Case 39

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 109 minutes

Director: Christian Alvart

A ‘horror’ film about a social worker (Renee Zellweger) who gets more than she bargained for when taking on a troubled, mistreated child into her family home. Predictable, melodramatic and downright stupid at times. I wouldn’t watch it again, and as the end credits rolled I thought to myself ‘well, that’s 2 hours of my life I’ll never get back’. My face was as unemotional as Renee Zellweger looking happy, surprised, shocked, angry, upset, ecstatic... you get my drift.

Rating: *

Ghost of Girlfriends Past

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 100 minutes

Director: Mark Waters

A typical cheesy, almost-romantic film starring Matthew McConaughey, where he plays his usual role of a selfish, arrogant smooth-talker. With a sideline plot to ‘A Christmas Carol’ and a beautiful co-star (Jennifer Garner), the film was average beyond your wildest dreams. Fine to view amongst friends on a boozy night in, or when curled up in bed with flu, but you won’t want to press play a second time.

Rating: ***

Four Lions

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 97 minutes

Director: Christopher Morris

I have to start by saying, if you’re the sort of person that is going to get offended easily then just don’t watch it in the first place. Many people have slated this film due to its comedic approach to suicide bombers, but people need to remember that it is only a film. And a pretty good one at that. Riz Ahmed is an up and coming British actor, who pulled off his role well. Christopher Morris took a big risk with this movie, but managed to pull through.

Rating: ***

The Joneses

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 96 minutes

Director: Derrick Borte

Starring Demi Moore and David Duchovny as ‘The Joneses’ - a couple who appear to have everything; a nice house in the suburbs, flashy sports cars, top of the range gadgets, and gorgeous, popular kids. If pulled off well, this film could have deceived people a bit more and kept viewers guessing until the end. In actual fact, I predicted the plot within 4 minutes of the opening credits. A unique and original film, pulled off badly. Fits alongside all other films you would categorize as C-list starring C-list actors. Sorry Demi.

Rating: **

Bad Lieutenant

Certificate: 18

Running Time: 122 minutes

Director: Werner Herzog

Nicolas Cage has made some really (and I mean REALLY) awful films in recent times, but is now back to doing what he does best. Dropping the cheesy lines and mediocre co-stars, he’s pulled off something worth watching. The film, in a nutshell, is about a good cop gone bad, who finds himself in all sorts of trouble. Drugs, sex and family problems all follow. Definitely not one for the kids. Also stars some really rather random reptiles. Quirky, cut throat and sinister. Welcome back Nic. 

Rating: ****

Vampires Suck

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 82 minutes

Directors: Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer

The parody of a certain romantic vampire film that all the world is raving about. As far as parodies go, this is up with some of the best, alongside Scary Movie and Not Another Teen Movie. This film has all the traits of one of our usual guilty pleasures; bad acting, not-so-special effects and ultimately takes the biscuit. Quite a few laughs, but only a one-time watch as far as I’m concerned. So basically, rent, don’t buy. 

Rating: ***

Toy Story 3

Certificate: U

Running Time: 98 minutes 

Director: Lee Unkrich

The classic tale is back - better than the second film, and just as good as the first one! I was doubtful that this movie was going to capture the same kind of fun and spirit as the Toy Story films were intended, but I actually really enjoyed it. Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the crew reunite, joined by some new faces. As for Andy - he’s all grown up and off to college! If you’re a fan of the last two Toy Story epics, or just a Disney fan, you MUST see this film. Also, on the main menu, go into special features and have a watch of a short animation film called ‘Day and Night’. It’s rather amusing and the effects are suberb.

Rating: ****

Dear John

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 108 minutes

Director: Lasse Hallstrom

Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried join up to convey a romantic epic, originally a novel by Nicholas Sparks. John (Tatum) meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah (Seyfried) whilst on leave from his position in the army. They spent the most amazing (yet slightly cliched) summer together, before he must return to the frontline. Sounds predictable and slightly pathetic, but actually had some surprises up its sleeve (I don’t want to give the plot away) and came across well. This movie will capture your emotions. For romance lovers everywhere, please give it a watch.

Rating: ****

Get Him To The Greek

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 109 minutes

Director: Nicholas Stoller

I have to say, I usually dislike Russell Brand immensely - sorry to any fans out there, I know there are many of you. There’s just something about him that makes me think he is annoying, unfunny and a bit of a twat, if I’m honest. But watching this film, I must say, he has grown on me. The jokes were hilarious, the plot was quite genius, and the acting was actually pretty good. I laughed so hard it hurt at times, and I’ve been raving about it to all my friends since. Definitely worth watching, unless you’re the sort of person who gets offended easily - you have been warned! Russell Brand - I salute you!!!

Rating: ****

Drag Me To Hell

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 99 minutes

Director: Sam Raimi

I’m very into horror films, but this one was particularly disappointing. The whole storyline was weak and predictable. There wasn’t much suspense, and the acting was just bearable. A melodramatic film, even for a horror movie. I was looking forward to watching this at Halloween, and I managed to sit through the whole thing (just!), but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it, or watch it again.

Rating: *

4.3.2.1

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 117 minutes

Director: Noel Clarke and Mark Davis

Filled with rising stars from both the UK and America, 4.3.2.1 takes a unique approach on teen life as it follows the very different lives of four girls over three days. The drama never stops, and the plot is compelling. The whole movie runs smoothly, and there isn’t a dull moment. Featuring Emma Roberts, Ophelia Lovibond, Tamsin Egerton and Shanika Warren-Markland, the cast fulfilled their roles well. Overall, a great movie and I would definitely recommend it to all.

Rating: ****

Iron Man 2

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 124 minutes

Director: Jon Favreau

I think have a phobia of follow up films. Almost every film sequel I’ve ever watched, the second film always seems to be the worst. Never as many catchy lines and fresh ideas as the first film, and usually not so much big budget special effects as the third. This film was certainly no exception to that rule. Iron Man was such a huge favourite that we all knew it would be difficult to stay on par with, but this film kind of takes the biscuit. The best thing about it was an all star cast, the worst thing was pretty much everything else, including being very, very long. Amicably average. I’m sure the next one will be better.

Rating: ***

The Reader

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 124 minutes

Director: Stephen Daldry

This has quickly become a favourite of mine. The story of two very different individuals; Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet) and Michael Berg (David Kross, Ralph Fiennes), set in post World War Germany. Although Hanna is almost twice the age of this fifteen year old boy, they quickly, yet reluctantly become lovers for a summer. The tale unravels as years later, both become involved with a court case in different ways - thrusting them back into each other’s lives. A very well deserved Oscar for Kate Winslet. A captivating storyline to be enjoyed by all. 

Rating: *****

The A Team

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 117 minutes

Director: Joe Carnahan

A rather well pulled off remake of the classic that we all love. The casting was good, and the on screen chemistry between the cast made it seem more realistic. The script was rather dramatic - but for an A Team remake it had to be. The special effects also followed along those lines. Challenge any action film buff to say they didn’t enjoy it!

Rating: ****