Shall I See This Movie

Surrogates

2009-10-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

A very disappointing film today. Bruce is well passed his sell-by-date and it is predictable hollywood claptrap!! Don't bother!!

The Firm

2009-09-20T08:05:00.001-07:00

Another earthy, urban angst ridden film today and I really enjoyed this one. The remake of the Al Ashton's original screenplay, The Firm draws you into the world of football hooliganism and eighties 'Casual' fashion trends. NIck Love (Football Factory) directs a superb cast of eighties ICF members. Staring the fantastic Paul Anderson and boyish charm of Calum McNab we are invited into the inner sanctum of the 'The Lord Nelson' pub and the fighting fans of West Ham United.

This was done so well, with cars, clothes and music spot on. Although not everybody's taste...I really thought the violence wasn't too shocking and it had a BIG moral ending....Nice!!

Fish Tank

2009-09-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

Directed by Andrea Arnold (Red Road) and staring Michael Fassbender (Eden Lake), Kierston Wareing and Katie Jarvis (unknown and discovered arguing with boyfriend on train). This is a gritty hard watch.....with more chills than thrills.....and makes you feel lucky at your fortunate upbringing!!! Not for the light hearted!!

Dorian Gray

2009-09-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Staring the brilliant Colin Firth (very sinister in this) and Ben Barnes (Stardust and Nania fame) this is an Oliver Parker film based on the novel by Oscar Wilde. Very Gothic in character and visually erotic, this is tale of eternal youth and the 'ties that bind'.

After a picture is painted, Dorian Gray is tutored into the dark world of lust and desire by Colin Firth, where he engages in every type of carnal pleasure known to man. While those around Gray meet terrible ends.....he remains for ever young.....the only sign of the sins committed is the gradual change/disfiguring of the painting, now stored in the attic.

Although a dark tale, there is fair bit of truth about the effect of sin on the human condition, with fantastic lines delivered with wit and wisdom. The only criticism is the lack redemption offered by the predictable ending.....sad but hollywood....and no understanding of grace!!!

Defiance

2009-08-23T09:03:00.001-07:00

Saw this wonderful film last night and thoroughly enjoyed it....great cast (Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell, George MacKay).....brilliant director Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, Last Samauri) and such a fantastic subject matter. A couple of years ago I saw a Ray Mears documentary about the Belarus forest based Jewish resistance and was interested simply because I teach a lot of Jewish Genocide in year 9 and I am always being asked why the Jews didn't fight back.

Although this film is gritty, harrowing and leaves little to the imagination......it is a real watcher and almost a right of passage for anyone wanting to understand our past to understand our future.....great film!!

The Hurt Locker

2009-08-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

Got to see this great movie early through the seefilmfirstwebsite last night (two weeks early) and really enjoyed it. In the style of Platoon or Jarheads this was a typical, frank and honest view on war. From it's gritty beginning to it's predictable end the film shows the horrors and yet the humaness of war!!

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (K19 and Pointbreak) and staring Jeremy Renner (think american Daniel Craig) the film follows the a small unit of bomb disposal experts and a renegade officer (Renner) on the varied bombs of modern day Baghdad (car, body and suicide). With a surprising appearance of Ralph Fiennes this is a great 'Boys' movie!! Although it wont get on my 'Movies of the year' list it was banging on the door!!

The Proposal

2009-08-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

I was put off by some of the reviews of this film and particularly Sandra Bullock and while I agree the best film she has ever appeared in was Crash, I thought she pulled off a really good, up tight, career minded, spinster Editor.......who is hated by everybody in the office and dominates her poor PA (Ryan Reynolds)!!

OK, it had elements of Green Card and While you were Sleeping but for a excuse to pop out to the cinema on a cheap date with the wife is was perfectly enjoyable....and judging by the laughter from the rest of screen 2....most people were enjoying too!!

I can't remember a single line or scene from the film but we were still laughing about it on the way home.....can't be bad!!!

