Reviews

Justin Lin's first foray into the fast and furious franchise is rather the odd one out in the series, as it contains none of the original cast and is out of sequence from the rest of the films. But it is an interesting and refreshing film for the franchise.

New lead character Sean Boswell (Lucas Black). After getting in trouble in America is forced to move to Tokyo to live with his father. Here he gets involved with Drift racing, Yakuza and future series regular Han Seoul-Oh (Sug Kang). I know fast and furious films are things that don't get dragged down exposition and plot. But even so this film does seriously lack any sort of plot. The acting at times is atrocious, and with Lucas Black you are wishing for a quick return of Vin Diesel and Paul walker.

What is unusual, but very good especially for an action film. Is the actual use of Tokyo instead of just a weird, exotic location for are fish out of water scenario. We get to see bits of Japanese culture for example in locations used such as the Pachinko parlour,or a rather humorous scene involving a sumo wrestler,and many others. Justin Lin is a decent director and his decision to use drifting as the type of racing in the film does open it up for some beautiful shots that car fanatics will love.

Overall the film is dramatically awful. But the actions beats and the use of Tokyo. Make this an interesting addition to the franchise.

Did the First Hangover need a sequel, the answer is no. But we have two and i have thoroughly enjoyed both sequels. The second i found very funny but did not love as it was a repeat of the original. But Part 3 definitely goes in it's own direction. It may not have given me the belly laughs of the others. But i was giggling for most of the film.

The story contains, this time NO hangover, NO piecing together of the night before. what happens is the Wolfpack are taking Alan (Zach Galifianakis) who is off his med's to a treatment facility. When they are accosted by crime boss Marshall (John Goodman) and the returning black Doug (Mike Epps) , and they force the Wolfpack to find Mr Chow (Ken Jeong) who has escaped prison in Thailand. And kidnap Doug (Justin Bartha) for insurance.

It is refreshing that the story is different on this occasion. Going in much darker and much more dangerous places. Zach Galifianakis is excellent as the overgrown spoilt man-child Alan. With Galifianakis and Director Todd Phillips taking the character in even stranger and more awkward directions. Alan is now effectively the lead in the movie with Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms having surprisingly little to do. But react to Mr Chow and Alan's antics, and give typical eye rolls at the situation. Also this time the film adds a little more heart to the proceedings with a minor characters death, and a intimate moment involving. In usual scene stealing form Melissa McCarthy.

The Character Mr Chow in this does become almost the second lead in the film, and I personally was never that bothered about the character and found him a funny nuisance for the gang. I know some really really hated him and his increased prominence in this may alienate some people from liking the movie. Also I was disappointed in the lack of use of Helms and Cooper. Who are both talented comic actors and also grounded the films comedy in response to the craziness of the other characters. Credit has to be given to Justin Bartha in possibly the most thankless role in any franchise in movie history.

In the end this is a decent way to end the series and gives the characters a decent send off. Supplying enough silly laughs to make this worth a viewing. Stick around for a funny bonus scene, which hopefully is just the last hurrah and not the indication of a fourth.

2 Fast 2 Furious is in many, many ways a far inferior film to it's predecessor The Fast and the Furious. But what it does have, is a certain likability to it, which i don't fully understand.

Returning star Paul Walker, playing ex-under cop turned fugitive Brian O'Conner has a chance to redeem himself and with the help of child hood friend Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) bring down drug lord Carter Verone (Cole Hauser). It brings what is expected for the film, Sexy ladies wearing skimpy outfits, men who look good with their tops off, and extremely fast cars. As already stated the film is worse than the first in a lot ways, the acting is pretty poor throughout the cast, particularly Cole Hauser who was a bad choice for the antagonist. As for me he failed to express a methodical calculating bag guy which i think he was going for. The film also move towards CGI green screen with it's effects which take away from some of the original's appeal, and making it look worse that the first also.

