Movie Synopsis
When a friend announces she is getting married, the down out of luck maid of honor and a rich bridesmaid battle it out for the bride’s attention and to be her best friend, which threatens to make the wedding a disaster.
Movie Review Summary
This is a good concept for a film, which has not been mined for the humor it can offer. Now, anybody expecting The Hangover will find this doesn’t live up to that, the focus here is much much on the emotional fragility of the characters rather than the slapstick form of humor. Yes, there are some good, funny moments in it – the bridal fitting being one – but ultimately the story is about the emotions and self-consciousness that weddings bring up. As a result it doesn’t hit the spot as well as it could have done. The storyline works well, with Annie falling further and further down the slippery slope of failure, unfortunately, this is a little overdone and it’s clear that she’s not all together and probably suffering mental health issues, which doesn’t make for the funniest of viewing. There are also some characters which are too exaggerated, taking them beyond funny and just into the realm of unbelievable. Otherwise, a good film that’s worth a watch and will give you some laughs.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Bridesmaids and click here for more movie reviews.
Thursday 29 August 2013
Sunday 25 August 2013
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising
Movie Synopsis
Will Stanton is the seventh son of a seventh son and finds on his fourteenth birthday that he is a warrior of Light who must overcome the growing forces of Dark.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, there is some imagination in the story, but they may as well have called the warriors of Light the goodies and the Dark Rider the baddy. As Will travels backwards in time, you do wonder how the story is developing as it is. How is he really knowing what he’s doing? He takes to the challenge well though, and as the Dark Rider never properly uses his strength to kill anybody (he could, he just doesn’t) this starts to feel week. The final battle is quite a let down. The twist isn’t a clever one and the battle between Light and Dark is nowhere near as potent as suggested in the legends of history that they introduce, in fact it’s nothing much more than a damp squib.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Seeker: The Dark is Rising and click here for more movie reviews.
Will Stanton is the seventh son of a seventh son and finds on his fourteenth birthday that he is a warrior of Light who must overcome the growing forces of Dark.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, there is some imagination in the story, but they may as well have called the warriors of Light the goodies and the Dark Rider the baddy. As Will travels backwards in time, you do wonder how the story is developing as it is. How is he really knowing what he’s doing? He takes to the challenge well though, and as the Dark Rider never properly uses his strength to kill anybody (he could, he just doesn’t) this starts to feel week. The final battle is quite a let down. The twist isn’t a clever one and the battle between Light and Dark is nowhere near as potent as suggested in the legends of history that they introduce, in fact it’s nothing much more than a damp squib.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Seeker: The Dark is Rising and click here for more movie reviews.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Movie Synopsis
A film based on the book series follows a family who are forced to move into the Spiderwick Estate and their uncover another realm in theirs, which is wrought with danger.
Movie Review Summary
I had high hopes for this film. The genre of fantasy and adventure at this range has been underachieving for a while I feel since the days of Willow, or even Labyrinth. Things go well until we start to meet the faeries and other characters that live in the world we cannot see. They aren’t particularly imaginative and they don’t do too much. Effectively it just pitches goblins (not Lord of the Rings type ones, but sillier ones) against the children, with an ogre master that doesn’t do much more than change shape and hit things. All in all, it’s a healthy jaunt that will keep you interested.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Spiderwick Chronicles and click here for more movie reviews.
A film based on the book series follows a family who are forced to move into the Spiderwick Estate and their uncover another realm in theirs, which is wrought with danger.
Movie Review Summary
I had high hopes for this film. The genre of fantasy and adventure at this range has been underachieving for a while I feel since the days of Willow, or even Labyrinth. Things go well until we start to meet the faeries and other characters that live in the world we cannot see. They aren’t particularly imaginative and they don’t do too much. Effectively it just pitches goblins (not Lord of the Rings type ones, but sillier ones) against the children, with an ogre master that doesn’t do much more than change shape and hit things. All in all, it’s a healthy jaunt that will keep you interested.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Spiderwick Chronicles and click here for more movie reviews.
Bridge to Terabithia
Movie Synopsis
A shy school boy living in a rural family with financial problems befriends the new girl at school. Their friendship will take them on a new adventure.
Movie Review Summary
I had high hopes when this came out that it would be something like Lord of the Rings, Narnia, or even Harry Potter, and I had not read the book that this is based on. For half of the film you live in hope that it will get better and be more like one of those films. Unfortunately you give up and come to accept it for what it is, two kids who find each other and make believe of a different world called Terabithia. The disappointing thing is that world gives a big licence to make something amazing up, and all that we get is a bit of a damp squib of somebody’s imagination. Watching the special features of the DVD the director comes across as pretty uninspiring and I wonder if it’s the reason that this gets let down. The fantasy world that you hope will be there isn’t and that was a major disappointment.
There is a story to be followed here though, so if you accept the fantasy is poor the drama isn’t so bad. Jess and Leslie work well together, as do their different relationships with their parents and family.
There is also a brave development in the storyline which does come as a shock but actually kind of works. I won’t spoil it for you.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Bridge to Terabithia and click here for more movie reviews.
A shy school boy living in a rural family with financial problems befriends the new girl at school. Their friendship will take them on a new adventure.
Movie Review Summary
I had high hopes when this came out that it would be something like Lord of the Rings, Narnia, or even Harry Potter, and I had not read the book that this is based on. For half of the film you live in hope that it will get better and be more like one of those films. Unfortunately you give up and come to accept it for what it is, two kids who find each other and make believe of a different world called Terabithia. The disappointing thing is that world gives a big licence to make something amazing up, and all that we get is a bit of a damp squib of somebody’s imagination. Watching the special features of the DVD the director comes across as pretty uninspiring and I wonder if it’s the reason that this gets let down. The fantasy world that you hope will be there isn’t and that was a major disappointment.
There is a story to be followed here though, so if you accept the fantasy is poor the drama isn’t so bad. Jess and Leslie work well together, as do their different relationships with their parents and family.
There is also a brave development in the storyline which does come as a shock but actually kind of works. I won’t spoil it for you.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Bridge to Terabithia and click here for more movie reviews.
Mamma Mia
Movie Synopsis
Mamma Mia follows the story of bride-to-be Sophie, who before her wedding day, tries to track down her father. The problem is she doesn’t know of the three possible candidates it is.
Movie Review Summary
Mamma Mia is probably every ABBA fans’ dream come true. It includes so many of ABBA’s famous tracks, even non-ABBA fans will be able to sing along or enjoy in the merriment. The plot is quite clever but not clever enough and doesn’t make use of the talents of Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. The movie is definitely about the women and will likely be enjoyed most by women, from the girl power girl band led by Meryl Streep to the tying up of the male leads.
What lets the film down is it feels like it’s painted by numbers. I was struggling to see the relevance of some of ABBA’s classics to the film, they just didn’t relate. Which takes me on to the real problem. The singing. The actors knew they weren’t singers but unfortunately this is a musical. Some of them can carry it off for some periods but more likely it’s a bit painful to listen too. I think Pierce Brosnan is a fantastic actor but his vocals aren’t made out to belt out love songs, that much is clear.
The settings are beautiful, the colours and contrasts wonderful and you’ll find you’re sometimes singing along – even if under your breath – to the songs which you’ll remember just how fantastic they are.
There’s also a side twist in store for Colin Firth – another prime suspect who should be charged for singing offences – that I’d never thought I’d see. It’s not quite Love Actually for him but it is a great step out of his typical character.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Mamma Mia and click here for more movie reviews.
Mamma Mia follows the story of bride-to-be Sophie, who before her wedding day, tries to track down her father. The problem is she doesn’t know of the three possible candidates it is.
Movie Review Summary
Mamma Mia is probably every ABBA fans’ dream come true. It includes so many of ABBA’s famous tracks, even non-ABBA fans will be able to sing along or enjoy in the merriment. The plot is quite clever but not clever enough and doesn’t make use of the talents of Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. The movie is definitely about the women and will likely be enjoyed most by women, from the girl power girl band led by Meryl Streep to the tying up of the male leads.
What lets the film down is it feels like it’s painted by numbers. I was struggling to see the relevance of some of ABBA’s classics to the film, they just didn’t relate. Which takes me on to the real problem. The singing. The actors knew they weren’t singers but unfortunately this is a musical. Some of them can carry it off for some periods but more likely it’s a bit painful to listen too. I think Pierce Brosnan is a fantastic actor but his vocals aren’t made out to belt out love songs, that much is clear.
The settings are beautiful, the colours and contrasts wonderful and you’ll find you’re sometimes singing along – even if under your breath – to the songs which you’ll remember just how fantastic they are.
There’s also a side twist in store for Colin Firth – another prime suspect who should be charged for singing offences – that I’d never thought I’d see. It’s not quite Love Actually for him but it is a great step out of his typical character.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Mamma Mia and click here for more movie reviews.
Seven Pounds
Movie Synopsis
Suspense and mystery surround the actions of an IRS agent as he delves closer into the people he is investigating than he should.
Movie Review Summary
To some people this could be an absolute classic. It has elements of suspense, mystery, humour, love, deep hurt – a very real and vivid emotional roller-coaster which you have little choice but to board and which does offer a sense of engrossing entertainment.
It does follow the M. Night Shyamalan style of weaving a story that it unashamedly doesn’t let you in on, otherwise the power of the story is easily lost. Unlike Shyamalan’s films though, the suspense drops off in the first half hour when it becomes clear what is happening – the clues, while not always obvious, are there to guide you to realise, so there’s no need to worry you’ll finish watching and be scratching your head as to what happened. If you read the clues and flashbacks as I did, you’ll have guessed the ending about two-thirds of the way through. This doesn’t actually detract from the film as much as it could, because the power of Will Smith and Rosario Dawsons’ characters make the events between them compelling viewing and you just have to watch it for the conclusion.
And yes, that is Woody Harrelson you see. He plays such an underhyped part it made me question it a few times, but he sure does play it so well.
For fans of Will Smith, this isn’t his regular kind of film, so if you are going to see this and expecting that, you may regret it. Be prepared that this will be different.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Seven Pounds and click here for more movie reviews.
Suspense and mystery surround the actions of an IRS agent as he delves closer into the people he is investigating than he should.
Movie Review Summary
To some people this could be an absolute classic. It has elements of suspense, mystery, humour, love, deep hurt – a very real and vivid emotional roller-coaster which you have little choice but to board and which does offer a sense of engrossing entertainment.
It does follow the M. Night Shyamalan style of weaving a story that it unashamedly doesn’t let you in on, otherwise the power of the story is easily lost. Unlike Shyamalan’s films though, the suspense drops off in the first half hour when it becomes clear what is happening – the clues, while not always obvious, are there to guide you to realise, so there’s no need to worry you’ll finish watching and be scratching your head as to what happened. If you read the clues and flashbacks as I did, you’ll have guessed the ending about two-thirds of the way through. This doesn’t actually detract from the film as much as it could, because the power of Will Smith and Rosario Dawsons’ characters make the events between them compelling viewing and you just have to watch it for the conclusion.
And yes, that is Woody Harrelson you see. He plays such an underhyped part it made me question it a few times, but he sure does play it so well.
For fans of Will Smith, this isn’t his regular kind of film, so if you are going to see this and expecting that, you may regret it. Be prepared that this will be different.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Seven Pounds and click here for more movie reviews.
Little Miss Sunshine
Movie Synopsis
When Olive Hooper reaches the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant final her family go to every length to get her to the contest on time.
Movie Review Summary
The overall film idea first reminded me of John Cleese’s film Clockwise – which if you haven’t seen it, do so – however Little Miss Sunshine bears little of the humour and goes straight for the hard done by, bitter, resentful family side of this story.
This will probably put some people off, but if you feel like an empathetic emotional roller-coaster of a film and you can relate to the vivid, hard done by, suicidal, parent hating, forlorn characters of this movie, you’ll enjoy this. Watching each of them face up to their life’s trials and tribulations does make it humorous at time, although in some places the links are quite onerous, while others are so good you don’t see them coming.
Steve Carell (as Frank) was pretty mesmerising to watch, not because he stole the show but because his character must have been quite a challenge for him, which he does tremendously well at. Greg Kinnear (Richard) is also one to watch, not least because in this day and age, he’s probably somebody you’ve met or seen before.
I remember the rave reviews this film got when it first broke as being a heart warming tale. Well, it really isn’t – don’t pay much attention to the fact ‘sunshine’ is referenced at all, this isn’t a film that’ll leave you feeling happy. That said, it is enjoyable, not least because you really don’t know – a la National Lampoon style – what is around the next corner for the hotchpotch of characters there are in this family.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Little Miss Sunshine and click here for more movie reviews.
When Olive Hooper reaches the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant final her family go to every length to get her to the contest on time.
Movie Review Summary
The overall film idea first reminded me of John Cleese’s film Clockwise – which if you haven’t seen it, do so – however Little Miss Sunshine bears little of the humour and goes straight for the hard done by, bitter, resentful family side of this story.
This will probably put some people off, but if you feel like an empathetic emotional roller-coaster of a film and you can relate to the vivid, hard done by, suicidal, parent hating, forlorn characters of this movie, you’ll enjoy this. Watching each of them face up to their life’s trials and tribulations does make it humorous at time, although in some places the links are quite onerous, while others are so good you don’t see them coming.
Steve Carell (as Frank) was pretty mesmerising to watch, not because he stole the show but because his character must have been quite a challenge for him, which he does tremendously well at. Greg Kinnear (Richard) is also one to watch, not least because in this day and age, he’s probably somebody you’ve met or seen before.
I remember the rave reviews this film got when it first broke as being a heart warming tale. Well, it really isn’t – don’t pay much attention to the fact ‘sunshine’ is referenced at all, this isn’t a film that’ll leave you feeling happy. That said, it is enjoyable, not least because you really don’t know – a la National Lampoon style – what is around the next corner for the hotchpotch of characters there are in this family.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Little Miss Sunshine and click here for more movie reviews.
Next
Movie Synopsis
A Las Vegas showroom magician uses his stage show to hide that he can see two minutes into the future. This makes him a powerful tool between those who wish to do bad and those who wish to stop them.
Movie Review Summary
This certainly had it all on paper: Nicolas Cage in a action packed film, the ability to see the future, and a good supporting cast. And really, this could have been such a great film. As it stands it is let down because what is meant to be the main plot – the nuclear attack on LA – actually becomes a sub-plot to a romance between Nicolas Cage and Jessica Biel. Which wasn’t really what I was hoping for. Oh yes, they try to keep pulling it back to the good versus bad content (although why the good are good and the bad are bad is never ever mentioned in this, nor are any motives for a terrorist attack) and the motives in the film relate to the romantic.
There is some good trickery in here, some well developed content that interconnects, and good acting (if not some over-acting to boot).