Mesrine

2009-08-08T07:15:00.001-07:00

This sub-titled french language film was a real surprise to me! I don't often watch foreign cinema unless It has been highly recommended but other than chick flicks and robot movies, there was nothing of interest at my multiplex.

It was a real pleasure to sit through a stunning film like Mesrine and be completely lost in the character and story line. Mesrine tell the notorious story (well half of it) of the French bank robber and gangster Jacques Mesrine. Although this film could be seen as glorifying of a criminal....I think it was more complicated than that. The director (Jean-François Richet) is at pains to show us the back story (Mesrine time in Algiers), not to excuse his behaviour but more to explain it.

It is brutally honest in it's story line, yet has a interesting, comedic element, not taking things too seriously!! As I have already said, I really enjoyed this film and felt is was almost 'Godfather' in it's sheer brilliance. Vincent Cassel is truely awesome as Mesrine and Gérard Depardieu is nothing like his 'Green Card' days.......fab movie.....can't wait to part two!!

The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3

2009-08-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

A great Tony Scott remake of the 1970 subway heist.....Staring the brilliant Denzel Washington and he fantastic baddy John Travolta this is must see summer movie. I really enjoyed the pace of the film and although the predictable outcome of goody beating baddy.....it was very entertaining and the best Travolta movie in a very long time.

Ice Age 3

2009-07-21T14:27:00.001-07:00

Here we go again......and again.....and again.....and to be honest, it really didn't hold the attention of my 8 and 5 year old. It wasn't without laughs and here was an reassuring familiarness about the characters and the back story......but it was 'Cash Cow' and it got £20 of my money tonight!!

Public Enemies

2009-07-21T14:17:00.001-07:00

I have always been a fan of Michael Mann and found 'Heat' still to be the most amazing Cops and Robbers movie ever made. It is true that no one does gunfights like Mann and in his latest installment "Public Enemies' has the same spirit of gun battles from his previous incarnations....but sadly there was something missing from this film.....and I don't know what!!?

Whether it was the digital camera work that didn't work with this genre of movie, or the behemoth that is 'Jonny Depp' on screen presence.....or the wooden 'Christian Bale' acting that was painful (what has happened to him....terminator terminated his abilty) to watch, I just don't know......but very disappointing!!!

The Crystal Skull

2009-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

When you have an 8 year old who is obsessed with the Indiana Jones character and a Love film account that sends you this drivel you have no choice but to be put through 90 mins of pain and torture. I grew up on the franchise and throughly enjoyed each of the previous films (when Harrison Ford was still alive) but this was completely stupid. Fridges that protect from atom bombs and alien spaceship buried under the Inca pyramids.......all the fun of the previous three was lost in this ......plainly stupid forth......there just was no need and as Kermode tells us, they should throughly ashamed of themselves!!!

The Hangover

2009-06-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

It was as a last resort that I bought my cineworld ticket for the Hangover. I normally avoid these american, brash road movies involving terrible behaviour and a last gasp attempt at singlehood before the boredom of marriage......BUT......I was pleasently surprised by this film that focusses not on the events of the night but the consequences there after.

I don't think it had a high moral lesson for us all, or some deep meaningful message for the whole of MANkind......it was very funny and had one or two interesting twists and turns. Directed by Todd Phillips (Old school fame) and starring a number of unknown actors (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha) the film was a real surprise and welcome relief from the current stock of Robot films hitting each other loudly!!

2012

2009-06-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

Stop building Olympic stadium.....stop paying for your mortgage........stop paying in to that pension plan.....it's all over in 2012

Terminator Salvation

2009-06-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

I actually fell asleep in this film....I think it had Christian Bale in it and I think it was directed by Mc G.....but quite frankly....who cares!!

Manhattan

2009-06-15T22:41:00.001-07:00

A bit of the 'emperors new clothes' here. I was reliably informed that this was a 'classic' film (by cineworld) so I sat through 92 mins of Woody Allen windging and moaning about his life and loves......totally bored out of my head.....I feel cheated of an 90 mins of my life....Allen expect a bill.....in the post!!

