Matt Unplugged

Lovely Bones

This movie on the other hand is pretty dam fine. The story is pretty unique and not one that I have heard of, there are variations so its not wholly original but the concept is good, its based on the book of the same name. The acting is excellent, especially the younger cast members, not the usual precocous Americans you get in the usual films. The adult cast, led by Mark Whalberg and Susan Sarandon are very god in this. The score is great as is the location sets, very good indeed. They have utilised effects pretty well as too, not overdone it as movies sometimes do. The direction is good and you really enjoy this movie, its one to go and see.

Wolfman

This is a movie that I had high hopes for, it has Anthony Hopkins, Benico Del Toroand Emily Blunt, to name a few in it. The cast is in fact very good and casting seems to be well thought out, alas that’s all that had been well thought out. The acting is very good, if a little corny at times. The story is unoriginalandpretty basic, nothing that will madly entertain you. The score is light and the direction likewise. This is another of those films that could have been so much but is so little, even the effects are pretty rubbish!

A Single Man

This movie is breath taking, like its amazing. There was a lot of discussion about this as its Tom Ford directional debut,but he has really hit the critics where it hurts. The acting (from Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goods and Nicholas Hoult) is outstanding, as you would think given the cast, the casting is magical as the chemistry between the characters electrifying. The score is a wonder to listen to and fits the movie like a cashmere glove. The lighting and useofcinematographyjust leaves you in awe, Ford has truly proved that he is a power to reckon with when it comes to the visual aspect of this movie. The wardrobe is immaculate and you really get the feel of the era, but you would expect nothing less from the designer. The story is beautiful, whilst sad and really takes you on an emotional journey. I am a fan, you must see this movie, it is all it is hyped to be and far more.

Its Complicated

What to say about this movie, it has great acting from Meryl Streep, but you expect that from her. There are a few chuckles, I wouldn’t go so far as to say laughs. The cast is pretty good, Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin (how much botox has he had!), the story is pretty weak and you know exactly where it is going and where it is going to end, no surprises whatsoever. The score is light and you hardly acknowledge it at all. The direction is mediocre, as is the photography. The best thing I could say about this is that it will be a good light hearted DVD to watch whilst chatting. Go see something different at the cinema!

Book of Eli

This I found to be an amazing movie, but then when you go to see a film that has both Denzil Washington and Gary Oldman i It you do expect a good show, you are not disappointed by this. The acting is of course captivating and keeps you watching. The plot is not fantastic but its passable, though I have to admit that the twist in the end is a very good one, I did not see it coming at all. The direction is great and it has been put together very smoothly, the soundtrack works well with the mood of the film and complements it well. The sets are very good and well put together to look pretty authentic. There are a few stars in this that really finish it off well, I really liked watching this one.

Edge of Darkness

After all the bad publicity that Mel Gibson has received I didn’t expect much from this movie. But I have to say that I did enjoy it. The plot isn’t that original and there are no great surprises or twists, you get what you expect, but that’s better than a disappointment. it also moves at a very good pace and you don’t get bored nor confused, unless you are really stupid. The acting is pretty good as well, there are a few familiar faces in this but it is mainly acted, apart from Gibson of course, by actors that are not that well known. The direction is more than passable as is the score. The action sequences are very well shot and all in all the photography is pretty good. One to go and see if you can.

The Road

This is one of those apocalyptic movies, but a bit different, its about a father and son trying to survive. The cast is for 90% of the movie just the two of them and surprisingly this works well, there are others and given the fact that they are on screen for so little time it is surprising the amount of stars that appear in this. The story moves at a steady pace and is quite emotional in places, it is also a very good plot and storyline. Its one of those movies that takes you on a journey. The direction is faultless as is the score. The filming is very good with some good angles and shots being delivered. I enjoyed this movie and would say go see it for sure.

Up In The Air

This is one of the best movies I have seen for a long time, and I don’t say that lightly. The acting is amazing and verywatchable, George Clooney leads the cast and he puts in a great performance, as you have come to expect. The script is seamless and is entertaining, funny, emotional, moving, its a roller coaster of emotions. The plot is quite unique and not as predictable as I thought when I sat down, it is very well put together and keeps you watching with ease. The score works very well with the plot and they are clearly intertwined. The direction is great, this is an amusing and great movie to go see.

44 Inch Chest

This is an amazing movie. I went in not knowing what to expect, I knew the acting would be outstanding, and it was, but you expect that with Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Ian McShane, Tom Wilkinson, Joanne Whalley, Stephen Berkoff, and I wasn’t disappointed. The score is pretty good and follows the storyline very well. But what really stands out is the direction which is flawless, its a pleasure tom watch this one and its clear that the Director, Malcom Venville, has passion for the project. The storyline is pretty basic and you would not imagine this to be good at all, a few men sat in a room talking basically, with flashbacks, but its awesome, it really grabs you in the first 2 minutes and does not let go of you until the credits roll. You must see this movie.

DayBreaker

I was bound to like this movie, its about vampires. Its not the conventional type though as in this one the vampires arethe majority species and the alpha species. The story is pretty unique and is quite entertaining, the plot moves at a good steady pace keeping you watching and wanting to see it through. The score is pretty much what you expect from this genre of movie and nothing special. The cast, led by Ethan Hawke, William Defoe and Sam Elliott, is pretty good, the usualfewexsoapstarsin it! But they work well together and fit well. The direction is medium quality and does not leave you awe struck, but it really doesn’t make it any worse for that. I really enjoyed this movie, it doesn’t have the crappy American sentimental parts but kind of has a message, though you have to look carefully to see it. Go see it.

Bright Star

I went to this one with high expectations, as it has Ben Whitshaw in it, of whom I am quite a fan. In fact him being in it is all that stopped me from walking out of this movie. The casting I feel is good but the leading lady could have been better selected, or she has been mis-directed. The film is overly dramatic, over acted and very slow in its plot and the pace at which it moves, or doesn’t as is the case. Its far too long and I looked at my watch several times as time crawled by. There is no score to speak of and in fact I only counted about 10 minutes of music throughout. Wait for the DVD.

Nowhere Boy

This is an amazing movie, it really gives you an insight into the early years of Lennon, so much is written about his later years and peace loving ways that it is at first hard to reconcile that it is the same person as portrayed in this movie. Considering a majority of the cast are unknowns the acting is really good and the casting has been well thought out as they work very well together. The soundtrack is as you would imagine very good and contains the songs of the era. The story could go a bit more into later on than it does but it still moves at a good pace and keeps you entertained. The photography and filming of this is pretty seamless and makes the movie all the more entertaining. The wardrobe is also well put together and they really get the feel for the era that this film is based in. Go see it.

St Trinians 2

If you have seen the first of these movies you may as well have seen this one, no little change really, they get in a fix and the chav pupils fix it to pop music with the help of a drag queen. The casting, pupils aside, is really good, you have some excellent actors, Rupert Everett, Colin Firth and David Tennant (no prizes for guessing why I went to see this movie then). The pupils are mainly annoying brat actors. The soundtrack is catchy and bouncy pop that helps to ease you from the pain of the lame plot. The plot, as it is, is easy to work out and you know what is going to happen from the first minuteofthemovie. The direction is average. Despite this it is mildly entertaining, one to see if you have seen everything else.

Sherlock Holmes

Another anticipated movie here, though not as hotly as Avatar and nor does it grab you as Avatar does. The whole movie is pretty good I have tosay,m of course the acting excels, but you expect that from the likes of Robert DowneyJr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams etc, the casting is good and Downey and Law do work very well together. The whole Watson / Holmes relationship is viewed from a fresh angle in this film, and its all the better for that. The plot is pretty good, a little stayed maybe but enjoyable none the less. The score is well thought out and works with the plot, direction is thankfully good as well, after Ritchiespastfew offerings I was concerned that this would be rubbish, but it is in fact a very enjoyable movie. Holmes is a lot darker in this movie than he is generally portrayed to be but you get the impression he is more like Conan Doyles character rather than the sugar coated one that has been portrayed in other movies/programmes. I enjoyed this and would recommend it.

Avatar

This is this years most ‘eagerly awaited’ movie, so I went along expecting to be let down, it is said that James Cameron had the idea for this movie fifteen years ago but waited until the technology for it would do it justice. It is clear that this is most likely true, the movie is spell binding to watch, it just really captivates you. The effects are just awe inspiring and you are time and time again astounded by them. The acting is excellent with few big names but a cast that gel together and all put in a really good performance, the score works amazingly well with the story and the music is, in most places, really good. The story is very long, this movie has to be about two and a half hours long, but surprisingly the story moves at quite a pace and you, well I wasn’t, are not bored or start fidgeting, it really is a good plot and story. This is one of those rare movies that is original, a pleasure to watch and captivating. I would really put it up there as a great movie, you must see it in 3D as it is amazing to watch.

