Hedwig and The Angry Inch [MA]

Born a boy in Communist East Berlin, Hansel makes the ultimate trans-gender transformation to get into the USA and becomes Hedwig, an acid-tongued and internationally ignored neo-punk glam rocker. Stranded in a Kansas trailer park, bitter and broke, Hedwig puts on her best wig, makeup, and heels and goes on the road, touring America with her band, The Angry Inch. 

A bit Rocky Horror, and a bit Tommy, Hedwig and The Angry Inch is a different and interesting film filled with great glam style, and memorable, original rock songs. 

Born a boy in Communist East Berlin, Hansel makes the ultimate trans-gender transformation to get into the USA and becomes Hedwig, an acid-tongued and internationally ignored neo-punk glam rocker. Stranded in the middle of a Kansas trailer park, butter and broke, Hedwig puts on her best wig, makeup, and heels and hits the road, touring America with her band, The Angry Inch, so named after Hedwig’s botched trans-gender operation. 

This film was both enticing and repellent for a number of reasons. The slightly repellent part of the movie was its story. Basically the film chronicles the life of Hedwig and how she (or rather, he) became a woman of the stage. Running parallel to this story of history, there is a current story that depicts the battle and rivalry between Hedwig and another rock god, who is having major hits with songs that Hedwig herself wrote when they knew each other. Each story is not hugely interesting and if it wasn’t for the beautiful and magnificently lyrical rock songs that feature so heavily in this film, I probably would have turned the entire thing off. 

Unpleasantness aside, the film’s major upshot is its soundtrack. A little like Tommy, though with a fairer amount of dialogue throughout, quite a substantial amount of the film’s power and enticement comes in the form of the songs that Hedwig and The Angry Inch sing. Each song tells a different story from different stages of Hedwig’s life and each is wonderfully infectious and lyrical. The mixture of these powerful glam rock songs and the animation that the film also uses gives, Hedwig and The Angry Inch the potential to be a cult classic and I’m assuming, as there was an assortment of fans of the band, there are people out there who really, really love this film. 

Backed up by a wonderful performance from John Cameron Mitchell, and starring Miriam Short, Stephen Trask, Theodore Liscinski, Rob Campbell, Michael Aronov, and Andrea Martin, Hedwig and The Angry Inch is a different and surprisingly enticing little film that’s filled with drama, music, glamorous outfits, and intriguing characters. I didn’t think it was the greatest achievement in cinematic history, but it’s definitely worth watching, particularly if you like gender-bending and drag-queen-esque films. 

Laputa Castle In the Sky [G]

Pazu is a young boy who dreams of following his late father’s footsteps and proving the existence of the floating castle of Laputa. And when a young princess, named Sheeta literally floats into his lap, his dreams are realised. With the military, an evil government agent, and a group of pirates after Sheeta and her magical necklace, Pazu and Sheeta embark on the adventure of a lifetime to learn about Laputa and Sheeta’s own forgotten heritage. 

As another g-rated anime movie from the vibrant imagination of Hayao Miyazaki, I was expecting Laputa Castle In the Sky to be more of a kiddie’s film like My Neighbour Totoro, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was more like The Castle of Cagliostro, filled with action, adventure, a great story, and memorable characters. 

Pazu is a young boy who dreams of following in his late father’s footsteps and proving the existence of the floating castle of Laputa. And when a young princess named Sheeta, literally floats into his lap, his dream is realised. With the military, an evil government agent, and a group of pirates after Sheeta and her magical necklace, Pazu and Sheeta embark upon the adventure of a lifetime to find Laputa and learn about Sheeta’s forgotten heritage. 

Laputa Castle In the Sky was a great little film that was based on a solid and original story that wonderfully depicted that ongoing battle of man versus nature. Admittedly it may not have set out to do that, but that’s one element of the film that I found rather apparent and I rather enjoyed it. 

