Had me self a marathon yesterday, managed to watch 5 films which is an absolute record for me. I think I can go 6 some day (:

Paradise lost - Child murders at Robin Hood Hills - engrossing documentary about, well, child murders at Robin Hood Hills and the aftermath, including the very interesting trial which I won't go into detail so as not to spoil it for you. Recommended.

Tokyo Sonata - A standard Japanese melodrama which got a lot of critical praise in the past year about a troubled Tokyo family. Moves too slow, and even though the second part is rather interesting, it's too little too late. It's also not very memorable, I'll probably forget I watched it in a few months as it's rather difficult to distinguish it from a whole bunch of other Japanese family melodramas from the past decade (they do love to make 'em).

Dancer in the dark - Ugh. All I can say is I do not like this dogme 95 bull****, with the shaky cameras and and a thousand angles which is supposed to give you a documentary like realistic feel or something, and the much too obvious "studio" semi-improv acting. Also, I felt the ending was much too contrived and illogical at times (the lawyer is going to let a woman die because she can't pay the fee? The only way she could get it is to sacrifice her child's eyesight? What?) Anyhow, I'm a philistine, I know. I did really like the musical numbers though, especially the bit on the freight train, and Catherine Deneuve is always a treat to watch...:/

In the loop - Moderately amusing look at the behind the scenes of the decision makers in Washington and London. The screaming scots were a bit too much for me I'm afraid.

And finally:
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Probably the best thing I've seen all year. From the acting to the costume design to the casting to the soundtrack (by Karen O) to the cinematography. Everything combined to make one of the best youth films since Goonies. Wonderful experience.

I really don't know about this one. The original is a brilliant sleazy piece of film making from Abel Ferrarra and an an astonishing turn by Harvey Keitel yet Herzog is a great filmmaker but then Cage is usually hit or miss for me.

It has nothing to do with the 92 film. Herzog apparently wasn't even aware of its existance...:/

It does. It's a 're-imagining'.

Fantastic film, not a dogme though. I guess it's not for everybody.

How can something be reimagined if you're not aware of its existence? You have some other information? *unsure* If so, links please.
Well now, I expected a slightly more antagonistic response from you. ;) I actually saw it because I saw it on your best of the decade list, after putting it off for nearly a decade. I'm also planning to see Yi Yi before I make any sort of best of list, I've been hearing about it for a long time...(:

Just because the director hadn't heard of the film, the producers or writer certainly could have and without that film there possibly wouldn't have been this one but then what does it matter anyhow? If it's good enough it will stand up on it's two feet and that's what I originally said as I'm a fan of the first I am bound to make comparisons whether warranted or not.

Seems like the film has been well received anyhow.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Lieutenant_(2009_film)
TIFF Review: The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans - Cinematical

Yeah, I was disappointed by that one too, and it kind of made me realize how annoying I find Lars von Trier. Great soundtrack though. As a standalone album it's probably my favorite thing Bjork has ever done.

I'm at home sick so I rewatched Being John Malkovich for the first time since I was 13 and my love for it is rejuvenated. Scenes like this are a reminder of what a pleasant mindfuck this film is. The ever evolving dynamics between Craig, Lotte and Maxine and their vessels really drive it.

http://images.play.com/covers/8077676x.jpg
Well I gave this a watch today and I was disappointed. There is no denying that is directed well and is powerful but I really do think that you need a shedload of background knowledge regarding the Neapolitan Mafia before you watch as it (quite rightly) seems to be made for an Italian audience knowing that you are au fait with the machinations of the crime so prevalent in this part of Italy. Certainly not the typical 'gangster' film that we are all used too. I really wish I was more knowledgeable about this part of Italy so I could appreciate the film more.
http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51R8JH...500_AA240_.jpg
An early film from France's 'enfant terrible' director Gaspar Noe (Irrevesrible) is a truly nihilistic, savage piece of work that is abhorrent as it is engrossing. Certainly not an easy watch but a great piece of film that stays with you. I watched it a few years ago and decided to revisit tonight and I still was impressed despite it's completely un PC script.

I will leave this link for a synopsis:Seul contre tous (1998)

It's cut over here but I have the uncut U.S release which is a little harder to track down and is matted unfortunately but still an engrossing watch.