The Secret of Moonacre [PG]

When her father dies, Maria Merryweather is forced to leave her luxurious life in London and live with her strange and bad-tempered uncle in Moonacre Valley. Whilst pouting about being there, Maria discovers a dark and mysterious curse that has been placed upon the Valley and it's up to her to bring peace to Moonacre.

This is an instant fairy tale classic. I'd never even heard of it, but we received it at work and it had such great actors in it that I could not resist. I am so glad that I got it out. The Secret of Moonacre was a completely enchanting movie.

When her father dies, Maria Merryweather is left an orphan with no home. She is forced to leave her luxurious London lifestyle and live with her strange and reclusive uncle Sir Benjamin in Moonacre Valley. Whilst she is there, Maria discovers that a dark and mysterious curse has been floating over Moonacre for many many years and it's up to her to restore peace between the two families of Moonacre before the next rising of the moon. But with another curse, the curse of pride, working against her, Maria soon finds that this will be no easy task.

This was a brilliant film. It is the truth universally acknowledged that the films that you never hear of are often the best films you've ever seen. As we all know by now, I'm a complete sap when it comes to kiddies' films and magical movies. This is one of those.

I have to say though, that it was really the costumes that won me over with this move. They are absolutely stunning! All old-fashioned high society London type clothing, corsets and big flowing skirts. Very glamorous and simply beautiful.

Dakota Blue Richards is our leading lady and she is gorgeous. I fell in love with her in The Golden Compass, and in this movie she was just as brilliant. Feisty and vivacious, she brings both the sugar and the spice to this movie.

Behind Dakota stands a line of familiar faces including Ioan Gruffudd, Juliet Stevenson, and Tim Curry. All of them wonderful. Juliet is very funny and Ioan can really be a grumpy bugger when he sets his mind to it.

Based on the book The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudgres, The Secret of Moonacre was an enchanting fairy tale that had me completely entranced. Magical for the family.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo [MA] - Swedish

Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared. Her body was never found, but her uncle, Henrik Vanger, is convinced that it was murder and that the killer is one of his own family. He employs disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and tattooed, genius computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to to investigate. But the case takes a dangerous and sinister turn that those involved never imagined.

First and foremost I have to say that I am a big believer in reading the books before you see the movies. In movies, they tend to cut and crop things, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was no exception.

Forty years ago Harriet Vanger disappeared. Although her body was never found, her uncle Henrik Vanger, is convinced that she was murdered and that the killer is a member of his own family. With Harriet's disappearance occupying one hundred percent of his mind, Henrik employs disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and tattooed, genius computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate the mystery. As Lisbeth and Mikael stumble upon a clue that links Harriet's disappearance to a string of mysterious and gruesome murders, the plot thickens and soon the investigation takes a downhill turn towards the dangerous and sinister.

I have to say that music played a major part in this movie. It made the dramatic and sinister scenes all the more moving and I found myself quivering with anticipation whenever there were long drawn-out crescendos. Very sinister and very thrilling.

Noomi Rapace is Lisbeth Salander, the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo herself. She was absolutely perfect. Aggressive, violent, full of anger, but also with feeling. She played the part wonderfully. Exactly as I'd pictured Lisbeth.

Michael Nygvist is Mikael Blomkvist. He was brilliant. A truly talented actor. You were right there screaming along with him in this movie. Feeling the rush of excitement whenever he found a new clue. As I have said before, it's now about how the actor looks, but what he or she can make you feel.

Built on a constantly twisting and turning story, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was a wonderful ride. It was thrilling, chilling, shocking, and completely, totally, and one hundred percent engaging. I could not take my eyes of the screen (granted because it has English subtitles and I didn't want to miss anything). It's a must-see flick, but I do recommend reading the book first.

Hercules [G]

In ancient Greece there was an extraordinary hero named Hercules who set out to prove to the world that he is a true hero. In this animated Disney classic, ancient history never looked so good.

"Zero to hero just like that."

I remember going to see this movie in the cinemas when I was like 8 or something and even now, as a 20 year old, it still has me laughing and singing along.

Hades, God of the Underworld, has a plan to topple Zeus and take over Olympus. But the birth of Zeus's son Hercules changes Hades' plans. After consulting with the Fates and learning that Hercules is a threat to his hostile take-over attack, Hades has the baby's immortality taken away by making him drink a potion that would turn him mortal and make him easier to kill. However, Hercules does not drink the entire potion and still keeps his God-like strength. Now, in order to be re-united with his mother and father, Hercules has to prove himself a true hero. But this is going to be more challenging than he ever imagined.

Another triumph for Disney. With original songs, classic characters and a very funny script, Hercules was a wonderful movie that I have gone back to time and time again.

I have to draw attention to the fact that James Woods does of the voice of Hades and he is absolutely hysterical. From literally burning with rage to having his face punched in by Hercules, Hades has to be my favourite Disney villain. He has all the best lines and he provides the sophisticated comic relief that makes this movie entertaining for adults as well as kids. Hercules also features the voice talents of Rip Torn as Zeus and Danny DeVito as the satyr Phil, both very funny in their own way.

With original songs, ancient Greek mythology, action, and romance, Hercules is another classic Disney movie with something for the whole family to enjoy.

Babette's Feast [G]

In a quiet little town on the coast of Denmark live two daughters of a devout clergyman. Although their father has been dead for years, his daughters keep his teachings alive amongst the townsfolk. But with the arrival of a French woman named Babette, the little hamlet is about to learn just how beautiful and pleasurable the world can be.

Winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1987, Babette's Feast is a wonderful story about kindness, tradition, and the power of good food.

In a quiet little town on the coast of Denmark live Philippa and Martina, the two beautiful daughters of a devout clergyman who preaches salvation through self-denial. Many years after his death, his daughters keep his austere teachings alive amongst the townsfolk. But with the arrival of Babette, a mysterious refugee who has fled from France's civil war, the sisters lives and their little hamlet begin to change as Babette, through the cooking of good French food, teaches the sisters and the townsfolk how to be happy by embracing the new.

This is a great film for all those foodies out there. If you liked films like Chocolat, then you will love Babette's Feast. It's very simply filmed, which makes the changes that take place more obvious and beautiful. There are no special effects, there are no elaborate costumes, there is only the actors and the look of bliss on their faces that tells the audience the story.

The film is filled with many different stories of love, passion, desire, sacrifice, and duty.

With wonderful actors, a very simple script, and a beautiful story, Babette's Feast is a delicious foodie movie that will have your mouth watering.

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit [PG]

In their little town, Wallace and his best friend Gromit are Anti-Pesto, a company that provides the townsfolk with contraptions that protect the thing they hold most dear: their veg. With their annual vegetable competition fast approaching, something sinister is afoot. All their prized giant vegetables are disappearing and it's up to Wallace and Gromit to capture the culprit. But this is no ordinary rabbit!

I was brought up watching Wallace and Gromit on TV, so when this movie came out, I instantly decided that I simply HAD to see it. Admittedly the story is a little silly, but the cheese-loving inventor and his canine companion pull it off superbly.

