Reviews

I took my eleven year old daughter to see this film and she loved it. So clearly it is a hit with its target audience. I have to say that I enjoyed it also. I have read parts of the book with my children so was aware of the basic premise.

The characters were as you would expect for this type of film. There are several amusing scenes involving the "gift" that is given to Ella by her fairy god mother.

That said there is a harder edge to this with issues such as discrimination and equal opportunities coming into play.

All in all this did what it said on the box.

This was the film that SMG has been waiting for since Cruel Intentions. The plot revolves around the house where a gruesome domestic murder took place. Gradually every one who visits the house dies. We are shown flash backs to the original killings. The director knows how to crank up the fear factor and the whole cast delivers. This is an adult horror film. No doubt fans of the original will complain about the "westernised" remake but I feel that it works well.

This is definitely one to watch, but not if you have a seriously weak heart.

Since this film is shot in Japan it does capture something of the original and it is good to see the ordinary side of Japan rather than the normal image that you see portrayed in film.

This is one of those film rarities, it is more funny than the original. This film picks-up on Shrek and Fiona's honeymoon. It then moves to the new in laws. Shrek is reluctant to go but caves in to Fiona. We then go to the kingdom of Far Far Away. The plot mainly revolves around the secret deal between the King and the Fairy Godmother. There are many jokes, both obvious and subtle that will appeal to both the adults and their children.

The characterisation and acting is great as is the soundtrack. For those of us that are real film geeks the take on the Fabulous Baker Boys at the end is brilliant.

A must see movie.

This is the story of a man who has to find himself again after the death of his wife during the birth of their first child. The story starts with Gertie (Raquel Castro) telling us her story. We then cut back to how her parents, Affleck and Lopez, met.

Ollie Trinke and Gertrude Steiney are both successful in their own fields. When Gertrude (Lopez) dies in child birth Ollie (Affleck) falls apart. After a disasterous press conference he is black balled by the PR industry and ends up working for the local borough highways department. During this time his world revolves around hi daughter Gertie.

He then gets the chance, 7 years on to get back into PR. However, he realises that the life that he is building with Gertie and Maya (Liv Tyler) is worth more to him. This epiphany comes to him following his meeting with Will Smith (in a cameo), the star who caused his downfall 7 years earlier.

This is not going to win awards but is a good film to sit down to with someone you love. The dynamic between father and daughter is well served especially the role reversal when Gertie catches Ollie and Maya when they are about to make out.

This is good family entertainment.

Forget what you have heard about this film. It is an epic tale told on an epic scale. This film will join Gladiator and Pearl Harbour for sheer scale. It matches Glory for the brutality of its battle scenes. Although some liberties may have been taken with the story the basics have been retained. This story is about what man will do for love and the consequences that follow.

The performances are universally good. The charactors are not portrayed romantically but with realism, flaws and all.

This may be nearly three hours long but it rewards you with one of the most spectacular films of the year. This is a must see and a must have when it comes to DVD later in the year.

The story starts where it ends, with Bitsey's car breaking down and her running along the road. We then go back 4 days.

Bitsey is a reporter who is given and exclusive interview with David Gale, a Harvard educated professor and opponent of the death penalty, who is on 'Death Row' for murder. He has been convicted of the murder of Constance Harraway, a fellow 'Death Watch' activist. Bitsey believes that David is guilty. However, whilst listening to David's story she is convinced that he is innocent.

We hear the tale of how David's life has unwound. His wife had an affair, he was accused of rape by a student who flunked out of school, his wife leaves him and takes their son to Europe. He is acquited of the rape but loses his job and cannot get another teaching post. He ends up with a dead end job working as a retail manager. He is also shunned by the leadership of 'Death Watch'. He then discovers that Constance, a close friend is dying of cancer.

Bitsey comes into possession of a tape which may prove his innocence but it is only a clip and is not enough to stay David's execution. She manages to find the original tape but gets to the execution too late to stop it. We then see the media outcry after the event with an upsurge in abolitionist protest.

We then finally see that this was the plan all along. Contance and David have sacrificed their lives for their principles.

Although I was aware that Constance had killed herself I was not aware of quite how the story was going to play out. I was only able to work out that it was suicide because of a couple of exchanges about mid way through the film.

The performances of Spacey, Linney and Winslet are of a high standard. This is an intelligent thriller that is well worth the watch.

I went to see this film somewhat sceptical about how good it would be,(the not another pop-star tries to be an actress syndrome). I admit that I was suitably impressed. This may not be in the same league as Crazy/Beautiful but it does the job better than most.

Although this contains the standard teen fare, wild child in search of redemption and uncool geek, the central performances from Moore and West plus supporting cast from Coyote and Hannah make this an enjoyable fare. Yes Moore does sing but it is all in context. This is what Spears needed to do in Crossroads.

The sound track is one to add to the collection.

Ian

As one who got into the story of Harry Potter through my kids I found the books to be excellant. I was as concerned as everyone about how well this would be translated onto the screen, (I remember 'Dune') I needn't have worried. The film could not possibly have adapted all of the book. The most important thing is that the film caught it's essence, it had done this and some.