Law Abiding Citizen

Gerard Butler seems to be doing quite a few movies lately, and its nice to see he is quite a versatile actoras after4 PS I Love You he could have been doomed to the Romantic Comedies, but with this movie he couldn’t have moved further away from that. This is a action thriller and a good one as far as I am concerned. It also stars Janie Foxx and a couple of well known faces as supporting actors so the acting is pretty good and keeps you watching. The plot is hardly original but it moves at a fast pace, its really entertaining and you want more, I wanted to go to toilet at one point but darent as you re sure you will miss something. The score is good, though nothing that will have you swestruckandthe Direction is equal to the score. This is a good movie though and we both really enjoyed it.

The Box

This one is one of those movies, that i enjoy, that really has you thinking as the plot thickens. The story moves at quite a pleasant pace, never running away with itself but never slowing down too much. The acting is pretty good as well, its nice to see Cameron Diaz actually acting as she really is quite good. The supporting cast are also very good and the acting is enjoyable to watch in this movie. The direction is fair, you’re not going to be wowed but its good enough to make the movie an enjoyable experience. The story itself is not exactly unique but there are a couple of good twists to it. The score is not memorable but at the same time it does complement the movie quite wel. I enjoyed this one, its a good watch.

Man Who Stares At Goats

Twilight – New Moon

This one was under some pressure given that the first Twilight movie was pretty slick and sexy. But this is yet another case of the sequel not living up to the original, like so many before it. The effects are not as good, and as such convincing, as you would expect from a movie as big as this. The main characters sultriness is taken to new heights but alas comes across as corny, the dialogue is likewise just complete slush when the 2 main characters are together, I was reaching for the vomit bag. The storyline is basic and predictable, I was expecting so much more. The acting apart from the main 2 is okay, passable I would say. The score is again what you would expect. I think I would have enjoyed it more had it not been hyped quite so much. It is an enjoyable movie but could have been so much more.

Harry Brown

Christmas Carol

An Education

2012

9

Vampires Asistant

Fantastic Mr Fox

I went to see this not knowing it was a children’s movie. I was disappointed I did go to se it as well. Given the amount of stars in the cast I would have thought they would make it more generally appealing, but if they attempted to they failed. The story seemed to drag on, doesn’t seem to have any foundation, I almost drifted off at one point. The score is pretty lame, its very basically filmed, unless its supposed to look like that? A miss this one I would suggest.

Zombieland

Didn’t know what to expect from this one as the trailer looked okay. Its actually pretty funny, both P and I enjoyed it. The casting is good and they work well together, there are a couple of familiar faces and a couple of medium names. The direction is pretty good and its clear they have taken the idea of the zombie movie and taken it in a different direction, it works. The score is pretty cool as well and gels well with the mood of the film, kind of funky. The plot is basic and holds no surprises but is kind of easy watching and moves at a good pace. All in all this is a pretty enjoyable movie that will keep you entertained and smiling, its a happy movie.

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

This one I wanted to see as it was Heath Ledgers final movie, & in my opinion he was a genius. The plot of this one moves at a steady pace but a little on the slow side in places, but its most redeeming feature is that it is quite confusing in places, it looks like its been filmed whilst on acid. The effects are okay, though its not overly full of them, the direction is pretty good given the circumstances of the film & the fact that the leading actor died in the middle of filming. The score compliments the film well & seems quite well thought out. The acting is brilliant, but then given the cast you expect nothing less. It would be a really enjoyable movie if you didn’t know why there was such a large cast & the reason that the main characters face changes throughout the movie. But definitely one to see.

Creation

I have long been an admirer of Charles Darwin so went to see this hoping that they would not make a mess of it. They haven’t, this is a really good movie to go and see if you are also an admirer of Darwin. It stars Jennifer Connelly & Paul Bettany, both are very good actors & indeed they do not disappoint in this film, the supporting cast are equally good & the casting has been a success. The direction is admirable, it looks as if they have actually taken into consideration Darwin’s story, whats more a different angle than usual. The score is sensitive & fits the mood of the movie as a whole, it hits the right notes in the right places and enhances the movie as a god score should. It is a touching & very enjoybalefilmbutI feel would not appeal unless you had an interest in Darwin & his story, it does drag slightly in places & could have been less transfixed in places, but all in all a good movie. Go see it if you are interested.

Surrogates

This is a Bruce Willis movie so you know what you are getting before you go in. Its along the same vein as AI and I Robot. I wasn’t expecting much but was surprised as I enjoyed this film. The acting isn’t as bad as one might expect, in fact there are a couple of the supporting cast who are good. The wardrobe is pretty cool too, they have it rather well sorted. The effects are very good, especially the make up on the Surrogates themselves, very convincing. The direction has clearly been taken seriously with good results. The story moves quite fast, but not too fast (as if it did Bruce Willis fans would of course be lost) that you don’t know where its going. There are actually a couple of plot twists that I didn’t see coming, but i am a bit slow. Worth seeing.

Soloist

This movie has been critically acclaimed and touted as a masterpiece by critics. The acting is amazing, the performances touching and a joy to watch. The good points end there. The story could be really good, it certainly has a good message, but it is dragged out here, the plot just doesn’t seem to move & it seems to stagger a lot, it were a person it would be drunk. The score you would expect to excel given the movies theme, however it is passable at best. The locations & sets are average, not exactly awe inspiring at all. The direction is good and you can tell that its had a lot of good direction, its one of the only saving graces for this movie, along with the acting. Wait for the DVD if I were you.

Gamer

This one is a cross between Death Race & a PC Game, & just as dull. I usually like Gerard Butler but why he agreed to do this movie I cannot imagine, I can only surmise he was paid well. The acting isn’t at all good, the script is basic & nothing that is going to amaze you. The plot is weak, predictable & rubbish. The locations are pretty standard & in places you can clearly see its a blue screen studio. I would love to fine something good to say about this movie but alas I am unable to think of anything positive, the best part for me was the titles as it meant I could leave the cinema.

Adventureland

This is yet another of what I call the Juno genre. Its comedy that has it amusing moments but not side splitting. The direction is passable, though not great. The acting, and indeed casting, is pretty entertaining and keeps you entertained, just! The plot is predictable, from within 5 minutes you know where the plot is going and the storyboard doesn’t disappoint you. The score however is awesome, I thought so anyway, as its based in the 80’s so was all memory lane stuff for me, same goes for the fashions. Go see it if there is nothing else on that you want to see.

September Issue

This is a documentary about the September issue of American Vogue. Its a documentary. A very close friend wanted to go so I agreed, not expecting much. But I really enjoyed this movie. It follows the Editor in Chief & Creative Director as they put the issue together, with a lot of friction between them. The filming of this is really good, the fly on the wall format doesn’t interfere with what is being documented & clearly the direction & editing has been meticulous. A good watch, go see it, if for no other reason to marvel at the pure skill of Grace Coddington, her creativity is awe inspiring, I am officially a new fan of hers.

Julie & Julia

Well Meryl Streep movie, so you are guaranteed a outstanding performance from her, as ever in this movie you are not disappointed. In fact theacting all round is really high quality, the casting is excellent . The cast seem to gel well together. The Julia bit works really well, the sets, locations & cinematography is really good. The Julie bit has a few corny parts, but other than that its also really good. The plot is simple enough to follow, though on the Julia side you jump years & have no idea what has happened the years in between. The direction is good as is the score, it doesn’t overpower but compliments the movie. This is a touching movie that is funny, and Meryl Streep is outstanding, she has the character, and all her mannerisms down to a tee, definitely go see this.

Dorian Gray

This one is one of those rare films that I see & really want to see it again. Admittedly I was quite excited about seeing this as am an Oscar Wilde fan, which fag isn’t? This didn’tnot disappoint at all. The sets & filming are both exquisite, very well put together & thought out, with a good attention to detail. The cast is made up of 2 medium stars, both excellent (Ben Barnes & the great Colin Firth at last playing a serious part befitting of his acting skills) but supported by quite a number of people who you recognisese but cant quite remember where from. But the casting is good as it works well. The score works well in that it is good compliment to the story but does not overpower. The direction is good, it keeps this movie held together really well making the viewing experience a good one. The plot is well thought out but I have to say not as compelling as the Wilde novel, but which movie is ever as good as the book? There are a lot of movies out at the moment & this is one I would say to definitely see.

District 9

This is a alien movie, but with a twist. Its filmed as a documentary, what movie types have taken to call mockumentary, & unlike most alien movies its set in Johannesburg. The sets are really impressive as are the special effects, they are really outstanding, in a simple way. They are not over the top. The cast has no major stars & is all the better for that as the acting is very good indeed. The direction is pretty much faultless, a lot of time & care has gone into this one by the looks of it. The story is quite moving & the ending quite emotional. The plot moves at quite a pace & in places you have to really concentrate & others it kind of lags, but that doesn’t distract from your enjoyment. Its a pretty unusual movie in quite a few ways, but they are positive ways. Go see it.