Good things about the film are the two leads do share a pretty easy going chemistry with each other, which made some their bickering scenes fun to watch. It also brings in the appealing Eva Mendes after her kind of breakthrough role in the film Training Day. Some of the action scenes and car chases were very good though. They did feel a bit Michael Bay like. Making me think John Singleton may have gone to him for advice before making this, and what ever you think about Bay, his actions scenes are usually well choreographed.

A Film i can understand why some people will hate, but i have to say i had to much fun watching to dislike it.

To go in and watch The Fast and Furious, it is a lesson in expectations as it is obviously not a masterpiece, and you should not expect it to be either. it does exactly what it says on the poster though and the film is fast and the action is furious.

The story of Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) who is a undercover police officer. Trying to breaking on to the Street racing scene. Through Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) so he can bring down a crew who are hijacking trucks. The thing with the film is that in a lot of ways it is terrible. I'm not a Rob Cohen fan, of all his films this is probably the best of his work in my opinion and only challenged by 1996's Dragonheart. In acting terms Paul Walker is a good looking guy but lacks real acting talent and charisma on screen. Vin Diesel though does have good screen presence, and at times I think is an underrated actor. The supporting cast is generally OK except for the insufferable and thankfully only in it for a short period Ja Rule, and the definitely not very intimidating Reggie Lee as the main protagonists henchmen.

What is surprising and actually good about the film is that it does have a nice simple plot and develops the characters as we get to know about Dom's father and his childhood, and see Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) and Brian fall in love. The Car chases are decent and again are practical effects, which are better than CGI Green screen chases uses in some of the sequels. Praise also has to made of the final sequences involving the final hijacking, the chasing of some drive by shooters and the final race off. which were very thrilling and kept you on the edge of your seat until the end.

I can't say i love this film, because i don't. But i did like it and enjoyed the ride while it lasted.

So what this mostly will be remembered for is as Daniel Radcliffe's first post Harry Potter project. Which is a bit disrespectful to what is a, quite chilling decent horror movie.

Based on a Susan Hill novel of the same name, the film follows a young widowed lawyer played by Daniel Radcliffe called Arthur Kipps, who is essentially on his last warning at work and travels to Eel Marsh House to look through the papers of the late Alice Drablow. he experiences resistance from the local and glimpses of a woman dressed only in black. Daniel Radcliffe is adequate in his role continually improving in all his films. As he was no acting child prodigy that's for sure. The film does feel very accurate to the time period. With the house used in the film being very creepy and suitable perhaps being the star of the show. Also because of it's inexperienced star the film very much does rely upon supporting characters especially good were Ciarán Hinds who plays a man in denial about the myths until evidence becomes to much to deny, and his wife played by Janet McTeer who is still grieving over a lost child, really competes with the titular character for creepiness.

A couple of things that do work against it, is the film does not seem very original. with it's scares and story line seeming to be well trodden paths before. Also is very well telegraphed before it happens of how the movie will end lessening it's impact quite a lot.

A decent horror with a adequate amount of scares. Which turned out to be a smart interesting choice by it's star.

Airport is a film that kind originated the Disaster movie genre, but compared to modern disaster movies. This compared to them is a totally different animal. As this focuses on characters and believable scenarios. Modern disaster flicks concentrate more on the effects and the actual disaster. which in some ways is a step backwards for the genre.

Set in the fictional Lincoln Airport which they are trying to keep open through heavy snowfall. But also have to deal with a suicide bomber and various personnel problems for people involved. The thing that i liked most and would say loved about the film is the Mrs. Ada Quonsett character played by Helen Hayes who is a elderly stowaway who is utterly adorable throughout and made me laugh on more than one occasion. The score of the film is very good, and quite memorable. Which was sadly the last score done by Alfred Newman who scored Charlie Chaplins Modern Times and won a total of 9 Oscars.

The film is too melodramatic, and except for some small periods regarding the suicide bomber. these is little to no tension or feeling of danger throughout the film. Also Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin plays there roles far to straight for my liking as they could of improved the film if they took it a little less seriously.

Not nearly as good as the brilliant Poseidon Adventure and Towering inferno. But it is a entertaining movie none the less.

