Reviews

World Trade Center

directed by

Oliver Stone

World Trade Center is the tale of two NY policemen and their struggle to survive beneath the rubble of the collapsed World Trade Center.

A good script, good acting and good directing is what makes WTC an emotional and effective drama. Both Nicolas Cage and Michael Peña give wonderful performances, considering they are restricted in movement for the larger majority of the film. Bello and Gyllenhaal also give good performances in a side story which was really the heart of the story. Oliver Stone has done this brave story proud.

Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood

directed by

Steven Ayromlooi

After some very bad sequels, a Leprechaun film has been made which can happily conclude the Irish monster's saga. It might have a reference to the hood in the title, but hardly similar to the previous attempt. Here they have created a worthy sequel. There may still be the problems with some of the characters and their dialogue, as well as some obvious plot holes, but Lep 6 actually worked on building up the characters, as well as a back story for the Leprechaun. Speaking of Leprechaun, Davis also manages to finish of his Leprechaun story, with one of his best Lep performances.

Leprechaun in the Hood

directed by

Rob Spera

Another weak entry into the series. The script is terrible and unless you are the kind of audience for the type of gangster hip-hop story lines, they you won't think much of the characters. They just become typical stereotypes and become most annoying than anything, although Ice-T does pull off a fair performance. Unfortunately, this is Davis' weakest turn as the Leprechaun, which is supposed to be the driving force behind the film. The end result makes possibly the worst Leprechaun film.

Down with Love

directed by

Peyton Reed

Unlike some romantic comedies, Down with Love fails to offer anything which would attract the opposite target audience. It's the usual story of 2 people stuck in a love storyline, with a lot of the dialogue based on innuendos. The film does hold something impressive, which is its design. The sets are beautifully made, and the film is shot in such a way, that it does feel as if it was shot in the 60's. McGregor and Zellweger are their usual best, but it's David Hyde Pierce who steals the best scenes.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

directed by

Jonathan Mostow

Jonathan Mostow had big shoes to fill when he took on the first Terminator film without James Cameron. Was the end result better than the previous two films? Not at all! Is it still an enjoyable film? Definitely! It might not have the same level of excitement that Cameron provided and Nick Stahl might lack in charisma as John Connor, but with Arnie back, T3 delivers a fantastic climax that it has all been leading up to.

Hostel

directed by

Eli Roth

It might not be as violent and uncomfortable than it promotes itself to be, but Hostel is still a fairly entertaining film. Whilst basic, there is in fact a story featured, with the torture featured much less than led to believe. What it does succeed in very well, is the power to get the audience involved. You really get involved with the characters that much that you can't help but put yourself in their position. Not for everyone, but can be enjoyable for some.

Leprechaun 4: In Space

directed by

Brian Trenchard-Smith

After three movies set on Earth, the Leprechaun now goes where no Irish monster has gone before; SPACE!

After a fun and entertaining sequel, the Leprechaun franchise has hit a big low. Deciding to send the Irish monster into space, the fourth entry includes a large mixture of bad acting, bad effects and just a plain bad script. Instead of enjoying the sequel, you just sit there asking "why?" not just for yourself, but also for the characters.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

directed by

Adam McKay

Uproar erupts when Ron Burgundy (Ferrell) must share the news room with a woman anchor.

Like many comedies, Anchorman does have a slow start, but as it goes on, the jokes don't stop. Will Ferrell and gang have created such wonderful and hilarious characters who won't be forgotten anytime soon. Add to this, some fantastic cameos from stars such as Tim Robbins and Jack Black, and you have one of the funniest films of 2004.

The Number 23

directed by

Joel Schumacher

Interesting thriller which further shows that Jim Carrey can do more than comedy. The concept of the story might sound complicated, but you soon pick up on it. The story keeps you hooked in right until the end, and even when all has been revealed, it is still not over. Whilst it does suffer from some of the same problems than other similar films have, such as too much development for particular characters, but just sitting back, should allow you to enjoy this.

Chicago

directed by

Rob Marshall

After murdering a man, Roxie Hart (Zellweger) is sent to the big house, where she must lie her way out.

Rob Marshall has successfully brought Chicago to the big screen with a well written script and fantastic musical numbers. The cast is perfect, with Renée Zellweger perfect as Roxie Hart and Catherine Zeta-Jones excellent as Velma Kelly. The number of locations are kept small, with the stage used for a number of musical numbers, but these are presented so well, that it is just a joy to sit through each song.

The Muppet Movie

directed by

James Frawley

Kermit the Frog and friends relive the tales and stories of how they all came together.

