Can catching a trip to Italy make for good cinema?

Take two of the hottest stars right now. Add a pinch of one of the most beautiful countries in the world and mix it up with a nice little twist and you have the making of a fun few hours at the cinema. Johnny Depp has become hot property. The dude can act, and due to the amazing success of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (which I don't really care for, give me Edward Scissorhands over it any day) Johnny has been able to have his pick of roles. Angelina Jolie burst onto the scene in one of the biggest ways scooping up an Oscar for her role in Girl, Interrupted (and deserving so). Although her public life is somewhat unusual, there is something about her onscreen presence that gets many peoples butts onto cinema seats. So what happens when you bring two of these actors together for a new movie? You get the new thriller "The Tourist." Was it any good? Read on and find out.

The story goes a little something like this. Angelina Jolie plays Elise Clifton-Ward a British woman who is being followed by some mysterious men. But these men aren't that mysterious as Elise knows perfectly well why they are after her. Elise's lover , Alexander, has stolen over 700 million pounds from a mob boss who the British Intelligence want to take down while also taking down Alexander. Although, they have not the slightest clue what he looks like, following Elise, they feel will lead them to him. With only notes given to her in different ways, Elise is instructed to find someone in similar build and looks who she can set up so that her and her lover can escape without a trace. And here is where "The Tourist" (I love it when a movie says the title of the film) comes into it. Johnny Depp plays Frank, an ordinary 40 something high school math teacher who is going to Italy for a holiday. When he feasts his eyes on Elise, with her beautiful and seductive looks, he does not know what he is about to get himself into. Elise is about to take Frank on a bit of a ride and will soon become a big part in the film. From here on it becomes a game of cat and mouse and mistaken identity. And here is when the movie gets fun. But I am going to stop myself. I'm not going to ruin it for you.

This movie is such a throw back to the old school films from the 50's and 60's. But instead of Cary Grant we have Johnny Depp and instead of Audrey Hepburn we have Angelina Jolie. With minimal blood and guts, over the top action sequences and great chemistry between the two leads, this movie was enjoyable from the start. I guess though Angelina could play this role in her sleep, but it was nice to see Johnny play the all American joe, and really pull it off. Add to the dynamic Timothy Dalton as the head Director of the division assigned to the task, as well as Paul Bettany who you can feel is going to tear his hair out at any moment with the stress these two are causing him, round out the cast nicely.

Directed by Florian Henckle von Donnersmarck (don't ask me how you say it) he uses his third actor perfectly and that is Italy. The cinematography is what really captures this movie and building the action around Italy makes it a perfect companion for the film. The director knows he is making a stylish thriller and allows there to be a bit of comedy mixed with some intense scenes of fun. Finally a movie comes a long which does not use CGI, but can still manage to capture the audiences attention. Congrats to the production team for this.

Did I have as much problems as other reviewers with this movie? Not at all. I have no idea why they are ripping this movie to pieces. It is not boring as many are complaining. ( I didn't hear anyone complain when I left the cinema). There was chemistry. It was interesting. And it has a few twists which I didn't see coming, and I can usually pick them (trust me I have seen a lot of movies). Sometimes, I think reviewers love to finally destroy actors who have been so great for so long and they all get together conspiring to destroy films. To me this movie was not that. Trust me I have seen some of the worst movies this year which critics loved (I am taking about The American the worst movie ever made). Make up you own mind. This movie is perfect holiday fun. It is not going to win any awards, but it will make you enjoy going to the cinema for a few hours for a good popcorn flick. In my opinion it was fun, exciting and a nice throw back to the old school flicks of yesteryear. The Tourist 7.5/10

Stephen Dorff is in fine form in Sophia Coppola's new film, "Somewhere"

Sometimes a role comes a long that a actor with serious potential needs to take on in order for them to get  back in the spotlight they deserve. Stephen Dorff is one of those actors. After showing promise and holding his own against legendary actor Morgan Freeman in The Power of One, Stephen made some horrible choices. Yes he did pop up in a few good movies, (I'm talking about Blade), but mostly this gifted actor got the crap end of the stick with such non-memorable roles in Alone in the Dark, Feardotcom, or even Steal (never heard of them, trust me a lot of people haven't). It has taken 18 years from his breakout role, to gain a role that showed this actor has real talent. That movie is the amazing new film by Sophia Coppala called, "Somewhere." Let me begin.

