The Other Boleyn Girl [M]

Anne and Mary Boleyn are two beautiful sisters who, driven by the blind ambition of their family, compete against one another for the love of King Henry VIII. While each sister briefly shares the King’s bed, only one will have his undying affection, and only one will ascend to the throne. 

Being confined to bed with a nasty bastard of a cold, it seems that all I am going to do today is watch movies, so we may as well have a bit of an eclectic selection going. 

A classic tale of romance, intrigue, and betrayal, The Other Boleyn Girl is a vibrant and sumptuous drama set against the backdrop of a defining moment in European history. 

Anne and Mary Boleyn are two beautiful sisters who, driven by the blind ambition of their family, compete against one another for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII. While each sister briefly shares the King’s bed, only one will have his undying affection, and only one will ascend to the throne. 

It’s always interesting to go back to these period movies and think about how times have changed; politically, morally, and religiously. 

Not to mention fashionably too. One of my favourite parts about watching these sorts of movies is just ogling at all the extravagant and decadent costumes that dominate the screen; it must be both a dream and a nightmare for any costume designer. The outfits in The Other Boleyn Girl were simply marvellous! It’s when you see such amazing costumes such as these that you realise that, on every film, there are people behind the scenes, working their fingers to the bone to bring us these amazing creations and make the movie as real as possible. Well done everyone involved in that! 

Natalie Portman stars as Anne Boleyn and she was brilliant. I have always liked Natalie Portman and in this film she delivered another flawless performance that was playful, teasing, romantic, tender, desperate, and manipulative. She really is an amazing actress. 

Scarlett Johansson stars as Mary Boleyn and she gave a performance that was tender, warm, kind-hearted, and unfalteringly reliable. Scarlett is another actress who I have a bit of a soft spot for. 

Eric Bana stars as King Henry VIII and he was great. He gave a performance that was lustful, proud, passionate, and there was a touch of the manic about him as well. His was a very powerful performance. 

Starring Jim Sturgess, Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas, Juno Temple, Ana Torrent, and David Morrissey, The Other Boleyn Girl was a fabulously sumptuous drama filled with amazing costumes, romance, betrayal, manipulation, and possibly the most romantic sex scene I have ever seen. It’s a wonderful film.  

The Big Lebowski [MA]

Jeff Lebowski, commonly known as The Dude, is happily living the simple life: he’s unemployed, unkempt, and laid back. That is until two thugs mistake him for a Pasadena millionaire with the same name and soil his rug. Hoping to get some sort of compensation, The Dude tracks down the right Lebowski, but then gets more than he bargained for when Lebowski ropes him into helping him save his wife, who has been kidnapped. 

THIS IS A BRILLIANT FILM! The thing about the Coen brothers’ comedies is that you have to persevere and watch the entire thing in order to understand and appreciate how clever and hysterical it really is. The Big Lebowski is a classic example of the ripple effect and irony, and is filled with sex, embezzlement, action, drama, and massive, MASSIVE mistakes. It’s absolutely brilliant! 

Jeff Lebowski, commonly known as The Dude, is happily living the simple life: he’s unemployed, he’s unkempt, he’s laid back, and he would rather spend all his time bowling. That is until two thugs mistake him for a Pasadena millionaire with the same name and soil his rug as a threat. Hoping to receive some sort of compensation, The Dude tracks down the right Lebowksi, but then gets more than he bargained for when the old man ropes him into helping him save his wife, who has recently been kidnapped. 

Like The Trouble With Harry, The Big Lebowski is a classic example of irony and the ripple effect as the film’s central dramas and complications are caused by the two most simple characters, the Dude and his mate Walter. It’s just hilarious to see these two attempt to do a simple task and then somehow manage to foul it up epically. 

As the irony is one major element that makes this film so funny, the classic example of the ripple effect is the other, as all the film’s complications and dramas are set into motion by something as simple as a case of mistaken identity. If the two thugs had got the right guy to begin with, none of the terrible things that followed would have taken place. It’s classic, classic comedy. 

With memorable performances from Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, and Steve Buscemi, The Big Lebowski is a fantastically clever film filled with action, threats, violence, booze, sex, dope, memorable characters, and massive, massive mistakes. Seriously, if you want a good comedy, WATCH THIS FILM! 

Legally Blonde [PG]

Elle Woods is a Beverly Hills beauty who has everything: she’s gorgeous, she’s fun, she’s fashionable, and she’s blonde. But Elle’s perfect world comes crashing down during a date with her boyfriend Warner. Convinced that Warner is going to propose to her, Elle is shocked when he dumps her, saying he needs someone “more serious.” With a little bit of diligence, a lot of study, and a tad of polish, Elle rises to the challenge of keeping her man by enrolling at Harvard Law School. But once she gets in, can she muster the courage to stay in? 

In all honesty, this movie is one of those really camp chick flicks that’s all about believing in yourself and having the ability to surprise yourself and others. Nevertheless, it treads the fine line of chick flick successfully and has you in complete giggles and rooting for the heroine all the way through. 

Elle Woods is a Bevery Hills beauty who has everything: she’s gorgeous, she’s fun, she’s fashionable, and she’s blonde. But Elle’s perfect world comes crashing down during a dinner date with her boyfriend, Warner. Convinced that Warner is going to propose to her, Elle is shocked when he dumps her, saying that needs someone “more serious.” With a little bit of diligence, a lot of study, and a tad of polish, Elle rises to the challenge of keeping her man by enrolling at Harvard Law School. But once she gets in, can she muster the courage to stay in? 

Everything about this movie is vibrant and deadly. The colour pink is the most dominating throughout the shoot, there is a load of giggles and shrieks and girly chatter, and there are plenty of heroines. It has to be the most girly movie you’ve ever seen in your life. 

Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods and she was just darling. She delivered a performance that was bubbly, overly peppy, but at the same time really determined. A bit like a pixie who wants to be seen as more than a pixie. 

Starring Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Holland Taylor, Ali Larter, Alanna Ubach, and Jessica Cauffiel, Legally Blonde is a fun and bubbly movie that is sure to put you in a good mood however bad you’re feeling. Filled with comedy, romance, determination, and the occasional make-up tip, it’s just a load of fun. 

Big [PG]

When thirteen-year old Josh is refused admission onto a fairground ride, he finds a wish machine and wishes that he were big. The next morning, Josh awakes to discover that his wish has been granted and he is now a thirteen year old in thirty-year old body. Having to flee his home, Josh takes a stab at being a grownup, getting a job in a toy factory and, with his inner child guiding him, fast becoming the boss’ favourite. But the more Josh tastes the grownup life, the more he wishes that he were little again. 

The whole body-switching thing has been successfully done time and time again in Suddenly 30, 17 Again, Freaky Friday, and The Hot Chick, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a body-change movie quite like this one. It wasn’t overdone in any way. There was no overly clever or crude humour to bring a sour taste to the innocence of the whole thing. I like that. It was all very innocent. 

