The Kingsman are back and better than ever

In 2014, a new spy franchise entered the movie world in hope of finding an audience. What did it have that was different? For starters, it was fun, and secondly it changed up the way people viewed its stars. Colin Firth lost the romantic/period piece stigma attached to him and became a cool ass spy. Samuel L. Jackson showed us that he can still appeal on-screen as a baddie and a new star was found in Taron Egerton. The movie was Kingsman: The Secret Service and it was an awesome film full of fun, excitement, black comedy and changed the spy genre away from the more serious Bourne and Bond film franchises. It’s now 2017, and the gang are back to give us Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

So how do you top a movie, (that was a personal favourite of this reviewer) with a sequel. Well if the old rule of thumb goes, you go bigger. And boy did they for this movie. An even bigger cast, bigger action scenes and more excitement. But before I get ahead of myself let me give you a run down.

Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is back where we left him. As a member of the Kingsman he is joined by his old mate Merlin (Mark Strong) and Lancelot (Sophie Cookson) but no Harry (or is he back?) to fight the crime that threaten the world. After an adrenaline first action scene (seriously it goes right into it, so hold on) we learn that there is a new threat to the Kingsman and the world in the form of drug trafficker Poppy (Julianne Moore). Let’s just say to up Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the first one they have gone all out making Poppy a 50’s housewife with psychotic tendencies. Poppy sets her sights on making drugs legal so that she can leave her remote village in the middle of the jungle and show how powerful she really can be. After the Kingsman relocate to America we are introduced to the Statesman the American version of Kingsman. Headed by Champ (Jeff Bridges) Ginger (Halle Berry) Tequila (Channing Tatum) Whiskey (Pedro Pascal) and maybe even an old friend (seriously I am not going to say it, but his face is on all the posters and even in the trailer and rhymes with Barry) they join forces to take down Poppy and save the world once again.

If you had of not already guessed, I loved this movie. From the awesome action pieces, to the two cultures of America and Britain being together it all worked for this reviewer. Matthew Vaughn is one talented director and writer. From his re-inventing the X-Men Franchise, to creating his own super hero’s without powers in Kick-Ass, to giving us a new fairytale in Stardust the guy is one of my favs. Him and his writing partner Jane Goldman have taken the franchise and moved it along nicely. Even though it does follow the same pattern and structure of the first one, I didn’t care. It got me hooked right where the last one left off.  The action pieces are so intense that I felt I took an adrenaline shot every time they started and felt I needed a lie down when they stopped (oh I do enjoy a good nap).

But I am not going to say that it was just the action, I give a big round of applause to the acting. Why these films work is because they are FUN. Fun people. What movies are meant to be about. Enjoy them. You don’t need to feel like you are changing the world with every piece of film coming out. And it shows with all the actors eating it up. I mean you have four Oscar winners here people. The franchise appeals. That’s all I’m saying. Julianne Moore was so over the top with her sweetness and bad jokes that she was perfect as Poppy. The movie keeps on surprising even throwing in one of the biggest musicians in the world who has some of the best scenes of the movies. I’m not saying who, but Poppy does have robot dogs called Bennie and Jett.  You can work it out from that. All the American gang look like they are having a blast. But I must admit one of them stole the show. Pedro Pascal (Whiskey) is the breakout star here. Dude was awesome with his over the top cowboy act and his lasso that can split a man in half (you will see). I mean where else can you do that but this franchise.

Now the big question is, as the debate will happen like it did for Terminator and Terminator 2, Alien and Aliens, Godfather and Godfather 2 and  even Grease and Grease 2, which one was better. Sorry to disappoint folks but I can’t answer that yet. I love the first one, but have had multiple viewings. So I can’t decide till I see it a few more times (and I definitely will). All I can say is the franchise is in good hands so sit back and enjoy this film for the fun that it is. Let’s just hope number 3 happens soon because these Kingsman (and maybe the Statesman) need to come back and claim their rightful place as the head of the spy table. 

A Mother No One Should Love

I hate this movie.

You’re probably thinking Jimmy calm down why so angry, it’s only a movie? But I will tell you why. This movie is the worst. After watching it I wanted to take a cold shower so badly and scrub my brain to get this movie out of it. Do I have my reasons? I surely do. But hey I guess I better back my statements up with some fact before I start to go off.

Mother is the new movie by Darren Aronofsky. You know the dude who made Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan and my personal fav of his The Wrestler. Well hasn’t he and the studio pulled a fast one over us. Firstly, I must warn you if you have seen the previews and are expecting a clever psychological thriller/horror movie, boy are you going to be disappointed. Clever Paramount and their marketing. This is not that, but a twisted movie about something else. The plot is very simple, a husband (Javier Bardem) and wife (Jennifer Lawrence) are living in a remote home. He a famous poet. She his wife, fixing up her husband’s family home which was destroyed years ago by fire. (BTW I haven’t forgot their names, they don’t have any. Seriously no one in this movie has a character name).  So one day a fan (Ed Harris) and his wife (Michelle Pfeiffer) come by the home to pay their respect to the poet. The husband offers them a place to stay and in return we start to witness the downfall of this movie. What comes next is this. Jennifer Lawrence crying, yelling for everyone to get out of her house, crying, yelling and then falling pregnant (all with a really bad wig). Throw in some blood, a mysterious stone, machine guns, cannibalism, symbolism layed on hard and thick and even (and I can’t believe I am about to say this) Kristen Wiig. Yep the Wiigster turned up. What the heck were you thinking? That was like a kick in the guts seeing her in this.

Where do I start with how bad this movie is? Firstly, I am going to be positive here as I do respect all movie directors and their visions. It was actually, I wouldn’t say interesting, but it held my attention for the first half. Michelle Pfeiffer (please fire your agent after this) is the best thing about it. She actually injects some much needed energy. But after hearing she came out of semi-retirement for this it was a huge let down. (And why, has she run out of Catwoman money already?). But the annoying thing is she leaves half way through and I felt myself cheer on the inside knowing that at least she wouldn’t be exposed like the audience to the rest of this crap. And that’s about it for the positives. Javier Bardem (fire your agent) is such a talented actor. But dude does nothing in this but not give a shit about his wife, allows people to trash his home and yells. And I can’t believe I am about to write this, but here goes. Jennifer Lawrence contributed to one of the worst part about this movie. I know I’m sorry I am a big fan, but no, no, no. But I actually don’t think it was the bad casting. The character was just the worst. After watching her empower women in most of her past movies, she took women back decades in this role. I don’t blame you Jen. A chance to do something different must have been appealing, but no, no, no. Not this. Fire your agent right now.

Now to my biggest problem. As you all know if you have seen Darren Aronofsky’s previous work, he likes to shock his audience. You know what I am talking about Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan etc. There is always a scene which is disturbing. This one though in Mother takes the cake. I am not telling you what, because it makes me sick thinking I actually viewed it. But my question is this? Why in movies like Saw, do they call it torture porn in movies, but a movie like this people think is art? Did he think he was being clever with all the symbolism in this movie? And it wasn’t even that hard to figure it out what they all stood for.  Honestly, this is when a studio should have stepped in and did something about this. It was just not right. I mean I have seen my fair share of scenes in movies which have impacted me, but this was just wrong on so many levels. It was enough for me to nearly walk out (and seriously I wish I did about half way through) this movie just goes off the rails in the second half. I could not hate this movie enough. If you are reading this my fans (all two of you) please do not see this movie. You will thank me for it, because if you feel like throwing away your hard earn dollars throw some my way. I will give you my Paypal account details, because this was just awful. Half a star (only for Michelle). 

You're a Wonder, Wonder Woman

Triple J - Pick Me As Your New Reviewer

The Beast Has Been Unleashed.

I know it has been a long time peeps, but I am back to deliver my take on the latest movies out there. I don’t know what brought back my inspiration, but I have decided to get this blog up and running. And let me tell you nothing spurred it on, and definitely not this movie that I am about to review. So for my readers (how few there are, but thank you for your support) I give you my review of Alien: Convenant.