Somewhere tells the story of Johnny Marco, an A-List actor who has it all. Money, women, peers telling him he is great, big parties the whole Hollywood lifestyle. But behind this amazing world, lays a man who is sad, alone and lives out of a hotel room at the famous Chateau Marmont in Beverly Hills. The only thing that gives him hope and joy is his daughter Cleo (played beautifully by Elle Fanning) whom he get to spend time with on a regular basis, that is until Cleo's mother decides she needs a time-out from her life and leaves Cleo in the hands of Johnny until she decides to return. What we then witness is the bond between father and daughter. The way Hollywood is seen through both an eleven year old girl and her hugely successful father.

Let me start by saying welcome back to fine form Ms Coppola. After the not very successful (and extremely boring) Marie Antoinette, Sophia has found a subject that could easily be anyone of her famous friends and takes the viewer on a ride with them. Also writing the screenplay, this young talented director/writer has used famous landmarks to show the world that many actors may live in. The pacing although slow in some parts, is really what the movie is all about. We may be bored watching Stephen Dorff onscreen while he drives in his Ferrari or while he wades in the luxury pool, but this is how it is meant to feel. The director wants us to feel the boredom of this character as he tries to entertain himself while waiting for his next project. Sophia lets her actors shine in their roles and really should be proud of her movie.

The acting in this movie is the driving force behind the picture. Without the talent and the bond the two main characters have onscreen, this movie would not have worked. The core of the film is a father/daughter story and with the audience not believing this would not be worth continuing. But they do make it work. Stephen and Elle do an amazing job. Stephen (who may not be acting) embodies Johnny and his self-destructive ways, but also shows his caring and nurturing side when playing against his daughter. Elle is not the only famous Fanning who should be receiving praise for her work. This child actor is amazing and brings Cleo, who could have been a spoilt Hollywood brat but doesn't. We get to see her caring side for her father, her patience with him and her disapproving of his lifestyle. These two actors are great. I think we will be seeing more of Ms Elle Fanning real soon. The ending may leave many stumped as it did myself, but I can't stop thinking of it. I won't tell you what happens, but many may interpret it in different ways, which I feel makes a movie a bit more personal for the viewer as it allows them to make up their own mind and what they may have felt the entire way through the film.

This movie may not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it. It is quite a simple story of a man with a privileged lifestyle that only fines joy when he is around his daughter. The directing is done extremely well and the writing (even though many of the scenes sound like they are ad libbed making the movie feel even realer) is well done. The acting is what makes this movie though and the two leads are perfect casting. Lets hope Stephen you don't have to wait another 18 years for a decent script, because dude, you deserve the praise you are receiving for this film.Winner of the 2010 Venice International Film Festival for Best Picture, the movie critics love this film, and so do I. 8/10

Tron:Legacy. Did the huge gamble by Disney pay off?

In 1982, a movie came out that Disney was hoping was going to be a sure fire box office hit. All the ingredients were there. They had cool publicity by inventing a video game of the same name. Use state of the art computer graphics with actors interweaved into the action that audiences had never seen before. But what happened next was not good. The movie bombed, with not much of the general public checking the film out at all, instead staying away in droves. Maybe the movie was too advanced for it's time. Maybe if it had of come out in the 90's it could have done better. But alas, the sad fate fate of Tron never did take off. Although, now seen as a cult classic the movie about a computer programmer actually sucked into his own program has spawned a sequel. Why has this happened? I don't know know I'm not apart of the Disney studios, but let me tell you after watching the new Tron:Legacy film, I think Disney has made a movie that is going to captivate an audience, and with technology the way it is at the moment, is definitely relevant for it's time. Let me begin

