The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 123 minutes

Director: Terry Gilliam

Lots of very famous faces, including the late Heath Ledger, who really did go out with a bang in this film. Dr Parnassus is an old man who just can’t stop making deals with the devil. He owns a freaky traveling circus show, with Lily Cole starring as his daughter. They become involved in a mans’ life (Ledger) when they save him from a terrible death. The games are entertaining and the banter between Dr Parnassus and the Devil are amusing. Jude Law and Johnny Depp thrust into the mix, and the whole film becomes more and more exciting.

Rating: ****

Fish Tank

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 123 minutes

Director: Andrea Arnold

The first in a long list of films of recent that are national lottery funded and depict the harsh reality of British life. Fish Tank was kept short but busy, the film of a young girl living on a council estate with her mum and sister. She has ambitions to dance - but I assure you this is no Billy Elliot. The teens’ life is filled with mayhem when two men enter her life, one for the better and the other for the worse. The acting by Katie Jarvis was almost astounding and I’m sure she’ll go on to star in something much bigger and better in the future. The rest of the cast played their roles efficiently, however it was definitely a one-woman show.

Rating: ****

A Serious Man

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 106 minutes

Directors: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen

A simple tale; it is 1967, and Jewish-American Larry Gopnik has been kicked out by his wife. He knows his only foot in the door is to become a serious man. A few laughs. A truly misplaced ending. A depiction that, quite frankly, was the most mediocre I think I’ve ever seen. The acting was pretty good, so in a lot of respects it wasn’t half bad, but I don’t think I’ll be watching it again anytime soon.

Rating: ***

The Lovely Bones

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 136 minutes

Director: Peter Jackson

Based on the book by Alice Sebold, this is the tale of Susie Salmon, a young girl living in a small American town, who has to come to terms with vengeance and triumph from beyond the grave. As she watches her family struggle to emotionally overcome her traumatic death, her story begins to unravel, and we watch in the hope that her tainted memory will be laid to rest. The acting by all of the cast was well above average, and the script made for an interesting watch, however the story started off by throwing you in at the deep end - which wasn’t my cup of tea. Aswell as this, I found the plot a little predictable. 

Rating: ****

Broken Embraces

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 127 minutes

Director: Pedro Almodovar

Broken Embraces, starring Lluis Homar and Penelope Cruz, had twists and tricks around every turn. It depicts the tale of Harry Caine (Homar), a blind script writer reflecting on a pivotal moment in his life. It had all the wit and charm of a true story of lost love. Although all the acting was well pulled off, it must be said that Penelope Cruz was ultimately the star of the show. Overall a good watch, with it’s only real criticism being that it seemed like a long film to try and hold your attention to.

Rating: ***

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Certificate: U

Running Time: 90 minutes

Directors: Phil Lord and Chris Miller

Funny aswell as fun. Family friendly. Magic and mayhem. The story of an aspiring inventor and his unknown little town. And best of all... giant food! The characters were great and you especially fall in love with the main character, Flint Lockwood. I would recommend the film to anyone as its a great way to pass the time, and you’ll finish the film with a big smile on your face.

Rating: ****

An Education

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 100 minutes

Director: Lone Scherfig

It’s difficult to know where to start on this film, as it was just wonderful. The whole cast were amazing at keeping the story together, and it captured my emotions in many ways. I’ve always been a fan of Nick Hornby, and although this was no rival of ‘About A Boy’, it is definitely one of his best. It was the classic tale of a young girl falling in love. Jane Austen with 1950’s clothes on. Romantic, cheeky and amazingly infectious.

Rating: ****

A Prophet

Certificate: 18

Running Time: 155 minutes

Director: Jacques Audiard

For a fairly violent film, it was witty, dramatic and filled with excitement. A prophet tells the story of petty criminal, Malik El Djebena, set in a modern day French prison, where upon his arrival, he becomes involved in mafia drug crime and is used as a high-flying, rebellious pawn. The main character, played by Tahar Rahim, was convincing, and the whole film was fueled with adrenaline. 