Hurt Locker

2009-06-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

This looks a great August movie

Signs

2009-06-08T07:03:00.001-07:00

Not quite a golden oldie....but not far off. This M Night Shyamalan at his best with brilliant cast of Mel Gibson and the unknown at the time Joaquin Phoenix. The story centres on an ex-Priest who loses his faith through the tragic death of his wife in a car accident. Left to bring up his two children, Gibson calls on the help on his younger brother (Phoenix). All is well in the atheist household until strange crop circles start to appear in the corn fields around the farm.

The film really builds to a finger snipping climax and is tied neatly up with a coming back to faith. Whilst nothing is too deep theologically, I do think it raises the whole question of proof and signs....and ultimately faith really. For those of us who are always looking for new media to tell an ancient story, there is loads here for the youth group!! It is shame Shyamalan didn't continue this great work!!

Coraline

2009-05-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

I think that I might regret taking the kids to see this film today. This was a genuinely scary movie that....disturbed my 8 and 5 year old. I don't think it was the story, that basically came down to the fact that Parents are doing their best.....and children don't really understand that as much as they wish they had another set of parents....they can't do better!!
I don't think it was the animation that enhanced the 3D effect no end.......I think it was basically the whole theme of the film, dark and surreal. I can understand this fear I it reminded me of 'The Blue Cat' which was a feature length 'Magic Roundabout' film that totally freaked me out when I was 8 (I am hoping my children are made of tougher stuff).

Directed by Henry Salik (James and Giant Peach, Nightmare before Christmas) and voices of Decota Fanning and Dawn French this film starts in a nice enough way....but quickly slips into surreal, strangeness!!! I still don't think I got the whole story of the sister that went missing and the doorway into another world...but I certainly won't be looking at button in the same way.

Not for the faint hearted (whatever their age!!)

Star Trek

2009-05-08T02:56:00.001-07:00

It was with much interest that I entered the Luton cinema, took my seat for the new JJ Abrams movie 'Star Trek'. Although I have had a passing interest in the franchise of Star Trek, New Generation, Deep Space 9, Enterprise......I could never really be called a Trekie!! However, with the modern day CGI and the Abrams behind the wheel I was really excited to view this visual feast on the 'Big Screen' and I wasn't disappointed!!

This film fills in the 'Back story' (the movie talk for what happened before the original 1960's series) of Captian James T Kirk, Spock Bones and Scotty. Kirk played by Chris Pine is an angry young man addicted to adrenalin and fleeing the memory of his dead father (previous captain of the USS Enterprise) who is persuaded to enlist in the federation as a cadet.......the story unfolds at pace and each character has a sizable chunk of back story and dialogue to establish their character. Scotty, played by the brilliant Simon Pegg (Run fat boy Run, How to lose friends......fame) is the stand out actor and is simply fed the best lines of the film.

Abrams tells a good story and the CGI's are spectacular (Volcan planet imploding) and I really enjoyed the whole experience. a well spent 121 minutes!!!

Faith Like Potatoes

2009-05-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

Directed by Regardt van den Bergh and staring Frank Rautenbach this tells the story of a second generation Scot (first generation white African) who resettles from Zambia to Zulu lands of South Africa. This hot headed farmer has the lives of his family at stake as he works the land and scolds the locals. The marriage is the rocks when suddenly the family attend a Methodist evangelism crusade and whole family turn to God.

With praying for rain and healing of a dead girl, this new found faith is 'Life Changing!'

State of Play

2009-04-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

The State of Play is conspiracy waiting to be uncovered, staring brilliant Russell Crowe and directed by Kevin Mc Donald (touching the void and Last King of Scotland). This film is based on the BBC mini series and definitely feels like it.....at over 2 hours the story rambles along with no sign of pace....the brilliant Crowe looks nothing like his former self (muscle bulging Gladiator) but he is definitely the right casting (Brad Pitt was originally picked for this part).

I suppose the mark of a good conspiracy movie is how much you think about it afterwards....and I havn't thought about it at all....which says something really. The outstanding moment was the surprise of the Orange man turning up halfway through.....normally only seen in spoof Orange mobile phone ads this did make me laugh......and gave me hope that in the film industry anything is possible really!!!!