Whereas, in many of Miyazaki’s films, the sheer brilliance of his imagination is apparent in the types of flora and fauna he creates, in Laputa it was all about the amazing machines and metal creations of man. The airships were absolutely amazing and their animation was mesmerising. 

Featuring the voice talents of Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman, Jim Cummings, and Mark Hamill, Laputa Castle In the Sky was another memorable anime triumph for director Hayao Miyazaki and was filled with action, adventure, romance, treasure, amazing machines, memorable characters, and a great story. I just loved it. 

My Neighbour Totoro [G]

Two girls, Satsuki and Mei, move to a new house in the countryside with their father as their mother recovers from illness in a nearby hospital. Upon their arrival, the girls believe that their new house is haunted, but soon they discover that, in fact, they are living next door to a forest spirit, whom they dub Totoro. When trouble strikes, Totoro and his assortment of unusual friends help the girls rekindle their hope. 

Admittedly this is a very kiddie movie like Ponyo, but it’s still adorable and filled with memorable and amazing creatures straight out of the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki. 

Two girls, Satsuki and Mei, move to a new house in the countryside with their father as their mother recovers from illness in a nearby hospital. Upon their arrival, the girls believe that their new house is haunted, but they soon discover that they are, in fact, living next door to a forest spirit, whom they dub Totoro. When trouble strikes, Totoro and his assortment of unusual friends help the girls to rekindle their hope.

As I said before, My Neighbour Totoro is really more of a kiddie’s movie like Ponyo, what with its bouncy and uplifting soundtrack and furry characters. But, as an adult, you can at least appreciate the wondrous imagination of Hayao Miyazaki. The gigantic, furry, Totoro has become the symbol for Studio Ghibli and can be seen in Morning Glorys and manga shops all over the globe. For me though, this movie was all about the cat bus. I mean, come on, there is a bus that is actually a cat! That is just the coolest idea in the world! I haven’t been that impressed with an imagined creature since I saw the Skeksis in Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal.
Featuring the voice talents of Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, and Pat Carroll, My Neighbour Totoro is a wonderful anime film filled with innocence, amazing creatures, memorable characters, magic, and love. It’s just gorgeous. 

The Cat Returns [G]

For Haru, life is not going as smoothly as it could be. She’s always late for school, is laughed at by her classmates, and is a little clumsy to boot. But when she saves the life of a strange cat, her worst problems just start beginning. So overcome with gratitude, the Cat King, whose son was the cat Haru saved, sends her a multitude of inappropriate gifts, including a proposal of marriage to his son, the Cat Prince. Along with the dashing Baron and the overweight Muta, Haru embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime to escape from the Cat Kingdom and learn to be at peace with herself. 

I will admit that I am a little bit under the influence right now and that may have some effect on my perception and response the to this film. It’s isn’t Hayao Miyazaki, but it is Studio Ghibli, which brought us such anime classics as Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away. Anything from Studio Ghibli is lovely cinema and this is another anime classic that I am proud and elated to have watched. 

For Haru, life is not going as smoothly as it could be. She’s always late for school, is laughed at by her classmates, and is a little bit clumsy to boot. But when she saves the life of a strange cat, her worst problems just start beginning. So overcome with gratitude, the Cat King, whose son was the cat that Haru saved, sends her a multitude of inappropriate gifts, including a proposal of marriage to his son, the Cat Prince. Along with the dashing Baron and the overweight Muta, Haru embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime to escape from the Cat Kingdom and learn to be at peace with herself. 

I have to say that I have always loved cats and to see this film give cats a voice and personified life of their own was admirable and lovely. The story is a wonderfully original idea filled with fantasy, drama, and subtle romance. The Sydney Morning Herald said it “has a sweet charm and an old-fashioned storyteller’s feel” and I completely agree with that as the film is rather quick, but covers everything from romance, to action, to drama, suspense, and escape. 