500 Days of Summer

This is one of those American indie style movies, done in the vein of Juno, but I think better. Its a Romantic Comedy but don’t that put you off, it almost did me but I am glad I gave ita chance. This one is a nicely crafted film, pretty amusing, in the right places. The score is excellent, so much so that I would actually buy the soundtrack to it. The pace of the story moves along at a really pleasing pace keeping you entertained. The direction is average, but its the acting, especially the two leads, that stands this apart from the usual suspects in this genre. Casting is really good as the cast seem to work well together, I am a tad biased as the lead guy is a favourite of mine (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) & has been since he starred in Mysterious Skin. Go see this one.

Hurt Locker

I was told this one wasn’t very good so I didn’t go along with any great feeling towards this movie. But it is really good,yes its a war movie, yes its American, but it has none of the usual trashy scenes you expect from a American war movie. In fact its pretty gritty, the plot moves at quite a pace, with good acting. The casting is excellent, though a couple of the major stars, Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, are only in it for 5 minutes each, but the whole cast are pretty good. The story is quite a roller coaster, but an enjoyable one. The direction hs gone in that documentary style filming & it works well in this film. I really like this film, in fact I wanted to go to toilet for the last 20 minutes but didn’t move, that’s how much I was enjoying it.

Final Destination

This is one of the new 3D type movies. If you have seen the previous FinalDestinationmoviesyouknowwhatto expect, the storyline doesn’t deviate too much at all. It is fast paced, it is also rather gory, I turned my head away a couple of times, but then I am rather squeamish. The effects are outstanding & in 3D it is really amazing graphicaly, it looks crisp & clean. The acting is well not awe inspiring, it is rather corny, but you kind of expect that from a movie like this. The direction looks quite good though, the score leaves a lot to be desired & I will not be rushing to buy the soundtrack. But all in all its a rater entertaining movie to see.

Inglorious Basterds

This one has had very mixed reviews. Its a Tarantino movie, which doesn’t really make me want to like it as I do think he is good but over rated. This one is starring Brad Pitt, which will I guess put bums o seats, no doubt a few of thosebums will not be dry! The acting in this movie is average, though Pitts accent is pretty amusing, the score is pretty awesome as most Tarantino movie scores are. The sets & locations are obviously an area where money has been spent. The direction is classic Tarantino& loathed as I am to say, its pretty slick & good. I went into this movie expecting little but was pleasantly surprised as I enjoyed this. It is satirical& about a subject that we shouldn’t find amusing, but I did still find it so. Its a long movie at about 2 and a half hours, but the plot moves at a very good pace so you don’t realise so much time has passed. In fact the plot in my opinion moves at just the right pace.

Dance Flick

This is most definitely a Ronseal movie, does exactly what it says, this is not an award winning movie. What it is is quite funny, in places, amusing in others & very light hearted. Its a movie that takes the mickey out of all those corny dance movies (that I happen to dislike) & it does a good job of doing so. Its along the same lines as all these type of movies with more or less the same cast. The score is okay, the acting leaves a lot to be desired & the location seems to be completely in a studio. Nonetheless it is a good way to pass 90 minutes if you just want to chill & giggle a few times.

Proposal

I went to this one as there was nothing else on that haven’t seen. It killed time, that’s about as positive a thing I can say for this one. What he hell has happened to Sandra Bullock, why has she done so many of these Romantic comedies? Okay so its no doubt the money. This one has her with Ryan Reynolds as the romantic lead, again he seems to be in everything at the moment. The acting is passable, the plot is wholly predictable & you know the ending within 5 minutes of this starting. The locations are nice to look at, the score is nothing you haven’t heard before. All in all this is the usual American romantic comedy, you know whats omingyouknowwheresitsgoing, but it will mildly amuse you in places.

Orphan

This one is quite a surprise as I wasn’t expecting much at all, another bad remake of a Japanese movie is what I thought. I was rather pleasantly surprised. This one is pretty well put together, its quite gruesome in places, I can see why its an 18 certificate. The story moves along pretty rapidly, though not too fast that you cant keep up, I felt it had the pace pretty well. The acting is very good, especially from the two lead females, they really made this movie as good as it is. The script again is pretty good for the two lead females but you get the impression the rest of the cast, and their scripts are just padding for the mother & the lead. I did not see the plot twist coming in this one, you usually see them coming a mile away but this one is pretty good. Its gritty, & on the edge of your chair in places, it also doesn’t have that sentimental bit I so hate in most American movies. The ending is left a bit but that actually enhances this movie. If you like a good horror go see it.

Moon

This one is a low budget movie, well by movie standards, but you really wouldn’t know it, its well made. The direction is very good, you can see that the director has actually cared about this movie. The acting is great, from a pretty unknown cast, the only ‘big star’ is Kevin Spacey, & you never see him as he is the voice of a computer. The lead is Sam Rockwell, who is David Bowies son, & thankfully his acting surpasses his fathers (I am thinking Labyrinth here). The story is pretty touching & you find that you do relate to the situation the characters find themselves in. The score works well with the plot, which as mentioned is good, its not predictable at all, but very enjoyable & easy to watch. The sets are pretty good, there are not a lot of them. This is a movie that I really enjoyed.

Adam

This is one of the best movies I have seen for a very long time. I came out of the movies really quite touched, that happens very rarely. The storyline of this one is quite original, well ish. The story is really emotional, I laughed & then I cried, its a very moving & touching story. What helps is that its very well acted, the cast are great together & work well, the acting is captivating. The score is pretty cool, kind of in the Simon & Garfunkel genre, I thoroughly enjoyed it, it fits well with the mood of the film. The direction is great & its clear that a lot of passion has gone into the making of this film. Go & watch this one, its an amazing film, well I think so.

GI Joe

This is one of those films that come along rarely (thank heavens) that you come out of & think ‘what a waste of time, i could have done something better, like watch grass grow’. it is corny, predictable & pretty boring. The plot is one you have seen a dozen times, the acting is average at best, how an actor like Denis QuaidagreedtodothisI cannot fathom. The score is rubbish, the sets & locations are pretty good though. Wait until it comes to DVD & you are bored to tears to see this one.

Ugly Truth

This is one of thoseromanticcomediesthatyouknow what is going to happen in the end, in fact you know within the first 10 minutes of the movie. Having said that it doesn’t mean the movie is rubbish. This one does have some quite amusing lines in it, it is quite funny. The script is not going to become a classic, nor is the score, the acting is okay though. Gerrard Butler is pretty funny & has that charm that comes through in most of his movies, its one of the saving graces of this movie. Its one of those that you should se if you want a film you dont want to think too hard about but want a few smiles.

Land of the Lost

This is a Will Ferrell movie, so you already know what to expect, immature humour. But hey, that’s why you go & see one of his movies, they are what I call light watching, you go just to be amused & don’t have any high expectations. It doesn’t disappoint as it is quite an amusing film. The cast are pretty good together, its got Anna Friel in who is a great actress. The sets are pretty cool, very good actually, the effects are equally good, there are some good points in this, its very amusing. The direction is okay, not ground breaking but hey, does it need to be in a film of this genre? I would recommend it for a chilled evening.

Taking of Pelham 123

This one is a remake of an old film, it has also had a few bad reviews, but I liked the movie. It has a couple of twists that are pretty good, the score is really cool & completely fits with the movie. Its a mix of normal score with some hip hop thrown in, which as a rule I don’t like but it works in this instance. The acting is outstanding, what would you expect from Travolta & Washington, the supporting cast also has some famous names, they all give good performances. The direction is pretty neat, the story is rapid fire, it moves at quite a pace, do not go to toilet as you will miss something. This is not going to win any Oscars, it isn’t going to be a cult movie, it wont change your life, but it is an enjoyable movie to go & watch & escape in.

Coco Before Chanel

Okay so a poof going to see a movie about Chanel is a cliche I grant you. But this film is outstanding, it is frank, shows Coco’s (Gabrielle) Chanel’s follies, down points as well as her complete genius & individuality. The film is beautifully shot, with the sets, locations very well detailed, the costumes are of course exquisite as you would expect. The cast are great & the acting is fantastic. The direction is very well done, its almost seamless. The story is really captivating & keeps you watching throughout the while movie, its quite a long film but you don’t realise it as the story is really attention grabbing. It is brutally honest & you see just how sad she really was. I would definitely recommend this, go see it.