When thirteen-year old Josh is refused admission onto a fairground ride, he finds a wish machine and wishes that he were big. The next morning, Josh awakes to discover that his wish has been granted and he is now a thirteen year old in a thirty-year old body. Having to flee his home to New York to find the wish machine, Josh takes a stab at being a grownup, getting a job in a toy factory and, with his inner child guiding him, fast becoming the boss’ favourite. But the more Josh tastes of the grownup life, the more he begins to wish that he were little again. 

As I mentioned before, this film was entirely innocent, but at the same time really powerful. It’s a classic tale of “be careful what you wish for”, but one that benefits the hero in more than one way. In most transformation stories the hero is transformed so he can receive spiritual enlightenment and learn really important emotional lessons. In Big, Josh does not only learn the lesson of waiting for life to go on naturally, he gets a sneak-peek into what sort of world lies in his future. He takes responsibility and makes it on his own in the adult world, which is something that you never see in most transformation movies, because there is always a friend who believes the hero and then the entire thing becomes a massive charade. Yes, there is the believing friend in Big, but for the most part, he leaves the hero to his own devices and only really helps out in the beginning. I think what all the words I’m using boil down to is that Big was a really natural sort of transformation movie, where the hero has to adapt to his new surroundings and not change them to suit him. I really liked that. 

With Tom Hanks as the hero and delivering a really memorable performance, and starring Elizabeth Perkins, Jon Lovitz, David Moscow, Jared Rushton, Robert Loggia, and John Heard, Big is a timeless be-careful-what-you-wish-for classic that’s fit for all ages and stands the test of time. Filled with the supernatural, comedy, action, friendship, innocence, and romance, it’s a wonderful film that will never cease to captivate audiences.  

The Trouble With Harry [PG]

What is the trouble with Harry? Well, it’s the fact that he’s dead and, although each person he encounters doesn’t seem to mind, each one feels somewhat responsible for his death. Soon, Harry causes complications for everyone, as each person who meets his corpse goes to some lengths to cover up what they think they’ve done to him. 

Alfred Hitchcock is famously known as the “Master of Suspense”, but The Trouble With Harry has to be one of his most deviously funny and grimly heart-warming accomplishments. Filled with drama, comedy, romance, and a corpse, The Trouble With Harry is a really wonderful film that cunningly balances the fine line of dark humour. 

What is the trouble with Harry? Well, it’s the fact that he’s dead and, although each person he encounters doesn’t really seem to mind, each one feels somewhat responsible for his death. Soon, Harry is causing numerous complications for every person he meets, as each one goes to some lengths to cover up what they think they’ve done to him. 

Usually, with an Alfred Hitchcock movie, when it’s over you’re left sitting there staring at the screen with wide eyes, a shiver running up you spine, and your stomach falling over itself as your mind tries to make sense of what you just saw and battle with your primal human instinct simultaneously. At the end of The Trouble With Harry, I was left with a feeling of closure, cosiness, a huge smile on my face, and a laugh in my voice. 

This movie is the perfect example of dark humour, without it getting crude or violent. When you really think about it, The Trouble With Harry was a fantastic form of irony, as the film’s central complications are caused by a dead man. It’s rather grim, but really, really funny, and a wonderful example of what clever writing can achieve. 

Watching this movie is like having numerous turns on a merry-go-round. I know that sounds weird, but let me explain. Each time you get on, you get on a different horse, and although it’s really the same experience as the last time, you feel that there is something different about it this time around. The Trouble With Harry was rather like that, as it was essentially made up of people thinking they’ve killed Harry, then realising that they haven’t, and then being in the same position when they think one of their friends killed Harry. It’s a delightful merry-go-round of death! Fantastic! 

With very funny performances from Edmund Gwenn, John Forsythe, Mildred Natwick, Mildred Dunnock, Jerry Mathers, Royal Dano, and Shirley MacLaine, The Trouble With Harry was a brilliant movie that was filled with comedy, drama, guilt, romance, and a corpse. It was light, it was clever, it was dark, and it was very, very funny. Readers, watch this film! 

My Darling Clementine [G]

When a family of notorious cattle rustlers murders Wyatt Earp’s brother James, he becomes the new Marshall of the town of Tombstone in an effort to find the killers and avenge his brother’s death. But keeping the little town a safe place proves harder than expected as Wyatt finds himself dealing with the cantankerous Doc Holliday, the feisty damsel Chihuaha, and to top everything off, he falls in love with Clementine, a former flame of Doc Holliday. 

Maybe you need to know the story or maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for a film tonight. Whatever the reason, I honestly did not see the point to this film. Everything about it seemed wooden and subdued and there was no real passion or vibrancy about it at all. 

When a family of notorious cattle rustlers murders Wyatt Earp’s brother James, he becomes the new Marshall for the town of Tombstone in an effort to find the killers and avenge his brother’s death. But keeping the little town a safe place proves much more difficult than expected as Wyatt finds himself pitting against the cantankerous Doc Holliday, the feisty damsel Chihuaha, and, to top everything off, he falls in love with Clementine, a former flame of Doc Holliday’s. 

For me, the film just didn’t seem to go anywhere. The story is easy enough to follow, but I honestly cannot see what makes the movie so special. I’ll admit that the characters were memorable, I did particularly like Doc Holliday, Chihuaha, and the Shakespearean actor who could not remember the To Be Or Not To Be monologue from Hamlet, but ultimately the story was bland, the performances were rather wooden, and even the climactic actiony shoot-out towards the end was a bit of a downer. I’m sorry. Maybe I’m just being uncultured and ignorant, but I really did not see the point of this film. 

Starring Henry Fonda, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature, Cathy Downs, Walter Brennan, Tim Holt, Ward Bond, Alan Mowbray, John Ireland, Roy Roberts, Jane Darwell, Grant Withers, J. Farrell MacDonald, and Russell Simpson, My Darling Clementine was a fine film for what it was, but I didn’t think it was all that. Filled with drama, romance, comedy, and action, it’s one of those films that you have to see at least once. 

Strictly Ballroom [PG]

Scott Hastings has been working towards winning the Pan Pacifics Grand Prix since he was six years old. A very talented dancer, Scott is becoming bored with Federation standard steps and turning to improvisation and pleasing the crowd. But when his non-Federation steps lose him his partner, Scott’s chances to win at the Pan Pacifics get slimmer and slimmer. There is hope though, when Scott teams up with dancing beginner, Fran, and through her and her family, Scott learns to stand up and not live in fear. 

Before writer/director Baz Luhrmann wowed modern audiences with the enchanting spectacle that was Moulin Rouge!, he made us all laugh, cry, and fall in love with a devastatingly sexy Paul Mercurio and a darling Tara Morice in Strictly Ballroom. 