Now let me start this review by saying I was one of the many (and I know there are, they might just not be able to admit it) who loved Prometheus. It was a fresh new take on the Alien series. I enjoyed the fresh take, the excitement of something new, the amazing look and thrill ride. It was one of my fav movies of 2012. So being a fan of the series I was excited to hear Ridley Scott has got another chance to take us one more time into this world. But sorry Ridley, maybe you should have left that duty to director Neil Blomkamp. Because today Ridley you let me down.

So I better get to the story. It has been ten years since the last film was set. Elizabeth Shaw is no more and a new crew of the Covenant are on a mission to colonize a new planet (I guess we destroyed Earth or something) so that our species can continue living. Due to a problem on board the ship’s crew are awoken. During this time they receive a beacon of a signal which implies a planet is closer to their location which is habitable. Uh oh. Come on. You know where this is going.

The team lead by Captain Oram (Billy Crudup) and team including Ripley rip-off Daniels (Katherine Waterson), Tennessee (Danny McBride) and new android Walter (Michael Fassbender) all head off on the mission to find out if this planet will be better for colonization. Now without giving anything away something happens, some blood flys and a new breed of you know what enters the story.

Now here is my main problem with this movie. It is so uninteresting. I don’t know if it was the script, the lack of Aliens, or just the main character of Daniels but I really didn’t like this movie. I wanted to, and with all the right ingredients it could have been so much more. I did enjoy the start, but the middle and the end, what the heck happened. I blame many things, but what did it for me was Katherine Waterson. If she is the hope for humanity Ripley style, team we are in trouble. Poor thing looked like she wanted to cry in every scene, even if it wasn’t scary. I mean she was by herself, I’ll look like I want to cry. I am being attacked by an Alien, I think I want to cry. I am walking to work on a truck, you guessed it… I look like I want to cry. Bring back Noomie Rapace any day. Dr. Elizabeth Shaw was hell better and went through much much more. I mean she gave herself a C-Section. Top that Katherine Waterson. 

Now Ridley, I know you are getting on in age, but dude, this movie was not your best. I had hoped for more, but I was very disappointed. Look fellow readers, if you want to see it, go and witness the franchise once again. I mean the people did listen to their fans, you are going to get chest busters, Aliens, eggs and guns. But what you won’t get is an entertaining piece that deserves the Alien brand. For all its worth and the bad reviews it got, this movie makes Alien 3 a classic. You could even say they used the same special effects they used from that movie (and that was nearly 13 years ago, bit scary when special effects have come so far).  I do give this movie points for cinematography. Iceland looked amazing. But that’s about it. If the rumours are true and Ridley is coming back for the next chapter, if he keeps this cast count me out of returning. Honestly, when you are rooting for the beast to win you know the characters are bad.

1.5/5

The New Parents Are In Town

First off. The question I ask the studio executives in Hollywood. This one’s  for you. Why have you never teamed Bette Midler and Billy Crystal together for a movie before? I’m waiting……. Because you took all this time to team two of the cleverest comedic timed individuals to get together for the hilarious movie Parental Guidance. But I guess you learnt your lesson and its better late than never, because these two have never been more on fire. Let me just say Billy you have made up for that craptastic movie “The Tooth Fairy” I mean really what in the world was that. And Bette it has been too long. Stop your nonsense and keep making movies. Anyway, enough of me rambling on about what’s wrong with Hollywood, it’s time to talk about the movie Parental Guidance. When I saw the preview for this movie, I thought this is such a me movie. A bit of holiday fluff with actors who I really enjoy on the big screen. It’s an easy tale, you can tell where the plot is going in the preview and you know there is going to be some immature laughs (which I am a sucker for) you know you are going to get exactly what you see. But I came out of this movie, thinking, this is such a better film than I thought, plus I think they have marketed it wrong and with the wrong target audience in mind. Let me just say, the kids only laughed at the obvious humour, but it was the quick quips that Bette and Billy deliver that make this a very enjoyable adult story. Okay, too much too fast. Let’s get this review happening.

Artie (Billy Crystal) and Diane (Bette Midler) are a bit eccentric as far as grandparents may go. Artie is a sports commentator while Diane is now a retired weathergirl living their own lives. They hardly hear from their daughter Alice (the always excellent Marisa Tomei). Alice is in need of a babysitter for her three children, Harper,Turner and Barker when she is in need of going away for the week with her husband for an award ceremony . After trying all her options, Alice is forced to ask her parents who quickly say yes. What comes next is where the hilarity comes into play. Alice has brought her kids up in the noughties where don’t and no are no longer words in their vocabulary for these parents. Instead we have things like when you have a put down, you need to give three put ups to the person you have offended. Or when you are going to do something bad, instead of no you say, what would the consequences be for your actions. (When I heard this, all I could say was  are you kidding me with this).This is the way parents are now brining up their children. Arite and Diane are from the yester year where their parental skills are very different. After facing reality and with no other options, Alice agrees for them to babysit.

What comes next is where the comedic skills of these two fantastic comedic delights come into play. Billy and Bette bounce off each other extremely well, and let’s just say they really could be married in real life. Being out of their element makes for some very funny scenes. As Billy says, “what’s a poke? (e.g. Facebook) and why is someone trying to poke me?” This fish out of water tale is very funny. But also, the way the movie contrasts today’s parental skills with generations gone by is what makes this movie. Of course there are the obvious jokes for the kids, except I did have a good laugh when the youngest kid decided to rhyme Artie with farty, what can I say sometimes toilet humour never gets old.

But something funny happened when I was watching this film. Instead of it being extremely cliqued it actually became very heart warming and a bit emotional. There are some scenes where the older actors really shine. Marisa Tomei and Billy Crystal have many as well as Bette and Marisa and Bette and Billy. These awesome actors inject something more into a pretty basic premise. What can I say, I do love these actors. Maybe I’m a little bit biased, but it just made the material probably look better than what was on paper. But it’s not only the adult actors who make this enjoyable. The three kids are extremely good in the roles. But the only thing that got to me (I have to have at least one little problem) is that none of them look anything alike. The only one who resembles maybe a family member is the young girl Harper (Bailee Madison) who kinda looked like Marisa Tomei. I kept thinking all through the movie, where we not told that the two other kids were adopted? 

Look this movie isn’t going to win any awards. Nor is it going to change the world of film making, but let me tell you I had fun seeing this. I think I had more fun than most of the people in the session I saw. It is very adult and although I am not a parent I do cringe at some of the things that parents do when disciplining their child. I know half the parents are now going “you don’t know until you have a kid,” well until I have the joy of knowing I can judge if I please. Because this movie sure is giving all the parents out there a little nudge going calm down, I think we are taking the way kids are brought up a little too seriously. Maybe that’s why I liked this movie so much.  Plus one more praise for Bette and Billy. What can I say, they are great. Go and enjoy it. 3.5/5

Embrace these Wallflowers

I must admit I haven’t read the novel this book is based upon by Stephen Chbosky. I mean now I wouldn’t mind reading it, but knowing that the writer also wrote the screenplay plus directed his own work makes me feel that this would be a faithful interpretation. But let me tell you, I’m actually glad I never read the book, because this movie kept surprising me over and over and really it could have gone anywhere. I mean by the previews it looked like a coming of age movie of teenagers trying to figure out who they are and where they belong in this world. All appealing topics for this blogger, but wow was I surprised when this movie delved into some very serious and sometimes uncomfortable topics that made it that much more surprising and extremely well done. Ok, I’m getting way to ahead of myself here, so maybe I should start at the beginning. (Sorry sometimes, I just want to express the excitement for the movie, before I even give the premise away. Oops my bad).  Let’s begin.

