The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I have to admit that so far in my life, the Narnia books have completely passed me by. I did go and see the last film, Prince Caspian, but The Lion The Witch and The Waredrobe also missed me.
So it was with enthusiasm that I went to see this third installment.
For a childrens film, adapted from a childrens book, it does quite well. I'm sure if I was 10 watching these films, I would be excited and really into it. But it so happens that I'm not 10, so I wasn't that into it.
It made a refreshing change from my usual choice of film though. I'm more of a Harry Potter person myself.

Somewhere

This film comes from the same writer/director that bought us Lost In Translation, and from watching the film, it's obvious.
Not in a sense that the story is similar, because thay are quite different, but in the style they are filmed. My only question is Who financed these films?
The first one I can understand, no-one would know what to expect. What we got was a film where nothing happens. Literally. How is that even possible. I can nearly even understand why that might possible have a chance of winning any awards (which it did).
But did anyone really think that they would want to sit through another 90mins of it.
From reading the synopsis, I thought that this film had so much potential. A hollywood film actor re-assesses his life when his 11year old daughter make a suprise visit. but even the first scene bored me. several minutes of watching a car do laps of a very small track in the middle of nowhere.
Can you tell I wouldn't recommend this film.

Bright Young Things

Thing film is based on the novel 'Vile Bodies' by Evelyn Waugh. I havn't read the novel put I think I may have to pick up a copy from somewhere.
Stephen Fry has writen the screen play and has directed this, and apart from the fact that I am a big Fry fan anyway, I really did enjoy this film.
I thought the characters were fun to watch in their own quirky way. I particularly liked Michael Sheen, and thought he was quite effective. Fenella Woolga was also a favourite. (She was also nominated as Best Newcomer/Best supporting actress for this film in a few awards cermonies)
If you can, I'd say this is one to look out for.

Entrapment

An insurance agent is sent by her employer to track down and help capture an art thief. That insurance agent is Catherine Zeta-Jones, and the art thief, Sean Connery.
This film has alot in common with other thief-spy-esk films you may of seen. But what makes this stand out from the others? Mmm well the action was only really in small doses and some bits were totally unbelievable.
I would say its not the worst action flick I've sat down to watch recently, but there are much better ones I could recommend over this.

Due Date

An epic road trip of sorts. Up-tight father to be Peter Highman (Downey Jr.) is on his way home to his wife when he runs into Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) and all of a sudden, the journey gets some what complicated.
For all their troubles, they end up being put on a no flt list, with very little money, a rental car and arrested by Mexican boarder police, whilst trying to keep alive a dog and keep dads ashes in the box.
In some places this film is very funny and entertaining. But fans of The Hangover, from last year will see similarities. Especially with the same director and same actor (Zach Galifianakis). Who also happens to play a similar character.
Personally, I think The Hangover is the better option. Also The Hangover Part 2 is planned for next year, so you might want to just wait for that.

Burke and Hare

This is a black comedy film about two 19th century grave robbers (and later murderers) who make their money providing cadavers for the prestigious Edinburgh Medical School.
Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis play Burke and Hare, respectively, fairly well. In fact I think they make the film very watchable. And small comedy roles from Ronnie Corbett and Bill Bailey etc. are quite funny. But I'm afraid I must agree with some of the reviews I read about this film. That it is too much in the middle of horror and comedy. Although not scary or particularly gory enough to be a horror, and only some comedy moments. I thought it was a little awkward and (boring in parts).

The Social Network

A big deal has been made of this recently. But of course it has, Facebook is a big deal.
This film is the story of how it was made. And how even though there are now millions and millions of users worldwide and the Facebook company has made more than enough money, there are so called friends involved, and eventually, huge law suits!
Although I didn't think this film was very exciting, and I did drift abit in the middle. Because Facebook is so widely used, and so widely referenced, it was really interesting to watch. I don't know how accurate the film is, but the general feelings are put across at least.
If you are a Facebook user, or simply want to find out about who would invent something so annoying, this film is a must.