Scott Hastings has been working towards winning the Pan Pacifics Gran Prix since he was six years old. A very talented dancer, Scott has recently become bored with the Federation steps and turned towards improvisation and pleasing the crowd. But when his flashy new steps lose him his partner, his chances at winning at the Pan Pacifics get slimmer and slimmer. While his determined and competitive show mother uses all manner of tricks to get Scott’s career on the right track, Scott begins secretly dancing with Fran, a beginner dancer who has a bit of a crush on him. Through Fran and her family, Scott learns to stand up to adversity and to live without fear. This film is the perfect romantic comedy. 

What I particularly love about it is that it’s a sort of web of stories that are all woven together to make something visually stunning. There is the romance story between the two leads: two very unlikely partners who are more alike than they, and everyone else, realise. Then there is the story of Scott being rebellious and overcoming adversity. There is also the story of the ugly duckling, as Fran begins the film as a mousy and blemished dear, but then slowly transforms into a beautiful and vibrant woman. And underneath all the uplifting and happy stories is the story of dark ambition and conspiracy; how the Dance Federation is determined to keep dance the way it is and quash any rebellious behaviour. 

With these stories as the film’s skeleton, a great soundtrack, stunning and vibrant costumes, brief interviews with the characters, and mesmerising lighting and slow-motion camera work forming its skin, Strictly Ballroom is thing of beauty and inspires all manner of emotions in its audience from anger to passion to joy. IT’S A FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC FILM! 

With wonderful performances from Paul Mercurio (he was so sexy and I believe this was his first film), Tara Morice, Pat Thomson, Bill Hunter, Gia Carides, Peter Whitford, Barry Otto, Pip Mushin, Sonia Kruger, and Todd McKenney, Strictly Ballroom is a wonderful film filled with drama, romance, passion, dazzling costumes, and comedy. It’s an absolute gem!!!

The Fighter [MA]

Dicky was once the pride of Lowell, Massachusetts, a boxer of talent who went toe-to-toe with champ Sugar Ray Leonard. But Dicky has fallen on hard times and has become a crack addict. The new fighter of the family is Micky, who’s fledgling career is going nowhere under the management of his mother. When a fight nearly kills him, his iron-willed girlfriend, Charlene, persuades Micky to split from his family and be his only priority. But when Micky gets the opportunity of a lifetime, it becomes clear to him that it’s going to take Charlene, his new trainer, and his entire family to make him a champ. 

I am still shaking from the adrenaline rush that this darkly funny and ambitious drama provides. Based on a true story, The Fighter is an amazing piece of work filled with fighting, drama, comedy, and memorable, really memorable performances. 

Dicky was once the pride of Lowell, Massachusetts, a boxer of great talent who went toe-to-toe with title champ, Sugar Ray Leonard. But Dicky has fallen on hard times and become a crack addict. The new fighter of the family is Dicky’s half-brother Micky, who’s fledgling career is going nowhere under the management of his mother, Alice. When a mismatched fight nearly kills him, Mickey is persuaded by his girlfriend, Charlene, to do the unthinkable: split from the family and make a career on his own, away from his aggressively competitive mother and without his troubled brother. But when Micky gets the opportunity of a lifetime; a shot at a title match, it becomes clear to him that it’s going to take Charlene, his new trainer, his mother, his brother, and his entire family to get him there. 

The story is already there, armed with elements of inspiration, ambition, comedy, and drama. But what made The Fighter a really memorable movie were the knockout (forgive the wording) performances. Each actor was brilliant and played perfectly towards and against one another. 

Mark Wahlberg as Micky was introverted, reserved, and sort of emotionally confused, which was amazing to watch against Christian Bale who played Dicky and gave a performance that was loud, egocentric, rebellious, and reckless. He got the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this film. Then there was Amy Adams who played Charlene and gave a performance that was strong, demanding, and strangely insightful, which played brilliantly against the performance of Melissa Leo who played Alice and gave a performance that was competitive, aggressive, all-knowing, and blind, completely unaware of any emotional turmoil that was going within her family. Seriously, her performance was SO good. I was literally screaming profanities at her character the entire time. I have never felt so blindly enraged by a character before. I saw red each time she was onscreen. It’s no wonder she got the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress! 

Filled with drama, dark comedy, a wicked soundtrack, ambition, violence, and killer performances, The Fighter was an amazing film about a great true story. Everyone who worked on this film should be proud of themselves because this was just FANTASTIC!

Frost/Nixon [M]

When disgraced former American President, Richard Nixon, agrees to do a series of interviews with jet-setting and vibrant television star, David Frost, he sees it as a chance to bring back some shine to his tarnished legacy. However, with  a name to live up to and a stereotypical reputation to overcome, Frost turns out to be Nixon’s most formidable adversary, engaging the former President into a heavily charged battle where there can only be one winner. 

It’s brilliant films like these that spark interest in a younger audience to pay more attention to history and politics. Filled with dazzling performances, drama, comedy, and ambition, Frost/Nixon is a wonderful movie that really brought life to a few subjects that a younger audience would usually find deadly dull. IT’S JUST STUNNING! 

When disgraced former American President, Richard Nixon, agrees to do a series of interviews with jet-setting and vibrant television star, David Frost, he sees it as a chance to bring some shine back to his tarnished legacy. However, with a name to live up to, a reputation to overcome, and a career on the line, Frost turns out to be Nixon’s most formidable adversary, engaging the former President in a supercharged battled where there can only be one winner. 

This film was engaging right from the off. With a few post-interview interviews interspersed throughout the film, it is a perfectly balanced film, in that it has moments of intense and heavy drama, but provides moments of relief where the audience can take a breath and absorb what has just happened. It’s spot-on filmmaking is what it is. 

The script and the screenplay for the film was wonderful too because, along with the little interviews with the characters scattered throughout the film, there are moments of levity and light, witty, comedy that play against the more intense dramas and political themes. That’s what I really liked about the movie, it sort of simplified themes like politics and history that I usually find hard to grasp. 

Michael Sheen stars as David Frost and he was just perfect. He delivered a performance that was brilliantly showman-like, conveying memorable moments of wit, drama, trouble, despair, and subtle ambition. You just completely fell in love with him, and his character was perfect to play against that of the reserved and not-so-charming Nixon. He was just fantastic! 

The real star of the show, however, was Frank Langella who played Nixon. It’s amazing to see actors playing the roles of famous and influential people, and seeing how amazingly like them they can be. I don’t want to say “imitate” because it’s not the right word, what Langella does is this movie is physically and emotionally inhabit Nixon, almost channelling him really. He delivered a most tremendously moving performance that was aggressive, sincere, sometimes funny, defensive, and deeply, deeply moving. Seriously, aside from Colin Firth in The King’s Speech, I haven’t been so deeply moved and mesmerised by such a performance! 

Starring Sam Rockwell, Rebecca Hall, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, Clint Howard, Matthew MacFayden, and Toby Jones, Frost/Nixon was a fantastic drama filled with comedy, passion, ambition, romance, and memorable, memorable performances. Seriously, watch it because it was just a stunning film! 

