Melissa Leo

News, Reviews & Features
  • Snowden

    Movie Review | Matt Looker | 10th December 2016

    There is a terrifying truth presented in Snowden, and I don't mean one of the obvious ones about misuse of power or unlawful global surveillance. It's one that comes early in the film and is only hinted at, but it is confirmation of a deep, dark, universal suspicion: that the incompetency you see in some of your work colleagues is a common problem that exists all the way up to the top. Like when Patrick from Legal doesn't process your request because he doesn't know the difference between an Excel spreadsheet and a Google doc. That kind of thing could very feasibly still happen at a top government level. Goddamn you, Patrick. Goddamn you, all the Patricks.

  • The Equalizer

    Movie Review | Ed Williamson | 25th September 2014

    Waaaaay back in 2012, when everyone was losing their shit over why Tom Cruise was playing Jack Reacher despite being comically ill-suited to the role, I had a few alternative suggestions. The Rock. Daniel Craig. Idris Elba. But it never occurred to me: Denzel Washington. Of course. Denzel bloody Washington. The bloke can turn his hand to anything. Luckily, Hollywood is way smarter than I am, and has set straight this misstep in the form of The Equalizer, with two key differences. One, an increased level of violence and a higher certificate to match. And two, unlike Jack Reacher, it's really very good.

  • Oblivion

    Movie Review | Ali | 10th April 2013

    Joseph Kosinski made his directorial debut with Tron: Legacy, a movie that boasted the sleek lines of an Apple product with about as much narrative thrust as the iTunes terms and conditions. With Oblivion, his second movie as director and his first as screenwriter, Kosinski keeps the slick, glossy sheen of his sophomore effort (trading black for white) but bolts it onto an involving, expansive sci-fi that asks more of you than simply to ogle its gorgeous curves. Though it shares similarities with many iconic works of science-fiction, including The Matrix, 2001 and one recent movie that would act as a spoiler if I named it, Oblivion nonetheless makes a bold attempt to be remembered on its own terms thanks to a dazzling arrangement of future tech and some truly satisfying plot twists.

  • Red State

    Movie Review | Matt | 7th September 2011

    Matt reviewed Red State earlier this month. As it's out today, here's a fresh reminder of his crazy thoughts and opinions.

    In recent years, the loud-mouthed, foul-mouthed Kevin Smith has become the very antithesis of his former silent onscreen persona. With a network of daily updated podcasts sprawling out from his Smodcast.com website, Smith is even intent on giving up filmmaking altogether so he can just…um…‘talk’ for a living. But after Cop Out was torn to shreds by ‘biased critics out to get him’, Red State is a one-man retort railing against the Hollywood system. For all his often very funny stoner ramblings, it seems that, with this film, Smith is actually trying to say something.

  • The Fighter

    Movie Review | Matt | 4th February 2011

    Here's another chance to read Matt's review of The Fighter, as it's out today. Boxing puns!

    With Marky Mark's abs on full display in almost every scene, and Christian Bale going all skinny for his art once again, it's easy to see which one is meant to be the titular fighter - or is it? After all, Bale's character is the one struggling with drug addiction throughout the whole film so maybe he is the metaphorical fighter? No, no, Marky Mark's wearing boxing gloves - it's definitely him.