Showroom Cinema Movie Review: American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009)

American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009) Directed by Matt Harlock & Paul Thomas.





Before entering the cinema, I had very little knowledge of Bill Hicks, other than he was an American comedian. That's where my knowledge of him came to a halt. 102 minutes later, I wondered why it took until now to discover his genius.

'American' chronicles Bill Hick's rise to fame as he conquers drugs and alcohol. The documentary is narrated by his close friends and family and has a beautiful over stylized narration which makes this documentary one of a kind. An unforgettable ride, full of hysterical humor during his stand up routines around the world.

American: The Bill Hicks story is a must-see.

(4 out of 5)

Showroom Cinema Movie Review: The Brothers Bloom (2008)

The Brothers Bloom (2008) Directed by Rian Johnson.


I watched Rian Johnson's Brick (2005) earlier this year for the first time, and was blown away by the modern day film noir. Not hearing from Rian Johnson for a while, it was a breath of fresh air to learn another film of his was being released.

Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo are The Brothers Bloom, the greatest con men around. When brother Bloom (Adrien Brody) explains to his brother Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) that his con days are over and searching for a normal life, Stephen convinces Bloom for one more con against Rachael Weisz's rich and eccentric character Penelope. Whom Bloom helplessly falls in love with.

Dark, quirky and smart. The Brothers Bloom is an excellent tale of two brothers and their trials and tribulations, an instant classic.

(4 out of 5)

Showroom Cinema Movie Review: The Killer Inside Me (2010)

The Killer Inside Me (2010) Directed by Michael Winterbottom.


Opening up with a retro styled credit sequence, we are introduced to Casey Affleck's character Lou Ford. Set in 1950's Texas. Lou is portrayed as a well mannered, Deputy Sheriff of a small knit community. Although Lou's mask of insanity soon slips awat, as the movie powers into overdrive as Lou covers his tracks from his killing rampage.

With an all star cast, which includes; Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson and Ned Beatty. The Killer Inside Me is a pulp dark thriller with extreme full on violence that hasn't been seen in the genre for sometime.

Stylishly directed by Michael Winterbottom, The Killer Inside Me should receive instant cult-status.

(4 out of 5)

Showroom Cinema Movie Review: Videocracy (2009)

Videocracy (2009) Directed by Erik Gandini.


After watching the trailer, I was preparing myself for a full on assault of the unnecessary worship of celebrities in the media. Whilst the end credits were rolling, I had viewed something completely different.

As the movie opens we are introduced to a Van-Damme and Ricky Martin fan extraordinaire. 26 years old and still living at home with his mother, he combines singing with his martial arts expertise to hone a craft that he believes will make him into a superstar. His constant struggle reminds him to be seen as a star, you must sell yourself. Director Erik Gandini nails in the notion that sex sells and the male sex has a much harder time of being propelled in the hearts of millions, claiming sexism and fascism.

Videocracy is a documentary that does explore the constant admiration of celebrity status in Italy. Although uncovers the puppet master behind the dazzling elite. Meet the Italian president Silvio Berlusconi. A mega conglomerate media mogul who's empire controls 80% of televised viewership in Italy, owning three major TV channels. Silvio's reign of control brings a certain sense of horrific bureaucratic power to a blind population.

We also meet a successful agent who has Mussolini hymn songs on his mobile phone, which he plays with a gleaming smile and self claimed 'modern-day Robin Hood' Fabrizio Corona. Who portrays himself as a successful paparazzi gangster, which see his path to becoming the very person he claims to hate.

Videocracy explores the exploitation of people in the media, and the controlled effect the conglomerate mogul Silvio Berlusconi has over an entire country, running at a swift 85 minutes, the documentary feels tired in places where no real conflict or rhyme of reason is taking place. An excellent idea which, at times shines. Although not enough depth to sink your teeth into.

(3 out of 5)

Showroom Cinema Movie Review: Lebanon (2009)

Lebanon (2009) Directed by Samuel Maoz.


Just returned back from the Sheffield Showroom after watching Samuel Maoz's 'Lebanon'. Wow, such a powerful and secluded movie that left me with a daunting feeling of isolation. Set in 1982 during the first Lebanon war, the movie introduces four members of a tank crew and the ever rising anguish and differences between them.

A beautiful work of art, Samuel Maoz's use of point of view shots and isolated scenes reel off a sense of high anxiety being trapped inside the tank with the fellow soldiers. A raw and brooding atmosphere with moments of desperation and improvisation also gives the audience a claustrophobic reaction.

(4 out of 5)

Showroom Cinema Movie Review: The Time That Remains (2009)

The Time That Remains (2009) Directed by Elia Suleiman.


"Now you do know the Palestinians are not the same thing as the Rebel Alliance?" - Atom & His Package, 2003.

'The Time That Remains' is divided into four episodes which follow a Palestinian family who decide to remain in their country after being taken over by Israeli armed forces. Spanning from 1948 to present day, the movie depicts life during these times in a darkly comic yet touching and emotional manner.

Director Elia Suleiman use of repetition and framing of certain scenes gives the movie a unique and quirky tone whilst we see characters grow and adapt during the invasion of Palestine.

Using beautiful cinematography and production design, 'The Time That Remains' is a dramatic and heartfelt movie, with no hidden political agenda.

(4 out of 5)