No Strings Attached [MA]

Adam and Emma have met before, but it’s upon their fourth meeting that they decide to become sex friends. It works for a while, but soon they realise that they want something more.

I love Natalie Portman and, as tweeny and embarrassing as this is, I have a bit of a soft spot for Ashton Kutcher. It only seemed right to rent out this movie for a bit of Wednesday night light entertainment. That’s really all it was, a light, charming, romantic comedy that was enjoyable and filled with romantic moments, charming characters, and an original story.

Adam and Emma have met before, but it’s upon their fourth meeting that they decide to become sex friends. Their relationship works for a while, but soon everything is threatened as they each begin to feel that they want something more than just sex.

A little like Love & Other Drugs, No Strings Attached began as a strictly sexual relationship that then blossomed into something more. It was rather slow to start, but once you get into the dynamics of the relationship, most of which are kept at piano aside from the sex which crescendos into a forte, you become completely hooked.
Ashton Kutcher stars as Adam and he was charming, down to earth, and a refreshingly different kind of lover. Most lovers bring flowers and make mixed CDs of romantic songs. Not Ashton! In this film he kicks off their date armed with bouquet of carrots and a mixed CD for Emma to enjoy when she has her period! THAT IS TOO GREAT! I really hope my beau does that for me one day.
Natalie Portman stars as Emma and she was just wonderful. I’ve often said that Natalie Portman is one of the rare actresses whom I actually like and definitely one of the more gorgeous girls on the screen today. In No Strings Attached she delivered a performance that was reserved, playful, charming, and armed with biting wit. I don’t blame Ashton for falling for her.
Starring Kevin Kline, Carey Elwes, Greta Gerwig, Lake Bell, Olivia Thirlby, Ludacris, Jake M. Johnson, Mindy Kaling, and Ophelia Lovibond, No Strings Attached was a charming little rom-com that was filled with adorable gestures, sex, memorable characters, comedy, romance, and a little bit of drama. It was a really nice, light, and lovely film.

Romeo + Juliet [M]

Two families divided by hate bring civil war and tragedy to fair Verona. Amidst all the hatred and violence are two star-crossed lovers, Romeo from the Montague family, and Juliet from the Capulet family, living true, but forbidden love. 

Even if you don’t understand the writing, the work of Shakespeare is timelessly romantic and beautifully tragic. Baz Luhrmann retells the timeless tale of tragedy and romance in this stunning film filled with action, true love, violence, and drama. 

Two households; both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loin of these two foes, a pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; whose misadventured piteous overthrows doth with their death, bury their parents’ strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark’d love and the continuance of their parents’ rage, which but their children’s end, nought could remove, is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage. 

Two families divided by hate bring civil war and tragedy to fair Verona. Amidst all the hatred and bloodshed are two star-crossed lovers, Romeo of the Montague family, and Juliet of the Capulet family, living true, but forbidden love. 

Baz Luhrmann is a really clever filmmaker. We were bowled over by the romance and unbridled passion of the lovers in Moulin Rouge! because Luhrmann used the raw power of the musical genre, something not seen on modern screens for quite some time. In Strictly Ballroom, the passion and drama was evident in the dances that the lovers performed. And here, in a stunning retelling of Shakespeare’s timeless classic, the old Shakespearean language is used and plays strikingly against a violently modern setting. The contrast is just dazzling; to see Leonardo DiCaprio spout a poetic monologue about such love he feels and then whip out a gun and engage in a violent brawl is just dazzling. It takes the classic and puts it in a modern, dirty, and violent setting, but it still maintains its dignity and power. It’s just stunning! 

Packed with wonderful performances from Leonardo DeCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo, Harold Perrineau, Peter Postlethwaite, Miriam Margoyles, Paul Sorvino, Brian Dennehy, and Paul Rudd, Romeo + Juliet is a dazzling triumph filled with action, violence, brawls, bloodshed, beauty, romance, and much breathtaking drama. 

After saying all this though, I will admit that, although this film is brilliant and a stunning work, I still don’t think it has anything on Moulin Rouge! As tragic as the story is, and as beautiful as the film is made, I still don’t feel the need to have it in the collection. It’s sad, but true… But you should still all watch the movie! 

Teen Wolf Too [M]

Todd is a college freshman who is charming, polite, has a talent for science, and is completely content with who he is. But everything takes a downhill turn when he discovers that he is a werewolf like his uncle and cousin. Suddenly, Todd is a boxing pro, breezing through his courses without trying, and getting everything from cars to intense popularity. But, can he have it all and not let it go to his head? 

Both Teen Wolf and Teen Wolf Too didn’t really have legs from the beginning. It’s amazing that you could not help but like the first one. And the second one is pretty much the exact same thing, just with a different character and a little more conflict. Funnily enough, I still liked it. 

Todd is a college freshman who is charming, polite, has a talent for science, and is completely content with who he is. But everything takes a downhill turn when he discovers that he is a werewolf like his uncle and cousin, Scott. Now, along with a large amount of hair, suddenly Todd is a boxing pro, he’s breezing through his courses without trying, and is getting everything handed to him from new cars to intense popularity. But as he starts to get used to this new him, he lets everything go to his head and he starts to turn into an even nastier animal than the wolf. 

So the basic story and setting is pretty much the same as the first one, only with a few subtle changes: 

A) the teen wolf is not Scott, but his cousin. That says to me that Michael J. Fox did not agree to do a sequel and they had to re-write the script. 

B) as soon as Todd turns into the wolf, he is actually met with a little fear and hostility, something that was the complete opposite in the first one. 

C) The inner conflict was much better and more pronounced in this one than it was in the first. Where Scott really wanted to be special and then became too special, Todd was already happy with who he was and the rewards that he gained for being special turned him into a spoilt egotistical jerk. I found the inner conflict in this film easier to see. 

Starring Jason Bateman (I could not get over how young he was in this film), Kim Darby, John Astin, Paul Sand, James Hampton, Mark Holton, Estee Chandler, and Stuart Fratkin, Teen Wolf Too was a fun sequel that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Filled with action, romance, boxing, music, and comedy, it’s just as silly, but enjoyable as the first one. I still won’t add them to the collection though. 

Teen Wolf [PG]

Scott is tired of being an average teen. He’s sick of being a dork, sucking at basketball, and being ignored by the popular girls. But when he discovers that he’s a budding young werewolf, everything changes. Suddenly, he’s got everything: skills on the court, popularity, the most popular girl in school, and more hair than he knows what to do with. But somehow, having everything isn’t what he expected it to be. 

This was a really silly movie, but you could not help but love it a little. Filled with memorable characters, comedy, romance, and lovely messages about acceptance, Teen Wolf is your typical 80s movie, great for the family. 