RED

Although I did really want to see this film, I liked it alot more than I thought I would.
When retired black-ops agent, Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), finds his life in danger, he reassembles his old team in one last attempt to stay alive. This team includes Joe Matheson (Morgan Freeman), Marvin Broggs (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren).
Whilst this film has lots of explosions and visual effects to entertain, it also has a genuinely good story line. I think it is probably a film that could be watched lots of times.
Helen Mirren is my personal favourite in this film. Of course her performance is immaculate.

Eat, Pray, Love

This film is based on the memoirs of Elisabeth Gilbert. I havn't read the book but after seeing the film, I am deffinately going to have to search it out.
When one woman realises that marriage isn't right for her at that point in her life, she desides to go on a journey to find herselve. In Italy she learns to love food, in India the power to pray, and finally, unexpectantly, to love in Bali.
Julia Roberts is great casting as the main character, Liz. I read some reviews that said something along the lines of, this is a tale of one womans over indulgence with more money and time than anyone else has. But I think that if you can get past that thought, (of course we would all love to take a year out and travel in this way, but hey, life isn't fair), it can be fairly good.

The Town

A live long thief, Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), accidentally find himself helping an intended victim, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall). Whilst everything begins fine, secrets begin to emerge and they both find themselves in danger.
This is another film that reminded me of something else. (This time Public Ememies, starring Johnny Depp). But this time I think The Town has come out on top.
Personally I found this simpler to follow and therefore more entertaining. I thought the plot was more watchable. But one down side would be that Public Enemies is perhaps better looking on the whole.

Buried

I love the set up to this film. The entire 90minutes is taken up by one man buried alive.
Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is a contractor working in Iraq when he is captured and buried. he is given a lighter and a mobile phone. I found this film was really entertaining and had me captivated the whole way through. It gets intense at times and I would have to recommend this film even if just for the oportunity to see a film done in this unusual way.

The Other Guys

Two mismatched detectives seize the oportunity to get out from behind their desks step up to everyone that doubts them.
Will Ferrell is without doubt the star of this film. his character provides lots of laughs throughout the film. But with Mark Wahlberg, the pair mess up things wonderfully.
This is a fairly easy film to watch and it is enjoyable. The whole Spoof idea work for pretty much the whole film.

...First Do No Harm

This film is based on the true story of one womans struggle a her son's condition deteriorates and the medical experts seems reluctant to try other options.
I found that even though this was a long film, it was insightful and very touching. Meryl Streep is great and the story is captivating.
But all the while, I couldn't help thinking that this was similar to a film I have seen before. Lorenzo's Oil, (starring Susan Sarandon) has a very similar plot line, and as much as I admire Meryl Streep! I think I prefer Lorenzo's Oil for the film as a whole.

Exit Through the Giftshop

This is a documentary film about graffiti art, and the artists that secretly put it up.
In the beginning the footage is filmed by Thierry Guetta as he follows his cousin and other artists as they find the best walls to print and stick their art in cities such as London, Paris and various in the USA. But once his credentials as a film maker weren't fulfilled, legendary artist Banksy takes over the task.
As Thierry, or Mr Brain Wash as he is now known, sets up his own gallery and becomes and over night sensation himself.
If graffiti art is something you think improves your daily commute to work, then this is a must see. Personally, I think its great and as long as there are people that disaprove, these artists will, and should, carry on.

Peter's Friends

I bought this film out of curiosity because of all the big names in it, and found it to be quite entertaining. Being a fan of most of the main cast anyway, I was looking forward to seeing this.
This film sees six friends, plus two new partners, reunite after ten years for a new years party. While all the friends retain the characteristics they know in each other, they find that being ten years older makes alot of difference.
Throughout I found that as well as the funny and entertaining bulk of the film, there was one or two moments that were the complete flip. This made for great viewing.
I would have to recommend this film if you ever get the chance.
 