In their little town, Wallace and Gromit are Anti-Pesto, a company that supplies the townsfolk with contraptions that will protect their prized possessions: their veg. With rabbits breaking into every garden for a midnight snack, business has been booming, especially with the annual vegetable competition coming up. But the dynamic duo are soon charged with a larger-than-life assignment. The town's gardens are being ravaged every night be an enormous rabbit and it's up to Wallace and Gromit to catch it. But with the vegetable competition fast approaching, can they do it in time?

The story was just perfect for the dynamic duo. I mean they've been through weirder scenarios. Foiling an evil penguin in The Wrong Trousers, flying to the moon to get cheese and befriending a moon robot in Grand Day Out, and proving Gromit's innocence and catching a sheep-snatching robotic dog in A Close Shave. Why not have an adventure where they get to solve the mystery of a huge rabbit?

With a very clever and quick-witted script and featuring the voice talents of Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter, Liz Smith, and Ralph Fiennes, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a warm and funny movie that will make you both laugh and cry. An absolute treat for the whole family.

"Ooh I do like a bit of Gorgonzola."

Heart and Souls [PG]

In the 1950s there was a bus crash that killed 4 passengers. When baby Thomas is born at the time of that crash, the victims of the accident find their spirits attached to him. After 30 years of watching Thomas, they learn that they are supposed to use him to do the one thing that would have made each of their lives complete had it not been cut short. But will Thomas be so willing to help them out?

This was a wonderful movie. It was such an original story idea. Quirky and off-centre, the type of film that I can watch over and over again.

One fateful night in the 50s, 4 people get onto a bus: a waitress in love, a singer with stage fright, a proud and loving mother, and a thief trying to go straight. Unfortunately their bus gets involved in a crash, killing them all. At the time of the crash, baby Thomas is born and the 4 spirits find themselves attached to him and unable to move on. As a young boy, they were his best friends, but things start to get out of hand and they decide that it's better for him if they just disappear. After watching and following Thomas around for 30 years, they finally learn the reason for their being attached to him: they're supposed to get Thomas to help them do the one thing that would have made their lives complete. But getting Thomas back onside will be more difficult then they imagined. And with new lives being created and in need of souls, their time is running out.

Robert Downey Jr. is Thomas and he was absolutely wonderful. He is such a talented actor. During the scenes where his body gets taken over by each spirit, he delivers a performance that will have you in hysterics. Between flirting with other men, singing the American national anthem, and trying to get backstage to a B B King concert, there is hardly any time for breath. Simply a delight.

With Charles Grodin, Elisabeth Shue, Kyra Sedgwick, Tom Sizemore, David Paymer, and Alfre Woodard, Heart and Souls is a wonderful comedy filled with life after death, romance, buses bound for Heaven, and second chances. A must-see movie!

Sleeping Beauty [G]

Walt Disney's timeless tale of a true love that conquers evil is out of the vault for a limited time in this Platinum Edition. Relive the tale of the beautiful Princess Aurora, the three good fairies and the handsome Prince Phillip.

Alright alright so I'm going on a little bit of a Disney binge today, first Snow White and now Sleeping Beauty. There is nothing tragic about me at all (there was sarcasm in that last statement).

When Princess Aurora is born, the King and Queen host a celebration and all the Kingdom gives gifts to the infant princess. But the evil sorceress Maleficent, having not received an invite, crashes the party and curses the little princess:

"Before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die!"

Thankfully the third good fairy Merryweather is able to change this curse, by foretelling that the princess will not die, but merely sleep until awakened by the kiss of her true love.

Another old-school Disney movie with the book opening at the beginning, Sleeping Beauty was very different in comparison to Snow White. The animation is much sharper and clearer, but the language used is a little bit mature for the intended audience. I find it entertaining that words like "melancholy" and old-fashioned terms like "lo" and "thou" are used throughout the flick.

As with the older Disney movies, the G rating is used, but I think the film can get a little violent and sinister. I mean the whole thing with the dragon that breathes green fire was pretty scary (scary for young children, I personally found it completely awesome!). I also love how in quite a few of the earlier Disney flicks, the Prince is the most pointless and pathetic character. He's almost the damsel in distress. In Sleeping Beauty, the real heroes are the three good fairies: Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. They put the Kingdom to sleep, they rescue the Prince, they make sure that his journey to the castle is safe, and they guided the enchanted sword into the dragon's belly. The prince did absolutely nothing but swing the sword around, looking like a complete idiot.

This movie has a much more sophisticated script with more mature jokes that would go over the heads of young children, but makes it quite entertaining for the tragic people like me who, at the age of 20, go back to the childhood classics.

With another wonderful soundtrack of songs that stay with you, Sleeping Beauty is a timeless tale of true love and its ability to conquer evil (when in actual fact it's the good fairies that conquer evil).

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream."

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs [G]

Walt Disney's timeless classic of the beautiful princess, the seven little men, and the evil queen with the poisoned apple, is out of the Disney Vault for a limited time in this 2-disc Diamond Edition.

It is my aim to own all the Disney classics such as this one. For those of you who don't know, Disney have what they call the Disney Vault, and what they do is release a movie for a limited time as a Diamond or Platinum edition and then they take it off the shelves for 7 years and you cannot find it anywhere.

Whilst watching this movie this afternoon, it occured to me just how important and influential these classic Disney flicks are. As I was watching Snow White's hand movements and gestures, I was reminded of Anne Hathaway as the White Queen in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland. I am now convinced that Anne took her cue from the original animal-lover, Snow White.

Once upon a time there lived a lovely princess named Snow White. Her vain and wicked stepmother the Queen feared that some day Snow White's beauty would surpass her own. So she dressed the little princess in rags and forced her to work as a scullery maid. Each day the vain Queen consulted her magic mirror,

"Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"

And as long as the mirror answered "you are the fairest one of all", Snow White was safe from the Queen's cruel jealousy.

This was the first of the classic Disney movies. The real old-fashioned style with the book opening at the beginning and the animation with the characters mouths and voices not exactly in sync. A true timeless classic. You don't notice all that stuff when you watch this as a child, but as an adult, you tend to pick up on a lot of things. For example, the Prince has one line throughout the entire film! The Queen wears what looks like the chord of a curtain around her waist! When Snow White sends a kiss to the Prince via a pigeon, the pigeon kisses the Prince's teeth! It's actually rather amazing how many little things you can notice and it makes the film more entertaining.

I have to say though that times have really changed with regards to rating these flicks. True to the fairytales and fables, the earlier Disney movies were much more macabre and sinister and yet they are rated G. In Snow White the evil Queen first plans to have the Huntsman kill Snow White and bring back her heart in a box. Then her next plan of attack is to have her fall into a deep sleep (which she can only wake from by receiving love's first kiss) and then burying her alive. Now of course, as a child, you sort of miss that whole thing so I think that's why it still has the general rating, but as an adult it makes you look at the movie in a whole new way.

Aside from those points, Snow White is a classic tale filled with beauty, good, evil, jealousy, cute animals and poisoned fruits. With classic tunes that stay with you, it's always fun to go back to the old-school Disney classics.