Scott is tired of being an average teenager. He’s sick of sucking at basketball, being a dork, and being ignored by the popular girls. But when he discovers that he’s a budding young werewolf, everything changes… literally. Suddenly, he has everything: skills on the court, popularity, the most popular girl in school, and more hair than he knows what to do with. But somehow, having everything is not all he expected it would be. 

Teen Wolf was pretty mediocre all around, but I think what made it special was its strong messages about acceptance. We saw drag queens being accepted by other outsiders in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and To Wong Foo, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film where the mainstream crowd fully accepts someone that’s different. Not only does the entire high school accept Scott when he’s the wolf, they all prefer it, which brings the inner conflict and drama to the film. 

I particularly like the idea that in those days, there were no big grotesque transformations like in Van Helsing or Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, there was just run-off-screen-and-come-back-a-minute-later-covered-in-hair-and-claws. There were no computer effects, all you needed was to sit in the makeup chair for three hours. My God how times have changed. 

Starring Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine, Matt Adler, Lorie Griffin, Mark Arnold, Mark Holton, and Kim McKrell, Teen Wolf is a silly, but fun family movie filled with comedy, romance, physical changes, 80s music, and messages of acceptance. I wouldn’t deem it good enough for the collection, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 

Moulin Rouge! [M]

Paris, 1900; the Summer of Love. Young Christian has come from London to be a part of the Bohemian revolution, to live a penniless existence, and to write about truth, beauty, freedom, and, above all things… love. The only problem is that he’s never been in love. But that changes when he goes to the Moulin Rouge and falls head over heels for Satine, a courtesan and star of the Moulin Rouge. When Satine returns Christian’s passionate feelings, true love blooms: a love that is forbidden and threatens to destroy them. 


The Notebook is overrated! The Time Traveller’s Wife is better in writing! Even Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has got nothing on Moulin Rouge!, the greatest love story ever told! 

Paris 1900; the Summer of Love. Young Christian has come from London to be a part of the Bohemian Revolution, to live a penniless existence, and to write about freedom, beauty, truth, and that which he believes in most… love. There is just one problem: he’s never been in love. But that changes when his newly found friends take him to the Moulin Rouge where he falls head over heels for Satine, a courtesan and star of the Moulin Rouge. Unfortunately, Satine is promised to the investor of the Moulin Rouge, the Duke. But, as fate would have it, Satine mistakes Christian for the Duke and completely falls in love with him. Soon their romance escalates into true love, a love that is forbidden and threatens to destroy them both. 

Without a doubt the most beautifully tragic romance to ever grace our screens, Moulin Rouge! is a truly unique film. What writer-director, Baz Luhrmann, has done is completely redefine and reintroduce musicals to a modern audience. 
What makes Moulin Rouge! so unique is the fact that it is a musical, but it uses modern songs, re-written to suit the style of the movie, and mixes them with grandiose and glamorous sets that are even more dazzling than anything you can see on Broadway. In the film’s soundtrack, we hear classic tracks from Queen, Elton John, Madonna, and Patti LaBelle, as well as snippets from David Bowie, Nirvana, and possibly a better rendition of Roxanne than the Police originally did. 
Not only is Moulin Rouge! a feast for the ears, it truly is a feast for the eyes too. I cannot stress how utterly magic, and dazzling the sets, outfits, and special effects are, particularly during the scene where Christian and Satine fall in love. Baz Luhrmann successfully visualised what true love is for people: fireworks, shimmering rain, the moon singing in French, and enchanting symphonies everywhere. You have to see this film to believe its dazzling brilliance! Words cannot recreate its magnificence! 
Ewan McGregor stars as Christian and he is just so gorgeous isn’t he? He gave a performance that was inspired, free, passionate, clever, and heartbreakingly charming. I just LOVE Ewan McGregor! 
Nicole Kidman stars as Satine and she was lovely. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not really a Nicole Kidman fan. I personally think that the best thing she did (that I’ve seen) is The Stepford Wives, but that’s just me. In Moulin Rouge! she delivered a performance that was seductive, rational, and very dramatic. Sometimes a little too dramatic for my liking, she did a good job nonetheless. 
Not to mention, both she and Ewan can sing! 
Starring John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent, Richard Roxburgh, Jacek Koman, Christine Anu, Kerry Walker, Caroline O’Connor, David Wenham, and Kylie Minogue, Moulin Rouge! is a dazzlingly unique film that is filled with amazing costumes, fantastic music, memorable characters, and “a love that will live forever.” One of my favourite films of all time, you simply CANNOT go your entire life without watching Moulin Rouge! 


The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. 

Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith [M]

The Jedi are becoming increasingly concerned with all that is going on in the Republic. As more power is given to Chancellor Palpatine, the Jedi grow more suspicious and assign Anakin to spy on him for them. Secretly married to Padme, Anakin is now having terrible premonitions that show Padme dying during childbirth. Frightened to lose her, Anakin becomes friendlier with the Chancellor, who knows the ways of the Dark Side of the Force. 

Ooh exciting! Here it is! All Star Wars fans know the significance of this film… the birth of one of the greatest villains in cinema history! 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… 

War! The Republic is crumbling under attacks by the ruthless Sith Lord, Count Dooku. There are heroes on both sides. Evil is everywhere. In a stunning move, the fiendish droid leader General Grievous has swept into the Republic capital and kidnapped Chancellor Palpatine, leader of the Galactic Senate. As the Separatist droid army attempts to flee the besieged capital with their valuable hostage, two Jedi Knights lead a desperate mission to rescue the captive Chancellor… 

Here we are people. We’re at the meat of the saga. This is what the first three films have been leading up to… 

I have to say that they were finally staring to get the comedy right in this film. In Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, all the comedy seemed really trying, but here it was genuinely funny, particularly the banter between Anakin and Obi-Wan. That’s what made the originals so great! There was banter! We’ve finally cracked it! 

I have to say too that Hayden Christensen was much better in this film than the previous one. Well done! 

What I love most about this movie is that there are more wonderful creatures that we are introduced to (WE GET TO MEET CHEWBACCA AND THE WOOKIES!) and it is also the most emotionally powerful movie. You might think I say this in relation to Anakin and Padme’s romance, but no. I say it in relation to a certain scene where Yoda can feel the pain and suffering of his Jedi Knights. That scene gets me every time! 

Starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Jimmy Smits, Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Temuera Morrison, and Bruce Spence, Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is the final instalment in the Star Wars saga and is another triumph filled with just as much romance, action, epic battles, fantastic creatures, and comedy as its predecessors. 

No matter which way you slice it, there is no beating Star Wars!

Star Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones [M]

There is unrest and rebellion in the Galactic Republic, so much so that Senator Amidala has been targeted for assassination. Assigned to protect her are Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker. As Obi-Wan tracks down the Senator’s killer, Anakin is charged with the assignment of escorting her back home and watching over her there. But whilst in Naboo, the two develop a strong, but forbidden romance. 