Please click this link for a full movie review of Next and click here for more movie reviews.
A Las Vegas showroom magician uses his stage show to hide that he can see two minutes into the future. This makes him a powerful tool between those who wish to do bad and those who wish to stop them.
Movie Review Summary
This certainly had it all on paper: Nicolas Cage in a action packed film, the ability to see the future, and a good supporting cast. And really, this could have been such a great film. As it stands it is let down because what is meant to be the main plot – the nuclear attack on LA – actually becomes a sub-plot to a romance between Nicolas Cage and Jessica Biel. Which wasn’t really what I was hoping for. Oh yes, they try to keep pulling it back to the good versus bad content (although why the good are good and the bad are bad is never ever mentioned in this, nor are any motives for a terrorist attack) and the motives in the film relate to the romantic.
There is some good trickery in here, some well developed content that interconnects, and good acting (if not some over-acting to boot).
Please click this link for a full movie review of Next and click here for more movie reviews.
The Dark Knight
Movie Synopsis
Following Batman Begins, this is the second film in the revamped series that follows how Batman escalates his war against crime in Gotham, except this time he finds his arch nemesis.
Movie Review Summary
A delightful film to watch that refreshes the Batman series. Look gone are the corny types of Batman film, replaced instead by this serious, dark take on the films instead. Batman Begins film has successfully built up the ground work to allow the quality of this film.
There’s an all star cast and they don’t fail to disappoint. Christian Bale as the troubled Bruce Wayne is spot on, although I’m not sure about his husky Batman voice, it feels a bit fake. The performance by Aaron Eckhart is so good it makes you wonder if Batman will become redundant, so believable is what he is doing and his faith in himself as being a ‘white knight’ in Gotham.
Heath Ledger won a posthumous Academy Award Oscar for his take of the Joker and that was right, his portrayal of the character surpassed that of Jack Nicholson’s, which was a tough job.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Dark Knight and click here for more movie reviews.
Following Batman Begins, this is the second film in the revamped series that follows how Batman escalates his war against crime in Gotham, except this time he finds his arch nemesis.
Movie Review Summary
A delightful film to watch that refreshes the Batman series. Look gone are the corny types of Batman film, replaced instead by this serious, dark take on the films instead. Batman Begins film has successfully built up the ground work to allow the quality of this film.
There’s an all star cast and they don’t fail to disappoint. Christian Bale as the troubled Bruce Wayne is spot on, although I’m not sure about his husky Batman voice, it feels a bit fake. The performance by Aaron Eckhart is so good it makes you wonder if Batman will become redundant, so believable is what he is doing and his faith in himself as being a ‘white knight’ in Gotham.
Heath Ledger won a posthumous Academy Award Oscar for his take of the Joker and that was right, his portrayal of the character surpassed that of Jack Nicholson’s, which was a tough job.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Dark Knight and click here for more movie reviews.
The Heartbreak Kid
Movie Synopsis
Eddie is forty years old and watching the others in his life get married. Now he’s feeling left behind and when the opportunity he comes in to get married he dives in – it’s after his marriage though that he finds his true love.
Movie Review Summary
I enjoy Ben Stiller films, they usually are of a good quality. The Heartbreak Kid is a bit of a dip in form for me though. It felt like some of this was There’s Something About Mary rehashed – now Mary was a great film and unique, whereas The Heartbreak Kid didn’t have that same feel about it. Sure, there really are a few quality moments, but these were kind of lost amongst the sea of run-of-the-mill comedy.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Heartbreak Kid and click here for more movie reviews.
Eddie is forty years old and watching the others in his life get married. Now he’s feeling left behind and when the opportunity he comes in to get married he dives in – it’s after his marriage though that he finds his true love.
Movie Review Summary
I enjoy Ben Stiller films, they usually are of a good quality. The Heartbreak Kid is a bit of a dip in form for me though. It felt like some of this was There’s Something About Mary rehashed – now Mary was a great film and unique, whereas The Heartbreak Kid didn’t have that same feel about it. Sure, there really are a few quality moments, but these were kind of lost amongst the sea of run-of-the-mill comedy.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Heartbreak Kid and click here for more movie reviews.
Tropic Thunder
Movie Synopsis
Years after the Vietnam War, a book of memoirs by John “Four Leaf” Tayback is to be turned into a film with a cast of stars. The film quickly becomes reality when the stars find themselves in a real battle.
Movie Review Summary
This film came with lots of good reviews so I had high expectations. As I’ve said elsewhere, I think Ben Stiller is a good actor, but perhaps what he’s doing now is more stereotyping his best humour. This film unfortunately didn’t even get to that level. The jokes weren’t funny, Stiller’s character went beyond wimpy (even he was meant to be playing some kind of Rambo) and the film was difficult to watch as I’m sure “actual” film they’re meant to be shooting was going to be.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Tropic Thunder and click here for more movie reviews.
Years after the Vietnam War, a book of memoirs by John “Four Leaf” Tayback is to be turned into a film with a cast of stars. The film quickly becomes reality when the stars find themselves in a real battle.
Movie Review Summary
This film came with lots of good reviews so I had high expectations. As I’ve said elsewhere, I think Ben Stiller is a good actor, but perhaps what he’s doing now is more stereotyping his best humour. This film unfortunately didn’t even get to that level. The jokes weren’t funny, Stiller’s character went beyond wimpy (even he was meant to be playing some kind of Rambo) and the film was difficult to watch as I’m sure “actual” film they’re meant to be shooting was going to be.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Tropic Thunder and click here for more movie reviews.
Elizabethtown
Movie Synopsis
When Drew Baylor’s successful life crashes and burns he’s about to end his life when he finds out his father has died. The journey back to his roots lets him meet a free spirited flight attendant who he helps him grow out of the problems he has.
Movie Review Summary
Orlando Bloom can be hit and miss for me. In this film though he’s a hit, he plays the character of Drew Baylor very well and you feel for him as you watch his life break down. The same applies to Kirsten Dunst, she can be really good or really not. And in this film she’s really not. She’s quirky enough without playing somebody quirky. The result is somebody who is so over-quirky you worry for the sanity of the character.
The other problem is the script doesn’t exactly sizzle and the characters otherwise are a bit out there. Sadly these culminate in you not really caring whether the guy gets with the girl at the end at all.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Elizabethtown and click here for more movie reviews.
When Drew Baylor’s successful life crashes and burns he’s about to end his life when he finds out his father has died. The journey back to his roots lets him meet a free spirited flight attendant who he helps him grow out of the problems he has.
Movie Review Summary
Orlando Bloom can be hit and miss for me. In this film though he’s a hit, he plays the character of Drew Baylor very well and you feel for him as you watch his life break down. The same applies to Kirsten Dunst, she can be really good or really not. And in this film she’s really not. She’s quirky enough without playing somebody quirky. The result is somebody who is so over-quirky you worry for the sanity of the character.
The other problem is the script doesn’t exactly sizzle and the characters otherwise are a bit out there. Sadly these culminate in you not really caring whether the guy gets with the girl at the end at all.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Elizabethtown and click here for more movie reviews.
The Happening
Movie Synopsis
Everything is normal in New York City, but when a suspected terrorist strike hits Central Park the normal people start to kill themselves. The threat grows and is it does it becomes clears that there is some powerful force behind the events that survivors are having to flee from.
Movie Review Summary
The film comes from M. Night Shyamalan, who is well known from his other films (Sixth Sense and Unbreakable to name a couple) so you know you’re going to get something a bit different from your usual films. The initial reviews I read of this suggested this is one of his weaker films. I would suggest that they’ve raised the bar so high on suspense and the last minute twist that the viewer expects more. Instead, you should just sit and savour this films. With this bordering on an apocalyptic film the experience you could get could certainly get quite scary. From my point of view, this film has enough suspense in it to keep it moving along nicely and it doesn’t disappoint. Perhaps the only disappointment is the ending. As I say, you’d expect a serious twist, but this one hardly has any. It’s not the lack of twist which lets it down a bit, it’s the lack of much more than a simple passing of the events.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Happening and click here for more movie reviews.
Everything is normal in New York City, but when a suspected terrorist strike hits Central Park the normal people start to kill themselves. The threat grows and is it does it becomes clears that there is some powerful force behind the events that survivors are having to flee from.
Movie Review Summary
The film comes from M. Night Shyamalan, who is well known from his other films (Sixth Sense and Unbreakable to name a couple) so you know you’re going to get something a bit different from your usual films. The initial reviews I read of this suggested this is one of his weaker films. I would suggest that they’ve raised the bar so high on suspense and the last minute twist that the viewer expects more. Instead, you should just sit and savour this films. With this bordering on an apocalyptic film the experience you could get could certainly get quite scary. From my point of view, this film has enough suspense in it to keep it moving along nicely and it doesn’t disappoint. Perhaps the only disappointment is the ending. As I say, you’d expect a serious twist, but this one hardly has any. It’s not the lack of twist which lets it down a bit, it’s the lack of much more than a simple passing of the events.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Happening and click here for more movie reviews.
Iron Man
Movie Synopsis
A child prodigy who has grown his father’s weapons building business is kidnapped by terrorists. As he seeks to escape he develops a suit that will protect him, which he then works on developing at the expense of his weapons.
Movie Review Summary
Like all comic books made into films, they have a lot to live up to. This one has the sheer energy of Robert Downey Jr supporting it and it’s hard to think of it doing well without his exuberance onscreen. He carries the role of Tony Stark very well and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane comes across as a worthy adversary. Gwyneth Paltrow as the love interest though is a bit different, certainly in comparison to what you get in other action films like this. Overall, this film feels like a foundation for something more. It lays the groundwork for who Iron Man is and shows how he came about, apart from that it’s lacking.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Iron Man and click here for more movie reviews.
A child prodigy who has grown his father’s weapons building business is kidnapped by terrorists. As he seeks to escape he develops a suit that will protect him, which he then works on developing at the expense of his weapons.
Movie Review Summary
Like all comic books made into films, they have a lot to live up to. This one has the sheer energy of Robert Downey Jr supporting it and it’s hard to think of it doing well without his exuberance onscreen. He carries the role of Tony Stark very well and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane comes across as a worthy adversary. Gwyneth Paltrow as the love interest though is a bit different, certainly in comparison to what you get in other action films like this. Overall, this film feels like a foundation for something more. It lays the groundwork for who Iron Man is and shows how he came about, apart from that it’s lacking.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Iron Man and click here for more movie reviews.
Angels and Demons
Movie Synopsis
The Pope has died and the selection of a new Pope is taking place in Vatican City. An old enemy of the Church has arisen though and threatens to destroy the Church with science.
Movie Review Summary
So, you’ll probably have seen the Da Vinci Code already. That film was a let down compared to the book. I hadn’t read Angels & Demons the novel for a few years so it wasn’t fresh in my mind. I did see other reviews of Angels & Demons giving it a poor rating though so I was expecting more of Da Vinci than anything else. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I think the plot for Angels & Demons holds the suspense better and against the glorious setting of Rome and Vatican City the film is delightful to watch. Tom Hanks for me was never first choice for Robert Langdon, in this film though he does feel more at home in the role. Ewan McGregor plays his part beautiful and the role of the female sidekick this time goes to Ayelet Zurer who is somewhat stilted in the role given the limited nature of the character from the novel.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Angels and Demons and click here for more movie reviews.
The Pope has died and the selection of a new Pope is taking place in Vatican City. An old enemy of the Church has arisen though and threatens to destroy the Church with science.
Movie Review Summary
So, you’ll probably have seen the Da Vinci Code already. That film was a let down compared to the book. I hadn’t read Angels & Demons the novel for a few years so it wasn’t fresh in my mind. I did see other reviews of Angels & Demons giving it a poor rating though so I was expecting more of Da Vinci than anything else. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I think the plot for Angels & Demons holds the suspense better and against the glorious setting of Rome and Vatican City the film is delightful to watch. Tom Hanks for me was never first choice for Robert Langdon, in this film though he does feel more at home in the role. Ewan McGregor plays his part beautiful and the role of the female sidekick this time goes to Ayelet Zurer who is somewhat stilted in the role given the limited nature of the character from the novel.
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Ghost Town
Movie Synopsis
A dentist who doesn’t enjoy living learns to dislike it even more when he finds he can see ghosts, which makes him in demand as they try to settle the issues that keep them from moving on.
Movie Summary
I’m a fan of Ricky Gervais, his material is funny, new, and typically, sarcastically British. I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role as well as he does, and although not a natural lead actor, and not as much of a heavyweight as Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler, Ricky doesn’t let you down. In the end the script doesn’t feel as tight as it could be and you don’t get the sense that the full Gervais has been unleashed, perhaps because this had to be more of a love story. For what it is though it’s something worth watching. It does attempt to be more comedy than romance in places and be careful because this isn’t a romantic comedy in the traditional sense of what you’d expect.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Ghost Town and click here for more movie reviews.
A dentist who doesn’t enjoy living learns to dislike it even more when he finds he can see ghosts, which makes him in demand as they try to settle the issues that keep them from moving on.
Movie Summary
I’m a fan of Ricky Gervais, his material is funny, new, and typically, sarcastically British. I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role as well as he does, and although not a natural lead actor, and not as much of a heavyweight as Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler, Ricky doesn’t let you down. In the end the script doesn’t feel as tight as it could be and you don’t get the sense that the full Gervais has been unleashed, perhaps because this had to be more of a love story. For what it is though it’s something worth watching. It does attempt to be more comedy than romance in places and be careful because this isn’t a romantic comedy in the traditional sense of what you’d expect.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Ghost Town and click here for more movie reviews.
The Duchess
Movie Synopsis
A young aristocrat lady is married in a loveless marriage to a duke in the 18th century.
Movie Review Summary
The hype around this film at the time was that this is paralleled in more recent history, with the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the closeness of the Prince with Camilla Parker Bowles. The way the film is shot you could be close to transplanting those characters onto this set. The story is not one of love, but of a love and a life that could have been had in exchange for what the Duchess is forced to live. Keira Knightley plays the role tremendously well, although her skills are beyond these period dramas, and Ralph Fiennes is very believable as the brooding Duke. Some of the sub-plots could have been better developed to give this more depth, as some events are just sprung on you with no background, which makes them flimsy.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Duchess and click here for more movie reviews.
A young aristocrat lady is married in a loveless marriage to a duke in the 18th century.
Movie Review Summary
The hype around this film at the time was that this is paralleled in more recent history, with the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the closeness of the Prince with Camilla Parker Bowles. The way the film is shot you could be close to transplanting those characters onto this set. The story is not one of love, but of a love and a life that could have been had in exchange for what the Duchess is forced to live. Keira Knightley plays the role tremendously well, although her skills are beyond these period dramas, and Ralph Fiennes is very believable as the brooding Duke. Some of the sub-plots could have been better developed to give this more depth, as some events are just sprung on you with no background, which makes them flimsy.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Duchess and click here for more movie reviews.
