James Mottram

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NME, Radio Times, South China Morning Post, Total Film
For 305 reviews, this critic has graded:
  • 64% higher than the average critic
  • 3% same as the average critic
  • 33% lower than the average critic
On average, this critic grades 3.6 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)

James Mottram's Scores

  • Movies
  • TV
Average review score: 69
Highest review score: 100 Whitney
Lowest review score: 20 The New Mutants
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 166 out of 305
  2. Mixed: 131 out of 305
  3. Negative: 8 out of 305
305 movie reviews
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    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    Is This Thing On?
    It’s a good exercise for Cooper in creating something more low-key, even if it doesn’t quite come off. Still, in the days where adult-skewing dramas are becoming an endangered species in movie theatres, this should be applauded for attempting the subject of divorce with a level head.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Doctor Strange
    Cumberbatch fits Doctor Strange like a pair of snap-tight surgical gloves, in yet another MCU triumph. Beautifully designed, brilliantly executed.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 40 James Mottram
    The Shrouds
    As ever, Cronenberg leaves you with much to chew on, but dramatically The Shrouds feels rather inert, as if it can’t get out of second gear
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    Smashed
    Two fine performances - particularly from an unhinged Winstead - almost elevate Smashed to greatness. But an under-worked script leaves you feeling groggy and bleary-eyed by the end.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Imitation Game
    A finely etched character study, with Cumberbatch on towering form. Set coordinates for the Oscars.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Ingrid Goes West
    A superb satirical swipe at the worst excesses of the social media generation.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Bikeriders
    Eschewing melodrama for a more low-key register, it may not satisfy those looking for quick thrills. But this slow-burner is a stylish look at a bygone era, when all that mattered was having enough money to put petrol in your tank.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Nice Guys
    Should be called ‘The Funny Guys’. The Crowe/Gosling partnership drives Black’s lurid comedy at top speed. Enormously entertaining.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Devil Wears Prada 2
    It’s a thoroughly enjoyable reunion – like being reacquainted with old friends.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 100 James Mottram
    Emilia Pérez
    With stellar songs by French singer Camille, a highly original score by Clément Ducol, and striking choreography by Damien Jalet, Emilia Pérez shifts effortlessly from musical extravagances to a gritty underworld milieu.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    A Man Called Ove
    Despite winning work from the lead, it’s a tame, feelgood effort from writer-director Hannes Holm. Academy bait.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Materialists
    Somehow Johnson’s sophisticated turn – the best of her career – will keep you on side. As romantic as Materialists is, it’s also realistic which makes it so watchable.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Dragonfly
    Two actors, among the very best of their respective generations, come together for Dragonfly, a bleak but captivating study of loneliness and social care set in contemporary Britain.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Bastards
    Denis’ sparse story delivers details on a need-to-know basis, right up to the finale. Strong on atmos, thanks to Tindersticks’ score, it’ll chill you to the core.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Birth of a Nation
    An impressive directorial debut – and acting turn – from Parker that deserves to be seen, despite the PR firestorm.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    21 Jump Street
    With Hill on co-scripting duties with Scott Pilgrim scribe Michael Bacall, 21 Jump Street was always going to live or die by its gags. Fortunately, it boasts that sweet-yet-dirty comedy that Hill revels in.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    One Life
    With a quality cast (which also includes Lena Olin as Winton’s wife and Jonathan Pryce as his friend), this is a finely crafted film that unfolds with great care, building towards a cathartic climax.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Homesman
    On form as both director and actor, Jones crafts a mournful but moving hymn to the western. The feminist subtext, meanwhile, brings a fresh slant to the old genre.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Professor Marston & the Wonder Women
    Whether or not you’re a fan of Wonder Woman, this tale of her creation is rich, evocative and enlightening.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 100 James Mottram
    Maps to the Stars
    Detractors may carp that Cronenberg is showing us nothing new, but Maps is so flawless in its execution, it vividly refreshes the subject matter. Never overcooking the setting, it’s a story right in his wheelhouse; a very human look at characters barely clinging to their humanity.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Way, Way Back
    If the Collette/Carell reunion suggests Little Miss Sunshine, it’s not quite that crowd-pleasing. But, crafted with much TLC and sympathy, it’s perfectly tailored to the tongue-tied teen in us all.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Enola Holmes
    Enola Holmes falls into the ‘something for everyone’ category.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Just Mercy
    Jamie Foxx is on awards-worthy form.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    The Last Duel
    Scott’s usual scope and scale meet unreliable narrators for a thought-provoking tale of systematic abuse. In a classy cast, Comer shines brightest.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    Korengal
    It’s absorbing to a point, but adds little to what’s gone before.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    Tom at the Farm
    It’s wildly melodramatic, typified by the ear-assaulting score. But there’s something compelling about Dolan’s supreme self-confidence, even when misplaced. He takes risks – and that’s attractive.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 James Mottram
    Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
    The Final Reckoning brings both the Dead Reckoning storyline and the franchise as a whole to a satisfying close. As ever, Cruise is in peak condition, front and centre amid some looney stuntwork. If only his antagonist Gabriel was a more worthy opponent.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 James Mottram
    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
    The film finishes with a dedication to him – although maybe there was no need. Wakanda Forever is, itself, a fitting tribute to him.
    • 34 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    Zoolander 2
    More Blue Steel than Magnum, this is a perfectly serviceable sequel, but dogged by repetition, it lacks the original's speed and sizzle.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 James Mottram
    Smile 2
    Is it scary? Rarely, to be honest. But it knows how to twist the knife, at least.
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