Salt (2010)

Director: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Daniel Olbrychski, August Diehl, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ***

Thriller in which a CIA agent is accused of being a Russian spy.

Unfortunately, even Angelina Jolie cannot fully make this film anything more than mediocre. She is a fantastic actress, even in this film - but the film does absolutely nothing for her.

There is very little emotion throughout the entire film, even with the death of Evelyn Salt's husband. The plot and characters leave no room for any emotional bonding of the audience, so we do in fact not really care at all whether Salt survives. The script is, again, simply average, and does not suit Jolie's character - notice various moments of speech which are almost wince-worthy. And notice that about 99% of the film is made up of action sequences, with the final 1% flashbacks. It is a little 'bambambam' - no rest between the action (most of which, like other thrillers/action films, is ridiculously unrealistic) at all.

The only thing that does make up a little bit for the film's averageness is the nice, interesting twists which come through the film - is, or is she not, a Russian spy? And, regardless of the silly action parts, you can't really help enjoying this film a little bit in places.

District 9 (2009)

Title: District 9
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James
Genre: Science-fiction thriller
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Apart from a rather slow start, this film proved to definitely be worthwhile watching. The special effects were absolutely stunning for such a low-budget film, whilst the acting was brilliant, along with the screenplay. There was the exact right amount of gore, and in places, some of the actions of all the characters were appalling.

This is by no means one of the best films ever made, but it is definitely worth watching, and enjoying.

Black Water

Title: Black Water
Year: 2008
Director: Andrew Traucki, David Nerlich
Starring: Diana Glenn, Maeve Dermody, Andy Rodoreda
Genre: Survival, horror, thriller
Certificate: 15
Rating: **** (awesome)

Black Water is similar in style to Open Water, in the fact that it is basically a bunch of people attempting to survive a deadly creature, with no means of contacting anybody to help. I expecting Black Water to be dreary, predictable, and cheesey. However, as soon as the film starts, you immediately start to like it due to its fantastic soundtrack and cast. Although the cast are not well-known, they definitely have talent, and I look forward to seeing them in other films.

Two sisters, and one of their partners, decide to go on a fishing trip, before their boat is over-turned by a viscious and hungry crocodile who immediately kills their guide. The three protagonists camp out in a tree, with no supplies and no means of escape. The crocodile also returns regularly to the source of food, and they have to devise a way to get back to their boat without being eaten, get the engine working, and sail back to the mainland.

The film has extremely good effects, keeps you perched on the edge of your seat, has you shouting at the TV screen, and your pulse racing against Usain Bolt. It is a completely non-cheesey, serious, and somewhat devastating film that will make you value your family and friends, and (most likely) fear crocodiles.