Twenty-eight years ago, Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) a computer hacker was sucked into the world of his own program to bring down the evil master control with his Allie Tron a computer program through gladiator games in this high tech 3D world. Fast forward 7 years and Flynn has now had a son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) who every night listened to his fathers journey into the digital world and the challenges he faced with his Allie Tron. However, what Sam doesn't know is that night his father will never be seen again for another 20 years. Moving forward, Sam is now a 27 year old young adrenaline junkie who doesn't want to work for his father's company even though he is the main shareholder in the company. Not knowing or have heard from his father in 20 years, a mysterious page is brought to the attention of Kevin's oldest allie Alan (Bruce Boxleitner reprising the same role as in Tron) who informs Sam that his father is trying to make contact from his old arcade which has not had a working telephone line for over 20 years. What happens next is where the fun begins. Sam discovers his father's secret work station and after inputting a code into the computer program is sucked into the virtual world. But the world is not how Flynn left it. Overrun by the evil Clu (Jeff Bridges again playing this role, but with special effects used on his face to make him look 20 years younger, more on that later) who has turned it into a world where programs are pitted against each other in gladiatorial games. Clu's main priorit is finding the real Flynn, destroying him, and making the computer world his for the taking to embark on a bigger mission (but I am not going to spoil that for you)

All I can say is, "WOW" I loved this movie. Everyone involved should be very happy with what they have achieved. Taking the 1982 concept and inputting it into 2010. With audiences going crazy for footage at this years comic con in San Francisco, I can see why. The visuals is what makes this movie. Once inside the "Grid" as they like to call it, you are sucked into the world along with Sam and can literally feel the huge magnitude of this place. The electric energy that it displays and the fun that you know you are going to witness. First time director Joseph Kosinski has made the action fast, the story interesting without being boring, and paces the movie so that you get to enjoy the world of the Grid without thinking, "Get to the action." I can't explain the visuals they are amazing. The colours are electrifying and pop out on screen thanks to 3D technology. But the clever thing is, before you enter the world of the Grid, everything is 2D (even with your glasses on) and pops into 3D when entering the Grid, making the viewer feel like they too are going to experience everything this world has to offer.

The action scenes are awesome. We have seen the sort of games before in Tron, but Tron:Legacy has taken it that extra bit further and amps it up 100 times. The light cycle scenes are amazing. I can't describe it. They still have the gladiator battles with the discs but take it to the extreme. It is like watching a big music video but cooler. The music adds to this atmosphere. It is like one big adrenaline rush. The movie features the entire soundtrack by Daft Punk, and let me tell you they do not disappoint. Fans of the band will notice it is not similar to their previous work as this is a soundtrack for a movie, but the tracks highlight each scene perfectly and add to the general atmosphere of the movie. Maybe this is where the band will soon branch out.

Now I haven't forgotten the actors. Reprising his role as Kevin Flynn, a now Zen like character, Jeff Bridges brings his surfer slacker laid back attitude to the character like he does in every movie. But for some reason it always work. He is Kevin Flynn, and with the help of CGI is also Clu, a 20 year younger version of Flynn. Bridges allows himself to enjoy being the baddie of the piece without going to far overboard. Adding a bit of sexy heroine is Olivia Wilde as Quorra. Looks like we might have another female kick ass heroin soon. Olivia brings just amount of tough girl attitude, plus a sweet spot for old Flynn and his son, that you can't not help love her. And then there is Garrett Hedlund a actor who you would have seen in many movie, (Georgia Rules, Friday Night Lights, Eragon) who just needs that one movie to break out of the pack. And I think he may have found it. As Sam, Garrett embodies the rebellious 20-something who has endured a life of reckless behaviour until the time has come to step up after being sucked into the world of the Grid. But now there is one actor who steals the entire movie. I'm talking about Michael Sheen as Zuse. Channelling David Bowie circa Ziggy Stardust days, Michael steals every scene he is in as the over the top club owner con man. When this man was on screen, it's hard not to look away. Like all his roles, he is the best thing about them and doesn't disappoint in this one.