Charlie (Logan Lerman) is a young man about to embark to the big leagues of high school. As a freshmen (sorry I’m using American slang, but that’s what they call it over there) Charlie is about to experience the world that is high school. As a bit of a loner, Charlie finds solace in reading and someday dreams of being a writer. As a bright student, Charlie is introduced to the world of advanced English and the encouraging Mr Anderson (the excellent Paul Rudd, in a role very tamed to what he usually displays). Charlie counts down the days till he will soon be free from high school. Tormented every day he longs for someone other than his English teacher to associate with. Enter the crazy but loveable Patrick (Ezra Miller) who Charlie becomes friends with due to their personalities which don’t exactly put them in the cool category.  But it’s not long before Charlie is introduced to the world of being a Wallflower of young seniors who are non-conformists who each enjoy life and the way they want to live it, including Patrick’s sister Sam (Emma Watson). Charlie gets to now experience a world he may never have seen before with his two new best friends opening his eyes to the real world

Okay, you’re probably now going great this sounds like an Emo movie and why don’t I just speak to the kids in the mall, they probably are experiencing the same life as these kids, but wait before you judge,  as Wallflowers is not as by the books as you would think. There are themes in this movie which are quite intense and may not be for everyone, so don’t expect a happy ending.  What is great about this movie, is that it made light of subjects many directors and writers would never put in a teenage based movie. There are topics which include closet homosexuality, molestation, mental disorders, drug use, suicide, so you have been warned with many scenes very confronting but also very well handled.

This can all be thanks to an amazing young cast. Logan Lerman is amazing as Charlie. I was not quite sure at the start, I mean any young actor can play a moping teen, (Hello Kristen Stewart) but when the movie gets on a roll this kid is extremely talented. That’s not to say he is the only one. Emma Watson can kiss Hermoine gone as her Harry Potter transition is one that is going to work. She makes Sam likeable but also shows her flaws as well. Ezra Miller is also one to keep an eye one. This actor makes Patrick seem like he is a crazy zany character but when peeled back actually has large issues to tackle. All the actors play off each other well, and handle the intense situations many of their characters are given.

 I can’t stress how much I enjoyed this movie. This is a teenage based movie, but delves into situations that are very real and need to be explored more. All the actors and director should be extremely pleased with how this film came out and really my only request is that more people see this film. It’s sometimes the little films that need to be embraced by the movie public. Perks of Being a Wallflower top marks from me 4.5/5.

Pitch Perfect. Sings all the way to your funny bone

 

 

What happens when you throw a heap of the latest hits together with an awesome screenplay and stir it up with some hot up and coming actresses? You have one of the biggest surprises of the movie season with the hot new comedy Pitch Perfect.

 

Okay the plot goes a little something like this. Becca (the awesome Anna Kendrik. You know Anna, the coolest thing about all the bogus Twilight movies and the awesome Up In the Air) well she is off to college after her dad puts a damper on her dreams of moving to LA to try and get a job as a DJ. With her sassy and moody vibe about her, but also just a bit of a lost soul, we learn that Becca has an ear for music, in other words, she knows how to place two songs and mash them up together to make awesome remixes (watch out David Guetta).  On her first day exploring her campus on her activities tour, she stumbles across some very interesting organisations.  But as Becca witnesses, singing is the hottest ticket on campus and the leader of the winning all- male group is treated like rock stars. Winning a singing competition is the hottest ticket in college. I know I don’t think it ever looked that way before this movie, but hey its 2012, things might have changed. Anyway, Becca stumbles upon the Bellas, an all- girl group who don’t seem to have woken up to the fact that people know longer want to hear Ace of Base or The Bangles being sung anymore at major competitions. Although not interested, one of the leaders of the group Chloe (Brittany Snow) recognises something in her and sets out determined to win Becca over. (Let’s just say it gives a new meaning to getting caught with your pants down)

Here the movie introduces us to some of the funniest women you would ever meet at college. There is a sex maniac, an Asian chick (who drew some of the biggest laughs) who barely registers on the sound level, the two sorority girls of The Bellas and perhaps one of the funniest women working today Rebel Wilson as FAT Amy. Yes you read right, FAT AMY. Never has a comedian stolen the laughs away from her co-stars then the excellent Rebel Wilson (and she is Aussie all, so that’s even better). Rebel steals every single scene she is in with her perfect comedy timing and will probably start a few trends (I’m looking at you Mermaid Dancing and Horizontal Running).

But back to the story, Becca realises to win the national title it’s time to bring the Bellas into 2012 and introduce them into remixing their songs up. Here we witness a team coming together through hilarious circumstances preparing themselves for the competition. Throw in nightly singing battles, a love story and two of the funniest commentators since Dodge ball and you are in for a great ride. Some of you are probably thinking, this sounds all a bit Gleeish for my liking. But before you start running and screaming out of the theatre, “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!”   Not a happy campy singing show, just wait, because all political correctness has been thrown` out the door, for an older audience who laughs in the face of how stupid we have become with political correctness. I mean one of the lead characters is called FAT AMY!!!! So right then you should know what you are in for.

 

Will The Bellas succeed in their mission to become champions? Can’t tell you that. But what I can tell you is that Pitch Perfect is nearly almost perfect. It sets out to deliver the laughs hard and fast all the while offering up awesome acting, catchy tunes, a bit of a romance (don’t worry it actually is not cheesy) and a screenplay that packs a punch to your funny bone. If you don’t come out of this movie smiling (and still singing Ace of Base, that part I could have lived without) then really see a doctor, because your funny bone needs to be checked, fixed and inserted again so you can enjoy this awesome flick.  Pitch Perfect 4.5/5



Bridesmaids. Chick flick this ain't

Two words sum up this movie perfectly. Kristen Wiig. This comedian is a genius. And that is only putting it lightly. I have been a huge fan of Kristen Wiig's for sometime now. After stealing the show in "Whip It" away from bigger stars Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page, to her hilarious part in Adventureland (the only good thing about that movie) and even stole the show away from an alien in "Paul." So where does one go from here? Well if you are like many of the other amazingly talented female comedians in Hollywood (I'm looking at you Tina Fey, Amy Pohler and Chelsea Handler) you use your comedic smarts and start writing your own movie to show your full potential. And that is what Kristen did, along with her friend Annie Mumolo. These two women have created what I am going to call the best comedy of the year (take that Hangover 2). Kristen has taken the huge responsibility that many women crave and has flipped it around and turned it upside down creating a hilarious take on what being a bridesmaid is all about. Now fellas, don't get discouraged about this. Trust me, you will split your pants laughing so sit back, relax and let me tell you about the pee your pants funny Bridesmaids.

Kristen Wiig stars as Annie, a thirty-something woman who has lost her bakery due to the recession, lives with two annoying roommates, has been left by her boyfriend due to her business crashing and drives a run down car you would think belonged at the wreckers. The best thing in Annie's life is her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph), who has been there for ever up and down in her life. Lillian has been going out with her boyfriend Dougie and finally it happens. Lillian's going to be a bride and has asked her best friend Annie to be the maid of honour. After a bit of hesitation, Annie is about to enter the world of what being a bridesmaid and best friend to the bride is all about. Lillian is about to come into a world which Annie is very unfamiliar with. Large country club gatherings, people with more money than they know what to do with, and women who look like perfect botox commercials. It is here we meet many of Lillian's other Bridesmaids including Helen (Rose Byrne) who is out to become the maid of honour away from Annie, Lillian's cousin Rita (Wendi McLendon - Convey) who wants to get her groove back and get up to some naughty stuff, newlywed Becca (Ellie Kemper) and the scene stealer herself (apart from Kristen) Melissa McCarthy as Megan, as Dougie's sister. That's about as much as I can tell you because this movie is funny, moving and has some crazy gross out comedy that I haven't seen since There's Something About Mary.  Throw into the mix a cop with a heart of gold, a plane trip, food poisoning and Wilson Phillips and you have the perfect blend for the best comedy of 2011.

Kristen Wiig has her character down pat. She is the best thing going in this movie. We love Annie and feel her emotions going through the worst time of her life, while trying to put on a brave face for her best friend and her greatest time in her life. Kristen shows her amazing comedic skills without going overboard and it works. She has the best comedic timing I have seen in ages, and knows how to make her audience laugh. I have to admit I nearly jumped out of my chair I was laughing so hard, and at one point I did have tears coming down the sides of my cheeks (not from crying from laughing, this is a comedy not Beaches). Melissa McCarthy has never been better. Often getting very little parts to show her comedic brilliance, having her alongside Kristen is the perfect partnership in this crazy tale. But lets not forget the other women aboard. Rose Byrne is perfect as Helen the woman who will do anything to become maid of honour and Maya Rudolph as the bride to be. But let's not forget the men, (yes there are a few in this movie). A big shout out needs to go out to Chris O'Dowd as Officer Rhodes. This guy is charming and fantastic as the lovable cop who might just be the ticket Annie needs to get out of her rut.