Anti-Christ

Compete rubbish, this is the most boring & tedious movie I have ever seen. They have tried to make it arty, but it seem to be for arts sake & no other reason, its also overkill, the opening scene is so cliched black & white filming, slow motion & classical singing. Nothing can save this movie, the acting is mediocre (from the parts I saw before I literally fell asleep), direction is rubbish, sets are stayed & forgettable. Not sure what the story was supposed to be but it didn’t go anywhere at all. Do not see this, don’t even get the DVD.

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince

One of the most awaited & hyped movies of the year has hit the screens, & its had very mixed reviews, I am not going to review the plot here as you should by now know it, but just to add my opinion to all the others, I enjoyed thismovie, watched it twice already! The acting from the three young actors is not going to win any awards & ironically Daniel Ratcliffe looks the most nervous & cardboard, the other two are passable with Emma Watson pretty okay. The adult actors are of courseexcellent& the cast is a dream, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, to name but a few. The effects are terrific & really inspiring to watch. The direction in this one is yet again quite dark, but I prefer that as it adds atmosphere to the movie, the storyline is pretty good as is the script. A lot has been cut from the book but that’s to be expected. I like this movie, go see it & judge for yourself.

Bruno

This film has had a hell of a lot of hype, I am sure you have seen the trailer or heard about it. Now I have seen it I can see why it is so hyped. In BoratSachaBaronCohendidsomeprettyrisquethings & was close to the knuckle, in Bruno he has no such inhibitions, it is in places completely outrageous, how he got away with some of the stunts I cannot fathom. He certainly has a hell of a lot of guts to make this movie & do the things he does. It is an 18 certificate & within the first 2 minutes you see just why. This is the funniest film I have seen ina very long time, some of the humour is very subtle but other pars are blatant in your face. It is filmed as a ‘mockumentary’ & parts look as if they have been filmed with a handheld, that enhances the mood of this movie. As you would expect from him the performances are excellent, he stays in character even, at one point, when he is being beaten with a belt. The direction is amazingly good, especially given the challenges it must have presented. The script (if indeed there was one) is faultless. I loved this movie, you really should go and watch this one, but be prepared to be shocked.

Sunshine Cleaning

This one is brought to you from the same people that brought you Little Miss Sunshine. Its what I call a hippy chick move, everyone says dude, wears mid goth clothing & ‘feel’ a lot. The cast is great, Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Alan Arkin, & indeed they do a splendid job, the acting is very watchable. The direction is average I would say, you are not going to be in awe at this one. The sets & locations are passable but not outstanding, the plot is the same, you’re never going to say ‘gee I didn’t see that comoing’. The best thing about this movie is the score, music is pretty cool (dude). My summarization would be though, after you have seen Juno, you have more or less seen this genre. Watch it if there is nothing better on.

Ice Age 3

I went to see this one with P. I know I shouldn’t admit it but I really enjoyed this movie, its a rare case of the sequels being as good as the original movie. The version we saw was the 3D one, the effects were really good, a far cry from the old 3D movies, it really does work now. The film itself is brilliantly put together, the animation is flawless & has you captivated it seems to improve with each movie. The script, dialogue whatever you call it in animation is really snappy & very witty, I laughed quite a few times & thoroughly enjoyed myself. The story is nothing new really, but it moves at a good pace ensuring that you don’t get bored at all, though its not original it is still a very enjoyable movie. If you want to watch a funny & amusing movie, then go see.

Public Enemy

This is another of those that you have high expectations of, basically due to the cast & the director. The cast do not let you down at all, Johnny Depp is his usual brilliant self & keeps you riveted, he has that magnetism that keeps you watching. Christian Bale is great too, thank god he lost the low whisper he had taken to using of late, making this a good one to watch him in, the wholes cast of this movie shine. The direction is great, as you would expect from Michael Mann, its practically flawless. The script is good & snappy, keeps you entertained. The story is pretty good, though I didn’t feel it lived up to the other aspects of this movie, it doesn’t seem to flow too well. I just felt at times that it could be spiced up a bit more & that it wasn’t keeping me interested enough, definitely not as much as you would expect from this movie. Having said that its well worth seeing.

Year One

I went along to see his purely as I usually like Jack Black movies, this is the exception. The plot is anything but original, the script is mildly amusing at its very best, its supposed to be a comedy but I didn’t laugh once, not even a giggle, its all just not funny. The script is hardly worth mentioning as it looks as if it was written in a school playground. The acting is nothing to write home about. The sets are pretty good, as are the location settings, but that’s about as positive as you can get on this movie, I am quite surprised it didn’t go straight to DVD, in fact if it were not a Jack Black movie I suspect it would have done.

Blood; The Last Vampire

This is based on a comic book, & they have kept true to that genre, its not at all realistic, its quite corny, the plot is nothing new, you have seen this quite a few times, the acting is mediocre (it has two soap stars in it, s that indicates the level of acting). The casting is okay, the direction is passable. There are few effects in this & those that are there are not going to dazzle you. So why did I enjoy this movie? I guess one reason is that it is what it says it is, its a comic book made into a movie, but its been done with effort & it rings of the old Chinese programmes such as ‘Monkey’. It really a quite enjoyable movie, one of the best I saw this past week.

My Sisters Keeper

This is a ‘weepy’ movie. P & I wen to see it, & true to form P cried through half of it. I wasn’t expecting much as one of the stars is Cameron Diaz, I was expecting the usual ditzy blond act, but she really shows her true colours in this & gives a really good performance, in fact the whole cast gives a very good performance. The casting hit it right on this movie. It is a very emotional movie, it has its tear jerk moments and is pretty moving. Unfortunately its one of those movies where you have seen it all before, the storyline is predictable as is the plot. The screenplay is average, though the direction is pretty good. I would say wait for the DVD as its good but nothing new.

Anything for Her

I went to see this one just as I had some time on my hands really. Its a French movie so I firstly thought will be a arty foreign film. What it is is really good, its quite gripping, the story doesn’t move at a rate of knots but moves steadily on. The cast I had never heard of, but the acting was impressive, I really enjoyed watching them. The plot is not unique but the ending is a little surprising as you expect them to be brought to justice. Its a good story, with a good script that is well written. The sets are basic but very effective, it seems a low budget movie but is all the better for that. This is a movie that was a pleasant surprise & I am glad I saw it.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

This is another of those highly anticipated movies. The effects in this movie are really cool, some real wow factors. The cast is okay, no one really famous in it, but I think the movie is all the better for that, the acting (considering its a pretty light movie) is pretty good. The scenery is great as is the cinematography. The plot is pretty lame but it does keep moving at a pretty fast pace, you dot need to be a member of MENSA to keep up with the plot so that’s cool. The direction is pretty good, but what really stands out is the use of colour & the vibrant look of the movie. I enjoyed this one, my only criticism would be the usual crappy American soppy bit near the end. Its a good one to go chill & watch though.

Hangover

Okay, so I went along not expecting much from this apart from crass American Pie type humour. But had seen trailers so thought would give it a go, so along I went with P. There are few movies that I laugh out loud to, but this is one of those few. It is really funny, the best comedy I have seen in a long time, even P liked it &U he is not a huge comedy fan. The plot isn’t that great, the direction is average, the lighting is okay, the acting is pretty okay, but what jumps out & grabs you by the throat is the script of this one, its amazingly funny, and it continues throughout the whole movie. I would definitely say to anyone go see this one if you want to laugh. A tip with this one, dont go when the credits start, the pictures throughout them are funny.

Red Cliff

This is a John Woo film, filmed in China & Mandarin. It is a mix of the usual oriental movies with impossible jumping,fight scenes, that whilst outrageously exaggerated are also masterpieces of choreography, done with such skill. The story is quite usual, two groups join forces to fight the evil tyrant, but it is beautifully shot, with a fascinating attention to detail. The direction, as you would expect from Woo, is classic & put together so eye pleasingly. The acting is pretty good as well, especially given the genre. The effects are used sparsely but very well and the filmography is breath taking with a fantastic use of colours & lighting. It is a very long movie, 2 hours 20 minutes, but I think it is well worth seeing, I really enjoyed this movie.

Last Chance Harvey

This one stars Dustin Hoffman & Emma Thompson, so is a high pedigree indeed when it comes to the acting. But the story is exactly what you would expect, it goes exactly where you think it is gong to, no surprises, twists. The script does not d the acting giants justice at all, its quite watery and has you gushing, with embarrassment. The movie is a light Romantic Comedy really, though the funny lines are few & far in between, you wont be roaring with laughter, though you may giggle a couple of times. Basically quite a bland movie. But that makes the fact that I quite enjoyed it all the more shocking, it is another example of one of those movies that you can go and see, you don’t have to concentrate, don’t have to worry about missing anything as you have seen it all before, but a pleasant movie anyway.