Just Wright

This film is about Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) as her career takes a turn from hospital physical therapist to private therapist after Scott McKnight (Common) gets a career threatning injury.
Queen Latifah made this film worth watching, but to be honest, nothing else did.
I found that this film was constantly trying to be sentimental about matters that really didn't matter. the end of the career of a multi millionaire basketball player isn't the end of the world, as this film would have you believe.
By all means watch this film if you fancy, but don't search it out especially. It was fairly predictable and a bit boring.

Tamara Drewe

I was quite looking forward to seeing this. It has been postered quite abit round here.
In the most part, it was entertaining. If you have seen the trailer for this film, I'm sure you can guess what sort of film it will be.
The best bits have to be those involving the trouble-some bored teenagers Jody and Casey (Barden and Christie).They cause trouble where they can and are obcessed with Dominic Cooper's rock star charcter Ban Sergeant.
The ending to this film wasn't what I would of expected but I think I did like watching this film.

Cyrus

From the trailer, this film looked liked it had loads of potential to be a funny film. But after actually watching it, I found it was too slow and the funniest bits were definately only on the trailer.
When John (John C. Reilly) and Molly (Marisa Tomei) begin to date, Molly's son Cyrus (Jonah Hill) becomes jealous and trys to break up the relationship.
Whilst watching this film, I found that I was just beginning to get bored. There was no really start to the story and although the ending was nice, it didn't round it off well.
So altogether, not something I could recommend.

Nowhere Boy

I have been wanting to watch this film for ages and finally got the opportunity today.
This films tells the story of the early life of one of the most famous pop musicians ever. John Lennon. We get a glimpse of the relationship he had with his mother and the aunt who raised him. We see the tradgedies he faced so early on and the beginnings of that most famous pop bands.
Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff were both nominated for the Best supporting Actress BAFTA this year, and rightly so. This film is brilliantly presented and is quite touching in parts.
I can't say I have ever been a Beatles fan, and have never really been interested in John Lennon, but I did really like this film, I would have to recommend it.

The Next Best Thing

This film is full of stereotypical characters and the plot is predictable. But considering that, it isn't as bad as you may be thinking.
Abbie (Madonna)(straight) and Robert (Rupert Everett)(gay) are best friends who conceive a son. They then decide to move in together and raise the child. All seems great until Abbie finds Mr Right. Then a drama involving court cases and biological fathers begins.
Malcolm Stumpf as their son Sam is impossibly cute and this film knows exactly which heartstrings to pull on. And although it will never be a classic or probably anybodies favourite, it is nice, and I couldn't help but feel for Robert as he fought to keep contact with his son.

Cherrybomb

The presence of Rupert Grint in this film is probably the reason it has been alot bigger than people may originally thought. But that is not to say it is a bad film.
Set in modern day Northern Ireland, two guys, one girl.
There are a few sexual scenes and the whole thing has a very (grown-up) teenage feel about it. And although the ending is very abrupt, I felt like I really enjoyed it.
There aren't really many moments in this film where you find yourself getting bored and the whole look is quite good. The three main characters are complete opposites and are all played really well.
For Grint fans, this will be great, for everyone else, I'd say it was 50/50. Me? I liked it.

Salt

Within recent weeks, a group of russians have been sent back home after being dicovered as spys that have lived and worked in the USA for years, even raising children there. So this creates a scary backdrop for this film Salt, in which exactly that is the idea.
Our accused spy here is played by Angelina Jolie, and I really liked her in this. But then this film is prime Jolie. The role was originally written as a male, but I think this works much better.
This film provides more twists than you can know what to do with, and it really works. the ending is of course open for a possible second outing, but I haven't heard anything about that so far.
In the end, I'd say this film was deffinately worth a watch.

America's Sweethearts

The first thing that should be said about this film, if you havn't already seen it is, Predictable!
From the beginning it is obvious who should end up with who and too be honest, how we are going to get there. But there are the odd moments that are worth sticking around for.
Julia Roberts is quite good and easily the most believable character, but then she is the character that we are made to route for. Hank Azaria provides a few laughs but his accent is grating.
All in all, not brilliant, but not a complete disaster.