The writing by Kristen is extremely well done. For a woman whose first screenplay produced this movie, I would be very proud. Her story not only makes you split your sides of laughter but also gives you an insight into the characters, something many comedies lack. You feel you want to know these characters, instead of not really caring at all, and it's all down to Ms Wiig. I must warn this movie has some cringe worthy scenes and too me it doesn't deter the movie at all. It only adds to the hilarity. Some may say, "why did they have to sink to these lows," but trust me in the cinema I was in, you would not have heard a bomb go off with all the laughter that was taking place. This movie has it all. A great story, some crazy funny scenes and a real sense of laugh out loud comedy with big heart. I can not fault this movie at all. This movie is one of this year's best and I for one am craving to see what Kristen is going to produce next, you crazy girl. Bridesmaids 5/5. I can't wait to experience it all over again.

X hits all the right marks in this new super hero movie

Firstly, I don't care what anyone says, the X-Men are the greatest superheros of all time. Boo, hiss I can hear it already, but you know what, I don't care. I love them. Their nature, their powers, their struggles, everything that makes great stories that you want to see over and over again. And I must say X-Men First Origins is the the best superohero movie I have ever seen. I loved, loved, loved this film. I know, you may be saying whatever it's just for geeks. But I dare you to take the challenge of finding me another movie, where the action is intense, the story is gripping, the cinematography is fantastic and the underlying message is one we can all relate to and I will take my statement down. Finally, the studios have hit the right mark for any X-Men fan with the best adaption by far hitting the cinemas this week. With the third adventure not really living up to the title of being an X-Men movie and then the failure of Wolverine (I mean what the F was that about) the studios knew they had to do something drastic in order to bring the franchise back from the dead, thus leading to the origins of how these mutants came to be and the nature of each sides stories. And wa laa, you have X-Men First Class. The amazing new film by Matthew Vaughn. Let me begin.

As you may or may not know, there are two sides to the world of mutants. One lead by Charles Xavier who wants mutants and humans to co-exist, while on the other hand you have Magneto who fights for the mutants and wants humans to pay for their suffering and pain they have caused the mutant race. But how did this all evolve? Lets go back in time now, starting in 1945 a time when the Jews were locked up in concentration camps and the world was at the mercy of the Nazis. In these walls a young boy witness his parents being torn away from him. That young boy is Eric Lensherr. After witnessing his mother killed by the evil Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) a grown up Eric/Magneto (Michael Fassenbender) wants vengeance and starts to hunt him down to the ends of the earth to do so. What Eric doesn't know is like himself, Sebastian is one of the most powerful mutants and it is going to take more than him and his power of magnetism to win this battle. Jump forward to the 1960s and on the other side of the pond in New York, we have a young Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) who wants the world to learn about the evolution of the human species. Joined by his best Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) they live in secret with their powers until a chance encounter with an CIA agent Moria (Rose Byrne) alerts them to the fact that something strange is going on with one of the top leaders of the government and Sebastian Shaw. Shaw plans to take over the world by pitting America and Russia against each other in the Cuban Missile crisis, but secretely killing all humans and leaving only mutants due to their already mutated genes. What she was not expecting was seeing a woman who can read minds and turn into diamonds Emma Frost (January Jones) and Sebastians bodyguards Azazel (Jason Flemyng) who can teleport and Riptide (Alex Gonzalez) who can control the forces of nature. They are mutants and it is here that Moira learns that another species has evolved and Professor Xavier is one of them. What Xavier doesn't know is that the CIA has a division devoted entirely to the unexplained led by Man in Black Suit (Oliver Platt) and Hank/Beast (Nicholas Holt). Joining the CIA to help with the arrest of Shaw it is here the first time Xavier and Eric cross paths for what will be the story of what exactly did happen to this friendship. Knowing that they are going to need a team of mutants to save the planet from this large scale attack, it is here that the X-Men start to take shape in the form of Havoc, Angel, Banshee, Beast and Mystique. A team of young mutants who are going to be the first ever X-Men. But from here I can't tell you anymore, sorry.
Let me first say, this movie is amazing. I couldnt' get enough. This movie is exceptionally well directed. Matthew Vaughn took on the challenge of reinventing this franchise and has flipped it over to make a movie with enough action, emotion and character development that it is probably the best comic book conversion I have ever witnessed. The action scenes are staged well with many making you just gobbed smacked, but he has also taken the time to create enough back story on all the characters that you do care if something happens to the good side, or understand the pain that each feels inside due to the realisation of their difference. It may also make you take what they are saying and realise it could also be a big comment on society at this point in time, something a lot of comic books would not touch. It is exactly what made the comic books so captivating that the director knew not to mess with this factor. A big pat on the back is in order for Vaughn. A director who has gone from little gangster movies, to huge budget comic book movies but making them look like money was not wasted without artistic merit.

All I can say is there are going to be two big stars who come out of this movie. That's not to say everyone else isn't amazing. James MacAvoy brings such charm and wit as Xavier. Kevin Bacon is excellent as the creepy Sebastian Shaw and all the young cast bring their characters to life. But two stood way out for me. Firstly, Michael Fassbender is perfect as Magneto. With so much outcry over his casting, all critics can now shut up. The dude is Magneto. He brings a somewhat 007 feel to his Magneto but also a rage and anger that we didn't see as often as the older character in previous films. He has so much charisma on screen that you wish he would not leave. The second is Jennifer Lawrence. Having given such an amazing Oscar nominated performance in Winter's Bone, she brings amazing acting skills to her character Mystique that you can't help but fall in love with her character and feel her pain. For a character who is covered in blue scales, it takes a great actress to make you forget the fact that she is indeed covered from head to toe in blue.

This is the smartest move 20th Century Fox has ever made with a franchise by taking it back to the start. Unlike other comic book movies which were just lame (yes I'm taking about Thor, and even Iron Man 2) X-Men Origins does not go overboard on special effects to cover up the shitty story. It does not leave enough time to explain everything or have underdeveloped characters. It is amazing piece of work with everyone involved doing a fantastic job. Casting many unknowns has worked in the favour of this movie and the only complaint I had was that it just felt too short, which is wasn't (it clocks in at 140 minutes) It just felt that way, due to being so involved and amazed by such good storytelling. This is what a great comic movie is. Without a doubt this movie is on my must see list again and again. X-Men First Class is one of the best movies I have seen this year. Definitely my pick so far for 2011. 5/5

Take One Asprin, Bcause That's All You Will Need To Get Over This HANGOVER

I have to admit, the first Hangover movie had no appeal when I first saw its trailer in 2009. It looked like another American Pie crossed with Old School crossed with every other gross out, seen that nothing new frat boy comedy. But alas, the better of marketing got to me and I purchased my ticket and sat down to find myself enjoying one of the funniest movies I saw that year. I was raving about it to friends. It had so much going for it. Not only was it crazy funny, the idea was also extremely well done. Instead of seeing all the crazy shit that Phil, Alan, and Stu got up to, we had to go on a journey to find out what really happened on one night of craziness in Vegas. We, as the audience, didn't get to actually find out what happened on their crazy adventure until the closing credits with only snap shots showing the whole ordeal. Fast forward two years, and due to the popularity (as well doesn't help that the studio wanted another hit on it's hands due to the amazing box office success of the first one) all your favourite characters are back. This time for round two in the Hangover Part 2. This time the comedy removes itself from the shores of America and lands firmly on the ground in Thailand and winding up later in Bangkok. But will you laugh yourself silly and be feeling the effects the next day? Or like a hangover, will you easily get over it and go "hmm that was an alright night, could have been better." Read on to find out.