National Treasure – Book of Secrets
Movie Synopsis
Benjamin Gates returns, seeking a treasure that will clear his family name from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Movie Review Summary
The first National Treasure film was good to watch, a new, Indiana Jones-esque romp of an adventure that didn’t let up and twisted here and there. The film’s downside was that it started getting a little far fetched. This sequel is much the same as the first, a baddie who pretends to be good, a reluctant father, and ever more increasingly unlikely positions Ben gets himself into and escapes from. This is perhaps the most difficult part to digest as defies belief. Even the ending is almost the same as the first film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of National Treasure – Book of Secrets and click here for more movie reviews.
Benjamin Gates returns, seeking a treasure that will clear his family name from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Movie Review Summary
The first National Treasure film was good to watch, a new, Indiana Jones-esque romp of an adventure that didn’t let up and twisted here and there. The film’s downside was that it started getting a little far fetched. This sequel is much the same as the first, a baddie who pretends to be good, a reluctant father, and ever more increasingly unlikely positions Ben gets himself into and escapes from. This is perhaps the most difficult part to digest as defies belief. Even the ending is almost the same as the first film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of National Treasure – Book of Secrets and click here for more movie reviews.
Wall-E
Movie Synopsis
Seven hundred years in the future, Earth has become one big waste site for Wall-E to clean up, until the robot makes an important discovery.
Movie Review Summary
This is a delightful animation. The first part is quiet but not uneventful, as we come to share the Earth of the future with Wall-E. The story we follow of Wall-E, who displays bravery and courage, but most of all love. His adoration for Eve is splendid to watch and makes this film come alive from being more than just an animation. The humans who do get to be part of the show are little more than a supporting cast in the adventure of the two robots, who it turns out end up battling for the future of humankind.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Wall-E and click here for more movie reviews.
Seven hundred years in the future, Earth has become one big waste site for Wall-E to clean up, until the robot makes an important discovery.
Movie Review Summary
This is a delightful animation. The first part is quiet but not uneventful, as we come to share the Earth of the future with Wall-E. The story we follow of Wall-E, who displays bravery and courage, but most of all love. His adoration for Eve is splendid to watch and makes this film come alive from being more than just an animation. The humans who do get to be part of the show are little more than a supporting cast in the adventure of the two robots, who it turns out end up battling for the future of humankind.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Wall-E and click here for more movie reviews.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Movie Synopsis
Peter is the other half of a celebrity couple who is dumped one day by his more successful girlfriend. He is devastated and tries to get over it by meeting other women, and finally going on holiday, where he meets his ex and her new boyfriend.
Movie Review Summary
A movie like this could become a cheesy excuse for a bunch of poor jokes. I’m glad to say this wasn’t one of them. Rather than trying to be down the Stiller/Sandler end of comedy this stakes a place of its own in the genre. The real find is the talent of Russell Brand, who gives such a genuine feel of shallowness to his character they could make a film just about his character.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and click here for more movie reviews.
Peter is the other half of a celebrity couple who is dumped one day by his more successful girlfriend. He is devastated and tries to get over it by meeting other women, and finally going on holiday, where he meets his ex and her new boyfriend.
Movie Review Summary
A movie like this could become a cheesy excuse for a bunch of poor jokes. I’m glad to say this wasn’t one of them. Rather than trying to be down the Stiller/Sandler end of comedy this stakes a place of its own in the genre. The real find is the talent of Russell Brand, who gives such a genuine feel of shallowness to his character they could make a film just about his character.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and click here for more movie reviews.
Made of Honor
Movie Synopsis
When a friend since college is about to get married in a whirlwind her best friend must decide whether he can fulfil his role as Maid of Honor or if his real feelings for her should win out.
Movie Review Summary
The story has great parallels with modern life – how many people have male and female friends who get along really well but just don’t have that spark to be together. Tom and Hannah are just such people, they eat each other’s desert, spend all their free time together, know each other so well, but have never spotted what more they could have had with each other. The characters are beautifully played by Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan and you can see the chemistry between them. The story of the Scot becomes a little far-fetched but the intent is good, even if the Four Weddings and a Funeral-esque wedding in Scotland and all that it brings is not.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Made of Honor and click here for more movie reviews.
When a friend since college is about to get married in a whirlwind her best friend must decide whether he can fulfil his role as Maid of Honor or if his real feelings for her should win out.
Movie Review Summary
The story has great parallels with modern life – how many people have male and female friends who get along really well but just don’t have that spark to be together. Tom and Hannah are just such people, they eat each other’s desert, spend all their free time together, know each other so well, but have never spotted what more they could have had with each other. The characters are beautifully played by Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan and you can see the chemistry between them. The story of the Scot becomes a little far-fetched but the intent is good, even if the Four Weddings and a Funeral-esque wedding in Scotland and all that it brings is not.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Made of Honor and click here for more movie reviews.
Michael Jackson’s MoonWalker
Movie Synopsis
A series of short clips revolving around Michael Jackson’s songs compiled into a film.
Movie Review Summary
This film is a following of Michael Jackson’s music, in many ways it is not a film, only the second half has a mini-film like quality to it. Watching it these days it looks outdated, the animation is rough and it is indulgent in Michael’s journey. Since the star’s unfortunate death it takes on a new meaning of its own as this almost acts like a memorial of how he got to be the King of Pop. The videos mixed into this would have been much better if performed rather than just incorporated. The second half of the film is a sign of what the whole film could have been. We have Michael cast as the singer hero whose child friends join him on a journey of magic against a drug lord. It’s only this part of the film which you can get into without it feeling like an MTV music video reel. The performance of Smooth Criminal also goes to show just how good a film this could have been if it had all been performed in the same way.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Michael Jackson's MoonWalker and click here for more movie reviews.
A series of short clips revolving around Michael Jackson’s songs compiled into a film.
Movie Review Summary
This film is a following of Michael Jackson’s music, in many ways it is not a film, only the second half has a mini-film like quality to it. Watching it these days it looks outdated, the animation is rough and it is indulgent in Michael’s journey. Since the star’s unfortunate death it takes on a new meaning of its own as this almost acts like a memorial of how he got to be the King of Pop. The videos mixed into this would have been much better if performed rather than just incorporated. The second half of the film is a sign of what the whole film could have been. We have Michael cast as the singer hero whose child friends join him on a journey of magic against a drug lord. It’s only this part of the film which you can get into without it feeling like an MTV music video reel. The performance of Smooth Criminal also goes to show just how good a film this could have been if it had all been performed in the same way.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Michael Jackson's MoonWalker and click here for more movie reviews.
Priceless
Movie Synopsis
A chance meeting between a bartender and a hotel guest turns into a romance, except he’s not rich enough for her but possesses for her the one thing none of her partners do – love.
Movie Review Summary
If you’ve seen Amelie you’ll know what French movies can be like: different from Hollywood, deep characters, and with a story that you have to give attention to. Priceless is more towards the Amelie type of film and it does well as a result. It’s enjoyable to watch, the characters of Irene and Jean are beautifully played and the story lives up to expectations. You don’t know what happens next and it doesn’t necessarily all have to end happily. The question that hangs over the characters is will Irene and Jean get together.
For comedy and romance it’s not tipping the scale in each category but as a whole package it definitely works as a film and is another French triumph.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Priceless and click here for more movie reviews.
A chance meeting between a bartender and a hotel guest turns into a romance, except he’s not rich enough for her but possesses for her the one thing none of her partners do – love.
Movie Review Summary
If you’ve seen Amelie you’ll know what French movies can be like: different from Hollywood, deep characters, and with a story that you have to give attention to. Priceless is more towards the Amelie type of film and it does well as a result. It’s enjoyable to watch, the characters of Irene and Jean are beautifully played and the story lives up to expectations. You don’t know what happens next and it doesn’t necessarily all have to end happily. The question that hangs over the characters is will Irene and Jean get together.
For comedy and romance it’s not tipping the scale in each category but as a whole package it definitely works as a film and is another French triumph.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Priceless and click here for more movie reviews.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Movie Synopsis
Lord Voldemort has returned and his Death Eaters are attacking Muggles and the wizards who would protect them. Harry Potter must return to Hogwarts where he uncovers a plot that could destroy the school.
Movie Review Summary
The Harry Potter films I’ve found to always be a good watch. Ok, so they’re not the book, and not as detailed and lose something in the transformation to the film, but the films have been good nonetheless. Traditional fans will love this for its continuation of the series. We see the growing friction between Hermione and Ron as they deny their feelings for each other, Harry and Ginny’s increasing closeness, the attempts to destroy Harry and the Order of the Phoenix by the Death Eaters. The plot that is afoot to destroy Hogwarts threatens to take away the one place of safety for those who stand against Voldemort.
I watched this in IMAX 3D and unlike the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, it is not worth seeing this one in 3D. The reason being the 3D section is at the beginning of the film and so there’s much less suspense it’s barely worth it for the extra money.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and click here for more movie reviews.
Lord Voldemort has returned and his Death Eaters are attacking Muggles and the wizards who would protect them. Harry Potter must return to Hogwarts where he uncovers a plot that could destroy the school.
Movie Review Summary
The Harry Potter films I’ve found to always be a good watch. Ok, so they’re not the book, and not as detailed and lose something in the transformation to the film, but the films have been good nonetheless. Traditional fans will love this for its continuation of the series. We see the growing friction between Hermione and Ron as they deny their feelings for each other, Harry and Ginny’s increasing closeness, the attempts to destroy Harry and the Order of the Phoenix by the Death Eaters. The plot that is afoot to destroy Hogwarts threatens to take away the one place of safety for those who stand against Voldemort.
I watched this in IMAX 3D and unlike the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, it is not worth seeing this one in 3D. The reason being the 3D section is at the beginning of the film and so there’s much less suspense it’s barely worth it for the extra money.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and click here for more movie reviews.
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
Movie Synopsis
Sidney Young is a struggling celebrity British journalist in London who is talent-spotted by the best celebrity magazine in New York. Will the American celebrities understand what’s about to hit them?
Movie Review Summary
This film posed some interesting questions before I watched it. Simon Pegg is very good at the leading man in a slobbish kind of character with other actors on low budget flicks – how would he transfer when doing a film with his humour alongside some of Hollywood’s stars? Well, the awkwardness is there, and that’s good because that’s effectively what the film is trying to get across.
In terms of comedy romances, this is an odd one. It ‘s certainly not your usual type of Hollywood comedy romance, maybe you could even call it Post Modern (after the name of Sidney’s own magazine). The romantic side is a little tortured – and does not get off to a good start when Sidney’s first love interest is a transsexual. The comedy element is typical Simon Pegg though and on the dirtier side of things.
Overall this is a funny concoction. It’s not a Devil Wears Prada, it tries to be darker and funnier than that, but as a recipe it’s not so good.
Please click this link for a full movie review of How to Lose Friends and Alienate People and click here for more movie reviews.
Sidney Young is a struggling celebrity British journalist in London who is talent-spotted by the best celebrity magazine in New York. Will the American celebrities understand what’s about to hit them?
Movie Review Summary
This film posed some interesting questions before I watched it. Simon Pegg is very good at the leading man in a slobbish kind of character with other actors on low budget flicks – how would he transfer when doing a film with his humour alongside some of Hollywood’s stars? Well, the awkwardness is there, and that’s good because that’s effectively what the film is trying to get across.
In terms of comedy romances, this is an odd one. It ‘s certainly not your usual type of Hollywood comedy romance, maybe you could even call it Post Modern (after the name of Sidney’s own magazine). The romantic side is a little tortured – and does not get off to a good start when Sidney’s first love interest is a transsexual. The comedy element is typical Simon Pegg though and on the dirtier side of things.
Overall this is a funny concoction. It’s not a Devil Wears Prada, it tries to be darker and funnier than that, but as a recipe it’s not so good.
Please click this link for a full movie review of How to Lose Friends and Alienate People and click here for more movie reviews.
Derailed
Movie Synopsis
When a married executive becomes tired of his life with his wife and ill daughter he engages on an affair with another executive, except their growing passion is interrupted and their lives will never be the same again.
Movie Review Summary
Man meets woman, man and woman fall in love, have an affair behind their spouse’s back. Sounds simple and straightforward doesn’t it? And so the story goes with Derailed. Except the title of the film is accurate, this is no straightforward story when Charles and Lucinda’s life is damaged from the attack on them. After that life is not the same for either of them. As the shadow of the robber looms larger over them Charles is forced into more and more desperate measures to protect himself, his family and Lucinda. The escalation of events keeps the film interesting and the suspense going.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Derailed and click here for more movie reviews.
When a married executive becomes tired of his life with his wife and ill daughter he engages on an affair with another executive, except their growing passion is interrupted and their lives will never be the same again.
Movie Review Summary
Man meets woman, man and woman fall in love, have an affair behind their spouse’s back. Sounds simple and straightforward doesn’t it? And so the story goes with Derailed. Except the title of the film is accurate, this is no straightforward story when Charles and Lucinda’s life is damaged from the attack on them. After that life is not the same for either of them. As the shadow of the robber looms larger over them Charles is forced into more and more desperate measures to protect himself, his family and Lucinda. The escalation of events keeps the film interesting and the suspense going.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Derailed and click here for more movie reviews.
Lady in the Water
Movie Synopsis
When an apartment building superintendent rescues a woman from the building’s swimming pool he discovers that she is not from his world and the responsibility falls upon him to organise the tenants to save her from the evil that pursues her.
Movie Review Summary
This is a brave story. It could easily have been a children’s story but it’s been made for adults, as a result it is quite unique for its kind. But what else would you expect from M. Night Shyamalan (the man who brought us Sixth Sense and Unbreakable amongst others). This is a different kind of film for Shyamalan that shows his range of ability of writing. We have the suspense and mystery as standard, but through a fairytale genre for once. The story in itself works as we discover more about this bedtime story and the little world Shyamalan has concocted that a humble maintenance man must uncover to protect and save the delicate Narf.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Lady In The Water and click here for more movie reviews.
When an apartment building superintendent rescues a woman from the building’s swimming pool he discovers that she is not from his world and the responsibility falls upon him to organise the tenants to save her from the evil that pursues her.
Movie Review Summary
This is a brave story. It could easily have been a children’s story but it’s been made for adults, as a result it is quite unique for its kind. But what else would you expect from M. Night Shyamalan (the man who brought us Sixth Sense and Unbreakable amongst others). This is a different kind of film for Shyamalan that shows his range of ability of writing. We have the suspense and mystery as standard, but through a fairytale genre for once. The story in itself works as we discover more about this bedtime story and the little world Shyamalan has concocted that a humble maintenance man must uncover to protect and save the delicate Narf.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Lady In The Water and click here for more movie reviews.