I will admit though that, although the story was wholly original and wonderfully refreshing, the film did have one or two flaws: the subtle, yet slightly annoying fact that the Baron has fingers instead of paws, and the most anticlimactic swordfight in the history of cinema; lasting for a record of less that one minute. Aside from these minor details, The Cat Returns was a lovely little anime film that had an original story and loveable characters. 

Featuring the voice talents Anne Hathaway, Carey Elwes, Peter Boyle, Elliot Gould, Judy Greer, Avril Lavigne, Kristen Bell, and Tim Curry, The Cat Returns is a lovely anime classic from Studio Ghibli that’s filled with fantasy, romance, action, and loveable characters. I thought this movie was awesome!

Rio [G]

Taken from his nest as a chick and saved by a little girl in Minnesota, Blu is an exotic bird, the last male of his species. But when his owner, Linda, learns that Blu has a female counterpart in Rio De Janeiro, the two decide to go to Rio to save Blu’s species. But disaster strikes when both Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by poachers and, after a close escape, find themselves chained to each other and lost in the jungle. With the help of a few eccentric friends, the two are in for the adventure of a lifetime and will learn a few tricks along the way. 

After being rather hugely disappointed with Hop, I wasn’t really expecting much with this new animated feature. And maybe that’s the best way to be when you watch a new film, because I found myself laughing, swooning, and even tearing up during this movie. It was absolutely adorable and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Taken from his nest as a chick and saved by a little girl in Minnesota, Blu is an exotic bird, the last male of his species. But when his owner, Linda, learns that he has a female counterpart in Rio De Janeiro, the two decide to go to Brazil and save Blu’s species. But disaster strikes when both Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by poachers and, after a close escape, find themselves chained to each other and lost in the jungle. With the help of a few eccentric friends, the two embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, learning a few tricks along the way. 

Well, for a start, the animation and the exuberantly vibrant use of colour is a real knockout in this movie. The whole way through, you are completely captivated by the sheer brilliance and beauty of everything; the animals, the scenery, and how sharp and crystal clear everything looks. Dazzling is the word that I would use to describe this animation. Just dazzling. 

Then, we have the wonderfully vibrant and enchantingly infectious samba soundtrack that is incredibly catchy and grandiose, but at the same time really romantic and passionate. I just loved it. 

And unlike Hop, the casting was right on. Each voice matched its character to a tee. You wouldn’t believe that Will.i.am and Jamie Foxx could be persuasive native birds…but they can! 

Featuring the voice talents of Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, George Lopez, Will.i.am, Jamie Foxx, Jemaine Clement, Tracy Morgan, Rodrigo Santoro, and Leslie Mann, Rio is a fantastic family film that’s packed with colour, music, romance, memorable characters, and comedy. It was absolutely adorable and I really enjoyed it. 

St. Elmo's Fire [M]

Seven friends and recent college graduates struggle to find their place in the real world. Leslie and Alec try to save their crumbling romance whilst Kevin scorns love until he discovers that he’s fallen for his best friend’s girl. Whilst Kirbo obsessively pursues an older woman, Wendy struggles to get her own life and love. And whilst Billy leaves a trail of human wreckage behind him, clinging to his college life, Jules is facing financial ruin and needs to confide in someone. 

Before The Breakfast Club there was St. Elmo’s Fire; a subtle drama about seven friends who thought they’d be friends forever.

Seven friends and recent college graduates struggle to find their place in the real world. Leslie and Alec try so save their crumbling romance whilst Kevin scorns love until he discovers that he has fallen for his best friend’s girl. Whilst Kirbo obsessively pursues an older woman, Wendy struggles to get her own life and love. And while Billy cannot adapt to adult life and leaves a constant trail of human wreckage behind him as a result, Jules is facing financial ruin, life in the fast lane, and needs a friend to confide in. 