The only thing I have to say I didn't like was the ending. I must admit up until about 5 minutes towards the end I thought it was fantastic. I mean I am not going to give it a lower mark just because of this, but it really was lame. I wanted a different ending, but hey you can't please everyone. But I think I have sold you this movie. It rocks. I could not get enough of the visuals, the story, the 3D graphics and of course the action scenes were out of this world. It is not going to win any awards (well maybe for visuals) but it is what movies are all about. A fun filled ride for two hours that takes the viewer on a journey and doesn't stop until the very last scene. Tron:Legacy sucked me into it's world and I didn't want it to end. Let's hope I'm not the only one who thought this and maybe they will green light a sequel. Dare to enter the world of Tron if you dare. 8/10

Why no Christmas movie this year?

Okay Hollywood what is the go for Christmas 2010? There is not one single cChristmas movie out at the cinema. For the last decade, there has been at least one christmas movie, and trust me they always seem to make a killing at the box office. Last year Four Christmases (or Four Holidays, damn Australia board who is way too PC) came out with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn about a couple who fake a story so they do not have to spend it with their four families. It was a huge hit. Now in the past decade their have been no less than three Santa Claus movies (yes three is enough Tim Allen). But everytime they have come out, they have made a big impact at the box office, (hence the trilogy cause trust me, it's not like Star Wars where the story needs to continue.) And let's not forget The Grinch staring Jim Carey about that famous Dr. Seuss character who wanted to steal Christmas, but soon found a heart. Then we have had The Family Stone, the hugely successful Will Ferrall movie Elf, The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol using stop motion animation. Jingle All The Way, even Bad Santa. And the top Christmas movies, Home Alone 1 & 2. All of these movies have done big business at the box office (even if they aren't that good) but with the theme of Christmas they are bound for box office glory. There is something that when people hear that a new Christmas movie is out they rush to see it. I guess it puts them in the mood for the festivities and there is always something funny to poke out the flaws and watch another family go through these sometimes stressful and comical times. So what is the go Hollywood, have you seriously run out of ideas using Christmas as your inspiration? I mean you have pretty much used all the Santa Claus movies up, and I don't think Macaulay is really the right age for anymore Home Alones but come on, there has to be a few ideas left. The major studios really missed out on the parents dollars this festive season. But I guess Harry Potter is still taking all the parents money at the moment, and there is Christmas presents to buy, so I guess one year is okay Hollywood, but I want to see some Christmas movies next year, or I am going to boycott the movies, (well for a day, I couldn't leave my sweet sweet movies for too long.) Bring back the Christmas movie.

Why is this movie causing so much controversy?

I have to admit I believe Michelle Williams is highly underrated as an actress. I know, I know, she was in the teen drama Dawson's Creek. But that show just proved how much she worked after it to prove to the world how much of a talented actress she really was when she broke out of the teen drama and found solid work in adult material. Take a look at her range, such as the housewife of Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain dealing with her husband's interest in men. Or her doomed portrayal of a wife haunting the dreams of her husband in Shutter Island. Now let's look at Ryan Gosling. Ryan has been in the game for a while. He will be remembered in one of the most loved romantic movies ever, The Notebook. But don't label him a rom com kinda guy. The guy can act. He was nominated for an Oscar for his work in Half Nelson where he played a drug addicted teacher. Or look at his portrayal of a man believing a blow up doll was his real girlfriend in order to compensate with dealing with the real world, in Lars and the Real Girl. So why am I talking about these two actors? Well both are them are staring in the new movie, "Blue Valentine." The story follows Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams) whose relationship is starting to fall apart. With the balance of life expectations, work, looking after their daughter their marriage is slowly crumbling around them. What happens next is what is shocking the cinema going public. To save their relationship they decide to spend one night in a hotel, where they will try to save their marriage and remember the passion they both felt before all of life's pressures started hurting this couple. In America, there have been many reports that the film has been edited and edited again, due to this one scene, which apparently pushes the limits of the film. Are movie going public still prudes when it comes to this subject? Or is it just good publicity for this small independent feature? Let's just not hope that this movie is all about this one scene, but indeed lets these two actors shine in roles I am quite sure they are both very capable of.  Blue Valentine opens December 26 (Australia)