17 Again

2009-04-19T01:06:00.001-07:00

17 Again is the new vehicle for Zch Efron (Troy from HSM fame) and I have to say....he does really well. Directed by Burr Steers and staring the brilliant Thomas Lennon (night at the museum and Reno 911) as the slight geeky older friend and adopted Father of Zach.

This story has been done before in the film 'Big' but still has a charm all of it's own. The show stealer Lennon, he is one for the future, as is Zach of course!!

Son of Rambow

2009-04-19T00:55:00.001-07:00

Son of Rambow is a great little british movie written and directed by Garth Jennings, who directed 'The Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy' and stared in 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Shaun of the Dead'. The story centre's on Joshua and Will, two school pupils who are on the edge of education (Johua thro his terrible behaviour and Will thro his strict plymouth brethen family belief's).

The friendship formed through a joined love for the 80's action hero 'Rambo' and the boys set about making their own film about the character. If you grew up in the 80's you will really enjoy the retro hair, music and style of that era. There is great French exchange student part that really adds to the film.

A really good 'feel good' movie!!

Monsters V's Alien

2009-03-28T08:53:00.001-07:00

Took the kids to their first 3D movie (see my thoughts of 3D here) and what a film! Directed by Rob Letterman (Shrek, writer of Shark Tales) and Conrad Vernon (actor voice of untold animation characters) this was a fantastic movie for the whole family with a whole host of stars doing the voices (Reece Witherspoon, Seth Rogan, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland). This Dreamworks picture is very clever, with so many tributes to the world of Sci-Fi 'B' movies (The Blob, The Creature from the Blue Lagoon, the 100 ft woman) this was thoroughly enjoyed by all three of us.

There are so many 'parent' lines that fly over the heads of our children, yet really add to the film. Weather it was worth the extra £1.50 to see it in 3D......without a doubt the enjoyment is doubled and it kept my 5 year old transfixed (as well as dodging the falling glass and meteorites). A great Easter movie for the whole family. Thoroughly enjoyed by all!!

Knowing

2009-03-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

Movie of the week.....CGI laden.....maybe a brainless flick.....but willing to find out!!!

Bronson

2009-03-17T14:50:00.001-07:00

When does art imitate life and life imitate art? Bronson is no doubt art, but how close to the real life of Charlie Bronson it really was....I just don't know? Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (writer of the Pusher series) and staring the incredible Tom Hardy (RockNroller and Sucker Punch) Bronson tell the story of the enigma that is Charlie Bronson, the most dangerous prisoner in Britain, not the Story of Michael Peterson, but rather the character that is Bronson.

I was blown away by the fantastic character acting that went into the lead role and detail of his bitter sweet smile and incredible intensity of his persona! Although an 18 and full of fight scenes, I thought that the action was effective yet not offensive (but that might just be me!!) I saw this film with a friend who actually meet Michael Peterson whilst working for the prison service and he was quick to point out the bits that the film left out.....but then we need to remember that the story isn't called 'Peterson' but 'Bronson' and with that sentiment a lot can be forgiven.

Final point was the mention of Luton (Bronson's home town and mine for the past 15 years!!) see my other Blogs for thoughts on this here

Watchmen

2009-03-15T06:56:00.001-07:00

Stylized drizzle.....2 hours 45 minutes of self-indulgent rubbish....'effects' driven and with SO much to say...it said nothing at all!!

Calling all Trekies

2009-03-09T07:52:00.001-07:00

J.J. Abrams does Star Trek for the naughties, trailer here

Grand Torino

2009-03-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

You might be forgiven for thinking that this is just another revenge killer, Dirty Harry in the naughties....but this is so much more than that. Set in Detroit it follows the fortunes of Walt Kowalski, a retired Polish car worker mourning the death of his wife and struggling with his old neighborhood turning into a haven for Mung refugee's. Eventually Walt befriends his new neighbors and becomes very close with the two teenage children.