Rain Man
Movie Synopsis
When Charlie’s father dies, the opportunity for him to get his life on track with his inheritance disappears when an a long lost autistic brother is left the estate. Charlie tries to find a way to get it back.
Movie Review Summary
Rain Man is now over 20 years old but the story is so relevant it could easily be made again today with few updates. Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman play a tremendous double-act as brothers, with Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of an autism sufferer so very convincing. Watching the dynamics of the relationships you’ll understand how Raymond frustrates the money-hungry Charlie, and how Charlie comes to appreciate a member of the family he has been long separated from. What could have been chosen to be any kind of genre is excellently played out as a drama and we do have real drama as we watch parts of two characters lives many people can probably relate to.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Rain Man and click here for more movie reviews.
When Charlie’s father dies, the opportunity for him to get his life on track with his inheritance disappears when an a long lost autistic brother is left the estate. Charlie tries to find a way to get it back.
Movie Review Summary
Rain Man is now over 20 years old but the story is so relevant it could easily be made again today with few updates. Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman play a tremendous double-act as brothers, with Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of an autism sufferer so very convincing. Watching the dynamics of the relationships you’ll understand how Raymond frustrates the money-hungry Charlie, and how Charlie comes to appreciate a member of the family he has been long separated from. What could have been chosen to be any kind of genre is excellently played out as a drama and we do have real drama as we watch parts of two characters lives many people can probably relate to.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Rain Man and click here for more movie reviews.
Shadowlands
Movie Synopsis
CS Lewis, author famous for the Narnia books and professor at Oxford, meets the American poet Joy Gresham who leads him to find love.
Movie Review Summary
This film is said to be based on true events. CS Lewis is a man untouched by love, who revels in his books and his passion for Christianity. Watching this man thaw as he meets Joy who has so much more love of life is certainly enjoyable. Jack comes to see that the love he has been stopping from coming in to his life has found him, and when he realises that life can end sooner than you expect, he comes to embrace the love. The tragedy is that he spent so long putting off finding that love that they have such a limited time together.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Shadowlands and click here for more movie reviews.
CS Lewis, author famous for the Narnia books and professor at Oxford, meets the American poet Joy Gresham who leads him to find love.
Movie Review Summary
This film is said to be based on true events. CS Lewis is a man untouched by love, who revels in his books and his passion for Christianity. Watching this man thaw as he meets Joy who has so much more love of life is certainly enjoyable. Jack comes to see that the love he has been stopping from coming in to his life has found him, and when he realises that life can end sooner than you expect, he comes to embrace the love. The tragedy is that he spent so long putting off finding that love that they have such a limited time together.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Shadowlands and click here for more movie reviews.
The Truth About Love
Movie Synopsis
When a wife receives an anonymous Valentine’s card she decides to test the response of her husband when he receives one. What she finds he will do comes to shake their relationship to its foundations.
Movie Review Summary
This is Jennifer Love Hewitt in a British film, and that is one of the most interesting things about this film. Why is she in it? From what else she has done she could well be out of place, not to mention her accent. Unlike other such attempts at the romance genre like Notting Hill or Love Actually this one falls flat. There’s certainly enough interest as you find out just how much out of love her husband has become with her. But that is almost the whole film’s story, yet it starts and finishes and is rarely punctuated by the story of the love she could have had with her husband’s friend, who still holds a flame for her. That part of the love story was even more splintered than one of the character pairs in Love Actually – as a result the ending, while it could have been lovely, is actually rather hollow and as if the writer was grasping for an ending to remember.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Truth About Love and click here for more movie reviews.
When a wife receives an anonymous Valentine’s card she decides to test the response of her husband when he receives one. What she finds he will do comes to shake their relationship to its foundations.
Movie Review Summary
This is Jennifer Love Hewitt in a British film, and that is one of the most interesting things about this film. Why is she in it? From what else she has done she could well be out of place, not to mention her accent. Unlike other such attempts at the romance genre like Notting Hill or Love Actually this one falls flat. There’s certainly enough interest as you find out just how much out of love her husband has become with her. But that is almost the whole film’s story, yet it starts and finishes and is rarely punctuated by the story of the love she could have had with her husband’s friend, who still holds a flame for her. That part of the love story was even more splintered than one of the character pairs in Love Actually – as a result the ending, while it could have been lovely, is actually rather hollow and as if the writer was grasping for an ending to remember.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Truth About Love and click here for more movie reviews.
The Night Listener
Movie Synopsis
A late night radio show host shares a connection with a young abused boy. Except the more the radio show host talks to the young boy, the more his reality becomes like the thrilling stories he reads over the radio.
Movie Review Summary
The Night Listener is said to be based on a true story. For me Robin Williams is always interesting to watch in anything he does, but in this film I’m wondering if he was cast correctly. He does help the mystery and the intrigue as it goes along, playing the radio show host, but perhaps there would have been more mystery by watching someone you don’t know how to read so well. The reason being that this is such a film of psychological suspense that you just want to go along with it. What is the truth behind the boy, the carer, and Gabriel’s need to believe they are who they say they are? What we get is a lot of mystery, with things not being quite as they appear, all shot in dark scenes that allow the mystery to brood.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Night Listener and click here for more movie reviews.
A late night radio show host shares a connection with a young abused boy. Except the more the radio show host talks to the young boy, the more his reality becomes like the thrilling stories he reads over the radio.
Movie Review Summary
The Night Listener is said to be based on a true story. For me Robin Williams is always interesting to watch in anything he does, but in this film I’m wondering if he was cast correctly. He does help the mystery and the intrigue as it goes along, playing the radio show host, but perhaps there would have been more mystery by watching someone you don’t know how to read so well. The reason being that this is such a film of psychological suspense that you just want to go along with it. What is the truth behind the boy, the carer, and Gabriel’s need to believe they are who they say they are? What we get is a lot of mystery, with things not being quite as they appear, all shot in dark scenes that allow the mystery to brood.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Night Listener and click here for more movie reviews.
Star Trek
Movie Synopsis
The Star Trek series returns to its roots, following the story of how James T. Kirk became captain of the USS Enterprise.
Movie Review Summary
This is a brilliant return to form for the Star Trek series. It isn’t quite going back to the beginning of the story, because we have time travelling now resulting in a different reality. The characters playing all the main parts are uncannily alike to the original series, making this all the more credible. The storyline with the time-travelling Nero is perhaps not the best, and it’s almost relegated to a sub-plot in the confrontation between Spock and Kirk.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Star Trek and click here for more movie reviews.
The Star Trek series returns to its roots, following the story of how James T. Kirk became captain of the USS Enterprise.
Movie Review Summary
This is a brilliant return to form for the Star Trek series. It isn’t quite going back to the beginning of the story, because we have time travelling now resulting in a different reality. The characters playing all the main parts are uncannily alike to the original series, making this all the more credible. The storyline with the time-travelling Nero is perhaps not the best, and it’s almost relegated to a sub-plot in the confrontation between Spock and Kirk.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Star Trek and click here for more movie reviews.
Terminator Salvation
Movie Synopsis
It is 2018, Skynet has become active and attacked humankind in what has become known as Judgment Day. The human Resistance continue the fightback against the machines as they battle for survival.
Movie Review Summary
Whereas the first two Terminator films were groundbreaking, the third Terminator film started to become a bit of a parody of itself. This fourth film is like neither of those. Much like what Christian Bale has done to the Batman series, the style of the Terminator has been restyled, bordering more on the Mad Max, apocalyptic world where there’s little hope than to keep fighting for survival. That makes this fourth film not groundbreaking, and with no humour. The underlying story of a cross between human and machine (pre-dating the Arnie, machine-dressed-like-a-human model) is interesting, because it’s not referred to in any other story.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Terminator Salvation and click here for more movie reviews.
It is 2018, Skynet has become active and attacked humankind in what has become known as Judgment Day. The human Resistance continue the fightback against the machines as they battle for survival.
Movie Review Summary
Whereas the first two Terminator films were groundbreaking, the third Terminator film started to become a bit of a parody of itself. This fourth film is like neither of those. Much like what Christian Bale has done to the Batman series, the style of the Terminator has been restyled, bordering more on the Mad Max, apocalyptic world where there’s little hope than to keep fighting for survival. That makes this fourth film not groundbreaking, and with no humour. The underlying story of a cross between human and machine (pre-dating the Arnie, machine-dressed-like-a-human model) is interesting, because it’s not referred to in any other story.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Terminator Salvation and click here for more movie reviews.
Casanova
Movie Synopsis
Casanova is a man who loves woman, and who is loved by them in return. Many of them. So when Casanova falls for one that he cannot have he must find a way to win her heart that means he stops being his own legend.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, so this story isn’t a biography, it’s a comedy of events. And what a comedy. It’s not barn-stormingly funny but it does exceed expectations. Heath Ledger is perfectly cast as Casanova, while opposite him is a delightful actress – so much so that I had a real problem accepting it was Sienna Miller. First of all, it didn’t look like her, secondly she wasn’t being type cast (the blond haired damsel was given up to be a brunette independent-minded strong woman), thirdly, she was really really good opposite Ledger. The story is very well connected, with Jeremy Irons hamming it up as the law enforcer sent from the Pope himself to end the ways of Casanova, and the surprising love the characters find between them unsuspecting themselves.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Casanova and click here for more movie reviews.
Casanova is a man who loves woman, and who is loved by them in return. Many of them. So when Casanova falls for one that he cannot have he must find a way to win her heart that means he stops being his own legend.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, so this story isn’t a biography, it’s a comedy of events. And what a comedy. It’s not barn-stormingly funny but it does exceed expectations. Heath Ledger is perfectly cast as Casanova, while opposite him is a delightful actress – so much so that I had a real problem accepting it was Sienna Miller. First of all, it didn’t look like her, secondly she wasn’t being type cast (the blond haired damsel was given up to be a brunette independent-minded strong woman), thirdly, she was really really good opposite Ledger. The story is very well connected, with Jeremy Irons hamming it up as the law enforcer sent from the Pope himself to end the ways of Casanova, and the surprising love the characters find between them unsuspecting themselves.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Casanova and click here for more movie reviews.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Movie Synopsis
In the build up to Michael Jackson’s 'This Is It' series of concerts in London between 2009 and 2010, video cameras filmed the rehearsals of the show that the public never got to see.
Movie Review Summary
This film was almost certainly never due to have been released. We’re told at the beginning of the film that this was meant for Michael Jackson only. It’s subsequently been released for two weeks only worldwide. The film is well pieced together, showing the evolution of the rehearsals from the auditions to the final rehearsals. The additions of the new film sequences, the special effects, and the commitment you see of everyone taking parts shows just how amazing this concert would have been. I had tickets to see the show, so was obviously disappointed when Michael’s life was cut short, and it couldn’t go ahead. Watching this film just reminded me how great a performer Michael Jackson was, and that he still had the magic on show.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Michael Jackson's This Is It and click here for more movie reviews.
In the build up to Michael Jackson’s 'This Is It' series of concerts in London between 2009 and 2010, video cameras filmed the rehearsals of the show that the public never got to see.
Movie Review Summary
This film was almost certainly never due to have been released. We’re told at the beginning of the film that this was meant for Michael Jackson only. It’s subsequently been released for two weeks only worldwide. The film is well pieced together, showing the evolution of the rehearsals from the auditions to the final rehearsals. The additions of the new film sequences, the special effects, and the commitment you see of everyone taking parts shows just how amazing this concert would have been. I had tickets to see the show, so was obviously disappointed when Michael’s life was cut short, and it couldn’t go ahead. Watching this film just reminded me how great a performer Michael Jackson was, and that he still had the magic on show.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Michael Jackson's This Is It and click here for more movie reviews.
Wall Street 2
Movie Synopsis
Gecko’s back and the question is “Is greed still good?” When the financial crisis hits the bank that Jake Moore (played by Shia) works for and leads to the suicide of his boss and mentor, Jake seeks to get revenge against the man he believed caused it.
Movie Review Summary
Wall Street 2 could have been a classic, just like the first one. Gekko is still a character quoted to this day. Shia is an actor who’s on top form, just like his character in the film. But this film felt too part-baked. Too confusing in places and trying to play too many cards and run too many plots. Often it’s not clear what the real motives are, and whether the fake ones are genuine, or not. Oh, and Carey Mulligan’s character is a just big ball of confusion played by somebody who could be smiling or crying in hysteria it’s so hard to accurately judge what’s going on.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and click here for more movie reviews.
Gecko’s back and the question is “Is greed still good?” When the financial crisis hits the bank that Jake Moore (played by Shia) works for and leads to the suicide of his boss and mentor, Jake seeks to get revenge against the man he believed caused it.
Movie Review Summary
Wall Street 2 could have been a classic, just like the first one. Gekko is still a character quoted to this day. Shia is an actor who’s on top form, just like his character in the film. But this film felt too part-baked. Too confusing in places and trying to play too many cards and run too many plots. Often it’s not clear what the real motives are, and whether the fake ones are genuine, or not. Oh, and Carey Mulligan’s character is a just big ball of confusion played by somebody who could be smiling or crying in hysteria it’s so hard to accurately judge what’s going on.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and click here for more movie reviews.
Easy A
Movie Synopsis
When false rumours about Olive Penderghast spread around school that she’s lost her virginity, rather than reject them, she plays up to them and tries to benefit from them.
Movie Review Summary
While the highlights are Emma Stone’s performance and the almost cameo level of input from Stanley Tucci (of Devil Wears Prada fame) there’s precious else here to get excited about. It’s unfortunately a paint by numbers script with low level thinking required. That said, it could be a decent time filler.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Easy A and click here for more movie reviews.
When false rumours about Olive Penderghast spread around school that she’s lost her virginity, rather than reject them, she plays up to them and tries to benefit from them.
Movie Review Summary
While the highlights are Emma Stone’s performance and the almost cameo level of input from Stanley Tucci (of Devil Wears Prada fame) there’s precious else here to get excited about. It’s unfortunately a paint by numbers script with low level thinking required. That said, it could be a decent time filler.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Easy A and click here for more movie reviews.
Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides 3D
Movie Synopsis
Captain Jack Sparrow and his old enemy Barbossa, face a race against the legendary pirate Blackbeard in a race to find the fountain of youth.
Movie Review Summary
If you’re looking for a film that explains properly why things are being done in they way are, look away now. Does Penelope Cruz really pass as a Johnny Depp? Did they need to go to a ship to get the chalices when other people had used them already? And why did Barbossa not set-off the extremely see-sawing ship? Questions that you or I cannot resolve, so you’ll just have to enjoy the ride, walts and all.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides 3D and click here for more movie reviews.