Can Harry weave his magic one last time?

I have to admit I gave up on the books at the third one. I loved the Prisoner of Azkaban, but after that one I had not really any interest moving forward with the rest of them. I just let myself wait for the movies, and really didn't go to the movies to see them. I waited for DVD, and working at a video shop for many years, I got to borrow them out for free. But something inside of me wanted to go see the new one at the cinema. I had no interest when seeing the preview (sorry Warner Bros. your marketing didn't work on me) but something inside of me wanted to know how the whole story was going to conclude. I must admit I found the last movie extremely boring (and took many stops and starts on the DVD player to finally finish it). But I must admit I am really glad I went to this one at the cinema, as this is what the books were all about. An extremely dark tale, filled with magic and great characters taking you on a journey. What made this movie work was that everything, I felt, aligned extremely well. I'm talking about the acting, the directing, the screenplay and especially the music and cinematography. But before I tell you the good parts, let's start with the story.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One takes up after the last film, (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) after the death of Dumbledoore. In the last film, the three characters were out to destroy Horcruxes which once all destroyed will eliminate the evil Lord Voldermont (Ralph Fiennes). The Ministry of Magic after the death of Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy in a blink and you will miss him cameo) has been taken over by Lord Voldermont and his evil followers. They are out to destroy all muggles and get their hands on Harry Potter. The world is in danger and it is up to our three heros Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermonine (Emma Watson) to finish this battle once and for all. With the help of old friends and new ones, everything must go to plan or else Lord Voldermont will have his way on our world. Where does the Deathly Hallows come into it? Can't tell you that, it is all apart of the journey you must take, but let me tell you it is a very exciting world to get into.

This movie in my mind, shows what happens when talent and vision come together. The actors, now grown up, look like they know their material inside out and portray the characters with great depth and test themselves as actors with many of them having to pull off some major emotions. I must give special praise to Emma Watson. She annoyed me in nearly all of the pictures. Her character was annoying and her onscreen presence never did much for me. I was wrong about her in this one. I don't want to offend the Potter fans, but she blew the boys out of the water with her acting. She, I feel, has turned into a very good actress and will have a great career after the film series is finished. But I must say all of them have turned into great performs having to carry the film mostly all the way. With such talents also being involved in the film (Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Julie Walters, Alan Rickman, Brenda Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Robbie Coltrane, Imelda Staunton) this was not going to be an easy task, but all three lived up to the challenge.

Filmed beautifully by David Yates (who helmed the last three films) he gives us a gloom filled movie filled with fear, excitement and a bleak look at what has started to happen to this beautiful world these characters used to live in. Capturing some of Britain's hidden treasures in their countryside, Yates uses the land to create a more realistic vision of a world that we all could be living in, instead of a made up vision for these characters. Yates also brings the action hard and fast, and does not worry about this being a so-called "children's tale." The children part has very much left the building and now adults fill most of the cinema, as with the books they have become more about adult fiction than children's. It is actually quite scary the message that the book and films now portray, as my friend pointed out, something that I missed all along. Have a look when you watch it, it will make sense in a lot of scenes, as it has taken inspiration from one of the most horrific events this world had ever seen.  Be warned though, there are many dark parts in this movie and does not play on the light factor due to it staring young actors. This is why I felt it worked so well. I am thinking with such a wicked character like Lord Voldermont, you can not exactly make the action and fear this character oozes with bunny rabbits and rainbows.