Terminator Salvation

Went to see this with P, we just wanted to see what its like. I am not a big Terminator fan so went along with an open mind. Firstly the fact that this one is far darker than the first three knocks you straight away. The effects, as you would expect, are astounding, really excellent, including the CGI of Arnie in his younger days. The storyline has a few twists but is more or less what you think it is going to be. The acting is good, though I do wish Christian Bale would change the whispering voice he has taken to using in movies, like a perverted dirty harry voice, it does grate. The direction of this movie is seamless & you can see real commitment has gone into the production. The plot goes at quite a rate & it doesn’t stand still for long at all, though you are still able to keep up. I would say its one that is far better on the big screen on loud, so see it at the movies. Definitely one to go see.

Fireflies in the Garden

Went along not knowing what to expect from this one. The cast is admirable, Julia Roberts, William Defoe, Ryan Reynolds, & their acting helps to bring this movie alive. Its quite a dark movie, the subject matter is morose to put it mildly, though nit an original plot, but its nicely told on this occasion. The direction has clearly been done with sensitivity & the result is a movie that is emotional to watch but enjoyable. The script and storyline are not going to win any awards nor are they new and original. But nonetheless its a movie that is nice to watch, though maybe one to wait to be released on DVD given all the blockbusters out at the moment.

Twelve Rounds

I am the first to admit that I only went to see this as Aiden Gillan is in it, from Queer As Folk fame. This is in the same camp as Speed (its also directed by the same guy). It moves at a real rate of knots & keeps you interested all along as it really is quite entertaining. Gillan as ever plays a mad Irish man, & is pretty good in the part, the supporting cast are not famous names but nonetheless the acting is pretty good for what is essentially just an entertainment movie. The plot you think is quite predictable but the last 10 minutes are quite a surprise, I didn’t see it coming. The direction is slick & succeeds where Speed often failed, the use of cameras & sets are really well utilised in this one. All in all I enjoyed it, more to the point so did P which is unusual as he doesn’t often enjoy action movies.

Drag Me to Hell

I didn’t know what to expect when went to see this. The trailer just makes it look like the usual demon stalking a person type movie. I was actually quite taken aback as I enjoyed this one. It is quite cleverly done, funny in places, dark humour, quite scary in others, I admit I did jump a few times. The acting is pretty good, the plot moves pretty rapidly & keeps you guessing & wanting to watch more which is good. The story is predictable & i did guess the ending, but that didn’t take any of the fun away from this film. The cast work well together & you can kind of feel there is some chemistry there. The music is suitably eerie for the mood of this & enhances it quite well. The effects are not going to bowl you over, but they work well with the movie. I quite liked the direction this one took & would say go see this if you want a movie that you will enjoy & swings your mood, between humour & being scared.

Tormented

This has been billed as Skins meets Scream. Yes its a teen flick, but its a 15 certificate for a start, & its a British movie, so you have none of the pathetic bonding, we are great speeches that you get in its American counterparts. The acting is pretty passable, the direction is good, very well done. Its been filmed in a dark way that really suits this movie, especially given the storyline, which if we are honest we have sen before, as have we the twist at the end. But nonetheless I enjoyed this movie. The plot moves at a very steady pace & you don’t feel bored nor are you thinking its moving too fast. The cast are likable, the music is good, its what we have come to expect from British movies. Do not go see this if you are wanting a thought provoking, high budget, lots of effects, amazing acting. But do go if you want to watch a enjoyable movie.

Night at the Museum 2

The trailers for this one looks good, the first one was pretty funny, this has also had a lot of press time/space. But like so many sequels this did not live up to the first one, in fact far from it, I managed a chuckle once I think, but that was about it. The effects are indeed amazing & the useofthemisgreat, they utilise them very well. The acting is average, and you wold expect a lot more given the cast in this one, in fact it was completely corny, why such names as Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Owen Wilson, Christopher Guest, Robin Williams, to name but a few, put their skills into this one I cannot comprehend. The laughs are few & far between, the plot the same basic one as the first movie, the direction is average, the lighting however is pretty good. All in all wait for the DVD.

Fighting

I went to see this expecting the usual teen market movie. I was pleasantly surprised, not greatly but enough that I found this one enjoyable. The plot is predictable & you are in no doubt what is happening, & going to happen, throughout the movie. The acting is okay, not outstanding, De Niro need to quake, but its not bad either. The music is pretty good, as is the filming. Its been directed quite well, and clearly they have utilised the sets, actors etc well. This is a bit of a grittier Rocky for the noughties. Yes it helps that the lead character, played by Channing Tatum is hardly what you would call sore on the eyes, but all in all a enjoyable, if ultimately forgettable movie.

Angels & Demons

I had read the book that this movie was based upon so went with high expectations. Its a good movie, but it doesn’t live up to the book, but then lets be honest very few movies based on books do surpass the book, or even match it. Tom Hanks stars again & I kind of like him but I find his voice quite irritating, his acting is more cardboard in this one than it normally is. Its a Ron Howard film so as you would expect the direction is good, its a bit darker & has more action than the Da Vinci Code, & this works well. There is an annoying habit in that the Tom Hanks character insists on explaining the plot, often three times, throughout the movie, which gives the impression that its thought the viewers are too thick to follow the plot. Music is pretyatmospheric but nothing to write home about, what you would expect. The supporting cast are pretty well balanced with the main character. Its a long movie, but again one that you didn’t fidget too much (well apart from your bum getting bit numb on the crap seats), as the movie moves at a good pace. One to see I would say.

Star Trek

May I start this review by saying that I am not a Trekkie, I only went to see this film as everyone was talking about it & I wanted to see if it wasany good. The short answer would be yes, but I am not prone to give Short answers! This film has breath taking specialeffects, they look & sound out of this world, excuse the pun, the space shots are especially breath taking & very well put together. The acting on the whole is really good as well, there are a few wooden ones but these can be overlooked next to the excellent leading cast. Music is atmospheric & fits in well. The direction is as you would expect from JJ Abrams, flawless. The filming is excellent, with really good use of angles & lighting. You can really appreciate that this is a big budget movie, unlike others the budget can be seen in the effects, the filming & not just on overpaid actors. On that point I must say it was excellent to see Leonard Nimoyagaininhisroleas the older Spock. I must say that this film was a very pleasant surprise as I went expecting over hyped crap & actually enjoyed this film immensely, it is a long movie as well so to entertain for that long was a feat well executed. Go see.

Is Anybody There

This is one that has had a bit of attention but not too much, the attention it has had is due to Michael Caine being the lead role. He is particularly good in this & acts with compassion & empathy to the part. The story has been told before, though this has a couple of twists, but it is told in a moving way that really has you feeling for the character. The supporting cast are very good & include David Morrissey, Thelma Barlow, Leslie Phillips, Sylvia Syms to name but a few. The direction is very good & you can see that its been done with a great passion for the project. Lighting is very good, really highlighting the different moods of the folm. It is a nice mix of humour (Caine giving some great one liners in his usual style) & emoptional content that has been done in such a way that it works well. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

X Men Origins: Wolverine

This one has had a lot of attention & hype, from being leaked to media attention. I am pleased to say that this is one that actually lives up to the hype. The cast is really good, & the actors really suit the oparts they have been cast in, the acting verifies this, its good & they seem to work well together. The story moves at a really good pace & you are never far from a bit of action or pivoytal point in the plot. The dirction is as you would expect from Gavin Hood who brought us Rendition which I enjoyed. The foilming, lighhgting are both well thought out & executed. All in all one that I would go see again.

Shifty

I went to see this as its a british low budget movie, so thought it would be cutting egde, gritty & worth seeing. To a certain extent it is worth seeing but only to help the British movie industry. It is rather slow moving, the acting isnt great, not bad but not spell binding.The story is a bit old hat & you know exactly where it is going, you can second guess the plot all the wat thriugh this one. The direction isnt great either, about average. The filming isnt amazing either. All in all this is an average all round movie, you wont be amazed, you wont be enthralled, but its a good one to go see. Think a budget version of Kidulthood.

State of Play

I went to see this as am a Helen Mirren fan, who isn’t. This is another political movie, like the one below, but not a comedy of any kind, this is a thriller espionage one. The cast is very A grade, Mirren along with Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Phil Daniels & several others, so the acting is of a very high standard as you would expect from such a cast. The director is the same as brought us The Last King of Scotland, this is another one that he has directed with great passion & you see the results of this. Photography is very good & mood enhancing. The story is not going to blow your mind as it isn’t that original but it is still a good one, well told and at a good pace that made me almost wet myself waiting for a lull to go to the toilet (I made it just). The twist is rather good I thought, but then maybe I am easily pleased. I enjoyed this one.