Captain Jack Sparrow and his old enemy Barbossa, face a race against the legendary pirate Blackbeard in a race to find the fountain of youth.
Movie Review Summary
If you’re looking for a film that explains properly why things are being done in they way are, look away now. Does Penelope Cruz really pass as a Johnny Depp? Did they need to go to a ship to get the chalices when other people had used them already? And why did Barbossa not set-off the extremely see-sawing ship? Questions that you or I cannot resolve, so you’ll just have to enjoy the ride, walts and all.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides 3D and click here for more movie reviews.
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Movie Synopsis
When armed hijackers take over a New York subway train and threaten to kill its hostages unless they get a ransom, train operator Walter Garber must negotiate with to save the lives of many innocent passengers.
Movie Review Summary
This film is based on the original from 1974 and as I haven’t seen that film my review is unbiased. Denzel puts in a pretty good performance, especially as the more austere Garber, but you know when he goes up against a bad guy that the bad guy isn’t going to win. The foil in this case is Travolta, who is not your regular hijacker, but actually has an ulterior motive, a la Inside Man. Overall, while probably quite advanced as a story in 1974 it’s been surpassed by its many rivals in this genre.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and click here for more movie reviews.
When armed hijackers take over a New York subway train and threaten to kill its hostages unless they get a ransom, train operator Walter Garber must negotiate with to save the lives of many innocent passengers.
Movie Review Summary
This film is based on the original from 1974 and as I haven’t seen that film my review is unbiased. Denzel puts in a pretty good performance, especially as the more austere Garber, but you know when he goes up against a bad guy that the bad guy isn’t going to win. The foil in this case is Travolta, who is not your regular hijacker, but actually has an ulterior motive, a la Inside Man. Overall, while probably quite advanced as a story in 1974 it’s been surpassed by its many rivals in this genre.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and click here for more movie reviews.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Movie Synopsis
After discovering he has mutant powers, Logan seeks a normal life that is destroyed when his girlfriend is killed by his revenge seeking brother. Now Logan seeks revenge and becomes Wolverine to overcome his brother.
Movie Review Summary
A well conceived film, born of the demand and interest from the original X-Men films. Jackman plays an excellent Wolverine, and Schreiber as his brother Victor, plays a believable villain. The things that let it down are that there assumptions you know more about the characters and their history than this film spends it’s time on.
Please click this link for a full movie review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine and click here for more movie reviews.
After discovering he has mutant powers, Logan seeks a normal life that is destroyed when his girlfriend is killed by his revenge seeking brother. Now Logan seeks revenge and becomes Wolverine to overcome his brother.
Movie Review Summary
A well conceived film, born of the demand and interest from the original X-Men films. Jackman plays an excellent Wolverine, and Schreiber as his brother Victor, plays a believable villain. The things that let it down are that there assumptions you know more about the characters and their history than this film spends it’s time on.
Please click this link for a full movie review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine and click here for more movie reviews.
Burke and Hare
Movie Synopsis
When Burke and Hare are down to their last coins in Edinburgh, they get lucky when they find that there is a buyer for a corpse they have. The only problem is, if they want to make more money out if, they’ll need to find some more ‘victims’.
Movie Review Summary
This film works. Not least because Andy Serkis is Simon Pegg’s comedy partner, rather than Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) which was running out of steam. While there is a lack of suspense or grip about the film, especially in the first half, it makes for good viewing. Not least because you’re wondering just how low they will sink in order to fulfil their orders, and definitely not least because not all of their attempts work as planned.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Burke and Hare and click here for more movie reviews.
When Burke and Hare are down to their last coins in Edinburgh, they get lucky when they find that there is a buyer for a corpse they have. The only problem is, if they want to make more money out if, they’ll need to find some more ‘victims’.
Movie Review Summary
This film works. Not least because Andy Serkis is Simon Pegg’s comedy partner, rather than Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) which was running out of steam. While there is a lack of suspense or grip about the film, especially in the first half, it makes for good viewing. Not least because you’re wondering just how low they will sink in order to fulfil their orders, and definitely not least because not all of their attempts work as planned.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Burke and Hare and click here for more movie reviews.
Four Lions
Movie Synopsis
When four British Muslims undertake a terrorist campaign, their incompetence is the largest threat anybody faces.
Movie Review Summary
The controversy aspect of the film is pretty obvious, this isn’t a topic that always carry comedy value because of the sensitivity. Unfortunately, in the hands of Chris Morris, the controversy has remained but the comedy is somewhat lacking. What could have been a quality comedy that struck a good victory and let us “laugh at” the ideals of terrorism is lacking the quality of script and production to make it worthwhile.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Four Lions and click here for more movie reviews.
When four British Muslims undertake a terrorist campaign, their incompetence is the largest threat anybody faces.
Movie Review Summary
The controversy aspect of the film is pretty obvious, this isn’t a topic that always carry comedy value because of the sensitivity. Unfortunately, in the hands of Chris Morris, the controversy has remained but the comedy is somewhat lacking. What could have been a quality comedy that struck a good victory and let us “laugh at” the ideals of terrorism is lacking the quality of script and production to make it worthwhile.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Four Lions and click here for more movie reviews.
Brothers
Movie Synopsis
When a model US soldier is missing presumed dead in the war in Afghanistan, his down-and-out brother finds meaning in his life in comforting his sister-in-law, but will they become too close?
Movie Review Summary
A wonderfully poignant film. How many soldiers’ families will have gone through the heartache represented in some parts of this film. The set-up between the characters works beautifully, the story moves along, and you feel for what each of the characters is going through. Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire are exceptional as the perfect husband and wife team that get splintered by a war and the emotional wreckage they have to go through.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Brothers and click here for more movie reviews.
When a model US soldier is missing presumed dead in the war in Afghanistan, his down-and-out brother finds meaning in his life in comforting his sister-in-law, but will they become too close?
Movie Review Summary
A wonderfully poignant film. How many soldiers’ families will have gone through the heartache represented in some parts of this film. The set-up between the characters works beautifully, the story moves along, and you feel for what each of the characters is going through. Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire are exceptional as the perfect husband and wife team that get splintered by a war and the emotional wreckage they have to go through.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Brothers and click here for more movie reviews.
Saturday 24 August 2013
Tamara Drewe
Movie Synopsis
When Tamara Drewe, who was once the town’s ugly duckling, returns to sell her late mother’s house her new found self causes a stir amongst the whole community, and with it a lot of admirers, both old and new.
Movie Review Summary
While this film is meant to be all about Tamara Drewe, in reality she is a smaller cog in the bigger picture of the story. Perhaps this is because Gemma Arterton, whilst a great actress, was not playing (or was not given) an actual femme fatale but just an attractive, confident character. Either way, the story works despite this because of the strength of the supporting cast (Tamsin Grieg as the forlorn and walked-over housewife is particularly good) and the fact that they are given characters with a real role to play in the high jinx that go on.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Tamara Drewe and click here for more movie reviews.
When Tamara Drewe, who was once the town’s ugly duckling, returns to sell her late mother’s house her new found self causes a stir amongst the whole community, and with it a lot of admirers, both old and new.
Movie Review Summary
While this film is meant to be all about Tamara Drewe, in reality she is a smaller cog in the bigger picture of the story. Perhaps this is because Gemma Arterton, whilst a great actress, was not playing (or was not given) an actual femme fatale but just an attractive, confident character. Either way, the story works despite this because of the strength of the supporting cast (Tamsin Grieg as the forlorn and walked-over housewife is particularly good) and the fact that they are given characters with a real role to play in the high jinx that go on.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Tamara Drewe and click here for more movie reviews.
No Strings Attached
Movie Synopsis
When Emma and Adam decide to enjoy being friends with benefits, how long will it last before one of them wants more from the other one, and then will it be the end of their relationship?
Movie Review Summary
This film just works, and how Ashton is excellent as the lovestruck guy wanting a relationship, Natalie is fantastic at portraying a commitment-phobe Emma, and Kevin Kline is brilliantly cast as the faded but much revered actor father. The script works excellently well, with some lovely pieces towards the end of the film when Adam and Emma realise how much they mean for each other.
Please click this link for a full movie review of No Strings Attached and click here for more movie reviews.
When Emma and Adam decide to enjoy being friends with benefits, how long will it last before one of them wants more from the other one, and then will it be the end of their relationship?
Movie Review Summary
This film just works, and how Ashton is excellent as the lovestruck guy wanting a relationship, Natalie is fantastic at portraying a commitment-phobe Emma, and Kevin Kline is brilliantly cast as the faded but much revered actor father. The script works excellently well, with some lovely pieces towards the end of the film when Adam and Emma realise how much they mean for each other.
Please click this link for a full movie review of No Strings Attached and click here for more movie reviews.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Movie Synopsis
Lord Voldemort’s army descends upon Hogwarts and only if Harry Potter and his loyal followers can find and destroy the Horcruxes will they survive.
Movie Review Summary
If you’ve watched any Potter films, read any Potter books, then this is the pinnacle, when all gets revealed and final battles between good and evil take place. You might not love every aspect of the film, you might miss parts of the book that aren’t featured, but this film is so faithful to the book otherwise that it’s a must-see.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 and click here for more movie reviews.
Lord Voldemort’s army descends upon Hogwarts and only if Harry Potter and his loyal followers can find and destroy the Horcruxes will they survive.
Movie Review Summary
If you’ve watched any Potter films, read any Potter books, then this is the pinnacle, when all gets revealed and final battles between good and evil take place. You might not love every aspect of the film, you might miss parts of the book that aren’t featured, but this film is so faithful to the book otherwise that it’s a must-see.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 and click here for more movie reviews.
The Tournament
Movie Synopsis
Every seven years, a location is chosen, assassins ready their guns, rich backers place their wagers on their favourite and the last person standing wins.
Movie Review Summary
I like the idea for this film, I really did. What let’s it down is trying to give the emotional baggage to the players in it (which makes it more Streetfighter than Running Man). If it had of ditched that, made more of London as a backdrop for this, then this gladiatorial style contest would have rated much higher.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Tournament and click here for more movie reviews.
Every seven years, a location is chosen, assassins ready their guns, rich backers place their wagers on their favourite and the last person standing wins.
Movie Review Summary
I like the idea for this film, I really did. What let’s it down is trying to give the emotional baggage to the players in it (which makes it more Streetfighter than Running Man). If it had of ditched that, made more of London as a backdrop for this, then this gladiatorial style contest would have rated much higher.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Tournament and click here for more movie reviews.
V For Vendetta
Movie Synopsis
In a state run society, one person, known only as “V”, begins the fight back to reclaim people’s freedoms and settle his own private vendettas.
Movie Review Summary
I knew nothing about V before watching this film, so I got a pleasant surprise from this. The casting is excellent, the script pacey, intriguing and rewarding, and the contrast between those who stand from freedom and those stand only for themselves, make this an all round excellent film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of V for Vendetta and click here for more movie reviews.
In a state run society, one person, known only as “V”, begins the fight back to reclaim people’s freedoms and settle his own private vendettas.
Movie Review Summary
I knew nothing about V before watching this film, so I got a pleasant surprise from this. The casting is excellent, the script pacey, intriguing and rewarding, and the contrast between those who stand from freedom and those stand only for themselves, make this an all round excellent film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of V for Vendetta and click here for more movie reviews.
Star Wars: Clone Wars
Movie Synopsis
When Jabba the Hutt’s child is kidnapped, it is up to the Jedi to rescue him to gain control of the galaxy, but they are about to walk into a trap set by the Sith and arch enemy Count Dooku.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, so there’s very few of the actual cast from the films in this (Samuel L, Anthony Daniels and Christopher Lee have a bit of a role), does it suffer for it? No, not really. The flaw is in the over-childish adaptation of a story that has already been made more childish by its prequels. There was a reason this wasn’t targeted an adult generation like me (and I’m guessing you) – it was because they wanted to put out a half-baked film that didn’t need actors. On that basis, it was a success. As part of one of the greatest stories of all time, it’s a real disappointment.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Star Wars: Clone Wars and click here for more movie reviews.
When Jabba the Hutt’s child is kidnapped, it is up to the Jedi to rescue him to gain control of the galaxy, but they are about to walk into a trap set by the Sith and arch enemy Count Dooku.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, so there’s very few of the actual cast from the films in this (Samuel L, Anthony Daniels and Christopher Lee have a bit of a role), does it suffer for it? No, not really. The flaw is in the over-childish adaptation of a story that has already been made more childish by its prequels. There was a reason this wasn’t targeted an adult generation like me (and I’m guessing you) – it was because they wanted to put out a half-baked film that didn’t need actors. On that basis, it was a success. As part of one of the greatest stories of all time, it’s a real disappointment.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Star Wars: Clone Wars and click here for more movie reviews.
Knight and Day
Movie Synopsis
When an unsuspecting passenger gets caught up with a spy on the run, her future and survival becomes aligned with his.
Movie Review Summary
If you see Diaz you probably think something will be quirky. If you see Cruise, you probably think it’ll be action-packed. And Knight and Day plays to those strengths, unfortunately the result is weaker than the sum of its parts. And it’s so weak it just doesn’t work. Havens, played by Diaz, seems to spend about about half the film being drugged or going through some phase of being drugged out. Why? Because when they started shooting they probably realised the script was so poor that actually watching Diaz being knocked ticked the comedy box and got them to the cut the film short. One word to sum this up: disappointing.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Knight and Day and click here for more movie reviews.
When an unsuspecting passenger gets caught up with a spy on the run, her future and survival becomes aligned with his.
Movie Review Summary
If you see Diaz you probably think something will be quirky. If you see Cruise, you probably think it’ll be action-packed. And Knight and Day plays to those strengths, unfortunately the result is weaker than the sum of its parts. And it’s so weak it just doesn’t work. Havens, played by Diaz, seems to spend about about half the film being drugged or going through some phase of being drugged out. Why? Because when they started shooting they probably realised the script was so poor that actually watching Diaz being knocked ticked the comedy box and got them to the cut the film short. One word to sum this up: disappointing.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Knight and Day and click here for more movie reviews.
London Boulevard
Movie Synopsis
When a gangster is released from jail, he tries to turn on his back on his gangster family and go clean. But when a gangster boss refuses to let him escape a life of crime, he has to fight to keep the romance that he has discovered in his new life with a reclusive movie star.
Movie Review Summary
I really wish my verdict for this could be more favourable. It’s all there, the characters, the cast, even the promise of the storyline. But it’s done lazily and in a fashion that means you don’t really care too much about what’s going on with the characters, understand the storyline, or even care about the outcome of Mitchel, Charlotte and Gant. Which is not what you really want in a film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of London Boulevard and click here for more movie reviews.