Directed by the legend that is Clint Eastwood, this film tackles so many issues, from gangs and teenagers, to revenge and sacrifice, to immigration and community. As well as all these huge issues, it manages to get the whole cinema laughing. Clint is a master Director and anyone standing alongside him struggles to hold up to his years of experience. Although it is Directed and staring himself, I cannot think of anyone else who could have played this character so well. This is my favourite film of 2009 (so far) and I thoroughly enjoyed it pace and storytelling.

For all those youth workers out there.....the sacrificial death scene was definitely worth showing to your youthgroup (check it for bad language first).

The International

2009-03-02T22:17:00.001-08:00

Directed by Tom Tykwer and written by Eric Singer, the International follows a washed up Interpol inspector on the track of a corrupt international bank that has it's fingers in too many pies (money laundering, murder, political unrest and rebel activity in small African states). Luis Salinger (Clive Owen) is a headstrong interpol agent with a history of trying to take down this bank (without much success). The story-line plods for at least 3/4 of the film and then in a German Art gallery it explodes into a 'Heat' type gun fight with bullets and blood galore!!!

There is something about Clive Owen that always makes me think of a wooden school play........but great guns 'n blood!!!

In The Valley of Elah

2009-02-17T14:50:00.001-08:00

Directed by Paul Haggis (writer of the screenplay of both Quantum of Solace and Crash) and staring the brilliant Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron, this film follows (very slowly) the story of a father's searching for the reason for his sons death!! Although Jones is brooding and Theron is driven.....the narrative is slow and ponderous.......the story unfolds slowly with very little urgency. The outcome is not at all surprising and lacks some real twist!!! Not a great night in!!!

Notorious

2009-02-17T12:00:00.001-08:00

Directed by George Tillman Jr (Men of Honour, Soul food) and staring Jamal Willard and Derek Luke, Nortious tells the story of 'Notorious B.I.G.' the East coast rapper who was killed in the West Coast/East Coast feud of the 90's!! This film show the rise from the Bronx of Christopher Wallace from a life of single parent, drug pushing and brief stays in prison....oh and he is also an amazing rapper!!

Not being a fan of the this type of music, or having a great understanding of the story behind the 2Pac/Notorious B.I.G. killings, I really enjoyed this film. It was great to see a real talent develop in unlikely circumstances and how music lifts people out of drugs, crime and 'da street'!! The film tends to paint a sympathetic picture of B.I.G. and it was only after walking away from the cinema and thinking about his short life....which consisted of drug pushing, sleeping with as many women as possible, fathering 2 children, spending time in prison......it is celebrity worship to be honest....but a good watch!!

Revolutionary Road

2009-02-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

There must something in the whole world of Oscar nominated films......English Patient, Lost in Translation and now Revolutionary Road.......I just find them so very very sad!! Now I like my serious film watching and can sit through any kind of angst ridden plot.....but these Oscar wannabe's are just so sad.

Directed by the brilliant Sam Mendes (Jarhead, Road to Perdition, American Beauty) and staring the on-screen chemistry that is Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winset, the film follows the decent of Frank and April Wheeler as they slide into midlle-aged, middle-classed middle earth. With the inspiration of selling up and moving to Paris to 'start again' this film or rather this couple slowly start to fall apart with an un-wanted pregnancy, promotions and affairs!!

The mood is lightened (only slightly) by Michael Shannon who plays the insane son of a friend of the family, who speaks non-sense as well as wisdom to varying degree's.......a brilliant performance and one to look out for!!

Igor

2009-02-01T10:07:00.001-08:00

Whilst on a top trip to Southampton with the family we took in the brilliant Cineworld kids deal where Saturday at 10am the kids go for £1. Unfortunately the films on offer wern't brilliant but we went for Igor (pronounced 'E'gor) Directed by Anthony Leondis ( Emperors New Clothes, Lilo and Stitch and Home on the Range) and the voices of John Cusack, John Cleese and Eddie Izzard the story centres on a world of Evil Scientists and their humpbacked assistant 'Igor'. Though the film has very funny characters (the suicidal cat monster) the film is written on the dark side of world and celebrates evil rather than good. Although in the end, good overcomes.....there is 70-80 minutes of evil that has to be sat through......wait til DVD!!