In The Loop

I go to see quite a few movies so have seen most genres, & consequently its quite hard to find a movie that actually makes me laugh, rather than chuckle. This week for the first time in a long time I laughed out loud at a movie. This one is by the team that brought us a TV programme called In The Thick Of It, I have never seen it, & is a political satire movie. The movie is directed so well, its filmed in that documentary style, where it looks as if its been filmed on handheld cameras, in this instance cheap ones, but that adds to this movies atmosphere. The acting is exceptionally good, especially given how funny it is, the characters are really believable & you can relate to them. The casting is really amazing as they all work so well together, there are no really big stars in this, & that’s for the better. It is the funniest movie I have seen for a very long time, I love this movie & urge you to go & see it, excellent. Though please be warned there is a hell of a lot is swearing in it,m makes me look like a priest in comparison, but remarkable this actually works in this movie & it gels well, makes it all the more funny.

Race to Witch Mountain

Went along to this one not expecting much, its a Disney for a start (get the feeling I am not a big Disney fan?). It is a remake of the Hayley Mills movie. Okay it is not outstanding, it wont be nominated for any Oscars I wouldn’t think. But it is a enjoyable movie to just sit & watch, not to be taken seriously obviously. But its light hearted & looks as if it has been made this way. There are a few laughs, well chuckles, it is a minor feel good factor. The locations are well thought out & the story moves at a good pace not too fast but fast enough that you don’t get bored. The acting is average, but the precocious children can be grating. All in all one of those that you can go see if don’t want to have to concentrate or think about to much but just want to sit & watch a movie.

Let The Right One In

A disappointing week for movies but this is the saving grace. Its a Finnish movie (as in the country not state of completion) so expect subtitles. But this is an awesome movie, its very touching & the direction is great, so much so that along with the excellent storyline you actually warm to the cold hearted & completely callous 12 year old vampire. The acting is outstanding, especially given the fact the main characters are only 12, none of the petulance & cringe worthiness of the American counterparts. The lighting sets are suitably eerie & captivate you. The sound track is very fitting. This is definitely one that I am sure Hollywood will remake, & no doubt ruin as they have so many foreign movies, but please do not be let down, go see this one first, you will not regret it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I am biased in that I like vampire movies. Its a very dark & enjoyable watch.

17 Again

This is another of thosethatI id not choose to go & see. It is another of the Zac Efronmoviessoexpect Hollywood cheese by the buckets, with gushing a plenty, & of course the dance routine. This genre of film is so overdone, the adult becomes a child, or teenager (is there a difference) again & cannot be an adult until he has righted his, or her, mistakes. Soundtrack average, acting is completely cardboard. Direction isn’t great nor is the lighting. There are of course a couple of sub plots & they are as equally unimaginative & unoriginal as the main one. Only highlight to this movie is that Zac Efron gets his top off, other than that its miss-able.

Dragonball Evolution

I went to see this as Chow Young Fat is in it & is usually good. How wrong could I be. This film is dribble, the acting is corny, even by Disney standards, the plot predictable & unimaginative. The cast are rubbish, as is the lighting. The direction, well I would be surprised if the director was actually on set as this movie could have been a first year students work. The soundtrack, I didn’t realise there was one. All in all I would say don’t waste your money going to see it, its all been done before, but better.

Damned United

I am no football fan but went to see this as its starring Michael Sheen, who I think is an amazing actor. Turns out that you don’t need to be a football fan to enjoy this film. Its made by the same team who brought us The Queen & Frost/Nixon, so expectations are high. And they are met. The acting is exemplary, from Michael Sheen, Jim Broadbent & Timothy Spall as well as the rest of the supporting cast. Direction is seamless & the results are thoroughly enjoyable. The movie is based in the seventies & the attention to detail in the sets & costumes is astoundingly good. The story can get a tiny bit confusing as it flashed back & forward but you manage to keep up. This is definitely a must see movie, especially if you like based on true event movies.

The Boat That Rocks

This one is one of those that has received a lot of media attention & been hyped, it is a rarity as it lives up to the hype.It is a long movie but unlike other you don’t sit fidgeting or look at your watch, every minute is enjoyable. Its funny, articulate, well put together movie. The soundtrack is simply amazing, one of the best in a long time, up there with Slumdog. The cast reads like a dream, so much so that Emma Thompson is in a cameo role. You have Bill Nighy (always good to watch), Rhys Ifans, Kenneth Brannagh, Nick Frost, Chris O’Dowd, to mention but a few , & of coursethere is the acting power that is Philip Seymour Hoffman, an outstanding actor. So what with the cast, soundtrack & laugh you would be happy, but the direction is amazing too, as you expect from Richard Curtis (when he isn’t doing Comic Relief). This is definitely a must see movie, of & the icing (very lickable icing) on the cake is Tom Wisdom & Tom Sturridge who are absolutely eye candy.

Knowing

Went to this one expecting the usual trash about hero saves the day & grows closer to the son kind of story. And was very pleasantly surprised. I have to start by saying I am biased as do like Nicholas Cage generally, kind of the thinking mans Harrison Ford. This one is as you can tell not what you expect, the ending is nothing like you think it is going to be given its a Hollywood movie. The acting is good, even the kids aren’t the usual sickly sweet little puke invoking ones they usually get (think Dakota Fanning). The effects are simply breath taking in places & leave you quite astounded. The direction is awesome & you can see its been directed with passion. Soundtrack is passable, not great, the photography is like the effects and amazing, you really get into this movie. Its also just the right length, you don’t feel they have rushed the scenes nor have they dragged them out like so many movies do. All in all one to go see.

Duplicity

Another hyped movie here. This is a comedy thriller, not sure is supposed to be comedy but there are quite a few funny one liners. It is starring Julia Roberts (her first major movie since having her babies) & Clive Owen, who surprisingly is not completely cardboard in this one, though he is still the same character he always plays just placed in a different movie. The movie has quite a few plots going on, and twists that are quite good ones. The direction is good, & the movie goes along at a good pace, not great but good. The soundtrack you don’t really notice so its not great. The overall impression I got of this one is that it is exactly the same format as the Oceans movies but with a smaller cast, in fact there are quite a few similarities. But still its a good movie that I enjoyed watching.

Paul Blart – Mall Cop

This is quite an entertaining movie, in a light hearted kind of way. The plot isn’t great, the soundtrack is average. The direction is okay, not great but not bad. The story moves along at a reasonable pace though, enough so as you don’t become bored, but don’t expect to be on the edge of your seat either. The characters are the same as a hundred other movies. The humour isn’t going to be ground breaking, you wont be in hysterics. But for some reason, its a good movie, I guess its just what it says it is, its a funny comedy that makes you chuckle. Kevin James is a comedy actor that I find to always be funny & good at what he does, in fact this movie wouldn’t be half as good without him. All in all I would say go See it, it will make you laugh.

Marley & Me

This is one of those movies that should have delivered so much, but thanks to the Hollywood machine they have ruined this story. What should have been a funny, moving, sad, emotional roller coaster of a movie has been turned into a sugar coated, overly politically correct (gee I love you, no I love you kind of thing) mess of a movie. The acting is average, there is no real emotion, just the usual American gushing. In fact the Best acting comes from the dogs, it is at least believable. I am truly saddened by what they have done with this story as it could have been so good, but fails to deliver after the studios have given it the American movie touch. Don’t get me wrong its an enjoyable & in places quite funny, the ending is moving but as I said its the dog that delivers not the actors… But it could have been an incredible movie had they stuck to the book.

Bronson

P & I went to see this one, we have quite different taste in movies so quite often we don’t like a film, but this was one of those rare films….. neither of us thought it was much good. The acting from Tom Hardy is amazingly good, you can see just how hard he has worked to get Bronson’s characteristics & mannerisms realistic. But the film as a while is disjointed, doesn’t flow as a movie should, it looks as if its been filmed in someones front room for a college assignment. The soundtrack doesn’t do much to raise the film out of the gutter either. But above all it shows Bronson to be a brainless thug, which to a certain extent he was, but it does not show how he has worked in recent years to turn himself around, not to mention the great art he produces. He is now a peaceful & sensitive man, but to see this film it doesn’t show it. It is a work unfinished in my opinion.

Watchmen

The main thing you notice about this movie is the sheer length of it, over two & a half hours long!!! It is quite confusing in places & tends to go round the houses to get to the point. There is a lot of padding to this. Its a certificate 18 & I first thought how can a comic book movie be an 18. When you see it you are in no doubt as to why it is, its violent, and there is a lot of nudity & a couple of sex scenes. It is a very dark movie & shows the super hero genres dark side. The acting is mostly by unknowns & this is a good thing in this case as the actors are awesome. The lighting & direction are both as mentioned dark, the sound track is good, & very mooed enhancing. I do feel it is rather too long but on the whole i thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Young Victoria

This is another of those period dramas about certain members of the sovereign. In this instance Queen Victoria. Its a good story as most that is written is about when she was older, but this movie focuses on her younger days. The costumes are amazing, very authentic (I presume having not been alive then), the score is appropriate. The locations are really great, not sure if was filmed in the actual palaces but they certainly look real. The acting is also very good, this is Emily Blunts first lead, & a complete difference to her parts to date, she does a great job. This is a really good movie & one that I would say definitely go see.