Two years has passed since the crazy adventures of Doug's bachelor party night at Vegas. The boys are all moving on. Doug (Justin Bartha) is expecting his first child. Phil (Bradley Cooper) has just had another one with his wife. Alan (Zach Galifianakas) is sorta out of the picture since the adventures and Stu (Ed Helms) is about to marry Lauren (Jaime Chung). They have all learnt their lesson since their last adventure. This time though Stu is going to be having his wedding in Thailand, Lauren's families home country. All the boys are invited except for Alan. Finally, Stu changes his mind and invites the fat man himself to join the boys on his special day. Lauren's brother Teddy (Mason Lee) has also this time been invited along for the ride as one of the best men. Arriving at this tropical paradise the boys and their families are civilized in the country until Phil decides it would be nice for all the men to get together for one last toast on the beach. And here is where the trouble starts. Waking up in the dirtiest of dirty hotels in Bankok (I literally felt I needed a shower after seeing this place) they awake to find it has happened again. They have woken up with a million problems from last night and this time instead of Doug going missing, it's Stu's future brother in law who is lost. Joining the gang on their adventure is Mr Chow (Ken Jeong) who might hold the answers to all their crazy stunts the previous night. Throw into the mix a naughty smoking monkey, lady boys, monks, gangsters, riots and tattoos and you pretty much have the Hangover 2.

Firstly, I'll start with the good points. Ken Jeong and Zach Galifianakas make this movie. Without them, I don't think I would have laughed at all. The location of Thailand is beautiful and the boys have some fun while in Bangkok. But that's about it I can recommend. I was BORED watching a lot of this movie. It was the exact movie from 2009. I felt I knew what was coming. There were hardly no surprises and when they thought shock value would make you laugh it really didn't. I am so amazed that they thought it would work again. It was like I went out one weekend and had the best time and then went out the next weekend and did everything the same but came home and said "wow that was pretty shit night." Everything was the same. Instead of a tooth missing we had a tattoo face. Instead of Doug missing it was Teddy. Instead of Chow hounding the boys it was a Thailand Gangster. I was so similar I thought I had gone back to 2009. Comedy can sometimes strike twice with sequels, but in many cases it falls flat (I'm looking at you American Pie 2). Even sometimes I thought I saw a glimpse of some of the actors looking like, "really, again, didn't we do this last time?" Let's just say if you watch it you will probably laugh I did. And there were a few scenes that I cracked up big time. But really I wouldn't recommend it like it predecessor. That was a clever funny comedy. This just seems like a movie made for the purpose of making a sequel. Nothing new, just a quick grab for box office. Which is a shame cause I kind of have lost interest in the franchise now. Of course this movie is going to do big at the box office, but unlike the first Hangover I can easily get over this one. 2/5

Did THOR score? Or was it just one big BORE

Firstly, I have to admit, I had no idea who the comic book character Thor was. I knew of him from watching a cartoon called Super Hero Squad (very funny on ABC3) but have never picked up or payed any interest in him. All I knew was that he was a God in some universe and for some reason he came to Earth. And now I have found out why as Marvel has released the new big budget blockbuster Thor. Of course I was going to check it out as I have always been a fan of comic books (I am dying a little each day waiting for X-Men First Class) but for some reason they can either be a big hit (Iron Man) or a bit of a blip on the radar (The Incredible Hulk). So is Thor going to go into the first catagory of a new franchise with a large audience or become a so so film that has been played by so many actors that they should just give up? Here is my take on it anyway. Let me begin.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is a cocky, arrogant warrior who lives in a realm called Asgard along with his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). His father King Odin (Anthony Hopkins) rules the realm with his magic and strong leadership and possess a magic underneath the city which has been a long battle over their realm and the freezer people (I think that's what they said they were, trust me I am having trouble writing the start of this review as I'll explain why). After Thor misses out on becoming King due to an attack by the freezer people, he grabs his mates, his weapon of mass power his mighty hammer and straps himself in for a battle to win back the devotion and respect from his father. Instead things turn nasty and his father is sick and tired of his irresponsible behaviour and feels he is not fit for king and banishes him to Earth. On Earth he comes into contact with Jane (Natalie Portman) an aestronoma who chases after changes in the stars with her fellow scientists Professor Andrews (Stellan Skarsgard) and Darcy (Kat Dennings). Thor does not believe he has been banished to Earth and asks the help of Jane to get him home. What he doesn't know is that his hammer has also been thrown close by and only when he truely figures out why he has been banished will he once again be one with the hammer and return home. Throw into the mix romanace, a sub-plot of the brother wanting to take over Asgard, a big black guy who is the gatekeeper of the realm transportation system thing and Rene Russo poping up to say about three lines in her whole role and pretty much thats all I could make of this film.

Here is my big problem with this film. I didn't like it. I actually had to sleep on it to figure out if I liked it or not, but I can clearly say if I had to choose between the movie Paul (out now) or Thor I would choose Paul hands down. Last year Inception came out which made everyones mind go weird, but I could understand it. For Thor I could not understand a single thing. I don't know why I just had no idea what was going on in the realms and who was who and when someone said a weird name I was like, "was that a person or was that a realm, I have no idea?" To me, they have made this movie for people who have read the comic books. Unlike being smart as they did for X-Men and Iron Man where you didn't have to know a thing I felt that they were not catering to the larger audience, which could also mean the biggest problem the movie could face at the box office. I mean it is $150 million project, that really may not see back their investment.

I have to admit I was not sure Kenneath Branagh could pull this movie off. He seems fine when they actors are speaking, but I feel the action scenes (or lack of) were not really all that. The actors were all fine, with none really jumping off the page, and Rene Russo should just give up. I don't know why she even bothered turning up for work as Thor's mother and her three lines. Poor thing, probably half her stuff was on the cutting room floor. To me all I wanted to watch was the actors on Earth. It made more sense, I could understand it and it just looked more like all the actors seemed to work better without special effects around them. Asgard was pretty impressive visually, but the 3D was awful. With 3D you could not even feel the whole scope of the world with much of it looking smaller than what is was supposed to be. Maybe that's what was pissing me off about this movie. So don't feel that you are missing anything in 2D. Save youself money for the candy bar instead of paying the inflated price for the glasses.

But this is where my main problem is with this movie. What is going on with Marvel studios and The Avengers movie? If you hadn't heard The Avengers is built up of Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Nick Fury and Hulk. There was huge up roar last year as Iron Man 2 was just a movie to introduce the new characters instead of a movie as good as it's predecessor (when you hear even the director hated it, you know something went wrong.) This is what I feel has happened here. They are making such a big thing of The Avengers movie that they are forgetting if people do not like any of the individual movies, why would they come to this huge event in comic history?

If you are expecting an awesome movie, which happens to be a comic book with excellent action scenes and heart, rent out Iron Man, Spider-Man and X-Men. If you want to be very confused, have no idea what is going on and want to watch a movie which feels like the middle chapter of a much larger book then Thor is your movie. Maybe Iron Man set the benchmark too high for all other Marvel films, as really nothing has succedded it. I only hope for Marvel's sake that Captain America does it much better. 2.5/5

Paul is one Alien I would definitely allow on Earth

What happens when you decide to make an alien like a human? He smokes, he drinks and he curses more than a sailor. This ain't no ET. This is Paul, the latest movie offering from the team that brought you Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. And let me tell you they have done it once again with this hilarious movie that not only will have you jumping out of your seat with laughter (I nearly did) but will also touch your heartstrings as well. Well maybe not at your heartstrings, but there is a nice feeling that you feel after it. A feel good movie as they like to say. But this one actually is the first truly funny picture of 2011 and I can't stress that enough. I feel like I am jumping too far ahead already, but if I urge you to see one comedy movie this holiday season Paul would be it. Let me begin.

Graeme (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost) are two English men who have been wanting to explore America and the great open roads which are reported to be alien hot spots. After biting the bullet and doing it, they head over to San Diego where they witness the marvels of comic con (It's a big nerd convention, think Star Wars, Star Trek and everything in-between and you have comic con) After comic con it's on to their road trip. So they buckle up, strap themselves in and get ready for their alien adventure. Stopping at all the hot spots America has to offer, they get into a bit of strife when they have a run in with a couple of rednecks. Fleeing the scene they notice a car traveling after them. When the car passes it veers out of control and crashes. Graeme and Clive stop to help and come across something they were not expecting. Out of the shadows, smoking a cigarette they encounter Paul (voiced by the funny man himself Seth Rogan). Not believing what they are seeing, Paul enlists their help as after 60 years the government has learnt enough from Paul without taking the next step of cutting him up. Hot on his tail is agent extreme Agent Zoil (the always excellent Jason Bateman) and two FBI agents who get tangled in the mess as well Haggard (Bill Hader) and O'Reily (Joe Lo Trugilio). There road trip is also going to get a bit more wilder with run-ins with Christian worshipers, rednecks and a romantic tail between Graeme and Ruth (Kristen Wigg) a woman wanting to explore the world but restricted due to her father's strict Christian ways. And this is when the fun begins.