I didn’t mind this film, but I will say that it’s not the most amazing piece of cinema to come out of the 80s. Everything about it was subtle: the relationship between each of the friends, the dramas each one faces, and then how some of the separate stories integrated and overlapped. 

If I’m honest, this film was just sort of there. There was no great warm-hearted coming-together like The Breakfast Club and, even though there was a nice sort of closure after the drama that happened, it left you with a kind of an “oh” feeling, you know, not quite satisfied. 

All the performances were great though and, as a girl, I could not help but get lost in the folds of Rob Lowe’s handsomeness. 

Starring Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, Andrew McCarthy, Rob Lowe, Mare Winningham, Emilio Estevez, Martin Balsam, and Andie MacDowell, St. Elmo’s Fire was a fine drama that was filled with romance, drugs, sex, betrayal, and friendship. It’s worth watching, but it’s not the greatest friendship film to come out of the 80s. 

Take Me Home Tonight [MA]

College grad, Matt works in a video store and still lives with his parents. For Matt, the future is way too scary to even try to navigate, but that all changes when he learns that his high school crush is back in town. While his twin sister and best mate struggle with their own burgeoning adult lives, Matt has the time of his life as he attends a Labour Day party, gets an audience with the girl of his dreams, monumentally screws everything up, and then boldly puts everything to rights … all in one night. 

This movie wasn’t bad. It wasn’t the most amazingly defiant and romantic comedy to ever grace our screens, but it wasn’t bad. 

College grad, Matt works in a video store and still lives with his parents. For Matt, the future is way too scary to even try to navigate, but all that changes when he learns that his high school crush, Tori, is back in town. Whilst his twin sister and his best mate struggle with their own burgeoning adult lives, Matt has the time of his life, as it should have been in high school, as he attends a Labour Day party, gets a date with the girl of his dreams, monumentally screws everything up, and boldly and stupidly put it all to rights… all in the space of one night. 

Maybe I was too tired and grumpy from work, maybe I wasn’t really in any particular mood for a new film. For whatever reason, I wasn’t all that jazzed about this movie. 

For a start, I could not figure out when this movie was set. I think it may have been the 80s, at least that’s what the “teen” side of the movie leant towards and the fact that the hero works in a video as in “video” store, but then the more “adult” side of the film smacked of something a little more modern. So the basic setting of the movie was a haze right from the start. 

I rather like the idea of all these life-changing things and self-discoveries happening in the course of one night. I think that’s a clever plot device. Having said that though, I think the writers could have pushed the basic story a little more towards its potential. The story had legs, but it didn’t walk as far as it could have, I felt. 

Starring Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Teresa Palmer, Chris Pratt, and Dan Fogler, Take Me Home Tonight was really an alright film filled with drugs, sex, 80s fashions and music, self-discovery, and romance. It wasn’t bad but, to be honest, if you go your entire life without seeing it, you’ll still be complete. 

Burke & Hare [M]

In 19^th century Edinburgh two men, William Burke and William Hare, are scraping an earnest living. But when the demands for recently deceased bodies, for medical purposes, grow higher and higher, the two find themselves a little niche market that soon escalates into one of the most famous murders in the history of Edinburgh. 

Inspired by true events and featuring a few characters, whose names have become rather famous and household, Burke & Hare is a bizarre, but very funny little black comedy that will have you cringing, swooning, admiring, and unable to turn away. 

In 19^th century Edinburgh two men, William Burke and William Hare, are barely scraping a living. But when the demands for recently deceased bodies, for medical purposes, grow higher and higher the boys, who have recently had the bizarre fortune of having a customer die on them, find themselves a little niche market that soon escalates into one of the most famous murders in the history of Edinburgh. 

This was really a bizarre little film. It had me laughing, but at the same time it had be somewhat repulsed. The story was there from the start: basically these two street mountebanks, trying to scrape an earnest living, come back to the hotel to learn that a tenant has died on rent day. Upon hearing that doctors and professors will pay good money for fresh bodies, the heroes sell their recently deceased tenant and suddenly fall into that business, escalating to grave robbers and eventual murderers. 