Unborn

This is a horror film, you will have seen something similar, in short it is the horror version of New In Town, without the good cast. Having said that it does have Gary Oldmanwhoisa great actor, why he agreed to do this I cannot imagine. It is dull, cardboard & as I say like all the other B movie horror movies. See it if nothing else you want to see.

International

This was one of those that has been reviewed & marketed quite a bit. Its an action thriller one, with a good cast, led by Clive Owen. I am finding the problem with Clive Owen, & I do like him & his movies generally, is that he only has one character & just plays this one person in all his films. International has a good, if not wholly original story, especially given the current climate, its got a fair bit of action as well. It does keep you gripped. The locations are fantastic & I envy the cast the amount of places they travelled to. Direction is good. All in all its a good film to go & see, only downside is that the ending is a bit disappointing.

New In Town

Okay where do In start with this one. Its a chick flick without doubt, its also like most other chick flicks. Unoriginal, mildly amusing but not funny, average acting, predictable. This is one of those that you know where its going & can say whats going to happen way before it does. The whole film is in fact like a mass produced cake, nice but nothing special & you can get one anywhere. It stars Rene Zellweger & Harry Connick Junior, so you would expect better really. In short, which is what I wanted this film to be, not one I would recommend.

Gran Torin

I saw this today, so its very fresh in my memory. If you have seen this movies trailer then you no doubt think this is one of those dark movies where the loner takes on the gang & its all very violent, that’s what I thought. But no, this movie is far deeper than that. The main character is very politically incorrect (which I found great), a stubborn old moody & irritable old man, and so funny, the while cinema were laughing at this one, though the humour is dark, & you just know everyone was laughing & thinking they shouldn’t be. The direction, as with all Clint Eastwood movies is excellent, the acting outstanding, even from the unknowns in the cast, the script is awesome. This one really is excellent, its funny, poignant, sad, moving & a lot in between. My only criticism would be that you kind of know what is coming, but then its not exactly how you would expect it to end. A great film.

Push

If you have seen Jumper then this one is along the same lines, freaky people with skills fight a division of the government. It has the precocious Dakota Fanning who actually is quite good in this one, in fact the cast as a whole are not bad. The story isn’t bad either. Same with the direction, not bad. All in all this is one of those what I call a school report movie, good but could do better. The effects however are pretty good, if a little predictable. One of those that is worth seeing.

Pink Panther 2

Where to begin on this one. Steve Martin use to be a really good funny actor, his early work such as The Jerk was hilarious & I usetoreallyenjoythem. This movie is not in that category I am afraid, it is immature humour & you giggle, never laugh, only a couple of times. The direction is average, the lighting passable, in fact there is nothing that stands out in this movie as really good. I suppose a part of the problem is that you still associate Sellers with these movies, & I am afraid Martin is no Sellarsatall. Go see it if you have children or there is nothing else you want to see.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

This has had an abundance of hype. Its a good movie, but I felt that like most hyped movies it isn’t as good as hyped to be, & I also feel it doesn’t really have to be quite as long as it is, it could easily have been shorter. The cast are great, the acting good. The score, lighting & direction also well thought out & well executed. The story is something rare these days, its new & different, this made the film all the more enjoyable. It is not one of those movies where you know what is coming, you guess but it does surprise in places & it is a good movie, quite the roller coaster. It has funny parts, sad parts, moving parts & parts that just keep you wanting more. I really enjoyed it.

Doubt

This is everything the below movie isn’t. Meryl Streep & Philip Seymour Hoffman in the same movie, you expect a good film, you are far from disappointed. The acting is fabulous, you watch this one in awe. The story has been done before but the twist is surprising as is the fact that this one ends as it does. The direction is so good, though of course it is unlikely that the main two actors needed much, nonetheless this film is put together seamlessly & is a pleasure to watch. The score is so good that you feel the music is complimenting the drama rather than drowning it as so often happens. The lighting is good & as for the filming, you just sit there astounded at the way the angles & filming has been done. This movie is really good & definitely one to see.

He’s Just Not That Into You

This has had quite a lot of marketing. Its a chick flick, be on no doubt. It is quite an amusing one, with a very strong cast, quite a few good actors, not great mind you. The script is witty enough, but you can predict what they are going to say. The story holds no surprises, you know what is coming next & sure enough it does. The direction, score, filming are all adequate, but not breath taking. Its an enjoyable film for what it is, but do not expect any thought provoking or laugh yourself silly jokes.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

I had time on my hands last week so thought would pop in & see this one. On hindsight its a good job I was at a lose end as not a movie you would want to see if you have anything better to do. If you have sen the previous Underworld movies you will know what this is about, & no its not a knicker factory o a soap opera! The filming of this one is darker than its predecessors & it is set before they were (as seems to be popular lately). The acting is average, other than Bill Nighly who is good in this. The script is also average as is the story, you know what is coming next at all times.

Frost/Nixon

This is yet another based on true life films, so I have basically done the history syllabus in celluloid this week! I have to be honest & say that before I saw this I had heard of David Frost as had I heard of Richard Nixon & the Watergate scandal, but I had only heard of them, I didn’t know much (some may say this is me as a whole!). I found myself captivated by this movie, wanting to know more & wanting to know what happens next. It is filmed with the characters, bar Frost & Nixon, giving mock interviews as if they were done now, & the rest of the movie is filmed as if we are seeing the story then. The acting is superb, I have seen Michael Sheen in other movies & am always amazed at how good a character actor he is, & this one is yet another instance of him being incredible. The story moves at quite a pace & keeps you interested throughout. It has the unique factor that it actually makes you feel sorry, in places, for Nixon, though no doubt the dumb yanks don’t. Filming, direction & sets are all exceptionally good too. I only wish that history had been this interesting when I were at school, I may have got a better grade!

Valkyrie

Okay, so a well hyped & publicised movie. I went in rather biased on this one as I am not a big Tom Cruise fan. But I am the first to admit that in this he did a admirable job, he & the rest of the cast (I wont say supporting as it is one of those where they are all excellent & equally fine actors) have made a very good movie. This is another true story, like Milk, based in the second world war. The direction and filming are fabulous (not in the camp way) & the lighting really highlights this movie. The dialogue is admirable as well, apart from the usual Tom Cruise bits where he has to be the hero without compromise, but given the fact that this is a really good film you can excuse this. The fiming of this one was actually filmed in the places where the real incidents took place which adds another layer of authenticity to the movie as a whole. So I went in expecting little but came out really liking this film.

Milk

I went into this film with high expectations, given the subject matter. I am very pleased to say that I was not let down at all. This film is about the history of the Castro, & in particular Harvey Milk. I was astounded by the sheer talent of the acting in this movie, led by Sean Penn, who gives an amazing performance, if you watch footage of the real Harvey Milk you will see just how close Sean Penn has got his acting to the real person, at times you really think it is real footage rather than him acting. The supporting cast are also excellent. The story most people know so no need to go into that, I hope. This film does that trick of mixing in old real footage with their filmed sequences. The direction is exquisite, as you would expect from Van Sant. Both P & I were moved by this film, I urge you to go see this one.

Wrestler

In my humble opinion Micky Rourke has done little of entertainment value since ‘Year of the Dragon’ which is one of my all time favourite movies. Since he has done ‘nine & a half weeks’ of course which for obvious reasons didn’t appeal to me, he was okay in ‘Domino’ and passable in all others he has done. That ends with this movie. It is a old formula & you ind of know where this movie is going, you know whats going to happen & you know the story, its nothing new…. What is new is his acting, its amazing, as is the supporting cast, including the fantastic Marisa Tomei. The filming is done In the reality Television way where it is filmed as if its a documentary & he is being followed by a film crew. The direction is so close to making it a documentary that you need to remind yourself its a film, very well directed. You go in feeling its a wrestling version of Rocky & come out really feeling for the main character & touched by the way he feels & lives his life, right to the end. Micky Rourke takes this role & looks as if has put his soul into it, & its worth it given the results.

Seven Pounds

This one starts out quite weird, you kind of wonder where it is going, & in fact is it going anywhere. This continues for about the first fifteen minutes, but then the plot starts to slowly come together. The script & screenplay are excellently put together, it keeps you guessing (in fact I didn’t guess the whole story until the end) as its not going in the direction you think it is, its not about financial issues at all in the end, oops plot spoiler (sorry as I always try to avoid these). Will Smith is excellent in this part, the direction is very good. It is a sad story & a morale in the tale kind of movie, there is very little of the usual sentimental American crap that I so loathe. Another one that I would recommend.