The only thing I do have to complain about in this movie is I was so developed in the story and the movie, that I felt someone yelled, "stooooooppppppppppp" and put the brakes on the film half way through. To me it dragged a little. I know it is based on a book and they need to cut parts, but I think in the editing room they could have edited this a bit more. You will know what I am talking about when you see it, but it just felt like the story kinda stalled until they felt it was appropriate to start the film at a rapid pace again. But let me assure you I walked out of this movie wanting the next chapter. I was like "no don't stop the movie, I want the next part and I want it now, don't make me wait." That is good film making in my books, as none of the other movies have come close to receiving that reaction from me. Congrats gang, you are all turning into very good performers and this reviewer wants you to continue casting you magic over me for the final chapter. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 8/10

Who is going to win "Best Picture" next year?

So I am not apart of the Academy (one day people one day) but I can at least give my two cents who is in the running for a very mediocre year of film. There have been some real great movies this year. Don't get me wrong, but every year there is just so much crap coming out. And don't get me started on movies that everyone thinks are great because they are so-called "artsy." (I'm looking at you George Clooney and your awful craptacular movie The American). But here are some of my pics, and movies which have not been released yet, but are getting huge attention at the festivals that could be contenders for the "Best Picture" award next year.

The Social Network - The David Fincher drama was a huge success for the director, screenwriter and the actors. It showcased the talents of Fincher as the director, Aaron Sorkin as the screenwriter, and made us pay attention to the acting talent of Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and even Justin Timberlake (did I just say that). The movie has made a killing at the box office and has been one of the critics favourites this year. Could this be Fincher's year after missing out on the Oscar for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?" Maybe.

The Kids Are Alright - This little independent movie about a same-sex couple who have conceived two children through artificial insemination was a crowd pleaser. The acting was excellent (Mark Ruffulo as the donor showed he really could convince us he is more than a romantic lead in a cheesy chick flick) and the subject matter couldn't be a hotter topic right now. But a small film may have some competition from the bigger films. Fingers crossed gang.

Inception - This movie was brillant. It is my number two flick this year and definitely is in my top ten favourites. It had everything. Perfect casting (Leo better get a nod), amazing story and visually brilliant. Christopher Nolan spent 10 years on the screenplay and it shows. The movie about going inside of our dreams to implant memories (plus much more) is quiet extraordinary (and see it before anyone gives away the ending). Let's hope unlike a few years ago the Academy does not ignore the talent of this man like the did for the Dark Knight.

Toy Story 3 - This is definitely bound to win the Academy Award for Best Animated movie. Nothing else even compares to the highest grossing animated movie ever, as well as had the biggest box office this year, (one billion and counting.)Pixar has the biggest hit on their hands and is lobbying for this to be a contender for Best Picture. Is this going to set the bench mark for animated movies? Will in the Academy's entire history this be the first every animated movie to win the Best Picture? We will have to wait and see. (This blogger would like to see it)

Black Swan - This small independent movie from one of the most talented directors today Darren Aronofsky, has been receiving rave reviews. Set in the world of competitive ballet, the movie tells the story of a dancer who starts to go mad due to the stress and strain of being the perfect casting choice for the production of Swan Lake. Staring Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder and Mila Kunis, this is sure to have Oscar written all over it. Aronofsky has made big stars of his actors (Ellen Burstyn won for Requim for a Dream, and Mikey Rourke was a huge contender to win the Oscar for The Wrestler). Maybe next year will see this small flick steal some of the limelight.

127 Hours - Slumdog Millionaire Oscar Winning Director Danny Boyle, has taken the extraordinary true story of a Aron Ralston (James Franco) who spent five days trapped under a rock and had to do the unthinkable to survive into a huge critics choice. Boyle has a way of making the Academy notice his movies. Slumdog Millionaire was a huge hit on a very tiny budget. It may also see the Academy finally take notice of James Franco as well. The dude can act people, now watch and praise.