I am not that familiar with the original Three Stooges, I had obviously heard of them and seen clips which i did find amusing. But i did suspect that the particular brand of comedy would be come tedious over a full length feature. Which this film at time did confirm for me, but did also tickle me at times.

The story separated in to 3 acts or episodes as called in the film in which i found is in reference to how the originals short films were packaged for TV. Adopting a similar story to The Blues Brothers, the Stooges have lived in an orphanage their whole lives and they must leave to earn money to save said Orphanage. The casting for is actually very good as the 3 actors Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes and Will Sasso are suited to the characters and made up enough to look like the original actors. Also based on who else were linked to the roles during it's development hell particularly Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn. Acknowledging they are fantastic actors but it may have taking me out of the movie a little at the surprised casting. Also special mention has to be made towards Larry David who played Sister Mary-Mengele who was absolutely hysterical at times.

What i did not like was as previously mentioned the constant slapstick comedy, which is funny. Does become very predictable with it's repetitiveness and also the obvious attempt to freshen up the old school Three Stooges by bringing in the cast of jersey Shore. Which honestly was funny at times but seemed like a desperate attempt to drag them into the 21st century and for me will age the film horribly when Jersey shore disappears and becomes forgotten.

In the end an OK attempt at bringing the Stooges up to date, but ends up more like a music cover band.

From what i understand Akira is the Citizen Kane of Anime films. influencing Anime since it was made even now, and also influencing live action cinema for example the Matrix trilogy and Chronicle. The film lives up to this reputation, and continues to influence now 25 years on.

The complicated for some story concerns a futuristic Tokyo biker gang whose lives are impacted on after an accidental collision with a child who is a part of a secret government run project dealing with telekinetic powers in children. Exploring ideas about mans need for power, rebelliousness of youth, and friendship. It does at times make it difficult for these to fully emerge with the frenetic pace of the movie. But the animation and visuals are dazzling and amazing which have aged really well, resulting in a vivid, dark, and very compelling view of a Future Tokyo.

In the end anyone that has any sort of interest in Anime, Sci-fi or to be honest film in general. Needs to see this movie as it deserves to be named in same breath as other influential films such as Citizen Kane, Blade Runner, 2001, et al.

"I'd let a fish lick me if it'd get me out of this wheelchair."

Studio Ghibli films have so far not disappointed me, always capturing my imagination, and warming my heart. This animated fairy tale influenced by the little mermaid story/mythology. this story follows a little boy named Sôsuke. Who finds a Goldfish by the shore, he names her Ponyo. But Ponyo is a princess who want to stay with Sôsuke and become human.

The story is rather simple but effective. In-keeping with other themes i have noticed in Ghibli movies. About friendship a lot of times between humans and magical creatures, love especially innocent love. There is also a ecological message in here but it is not rammed down your throat due to how enthralling and magical the film is. Visually stunning and shows that 2D hand drawn animation still has a place in cinema.

Things i did not like are Liam Neeson voicing the Fujimoto character. I'm a big Liam Neeson fan. But his voice did not suit the character, and took me a little out of the film, trying to figure who would have been a better choice. Also considering there is meant to be some danger to the entire world in the film, i never really felt any tension because of it.

Watch this just for usual standard artwork that was ethereal, whimsical, and utterly charming. Which is expected from a Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki film. But also get taken in by the sweet natured story also.

The Gold rush is the second Charlie Chaplin film I've watched recently the other being Modern Time, and both have blown me away. I remember watching scenes of Chaplin as a child but i never watch any from beginning to end as i can remember.

The Simple story of a lone prospector travelling to find his fortune, but instead may have found love. The film contains some of Chaplin's most famous scenes. The dancing Potatoes which still today is still hysterical and utterly charming and sweet. Which everyone has probably tried to emulate at some point in their lives. Also the scene involving Chaplin and a cohort eating one of his shoes which is very funny and iconic. The master of slapstick physical humour, you just have to love the childlike nature and innocence of the Tramp character. Whose sentimentality can just warm your heart and make you smile.