The subject matter is rather bleak and macabre, but the lively music, the setting, the accents, and the vibrant characters make it all the more hilarious. 

I’ll admit that some of the characters and their separate stories were a little tricky to keep up with and some of the gore humour was not precisely to my taste, but ultimately I found this movie bizarre, but very funny. 

Featuring memorable performances from Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher Bill Bailey, Tom Wilkinson, Michael Smiley, Jessica Hynes, David Schofield, and Tim Curry, Burke & Hare was a very funny little black comedy filled with sex, romance, gore, murder, Shakespeare, and comedy. I found it light and entertaining and I would recommend it. 

Garden State [MA]

Andrew is an aspiring actor who has been numbed with some form of medication for the most part of his life. When his mother passes away, he is forced to go back to his hometown and face an inevitable confrontation with his father. But, with a twist of fate, Andrew meets Sam, a quirky and free-spirited girl who helps him to open up and take in life’s experiences. 

Written and directed by Zach Braff, whom most people will recognise from TV’s Scrubs, Garden State is a wonderful and refreshingly original little comedy that’s filled with life. 

Andrew is an aspiring actor who has been numbed with some form of medication for the most part of his life. When his mother passes away, he is forced to go back to his hometown and face an inevitable confrontation with this father, whom he has been avoiding for years. But, with a twist of fate, Andrew is introduced to Sam, a quirky and free-spirited girl who helps him to open up and take in life’s experiences. 

This is a classic, albeit quirky example of character growth. The film is very slow to begin with, with Andrew being a very distant and despondent character that cannot enjoy and adapt to his surroundings. But then as the film progresses, he grows into this completely different character that is filled with love, passion, and opinions. It’s like watching a flower bloom. It’s really lovely. 

What I particularly liked about this movie was its subtlety and the ways in which we see the character of the hero grow. All of Andrew’s personal changes manifested themselves in very subtle forms such as speaking more; openly and freely, and wearing more vibrant and casual clothes towards the end of it. The dialogue used is frank, but very relative and all the actors, Zach Braff and Natalie Portman in particular, delivered memorable performances. 

Starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, and Ian Holm, Garden State is a really lovely little film that was filled with drugs, memorable characters, comedy, and romance. I really enjoyed it and would say that it is a film not to be missed. 

Grosse Point Blank [M]

Martin Blank became a hit man. But now the job has lost its appeal and he faces an uncertain future. As fate would have it, after screwing up a job, he is sent to his hometown of Grosse Point where he’s to do his last job. Whilst there he decides to attend his ten-year high school reunion and have a shot at rekindling a romance with Debbie, a girl he stood up on Prom Night. 

This is a very quirky, but darkly funny little movie that had never interested me before. It was recommended to my mum and so this afternoon we sat down and watched it, each being surprised that we had not seen it before. It’s a very delightfully different and rather cunning little film. 

Unlike his high school friends who became distinguished in respected careers, Martin Blank became a hit man. But now the job has lost its appeal and Martin faces an uncertain future. As fate would have it, after screwing up a job, he is sent to his hometown of Grosse Point to complete one last job. Whilst there he decides to attend his ten-year high school reunion and have another shot at rekindling a romance with Debbie, a girl he stood up on Prom Night. 

I have to admit that I seem to be developing a bit of a thing for John Cusack having recently admired his chivalry in Say Anything and now seeing him as a suave and quick-witted hit man in Grosse Point Blank. There were two things that stood out for me in this movie. The first was the script and how dark and cunningly clever it was. It was very fast moving and sometimes a little hard to keep up with what was going on, but ultimately I found it very crisp and very clever. 