Rating: ****

Moon

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 97 minutes

Director: Duncan Jones

Set on a space base on the moon, astronaut Sam Bell has to come to terms with a three year stint away from his family, friends and the comfort of his own home. But things turn from bad to worse when it is unclear as to whether he is going mad, or if something much weirder is going on. Overall, the whole film made me kind of confused, and the plot didn’t support itself. It’s a real shame, as the base plot had the makings of becoming a well remembered classic, but it wasn’t pulled off. As a film that had so much positive media surrounding it, I felt let down. 

Rating: **

Crazy Heart

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 112 minutes

Director: Scott Cooper

The story of a has-been country singer, recognizing his twilight years are long gone. It was the remarkably unepic tale of how you can find love, life and laughter even in your later years. Maggie Gyllenhaal once again disappoints, but the acting from Jeff Bridges was solid and kept the story together. A very middle of the road film, fine to watch but not one you would necessarily go out and buy.

Rating: ***

Up In The Air

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 108 minutes

Director: Jason Reitman

Up In The Air can only be compared to a fairy tale, rather than real life, as it is one of those films whose main characters’ life just gets better and better every scene. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it is nice to see some optimism in the world. The story of a man set in his ways, a man who thinks he is sure of himself and his life. But his life is turned upside down when two completely different women touch him in different ways - and more ways than one! The film is more of a light-hearted coming of age tale that has been pulled off rather well by both cast and crew alike. It won’t change your life but it won’t fail to entertain. 

Rating: ****

9

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 79 minutes

Director: Shane Acker

A disappointment from the usually brilliant Tim Burton. The animation never fails him, and for that he is lucky, or I would probably have announced it unrateable. The plot wasn’t thrilling, and was at times confusing. There were occasional seeps of epicness that I liked, but for such a short film it seemed like it took forever to watch, and it didn’t really grasp at the concept of magical entertainment.

Rating: **

Julie & Julia

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 123 minutes

Director: Nora Ephron

Julie Childs, a small town woman of leisure living in France during the 1950‘s, takes up cooking lessons and becomes a food extraordinaire. Julia, living in modern day U.S.A, decides to challenge herself for a blog, by cooking all of the recipes from a Julie Child’s cook book in a year. Although the pair clearly never meet, it’s great to see a bond between the two characters, and the interest and passion for food that they both share. Meryl Streep is just utterly charming.

Rating: ****

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 153 minutes

Director: David Yates

I’m sure there isn’t a soul in the world that hasn’t heard of Harry Potter, and as he enters his sixth year of Hogwarts school, we all expected that something magical would be going on. Harry finds a book, belonging to the unrevealed ‘half blood prince’ and it sets the basis of many hidden secrets coming to light. However, just like the last 2 books in the Harry Potter series, this film was boring, droning and almost to the point of pointless. Not much happens, and it seems as though it was just a string connecting the fifth film to the seventh. A major disappointment, and would only be enjoyed by those with bad taste in films, and Potter fanatics.

Rating: ***

Fantastic Mr Fox

Certificate: PG

Running Time: 87 minutes

Director: Wes Anderson

From iconic children’s book to witty family film, I feel Fantastic Mr Fox was worth the watch. The animated story of a fox and his beloved family, as they get themselves into a bit of trouble with the locals. George Clooney stars as the fox that everybody loves and laughs at, and his voice is perfect to pull off the cheeky banter and fun one-liners that make this film so great. The animation was quirky and fun, exactly what it should have been. Children and adults alike feel this couldn’t have been made much better. Roald Dahl would be proud.

Rating: ****

Avatar

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 162 minutes

Director: James Cameron

For such a huge budget film, James Cameron really did go all out. The plot is unique and entertaining, with grand special effects. A film that can be watched and loved by all, however, there seemed to be something missing and the film was far too long. Given all the hype surrounding this large-scale, silver screen phenomenon, it seemed to me as though the film build up was more exciting than the film itself. A good movie, but not as great as all the critics made out. 