Attack of the Clones was a really a filler movie if ever there was one, but who cares? It’s Star Wars, it’s classic, and it’s Ewan McGregor. Enough said. 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… 

There is unrest in the Galactic Senate. Several thousand solar systems have declared their intentions to leave the Republic. This separatist movement, under the leadership of the mysterious Count Dooku, has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order in the galaxy. Senator Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, is returning to the Galactic Senate to vote on the critical issue of creating an ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC to assist the overwhelmed Jedi… 

I said it before and I will say it again, Attack of the Clones was really a filler; an almost uneventful film that simply set things up for the final, climactic episode. The purpose of this film was the set up the romance between Anakin and Padme as well as introduce the audience to the clones that play such a major part in future events. There’s almost no point in tiptoeing about the bush with Star Wars is there? We all know what’s going to happen. 

There is just as much action and comedy in this one as there was in Phantom Menace, there’s a lot more romance here however. 

Now, I am not usually one who badmouths an actor, mainly for the fact that I’m afraid they will read my blog one day and do something less than friendly to me, but I do have to say that Hayden Christensen who plays a more grown-up Anakin Skywalker, is a crook actor. Every time I saw him in this movie, I wanted to hit him and my brother and parents agreed with my strong feelings. However, the presence of Ewan McGregor made it all better. 

Starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson. Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Temuera Morrison, Jimmy Smits, Jack Thompson, and Rose Byrne, Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones was another rollicking instalment in the saga, but really just a filler; “the deep breath before the plunge” as Gandalf the Grey once said. 

Filled with amazing creatures, action, romance, comedy, great battles, and beautiful scenery, it may be a filler, but it’s still a classic.  

Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace [PG]

The droid armies of the Trade Federation have invaded Naboo and Queen Amidala has fled to plea her case to the Galactic Senate. With two Jedi Knights to protect her, the voyage begins smoothly, but then takes a turn when their ship is damaged and they become stranded on the remote planet of Tatooine. Whilst trying to repair the ship, the situation becomes more complicated as Qui Gon Jin; Jedi Knight meets a young boy whom he believes to be the Chosen One, prophesised to bring balance to the Force. 

Before writing about the movie, I am going to come clean and say that episodes I, II, and III are not the same as the original films from the 70s, and in my opinion, the poorer episodes. I stand with my argument that the new Star Wars movies concentrate too much on the special effects, which are epically awesome admittedly, and neglects the power of the characters. That is what made the original films so great; they had brilliant characters that you just loved! 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… 

Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute. Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly battleships, the greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping to the small planet of Naboo. While the Congress of the Republic endlessly debates this alarming chain of events, the Supreme Chancellor has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of the peace and justice in the galaxy, to settle the conflict… 

After watching this movie, I have decided that this needs to be the film where we draw attention to a valuable area of filmmaking, one that is often overlooked: sound editing. I think in Phantom Menace, more than the following films and previous films, the different sounds that are created are just utterly fascinating, so much in fact that they really draw your attention to that area of filmmaking. Seriously, in films we look at the script, the screenplay, the actors, the direction, the production, and the soundtrack, but no one every really pays close attention to the minute sounds that play such an important part in creating the atmosphere and making fictional creations seem more real. Well done to everyone involved in that! 

It’s ironic to think that the films that show the events that preceded the events of the original movies are actually the more modern in terms of film technology and everything. It’s not only the special effects and computer-generated characters that are just amazing in comparison, but the lightsaber battles really blew me away. In the new films, they are far more violent and breathtaking. 

Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Frank Oz, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Stamp, and Keira Knightly (see if you can pick her), Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a fun and rollicking movie filled with action, romance, drama, politics, battles, and comedy. They’re not as classics as the originals, but I do love the new Star Wars movies. 

DodgeBall [M]

Peter LaFleur runs Average Joes, a quaint little gym filled with a group of ragtag members that have become like an awkward family. But this is all threatened when they learn that Joes needs to raise $50,000 or it will be taken over by competitive gym Globogym. Desperate the raise the money, the group enter in a dodge ball tournament with the first prize being $50,000. The only problem is, none of them can play dodge ball. But with ruthless dodge ball champion Patches O’Houlihan as they’re coach, they just might in with a shot. 

This really is a bizarre, but very funny and clever movie. It’s filled with comedy that can sometimes get a little crude, romance, determination, and balls. Every time I watch it, I find something new to laugh at. 

Peter LaFleur runs Average Joes, a quaint little gym inhabited by a group of ragtag members that have become like an awkward family, each with their own problems that just melt away when they’re at Joes. But this is all threatened when they learn that Joes needs to raise $50,000 or it will be taken over by the successful and competitive Globogym, run by White Goodman, who has a personal grudge against Peter. Desperate to raise the cash, the group enters a doge ball tournament with the first prize being $50,000. However, none of them have every played dodge ball before, but with the ruthless dodge ball champion, Patches O’Houlihan as their coach, they may just be in with a chance. 

The thing I like most about this movie is that it has a simple story that’s easy to follow and the entire film is moved along by its characters. Each character is as eccentric and memorable as the next, and all the actors did great jobs. 

Vince Vaughn stars as Peter LaFleur and he was great. Admittedly, the only time I’ve ever really seen Vince Vaughn inhabit another character is in Be Cool, in everything else I’ve seen him in, he tends to play the same sort of character. But who cares? He plays that character so well and in DodgeBall he delivered a performance that was charming, subtle, and rather funny. I really do like Vince Vaughn. 

Although the film is really about Vince and his team, the real star of the show was Ben Stiller who played White Goodman. The only other time I’ve seen Stiller really play another character is in Zoolander (and, to a lesser extent Starsky and Hutch), which is a bit of a shame because he’s really quite a versatile actor. He can inhabit any character and I think that’s what’s so great about him, he holds onto that ability to surprise you. Here, he gave a wonderfully memorable performance that was bizarre, aggressive, forceful, competitive, and just hilarious. He was very much like a peacock in certain scenes. Just brilliant. 

Starring Christine Taylor, Rip Torn, Justin Long, Stephen Root, Joel David Moore, Chris Williams, Alan Tudyk, Missi Pyle, Jamal Duff, Gay Cole, Jason Bateman, Hank Azaria, Al Kalpon, William Shatner, and featuring brilliant cameos from David Hasselhoff and Lance Armstrong, DodgeBall is a fantastically funny movie packed with sports, balls, comedy, violence, quick wit, and memorable characters. It really is a great movie that keeps your attention from start to finish. 

I, Robot [M]

In the year 2035, robots are providing humans with assistance and companionship and are a part of everyday life. Whilst everyone else sees robots as a blessing, Detective Spooner sees them as a curse, and when a brilliant scientist and personal friend of his is found dead at the U.S Robotics Corporation, his paranoid inklings are confirmed. Aided by robot psychologist, Dr. Susan Calvin, Spooner discovers a new generation of robot, one that is not bound by the laws that ensure the protection of mankind. Soon, the case escalates into a car wreck of conspiracy and murder, and Spooner soon finds himself fighting for his life, all the while coming closer to solving a mystery that threatens the very existence of humans. 