The Expendables

This is exactly the kind of film that I would normally try and avoid. Its just full of action movie heros that I don't really know anything about, and the film is a copy of that. With lots and lots of fighting and guns.
For what it is, I have been told, by friends that often watch this genre of film, that it is quite good. I can see why people would find it exciting to watch and the odd line or scene was ok. (Cameos from Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarenegger at the beginning is the high points for me in this film).
But on the whole, I can't say that I found this film that good.

Sunshine Cleaning

This is the story of two sisters who set up their own business cleaning up after the police are done with crime scenes. And considering the grim sound of that sentence, this film is quite enjoyable.
Amy Adams and Emily Blunt play the sister really well and the whole thing has a light-hearted feel about it even between the more sinister scenes.
Although I can see that some moments were dull, the whole cast together is entertaining and for the most part this film is poignant and funny.

Flashbacks of a Fool

This tells the story of Joe Scott at two stages of his life. One as a teenager and one many years later having grown up.
As a teenager, Joe hangs around with his best friend, but ends up making some mistakes he feels are que for him to leave home. When grown up, Joe has become rich but alienated himself. He finds out about the death of his old friend and returns home.
Both parts to this film are told really well and the whole look of it works quite well. Although not full of action or the sorts, its actually quite a nice film.

The A-Team

This is one of the biggest films around at the moment, and I went too see it not really knowing anything about it. (Being too young to have seen any of the TV series). But I actually rather enjoyed it.
It was very full of action scenes, and also had several laughs. Which was a perfect balance for this kind of film.
The four members of the team were played brilliantly and the story was pretty gripping. All-in-all, I'm pleased to admit, a great film.

Inception

When I first saw the trailer for this film, my thoughts were 'confusing'. But now that I have actually seen the film I can say that it isn't.
Although you will need to pay attention carefully, because there are plenty of opportunities to loose the plot.
Leonardo DiCaprio is great in this action film, and the cast around him especially, make this film really good to watch. Its full of new ideas and will really make you think about everything that is going on.
In the end it's full of suspence and completely worth a watch.

Out of Africa

Yet again I was drawn to this film because of Meryl Streep, but ofcourse she never fails.
Along with Robert Redford, they tell the story of a woman, at first outside her comfort zone, moving to Africa for marriage. Over time she learns the tricks and finds more than she bargained for.
This film is based on a true stroy and apart from anything else, it kind of puts your problems into perspective. It's quite long but in the end, quite touching.

Get Him To The Greek

Currently this is a marmite kind of film. Love it or hate it. And to be honest, although there were some funny bits, I am finding it difficult to love it.
Jonah Hill deffinately the star of this film, most of the laughs come from him. Russell Brand is his usual character, and I just thought it was a bit boring by the end.
Like I said there were a few good parts so not a total disaster, but not as good as I expected.

Hot Tub Time Machine

It's been a while since I saw this film and I dont really think I can remember many of the details, which says alot really.
Although it was bigged up alot in some reviews, and I liked the idea, it just didn't seem to be as good as it should of been.
The four main characters are kind of funny, but annoying aswel. I did like the running jokes through the 80s scenes but by the end I just felt it was a little predictable and even found myself abit bored.

The Talented Mr Ripley

This film is graced with great performances from Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law. It's intense and thrilling (not in a 'thriller film' kind of way, but it keeps you hooked).
It focuses on Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) as he lives with all he could ever want, while his father pays. But Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is about to make an appearance.
Spattered with award winning names (infront and behind the camera), stolen identities and the chase to stay one step ahead of the growing suspicions, this film is probably a recommendation but one of my favourite films.

Twelve Monkeys

I have to say, this has got to be one of the weirdest films I have ever seen.
A Terry Gilliam film, (so ofcourse it would be a little different), it is set between the past and the future, with lots of imagery of madness, dreams and mystery. I think the main plot and most of the characters completely by-passed me, but Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt are pretty good.
Terry Gilliam fans will probably love this film, fans of the mysterious will also like it, everyone else will probably be indifferent.