Rating: ****

Inglorious Basterds

Certificate: 18

Running Time: 153 minutes

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Set in Nazi-controlled France during the second World War, a gang of cut-throat Jewish-American soldiers decide to take revenge by killing Germans, and plan ultimately to wipe out Hitler and the Third Reich. Quentin Tarantino did an extremely satisfactory job with this movie, as the plot was compelling to watch. The acting was successful by all, although you may find - like I did - that Brad Pitt’s accent in the movie can become somewhat irritating. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

Rating: ****

In The Loop

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 106 minutes

Director: Armando Iannucci

An insight into the corrupt world of politics and media, so convincingly realistic that I thought several of the politicians were played by themselves. A slight disappointment as I really did believe it was going to be much more funny and witty than it actually was, but nevertheless I thought it was a good, solid film with an element of truth in it. Peter Capaldi is slowly becoming more and more annoying, and it seems like he can't be given a role unless it involves swearing through the minimum of an hour of the screen time.

Rating: ***

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 115 minutes

Director: Mat Whitecross

The almost biographical story of Ian Drury and his punk band, The Blockheads, as they shoot to fame in the 1970’s. Andy Serkis captured the true essence of punk life, and shows Drury’s stuggles with fame, flings and fatherhood. A quirky depiction, to say the least, but also very hard hitting. Very glamourous in terms of punk and rock, although Serkis looked almost like a lost member of the circus in certain scenes. No regrets watching this movie, but not a box office smash. 

Rating: ***

The Hurt Locker

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 131 minutes

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Almost every day since I’ve watched this film, I’ve wanted to watch it again. It was so moving watching the emotional turmoil of the characters, and I got an adrenaline rush just from watching bomb scenes. I’m so proud of Kathryn Bigelow, who truly deserved to win Best Director at the Oscars; the most major film she tackled head on and gave it exactly what it deserved. This war-based epic set around a bomb disposal squad in Iraq tells it like it is, and I fell in love with the film. Don't let this one go amiss.

Rating: *****

Coco Before Chanel

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 105 minutes

Director: Anne Fontaine

Before this film, I knew little about the woman that was Coco Chanel. After watching, I knew how she became to be such a big icon, but was saddened that the film did her an injustice. Although the acting skills by Audrey Tautou were better than good, the film didn’t appear to show much enthusiasm about the life and times of Ms Chanel. The costumes were the most brilliant and extravagant, and the set was always beautiful, however I somehow felt it should have captivated me much more than it did.

Rating: **

Coraline

Certificate: PG

Running Time: 96 minutes

Director: Henry Selick

The weird and the wonderful. Amazing animations. A solid plot. Coraline is great for all the family to enjoy. The plot is about a young girl - Coraline - who moves to a new neighborhood, befriending two old ladies (the legends that are Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders), a young lad named Wyborne, and a crazy Russian circus maestro - all to lead her into a parallel universe full of wonders. Funny, fabulous family entertainment.

Rating: ****

District 9

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 112 minutes

Director: Neill Blomkamp

District 9 is set in the slums of South Africa. The story begins by telling us about an alien life form, nicknamed ‘prawns’, that are now residing in the local area. The film becomes more epic when a big problem arises for a guy that is supposed to be dealing with the aliens does something incredibly stupid (I don’t want to give the film away). The whole film captivated my interest and I couldn’t stop laughing through most of it. Initially, I had never particularly been bothered about watching the film but I’m so glad I did. The South African cast, crew and storyline have supported themselves and eachother to create something worthwhile.

Rating: ****

Where The Wild Things Are

Certificate: PG

Running Time: 101 minutes

Director: Spike Jonze

As a child, I relished in the magic and mayhem of the legendary book that is 'Where The Wild Things Are', so naturally I was excited to see the story come to life on screen. However, although I can see that this film may meet the needs of the children of today that haven’t read the book, for myself it didn’t capture the true fun and spirit that it should have, and by the credits I was filled with disappointment. I can’t quite put my finger on what exactly was wrong with the film, but in my eyes I wouldn’t call it a major success. I would describe the adaptation to be a weird blend of costumes and voices, a plot that wasn’t given much attention and a film that overall is far too long to hold the attention of an adult, let alone a child.