WHAT A FANTASTIC FILM! Each time I watch it, I find another layer that just heightens the enjoyment. Filled with action, science fiction, drama, and friendship, I, Robot is another film that has no expiration date! 

Law I – A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 

Law II – A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the first law. 

Law III – A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the first or second law. 

In the year 2035, robots are providing humans with assistance and companionship and are a part of everyday life. Whilst everyone else sees robots as a blessing, Detective Spooner sees them as a curse, and when a brilliant scientist and personal friend of his is found dead at the U.S Robotics Corporation, his paranoid inklings are confirmed. Aided by robot psychologist, Dr. Susan Calvin, Spooner discovers a new generation of robot, one that is not bound by the laws that ensure the protection of mankind. Soon, the murder case escalates into a car wreck of conspiracy and murder, and Spooner soon finds himself fighting for his life, all the while coming closer to uncovering a plot that threatens the very existence of humans. 

This has to be one of my favourite films of all time! It’s a fantastically original story, based on a book I believe, and harbours elements of pretty much every film genre. There’s action and science fiction, which comes in the forms of the robots, the amazing, amazing special effects, and the numerous explosions, fights, and chases. To play against all the rollicking action elements are smatterings of comedy and emotional themes, which come in the form of the lighter comedy script and the emotional story of Sonny, the killer robot in question, not all that different from Short Circuit really. Seriously, this film had everything right! 

Will Smith stars as Detective Spooner and he was brilliant. I do have a soft spot for Will, I have to admit. I just love his timing and delivery. He’s just perfect for these sorts of movies because he can play the action hero and be funny as well as successfully navigate his way through the more emotional and dramatic scenes. He’s just wonderful. Here, he delivered a performance that was charming, aggressive, sometimes violent, suspicious, and at times very funny. Rock on Will! 

Starring Bridget Moynahan, James Cromwell, Bruce Greenwood, Shia LeBeouf, and Alan Tudyk as Sonny, I, Robot is a fantastic film packed with action, knockout special effects, friendship, drama, and comedy. It has to be one of my all-time favourite movies! WATCH IT!

You know somehow, "I told you so"  just doesn't quite say it. 

From Here to Eternity [PG]

In the months leading up to that fateful day in December 1943, soldiers living in the barracks in Hawaii are each facing their own problems. Prewitt, a former bugler, boxer, and a new member to the troop is being punished for refusing to join his captain’s boxing team. His friend Maggio is trying to help but is facing problems of his own, mainly from the abusive stockade sergeant. Whilst the two troops battle through, their sergeant, Sergeant Warden is treading a dangerous line as he engages in an affair with the Captain’s wife. 

Only after reading what it said about this movie in The Book, can I see why this film did so well back in its day. It was based on a historical event, it used real footage, and it contained themes of adultery, violence, and general abuse, which is something that was not seen that often in films. So, yes, I will say that, for its day, From Here to Eternity was a very different and remarkable film, but to a modern audience, it wasn’t all that. 

In the months leading up that fateful day in December 1943, soldiers living in the barracks in Hawaii are each facing their own problems. Prewitt, a former bugler, boxer, and new member to the troop is being punished and pushed to join the boxing team so that the Captain might win the trophy and get his promotion. Although they hit him with every form of punishment, Prewitt continues to refuse, but the Captain and his boys won’t back down. Trying to help Prewitt is his friend Maggio who is facing troubles of his own, being victimised by the abusive and violent stockade sergeant. While the boys battle through their problems, their regiment sergeant, Sergeant Warden, amidst trying to keep everything under control, is treading a dangerous line as he engages in an affair with the Captain’s wife. 

Maybe it was the weather, maybe I wasn’t in the right mood, maybe it’s because I kept getting interrupted, maybe I’ve too much to compare it with. Whatever the reason, I did not really see what made From Here to Eternity so special. I will admit that the performances were admirable, the use of vintage footage of the attack on Pearl Harbour was a brilliant, and the kissing on the beach scene was rather romantic, but on the whole I honestly don’t see why the film won so many Academy Awards. 

After reading what The Book has to say about it, my mind is a little more open, but, and I’m just being honest, I am a modern audience member and, though this is a classic example of bias, I did not see the film as all that. It’s dramatic themes of adultery, prostitution, violence, and abuse of power, were shocking themes for that day and age when, I believe, most films were not as melodramatic and real. I suspect that was why it did so well, because it was different and real. 

Starring Montgomery Cliff, Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra, Deborah Kerr, and Donna Reed, From Here to Eternity was a good film, one that you need to see at least once. Filled with brawls, romance, beaches, booze, action, and the odd bit of comedy, it’s earned its place in The Book, but I don’t think I need to add it to my collection. 

Salo or The 120 Days of Sodom [R]

In a remote chateau, four powerful libertines and Fascists exercise degrading and sadistic sexual acts upon young men and woman whom they have kidnapped. Listening the to sordid tales from aging courtesans, the libertines demonstrate how the misuse of power can lead to the murder of innocent people. 

Based on The 120 Days of Sodom by the Marquis de Sade, Salo is both a repulsive and a brutally clever film that puts forward strong messages and satire, but uses shocking visuals to convey these messages to the audience. Filled with nudity, murder, torture, and degradation, it was originally banned and has only recently been reintroduced to the light of day. 

In a remote chateau in the last stages of the Second World War, four powerful libertines and Fascists exercise degrading and sadistic sexual acts upon young men and women whom they have kidnapped. Listening to sordid stories from aging courtesans, the libertines brutally demonstrate how the misuse of power can lead to the murder of innocent people. 

For all the naïve excitement of the R rating, the fact that it was banned after its release, and the fact that the central content of the film is sex, Salo does not aim to stimulate its audience sexually, but to arouse strong feelings of disgust and repulsion. 

The film itself is bland, with the central characters of the libertines being rather character-less, and the story being almost non-existent. The power of the film comes in the form of the strong messages about politics, religion, and the misuse of power. What Pier Paolo Pasolini has done with this movie is put forward ideas about themes of the time; religion, the war, and politics, and brutally visualised his intended meaning by using shocking and repulsive sexual acts. This gains a repulsed response from the audience, but also causes them to think about what the filmmaker means by showing them this. For example, there is a scene where the captives of the chateau are forced to walk naked on all fours, wearing collars and chains, and beg and eat like dogs. This is a disturbing image, but it clearly puts forward the idea of superiority and inferiority. It’s all rather bleak and macabre really. 

Starring Paolo Bonacelli, Giorgio Cataldi, Umberto Pailo Quintavalle, Aldo Valletti, Caterina Boratto, Elsa De Girogi, Helene Surgere, and Sonia Saviange, Salo or The 120 Days of Sodom is a repulsive, but brutally clever film filled with nudity, degradation, torture, and an abundance of sadistic sexual escapades.  It’s a very dark cloud with the faintest sliver of a silver lining. 