There will be Blood

2009-01-26T06:33:00.000-08:00

The Brilliant Daniel Day Lewis is in wonderful form in this turn of the century oil movie. From the first frame you are under no illusion of how hard these men and women worked to find, drill and transport this 'black gold'. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Blossoms and Blood, Punch Drunk Love) and also staring Martin Stringer, this is parable of ambition, greed and passion for money!! Daniel Day Lewis plays Plainview, the power crazy oil man, his rise and then demise....one thing for certain....there is blood!!!

Slumdog

2009-01-19T12:54:00.001-08:00

Even after all the hype, this film was simply stunning from the first frame to the last. You can literally smell the slums of Mumbia as the children flee from the police in the opening scenes, you can taste the tension of the "who wants to be a millionaire" show as Jamal cruises to the final question.

Directed by Danny Boyle (Sunshine, Millions, 28 days later, Shallowgrave) this film is so beautifully crafted that you are carried through the narrative of street children, murder and gang land killings as well as unbreakable true love!! You can forgive the slightly cheesey ending simply because of the journey the film has taken you on!!

Although this is not a romantic comedy and at times, is very shocking, it is simply the best film I have seen in a long time!!! You MUST see this film in a cinema!!!

Man on Wire

2009-01-16T23:31:00.001-08:00

Whilst speaking at a retreat this week I had the opportunity to see this much talked about documentary 'Man on Wire'. Directed by James Marsh (The King, The Team) and featuring Phillippe Petit, the thrill seeking, dare devil, tight rope walking Frenchman. This brilliant documentary tells the story of the 1976 coup of a tight rope walk between the twin towers in New York. The film uses flash backs to tell the story of how Phillippe learned his trade in his back garden (more like a meadow), then went on the walk a rope between Notra Dame and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, honing his skills as he went. Eventually after much planning, Philippe walked the rope between the two towers of the World Trade Centre......quite an amazing visual stunt!!! For a documentary, this film is simply outstanding!!

There are two things about this film that disturbed me, the first is the fact that the World Trade Centre is no longer there!! This stunt could never be performed again!! Although the 911 attack is never mentioned, it is constantly in the mind of the watcher and I think this film, in a sad way, celebrates the construction that was WTC. The second thing that was upsetting was the way his best friend and co-conspirator John-Louis-Blondeau seemed to have fallen out after this stunt, never to speak again. The film hinted that life after the stunt was never the same for Phillippe.........but those around him returned to obscurity.

A really good film to watch, if you are inspired by single minded ambition, then this film will fire you up....simply stunning!!!

High School Trilogy

2009-01-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

This sugar-coated cult movie (3) that has recruited my 4 year old....help!!!

Yes Man

2008-12-22T00:13:00.003-08:00

Yes Man is another one of those movies that allows Jim Carey to be Jim Carey and do the Jim Carey thing. He stumples and falls, pulls amazing facial expressions, gets himself into all sorts of terrible dilemmas.......all through saying the simple little word 'YES'!!

Directed by Peyton Reed (Breakup and Down with Love) and staring Sir Jim, Zooey Deschael (The Happening, The Assignation of Jesse James), Bradley Jones (NIp and Tuck), this straight to DVD movie has enough laughs to keep you going but is instantly forgettable (apart from the OAP neighbour scene....that will haunt me for a while).

The interesting quesion I have is....what if I said yes to everything.....then suddenly with Christmas in Churches....I realise I had said yes....to everything.........to carol services, holiday clubs, choirs, readings, dramas........it's just that I don't get the offer of skydiving, learn to fly a plane, buggee jumps..........Happy Christmas everyone....see you in Australia (the Film by the way....not the place!!! Although if you are offering...YES!!)