Rating: **

Nine

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 118 minutes

Director: Rob Marshall

Nine first caught my attention for it's all star cast, including Nicole Kidman, Dame Judi Dench, Kate Hudson and Penelope Cruz, as well as featuring Fergie. The tale of an eccentric, Italian film director and script writer, Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) and the many women in his life, as he deals with personal and professional struggles. The film set was inspiring, with all the glitz and glamour you would expect of such a film, although I have to comment that the acting was far better than the mediocre singing from most of the cast. I love a good musical, and Judi Dench fulfilled the whole role. Penelope Cruz brought sexiness to sound, but Nicole Kidman sounded like she’d just remembered a song from her adaptation of Moulin Rouge and Kate Hudson sang the song that stuck in my head for days for all the wrong reasons. I’ve never been more sure about saying a film was O.K.

Rating: ***

Shifty

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 85 minutes

Director: Eran Creevy

This film shed new light on the streets of Britain, depicting the day in the life of a typical man involved in the underworld of drugs and violence. His life turns upside down when an old friend returns for a visit, causing more problems for both men than they're worth. Among its seriousness, the director, Eran Creevy, added some light-hearted comedy - causing much laughter in my living room. It’s a completely truthful film, as it doesn’t mask over some of the issues this country is facing. Riz Ahmed and Daniel Mays work well together, and the rest of the cast also delivered.

Rating: ****

Up

Certificate: U

Running Time: 96 minutes

Directors: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson

The kids film of the year, according to some, yet I have to say that I feel let down tremendously by Disney. The film supposedly a short, yet hilarious tale about a young boy scout who befriends an old man during the lifetime of all adventures. But in actual fact, it was a long, droning story that made me laugh all of twice and left me feeling like I wanted my money back. Some families may enjoy, but it’s definitely not for all.

Rating: ***

2012

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 158 minutes

Director: Roland Emmerich

Predictable and melodramatic, another film to come out of America in the last year that isn't worth seeing. I felt like I was watching a merge of several classic films poorly depicted in a cheap remake, with very little acting talent and hardly any skill whatsoever in the plot. Any pizazz that John Cusack once had has well and truly vanished.The only thing that captured my attention were the special effects, which I must admit had an essence of greatness at certain moments - but were short-lived.

Rating: **

Precious

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 109 minutes

Director: Lee Daniels

The film, set in 1987 in Harlem, New York, is based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The story is an emotive tale about a sixteen year old girl, born into a life no one would want. Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones lives in a world of chaos - a world where her own parents abuse her in all ways, a world in which Precious is uneducated and unloved. But although friendship is the farthest thing from her mind, an alternative school brings her much more than she bargained for; friends, education, and a sprinkle of fairy dust from her very own fairy godmother. Directed by Lee Daniels, the film stars convincing and utterly brilliant roles from Mo’Nique (BAFTA Award Winner and Academy Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress), Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, and the lead role gives Gabourey Sidibe her debut. The film is emotional, excellent and inspirational. It will make you cry, but you’ll see your life completely differently once you’ve seen Precious. 

Rating: *****

Nowhere Boy

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 98 minutes

Director: Sam Taylor-Wood 

     Nowhere Boy is a charming film, based on the musical legend that is and was John Lennon. The story is set with John in his late teens; the antics of a typical rebellious boy are portrayed reasonably and with no shyness. As we all know, growing up can be hard, and this now world famous man was no exception to the rule. Following the death of his Uncle, John, who is told he will do nothing with his life, spirals into a world of tragedy, laughter and, of course, music. This tale of truth is given to us in its purest form, an excellent transition from life to film. Aaron Johnson really filled the essence of his role as this iconic hero. Sam Taylor-Wood did justice to John, leaving the days of his limelight and stardom nowhere to be seen - because we all know what happens next. Nowhere Boy is probably one of the best films I have seen in recent times.

Rating: *****