Where to begin with this film. I have so much praise for it. This is an extremely well done comedy. One of the best I have seen in a time when comedies just don't have the punch that they should have. I haven't laughed this much since The Hangover. Everything aligns right in this picture. The script by Pegg and Frost is not only extremely funny, but is also touching. I must warn you though, the language is full on in this movie and definitely deserves its MA rating. But hey, I like the swearing and it made me laugh every time this funny looking alien said F*&K. The boys know their genre well and for those of us who are a bit of sci -fi nerds (yes I admit it) there are many culture references which are very well done especially a line from Aliens (you need to see the end of the movie to understand what I am talking about).

The script would not have worked as well as it did without the talented cast. Everyone involved is spot on (with most of the cast from SNL) I must give major credit to Kriten Wigg. I love her. I became a big fan of hers after watching her steal the show in Whip It and Adventureland. She steals every single scene she is in, as the Christian woman who Paul frees from her brainwashing father. The best jokes come from her potty mouth, where it's funny trying to hear her say a dirty word but in the wrong context in a sentence.  The rest of the cast work their magic to bring this Alien adventure to life. Bateman is great as the creepy agent and Pegg and Frost have so much chemistry that there next film should be a romance between the two. They work so well together. Listen out for a cameo of one of the biggest directors in the business and also a kick ass heroine who fought big bad aliens back in her day.

I really can't find a thing wrong with this movie at all. I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants. That is a hard sell for a person who has watched many comedies. The run time is perfect, the pacing of the movie runs smoothly and the actors all looked like they had a ball. My only criticism is why did America not take to this movie. It has not done very well at all and for me it makes me wonder why a movie about the Easter Bunny which got torn to shreds in reviews but dominated their box office has beaten out a movie critics are raving about? I just don't get it. It just goes to show studios really can't determine a box office hit anymore. But who cares. Go see this movie. It is so well done you will leave the cinema with a huge grin from ear to ear. Paul is one alien I would love to encounter again and and again. 4.5/5

Does Scream 4 still make a grown man jump?

And the killer is.... I'm not telling you that. I am not going to be one of those people who told you that Bruce Willis was a ghost all along in The Sixth Sense or Thelma and Louise drove off the hill at the end of the film, or Darth Vader was really Luke Skywalkers father. Nope not going to do it. So shell out your $8 bucks and go see it because I am not telling (or just google, some douche will likely ruin it for everyone by posting it on the Internet, but not this blogger) Anyway, it is that time again when the sequels are coming out for the Autumn/Winter big box office time (or Spring/Summer for my overseas readers) and it is time once again to see what is happening with Sidney, Dewey and Gale the original survivors for the last three installments of the Scream franchise. So what have the guys been up to lately since Ghostface decided to have a bit of a nap for the last 11 years and why all of a sudden has he decided to pop up after all this time, and really will the audience care at all? Read on to find out.

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has not had a very fun life since her teenage years. In high school her boyfriend and his best mate decided to kill a whole bunch of people. In her college years she was once again harassed by the parent of one of the boys and a serial killer. And in her adult life she was confined to a secluded area until murders started to happen to the cast in a movie based on her life (the stupidest one in the franchise, sorry guys but it was lame). Anyway, Sidney is back once again 11 years later to come back to Woodsboro. The town that started it all. But many things have changed since 1996. The world has technology at it's fingertips with Facebook, YouTube, blogging, and twitter at our disposal. Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame and now thanks to these devices they can be. So what better way then to become the main killer and show the world a new star has been born then by making yourself an Internet sensation where you will live on forever through the world wide web. And what better way then to hunt down the one person that will make them this star then Sidney Prescott the original survivor. Sidney is now an accomplished author, writing about self help and how she dealt with this traumatic event. But lets not forget the rest of them. Gale is still married to Dewey who is now the Captain of the police force. Gail is still the sassy reporter who needs a hit to make her famous again. But now it's time for some fresh blood. Joining the gang are a new breed of young ones (and for once they actually look like high school students). We have Sidney's cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) who is having issues with her ex boyfriend Trevor (Nico Tortorella). Jill's sassy and outspoken friend Kirby (Hayden Panettiere, my fav out of all of the new ones) the cinema club who are a bit too much involved in the Stab movies Robbie (Erik Knudsen) and Charlie (Rory Culkin). Then we have the female version of Dewey, Deputy Judy (Marley Shelton) and her associates Deputy Perkins (Anthony Anderson) and Detective Hoss (Adam Brody). All the new suspects who may be wanting their 15 minutes of fame. But who is it, and why have they waited all this time? Are the rules still the same for the horror genre? Or like the tag line says, "New Decade, New Rules." Can't tell you that.

Firstly, Wes Craven is back to his best. After the disaster of his last movie My Soul to Take (didn't see it, neither did anyone else) it is great to see him do what he does best. And he welcomes back the genre that brought him back from the dead with open arms. This movie is fun, funny and like the people next to me did, will make you jump. The first ten minutes are hilarious showing all the Stab's that have been made (great to see cameo's from two of my fav actresses Anna Paquin and Kristen Bell). The humour is great and the tension as only Wes can bring is well done.

All the original actors are back to their best. It is so great to see my favs on screen especially Courtney Cox (even with her fish lips why Courtney why) who made Gale the best one out of all them this time. Courtney knows her comic timing and gives enough sassy hard ass attitude to still make Gale a character worth watching. The rest of the cast I can't really say much about. In my opinion you can't beat the originals and the new cast were not very good at all. Yes, they are victims and you can't wait to see who goes next, but like the original trio there was no X factor about any of them, except Hayden and another one which I am not going to mention for spoilers sake.

To me the let down of this movie was I didn't think it was a Scream movie. Maybe since there has been so many horrors movies and the direction that they have taken, maybe these sort of scary movies don't have a place. Don't get me wrong, I thought the first ten minutes and especially the last 15 were the best out of the whole movie (loved the ending), but something was missing, that I can't put my finger on. Maybe it was because I didn't like many of the new cast and couldn't wait to see the old gang come back together. Maybe because I used to hold the original cast so close I didn't think the new cast held anything against them. Or maybe I just went in with too high expectations. But either way I did enjoy it. I thought it was hilarious more than scary. My advice. See it if you liked the rest. It is exactly the same formula. Just don't expect too much and you will having a screaming good time (pun intended) But please Dimension films, enough you can only go to such extremes as who the killer is that people will soon just go "Who Cares" 3/5  

Sucker Punch packs a WALLOP

Firstly, I have to admit this movie is not going to appeal to everyone. But for everyone else who likes their movie edgy, a visual treat, awesome action scenes that you will be thinking of long after the final credits roll and a killer soundtrack, make sure you rush to buy your ticket right now. I have to admit I am a going to be a bit biased in this review as I love the director. Zack Synder is a man who takes stories and puts his own personal spin on them. He made the Spartans looks cool in 300. Brought a new spin on a classic horror movie in the form of Dawn of the Dead and made a comic book movie with an edge in the highly underrated Watchman. Coming soon, if you are a fan of the man who is faster than a speeding bullet he will be taking Superman to places we have never seen. But this time, the man with the crazy directing style has brought his take on Girl Power to the extremes in the mind bending film "Sucker Punch." And all I can say is this is definitely my favourite of all his movies. I don't know what it was, if it was the action scenes, the completely crazy story, the amazing visuals or the awesome soundtrack that I couldn't get enough of. But hold up. I'm getting way ahead of myself here. Let me start first with the review. Now don't get lost as it is a bit complex.