Twilight

2008-12-19T08:29:00.001-08:00

Really enjoyed this movie today and felt it was a great teenage vampire film in the vein of 'Interview with a Vampire' and 'The Lost Boys'. From the director of 'The Nativity Story' , 'Lords of Dogtown' and 'Thirteen' Catherine Hardwicke comes a brooding teenage horror flick with many humorous insights into teenage angst and the parenting of teenagers. Staring Kirsten Stewart (Jumper and into the Wild) and Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter, order of the Phoenix and Goblet of Fire) this love story grows slowly through brooding teenage angst and the restraint of temptation.

The Cinema was full of teenagers making the most of the early finish for the christmas holidays and they certainly enjoyed the film, laughing at the Billy Burke (Ladder 39) as the long suffering father figure!! A strong recommendation for this film if you are a teenager, know teenagers or can remember being a teenager!!

No Country for Old Men

2008-12-17T12:13:00.001-08:00

Another outing for the Coen brothers and this time they are feeling mean and moody. Set near the Rio Grande, hunter Llewelyn Moss discovers the remains of several drug runners and the cash, instead of telling police, he decides to keep it himself but this a psychopathic killer, Anton Chigurh, on his trail. This intense road movie is not for the light-hearted.

With brilliant performances from Tommy Lee Jones as the worn out sheriff, Javier Bardem as the evil psychopathic killer and Josh Brolin as the pursued chancer Llewelyn Moss. In the sickly sweet month of December......this is a welcome dstraction!!

Madagascar 2

2008-11-29T13:56:00.001-08:00

We are avid fans of the first Madagascar film, having watched thousands of times (i jest not....) so the second installment was long for and ultimately enjoyed today. Picking up the story from Madagascar 1 the four friends, together with random penguins, king of the Lemurs and some intelligent chimps set out for NY in a battered plane, but only make it as far as the Mara!! It is aginst this back drop that our four main characters discover there is more to being an animal than being in a zoo, but they are part of a wider community, a wider species and ultimately 'born to be wild'. With animation that is quite simply out of this world and script writing that is plainly aimed at the bored parents....a brilliant Christmas movie for the whole family.

Juno

2008-11-09T08:51:00.001-08:00

Not since 'Once' have I enjoyed a film as much as Juno. Brilliantly directed by Jason Reitman (Thank you for smoking, The office USA) and staring the fantastic Ellen Page (X-Men:The last Stand, Hard Candy) who plays a teenager in turmoil.......recently becoming pregnant, she goes through the angst of abortion or adoption with querky humour and zanny soundtrack!!! Brilliantly written by Diablo Cody with award winning performances......heart warming, yet hard hitting!!!

Step up 2

2008-11-09T05:31:00.003-08:00

A blast of beautiful people, loud dance music and fantastic (almost unbelievable) dancing.......Step up 2 is twice as good. Formulaic, teenage angst.....with a whole lot of dancing!! Beats Saturday TV (after strictly of course!!).

Zathura

2008-11-09T04:52:00.001-08:00

Really enjoyed this film, whilst under a blanket on the sofa with a poorly 7 year old. The basic story is of a single parent (Tim Robins) struggling to work and look after his 3 children. Eventually a old mechanical game is found by Danny in cellar and after the 'Go' button is press all fantasy, space adventure is unleashed within the house (which becomes a spaceship). This is a great movie for the family (even one quarantined with the lurgie) and was enjoyed by 4 year olds, 7 year olds, 40 year olds and (she would kill me if I told you how old). A brilliant central performance by Jonah Bobo and Josh Hutcherson and fantastically directed by Jon Favreau. The film was based on an illustrated book by Chris Van Allsburg, author of Jumanji and you can really see the theme.......well worth a look.

Bond is back....well sort of!!

2008-11-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

The thing with Bond is that you just have to see it....whether the Times movie review gives it just one star, or if Mark Kermode gives it a poor review, you just have to go and see it....that was me and at least 40 other people today when I took 121 minutes out of my life to watch the latest installment.