The film is quite simply brilliant. The performances all shine, I have to say that my favourite is Hermione. From the opening scenes to the final chess game you are gripped and the time flies by. One of my favourite scenes is the Quiditch match.

The story starts with Harry being left with his 'muggle' Aunt and Uncle and their son and then developes as per the book. The scenes at the railway station and the first years arrival at Hogwarts are as magical as you imagine.

This is one for the whole family to see again and again.

This is the story of the Cortez family. Mum and dad, are top spy professionals, only their children so not know this.

Having been called out of retirement they go on a mission and are captured by Floop and Minion. Their children discover what their parents do for a living. They discover that they have to become spies to rescue them.

Needless to say they do this with aplomb, with a little brother and sisterly bonding along the way. Needless to say the kids perform their mission successfully.

There are good performances from the child actors involved with Alexa Vega stealing the show. Banderas and Gugino acquit themselves well. I have to ask why we Brits always have to play villains! You could almost get a complex about it.

There is much to enjoy for both the kids, my two both enjoyed themselves. However, there is much allegory about family life, redemption etc. that the adults can enjoy.

There will no doubt be a sequel, if it is as well played as the original it will be well worth the watch.

The majority of the criticism that I had heard about this film related to the picture postcard location and the 'silly accents'. I have not read the book, yet! The accents were appropriate.

The film opens on the Island of Cephalonia just before the outbreak of the second World War. Pelagia, the daughter of Iannis, the island's doctor becomes engaged to Mandras, a fisherman. Her father does not think that this is a good match but allows Pelagia to make her own choice. Mandras goes to fight the Italians. The war takes a turn for the worse and the island is invaded by the Italians with German support.

The war does not really touch those that are based there. During this time a tentative romance develops between Pelagia and Corelli. After the Italians surrender the Germans massacre them. Some escape, Corelli amongst them. He is smuggled off of the island by Mandras and his partisans.

The war ends and Pelagia is now a doctor. However, she still carries a torch for Corelli. Iannis writes to Corelli who returns and wins back Pelagia.

The film does jump a little, but this is to be expected of a film based on a sweeping BOOK. This said, this does not spoil the FILM. The locations are beautiful, this cannot be helped either since the island is beautiful. This works as a romance which is what it is. The performances from the central characters, Cage and Cruz are good and make the story believable, I can forgive her the dire Woman On Top. Hurt provides a strong performance also. Bale is good in support.

This is one to go and see and judge for yourself.

Although some of the shock is not there this time round because you know what is coming in parts, this may well be a cinematic rarity, a sequel that is a good as the original.

The film opens with Rick and Evie, now the happily married couple snooping around a tomb with their son in tow. Evie has been having some strange dreams about this dig, which is confirmed when she is able to open the tomb using keys which she knows nothing about. They fight of the baddies, a la Indiana Jones and go back to England with a bracelet belonging to the Scorpian King. The heavies want this as Anck-su-namum is planning on raising Imhotep again and using the Scorpian King's bracelet to rule the world. Queue the non stop action. Alex is kidnapped as he puts on the bracelet and can only remove it at the Temple belonging to the Scorpian King.

Ardeth Bey aids them in their quest. The CGI is, as you would expect superb. This time round the girls get to beef up their fight scenes. Rachel Weisz certainly can do this. The two fight scenes between her and Velazquez and excellent. Fraser proves once again that he is ideal for this sort of part.

I cannot recommend this enough. GO AND SEE IT.

This is a relationship movie set in London, involving a group of twenty somethings. There is the obligatory 'gay' couple, the philanderer with the stunning wife, the shy boy etc.

Although, this is not a bad film, in the current crop of 'Brit Flicks' it makes a change to see something other than a gangster movie.

That said, however, this film does not linger too long in the mind. The performances from an international cast is passable but this is a curious point in the story, why have we got an international cast for a very British film?

This is one that will not doubt be well received when it comes to TV.

This taught thriller opens with a scene reminiscent of Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' with the death of his partner during an operation to catch a serial killer. Cross goes into retirement. He is sharply brought out of this by a call from 'Mr Soneji' who has kidnapped a Senator's daughter. This has been done under the noses of the Secret Service agent who was assigned to protect her, Jezzie Flannigan.

She teams up with Cross to try to get her back. The plot moves along crisply with Soneji playing games with Flannigan and Cross. This part of the movie works well.

Unfortunately, the film unravels in the last reel. We discover that Flannigan and a fellow Secret Service agent were onto Soneji's plan and in fact, are manipulating the plot to extort money.

The film then degenerates into standard Hollywood melodrama, with Flannigan killing her co-conspirator and becoming unhinged and trying to murder her former charge. It of course ends with a show down between Flannigan and Cross.

This is a shame because until this point this film had been a good thriller. Despite this Freeman provides his usual class performance. Potter demonstrates that she has got what it takes to become a top flight actress with a well measured performance. Mika Boorem is yet another high class child actor who shows that she can act with the best of them in a thoroughly creditable performance.