"Heigh ho heigh ho it's home from work we go *whistles*"

Down With Love [M]

It's the 1960s and feminist author Barbra Novak has come to New York to promote her book, Down With Love. As her book hits the bestseller list, she becomes the newest target of renown playboy Catcher Block. His goal to prove that she's just like every other woman, soon turns into an epic battle of the sexes that will have you laughing out loud.

I saw this film when it first came out years ago in the cinemas with my best friend from primary school. And I absolutely LOVED it! The bright colours, the amazing costumes, the actors, the story, the script, and the music, made this a film that I always seem to want to come back to. It's simply gorgeous.

It's the 1960s and feminist author Barbra Novak has come to New York to promote her new book Down With Love. A work of non-fiction that outlines three steps that will teach women to have equality with men in the workforce and teach them the difference between love and sex. As her book starts to build a buzz, Barbra soon grabs the attention of Know Magazine's star journalist and playboy Catcher Block, who makes it his mission to prove that she is just like every other woman and wants the same things: love and marriage. And what began as a mission to ruin a famous writer soon turns into a hysterical and epic battle of the sexes.

There are many points of interest that this film holds, that I must draw attention to. As the film is set the 60s, the outfits are downright gorgeous! Big hats, high-waisted shorts, silk robes and high-heeled slippers. Aaah, I want to be in the film just so I can wear some of the clothes that Barbra wears.

The script was very clever too. Full of sexual innuendos, wonderful little jokes and a few twists of the plot here and there. And the way the flick is filmed was brilliant too. Lots of colour is used in practically everything from clothes to furniture, it's almost like you're watching an Austin Powers movie. Very outrageous and 60s. And the way the phone conversations were filmed was clever too. They use the split screen so that you can see each end of the conversation. And as the conversations get a little angrier, they even use the image of a lightning bolt to separate the two. It was wonderful. The film is full of little old-fashioned tricks like this.

Renee Zellweger is Barbra Novak and she was gorgeous. Quick witted and with a breathy sound to her voice that funnily enough really does suit the character, she was a delight to watch as she constantly fights with and outsmarts the leading man.

Ewan McGregor is Catcher Block *swoons*. I am in love with Ewan. With his gorgeous and gentle face to his versatile and wonderful acting, if I died whilst he was on the screen, I would die with a smile on my face. Ewan delivers a stunning performance here as he goes on this vendetta to outsmart and outwit our leading lady.

Filled with loads of colour, wonderful jokes, gorgeous gowns and even more gorgeous men, Down With Love was a clever and adorable romantic comedy that will have you laughing out loud. The battle of the sexes never looked so good!

From Paris With Love [MA]

Reese, a young employee in the office of the US Ambassador, finally gets his chance to engage in some real Special Ops work. Unfortunately he gets saddled with a partner whose methods are massively unorthodox and, with his assignment getting more and more bizarre, the shit is really about to hit the fan.

This movie came into work yesterday and I was so excited, I cannot tell you. I had planned to watch it last night, but my brother rented a bluray copy of Date Night and he wanted some brother-sister bonding time, so that plan didn't pan out. But tonight, oh tonight I got to revel in the action and delicious mayhem that is From Paris With Love.

Reese, a young employee in the office of the Us Ambassador, is finally given a chance to do some real Special Ops work. He gets given an assignment. Basically all he has to do is get his American partner out of French customs at the airport and then follow his lead on their assignment. Charlie Wax, Reese's partner, uses methods that are a little unorthodox, but apparently he "gets the job done." As Reese has not been briefed on the nature of their assignment, he is led to believe that they are looking to shut down drug dealers in Paris. But after some bloody and chaotic scenes, he soon discovers that it's up to them to prevent a terrorist attack on the city. With his assignment getting stranger and his partner shooting anything that moves, for Reese the shit is really about to hit the fan!

I loved this movie straight away. Come on, they play Madeleine Peyroux's J'ai Deux Amours at the beginning. I freakin' LOVE that song. From there, the movie just escalated into a chaotic and awesome mess of entertainment.

John Travolta is Charlie Wax and he was utterly hysterical. Amidst the constant string of profanities that come out of his mouth are brilliant punchlines that are timed to perfection. Like the scene when a car blows up and there's a second of absolute silence and he simply says "ka-fucking-boom." Awesome! And, oh I simply HAVE to draw attention to this, there's a Pulp Fiction reference! He and Reese are sitting down about to eat and Charlie is talking about vices, and how in France they call his vice a "royale with cheese." I had to pause the DVD because I was laughing so hard and did not want to miss anything.

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers is Reese and he's gorgeous. I think Jonathan has to be one of the most attractive actors working today. He can play any role, good or evil and that's utterly brilliant about him. Here, he delivers a wonderfully confused and chaotic performance that made the movie that much more entertaining.

Overflowing with gun play, shootings, bazookas, slow-motion action, and a constant string of profanities, From Paris With Love was an epic action movie that I have now put on my list to add to my collection.

Juno [M]

Juno is just a typical teenager, clueless, naive, and in a world of her own. But when she gets pregnant, she begins to observe the real world and become aware of how it's not full of happy endings. Learning new lessons has never been weirder.

I freakin' LOVE this movie. It was simplicity at its peak. Hugely entertaining and all it relied upon was the script. It was genius!

Juno is a simple teenager, naive and living in a world of her own. But when she gets pregnant, her world comes crashing down and she finds herself facing adult problems and observing the real world. Upon making the choice to have the baby and then give it to an adoptive couple, Juno's life goes through changes as she learns lessons about herself and the people around her.

Ellen Page is Juno and she was just brilliant. She was sort of perfect for the character, really beautiful, but not it an obvious way. And actually pulling off some of the contemporary looks of teenage culture, as well as using the lingo, she was an absolute delight to watch on screen.

Michael Cera is Paulie Bleeker, Juno's best friend and father to her child. He was so cute. He's all shy and quiet, but by so being, is really cool and much more desirable than, say, the jocks. I love Bleeker.

As I mentioned before, the script is what made the movie so wonderful. Full of modern teenage language and it went hand in hand with the simplicity of the story. There were no real dramatic scenes or anything like that. It was just smooth and simple. I think that's why the film did so well.

With Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Thirlby, Allison Janney and J K Simmons, Juno was a quirky comedy about shaping your life when you're a teenager. Hilarious and very cool.

Date Night [M]

Phil and Claire Foster are a married couple who are falling into the same routines. On one of their "date nights" they decide to spice things up by having dinner in the city. Unfortunately they can't get a table, so they take another couple's reservation. BIG mistake! A mistake that could cost them their lives!

I saw this movie twice in the cinemas and each time I watch it, I find something new and funny about it. It was just a classic story about trying to accomplish something simple, but having everything go horribly wrong.

Phil and Claire Foster are a married couple who are falling into the same routines. On one of their weekly "date nights" they decide to spice things up by having dinner at a classy and expensive restaurant in the city. Unable to make it in time to get a table, they take another couples' reservation. Halfway through dinner, they are approached by two guys who have mistaken them for the Triplehorns, the couple whose reservation they took. Suddenly their night takes a serious downward turn as they are accused of theft and threatened at gunpoint. Now on the run and trying to prove their innocence, the Fosters are in for a "date night" they'll never forget!