Knocked Up

I put off seeing this film at first because I wasn't sure if I would like it or not. But my sister bought it on DVD so I thought I may aswel watch it. And actually, it was quite funny.
The two main characters work really well, and played by Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogan really well.
After accidently getting pregnant, Ben and Alison have to go through an anxious journey as they get to know one-another. This film has lots of laughs throughout and I am pleased to say, was alot better than I thourght it would be.

Moulin Rouge!

This is an absolute classic musical. Although its a typical romance, its, in a way, moving and the music is great.
A poet (Ewan McGregor) falls for a courtesan (Nicole Kidman) who works at the moulin rouge. To win her affections, he writes a play that will be performed at the moulin rouge. But the beauty of the courtesan is already promised to the Duke who plans to take advantage of her. So insues the musical love stroy.
There are stunning performances from Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. The supporting cast is also great. I would deffinately recommend this film.

The Boat That Rocked

One of the biggest films around when it came out, I went to watch it twice at the cinema (although the second time I may have been a little drunk). That aside, I do quite enjoy watching this film.
It is really long but the whole cast is brilliant and the soundtrack is really amazing.
Set in the 1960s when pirate radios were all the rage, yet still seen as illegal. Pop music was at its height and pirate radio was were you found it.
This is deffinately a film to watch if you can, but I can see why you could get bored of it if you had to watch it more than a few times.

The Edge Of Love

This is a war time love story revolving around old friends, poet Dylan (Matthew Rhys) and singer Vera (Keira Knightley). They meet again after 10 years, he is married and she is embarking on a romance with William (Cillian Murphy).
I thought the four front actors/actresses were pretty good in this film and the settings are used well. You can completely see the relationships between these four charcters and I quite liked watching this.

Coco Before Chanel

This has got to be my favourite french film of all time. It tells the story of how Coco Chanel went from obsure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world.
Although it is a long film and I did wonder where it was going in the middle, the ending completely makes up for it. I have seen this film a few times now and love it everytime.
If you want to watch a french film. This is deffinately the one to start with.

4.3.2.1.

This is the lastest creation of Noel Clarke. This film is split into four sections, each one following one of four friends as they all get tangled up in more than they first realise.
I like the way this film is set up, with each story being a short film inside the main one. I also like the four main actresses that the story follows. In all I thought it was pretty good, but I have read the odd review that pointed out some boring points, in my view, it should be one of those films that you should decide for yourselve. I say deffinately watch it.

Public Enemies

I first watched this film when it came out in the cinema last year, and have since watched it on DVD, and both times have found it difficult to keep track of all the characters, apart from the main few.
The strory is pretty good, and if you like gun fighting movies, you won't be dissappointed. It's just the less major characters I struggled to get my head around. (Maybe just me being slightly thick).
Non-the-less, I did enjoy watching this film, both times, and will deffinately go back to it at some point.

Letters To Juliet

I hadn't really seen alot about this film before I went to see it the other week. But I'm glad I did see it, it was a beautiful film that was predictable in places and the end is obvious from the beginning. But that can be forgiven because of a couple of reasons.
Vanessa Redgrave's eccentric character Claire, is wonderful to watch and completely makes the film.
And also, in places it is so obvious and (dare I say) "corny", that it makes up for its self.
I also wouldn't mind watching it again if I had too, so thats always a good sign.

Fool's Gold

This film is about a group of people trying to find some hidden treasure, and as I'm sure you could guess just from that, it was pretty predictable.
Having said that, there were one or two nice touches I enjoyed whiched stopped this from being a total dissappointment. It was fairly enjoyable to watch but nothing that will stand out too much for too long.
Not totally avoidable and a nice consept but nothing outstanding.