The second element that deserves a mention in this movie is the totally wicked soundtrack! 80’s for the win! We have “Blister In The Sun”, “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie, “Walk Like an Egyptian” the Bangles, “Take On Me” Aha, and even the original version of Nena’s “99 Luftballons”, which I could not help but sing along with. I have to say that seeing some of the more violent scenes being played against “99 Luftballons” just added more humour to the sheer lunacy of the entire thing. I loved it. 

Starring John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Alan Arkin, Joan Cusack, Hank Azaria, and Dan Akroyd, Grosse Point Blank was very clever and darkly funny little film that was filled with sharp dialogue, action, and romance. It was very clever and well worth watching.  

Stand By Me [M]

In a small Oregon town lives a group of four friends who spent the summer of 1959 hanging out in their tree house. When one of them tells the others that he knows where the body of a missing kid lies, they all head out of town and embark on a two-day journey to find the corpse. Along the way, their adventure turns into an odyssey of self-discovery and each one will discover strengths they never new they had. 

Based on the non-horror novella by Stephen King, Stand By Me is a wonderful coming-of-age film about friendship and mishaps. I loved it. 

In a small Oregon town lives a group of four friends who spent the summer of 1959 hanging out in their tree house. That was until one of them told the others where the body of a missing teenager lies and they decided to embark on a two-day journey out of town to see the corpse. Along the way their journey turned into a memorable odyssey of self-discovery and each one discovered strengths that they never knew they had, standing by each other through thick and thin. 

The sheer simplicity of the story is particularly wonderful as it leaves the way clear for the characters to move the plot along. Basically, the film is about a group of friends who go on this journey just to see a dead body, there are no real outs and ins or plot twists or anything like that. What this story is, and what I really love about it particularly, is character evolution, whilst the journey is just the backdrop and the catalyst for change and growth. 

The other thing that I really love about this film is the odd assortment of characters that make up the heroes. You’ve got tough-guy Chris who’s the leader of the gang, sensitive Gordie, loud and extroverted Teddy, and pudgy scaredy-cat Vern. Not that dissimilar to The Goonies, it’s not really a collection that you’d think would all be friends and it’s really beautiful to see the irony attached to each one; case in point, Chris although coming from a broken home and having the reputation of being mean and a thief, is more than just the “leader”, he’s almost like a father and it’s really lovely to see him looking out for the others and comforting them in their hours of need. I really like that. 

Featuring wonderful performances from Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell Kiefer Sutherland, Bradley Gregg, John Cusack, and Richard Dreyfuss, Stand By Me is a wonderful coming-of-age film filled with action, suspense, friendship, drama, and comedy. Beautifully directed by Rob Reiner, I absolutely loved this movie!

Lady and the Tramp [G]

As a Christmas present from Jim Dear to Darling, Lady is a beautiful and pampered cocker spaniel whose secure life is turned upside down when a new baby comes into her family. Suddenly, life is not what it once was and, with the help of a mongrel from the wrong side of town named Tramp, Lady discovers that there can be more to being a dog than being man’s best friend. 

A classic romance story like Pretty In Pink or Romeo and Juliet, Disney’s Lady and the Tramp is a memorable tale of love and breeding. There is something really loveable about Disney’s animal movies; The Aristocats, 101 Dalmatians, Bambi, Dumbo and the like, each one has you cooing, sighing, and teary-eyed towards the end of it. 

As a Christmas present from Jim Dear to Darling, Lady is a beautiful and pampered cocker spaniel whose secure and comfortable life is turned upside down when a new baby comes into her family. Suddenly, life is not what it once was and, with the help of a mongrel from the wrong side of town named Tramp, Lady discovers that there can be more to being a dog than being man’s best friend. 

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it in any other Disney-animal-film review I’ve done, but the attention to detail in these films is something to be applauded. The mannerisms and habits are spot-on; stretching, scratching, yawning, sounds and so on, and the personification of the animals is really believable. 