Starring Tina Fey and Steven Carell, Date Night was a hilarious and original movie. The chemistry between the leads is wonderful, really believable and just brilliant to watch. Steve Carell has deadly timing. That's what makes him so funny. And Tina Fey is beautiful. With her brilliant punchlines and hugely entertaining lack of know-how, she is a treat to watch on screen.

I have to say that is was the car chase that sold this movie for me. There is a scene where the Fosters' car, which they have stolen in desperation, crashes and becomes attached to a taxi. And no matter how much accelerating and braking and swerving they try, they just can't break away. So you have an entire car chase with two cars fused together. I don't think it's ever been done before and it was hugely entertaining.

Backed with a wildly funny script, a very good soundtrack, numerous familiar faces and heaps of action, Date Night was a very funny film. A classic example of trying to accomplish something simple and having everything go horribly wrong.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel [G]

Alvin and his brothers are back on the screen, but on a different scene: the school scene. After Dave has an accident which prevents him from being home, he decides that it's time for the boys to have a taste of a normal childhood so he enrolls them in school. Now they're going to learn the most important lesson of all: which is more important, friends or family?

Alright, yes I have actually sat down and watched this movie... twice. It's the awesome songs that have been done with the high-pitched chipmunk voices that I find entertaining.

After a rocking gig, Dave has a bad accident and has to be hospitalised for a while. Whilst there, he decides that his boys needs to have a taste of a normal childhood, so he enrolls them in school. Once on the scene, the boys fall in with different groups and then begin to fight amongst themselves. Not only that, but there's a new chipmunk group on the music scene. Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor are the Chipettes, and with Ian as their manager, the Chipmunks are in for a little competition.

A lovely little story about putting family before friends, Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 was a cute little movie. I mean come on, the film is about singing chipmunks! It can only be described as "cute."

I have to say though, this movie has a good soundtrack. The songs that are featured are awesome: You Really Got Me, Hot N Cold, Put Your Records On, All the Single Ladies, We Are Family are just a few of the songs performed in this movie.

With all the same faces from the first movie, plus a few new ones, Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 was an enjoyable little kiddies' movie, although by the end of it you are sick to the teeth of the chipmunks' voices.

Inkheart [PG]

The written word is a powerful thing, but for Mo it's more powerful then than can ever be imagined. When Mo reads something aloud, his voice brings the characters out of the book. A remarkable gift that turns dangerous when he and his daughter are kidnapped by the evil Capricorn so he can use Mo's gift for dastardly purposes.

I first saw this movie in the cinemas and was absolutely blown away. It actually inspired me to start reading books again. It was a bit like Stardust and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, a fun and rolicking adventure that everyone can enjoy.

Mo has an extraordinary gift: whenever he reads something aloud, his voice brings the charatcers out of the ink world on the page and into the real one. But Mo hasn't read aloud for years since something terrible happened the last time he did. Now years later, Mo is looking for a copy of an incredibly rare book so that he can put the wrongs to right, but he's not the only one. Upon finally finding a copy of Inkheart, Mo and his daughter Meggie are kidnapped by the evil Capricorn, who wants to use Mo's gift for dastardly purposes. And what started out as a harmless bedtime story years ago, soon turns into the biggest and most thrilling adventure of a lifetime.

Based on the first book in the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart was a classic example of a story within a story. You literally get lost in the tale as what started out as reality soon turns to fiction and fiction turns to reality.

Brendan Fraser starred as Mo and he was great, don't get me wrong, but I do have to say that the movie belonged to Paul Bettany who played the magic fire-juggler Dustfinger. He was simply wonderful. He had all the best lines, was creepy, cowardly, weak, selfish, and snaky. An absolutely brilliant character, providing much of the movie's drama and comic relief.

Alongside Brendan and Paul are Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent, and Andy Serkis. A spectacular line-up for a truly epic adventure.

Filled with magic, drama, suspense, action, and recognisable creatures and scenes from other famous books, Inkheart was a rolicking adventure that the whole family will enjoy.

Death Note 2: The Last Name [M] - Japanese

After a cliffhanger ending to the first movie, Light continues his quest to rid the world of all crime. And L continues his quest to bring Kira to justice. But with Light now on the team and helping with the case, the battle between Kira and L is beginning to heat up.

I have both of the Death Note movies in a DVD double-pack, which is actually kind of appropriate seeing as after the first movie, you're dying to know what happens next and who emerges victorious.

After the shocking ending of the first Death Note, Light Yagami is welcomed onto L's team of police and detectives who aim to bring Kira to justice. For a while, Light's plan is to eliminate all suspicions of his being Kira, but that plan gets put on hold as another person, calling themselves Kira II is not only killing criminals, but all those who oppose Kira. With this new Kira killing recklessly, it's up to Light to get to him before L does. But doing that and keeping L's suspicions at zero will be harder than he ever imagined.

Much the same as the first Death Note movie, but with many more twists and turns in the plot. Now with a second Kira, things start to get a little confusing and there is more to be learnt about the use of the Death Note. There are many more flashbacks in this movie than there were in the first one and that, mixed with the voice-overs and subtitles, can get a little overwhelming. But just like the first film, the script sets aside time to explain to the audience what is going and how certain things have come to pass. The special effects are just as awesome, especially as we get to meet two new Gods of Death: Jealous and Rem. I love the Gods of Death. They are the coolest characters. Them and L. Seriously if there was a Twilight thing here, if I had to choose Team Light or Team L...

Team L for the win!!!

Even more thrilling than the first movie, Death Note 2: The Last Name is an awesome flick with more twists, characters, action, schemes, and confusion that will have you holding and scratching your head.

Death Note [M] - Japanese

Light Yagami has found a notebook that possesses incredible powers. If some one's name is written in the notebook, that person will die. With this new weapon, Light decides to wipe out all criminal activity and create a new crime-free world that he, going by the name of Kira, will be God of. But a very skilled detective is determined to catch Kira which makes Light's mission a litter harder to accomplish.

I think this was actually the first foreign movie I'd ever watched. I was at a friend's house and remember really being engrossed in this movie, which I'm sure wasn't very amusing for her because I wasn't very talkative.

Light Yagami is a very clever student and son of a Chief policeman. Up to now he has wanted to be on the force and make his father proud, but as the crime rate escalates, Light's faith in Japan's justice system begins to slip. After hacking into the police database, Light discovers that many criminals have been allowed freedom and their cases have either been dropped or closed as "unsolved." With this new information, Light's faith in the justice system completely fades. One night, Light comes across a notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. With this new weapon in hand, Light plans to wipe out all criminals and create a crime-free world which he, going by the name of Kira, is God of. But a cunning and persistent detective named L is determined to capture Kira and bring him to justice, making Light's mission harder to accomplish. And with his father on the team to bring down Kira, can Light get away with it?