In terms of the action, it was splendid, in terms of the effects, it was bursting with stunts and action, in terms of grit, it was grittier than the first..............in terms of story, it was poor!! It was more Bourne than Bond, but without the strong story thread that held those 3 fantastic films together. I am lost as to the Quantum Solace....I am still clueless was to what or who they were.....in terms of baddies....he was far too short to take over the world!!

Of course it will make an absolute fortune at the cinema, from the product placement and the video game ( that came out the same day as the film) but it certainly isn't the best 121 minutes in your life!!

The girl with pearl earrings

2008-10-25T10:49:00.001-07:00

Fashionably late again, but managed to see this film last night. Directed by first time movie maker, Peter Webber, staring Scarlet Johansson and Colin Firth, this is broading film of desire, lust and passion. The story centres on the painter Johannes Vermeer and his maid who becomes his talented assistant and the model for one of his most famous works (the girl with pearl earrings).

The film has no real pace to it and struggles to tell the story because of this. Firth is, as usual, amazing as the imprisoned artist who longs to paint the perfect picture, held captive by commissions that feed his ever increasing family. Johannson is this innocent yet curious maid who is given access to the studio of Johannes and there companionship begins, builds (slowly) and boils over to the rack and ruin of Vermeer's family.

An interesting enough story....but takes a long time to tell it!! 5 of 10.

The Orphanage

2008-10-12T05:56:00.003-07:00

I was warned that this was a scary movie by many of my friends....so on Thursday night, with a nice pizza and pint of beer I sat down to enjoy the experience of a spanish style 'fright night'. I must say, I am not a horror fan and would never see 'The Exocist' but I do enjoy an intelligent thriller, unfortunately this isn't!!

Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona but presented by Guillermo del Toro (Hell boy 1&2, Pans fame) i was expecting much more than I got. It was a formulaic horror movie with scene setting beginning, the creepy old nurse in the middle, the rambling house and the spooky dressed kid.....but nothing more really! I am not saying there weren't times of shocking horror, but the pace and the ending was completely lame!! It was neither intelligent nor twisted (in a thriller kind of way...you understand). I would give movie no more than 5/10.

The boy in striped pyjama's

2008-10-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

I know this book (written by John Boyne) is studied in year 9 where I teach and I had heard a lot about this film before seeing it this week. The whole story line is a little unusual with a German commander given the job of overseeing a concentration camp and taking his family with him. Story is written from the point of view of the 8 year old son (Bruno) and his observations of his new life and family home.

He quickly meets and befriends an 8 year old prisoner from the camp and the through this friendship, the gradual realisation of the camp and what it's purpose is revealed to the audiences. Although unbelievable in places (children weren't put in those camps.....just killed) this is an excellent film for a teenage audience. Easy to watch and understand, yet loaded with moral dilemma, this is a must for any youth group......just be warned of the shocking ending...which is truly shocking!!

The Bee Movie

2008-10-09T14:32:00.001-07:00

Took the kids to £1 movie deal on Saturday and really enjoyed this film. Never again will i heartlessly swat a fly, squash a wasp or splat a Bee. Directed by Steve Hickler and Simon Smith (previously working with Over the Hedge, Madagascar, Shark Tale) it is an animation feast. With witty writer Jerry Seinfeld (also including the voices) it is a coming of age movie for Barry B Benson, who wants to leave the hive and makes a strong friendship with florist, Vanesa.

My two had seen this once before on DVD at a friends house but in typical kids style, really enjoyed it a second time especially on the big screen. Highly recommended for those wet autumn Saturday mornings.

Tropic Thunder

2008-09-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this film, although the concept really confused me...it was a film about 4 actors, who were playing soldiers, who were really playing themselves, who were really in a combat situation.......but didn't realise it? I THINK!!? By far the best character was the film company giant played by Tom Cruise who stole the show with a filthy lines and fantastic dancing. The action was loud and BIG, the performances were Hollywood.....but the story line didn't totally work for me, I never really knew if the cast truly understood that they weren't in a film and the enemy was really their enemy!!!

A 5 out of 10 for me, basically wait till it comes out on DVD.