Brideshead Revisited

I watched this film initially before I had watched the TV series and thought it was a little long winded. But having seen the TV series from 1981, I realised the the film is in fact considerably short and not at all boring compared. (My opinion anyway, lots would disagree, apparently it was quite a big deal back then).
I like the three main actors in this as well as the actors around them, Emma Thompson and Michael Gambon in particular. But I just didn't think the story of the film, and especially the series, was enough to last the distance.

Valkyrie

I have had a copy of this DVD on my shelf for ages and have only just finally got round to watching it. Or maybe I was anticipating I wouldn't like it.
In the end, I can't say it was the best film I've seen in a while and I wasn't particularly inspiring, although the story is a saving grace.
The film tells the story, based on true events, of how a group of German government officials attempted to bring down Hitlers Nazi regime during WW2.
Tom Cruise plays the lead and isn't bad, and the supporting cast is very good but I got the feeling I wouldn't really be remembering this film for much longer. Not really my kind of film.

Iron Man 2

Not being a huge action thriller fan myself (although sometimes I do just feel like watching the odd one), I was suprisingly excited to see this film. (Even though I hadnt seen the first film).
I have since watched the first Iron Man film, and then the second one again at the cinema. And I have to say, I think I prefer the second one.
These film follow Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as he, and his alter ego Iron Man pursuit to rid the world of its bad guys.
My biggest problem with the first film was the ending. It was very abrupt, and if I hadn't have already seen the sequel, it would probably have annoyed me quite alot.
The second film is full of action, as well as lots of lines to make you laugh. Also, Robert Downey Jr. is pretty great as Tony Stark.

Four Lions

This film has been creating quite a lot of controversy recently. It dipicts a group of suicide bombers working through their eccentric ideas of how to change the world. But with ideas like, blowing up a crow or the internet.
It has been advertised as a comedy and whilst sat in the cinema, there were quite a few moments that got laughs.
For all the controversy, I couldn't avoid seeing it, and quite glad I did watch it.

The History Boys

This is a great stroy about 8 boys from an under-achieving school in Sheffield, trying to pass their Oxbridge exams. The cast is great and I think this fim is really well done.
Written by Alan Bennett, originally for the stage, this film is entertaining and genuinely made me laugh in places. It also has one of my favourite endings ever. Nothing over the top or cheesy, I would deffinately recommend this film, and if you can, watch the theatre production too.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Another book written by Roald Dahl, and probably his most famous.
Although this film does look really good, I still don't think it quite matches the original from 1971 (but than maybe thats just because I grew up watching the original!). Having said that, Johnny Depp is perfect casting as Willy Wonka. Also, there are extra insights throughout this film that aren't in the original which satisfy curious minds.
I think this may be a bit of a classic as far as modern childrens films go but if your going to watch one, watch the original if you can.

James and the Giant Peach

I saw this childrens film for the first time the other day, and have too say, even now, it was better than I had expected it to be.
With names like Joanna Lumley, Susan Sarandon and David Thewlis, I was always going to begin with high hopes and I don't think I was too disappointed.
Ofcourse the plot was ridiculus, it's a childrens film, (and written by the wonderful Roald Dahl). But at no point did I feel like switching over. I was quite pleased

Cemetery Junction

This has got to be one of the best films around at the moment. Written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, it tells the story of Freddie Taylor (Christian Cooke), how he has managed to get out of his working class roots, but how it wasn't all it seemed, and how in Cemetery Junction, nothing ever really gets exciting.
the look of this film is great and I loved the three friends that the film revolves around. They provide some great lines and really funny scenes.
This has got to be a recommended film right now.

Kick Ass

This film has had alot of hype recently so I was expecting alot from it. And I think it delivered.
It was entertaining and funny, which I much prefer when watching an action film.
This film sees Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) create his own superhero even though he has no powers or no real training. Straight away, the idea seems a good one.
The best characters however have to be father and daughter Damon and Mindy Macready, (Nicolas Cage and Chloe Moretz), who have created Big Daddy and Hit Girl with a similar, yet more sinister, idea of their own.
Definately worth catching this film if you can.