Lady and the Tramp focuses a lot more on the romance and the drama, not so much the comedy that films such as 101 Dalmatians does, which is nice because it’s a change of pace. The movie does afford the occasional bit of comic relief, but ultimately it’s a gorgeous love story for dogs. It’s just beautiful. 

Featuring the voice talents of Peggy Lee, who provides the voice for a total of four characters, Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Bill Thompson, Bill Baucom, Verna Felton, Alan Reed, George Givot, and Dal McKennon, Lady and the Tramp is another Disney classic that’s filled with action, drama, romance, memorable songs, and loveable characters. I love this movie. 

Footloose [M]

City-boy Ren McCormick was ready for a hard time in his new home in a small, god-fearing town, but he never guessed that it would be this hard. Upon arriving in the small town, he is instantly given a wide birth, being an “outsider” and all, but then he is shocked to discover that, in addition to booze and drugs, dancing in public is illegal. Without dance and the freedom of expression it affords, Ren feels incomplete and unsatisfied so, with the few friends that he’s acquired, he sets out to revolt and turn the town around, starting with a senior prom. 

I cannot believe it’s taken me this long to watch this movie! What a gem! It’s like Rebel Without a Cause meets Grease. It’s absolutely fantastic, packed with action, drama, comedy, romance, and an awesome 80s soundtrack! I LOVED THIS FILM! 

City-boy Ren McCormick was ready for a hard time in his new home in a small, god-fearing town, but he never guessed that it would be this hard. Upon arriving in the small town, he is instantly given a wide birth, being an “outsider” and all, but then he is shocked to discover that, in addition to booze and drugs, dancing in public is illegal. Without dance and the freedom of expression it affords, Ren feels incomplete and unsatisfied so, with the few friends that he acquires, he sets out to revolt and turn the town around, starting with a senior prom. 

Everything about this movie was spot-on. It’s a wonderful story of defiance and changing times that had heaps of messages about corruption, and the effect of organised religion; this message is wonderfully conveyed in the townspeople burning books they deem “inappropriate” for their children. It’s a classic battle of teens against parents, and “sticking it to the man” so to speak. 

Kevin Bacon stars as Ren and he was absolutely gorgeous. I think I have a new screen flame. He delivered a performance that was charming, chivalrous, witty. sometimes aggressive, and just an all-around wonderful teen hero. I absolutely loved him! 

Starring Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Diane Wiest, Chris Penn, and Sarah Jessica Parker, Footloose is a fantastic teen flick packed with defiance, dance, drama, comedy, romance, and loveable characters. Without a doubt, I will be adding this title to my collection! It was awesome! 

Sex, Lies, and Videotape [M]

Ann Millaney is the perfect wife, stuck in a dull and sexless marriage. Unbeknownst to Ann, her husband John is having an affair with her extroverted and feisty sister, Cynthia. The biggest drama of Ann’s life happens when an old school friend of John’s comes to town and has a very subtle, but powerful effect on those he comes into contact with. Soon, all four of them: Ann, John, Cynthia, and Graham find themselves forced to face their worst problems and speak their fears openly…sometimes into the lens of a video camera. 

Written in eight days and filmed in just over a month on a modest budget of 1.2 million, Sex, Lies, and Videotape has been credited with changing the independent film industry, by enticing mainstream and modern audiences to go and see a smaller film that they would have otherwise completely missed. 

Ann Millaney is the perfect wife, stuck in a dull and sexless marriage. Unbeknownst to Ann, her husband John is having an affair with her extroverted and feisty sister, Cynthia. The biggest drama of Ann’s life occurs when an old school friend of John’s comes to town and has a very subtle, but powerful influence on all those whom he comes into contact with. Soon all four of them: Ann, John, Cynthia, and Graham, find themselves forced to face their worst problems and speak their fears freely… sometimes into the lens of a video camera. 