The Phantom of the Opera [PG]

Erique Claudin is a talented, but slightly crazed violinist and composer who is the victim of bad luck. After getting fired from his job, he approaches a music publisher with his amazing concerto, but is shocked to discover that the publisher has stolen his music. Left disfigured by the physical struggle, Erique is wanted for murder and flees to the Paris Opera Theatre where he devotes his time to forwarding the career of the beautiful and talented Christine, whom he has loved for years. 

Based on the classic story by Gaston Leroux, this version of The Phantom of the Opera is more of a romantic and comical retelling rather than one of horror and suspense. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved this movie, I just disagree with the blurb on the back that claims that it’s a “classic retelling of the immortal horror” of the book. I am aware that this was made in the 40s and therefore, is a little dated as far as horror films are concerned in this day and age, but seriously, I found this movie much more a tragic romance rather than a horror. 

Erique Claudin is a talented, but slightly crazed violinist and composer who is the victim of bad luck. After getting fired from his position at the Paris Opera Theatre, he goes to a music publisher to try and get his amazing concerto published. When the publisher refuses to see him, he forces entry and is shocked to discover that the publisher has stolen his masterpiece. After murdering the publisher and being left hideously disfigured by the struggle, Erique becomes a wanted criminal for murder and takes refuge in the undergrounds below the Opera Theatre. Whilst there, he devotes all his time to forwarding the musical career of the beautiful and talented Christine, whom he has loved for years, getting rid of everyone who stands in her way. 

It has to be said that the most powerful elements in this film were the music and…. the music. I cannot stress how utterly theatrical and grandiose and atmospheric the soundtrack to this movie was! For the first half of the film where terrible things befall Erique, his performance combined with the melancholy music almost made tears spring to my eyes. Without a doubt it was the most powerful element in the movie, and I have to say that the constant presence of opera worked in this movie in almost the same way that ballet worked for An American In Paris. Fantastic. 

Claude Raines stars as Erique Claudin and he was just lovely. I was all for him in the first half of the movie, but when he finally becomes the phantom and offers himself to Christine, I got the feeling that he didn’t really know how to act. He seemed to struggle with possessively crazed, and please do keep in mind that I cannot compare his performance to those of modern actors. Nevertheless, aside from the climactic scenes towards the end, Claude delivered a performance that was adorable, gentle, and very trying and eager to please. He was a very melancholy character, and my heart just went out to him. 

Starring Nelson Eddy and Edgar Barrier who, together, provided the film with most of the comic relief, and Susanna Foster who was just gorgeous, The Phantom of the Opera was a lovely film that was filled with mild suspense, murder, comedy, drama, and romance. It really was a lovely demonstration of theatre, opera, and music. Just lovely. 

The Secret Garden [G]

When an earthquake in India claims the lives of her parents, Mary is sent to live in the cold English manor house owned by her uncle. Restricted to her own room and the grounds, Mary discovers a secret garden and with the help of a country boy named Dickon, and her spoilt and sickly cousin Colin, she proves that a little love can make a world of difference. 

I remember being completely enchanted by this film when I was a little girl and the effect is still the same today. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden is a beautiful tale of friendship and love. It’s a lovely, lovely film. 

When an earthquake in India claims the lives of her neglecting parents, Mary is sent to live in the cold English manor house owned by her uncle. Upon arriving, Mary quickly realises that she will receive no love there either and she is restricted to her own room and the grounds. Whilst exploring the grounds on her own, Mary discovers a secret garden that had once belonged to her deceased aunt. With the help of a country boy named Dickon, and her spoilt and sickly cousin Colin, Mary discovers that she can turn this neglected garden into a world of beauty, love, and even magic. 

Well it has to be said that what makes this movie so memorable comes in two layers. As a child, the visual beauty of the garden, the friendship of the children, and the majestic, and sometimes haunting, music is what holds the appeal. As an adult, it’s the underlying messages about how love and friendship can bloom and strangle the weeds of grief and neglect. 

Essentially the film is about these three, orphaned children who have never felt like they have been wanted. When Mary discovers the garden, it appeals to her because it has been neglected for so long and, like her, is not wanted. And through love and nurturing, the garden flourishes and becomes a whole new world. It really is like magic, as the effect of the garden and Mary’s efforts change the attitudes of those stricken by grief around her. I hadn’t actually seen the film for some years and, watching it last night and understanding all the underlying messages, brought tears to my eyes. It really is one of the most enchanting films both visually and in story. 

Starring Kate Maberly, Hayden Prowse, Andrew Knott, Laura Crossley, John Lynch, Walter Sparrow, and Maggie Smith, The Secret Garden is a timeless classic filled with beautiful music, magnificent flora and fauna, drama, love, and really powerful messages. One of the few films from childhood that still has the same effect on me, I cannot stress how utterly enchanting this movie is! 

Men In Black II [PG]

Many years ago, a race of aliens came to Earth to hide a treasure from an evil alien named Serleena. Now Serleena is on Earth, ready to tear the planet apart to find the treasure. It’s up to the Men In Black to stop her, but unfortunately the only agent who knows where the treasure is now retired and has no memory of the MIB or the treasure. Agent J is assigned to bring back agent K and get him to remember before Earth is destroyed. 

Almost, but not quite as classic and perfect as the first Men In Black, Men In Black II is still a classic movie filled with action, science fiction, romance, comedy, and memorable characters. 

Many years ago, a race of aliens came to Earth to hide a valuable treasure from an evil alien named Serleena. Now Serleena is on Earth and ready to tear the planet apart to find the treasure. It’s up to the Men In Black to stop her and save the planet, but unfortunately the only person who knows where the treasure is, is a retired agent who has no memory of the treasure or the MIB. The task falls to agent J to bring back agent K and get his memories back before the planet is destroyed. 

It’s the truth universally known that the second movie is never going to be as good as the first one. It may come very close, but it’s always just going to miss out by that much. This was the case with MIB II. There was just as much action and comedy, if not more than the first one, but I think what took some of the original flare out the of it was the added element of romance, which just seemed somewhat out of place and a bit of an anticlimax, and the introduction as well as the return of all these different comedic characters. On the whole, there were just too many characters battling for the centre of the comedic stage. 

That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy the film though. It’s just as funny, rollicking, and memorable as its predecessor, there was just that tiny element of difference. 

Starring Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Lara Flynn Boyle, Rip Torn, Johnny Knoxville, Rosario Dawson, Patrick Warburton, David Cross, Tony Shaloub, and featuring a surprise appearance from Michael Jackson, Men In Black II was a great movie, just not as great as the first one. Filled with action, science fiction, aliens, great weapons, romance, and comedy, it’s still a film that I can watch more than once and still enjoy.