Based on the anime series, Death Note was a wonderful crime-thriller with a supernatural twist. It was just such an original story idea about perspectives and corruption. I mean, come on, it's a notebook that can kill people. It's both simple and deadly. Awesome! The plot was great, filled with many twists and turns. One step forward, two steps back type stuff. And the whole time you're wondering "but how did he do that?" Because, as Light uses the Death Note more and more, he becomes aware of things he can do with it, not just killing people. And if you're like me and have a little trouble following these sorts of cat-and-mouse thriller plots, Death Note has a good script that explains and lets you catch up with what's going on. Sometimes the subtitles are a little tricky to follow, but all in all, Death Note was a fantastic thriller that will have you enthralled.

White Chicks [M]

These two black cops have made mistake after mistake. But no longer. They have one last chance to get back in the Chief's good graces. All they need to do is pick up two rich heiresses and drop them off at the Hampton's Hotel. And somehow they manage to screw that up. Now they're desperately struggling to keep up appearances as well as their jobs. Shawn and Marlon Wayans are White Chicks.

Oh man, I am still shuddering. I first saw this movie when it came out at the cinemas, and now on DVD it can still make me cringe.

These two black cops, Kevin and Marcus, are rapidly falling out of the Chief's good books. After yet another epic blunder, they have one last chance to put them back in the Chief's good graces. A murderer is after two rich heiresses and it's up to the police to protect them. All Kevin and Marcus have to do is pick the girls up from the airport and drop them off at the Hampton's Hotel. However things take a downhill turn when they wind up in a car accident and the girls come away with a scratched nose and cut lip. After a huge "freak out" the girls refuse to see out the rest of their social weekend as planned. So Marcus and Kevin take it upon themselves to pretend to be the girls, just for the weekend so they can lure out and capture the kidnapper. But two black men pretending to be two white women proves to be a lot more difficult than they ever imagined.

Shawn and Marlon were absolutely hysterical in this movie. They have a very distinctive type of humour. I think the best way to describe it is "go there." They just push everything as far as they can and many of the punchlines and scenes they come out with are positively cringe-worthy. Their humour can be crude at times, but that's what gets the reaction from the audience. Beneath all the jokes that induce severe squirming, there is a softer and more understanding side to the movie. As the boys are pretending to be girls, they (particularly Marcus) learn about some of the hardships that women overcome and what we do to make ourselves attractive for them.

Backed up by an absolutely hysterical script, full of funny punchlines, phrases, and God knows what else, White Chicks was a crude but hilarious movie. Well worth watching, it'll definitely have you cringing.

Family Guy - Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story [M]

After a near death experience at a swimming pool, Stewie Griffin captures a glimpse of Hell and decides that he does not want to end up there. So he vows to change his ways and be a good boy. However, this plan is put on hold when he sees a guy who looks just like him. Convinced that this man is his real father, Stewie goes to San Fransisco to get some answers, but they turn out to be not the answers he expected.

Hehehe it's official. I love Family Guy and Stewie Griffin in particular. I mean come on, it's an infant who wants world domination and speaks with a voice that has so much evil in it that it makes you swoon.

Lois and Peter decide that it is time for Stewie to learn how to swim. But whilst taking lessons, Stewie develops an unholy hatred of a boy in his class and plans to destroy him by making a lifeguard's perch blow up and come crashing down on him. However the dynamite doesn't work straight away and Stewie suffers a near death experience in which he captures a glimpse of Hell. Deciding that he does not what to end up there, Stewie decides to change his ways and become a "good boy." But this plan is put out of his mind when he sees a guy on TV who looks just like him. Convinced that this man is his real father, Stewie goes to San Fransisco to get some answers. But what he learns is far more disturbing and worrying than he could ever have imagined.

With scenes of the arrival of the Griffin family on the red carpet and the premiere's after party, Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story is a weird and wildly funny Family Guy movie full of plans for world domination, brilliantly timed punchlines, musical numbers, and numerous clips of Peter playing characters on other shows. A pleasing and funny movie to watch.

Family Guy - Something Something Something Dark Side [MA]

If you think you know Family Guy, you don't know sith! Peter Griffin is back telling the story about Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.

So I have to give my brother credit for getting me onto Family Guy. I seriously think that when I get the time, I shall rent the series out from work and watch it. Maybe you'll see TV reviews on Hannah Belle's Couch soon. Who knows?

Another blackout, another story. This time the story is longer, almost an hour, and retelling the story of The Empire Strikes Back. Filled with even more deadly-timed punchlines, fatal lighsaber swings, and musical numbers than Blue Harvest.

The thing about this movie that really impressed me, aside from when Han is frozen in carbonite and he exposes his arse (which really only worked because he's a cartoon character, I mean it would have just been disturbing if Harrison Ford actually did that, although I'm sure he had a very nice arse back in the day), was the ending. So the space ships are drifting lazily away into some celestial sunrise or sunset or whatever, and then it rewinds and a letter is brought to Chris. The letter is from the Doc in Back to the Future and then the big writing comes up and says "TO BE CONCLUDED" in the Back to the Future type writing. I found that fucking hysterical! It was nothing short of pure genius!

And that was the highlight of the film for me. Something Something Something Dark Side was just as funny and clever as Blue Harvest, but as I said in the other review, you could easily get tired of these flicks.

Family Guy - Blue Harvest [MA]

For all those tragics out there who love Family Guy and Star Wars. Now the two are joined together in this simple and stupidly hilarious movie that retells Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope.

I personally don't watch Family Guy, I've never really been that interested. I've been told by numerous friends and work collegues that I would simply LOVE it, but that still hasn't inspired me to go out and start. This movie kind of did however!

A long long time ago, but somehow still in the future...

I mean come on, you have to love it just for that alone! Basically the film is just a shorter version of A New Hope, shorter like cut down to 45 minutes! There's a blackout in the Griffin house and Peter tells the story of Star Wars. As soon as the story is over, the power comes back on. Nice and simple.

I haven't seen the show, so I'm assuming that the jagged and quick scene changes and everything is somehow connected with how the show is done. The movie is filled with quick punchlines and contradictions and it draws your attention to things that you may not have noticed in the original movie. I have to say that there was one part of this movie that I did not like. Chris cuts the head off Danny Elfman, who is my favourite soundtrack composer. Chris, you may have thought that was fitting seeing as Danny did the soundtrack for Sleepy Hollow, but I would like you to know that you will die a terrible and slow death whilst the Beetlejuice soundtrack is playing the background!

With Peter Griffin as Han Solo, Lois as Princess Leia, Chris as Luke Skywalker, Brian as Chewbacca, and Stewie as Darth Vader, Blue Harvest was a very clever take on the original classic. Unlike the classic though, I think this film would have an expiration date.

Rain Man [M]

Heartless Charlie Babbitt expects a vast inheritance after his father dies, but the fortune, instead, goes to Raymond, Charlie's institutionalised older brother whom he has been completely unaware of. In a fit of anger and bitter disappointment, Charlie kidnaps Raymond and take him on a cross-crountry road trip. But along the way, Charlie's bitterness melts away as he learns about his brother and their past together.

I think it's official now, "Hard Hearted Hannah" (that's me) is no longer the stone, but a feeling individual who sheds tears during beautiful and emotionally powerful movies. I cried through Precious and now I've cried through the heartwarming story of Rain Man.