After the death of her mother, Baby Doll (Emily Browning) is left with her younger sister to live with their evil stepfather (arn't they all?) But when he finds out in their mother's will that she has left all the riches to the daughters, he goes on a violent rampage, killing the young sibling. Baby Doll, enraged with anger, is sent away by her stepfather to live in a mental asylum where in five days she will be given lobotomy in order to not alert the authorities of her stepfather's crime. The asylum is housed with girls from all backgrounds who have all been institutionalised due to problems in their past. It is here that the Russian therapist Dr Vera Gorski (the always excellent Carla Gugino) uses acting therapy in order for the patients to act out their feelings. Baby Doll knows that she needs to escape in order to not undergo the procedure and with the help of Sweat Pea (Abbie Cornish) her sister Rocket (Jena Malone), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens) and Amber (Jamie Chung) the stage is set for their escape. But here is where it goes into the new depths. With the help of using this acting method of the good Russian doctor, Baby Doll escapes in her mind and dreams up a new world for the girls. They are now in a brothel where the madam is the doctor, the girls are workers in the club and Baby Doll is the new girl who will help them all escape. But for her to find what she needs to escape, she soon discovers she needs to go one more level in her mind to find what she is looking for. And this is where it gets cool. Imagining many different worlds, including old school wartime, samurais, dragons lairs and robotic future. Here in these worlds she is instructed with the help of Wise Man (Scott Glen) that she will need to find four items with a fifth she needs to discover for herself. But will she find them all before it is too late? I can't tell you that, but this movie does not have an ending you would expect at all.

Zack Snyder has a huge hit on his hands here and I for one have no idea why audiences in America were not lapping this up. It has not really set the box office on fire and to me that is a real shame. This movie is crazy and I strongly recommend seeing it on the biggest cinema screen you can find, or you will not receive the full scope of what the director is imagining. Using the bleak real world and contrasting it with the visual feats of the action scenes make this movie work extremely well. But don't lose where the girls are or you may hurt you head thinking about it. The director, in my opinion, keeps outdoing himself in every film he makes and just keeps getting better and better. He knew exactly what he was doing in this film and it shows. The concepts are crazy, and the good thing about this movie, the action scenes do not outshine the rest of the film.

All I can say is the girls kick-ass in this movie. I have to admit I have my favourite, but you will need to work out yours when you see it (Mine was Rocket ssshhhh don't tell anyone). Emily Browning is fantastic as Baby Doll (go the Aussies) and gives enough emotion and strong attitude to make you want her to succeed. Abbie Cornish (another Aussie) is excellent as Sweat Pea and I have already mentioned how much I loved Jena Malone as Rocket. She rocked. That's all I can say about that. But I also loved Carla Gugino as the good Doctor. She is such a strong woman working with these girls to give them a better world than they have been objected too. But let's not forget the men. I loved wise man. He was in a way the best Charlie to these angles. He was the perfect mix of a companion that these girls needed on their journey. But I haven't even mentioned how evil Mr Blue the head of the asylum/brothel is. Oscar Issac gives the perfect amount of creepy, sleazy, scary villain that you would expect in this piece (even with his creepy moustache). He was excellent as the main person standing in the way of these girls hope for freedom.

What was wrong with this movie you may ask? I don't have a single thing in my mind. It was amazing. I loved the characters. I loved the soundtrack and I absolutely loved the visuals. I was blown away. The only thing that probably bugs me is that who ever cut the trailer needs to be fired. The trailer does not set the film up at all and makes it look like one big giant music video. If I was Zack Synder and Warner Bros. I would fire them. This movie is amazing and due to this dumb ass has not found the success it deserves. Hopefully overseas markets will love it more, or at the least the DVD market. But honestly this is a movie that needs to be seen on the biggest screen to get the best impact that Synder is trying to show. Similarities are going to be made between this and Inception. But I think the similarities end at the mind. They are two different movies and completely different stories. All I can say is I want to rush out and see this again. As I said don't hate me if you don't like it. I did say at the start it is for an acquired audience. But for that audience, you are going to wet your pants excited over it. 4.5/5

Follow Red Into The Woods, If You Dare

We have all heard the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. A young girl who is off to see her grandma in the woods alone, who is stalked by the big bad wolf who wants to eat her up until the woodsman comes and saves her. We all know the legend. But where did this legend come from? Many believe that this was a story to scare young women from the dangers of going out alone, an urban legend if you will, but Hollywood has their own interpretation of those events and Red in the new film by Twilight Director Catherine Hardwicke, Red Riding Hood. Staring the "It" girl of Hollywood Amanda Seyfried who is joined by some old school classic actors in the form of Julie Christie (who I swear doesn't age) and the always fantastic Gary Oldman int his new tale. Does Hollywood's new take on the big bad wolf tale have enough bite to make an audience care? Read on and find out.

Set in medieval times, a small village is under the constant scare of the big bad wolf. Every full moon the small village is scared silly in believing that a strange force is preying on them. They sacrifice animals, they boarder up their doors and windows and hope that the wolf wont come after them. Valerie a.k.a Red Riding Hood lives in this small town where she is pre-arranged to marry Henry (Max Irons). Valerie however, is in love with another man who she has grown up with all her life and is madly taken with Peter (Shiloah Fernandez) an orphaned woodcutter. After Valerie's sister is killed by the wolf, the town's priest (Lukas Haas) calls upon Soloman (Gary Oldman) who has helped many villages in destroying these beasts. As the town searches to hunt and destroy the creature, Valerie may hold the key to finding out who the beast truly is. Throw into the mix Valerie's mother (Virginia Marsden) who has a bit of a secret of her own. A drunken father (Billy Burke) and her Grandmother (Julie Christie) who has a strange mystery about her and if you have read all this write, should add up to the elements behind the classic story.

So is the new take any good? I have to admit for the first 15 minutes I was bored. I was thinking, shit is this going to be Twilight all over again even with the star crossed lovers frolicking in stupid flower fields added into the mix. But then something happened. As soon as the wolf made it's first appearance I was hooked. The old school actors came out in full force (I'm talking about Julie Christie and Gary Oldman) who added a much needed boost to the film. Gary Oldman in my opinion can make any film great, and here he gets to steer clear of his good natured characters of late (I'm talking about the Batman films) and gets to go back to when he was dark and truly scary. Julie Christie adds old school Hollywood glamour as Grandma and gives enough style and class as well as giving us enough looks and weird gestures to make us wonder what her true nature in this film is. Amanda Seyfried is great as Valerie/Red. I was a bit torn at the start if I liked her in this movie as I hated her last film Chloe (truly one of the worst pieces of film I have ever seen) but as soon as it got going, casting her was fantastic.

A great deal of praise needs to go to Catherine Hardwicke. Before the whole Twilight craziness, Catherine was a great independent film director who could get great performances out of her young cast. Check out Thirteen and Dog Town and Z boys to truly see her talent. Here she has gone for the big large scale movie again, but this time it felt a lot more interesting. She keeps the pacing of the movie at a good speed and never lets the audience get bored. The set designs are fantastic and she uses this take on the medieval times to her advantage. As the tension builds in the film, she never eases off and never gives too much away which makes  keeps the audience interested and guessing who the big bad wolf could be. As always, she knows how to get the teen angst of love triangles through her actors and this movie is no different. There is a great chemistry between Valerie and the two men vying for her affections. If this didn't work the whole film would have been stuffed.

So did I love this movie? No. But did I like it a lot? Yes. The only thing that kept going through my head, was Jacob the wolf all along. (Everyone knows from the Twilight book Jacob is the wolf) The computer graphics were exactly the same, and I couldn't stop thinking all along that it was Jacob. But I started to get over that. The filmmakers could have easily tried for a different look, but I guess to not make it too scary, and not to alienate their target audience, a scary werewolf could have been too much and earned the film a higher rating. But oh well. This movie in my opion is a film that can take a firm proud stand next to other adaptions of the Red Riding Hood franchise. It was clever, interesting and kept me guessing to the last minute. They owe a lot to the great casting, and for me, it is about time Julie Christie came back on screen. She is one of the true Hollywood beauties that needs to do more films (FYI Julie Christie is the main lead in Dr. Zhivago). Having her and Gary Oldman raised the bar for this film, that could have easily fallen into the bargain bin. Sometimes old school Hollywood have more talent and screen presence in their little finger than any of the other highly overrated actors on screen today. 3/5

What if a single pill could make life easier. Would you take the challenge?