I think out of two i have scene i prefer Modern Times but that along with The Gold Rush, and Charlie Chaplin in general just have a timeless quality and still remain so effective even now, 80 years on.

As the Fast & Furious franchise continues with it's simple enjoyments of fast cars, well oiled muscles and sexy ladies. This film does meet expectations, and is your typical faster and bigger sequel.

This time the story follows Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and the gang. Who are this time not being chased but being recruited by Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson). To bring down international criminal Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) who is aided by once thought of dead Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez).

What is good about the film is Director's, Justin Lin's decision to keep the film in a action-oriented direction. With a slight nods to it's street racing past. But focusing on 80's big muscle, big explosions nostalgia. Also the continuing use of practical effects over CGI backgrounds and locations. Make the film look all the more impressive. The action is over the top and a little silly but i did very much enjoy it. The only poor bit being a moment where Vin Diesel's character saves someone life taking the ridiculousness a bit to far.

With the ever expanding cast the writers i imagine do have their work cut out for them. But everyone in the film except Jordana Brewster who again is given the short shrift do get their moments. But some of the comedy does miss it's mark, and the return of Letty is given the thinnest and quite unoriginal of explanations for her return. Also because of the huge cast of good guys, there is a lack of development for the villains. Making it difficult for Luke Evans who is actually very good in his role, to make a strong impression and did not become the threat to the team as much as he should of.

This is a fun film, so just turn off your brain and enjoy the ride and be prepared for a very decent post credit sequence hopefully setting up a possibly very exciting Fast 7.

"What's with the S&M get up?"

It is hard to figure out how this series is still going, with it's nonsensical plot, and what should be it's strongest point action scenes that are quite boring really.

This time the story follows straight off from Afterlife, The T-virus is still ravaging the world. Alice has been captured and taken to a secret facility, and with the help of some new, old and surprising allies, she must escape from the facility. Looking at the plot the film is quite simple in this addition to the series. But what makes the whole thing quite odd is the motivation for the Umbrella corporation still. As it says in the film they are still experimenting in how to control the T- virus. When you would think they would try to eradicate it by this point, as i imagine profits are dwindling. Also if it is about power with the post apocalyptic landscape if they successfully got rid of the zombies/monsters they would be the most powerful entity in the world still.

As noted in the film quote Alice spends a lot of the film in a nice skin tight S & M style outfit, which reminds of something that did distract me, when Alice is in her cell. How comes Umbrella cannot afford a full gown for her to wear just essentially two pieces of paper connected by string. Then after a power cut suddenly the S & M outfits comes out the wall. WTF. what was it doing there?, is the Red Queen developing some odd tastes? or is the surprising ally still bad and they put it there? i don't know.

I could go on ranting about this film, but the actors do what they can with the script. Also a lot of the action is predictable and boring. But there is some decent action set pieces in there to. In the end if you've seen the others in the series you may as well still see this one. But if you haven't watched the others, don't bother.

"Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor, not a torpedo technician!"

The much hyped sequel to J. J. Abrams reboot is here, and it does not disappoint. Star Trek Into Darkness is an exhilarating fast paced action extravaganza.

When a terrorist declares a one man war against the Federation, Captain KirK and the Enterprise crew, are charged with tracking him down. All of the cast from the first film return, with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto continuing to impress in the roles of Kirk and Spock respectively. With a good supporting cast well suited to their roles. Except and it really pains me to say, the exception is Simon Pegg who is a lesser copy and essentially a caricature of the original.

As originally stated the film does move at an exhilarating pace moving the story along, keeping the adrenaline high, and providing plenty of entertaining action. The best addition to the franchise is the introduction of Benedict Cumberbatch as terrorist John Harrison. Having recently just caught up with the BBC show Sherlock i knew Cumberbatch would excel at the psychological side of being a threat to the Federation. But i was not so sure about a physical threat but he does across as a definite bad-ass. Especially shown in a scene once the Enterprise track him down to the planet he is hiding on. In the end providing a very real threat to the crew and Federation.