The Muppets star in their first feature film, bringing the magic they are known for to a bigger picture. The story is not too complex and is written as a prequel of sorts. The well written jokes appear as each character gets a worthy introduction. The cameos aren't just thrown in either, but written in as interesting characters, making one of the many peaks for our furry friends.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

directed by

Rob Cohen

As a popcorn summer flick, The Mummy 3 can be at least entertaining, but as a third installment, it will end up as a disappointment. Gone is the excitement that was found with the original three films. Replacing Rachel Weisz is another problem, as Maria Bello fails to be as interesting as Weisz. Her attempt at an accent is too much, and you soon begin to miss Weisz. At least, John Hannah is still here, who is truly the highlight of the film.

Leprechaun 3

directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith

The Leprechaun (Davis; Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi) is back and once against is after those who stole his gold coins. The hunt for the coins lead him to Las Vegas, which he encounters a boy who soon turn out to be a worthy opponent.

Finally on its third sequel, a Leprechaun movie is made which is up there, if not better with the original. The wonderful Warwick Davis returns as the monster Leprechaun, with the standard "hunt for gold coin" storyline being placed in Las Vegas. Whilst not laugh out loud funny, Leprechaun 3 does have its moments, as well as the bad acting mostly gone, which keeps you entertained.

Leprechaun

directed by Mark Jones

After his gold coins are taken, the Irish monster, the Leprechaun (Davis; Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi) unleashes his fury to complete his collection, even if it means, killing someone.

The acting may be bad, the script unbelievable and the effects laughable, but Leprechaun still manages to entertain you. Warwick Davis clearly enjoys himself as the Leprechaun, portraying him in more or a comedic role than a horror role. With a young Jennifer Aniston spending her film debut running and screaming, Leprechaun from its release was destined to become a cult hit.

The Kentucky Fried Movie directed by John Landis

Starring a host of stars, such as George Lazenby (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) and Donald Sutherland (Invasion of the Body Snatchers).

Quick sketches compacted into 90 minutes, with classics such as 'Feel-A-Round' and 'That's Armageddon', as well as the immortal 'A Fistful of Yen'.

A completely random selection of sketches and spoofs stuck together, the Kentucky Fried Movie is clear from the first 10 minutes that it won't be for everyone. The jokes may seem slightly updated and it doesn't hold well compared to the very well known Zuckers/Abrahams comedy, but there is enough jokes here to keep you chuckling.

Jason X

Directed by Jim Isaac and starring Kane Hodder

EVIL GETS AN UPGRADE

Friday the 13th meets Star Trek, when Jason Voorhees takes a step too far and jumps into space. Gone are the scares which are required for a horror film. Effects at times can be laughable and the acting is a horror all by itself. With a Shatner lookalike Captain, the badly cast actor fail to make any character decent or memorable. Best acting goes to Kane Hodder, who you don't ever see or hear. Definitely the weakest of the franchise.

His unique ability to regenerate lost and damaged tissue, it's just it cries out for more research. – Dr. Wimmer (David Cronenberg)

Jason Goes to Hell

Directed by Adam Marcus and starring Kane Hodder

EVIL HAS FINALLY FOUND A HOME

Jason Voorhees is back in another slasher film in the franchise, but with it advertised as Jasons finale, does he go out with a bang?

With Jason Voorhees in this for no more than 10 minutes, you soon forget its part of the Friday the 13th series, and start treating it as your usual low-budget horror flick. The acting isn't as bad as you would expect and the effects featured are quite decent, but this doesn't stop it from failing as a Friday the 13th film.

Iron Man (2008, Dir. Jon Favreau)

Whilst taken hostage, Tony Stark builds a suit. This will not only protect him, but will defeat his opponents. Back home, Stark continues work on this technological advanced suit and is soon put to the test to defeat the ultimate enemy.

Explosive and exciting action filled 'Iron Man' is not only a spectacular introduction to the comic book hero but is also a superb return for Robert Downey Jr. Downey is born to play Tony Stark, with a great supporting cast and amazing visual effects. One of the biggest hits of 2008, Iron Man will keep you stuck to the film from star to finish.

The future of air combat. Is it manned or unmanned? I'll tell you in my experience, no unmanned aerial vehicle will ever trump a pilot's instinct. – Rhodey (Terrence Howard)

The Invisible (2007, Dir. David S. Goyer)

After he is accidentally killed, teenager Nick Powell (Chatwin) gains the power to see everyone, whilst he they can't see him. Can he find a way to convince anyone to discover his body and help him to come back?