Bradley Cooper has come a long way. From staring in Alias as Jennifer Garner's husband who meets with an untimely death, to small supporting roles in Wedding Crashers, Failure to Launch and Valentines Day. But some how Mr Cooper has finally started branching out and is able to become a leading man. Last year he stared in the under appreciated A Team (hell of a good action film) and now he is staring alongside one of Hollywood royalty of Mr Robert (Please enough with the Meet The Parents Movies) De Niro. Given the chance, Bradley has taken up the firm position of a leading man for the new highly thrilling movie, "Limitless." But does he pull it off, and will this certify his position of a leading man? Well read on and find out.

Eddie Morra is a down on his luck depressed, 30 something writer in New York who has hit a wall in his life. He looks like death, he has writers block and his girlfriend (Abbie Cornish) has just left him due to his selfish and depressing ways. His life is pretty much over in his mind. When he bumps into his ex brother in-law Vernon (Johnny Whitworth as everyone in the 90's will know from the hugely popular movie Empire Records "it's AJ people") who used to be a dealer. But now he has a product that might not be so bad after all. Devised by a mysterious team, this pill is described as a drug which will open up our mind and allow us to use the parts of the brain giving us 100% usage instead of only 20%. What occurs next is amazing. The pill opens Eddie's mind up. He is able to recall information that he saw as a child, learns a whole language in a few days, and is able to finish his book within a day. It makes his life, in a word, clearer. But the effects soon diminish and he is back to square one. After contacting Vernon who has now been murdered in his apartment, Eddie steals his stash and starts to enjoy the benefits the drug brings. He becomes friends with the high flyer's of New York and with it brings women, luxury vacations, fast cars and eventually wins back his girlfriend. But he needs to find a way to bring increase his wealth. With his new talent he starts to invest in the stock market and starts to make a killing. It is here he is head hunted by huge stock market expertise Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro) who is going to help him land big deals, with even bigger money. But what comes up must come down as Eddie experiences that with his new pill comes the bad side as well. He endures blackouts, could be a murderer and suddenly finds himself followed by strange people watching his every move. Could this pill actually be more pain than it's worth? Can't say anymore because I will ruin it. But it is good.

All I can say is Bradley Cooper makes this film. The guy reaches every range of his acting talent and really is in every single scene using it. The dude has never been better, and this movie better get Hollywood to realise they have a very crafted actor in this man. I couldn't help but really like his character, and me being me, wanted to stand up and applaud when they finally cut his hair (sorry but it annoyed me to the extreme) Bradley plays off Hollywood vet De Niro extremely well and holds his own. De Niro finally looks like he wanted to be in this movie and didn't look like he was doing it for the paycheck (I am going to mention it again, but you can't be that desperate to do another Meet the Parents movie are you Robert?) He makes a sinister stock broker and pulls it off well. I must say I also thought Aussie actress Abbie Cornish had great chemistry with Cooper. I have never really liked her before, but she seems to be making an impact on the Hollywood scene and if she chooses roles like this one, will have a very interesting and rewarding career.

I must give my hat off to director Neil Burger. He makes this movie go at a pace which is extremely well done, placing enough action, enough dialogue and enough tense moments in this movie to keep the audience wanting more. The use of light and special effects to maximise this new drug so that the viewer can also experience it, is extremely well done. I couldn't help but think of the 90's movie Hackers (yes I love this movie and so does many others if your laughing right now) with it's visuals and fast paced use of the camera and music. I must admit though, there is one scene where the viewer is going to squirm in their seat. I didn't think anyone in the preview screening wasn't a bit grossed out by it. I'm not going to tell you about it, you will just have to see.

The only problem I had with this movie was that I was a bit unsure of a few things, which I can't list here as it will spoil the movie. But maybe on repeat viewing I will work it out, or maybe I will just need a pill to help access the rest of my brain so I can understand it. The advertisements don't do this movie justice. The film is actually a lot smarter than what I thought it would be and I came out of this movie thinking, have we already found a great thriller for 2011? This is one of those movies which is so original that you just want to congratulate the studio for finally doing something different. This is definitely one trip you will have to take. I don't endorse drugs, but if I did this would definitely be my drug of choice. 3.5/5

Rango is the name of the new sheriff in town? But is he worth your time?

Johnny Depp seems to be in my opinion, one of the hardest working actors in the business. When he is not working on Pirates nine hundred and three or staring in the new Tim Burton film, he manages to do something completely different and surprise not just his audience, but the movie going community. I don't know how many directors are going to call Johnny their muse (Tim Burton never can shut up about him) but it seems director Gore Verbinski has seen that having Mr Depp in his movies other than a pirate one can make a film exciting and fresh. But this time both men are stepping out of their safety zone and entering into the world of animation. Now you know Johnny doesn't do crap (okay I just heard someone cough a little, I know Alice in Wonderland was on my worst list of movies last year) but in animation you can either have a hit (see Toy Story) or a big miss (Planet 51 anyone?) But this time both men have teamed up for the wild west adventure Rango and boy is it a fun ride. Let's begin

Rango (voiced to perfection) by Johnny Depp is a lizard who dreams of being an actor. Living in a tank he dreams of one day being a great actor. His only friends are a wind up toy fish. A barbie doll without a head, a left arm or one of her legs. A lego palm tree and that's about it. One day when being taken for a ride through the Nevada desert, his cage is thrown through the window of his owners car and smashes on the road. Nearly missing winding up as road kill, Rango encounters Roadkill (Alfred Molina) a wise old creature who tells him of water through the dirt. But dirt isn't the desert. It's a small town reminiscent of the old west, where the town is run by a mayor, the saloon is the local hang out and people talk with drawn out soutehrn accents. Enter the stranger Rango to the town, who knows he could play the part perfect of the new sheriff and gets caught up in telling a white lie that leads him to becoming the new hero. With the water supply dwindling, the town's folk are packing up and moving on. But it is the few including Beans (the amazing Isla Fisher, go the Aussies) a head strong creature who will fight for her farm, Priscilla (voiced by Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Bresnan) a possum who is looking for a hero in Rango, Mayor (Ned Beatty) an old turtle who has seen his town start to decline and the villain of the piece Rattlesnake Jake (the fantastic and under appreciated Bill Nighy). When Beans becomes the trusted friend of Rango, she believes something sinister is happening to her town and water should be flowing allowing the small community to survive. And she is right. I'm not going to say anymore without spoiling it, but this is one wild west adventure that needs to be experienced.

First off. There are two things that make this a cut above the rest. The animation and the voices. I couldn't stop thinking how far computer animation has come since the success of Toy Story. This movie is so in depth and detail in every aspect of the film that you can't help but stay focused. The characters look amazing, the scenery is so well crafted that you feel that you are in the old west and these people are in need of a hero. Gore Verbinski deserves a big pat on the back for this film, (and it's about time enough with the Pirate movies dude). He has made sure that the animation blows the audiences mind and the characters every detail appear in their expression through their face and movements.

Secondly, the voices are fantastic. The actors seem to know their characters and produce this in their voices. Major congrats need to go to Johnny, Isla and Bill Nighy. These guys are fantastic in their parts and really play well off of each other. I read that they actually performed the script with a microphone taping their entire performance and it shows. All the voice actors do a great job.

I must say though if you are wanting a very funny animated film, you are going to be highly disappointed. Rango is more of a adult comedy/adventure which draws much of its strength from it's cleaver script, fantastic animation and it's smart characters. Trust me, small kids will get scared. There are many scenes which work on fear of the main villain and are the things of nightmares. The only problem I had with this film, is I could not for the life of me figure out what most of the characters were. Unless someone told you (e.g. Rattlesnake Jake) I thought many of them were all lizards. I know probably if I watched it again that it would probably make sense but it started to bug me and I wanted to yell half way through the movie, "what kinda f*&kin creatures are you?" But all in all this was a very good animated adventure. All parties should be extremely proud of the achievement. No longer are the best animation coming out of Pixar or Dreamworks it seems the other studios are giving them a run for their money. Rango is one lizard I would definitely love to see again. 3.5/5