Regarding the shooting style of J.J. Abrams, i have liked everyone of his movie so far, especially Super 8. But does anyone else get a bit fed up of the lens flares he uses on the film way to much. Also the film moves at such a blistering pace, it does sometimes make it hard to fully invest into the story.

For anyone who like Abrams first jaunt into the Star Trek universe should like this, and i hope to see some more adventures of the Starship USS Enterprise in the future. Also going off this the Stars Wars universe seems to be in safe hands.

"I crap bigger than you!"

A decent Mid life crisis comedy, which is surprisingly deeper than you would expect. Which has many laugh out loud moments.

New Yorker Mitch played by Billy Crystal, is at impasse in his life. Unhappy with his job and going through a mid life crises. Him and his two best friends also experiencing their own crises. Decide to take a holiday experience herding cattle across the old west. Billy Crystal who is great in the role bringing great wit and not as depressing as the obvious comparative actor, Woody Allen. Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby also providing adequate support. But Jack Palance steels the show with every scene he is in. Possessing a knowing smile that he is messing with the tourists, and teaching them some simple truths along the way.

The film though does not shed new light on the mid life crisis movie, as the film is mostly predictable in how it was going to play out. The film overall is a harmless bit of fun, providing me with plenty of entertainment.

The mask is a film for me that i like as much now as much as i did when i was a kid, but considering i'm really just a massive man-child it is to be expected. The film really being the perfect setup for Jim Carrey's comedy styling's.

The plot follows Stanley Ipkiss, a typical working scrub. Who finds a Mask which turns him into a egotistical Cartoon character essentially. Who causes the ire of the local gangster. Jim Carrey leads the film fantastically, the zany nature of the story and his acting give the a comic book feel, giving it a timeless quality. The humour at times being very childlike, but at times having a real edge to it. The villain Dorian Tyrell played by Peter Greene is quite a ridiculous character in a lot of ways, with so many poor henchmen around him. But Greene does some how get over this and makes him pretty intimidating.

The film also has Cameron Diaz possibly at her sexiest with a great entrance in to the movie, and Milo the dog contending with Carrey with some very funny moments. Things i did not quite like were the attempts at comedy involving the cops. I did like Peter Riegert cynical detective, but his inept partner was just plain annoying.

A great film to take you back to your childhood and remind you how funny Jim Carrey can be.

"How do you explain something that you can't even understand yourself?"

This quote from Zac Efron's character named Logan Thibault, kinda perfectly identifies how this review is going to go. As i kind of have no idea why i liked this movie.

The story goes, and as i understand it your typical Nicholas Sparks story. U.S Marine Logan Thibault is saved by his finding of a photograph of a girl, he finds said girl and instead of revealing how he came to meet her. He ends up working at the family owned kennels. The only other Sparks movie I've seen is the Notebook. Which i kinda liked as well, but that did have some heart pulling tear jerking moments. This film is really an unoriginal story with quite a predictable set up.

What i think won it over for me is the cast, and especially the two leads Zac Efron who is someone i should really hate. But i always find him compelling and affable on screen. Whilst having a decent amount of chemistry with Taylor Schilling who is equally as good.

In the end i may be someone who falls for a schmaltzy film. Or maybe it was just the mood i was in, But i liked it and Sparks fans and Romantic Drama fans will probably like it to.

"Wow. Okay. Wow. Congratulations to both of you guys. Live long and prosper. No, that's weird, that's Star Trek."

A charming and funny film, The five year engagement is a decent addition to the genre. It is a thoroughly modern take on a relationship, as it does not assume as soon as a woman finds the right man. She will quit work and any dreams of a career. Settle down and pop out a couple of kids.

So goes the story Jason Segel and Emily Blunt play a couple who have very functional relationship, that is until the prospect of marriage is thrown in. The two leads are very good having an easy chemistry about them. Jason Segel always comes across as charming and affable. But the real standout is Emily Blunt who is often the best things in many of her movies, and continues to be here. The best thing in the movie is the organic nature of the relationship, as it does not go for manufactured , well worn hurdles. But has the characters at fault for creating their own hurdles.