When a gangster is released from jail, he tries to turn on his back on his gangster family and go clean. But when a gangster boss refuses to let him escape a life of crime, he has to fight to keep the romance that he has discovered in his new life with a reclusive movie star.
Movie Review Summary
I really wish my verdict for this could be more favourable. It’s all there, the characters, the cast, even the promise of the storyline. But it’s done lazily and in a fashion that means you don’t really care too much about what’s going on with the characters, understand the storyline, or even care about the outcome of Mitchel, Charlotte and Gant. Which is not what you really want in a film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of London Boulevard and click here for more movie reviews.
Secretariat
Movie Synopsis
When housewife Penny Chenery takes over her ill father’s stables, she faces losing everything, unless the horse that she raises can become a championship winning horse.
Movie Review Summary
If you want a based on reality, heart-warming tale with a loveable animal at the centre of it, this is your film. Probably not one that many would want to write home about, but if you were around and can remember the days of Secretariat then this is probably something you’ll cherish.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Secretariat and click here for more movie reviews.
When housewife Penny Chenery takes over her ill father’s stables, she faces losing everything, unless the horse that she raises can become a championship winning horse.
Movie Review Summary
If you want a based on reality, heart-warming tale with a loveable animal at the centre of it, this is your film. Probably not one that many would want to write home about, but if you were around and can remember the days of Secretariat then this is probably something you’ll cherish.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Secretariat and click here for more movie reviews.
Made in Dagenham
Movie Synopsis
When the 187 women at Ford’s car plant in Dagenham go on strike to get equal pay with the male employees, what starts off as an innocent act soon has larger repercussions within their trade union and within their personal lives. Will they stick it our what’s right, or will they give in to peer pressure?
Movie Review Summary
It’s amazing, watching this back, to think that something that started so small was actually a landmark case in British history. Two years after the strikes, Barbara Castle, the government’s Employment Secretary, pushed through the Equal Pay Act, securing the right for women to be recognised in the same way as men. If you’re up for watching a bit of history, and for a dose of the swinging 60′s, then you’ll enjoy this.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Made In Dagenham and click here for more movie reviews.
When the 187 women at Ford’s car plant in Dagenham go on strike to get equal pay with the male employees, what starts off as an innocent act soon has larger repercussions within their trade union and within their personal lives. Will they stick it our what’s right, or will they give in to peer pressure?
Movie Review Summary
It’s amazing, watching this back, to think that something that started so small was actually a landmark case in British history. Two years after the strikes, Barbara Castle, the government’s Employment Secretary, pushed through the Equal Pay Act, securing the right for women to be recognised in the same way as men. If you’re up for watching a bit of history, and for a dose of the swinging 60′s, then you’ll enjoy this.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Made In Dagenham and click here for more movie reviews.
Your Highness
Movie Synopsis
When Prince Fabious’s bride is kidnapped by an evil wizard, he must go on a quest to rescue her, accompanied by his useless brother Thadeous.
Movie Review Summary
Oh dear. Where to start. I had some hopes for this movie. Natalie Portman was in it, that had to be good right? It was something like a medieval fantasy, perhaps it would be like Willow? Well, those hopes I had before I started to watch this movie were quickly destroyed. For this is a story that has been born of either a teenager’s mind, or an adult who has smoking something they shouldn’t be. It’s humour is childish, but this is not a film you’d want your child to watch. Evidence for the prosecution is so abundant I could pick any 30 seconds of the movie and you’d get my point, but it is so embarrassingly, cringe-makingly lewd that I won’t give you any of it here, for fear that minors read this.
Suffice to say, if you want a decent fantasy film, go watch Willow. If you want a comedy, go watch something with Ricky Gervais in it. Do not even bother with this shocker of a film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Your Highness and click here for more movie reviews.
When Prince Fabious’s bride is kidnapped by an evil wizard, he must go on a quest to rescue her, accompanied by his useless brother Thadeous.
Movie Review Summary
Oh dear. Where to start. I had some hopes for this movie. Natalie Portman was in it, that had to be good right? It was something like a medieval fantasy, perhaps it would be like Willow? Well, those hopes I had before I started to watch this movie were quickly destroyed. For this is a story that has been born of either a teenager’s mind, or an adult who has smoking something they shouldn’t be. It’s humour is childish, but this is not a film you’d want your child to watch. Evidence for the prosecution is so abundant I could pick any 30 seconds of the movie and you’d get my point, but it is so embarrassingly, cringe-makingly lewd that I won’t give you any of it here, for fear that minors read this.
Suffice to say, if you want a decent fantasy film, go watch Willow. If you want a comedy, go watch something with Ricky Gervais in it. Do not even bother with this shocker of a film.
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Serendipity
Movie Synopsis
When two strangers reach for the same Christmas gift in a department store they begin to have the best night of their lives together. The only problem is they’re in committed relationships already, which they won’t break up, unless this is fate…
Movie Review Summary
This is an enjoyable film, based around the quirkiness of fate in love. With commitment beckoning for each of the main character’s, how powerful could one evening with the right person be for them? The obvious awkwardness they have in their existing relationships is interesting to see – should people just give it up if it’s not working out for them? A dilemma surely many people face. Will these two star-crossed lovers get it together? Will fate be on their side? You’ll likely guess the answers too these questions as we go along, but watching is interesting enough. Just don’t try this at home.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Serendipity and click here for more movie reviews.
When two strangers reach for the same Christmas gift in a department store they begin to have the best night of their lives together. The only problem is they’re in committed relationships already, which they won’t break up, unless this is fate…
Movie Review Summary
This is an enjoyable film, based around the quirkiness of fate in love. With commitment beckoning for each of the main character’s, how powerful could one evening with the right person be for them? The obvious awkwardness they have in their existing relationships is interesting to see – should people just give it up if it’s not working out for them? A dilemma surely many people face. Will these two star-crossed lovers get it together? Will fate be on their side? You’ll likely guess the answers too these questions as we go along, but watching is interesting enough. Just don’t try this at home.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Serendipity and click here for more movie reviews.
He’s Just Not That Into You
Movie Synopsis
If a man says he’ll call you, and he doesn’t, what should you do? Should you pursue him, or accept he’s just not that into you. If only women understood men and women could find a way to fathom men.
Movie Review Summary
If you’re a fan of any of the cast then you’ll likely want to catch them in this film, there’s nothing like sharing a screen with the cream of Hollywood to get you to focus on getting your character across quickly. It’s certainly an enjoyable film, more likely for women than men, but for anybody who’s either had quite complicated romance in the past, or finding dating a struggle in the present, then this film will certainly offer some hope.
Please click this link for a full movie review of He’s Just Not That Into You and click here for more movie reviews.
If a man says he’ll call you, and he doesn’t, what should you do? Should you pursue him, or accept he’s just not that into you. If only women understood men and women could find a way to fathom men.
Movie Review Summary
If you’re a fan of any of the cast then you’ll likely want to catch them in this film, there’s nothing like sharing a screen with the cream of Hollywood to get you to focus on getting your character across quickly. It’s certainly an enjoyable film, more likely for women than men, but for anybody who’s either had quite complicated romance in the past, or finding dating a struggle in the present, then this film will certainly offer some hope.
Please click this link for a full movie review of He’s Just Not That Into You and click here for more movie reviews.
Vanity Fair
Movie Synopsis
When Becky Sharp, an orphaned daughter of a poverty stricken London family, leaves school, she finds that her intellect and charm attracts opportunity towards her that is reserved for the upper class of old British society. Will she fit in, or be found out for who she really is?
Movie Review Summary
What could have been a delightful film has unfortunately become a boring drag. Quite often I was tempted to give up watching, only to be reeled back in to find out what happened to some of the characters. What problem was an intriguing book has been an injustice by the disjointedness of the film.
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When Becky Sharp, an orphaned daughter of a poverty stricken London family, leaves school, she finds that her intellect and charm attracts opportunity towards her that is reserved for the upper class of old British society. Will she fit in, or be found out for who she really is?
Movie Review Summary
What could have been a delightful film has unfortunately become a boring drag. Quite often I was tempted to give up watching, only to be reeled back in to find out what happened to some of the characters. What problem was an intriguing book has been an injustice by the disjointedness of the film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Vanity Fair and click here for more movie reviews.
Never Let Me Go
Movie Synopsis
When two young girls befriend a young boy at their boarding school, they’re not prepared for the feelings they’ll feel for each other, or what’s in store for them.
Movie Review Summary
What starts off as a lovely film, filled with the hopes of love by one young girl and the betrayal of that by another girl, sets up quite a nice film idea. However, when the revelation comes to them that they are not destined to live life as normal people, and that they are being housed there as part of a project, this film takes on a different twist. A horrible, ugly twist, which leaves you watching the rest of the film wondering how on earth somebody came up with something so….twisted. I had to Google the book afterwards to make sure the story in the film was what the original book was about. It is. But maybe that’s less gory than the film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Never Let Me Go and click here for more movie reviews.
When two young girls befriend a young boy at their boarding school, they’re not prepared for the feelings they’ll feel for each other, or what’s in store for them.
Movie Review Summary
What starts off as a lovely film, filled with the hopes of love by one young girl and the betrayal of that by another girl, sets up quite a nice film idea. However, when the revelation comes to them that they are not destined to live life as normal people, and that they are being housed there as part of a project, this film takes on a different twist. A horrible, ugly twist, which leaves you watching the rest of the film wondering how on earth somebody came up with something so….twisted. I had to Google the book afterwards to make sure the story in the film was what the original book was about. It is. But maybe that’s less gory than the film.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Never Let Me Go and click here for more movie reviews.
Source Code
Movie Synopsis
When a soldier awakes on a train, he finds himself caught up in a terrorist plot. Except he survives the terrorist’s bomb and it’s revealed he will have a chance to stop the bombing, and the terrorist’s plot to kill millions in Chicago.
Movie Review Summary
This is a film which won’t explain everything up front, it’ll keep you guessing as to what’s going on, what will come next, and whether anything will be achieved from this new technology. Gyllenhaal is hugely watchable as Stevens and Monaghan plays well opposite him. The final scenes of them together will highlight how well these have worked together. Good casting and good story means this film works very well.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Source Code and click here for more movie reviews.
When a soldier awakes on a train, he finds himself caught up in a terrorist plot. Except he survives the terrorist’s bomb and it’s revealed he will have a chance to stop the bombing, and the terrorist’s plot to kill millions in Chicago.
Movie Review Summary
This is a film which won’t explain everything up front, it’ll keep you guessing as to what’s going on, what will come next, and whether anything will be achieved from this new technology. Gyllenhaal is hugely watchable as Stevens and Monaghan plays well opposite him. The final scenes of them together will highlight how well these have worked together. Good casting and good story means this film works very well.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Source Code and click here for more movie reviews.
Thor
Movie Synopsis
Heir to the throne of Asgard, the powerful and arrogant Thor is banished by his father for disobeying him. He is sent to Earth, where he must earn his redemption if he is ever to return home.
Movie Review Summary
Thor continues in the steps of other recent films – like Spiderman, Superman and Batman – that have made it from comic to silverscreen (although thankfully they didn’t rename him Thorman). Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Kopkins and Tom Hiddleston are excellently cast as Thor, Odin and Loki, around who this story revolves. Natalie Portman for once stands out as not being so fit for this role, there’s something more intellectual about who she can play than this character, even if she is an alleged scientist. But all in all, this is a very worth action adaptation.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Thor and click here for more movie reviews.
Heir to the throne of Asgard, the powerful and arrogant Thor is banished by his father for disobeying him. He is sent to Earth, where he must earn his redemption if he is ever to return home.
Movie Review Summary
Thor continues in the steps of other recent films – like Spiderman, Superman and Batman – that have made it from comic to silverscreen (although thankfully they didn’t rename him Thorman). Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Kopkins and Tom Hiddleston are excellently cast as Thor, Odin and Loki, around who this story revolves. Natalie Portman for once stands out as not being so fit for this role, there’s something more intellectual about who she can play than this character, even if she is an alleged scientist. But all in all, this is a very worth action adaptation.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Thor and click here for more movie reviews.
Season of the Witch
Movie Synopsis
Two 14th-century knights transport a suspected witch, who the Church believe is the source of the Black Plague, to a monastery where monks will eradicate her.
Movie Review Summary
It’s always a worry with Nicholas Cage, sometimes he’s in a great film, other times really poor ones. This is one of the former, he’s back near his best and that makes the film work. He and Ron Perlman make for a believable couple of knights, and the story rolls along well. I don’t know much of this story has been based on any form of truth, but it certainly makes for compelling viewing.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Season of the Witch and click here for more movie reviews.
Two 14th-century knights transport a suspected witch, who the Church believe is the source of the Black Plague, to a monastery where monks will eradicate her.
Movie Review Summary
It’s always a worry with Nicholas Cage, sometimes he’s in a great film, other times really poor ones. This is one of the former, he’s back near his best and that makes the film work. He and Ron Perlman make for a believable couple of knights, and the story rolls along well. I don’t know much of this story has been based on any form of truth, but it certainly makes for compelling viewing.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Season of the Witch and click here for more movie reviews.
G.I. Joe – The Rise of Cobra
Movie 
Synopsis
An elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer intent in taking over the world.
Movie Review Summary
This is actually a pretty good film. I’m no fan and have never paid any attention to the GI Joe series, so there’s probably a few details going over my head from the film, but that was good in it’s own right – you didn’t have to be a fan of the film to enjoy it. Forget the fact it’s GI Joe, or that there’s a Cobra of some kind rising, if you want a pretty decent film which pits good against bad, gives you twists and turns and keeps you interested, then this will do nicely.
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SynopsisAn elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer intent in taking over the world.
Movie Review Summary
This is actually a pretty good film. I’m no fan and have never paid any attention to the GI Joe series, so there’s probably a few details going over my head from the film, but that was good in it’s own right – you didn’t have to be a fan of the film to enjoy it. Forget the fact it’s GI Joe, or that there’s a Cobra of some kind rising, if you want a pretty decent film which pits good against bad, gives you twists and turns and keeps you interested, then this will do nicely.
Please click this link for a full movie review of G.I. Joe – The Rise of Cobra and click here for more movie reviews.
Stardust
Movie Synopsis
In Wall, a countryside village bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he’ll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.
Movie Review Summary
If you want a fun film for the family then this really is it. It has a lot going for it, including some wonderful set-ups and battles between rivals who are trying to claim the prize that is the fallen star. It’s certainly a film that will give people a warm fuzzy feeling at the end, it’s that kind of feel good movie. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s so very good at what it is, it makes you wish that there were more films like this out these days.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Stardust and click here for more movie reviews.
In Wall, a countryside village bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he’ll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.