Good attempt at an interesting concept, with some good moments, but there is nothing to make 'The Invisible' memorable. Some of the scenes do feel out of place, with a very odd choice of music. Casting is acceptable, but some of the actors look to have trouble portraying the character convincingly. Still deserves a look at.

Nick was innocent. I hurt him for nothing. – Annie Newton (Margarita Levieva)

Hide and Seek (2005, Dir, John Polson)

After the sudden death of his wife, David Callaway (De Niro) takes his traumatised daughter, Emily (Fanning), away to find peace and to start their life again in a new home. Emily fails to settle in well, with David becoming concerned as Emily identifies with Charlie. Someone who David has never met before, but who likes to play Hide and Seek.

Decent thriller which can end up being predictable, as the story is very similar to other films. Casting and acting is good, but not a lot is featured to make it great viewing after the first time.

He doesn't want me to talk about him. – Emily Callaway (Dakota Fanning)

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008, Dir. Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg)

Discovering that Maria (Garcés) is now off to Amsterdam, Kumar Patel (Penn) convinces buddy Harold Lee (Cho) to fly out to find her down. Being mistaken for terrorists, Harold and Kumar are thrown into Guantanamo Bay. Escaping from their imprisonment, Harold and Kumar continues on their journey, with the Government following.

Whilst it is not as funny and entertaining as the original film, it still contains enough jokes to please every Harold and Kumar fan. Cho and Penn are fully into their characters as much as before, and Corddry shows how under-used he is in other films.

Sh*t. It's Cheney. Come on, you guys. Keep quiet. Follow me. – George W. Busg (James Adomian)

Get Smart (2008, Dir. Peter Segal)

After years of office work, Maxwell Smart (Carell) of CONTROL finally gets his chance to work in the field. Teaming up with the beautiful Agent 99 (Hathaway), they fly off to Russia to investigate and battle the organisation known as KAOS.

Carell proves he is one of our top comedic talents with a fantastic and lovable turn in this generations' Get Smart. The jokes takes time to get going, but once they have, they don't stop. The talents of the cast are put to good use in this enjoyable film which mixes comedy and action, and does all it is suppose to.

Oh my god. Have you eaten the crew? Oh look. It understands. – Siegfried (Terrence Stamp)

The Godfather: Part II (1974, Dir. Francis Ford Coppola)

It's the 1920's and young Vito Corleone (De Niro) moves to New York to his life and new crime career, whilst in the future, his son Don Michael Corleone (Pacino) continues to further his father's legacy.

Francis Ford Coppola pulls off another epic classic which this time focuses' on two different story lines. Al Pacino is just wonderful as always to watch, but Robert De Niro gets a mention for his amazing performance. The story remains at a steady pace and never goes off the tracks, making this a truly great film.

I trust these men with my life, Senator. To ask them to leave would be an insult. – Michael Corleone (Al Pacino)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008, Dir. Nicholas Stoller)

When Sarah Marshall (Bell) dumps aspiring musician Peter Bretter (Segel) for rock star Aldous Snow (Brand), Peter's world comes crashing down. His best friend suggests that Peter should get away from everything and to fly off to Hawaii to escape all his problems. After arriving in Hawaii and meeting the beautiful Rachel Jansen (Kunis), Peter is shocked to see not only Aldous Snow in Hawaii, but also Sarah Marshall.

Jason Segel shines in another fantastic Apatow comedy. The usual gang is here with Bill Hader and Jonah Hill giving great performances. None Apatow regulars who fit right into characters include Mila Kunis and Russell Brand and is hilarious yet emotionally touching tale.

You've got that magic newlywed dust all over you. – Rachel Jensen (Mila Kunis)

Flushed Away (2006, Dir. David Bowers & Sam Fell)

Roddy (Jackman) is a rat who lives in the best lifestyle possible, but when stranger Sid (Richie) appears, Roddy tries everything to remove him. Unfortunately for Roddy, not everything goes to plan, and he himself ends up in the sewers. Gaining the assistance of Rita (Winslet), Roddy tries to get home, whilst dodging the evil Toad (McKellen).

Flushed Away proves that Aardman, DreamWorks and Computer Animation can work together, as this film is a colourful and hilarious delight to watch. The choice of voice talent is perfect and each voice and the well written script makes each character so identifiable and interesting.

After a hard day navigating the sewer pipes, there's nothing better than relaxing in a Jacuzzi whirlpool bath. – Roddy (Hugh Jackman)