flat 5! Beautiful backdrops of Venice and an attractive lead couple can't substitute a lack of chemistry and a confusing plot in this flat espionage romance thriller. Like: Original Sin
TOURNAMENT, THE - A flat 5! This B-movie actioner has a survivor plot with assassins. Heavy on gore, light on laughs. Like: Series 7: The Contenders
TOWN, THE - A solid 7! Ben Affleck directs and stars in this gritty, well-crafted "cops and robbers" heist thriller. Like: The Departed
TOY STORY - An excellent 8! While dark in places, Pixar manage to capture a funny, entertaining and magical story about toys for all ages, now in 3D. Like: Toy Story 2
TOY STORY 2 - A near-perfect 9! This touching animated toy story has the laughs, the CGI, the voice cast and now the technology to make it a true family classic. Like: Toy Story
TOY STORY 3 [in 3D] - A near-perfect 9! Brilliant storytelling, amazing visuals, charming characters and loads of adventure in Pixar's latest triumph. Like: Toy Story 2
TRAILER PARK BOYS: THE MOVIE - A satisfactory 6! Cult crime comedy TV series takes blend of natural warmth and tasteless comedy to big screen. Like: Trailer Park Boys (TV)
TRAITOR - A solid 7! Cheadle's reliable performance is the backbone to this entertaining, yet unfocussed and predictable FBI thriller. Like: Body of Lies
TRANSFORMERS - A near-perfect 9! Cult cartoon from 1980s transformed into monstrous CGI machine vs. machine masterpiece. Like: Iron Man
TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - A solid 7! While bloated at 154 minutes - the comedy, performances and dazzling 3D visual effect overload make for great entertainment value. Like: Transformers
TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN - A satisfactory 6! CGI overload and swirling subplots in this louder, bigger and longer rehash sequel. 150 min Like: Transformers, Spider-Man 3
TRANSPORTER 3, THE - A satisfactory 6! Only if you like Jason Statham and pointless, ridiculous, over-the-top action. Like: The Transporter
TREE OF LIFE, THE - An excellent 8! Malick's transcendent, dazzling and awe-inspiring masterpiece is visually and emotionally rewarding for the patient. Like: Days of Heaven
TRICK 'R TREAT - A solid 7! Exciting, entertaining, the best elements of Hallow's Eve and straight-to-video horrors. An instant classic. Like: Halloween
TRON: LEGACY - A flat 5! Amazing 3D visuals and an aural assault from Daft Punk can't redeem this tribute's sagging story, 2D characters and average performances. Like: TRON
TROPIC THUNDER - A satisfactory 6! Foul-mouthed and violent satire of Hollywood and classic war films like Apocalypse Now and Platoon. Like: Rambo
TRUE GRIT - An excellent 8! This authentic Western boasts brilliant performances, beautiful cinematography and a sharp blend of comedy and suspense make this remake a pleasure to watch. Like: True Grit
TRUST - A solid 7! A disturbing hot topic drama thriller with gut-wrenching performances. Like: Hard Candy
TWILIGHT - A satisfactory 6! Action-packed, smouldering teen paranormal romance will impress fans, but loses some bite on film. Like: My Best Friend Is A Vampire
TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, THE - A flimsy 4! While better than New Moon, Eclipse still resembles a TV movie with second-rate CGI, average performances and a soap opera format. Strictly for the fans. Like: Twilight
TWIN DAGGERS - A third-rate 3! Patchwork mix of random and eccentric ideas tries to pass for martial arts action/adventure. Like: Master with Cracked Fingers
TWO LOVERS - A solid 7! Complex characters, top-notch performances and an intriguing romance drama make for compelling viewing. Like: Match Point
TWO WEEKS - A flat 5! A bittersweet dramedy about a woman in her last 2 weeks. A brave performance from Fields with a good cast. Like: Magnolia
TYSON - A solid 7! Iron Mike sports doc confessional sheds sympathetic light on Tyson's life and boxing career. Like: Tyson (1995)
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