Movie Review Summary
If you want a fun film for the family then this really is it. It has a lot going for it, including some wonderful set-ups and battles between rivals who are trying to claim the prize that is the fallen star. It’s certainly a film that will give people a warm fuzzy feeling at the end, it’s that kind of feel good movie. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s so very good at what it is, it makes you wish that there were more films like this out these days.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Stardust and click here for more movie reviews.
Unstoppable
Movie Synopsis
When an unmanned half-mile-long freight train speeds towards a city, a veteran engineer and a young conductor must race against time to prevent a disaster.
Movie Review Summary
If you’re a Denzel Washington fan, you might want to give this one a miss. It’s not the usual action thriller that he would do. It’s not even like the Taking of Pelham 123 where he does work in the railroad industry and there is some genuine suspense. It’s not even Speed. It’s just a film about a runaway train that just about keeps the tension going long enough to make a film out of it.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Unstoppable and click here for more movie reviews.
When an unmanned half-mile-long freight train speeds towards a city, a veteran engineer and a young conductor must race against time to prevent a disaster.
Movie Review Summary
If you’re a Denzel Washington fan, you might want to give this one a miss. It’s not the usual action thriller that he would do. It’s not even like the Taking of Pelham 123 where he does work in the railroad industry and there is some genuine suspense. It’s not even Speed. It’s just a film about a runaway train that just about keeps the tension going long enough to make a film out of it.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Unstoppable and click here for more movie reviews.
Transformers – Dark of the Moon
Movie Synopsis
The Autobots discover that a Cybertronian spacecraft landed on the Moon in the 1960s, and they must race against the Decepticons to uncover the secret contents of it.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, there’s enough of a story here for it to be an enjoyable romp. If you ignore the “rinse and repeat” nature of the overall script this is still pretty enjoyable, with decent battles, betrayals, some good character acting from Shia and Rosie, and enough interest in what is in the spaceship from Cybertron.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Transformers - Dark of the Moon and click here for more movie reviews.
The Autobots discover that a Cybertronian spacecraft landed on the Moon in the 1960s, and they must race against the Decepticons to uncover the secret contents of it.
Movie Review Summary
Ok, there’s enough of a story here for it to be an enjoyable romp. If you ignore the “rinse and repeat” nature of the overall script this is still pretty enjoyable, with decent battles, betrayals, some good character acting from Shia and Rosie, and enough interest in what is in the spaceship from Cybertron.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Transformers - Dark of the Moon and click here for more movie reviews.
Puss in Boots 3D
Movie Synopsis
Puss is a fugitive from his hometown after he was mistaken for robbing a bank, so when the opportunity arises to make amends with his old friend Humpty Dumpty, he sets out to steal some magic beans.
Movie Review Summary
Puss in Boots is such an excellent character, the team behind this film deserve recognition for giving him a great outing and a quality storyline. Unlike the Shrek films, which bounce around in their plot and look for short comedy moments, Puss in Boots has an easy to follow, and enjoyable to watch, storyline development. There’s some good humor, some lovely scenes, and some good dialogue that make this film give you a little bit of a warm fuzzy feeling. If they don’t make a sequel from the film studios are doing something wrong.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Puss In Boots 3D and click here for more movie reviews.
Puss is a fugitive from his hometown after he was mistaken for robbing a bank, so when the opportunity arises to make amends with his old friend Humpty Dumpty, he sets out to steal some magic beans.
Movie Review Summary
Puss in Boots is such an excellent character, the team behind this film deserve recognition for giving him a great outing and a quality storyline. Unlike the Shrek films, which bounce around in their plot and look for short comedy moments, Puss in Boots has an easy to follow, and enjoyable to watch, storyline development. There’s some good humor, some lovely scenes, and some good dialogue that make this film give you a little bit of a warm fuzzy feeling. If they don’t make a sequel from the film studios are doing something wrong.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Puss In Boots 3D and click here for more movie reviews.
Friends With Benefits
Movie Synopsis
Having become frustrated with pitfalls of romance, two new friends decide to have some extra fun with each other, until they find that adding sex to their friendship brings its own complications.
Movie Review Summary
This film is cut from the same cloth as No Strings Attached, which unfortunately, was also released this year and I believe pushed the opening date of Friends With Benefits back. What No Strings Attached had in humor, this film has in more risque scenes. Whereas Ashton Kutcher had warmth Justin Timberlake has novelty, where Natalie Portman had demure, Mila Kunis has edgy. The sad thing about both films is that the women are represented as being slightly wacky, and therefore wanting a non-commitment relationship. In both films it’s the guy who first falls for the girl too. And predictably, they women both have problems accepting that initially before melting. Overall if you saw both of these films you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Friends With Benefits and click here for more movie reviews.
Having become frustrated with pitfalls of romance, two new friends decide to have some extra fun with each other, until they find that adding sex to their friendship brings its own complications.
Movie Review Summary
This film is cut from the same cloth as No Strings Attached, which unfortunately, was also released this year and I believe pushed the opening date of Friends With Benefits back. What No Strings Attached had in humor, this film has in more risque scenes. Whereas Ashton Kutcher had warmth Justin Timberlake has novelty, where Natalie Portman had demure, Mila Kunis has edgy. The sad thing about both films is that the women are represented as being slightly wacky, and therefore wanting a non-commitment relationship. In both films it’s the guy who first falls for the girl too. And predictably, they women both have problems accepting that initially before melting. Overall if you saw both of these films you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Friends With Benefits and click here for more movie reviews.
Captain America – The First Avenger
Movie Synopsis
Having been prevented from joining military service for the USA in World War II, Steve Rogers takes part in a a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America.
Movie Review Summary
All in all this is a decent addition to the Marvel Comics range of films. There’s definitely scope for more Captain America, but they’ll have to keep the characters fresh and the casting good. There’s some touching scenes in this film, as we watch the weedy Steve Rogers battle it out against other soldiers, out-wit them, out-feel them and generally take whatever is thrown at him because he is so keen to serve in the army.
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Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Movie Synopsis
While conducting experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, a genetically-enhanced ape uses its greater intelligence to free the other apes.
Movie Review Summary
I wasn’t particularly a fan of Planet of the Apes, or any of its follow-up films. Sure, they were decent and interesting, but they paled into insignificance alongside the other films out there. So I was unsure what I would get from this film. But I was pleasantly surprised with this film. The main reason is because it’s quite believable. There could easily be the experiments being conducted on apes, as shown in this film, which are designed to help humankind overcome its ailments and diseases. The fitting story, paired with the growing fondness between Will, Caesar the ape, and Will’s Alzheimer-suffering father gives a heart-warming and intriguing set-up at times. There’s also the hope that Caesar will fit in to his surroundings and be accepted, despite, or because, of his special status.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes and click here for more movie reviews.
While conducting experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, a genetically-enhanced ape uses its greater intelligence to free the other apes.
Movie Review Summary
I wasn’t particularly a fan of Planet of the Apes, or any of its follow-up films. Sure, they were decent and interesting, but they paled into insignificance alongside the other films out there. So I was unsure what I would get from this film. But I was pleasantly surprised with this film. The main reason is because it’s quite believable. There could easily be the experiments being conducted on apes, as shown in this film, which are designed to help humankind overcome its ailments and diseases. The fitting story, paired with the growing fondness between Will, Caesar the ape, and Will’s Alzheimer-suffering father gives a heart-warming and intriguing set-up at times. There’s also the hope that Caesar will fit in to his surroundings and be accepted, despite, or because, of his special status.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes and click here for more movie reviews.
Four Christmases
Movie Synopsis
When a couple’s Christmas plans to escape from their families on holiday goes wrong, they have to subject themselves to spending Christmas visiting all four of their divorced parents.
Movie Review Summary
While the concept for the film is a good, the delivery is not the best. Spending Christmas rushing around, learning facts about each other from the awkward or baffling relationships with family members. There is some humor in this, but it’s not as well executed as it could have been, or actually represent much of what’s good about Christmas. This film probably should have been called “Young Couple Meets Four Wacky Parents In One Day”. While it has its weird moments, there’s definitely enough family entertainment in here to give you some laughs with the relatives. Once a year, when you have the choice of which films to watch at Christmas, this will undoubtedly feature highly given its name and subject matter.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Four Christmases and click here for more movie reviews.
When a couple’s Christmas plans to escape from their families on holiday goes wrong, they have to subject themselves to spending Christmas visiting all four of their divorced parents.
Movie Review Summary
While the concept for the film is a good, the delivery is not the best. Spending Christmas rushing around, learning facts about each other from the awkward or baffling relationships with family members. There is some humor in this, but it’s not as well executed as it could have been, or actually represent much of what’s good about Christmas. This film probably should have been called “Young Couple Meets Four Wacky Parents In One Day”. While it has its weird moments, there’s definitely enough family entertainment in here to give you some laughs with the relatives. Once a year, when you have the choice of which films to watch at Christmas, this will undoubtedly feature highly given its name and subject matter.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Four Christmases and click here for more movie reviews.
Unknown
Movie Synopsis
When a man wakes from a coma he discovers that someone else is claiming to be him, and that the person who was his wife claims not to recognize him. With the help of a young woman who rescued him from certain death, he must try and work out what is going on.
Movie Review Summary
If you’ve seen the Bourne Identity or Memento then some of what goes on in this film will make it all too familiar to you. It’s a nice set-up to this film, with the “is he or is he not nuts” factor lasting for a while. There’s a certain weakness in the plot though – why on earth do the events have to happen in such a complex way that lead to such a low probability of what the conclusion is meant to be? Ultimately, this and the other reasons above prevent this form being a must-see but do make it a workable rehash of those other movies named above.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Unknown and click here for more movie reviews.
When a man wakes from a coma he discovers that someone else is claiming to be him, and that the person who was his wife claims not to recognize him. With the help of a young woman who rescued him from certain death, he must try and work out what is going on.
Movie Review Summary
If you’ve seen the Bourne Identity or Memento then some of what goes on in this film will make it all too familiar to you. It’s a nice set-up to this film, with the “is he or is he not nuts” factor lasting for a while. There’s a certain weakness in the plot though – why on earth do the events have to happen in such a complex way that lead to such a low probability of what the conclusion is meant to be? Ultimately, this and the other reasons above prevent this form being a must-see but do make it a workable rehash of those other movies named above.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Unknown and click here for more movie reviews.
Super 8
Movie Synopsis
It’s the summer of 1979 and while a group of young friends film an amateur short movie they witness a train crash. There follows a number of unexplained events in their small town that they alone can find the truth behind.
Movie Review Summary
Have you seen Cloverfield? If so, then you’ll probably know how films from J.J. Abrams work out. Super 8 is no exception. There’s potential suspense by giving you fleeting glimpses of what’s going on without revealing the full shot, although he hasn’t learnt that when he does reveal what he’s been trying to conceal, it actually creates disappointment. I like the idea of this film, it works pretty well for half of it in developing a mystery as to what’s going on. Unfortunately it starts to let itself go downhill when it’s revealed what is actually going on. After that, you’re not fussed what actually happens.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Super 8 and click here for more movie reviews.
It’s the summer of 1979 and while a group of young friends film an amateur short movie they witness a train crash. There follows a number of unexplained events in their small town that they alone can find the truth behind.
Movie Review Summary
Have you seen Cloverfield? If so, then you’ll probably know how films from J.J. Abrams work out. Super 8 is no exception. There’s potential suspense by giving you fleeting glimpses of what’s going on without revealing the full shot, although he hasn’t learnt that when he does reveal what he’s been trying to conceal, it actually creates disappointment. I like the idea of this film, it works pretty well for half of it in developing a mystery as to what’s going on. Unfortunately it starts to let itself go downhill when it’s revealed what is actually going on. After that, you’re not fussed what actually happens.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Super 8 and click here for more movie reviews.
X-Men – First Class
Movie Synopsis
It’s 1962 and the Cold War between the United States and the USSR is reaching a climax. The US need to recruit people with superhuman abilities to prevent the start of World War III.
Movie Review Summary
The other X-Men films have so far been a good watch. This one lives up to the quality of those, with James McAvoy a charismatic Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender an intriguing Magneto, they were both well cast for this film. The development of both characters is great to watch, similar to Obi-Wan and Anakin from the Star Wars III – Revenge of the Sith, where you hope time and again that Anakin will turn from the Dark side. Of course, we know in X-Men as well, that Magneto will not stick with the good Xavier but try to defeat him. While the story is perhaps a little bit odd, with the rewriting of the Cold War and Cuban missile crisis being all about the battle of mutants, it does work for this movie.
Please click this link for a full movie review of X-Men - First Class and click here for more movie reviews.
It’s 1962 and the Cold War between the United States and the USSR is reaching a climax. The US need to recruit people with superhuman abilities to prevent the start of World War III.
Movie Review Summary
The other X-Men films have so far been a good watch. This one lives up to the quality of those, with James McAvoy a charismatic Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender an intriguing Magneto, they were both well cast for this film. The development of both characters is great to watch, similar to Obi-Wan and Anakin from the Star Wars III – Revenge of the Sith, where you hope time and again that Anakin will turn from the Dark side. Of course, we know in X-Men as well, that Magneto will not stick with the good Xavier but try to defeat him. While the story is perhaps a little bit odd, with the rewriting of the Cold War and Cuban missile crisis being all about the battle of mutants, it does work for this movie.
Please click this link for a full movie review of X-Men - First Class and click here for more movie reviews.
Centurion
Movie Synopsis
It’s 117AD and when a Roman legion’s attack on the Picts of Northern Britain fails, it leaves behind a handful of Romans who must fight for their lives against the odds.
Movie Review Summary
This could have worked as a film but it’s let down by the fact things are unexplored, characters underdeveloped, and there’s little real suspense. Michael Fassbender as Quintus Dias is nothing special, I’m sure there could have been worse actors for this role, but frankly I couldn’t care less whether his character survived or not. Why has he even learnt Pictish, the act that saves his life, when nobody else in the Roman fort has? Why is Arianne introduced so late to the film, but becomes the remaining purpose in Quintus’s life when he is betrayed by the Romans. Essentially, it becomes a film with people running around, a few battles, a few scores to settle, some betrayals, and not a lot deeper than that. A pity.
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It’s 117AD and when a Roman legion’s attack on the Picts of Northern Britain fails, it leaves behind a handful of Romans who must fight for their lives against the odds.
Movie Review Summary
This could have worked as a film but it’s let down by the fact things are unexplored, characters underdeveloped, and there’s little real suspense. Michael Fassbender as Quintus Dias is nothing special, I’m sure there could have been worse actors for this role, but frankly I couldn’t care less whether his character survived or not. Why has he even learnt Pictish, the act that saves his life, when nobody else in the Roman fort has? Why is Arianne introduced so late to the film, but becomes the remaining purpose in Quintus’s life when he is betrayed by the Romans. Essentially, it becomes a film with people running around, a few battles, a few scores to settle, some betrayals, and not a lot deeper than that. A pity.
