Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Certificate: 12A
Running Time: 157 minutes
Director: Michael Bay


The third installment of the Transformers series, on our screens for the first time in 3D. Which, to put it bluntly, was entirely pointless. All in all there was probably about 40 seconds worth of good 3D watching - not worth the extra money for at all. The acting from newbie Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was below the standard previously set by the gorgeous Megan Fox. The plot at times seemed thin, but the action scenes made up for it. Better than the second movie, but nowhere near as good as the first. Lots of big names and faces throughout. Very sneaky product placement. I've heard talks of a fourth film already, but they've left this one at a bit of a dead end. All I can say is I hope they take more time and care with it, and make it more of a worthy watch.


Rating: ***

Paul

Certificate: 15
Running Time: 104 minutes
Director: Greg Mottola


Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are back, for this sci-fi comedy about two nerds who take a trip to America, only to find themselves helping save an alien who goes by the name of Paul. We all knew it would be hard for the pair to stay on par with their previous hits, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. The CGI on Paul was good, but the jokes and pretty much everything else seemed more targeted at an American audience, rather than the rustic British style we know and love from Pegg and Frost. A disappointment to say the least.


Rating: **

Just Go With It

Certificate: 12A
Running Time: 117 minutes
Director: Dennis Dugan


Starring Adam Sandler as Danny Maccabee, a plastic surgeon intent on never falling in love. But when he meets the girl of his dreams, he has to enlist the help of his assistant, Katherine (played by Jennifer Aniston) to pretend to be his ex wife in order to cover up a lie. I thought the movie would probably lack substance, as have most of Sandler's more recent movies, but it went back to 90's Sandler with it's quick wit, one liners and a solid, original plot. A large part of the movie was set in Hawaii - which always makes a great location for romantic scenes. One of the best - and most original - romantic comedies I've seen in a long time.


Rating: ****

*Top 10 Family Films of All Time*

1. Shrek

2. Finding Nemo

3. Monsters Inc

4. Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

5. E.T

6. Toy Story

7. Back to the Future

8. Chicken Run

9. Matilda

10. The Muppet Movie

The Fighter

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 116 minutes

Director: David O. Russell

Based on the true story of "Irish" Micky Ward, a small town boxer living in the shadow of his once promising brother, Dickie. Now addicted to crack after a humiliating defeat in the ring, Dickie begins training his younger brother for the career he could have had. The Fighter is a strong depiction starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo. A worthwhile watch, with acting standard really setting the bar. Melissa Leo and Christian Bale really did deserve those Oscars. Overall, a film made rather well, in a creative, documentary-style.

Rating: ****