Heartless Charlie Babbitt expects a huge inheritance after his estranged father dies. But the fortune of 3 million dollars goes to his older, autistic brother Raymond, whom Charlie has never met nor even heard of. In a fit of anger and bitter disappointment Charlie kidnaps Raymond and takes him on a cross-country road trip to Las Angeles, intending to either gain custody over him or get his half of the inheritance. But as they spend more time together, Charlie sees that Raymond, although possessing severely limited mental abilities in some areas, is a bonafide genius in other areas, like working with numbers and having a picture perfect memory. Charlie's initail bitterness then completely melts away as he shares painful past memories with his brother and even establishes a connection with him.

This was a truly beautiful film. It's one of those movies that I'd heard alot about, but had never actually been inspired to watch. I am very very very glad that I pulled it out from work the other day. The film was in essence, a truly beautiful story about overcoming first impressions and, through understanding and patience, establishing a connection and even a brotherhood. It was simple too. There were no outrageous CGI effects, no extravagant make-up or costumes, just a good story with a beautiful script and wonderful acting. What a movie should be.

Tom Cruise is the heartless Charlie. I've never really been a Tom Cruise fan, really only for the fact that everyone seems to love him. I have no real solid foundation for my lack of interest in him. After watching this movie, the white flag has gone up and I have given in. Although he plays a complete prick, he plays it with an anger, an arrogance, and then with an understanding and defensiveness. He goes from only wanting to protect himself to genuinely wanting to protect his older brother. I thought he was very beautiful in this movie.

Dustin Hoffman is Raymond. I love Dustin. He is simply wonderful. And in this movie, I felt as though my heart would burst. His performance is basically inpossible to describe in words. It was just the feelings that he made you feel. Throughout the entire film, I went through a range of emotions including sympathy, pity, worry, anticipation, horror, anxiousness, sadness, and happiness. That's what a truly good actor can do! Make you feel! There was this one scene in the movie that had me in tears. Charlie is telling Raymond that's he's going home and that it may be a while before they get to see each other again. He then tells him that he is happy to have Raymond as his older brother. Then their heads meet and they just sit there. Not hugging, not handling each other in away way. Just sitting there with their heads resting on one another. It was the most powerful and beautiful thing I have ever seen! Man, now I need another tissue.

Oscar winner for "Best Picture" in 1988, Rain Man is a beautiful drama about the journey of two distrusting souls into a close and loving brotherhood. Simply beautiful!

The Goonies [PG]

The Goonies are a gang of friends who have been on many an adventure together. But now they're about to be split up because they're about to lose their homes. Determined to make the most of their last weekend together, they embark upon, what soon becomes, the adventure of a lifetime.

Practically everyone I know was brought up watching The Goonies. I was 18 the first time I saw it. It's one of those 80s classics that was original and free. Seriously, you look at PG movies today and practically none of them will use the word "shit" even once!

The Goonies are a gang of friends who have been on many an adventure together. But now they're about to be split up because their houses are about to be knocked down. Wanting to make the most of their last weekend together, the gang meets up at Mikey's house and go through his father's attic to see if there's anything of value that they can keep from the Museum where his father works. When they come across an old map that leads to buried treasure, they decide to go on a quest to find this treasure and maybe save their houses. But whilst following the trail that the map details, they get mixed up with some wanted criminals and now they're desperately trying to stay one step ahead and beat the bad guys to the treasure. What started out as a boring last weekend soon turns into the adventure of a lifetime.

Like the original Star Wars movies, The Goonies has no expiration date. It's a perfectly balanced and original film. It's an original story, has a very funny script, has wonderful and lovable characters, has the right balance of swashbuckling action and romance, and is filled with instantly recognisable, albeit very young, faces like Sean Astin and Josh Brolin.

The Goonies is written by Steven Spielberg and is a complete joy to watch even 20 years later. Full of swashbuckling action, surprises around every corner, young love, booby traps, a pirate ship and hidden treasure, The Goonies is just a rollicking movie filled with dizzy fun movie for the whole family.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince [M]

These are dark days, very dark days indeed. With Voldemort and his followers gaining new strengths and armies, the Order of the Phoenix just can't keep up. With Death Eaters following everyone he loves and sinister things happening at Hogwarts, Harry is finding that it's not so cool, being the Chosen One.

We're in really deep and dark territory now people. I've said this before, from about movie number 4, these cease to be "kids'" movies. Now we're into the really sinister stuff.

With the magical community finally knowing the truth about Voldemort's return, the entire world is in panic. Death Eaters are flying around in broad daylight, kidnapping wizards and keeping everyone under a cloud-cover of terror. Nowhere is safe, not even Hogwarts. There are sinister things going on at the school and Harry and Dumbledore have made it their mission to learn as much as they can about Voldemort so that they may be able to find some way to destroy him. With all eyes on Harry, being the Chosen One, the pressure is on, and not just to save the world. And what about all these sinister things happening? Is there a Death Eater on the inside of Hogwarts? With so many questions that need to be answered, it promises to be a hectic year.

Although Daniel Radcliffe is technically the Chosen One, I have to say that the movie belonged to Rupert Grint. He's a little ray of comic sunshine in this dark cloud of a flick, providing comic relief and getting the girl(s). Though I do have to draw attention to how funny Daniel was in the scene where he's "high" on the luck potion. He was priceless.

As I said before, we're really getting into the dark stuff here. A prime example of this is the Inferi, awful creatures that are basically re-animated corpses. I remember seeing this in the cinema and thinking "that's just how I imagined them." We also get to see a lot more of the villains this time. Tom Felton who plays Draco Malfoy has a much bigger and more dramatic part to play in this flick, and he was great. Not to mention the many kids who play Tom Riddle when we're looking back at memories of when Voldemort was a child. He was twisted even then!

There was not as much action in this movie as there was in the ones prior. Mainly because, like the book, this part of Harry's journey was all about research and planning. As Gandalf the White (and I know that he's a different wizard from a different movie) once said:

"It's the deep breath before the plunge."

That line describes this movie perfectly because, action-wise, this movie was almost mundane in comparison to the previous ones. It was still enjoyable nonetheless.

We have a new face to welcome too. Jim Broadbent signs on to play Horace Slughorn and he was brilliant. He could seem a little bit dodgy sometimes, an older professor hanging out with young students, but I suppose that's what gets a response from a modern audience.

Filled with snogging, grey clouds, confrontations, curses, jealousy, and the very occasional laugh, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the sixth movie in the Harry Potter series and it's probably the only one that actually inspired people who hadn't read the books, to get themselves a copy and bone up. Without giving too much away, there was a connection between the title and a character that wasn't explained to the audience.

See, films are never as good as the books!

Kick-Ass [MA]

Average teenager Dave decides to live his dream of being a superhero, fighting bad guys, and saving the good people. But as soon as he puts on the mask and begins fantasising, what began as a childhood dream soon turns into an epic nightmare.

What it the name of all that is holy!? I think everyone who worked on this film was on drugs! This had to be one the most retarded, strange, shocking, and fantastically stupid movies I've sat down and watched. It's sooo stupid, that it's actually funny.