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The Iron Lady
Movie Synopsis
Margaret Thatcher’s rise to become Britain’s first female Prime Minister was a long, difficult and confrontational path that led her be called The Iron Lady by the Soviets.
Movie Review Summary
To anybody who has followed British politics throughout the 1980s this will be a worthy film to watch. The events of the 1970s had the nation falling into a state of dis-repair, being the sick-man of Europe and losing its influence in the world. The battles that Thatcher fought in her private life to become British Prime Minister led her to develop a steely attitude that she certainly needed to lead the country and reclaim its status and pride. The disappointing thing about this film is that the story of her rise through the Conservative Party, and the tribulations of her premiership, were not the focus of the film. While these were covered, the accuracy of these was not exactly precise, although they did convey her and the reputation that she had acquired.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Iron Lady and click here for more movie reviews.
Margaret Thatcher’s rise to become Britain’s first female Prime Minister was a long, difficult and confrontational path that led her be called The Iron Lady by the Soviets.
Movie Review Summary
To anybody who has followed British politics throughout the 1980s this will be a worthy film to watch. The events of the 1970s had the nation falling into a state of dis-repair, being the sick-man of Europe and losing its influence in the world. The battles that Thatcher fought in her private life to become British Prime Minister led her to develop a steely attitude that she certainly needed to lead the country and reclaim its status and pride. The disappointing thing about this film is that the story of her rise through the Conservative Party, and the tribulations of her premiership, were not the focus of the film. While these were covered, the accuracy of these was not exactly precise, although they did convey her and the reputation that she had acquired.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Iron Lady and click here for more movie reviews.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Movie Synopsis
A college grad who has a taste for retail therapy needs to get a job in New York City to fund her costs, but ends up working for a financial magazine where she has to cover up the scale of her financial debts.
Movie Review Summary
Isla Fisher is a debatable casting for the role – in some ways she comes across vulnerable, other times she comes across as funky (but not as neurotic as she was in The Wedding Crashers, thankfully). As a result you don’t know quite how to take her. Do we want her to succeed, and if so at what? Everything is a little haphazard within the film. Do we want her to succeed as a final journalist? She doesn’t like it, only does the job for the money, and her advice is questionable and only really emotional. She wants to work for a fashion magazine, but when the time comes she turns the opportunity down. She manages to overcome her shopaholic addiction but only because her demons catch up with her. She reclaims her friendship with the bride that she is bridesmaid for, but only after recovering the rather questionable bridesmaid’s dress off of a homeless person – after she opted not to take it earlier. All in all it’s a bit chalk and cheese, but there is some comedy here, and some romance, which is after all what this film is all about.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Confessions of a Shopaholic and click here for more movie reviews.
A college grad who has a taste for retail therapy needs to get a job in New York City to fund her costs, but ends up working for a financial magazine where she has to cover up the scale of her financial debts.
Movie Review Summary
Isla Fisher is a debatable casting for the role – in some ways she comes across vulnerable, other times she comes across as funky (but not as neurotic as she was in The Wedding Crashers, thankfully). As a result you don’t know quite how to take her. Do we want her to succeed, and if so at what? Everything is a little haphazard within the film. Do we want her to succeed as a final journalist? She doesn’t like it, only does the job for the money, and her advice is questionable and only really emotional. She wants to work for a fashion magazine, but when the time comes she turns the opportunity down. She manages to overcome her shopaholic addiction but only because her demons catch up with her. She reclaims her friendship with the bride that she is bridesmaid for, but only after recovering the rather questionable bridesmaid’s dress off of a homeless person – after she opted not to take it earlier. All in all it’s a bit chalk and cheese, but there is some comedy here, and some romance, which is after all what this film is all about.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Confessions of a Shopaholic and click here for more movie reviews.
Larry Crowne
Movie Synopsis
After losing his job in a supermarket, a middle-aged man tries to reclaim his life by going back to college but falls for his teacher.
Movie Review Summary
Hanks and Roberts really can command a screen. Despite the odd film they have achieved some magnificent films. Unfortunately this film isn’t one of them. While it has some highlights the core of this film doesn’t work so well. Is it believable that he goes to education rather than do any other job? Does his back-story mean nothing for the events of today? And if Mercedes does know the many pitfalls of her husband, why has she done nothing about it but let it happen. Unfortunately the end of the film doesn’t prove either of them have changed, only that they have found each other, but it’s not as if there’s much tension that builds up to that, which is a loss for a film like this.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Larry Crowne and click here for more movie reviews.
After losing his job in a supermarket, a middle-aged man tries to reclaim his life by going back to college but falls for his teacher.
Movie Review Summary
Hanks and Roberts really can command a screen. Despite the odd film they have achieved some magnificent films. Unfortunately this film isn’t one of them. While it has some highlights the core of this film doesn’t work so well. Is it believable that he goes to education rather than do any other job? Does his back-story mean nothing for the events of today? And if Mercedes does know the many pitfalls of her husband, why has she done nothing about it but let it happen. Unfortunately the end of the film doesn’t prove either of them have changed, only that they have found each other, but it’s not as if there’s much tension that builds up to that, which is a loss for a film like this.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Larry Crowne and click here for more movie reviews.
The Social Network
Movie Synopsis
Mark Zuckerberg, a talented student at Harvard University, creates a social networking website that becomes known as Facebook, but is sued by those who say he stole their idea and his former best friend and business partner.
Movie Review Summary
This is a film that might have you intrigued from start to finished. Mark Zuckerberg is going to be a big name for the future and this film tells the story of how he founded Facebook. So well in fact that I don’t think he could have seen it. You see, Mark is not portrayed well in this film. He puts girls off of him, seeks to ridicule them, is insensitive to anybody around him, betrays his friends who are closest to him and rips-off people who trust him. So in the end we aren’t left with some rose-tinted view about how he has created something wonderful, but about what he has destroyed along the way. And in some ways that’s quite sad, that the nasty guy did good, but everybody else suffered around him. It leaves a rather bitter taste to it, so don’t expect to come out of watching this with any warm fuzzy feeling.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Social Network and click here for more movie reviews.
Mark Zuckerberg, a talented student at Harvard University, creates a social networking website that becomes known as Facebook, but is sued by those who say he stole their idea and his former best friend and business partner.
Movie Review Summary
This is a film that might have you intrigued from start to finished. Mark Zuckerberg is going to be a big name for the future and this film tells the story of how he founded Facebook. So well in fact that I don’t think he could have seen it. You see, Mark is not portrayed well in this film. He puts girls off of him, seeks to ridicule them, is insensitive to anybody around him, betrays his friends who are closest to him and rips-off people who trust him. So in the end we aren’t left with some rose-tinted view about how he has created something wonderful, but about what he has destroyed along the way. And in some ways that’s quite sad, that the nasty guy did good, but everybody else suffered around him. It leaves a rather bitter taste to it, so don’t expect to come out of watching this with any warm fuzzy feeling.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Social Network and click here for more movie reviews.
The Descendants
Movie Synopsis
People think because Matt King lives in Hawaii with his family that he lives in paradise, but when his wife goes into a coma he has to try and connect with his two daughters.
Movie Review Summary
One thing that really works for this film is the fact it’s based in Hawaii. This actually becomes an integral part of the plot and the vision to do that does make the film more beautiful. The whole story works very well here because of the fragile relationships between Matt and his kids, all of them and their mom, and Matt and his cousins and the person who his wife has been having an affair with. This makes the film full of drama that will carry you along and while is has its sad moments it has its happy ones too.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Descendants and click here for more movie reviews.
People think because Matt King lives in Hawaii with his family that he lives in paradise, but when his wife goes into a coma he has to try and connect with his two daughters.
Movie Review Summary
One thing that really works for this film is the fact it’s based in Hawaii. This actually becomes an integral part of the plot and the vision to do that does make the film more beautiful. The whole story works very well here because of the fragile relationships between Matt and his kids, all of them and their mom, and Matt and his cousins and the person who his wife has been having an affair with. This makes the film full of drama that will carry you along and while is has its sad moments it has its happy ones too.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Descendants and click here for more movie reviews.
The Woman in Black
Movie Synopsis
A troubled young lawyer must travel to a remote village to arrange the sale of a property that the locals believe is haunted.
Movie Review Summary
There’s two real worries that most people have had about this film. Firstly, Daniel Radcliffe IS Harry Potter, how can he do a horror film like this that doesn’t feel like it’s just Harry Potter running round fighting ghosts. Secondly, will this be anywhere near as good, or the stage show based on. Well, I’m happy to report that this film has probably acknowledged that worries and triumphantly worked through them, resulting in an excellent horror film. Daniel works the role very well, you do forget that he was Harry Potter as you get used to his version of Arthur Kipps. The one downside being the fact that he did do this just a few too many years to early, he is too young for his character to be who he is meant to be. The film is also a quality adaptation of the original story. Now, there are changes to it, so if you’re a purist you’ll have a problem, but if you have an open-mind you’ll see the reworking of it has come out beautifully for the big screen. A good film, I wish there were more horror films of this standard these days.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Woman in Black and click here for more movie reviews.
A troubled young lawyer must travel to a remote village to arrange the sale of a property that the locals believe is haunted.
Movie Review Summary
There’s two real worries that most people have had about this film. Firstly, Daniel Radcliffe IS Harry Potter, how can he do a horror film like this that doesn’t feel like it’s just Harry Potter running round fighting ghosts. Secondly, will this be anywhere near as good, or the stage show based on. Well, I’m happy to report that this film has probably acknowledged that worries and triumphantly worked through them, resulting in an excellent horror film. Daniel works the role very well, you do forget that he was Harry Potter as you get used to his version of Arthur Kipps. The one downside being the fact that he did do this just a few too many years to early, he is too young for his character to be who he is meant to be. The film is also a quality adaptation of the original story. Now, there are changes to it, so if you’re a purist you’ll have a problem, but if you have an open-mind you’ll see the reworking of it has come out beautifully for the big screen. A good film, I wish there were more horror films of this standard these days.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Woman in Black and click here for more movie reviews.
Limitless
Movie Synopsis
A down on his luck writer gets given a top-secret drug that lets him use the full power of his brain, giving him super human abilities.
Movie Review Summary
This is a quality film, covering a topic that hasn’t been done in quite this way before. While the plot works, the playing off between different forces works, it does let itself down somewhat by becoming bogged down in a side story that it doesn’t make full use of. Bradley is well cast as is Abbie Cornish, as Eddie’s long-suffering girlfriend who returns to him and then gets sucked into the drugs affair. Worth a watch.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Limitless and click here for more movie reviews.
A down on his luck writer gets given a top-secret drug that lets him use the full power of his brain, giving him super human abilities.
Movie Review Summary
This is a quality film, covering a topic that hasn’t been done in quite this way before. While the plot works, the playing off between different forces works, it does let itself down somewhat by becoming bogged down in a side story that it doesn’t make full use of. Bradley is well cast as is Abbie Cornish, as Eddie’s long-suffering girlfriend who returns to him and then gets sucked into the drugs affair. Worth a watch.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Limitless and click here for more movie reviews.
Horrible Bosses
Movie Synopsis
After suffering at work at the hands of their horrible bosses, three friends decide that the best way to get around it is by knocking them off.
Movie Review Summary
Watching Bateman and Spacey going at it is captivating stuff. Watching the supremely confident Spacey fending off anybody who at looks at his wife appreciatively. The story works well, despite its faults, and there’s some nice twists that are thrown in that keep it spiced up. Overall, it’s a little unrealistic and far-fetched, but the cast keeps it working well.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Horrible Bosses and click here for more movie reviews.
After suffering at work at the hands of their horrible bosses, three friends decide that the best way to get around it is by knocking them off.
Movie Review Summary
Watching Bateman and Spacey going at it is captivating stuff. Watching the supremely confident Spacey fending off anybody who at looks at his wife appreciatively. The story works well, despite its faults, and there’s some nice twists that are thrown in that keep it spiced up. Overall, it’s a little unrealistic and far-fetched, but the cast keeps it working well.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Horrible Bosses and click here for more movie reviews.
The Vow
Movie Synopsis
When Paige is involved in a car accident that puts her into a coma, she awakes to discover that she is married to Leo, a man she has no recollection of. And while he still loves her endlessly, she doesn’t know how to love him.
Movie Review Summary
I haven’t really seen a film quite like this one, and that’s a good thing, Hollywood can keep producing something different. This story is actually based on a true story, so you can connect with how your relationship with a loved one could breakdown through no fault of your own. Watch out for Sam Neill’s character, a nice brooding malevolent father figure there, who harbours greater hopes for his daughter than she has achieved with a husband her parents have never met. Watch it, you might just like it.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Vow and click here for more movie reviews.
When Paige is involved in a car accident that puts her into a coma, she awakes to discover that she is married to Leo, a man she has no recollection of. And while he still loves her endlessly, she doesn’t know how to love him.
Movie Review Summary
I haven’t really seen a film quite like this one, and that’s a good thing, Hollywood can keep producing something different. This story is actually based on a true story, so you can connect with how your relationship with a loved one could breakdown through no fault of your own. Watch out for Sam Neill’s character, a nice brooding malevolent father figure there, who harbours greater hopes for his daughter than she has achieved with a husband her parents have never met. Watch it, you might just like it.
Please click this link for a full movie review of The Vow and click here for more movie reviews.
Avengers Assemble
Movie Synopsis
When Loki arrives on Earth with a mission to control it, it’s up to Nick Fury to bring together a team of superhumans calling themselves The Avengers to stop the demi-god.
Movie Review Summary
With a cast in a film like this, you’re pretty much guaranteed some Hollywood blockbuster goodness. The Avengers Assemble does deliver on that. Sure, it’s not perfect, but for an action sci-fi it’s accessible, enjoyable, and filled with the characters you’ve already become familiar with. A good film, it’s going to be hard to follow it, but I’m sure follow it they will.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Avengers Assemble and click here for more movie reviews.
When Loki arrives on Earth with a mission to control it, it’s up to Nick Fury to bring together a team of superhumans calling themselves The Avengers to stop the demi-god.
Movie Review Summary
With a cast in a film like this, you’re pretty much guaranteed some Hollywood blockbuster goodness. The Avengers Assemble does deliver on that. Sure, it’s not perfect, but for an action sci-fi it’s accessible, enjoyable, and filled with the characters you’ve already become familiar with. A good film, it’s going to be hard to follow it, but I’m sure follow it they will.
Please click this link for a full movie review of Avengers Assemble and click here for more movie reviews.
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