These are just a few I have seen, plus also heard about due to the reactions from film festivals. You never know how the Academy is going to vote. Just look at when The Hurt Locker won over Avatar last year. Or when Crash scooped the biggest award several years ago. The Academy are very funny in their choices, and you can never really tell who is going to win. Fingers and toes for all the contenders, but I have my mind made up on who should already win (and it involves toys, not very subtle I know but it is the best movie of this year for this reviewer).

Could Jennifer be the "Kiss of Death" for Adam Sandler's new flick?

Adam Sandler is hands-down a sure fire way to have a hit for a studio. His movies nearly always pass the $100 million mark (except for the times they just aren't funny, I'm looking at you Little Nicky). Just think about it. Grown-Ups, The Waterboy, The Longest Yard, Big Daddy, Click and the list goes on. The dude has only ever had two flops in the last ten years. That's pretty good for a guy who really only plays himself in every movie. Now lets look at Jennifer Aniston. Her movies at the moment just seem to flop. Bounty Hunter was awful. Love Happens didn't even hit the cinema here (Australia) (and I can see why) and The Switch (never heard of it, neither did a lot of people) was pulled from it's initial cinema run in Aus. Jennifer has not been able to bring in the box office bucks at all in the last few years, so why on earth would Adam Sandler hire her for his lead in their new movie, "Just Go With It?" I'm not quite sure because I don't have Adam Sandler's direct line, but if history proves true, Jennifer could be able to not effect the box office take of Adam Sandler. Jennifer has been able to make big bucks when she has been in comedy driven movies with big stars. Bruce Almighty was a huge hit when she paired up with Jim Carrey, and Marley and Me (even though bloody sad) took a big chunk of money when it was released with her co-star Owen Wilson. Just Go With It is about a guy Danny (Sandler) who uses the trick of being married to win over women as he finds women are more attracted to guys who are already taken. When he meets a girl who he falls head over heels for (Sport Illustrated model turned actress (aren't they all)) Brooklyn Decker, he uses the trick to snag her. But when she wants to know they are getting a divorce and wants to meet the ex, Danny enlists the help of his old friend Katherine (Aniston) to pose as his wife. Will Danny get the girl? Will Danny fall for Katherine instead? If the trailer is anything to go by, it looks like classic Sandler all the way. Let's hope that Jennifer scores herself a hit with this one. Because I think the old saying goes in Hollywood, three strikes and you are out. Just Go With It is out February 2011 (Australia).

Finally, Ron Howard does a comedy for a change

Ron Howard is one of those directors who when he is at the top of his game, has made some very memorable movies. Ransom, Apollo 13, Backdraft, A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon, Cinderella Man and the list goes on. But for every A Beautiful Mind, there has always been the misses including The Da Vinci Code, The Missing and Far and Away. But what the man does do well is comedy and he sure needs to do more of it. Parenthood is one of the funniest movies about family life. EdTv took a look at the world of Big Brother, although not that funny, Howard got a few laughs from the audience. And let's not forget the classic Splash. Who could forget Daryl Hannah and Tom Hanks teaming up for the fish out of water (literally) tale. But next year, Howard will finally leave behind the drama after years of producing hard hitting pieces, and will relax back into the world of comedy with his new movie, "The Dilemma." The Dilemma stars Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Channing Tatum, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, and Queen Latifah (nice cast Ron). In the movie Kevin is married to Winona and Vince is going out with Jennifer. Vince and Kevin are best friends and are in business together. When Vince sees Winona out with another man, he has to make the choice whether is tell his friend/partner that she might be having an affair which could sacrifice their big deal, or not tell him. He has a "Dilemma" on his hands (see how I worked the title in their, clever huh?)  I for one will be checking out this film. With such an awesome cast, and excellent director attached who wouldn't want to see it? The Dilemma opens January 2011.