Average teenager Dave begins to wonder why nobody has tried to be a superhero. Everyone reads the comics, but no one ever tries it. Why? With this on his mind, he gets an outfit and decides to live his dream, by becoming Kick-Ass. Upon getting into his first fight, he is severely injured and many of his limbs have to be replaced with metal ones. Now that he actually has some sort of 'super power', he's back on the street, teaching the bad guys a lesson. But when one of his 'super fights' is filmed and put on the Internet, it produces a string of superheroes, some of whom are the real deal. And what started out as the chance to live a childhood dream soon turns into a violent and epic nightmare.

I think the major thing that was clever about this movie was how it pretty much took "pretending to be your hero" to a whole new level. The whole movie is basically about a guy who actually has the guts at adolescence to dress in a jumpsuit and attempt to fight crime. And in the process he starts a trend. It was a clever story, I'll give it that.

The script was clever too, quoting lines from other superhero flicks and sampling scenes from them too.

"Wait til they get a load of me." - Famously said by Jack Nicholson in Batman and now used as the last line of Kick-Ass.

Aaron Johnson who plays the masked avenger was great. Very simplye, quite funny, and genuine. I can imagine that he spent his free moments reading about Batman and Spiderman.

The real hero though, was young Chloe Moretz who plays Hit Girl. Dishing out the majority of the movie's violence (keep in mind that it's an MA movie) and being like 11 years old, she was not to be ignored.

Filled with familiar faces such as Christopher Mintz-Plass, Mark Strong, and Nicholas Cage, Kick-Ass was a clever film about following trends and how dangerous they can become if taken too seriously. Packed with action, dorks, sex, blood, slicing, violence, and many a one-piece suit, Kick-Ass was a fantastically stupid movie that gets, simultaneously, a "how clever" reaction and a "what the fuck!?" reaction. Worth seeing at least once.

The Blind Side [PG]

Based on the extradorinay true story of an athlete who was a winner before he ever stepped onto the field. Michael Ohre was a boy who knew little of family and lots of the streets of Memphis. But when he is taken in by well-to-do Leigh Anne, he sees that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Alright, so I'm still a little teary and sniffling, but have come away from The Blind Side feeling completely dazzled and warm.

Michael Oher is a boy who has never had a proper education. He knows little about family and has been passed onto other schools to deal with. Upon entering a new school, Michael is immediately seen by the kids and teachers as being dull-minded and simple, not to mention incredibly shy. But there is one teacher and one child who see under the surface. Upon seeing her son converse with Michael, well-to-do Leigh Anne develops an intrigue in the boy and asks him to stay with her and her family for a time. As Michael gets closer to the family, he develops a confidence and a strong sense of responisibility, he must protect them. And he learns what it means to have a family and have people believe in him.

Quinton Aaron who plays Michael was beautiful. I melted when I first saw him with his eyes downcast and shy. Then as he finds friends and family, he smiles and your heart flutters. He was absolutely adorable.

Sandra Bullock is Leigh Anne. She got the Academy Award for Best Actress 2009 for this movie, and I can understand why. Like an onion, there are many layers to Sandra's character and a fair amount of the time she never reacts how you'd imagine she would. Although she wasn't the film's hero, you were certainly rooting for her.

The Blind Side was just a beautiful drama. It had a wonderful story, a heart-warming script, gorgeous characters, and was remarkably simple, which made it all the more powerful. Based on the extraordinary true story, I am seriously considering buying this movie and adding it to my collection. Simply wonderful and totally heart-warming!

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief [M]

Zeus's most powerful weapon, his lightning bolt, has been stolen and Zeus has put a name to the suspected thief: Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon. Now with Zeus and Poseidon preparing for war, it's up to Percy to prove his innocence.

Unlike that annoying remake Clash of the Titans, this movie actually worked in that it made the whole mythology thing appealing to a modern audience. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief was a fun movie filled with action, adventure, and humour.

Zeus's lightning bolt has been stolen and he has put a name to the thief: Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon. If the bolt is not returned by midnight on the summer solstice, there will be war between Zeus and Poseidon. Percy has grown up thinking that he is just an ordinary boy with dyslexia and ADHD, but all that he thinks he knows about himself goes out the window when he learns that he is the son of Poseidon and a demigod.

"This is a lot to process."

Upon learning that he is being accused of stealing, Percy goes to a special camp for demigods where he gets told that he must go to Olympus and prove his innocence to Zeus so as to prevent the war. It sounds easy enough, but things take a downhill turn when Hades, whom wants the bolt so he can rule Olympus, abducts Percy's mother and holds her hostage. Now it's up to Percy to go to the underworld, save his mother, then go on to Olympus to prove his innocence. All before a deadline.

This movie was a little like Stardust, only not as brilliant. I say this because I feel the same way when I'm watching Stardust as when I watch Percy Jackson. The film was a perfect balance of action, adventure, great characters, and comedy. It had a good script that consisted of mythical references as well as the modern ones. The special effects were pretty cool too, I particularly liked the many-headed Hydra and the centaurs. I think the only downside to the movie was that everything happened so fast and for some time during the flick, you're playing catch-up, trying to understand everything. Aside from that, the film made it into my collection, so you know that I really liked it.

Packed with familiar faces such as Sean Bean, Steve Coogan, Uma Thurman, Rosario Dawson, and Pierce Brosnan, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief was a great movie filled with action and adventure. A well-balanced flick that will appeal to anyone. It's just fun a time.

17 Again [PG]

Mike O'Donnell is a man whom life has passed by. But, upon falling through some sort of crack in time, he discovers that he has the chance to start a fresh life because he's 17 Again. Who says you're only young once?

Oh yes giggling fan girls, it's Zac Efron! "Oh he's so pretty!" In case you couldn't hear it, there was sarcasm in that statement. I don't swing the Zac way. The obviously pretty isn't my style. But after seeing this movie, I do have a new appreciation for him. NOT because I think he's attractive, but because he is quite a talented actor.

Mike O'Donnell is a man who is severely disappointed with the way his life has turned out. He believes that making one decision at 17 has sent his life completely downhill. Back in his day, he was captain of the high school basketball team and had the potential to play professionally, be a super sports star, all that jazz. But he threw it all away didn't he? Now, twenty years later, he is moving nowhere in his job, he and his wife are getting a divorce, he has been kicked out of the house, and his two teenage kids want nothing to do with him. Glumly wishing that he could relive the glory days of 1989, Mike falls off a bridge through some sort of crack in time and before he knows it, he's 17 again!

It may be a story that has been done and shaped time and time again, but this was actually a really clever little film. It got me at the lightsaber fight between young Mike and his best mate.

Zac Efron was really funny. Between his fits of yelling and "freaking out" to his almost "cougar-hunting", he was a complete delight to watch the entire way through.

I have to draw special attention to the funny details of the movie though. Any film tragic would find this movie hugely entertaining, mainly because of the character of Ned, Mike's best mate. Ned is a rich dork. He is simply adorkable! See what I did there? His house is filled with props and toys and statues. He has a Darth Vader and a Yoda in his hallway. He has a red and a blue lightsaber. He speaks Elvish. And his bed is modelled to look exactly like Luke Skywalker's land speeder in Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope. How freaking awesome is that! This is my true tragic nature coming out now.