Defiance

Was supposed to see this a few days earlier but P didn’t feel like going, so I went along on my own in the end. I am very glad that I did. This is one of those movies that grabs you within the first few minutes & keeps you held until the end, its fast moving but you are still able to keep up with the story, which is based on a true one (Johnny did bore me about the details but I forget what he told me!). The filming is quite dark as are parts of the story, but the dark filmography really works in this case. The acting is as you would think given the cast, Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber (not the kitchen) & the delectable Jamie Bell (he gets more gorgeous with each movie). The story is quite moving & more so given you know its based on fact. The locations are obviously well thought out, the costumes are very well put together. All in all a good watch.

Slumdog Millionaire

At last a Ronseal movie. This one is one to go & see. Its really entertaining, the acting is good, great storyline. The photography is breath taking & the direction really shines through. Its Danny Boyle movie so you go in with high expectations & as ever he doesn’t disappoint. Its also a really unique storyline, well told. Its got seamless scenes & the way the story unfolds keeps you watching this one, from the minute it starts it has you wanting to watch more. The music score is also very well thought out & some great music, old & new are used to really excel this movie into the great category. If you see one movie this week, see this one.

Spirit

What a disappointing couple of days I had with movies. I rarely fall asleep in movies or want to leave before the movie finishes, but this one I did both. How UI managed to stay awake, my eyes did close a few times, or not leave I don’t understand. This is set in the style of Dick Tracey & the art, production is really good. The use of colours is spellbinding but the positive points end there. This is as predictable as watching paint dry & as interesting. The only plus point is Samuel L Jackson but even he cant save this one. It is cheesy but not in the cool cheesy way that could make it a cult, maybe another word with similar spelling. Watch at your peril.

Bedtime Stories

So yet again this is a caseofIwanted to go movies but didn’t get to choose the movie. This one is exactly what you expect from a ‘family movie’ if by family they mean for the kids. It is about these two kids who live with a strict mother, the husband has had the good sensetoleave the bitch. So they, the kids, go & stay with their uncle, who is immature & lives for fun, which explains why he is a glorified cleaner. So in the process of this movie, he learns from the kids they learn from him, he saves the day & gets the girl. Pile of rubbish if you are over 8 in my opinion. I am aghast that Adam Sandleridsmanaging to make worse movies all the time, quite an accomplishment!

The Reader

What a contrast this movie is from the one below. This movie stars Kate Winslet, who is amazing in this, Ralph Fiennes, though not in it as much as you would think given his calibre & a young German actor called David Kross. The acting is astounding, the plot I wont give away, but I have to say that when I went in I had read the synopsis so knew the basic plot & would never have believed I would end up with a feeling of compassion for Winslets character but the story is so well written & beautifully acted that you do in fact feel compassion for her. This movie really touched me & I would wholly recommend it to anyone. However, if you are a prude then I wouldn’t go & see this as there is a fair amount of nudity in it, fantastic!

Tales Of Despereaux

I know I know, I didn’t want to see this one & believe me it was not my choice, I wont embarrass the person who chose the film by saying who it was. Anyway P & I went along & I have to say I was surprised by the amount of A list names lending their voices to this one. The good points end there. Slushy, typical Disney cartoon (Is it a Disney?). Didn’t enjoy it at all. To make matter worse there was a kid of about 6 sitting opposite who had a voice louder then mine, I know I didn’t think it possible either, asking her mother stupid questions all through the whole movie, like it is hard to keep up with the plot. The fucking mother answered her as well, I would have said ’shut the fuck up you little shit’. Guess I am not cut out to be a father!!!

Yes Man

I went along to this one as I usually do, not expecting much. I thought, Jim Carey so will be him being elastic and using amusing, in his opinion, voices. There is some of that but it seems he has realised that he has utilised that formula as far as he can as this is a different genre of comedy than he usually uses. It does have the rubbish American slush bit that I so loathe, nut it also is pretty amusing in quite a few places. It has quite a few original ideas & I had a good time watching this one.

Twilight

As with the film below it’s pretty obvious what is going to happen in this film. But the cast are excellent, yes the fact they are very easy on the eye (especially the vampire called Jasper). The photography is amazing, in one part you can clearly see the pattern of a guys coat, it’s very crisp & clear, the filming not the coat, though that’s quite nice too. Despite the fact that we have all seen this type of film before & its not much new it is one that I thoroughly enjoyed & would go see again, so it gets a picture

A Bunch of Amateurs

I went into this movie sceptical and not expecting much. It is predictable & corny. But on the plus side, yes there is one, it is pretty amusing in places & I did actually laugh often. The cast is well chosen & they are all very good, this helps to make the film better than you would think. It’s another film that you should go see if you have seen everything you want to & want some light amusement.

Inkheart

This is a pretty good movie to just sit & enjoy. It’s got a mainly British cast led by the wonderful Helen Mirren, and so as you would expect it’s pretty good in the acting stakes. The story is quite unusual and it moves along at a good pace, not boring but slow enough you easily keep up. A pretty good watch.

The Day The Earth Stood Still

I went in not expecting much from this movie. But was really amazed as it is really good, I enjoyed the whole movie, & there is hardly any time given to the usual American sentiment crap bits. I am a tad biased as am a Keanufan, more to look at him than his acting skills obviously. Though he is ideal for this role as plays a alien with not much personality & no charisma, his standard acting as we know. The effects are really good & the story is pretty enjoyable, a bit predictable of course. But the whole package is a very enjoyable two hours. Go see.

Lakeview Terrace

This is quite a familiar story, couple move in and have neighbour from hell. Though this one has a couple of good variations on the theme. I enjoyed this movie as it doesn’t have too much violence but the story moves at a nice pace, it’s got good direction and the acting is good, as you would expect from Jackson. I would recommend it.

Transporter 3

Some good action sequences in this movie but nothing you will not have already seen. Is quite an enjoyable movie, it easy viewing and good to just sit and chill, doesn’t take much thinking but isn’t boring at same time

Changeling

I had heard a lot of hype about this movie and the words Academy award had been banded around, so I went in expecting to be let down. I am more than happy to say that this is one of the very few movies in recent times that live up to its hype. I am rarely moved by a movie (probably as I see so many I have become a little jaded, oh and I am naturally cynical) but this one did move me. The acting is amazing, Malkovichis simply amazing as support and Jolie, though I am loathed to admit it, is extraordinary in it. I won’t ruin the plot but it is a true story and very well told. Eastwood has a reputation for making really good, thought provoking and well filmed movies, and this is one to add to the list. Go see it. Oh and yes, I loved the clothes, wardrobe if being technical

What Just Happened

This is kind of a weird one as it has some good actors and the acting is good. But you kind of have that feeling that you have seen it all before and that it could be better. De Niro gives another good performance, but it doesn’t quite save this movie, another to see if nothing better on.

Madagascar 2

what can I say, it is what it says, a child’s movie. I have to say the first one was quite amusing, this like so many sequels leans far too much on the storyline of the original. A few amusing lines though. See it if nothing else on.

Quantum of Solace

After Casino Royale being so good, I went with big expectations and some excitement (well Daniel Craig isn’t ugly is he). I really wanted to like this movie, but can’t say I enjoyed it. It is just very disjointed with not much of a storyline and really felt it was a let down, didn’t flow at all.

Easy Virtue

Amusing in places though rather predictable, think the saving grace of this one is Colin Firth, the rest seem a little cardboard and whoever cast Ben Barnes was obviously thinking lower than their heads, nice to look at but no Gielgud. Still it is nice if you want something light and amusing.

Burn After Reading

This is a weird one, it’s quite funny, quite entertaining, and quite confusing, but it all seems to come together at the end. Its one of those you need to pay attention to. Good to watch though.

Body of Lies

Rather predictable and just what you would expect, it really reminds me of another movie but I can remember which one. That said I enjoyed it, it has a good twist and the acting is good, the story I liked as well, I would go see it again.

Quarantine

Can’t say that much about this one. The same thing happens in different rooms of the house, so you know what is coming, acting isn’t great, and you know exactly what the end is going to be. The film could easily have been half as long and it still would be rubbish.

Death Race

quite good, but very predictable, you are kind of one step ahead of the film.

Taken

fantastic, I really enjoyed this one, action is good & Liam Nielson is great in it, so much so I watched it twice.

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

funny, as you would expect from Simon Pegg, & good to see him back on track after Fat boy.

88 Minutes

After the disappointment of righteous kill this was really good, a excellent thriller & I didn’t guess who was the killer, Al Pacino redeemed himself well & truly.

Brideshead Revisited