The King's Speech

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 118 minutes

Director: Tom Hooper

Academy Award winner Colin Firth stars alongside the wonderful Helena Bonham Carter and the brilliant Geoffrey Rush in this regal movie about the tribulations of King George VI and his stutter. Based on true events, the tale depicts the King’s relationship with his family, wife (Bonham Carter), and speech therapist (Rush) as he comes to terms with his childhood, the pressures of royalty, and the duties of a King that he thought he’d never have. Easily the best film of 2010/11. Deserved all the awards that it got. Amazing acting, costume, music, screenplay and more. Highly recommended. 

Rating: *****

Black Swan

Certificate: 15

Running Time: 108 minutes

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Natalie Portman stars in this artistic portrayal of a female ballerina in America. Do not be fooled, it isn’t the warm hearted fairytale you may think it is. Among the dancing and production of Swan Lake, characters evolve around drugs, violence, and sex. An obscenely dark plot with a creative and artistic beauty to add to it’s magic. Natalie Portman gelled to the role perfectly, well deserving the Academy Award. This is the first truly new movie plot line in quite a while. Well worth a watch, and deserves nothing but praise.

Rating: *****

Inception

Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 148 minutes

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an expert at inception; the ability to lure people into a dream-like state in order to uncover their deepest secrets. As he struggles to overcome his personal life, he must pull off his biggest job to date in order to change his life. He assembles his finest team, but even the best-planned ideas can go wrong. Directed by the amazing Christopher Nolan (known for both Batman films), and also starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page and Ken Watanabe. The special effects were out of this world, and the plot was unique, inspiring and slotted together perfectly. I’m very impressed. 

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 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: *****

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: *****