After all of the hype surrounding this film I was prepared to be disappointed. I was not! This film deserved to win Roberts the Oscar, her performance was superb. She plays the seemingly white trash Erin who may not have the qualifications but does not lack the intelligence. Through a simple research job she discovers that a large corporation has been poisoning the water supply of a town. She fights their corner for them and eventually secures them a huge court settlement. It is not plain sailing for Erin as she has to overcome stereotypes and prejudice but she wins through in the end through her hard work and determination. Finney provides sterling support and his exchanges with Roberts provide some classic moments. I cannot recommend this film highly enough!

This is a welcome break from the British staple at the moment. This is a well acted and scripted thriller. The film opens with a bedraggled Birch running into her school and phoning the police. She and 3 of her friends have been missing for 3 weeks, we subsequently learn that she is the only survivor. With the help of a counsellor, Davidtz, we learn what happens or so we think. As a result of her story, a fellow pupil at her expensive private school is arrested. His version of events is very different. We do not know who to believe, but Davidtz, has doubts about Birch's story. The 'Hole' of the title an old bunker is visited several times during the course of the film. In the final visit Birch tells the whole shocking truth to Davidtz. We discover what a completely manipulative sociopath, who is instrumental in the death of her friends because she wants to sleep with Harrington. All of the leads are superb, go and see this film!!

This film is worth a visit, don't listen to the negative press that it has received. It tells the story of a control freak, Roberts, who gives her boyfriend Pitt and ultimatum, his "business" trip to Mexico or her. He does not have a choice, it's go or bacome part of a new building. The problem is that Pitt's charactor is about as incompitant as they come. In order to ensure that all goes to plan, a hitman, Gandolfini kidnaps her. So begins a road movie where the main charactors do not act together for most of the film. All three leads give good performances, Gandolfini as the caring hitman nearly steals the show. Pitt and Roberts live up to their leading actor status.

This film is an attempt to bring a modern slant on the Highway man movie. Maclean is a disgraced officer and Plunkett a bankrupt business man. Plunkett has turned to crime and through circumstances Maclean becomes his partner. All starts well with their first job, one of their victims being Lady Rebecca. As their notoriety grows so does the pressure to capture them. Eventually Maclean is caught by his own greed. He is then rescued by Plunkett and Lady Rebecca and they all escape together. I tried to hard to like this film but it just does not work. It has too many modern traits to work as a costume drama. The leads do try hard but ultimately I could not feel sympathy for Maclean and wondered why Lady Rebecca did not fall for the caring and honourable Plunkett. This film does have its' moments but they are not enough.

In view of the cast, I am sorry to say that this is definitely one to be missed. This story seems to follow the formula of all recent horror films. Unfortunately, this formula has been parodied with the likes of Scream and Scarey Movie. It also lacks the edge of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'. The cast does try but is not served by an unoriginal script. Because we now know the 'formula' to this type of film, even when Richards gets killed it is no surprise and you know from the start who the killer is. The only surprise was the survivor and why, not enough to keep your interest.

This is one that is definitely worth missing.

This is a MUST, MUST, MUST see film. There are too many funny moments to pick one out, although the knicker scene is destined to become a classic. The whole cinema was laughing at the misadventures of this 32 year old single female trying to have a life despite everyone else. In the end she finds happiness with the right man, of course. The journey there is in parts touching but the story is always told with humour. Anyone who said that a Texan could not play a sometimes dowdy Englishwoman had not allowed for the tour-de-force performance by Zellweger, any doubts about her acting ability, in some quarters are definitely laid to rest here. The supporting English cast were excellant as were Grant and Firth, (the fight scene!?)

This is going to be one of the high spots of my cinema going year.

I had heard good things about this film but it did not prepare me for the masterpiece that this undoubtedly is. The film almost has a documentary feel about it at times and is superbly acted by an ensemble cast. It tells the tragic tale of the Lisbon sisters who, in the Sixties, the era of freedom, are stifled by overprotective parents who do not appear to have left the forties. The Lisbon sisters are full of life, particularly Lux. Rather than let them grow, after Lux stays out all night following the homecoming dance, the surviving four sisters, (Cecilia, the youngest has already killed herself by this point) are withdrawn from High School and only have contact with the four boys, that are obsessed by them, via the phone and records they play to each other. This leads to all of the sisters killing themselves for reasons that noone can understand. The performances by Wood, Turner and Dunst stand out and the Direction of Sofia Coppola is brilliant. The atmosphere is perfectly conveyed. This is a MUST SEE film.

Maria has planned weddings ever since she was seven. She is now the most successful wedding planner at her agency and has her heart set on a partnership, which she is going to get when she secures the Donolly account. This she does. She is then rescued by handsome Dr 'Eddie'. She falls for his charms straight away. Then the nightmare begins, he is Farn Donolly's husband to be and her father is trying to marry her off to Massimo, a geek from Italy, where she was born. The film charts the story of the wedding and Mary and Eddie's growing feelings for each other. The film may end happily, but that is why you go to this type of film. The leads show why they are major players in Hollywood. McConaughey and Lopez generate on screen romance, Wilson plays Fran as as the stereotypical career go getter but this is not too over the top. This is one for the romantics out there.