The script was really clever too. I don't know if anyone else noticed, but there's a famous Back to the Future line it the film. Watch and see if you can work out where. And all the actors were great. The kid who played Alex, Mike's son, was wonderful, a complete sweetie. And the girl who played Maggie, Mike's daughter, is totally gorgeous.

Packed with time travel, spirit guides, lightsaber duels, Excalibur, lots of love and lots of laughs, 17 Again was a really clever little comedy that will have you laughing every time. Each time you watch it, you find a new layer of humour. Priceless.

"It's freaking me out! I'm pubescent!"

The Ninth Gate [MA]

Dean Corso is a book dealer who believes in one thing: money. When a rich and fanatical book collector hires him to find and authenticate some extremely rare Satanist books, he signs on immediately. But as he delves deeper into this job, sinister things begin to happen and Corso soon realises that he's signed on for way more than he bargained for.

As you probably know by now, I absolutely adore Johnny Depp and so, when I saw this film at work, I figured that I just had to sit down and watch it. Usually thrillers and religious-themed films aren't my scene, but one has to walk the roads of unknown territory sooner or later.

Dean Corso is a New York book dealer who believes in one thing: money. In the film, Corso is approached by a very rich and fanatical collector named Balkan. Balkan owns a copy of an extremely rare book called The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows, a book that is said to have been written in collaboration with the Devil. Although the book looks authentic enough, Balkan is convinced that it is a forgery and he hires Corso to go to Europe to find and authenticate the last remaining two copies. As soon as Corso sets off on this job, he learns that there is much more under the surface with these books than meets the eye. And what started out as a job soon turns into an obsession as Corso becomes enthralled in a Satanic nightmare involving murder, theft, and rituals as he discovers that the 9 engravings that make up the books can, when interpreted and spoken correctly, unlock the gates of Hell and raise the Devil Himself.

As I mentioned before, I don't usually go for thrillers, although of the few I have seen, I can understand why people find them so appealing. That rush of anticipation when you're trying to brace yourself for the shock of what the hero will find when he goes round the corner or opens the door is almost addictive. I have noticed that there a quite a few thrillers that deal with religious conspiracies and stuff. Maybe because there is so much ground that you can cover. I mean there's perspectives, so that takes care of mind manipulation and emotional changes in characters, for better or worse. Then you can dive into the supernatural and paranormal end of the pool where you tend to get the physical and visual shock. That was the case with The Ninth Gate. Many of the murders where committed in the styles of the engravings of the books, I think that's pretty cool really. It was like in Seven where the serial killer was modelling his kills on the Seven Deadly Sins. So, as far as visuals go, this movie was good.

I also believe that the music has a very strong power as to make a film scary or not. Think about it, if Psycho didn't have that jagged violin music in the shower scene, the scene would have been almost laughable. However, the music in this was a little confused, I found. There were times where it was a sinister and melancholy violin that added a sense of anticipation to the movie, but then there were other moments when it seemed to be making light of the situations. I don't know, it just didn't seem to work.

Directed by Roman Polanski and starring Johnny Depp, Frank Langella and Lena Olin, The Ninth Gate was an intriguing thriller, although by the end of the film it got a little strange and you were left with a "huh?" feeling. I don't think it will be added to the collection, but that's not to say that it's not worth watching at least once.

Little Ashes [MA]

A story of art, love, and betrayal. Robert Pattinson is Salvador Dali in the beautifully crafted and artistically genius Little Ashes.

It seems that I'm going on a graphic drama spree today. First Precious and now Little Ashes. I hired this movie to see Robert Pattinson step out into the more artistic style of film, and I'm very very very glad I did so. Robert delivers a stunning performance in this wonderful and artistic drama.

Spain in 1922. The country is dominated by churches, the army, and landowners. Conservative morality is influencing all spheres: social, artistic, and sexual. Salvador Dali is young, talented, eccentric, and studying at the Academy of Fine Arts with playwright Federico Garcia Lorca and film maker Luis Bunuel. Whilst at school Salvador experiments with images, sexuality, and perspectives. This is his story.

Robert Pattinson is a genius. Producing a stunning performance, he plays the eccentric extremely well, maybe a little too well? Between his early bouts of shyness to his passionate fits of insanity, my eyes were constantly fixed on the screen. I was completely hypnotised for the entire film.

It is such a beautifully crafted movie, as I mentioned before. Everything flows so smoothly and it was balanced perfectly with black and white snippets of violent footage of the cold reality. There is one scene that was absolutely mesmerising. A scene where Salvador and Federico are swimming together. The water that drips from their fingertips is slowed and lit in such as way as to look like magic or falling stardust. It was the very image of the word "fantasy."

It was amazing to see the character of Salvador change so dramatically. At the beginning he's shy and stands out, but by the end he is proud and almost narcissistic. But all the while, you can tell that he is confused. I cannot put into words how beautiful Robert was in this movie! It was nothing short of magic.

A truly powerful and mesmerising film, Little Ashes shows us the life of Salvador Dali whilst he was studying in Madrid. Full of power, passion, love, betrayal, and art, I was totally and utterly hynotised the whole way through.

Precious [MA]

Precious Jones is a bright and beautiful girl, but she can't see this. After being kicked out of high school, Precious goes to an alternate school where she learns to be happy because she is truly Precious.

I literally have no tears left after watching this film. Everything about it from the confronting and sad story to the knock-out performances was completely heartbreaking. It is now my sad duty to talk about the outstanding and genuine work of art that is Precious.

Clarisse Precious Jones, commonly known as Precious, is a bright student whose life is a sad story. Living with her abusive mother and carrying her second child from her father, Precious has spent her entire life being abused both sexually and physically and told that she is worthless and unwanted. Upon being kicked out of high school, Precious begins to attend an alternate school which teaches troubled students to read and write. Whilst meeting new people and making friends in this environment, Precious learns many things, the most important being to be brave and happy and realise just how precious she is.

Based on the book Push by Sapphire, Precious is an amazing drama that would get tears from a stone. Dealing with shocking and confronting themes like child abuse, rape and incest, you're always in a state of shock or tears during this movie.

Gabourey Sidibe is Precious and she is absolutely stunning. Giving a heartbreaking performance, seriously I haven't cried this hard in a movie since I was 5 and watching The Lion King. I can't think of a more heart-wrenching performance. Simply beautiful.

Mo'Nique is Mary, Precious' mother. Another amazing performance. Although you completely hate her for the majority of the film because of all the terrible things she says and does to Precious, there's a scene towards the very end of the movie where you completely melt. It was like finally taking off a mask made of stone and finding that there is really a feeling face underneath it. Absolutely breathtaking.

The script was wonderful, abusive, degrading, and everything in between, making the dialogue in this movie very very very powerful. The use of colour was something else that you really notice. Everything brightens up when Precious dreams of a better life. Simply beautiful. Even the soundtrack was wonderful. Filled with beautiful gospel style songs that both inspire and life the heart.

Nominated for 3 Golden Globe awards including Best Picture, Precious is a powerful and stunning drama, easily one of the top 30 greatest flicks of all time. Truly moving and inspiring, a genuine work of art.