As pointed out again, and again, The movie is too long as the pace does drag. But the worst offence is the villainisation of the alternative boyfriend/girlfriend for each character, as they seem perfectly nice at the beginning, but once the leads realise who there true love is they become conveniently horrible, and obvious they were not right for them all along. which comes across as very forced and lazy.

The film is overlong, but has enough charm and laughs to make it worth a watch.

The film had an intriguing idea and story-line. But unfortunately they have produced a lack luster effort. With a quite unfocused story and slowly paced.

The story is set 300 years in the future, in a i would say post - apocalyptic landscape. A young boy/man Agito comes upon a girl frozen in time Tula wakes her up, which could tip the balance in an ongoing war between two factions. One whom wants to live peacefully with the forest and one that wants to bring the earth back, to the way it was. just by typing up the synopsis here, again gives me the feeling of a good idea gone to waist. One of the main things that bothered me were the way the two factions were put across, as the people who want to destroy the forest are obviously the bad guys, which is the obvious environmental message the film wants to put across and showed no subtlety while it slapped you across the face with this message, but the forest which has some mythical druids protecting it, come across to me as quite like a dictatorship holding the power over human kind. The pacing of the film was very slow with some action scenes you would hope lift the momentum for the picture which actually turned out quite bland and predictable.

The film is beautifully drawn with the huge landscapes being absolutely stunning and competing with Studio Ghibli on that front. The dubbing was pretty good and the musical score was not disappointing.

Overall an OK film, with decent elements, and an idea there that could work very well but not quite on this movie.

The less you know about The Boys From Brazil the better, A quite well known story based upon a Ira Levin novel. Is a good thriller, which allows two of the greatest actors there has ever been a chance to ham it up a bit.

The plot involves Nazi hunter Ezra Lieberman (Laurence Olivier) trying to unravel a devious plot by Dr Josef Mangele (Gregory Peck). Directed by Franklin J Schaffner of Planter of the Apes fame. Provides us with a nice slow burning build up in setting the story, and keeping me enthralled with it really quite ludicrous but entertaining story line. It has a great score adding dread to certain moments and heightening the tension. The film at times almost slips in to horror with it's certain plot elements, and also containing a horrific confrontation between the two leads at the end.

It is not perfect by any means though, as some accents are all over the place and can become a little distracting, and some may find the films idea to unbelievable to take seriously, which i can't say i had a problem with.

A good film, with two acting powerhouses, worth a watch just for them. But a smart thriller i highly recommend.

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

One of the most famous lines in film history, is perform brilliantly by Clark Gable, But everyone in this historical romantic epic is fantastic. With Vivien Leigh possibly being most suited to her character Scarlett O'Hara. The love story between Scarlett and Rhett butler (Clark Gable) is a doomed romance from the start but takes on a intriguing ride.

They just don't make films like this anymore, the grandness of the film is rarely matched. The nature filled rich landscapes. the colours used are truly stunning. The characters relationship does come across as still relevant and realistic possibly more inkeeping with modern day romance.

Where i had the problems in this film was not so much the story and anything technically wrong with the production. But it is how unlikable i find the two main leads. As Scarlett and Rhett are so manipulative of each other and others, and at times say and do things that are absolutely unforgivable.

The film is a legendary piece of Cinema, but for me the central characters are to unlikable for it to be an all time classic for me.

A realistic story of love, growing up, and moving on. I think the director Makoto Shinkai may have brought some of the best, most stunning visuals i have seen in any anime including Studio Ghibli so far. It was just a joy to admire the artistry that went in to this movie.

The story is very interesting as it shows a young boy named Takaki Tōno and his relationship with a girl named Akari Shinohara, it shows them falling for each other and their eventual separation, and shows how it affects Takaki in his later life. So this makes Five centimeters not about forgetting your past and moving on that way. But about accepting it, and move you on from longing to relive or change those moments in your past. Hopefully living a happier life in the present.

A beautiful film with a wonderful message and showing the biggest hurdles in life and in love being time and distance.

"Time Waits For No One"

A very entertaining high school anime romance, which just happens to include time travel. The story follows Makoto Konno a young girl who falls over a weird walnut looking object and after a near death experience. discovers she can time jump, which she then abuses this power frivolously.

You have to love the way Makoto uses her power as any teenager would, to pass exams, avoids awkward situations, and relives fun moments over and over. Giving her character and other characters a quite realistic credibility. The film is also wonderfully animated with beautiful colours, and stunningly unique scenery.

The film does however slow down a lot in the final third in it's desperation to wrap everything up, and try to explain any plot elements that may need more explaining.

A wonderfully compelling story, and reminds me of some of my favorite aspects of anime. In it's good natured sweetness.

"It's the quiet places where all the mad s**t happens."

Grabbers is a decent and well done little horror comedy. Jon Wright follows up the surprisingly not bad Tormented with this Irish Jig of a movie.

The story is of a typical monster movie premise, but it has an appropriate cultural twist in how to tackle the problem. It features an impressive cast of British actors with Richard Coyle and Ruth Bradley leading the film very well. The film for what i assume was shot on a quite low budget looks great and does not look cheap like a lot of British movies. It has a surprisingly very good CGI monster, which is used sparingly to great affect. The film reminds me very much of the classic horror comedy Tremors. With it's similar laughs, surprisingly charming characters. But also taking it's horror seriously and providing some decent scares.

It does not quite hit the heights of Tremors unfortunately, and it does not supply the laughs as much as another film it will be compared to, the great Shaun of the Dead. But the film is definitely worth seeing, especially if your a fan of the genre, and potentially this could become a cult favorite down the line.

The Hunt is a film of great emotional impact. Offering an interesting insight in to criminal sexual abuse cases, and shows how carefully these sort of cases have to be treated.

Director Thomas Vinterberg's story follows the case of a male kindergarten teacher played by Mads Mikkelsen who has falsely been accused of sexually abusing young children. The director lends an assured hand to this very sensitive subject. I especially liked the direction where we can almost see the inner turmoil and struggle with these accusations by Mikkelsen's character. I thought it gave a realistic interpretation of the scenario. The whole community turning on you, and showed how a quick trip to the supermarket can turn in to a spine tingling, uncomfortable nightmare. The performances in the film for me were unquestionably great, with Mads Mikkelsen's powerhouse performance being simply breath taking with every emotion played to perfection and timed perfectly.

If i had one small critic of the film is that i buy the community turning on the lead character but it is his colleagues acceptance of the accusations is what bothered me. As they base it on the fact a child does not lie, and for me, this is a very ignorant stance from them, as the accusations should be taken seriously but not blindly accepted as it was in the film. Leading to the ending which i know many did not like , but i did. It may have lacked subtlety, but it made it's final point loud and clear to the viewer.

A powerful movie which tackled it's subject with great respect, and provides a great movie to watch about the subject.

"I'm no man's burden! I want to be of use!"

This film is so far from what i expected, when it comes to animated films you expect fun, you expect adventure. which this films does have. But this is more of teenage drama. with so many themes and messages coming across.

The story follows a girl named Shizuku Tsukishima who becomes intrigued by some one she has never met but checks out all the same books, could this be the ONE for her? The themes in the film are wide and many. Some include not knowing what you want to do with your life, being separated from people you care about, wanting to take charge of your own life, being hard on yourself, etc,etc. Many could simply write this off as a soft romance film. But the way it tackles it subject elevates it to another level. The story is sweet, the characters are charming and the animation is stupendous. But it is something that i realise now is to be expected of Studio Ghibli films.

The only gripe i could come up with, which did seriously affect me on first impression was the ending. As it was something that seemed very Hollywood, forced, and taken too seriously. It is my only problem with the film and i understand it could leave a bad taste in some people's mouth's. As it almost did for me.

Worth it just for a early glimpse at The Cat Returns, Baron and Muta characters. But a very intelligent story that will warm your heart.