An independent film and something of a “sleeper” in nature, Sex, Lies, and Videotape was a film that left you deeply affected, but also unsatisfied. With nothing but its simple story, frank and cutting dialogue, and minimal effects, it’s a film that leaves a lot to be desired by mainstream standards, but, almost in keeping with the film’s central catalyst, affects its audience in a strange and powerful way. 

All the performances were wonderful, especially that of Andie MacDowell in her first lead role, but without a doubt, the film belonged to James Spader who played Graham; the film’s catalyst. From seeing him as a teen prick in Pretty In Pink to playing a subdued, confused, and brutally frank man with a real depth and sensitivity was really mind-meddling, but absolutely mesmerising. 

Starring Andie MacDowell, Peter Gallagher, Laura San Giacomo, Ron Vawter, Steven Brill, Alexandra Root, Earl T. Taylor, and David Foll, Sex, Lies and Videotape was a subdued, but strangely affecting film that was filled with deceit, freedom of speech, desire, and drama. It’s different, but not in a bad way and it has earned a place in The Book. 

Don Juan De Marco [M]

A young man in a mask stands atop a building, threatening to jump and end his life. He claims to be Don Juan De Marco, the world’s greatest lover, devastated by the loss of his one true love. To his aid comes psychiatrist, Jack Mickler who, after talking him down to safety, takes on the job of curing “Don Juan” of his delusions. But are they delusions? As Don Juan recounts his history and his romantic and sensual adventures, Jack begins to wonder if he’s really a romanticised lunatic or a romantic legend. 

This is a funny little film; one that not many people have actually heard about, but it’s also possibly one of the most sensual and romantic comedies to come out of the last twenty years. Filled with cinema greats, a clever story, and plenty of romance, Don Juan De Marco is a lovely little film that will have, at least every woman who watches it, swooning uncontrollably. It’s absolutely gorgeous. 

A young man in a mask stands atop a building, threatening to jump and end his life. He claims to be Don Juan De Marco, the world’s greatest lover, devastated by the loss of his one true love. To his aid comes psychiatrist, Jack Mickler who, after talking him down to safety, takes on the job of curing “Don Juan” of his delusions. But are they delusions? As Don Juan recounts his history and his romantic and sensual adventures, Jack begins to question whether this man is really a romanticised lunatic or a romantic legend. 

Aside from the obvious fact that it stars Johnny Depp as the romantic lead, Don Juan De Marco sets itself apart from other sensual love films by having no real ending or closure. Throughout the entire film, you’re given hints that “Don Juan” is not who he thinks he is, but then, a second later, you and the other characters are completely convinced that he is the greatest lover in the world. 

Johnny’s performance was absolutely mesmerising. I mean yes, you cannot take your eyes off him because he is Johnny Depp, but to see him as this sensual, poetic, romantic, and heart-stoppingly beautiful romantic lead is enough to give a girl an orgasm. There, I’ve said it, it’s out in the open. 

I have to say, at this point that, although Johnny is incredibly desirous as Don Juan, the real heart of the film was in the rekindled love between Marlon Brando and Faye Dunaway. The two were perfect together, and watching them “relight the fire” was really, really lovely. 

Starring Geraldine Pailhas, Bob Dishy, Rachel Ticotin, Talisa Soto, Tresa Hughes, Stephen Siger, Carmen Argenziano, and Tommy Lister, Don Juan De Marco is a gorgeous little film that’s filled with action, drama, comedy and, obviously, romance. I absolutely love this movie!

Say Anything [M]

Underachiever, Lloyd Dobler has just graduated and now has the summer to spend as he wishes before he has to decide what to do with his life. With his mind on the now, Lloyd’s only plan for the summer is to spend as much as possible of it with straight-A student, Diane Court. Never in his dreams did he imagine that she would return his feelings and soon, the two enter into a romance: one that is threatened by the disapproval of Diane’s father. 

In his directorial debut, Cameron Crowe brought us a wonderfully simple and rather refreshing bit of 80s teen romance. Say Anything is a lovely and quaint little film that harbours some of the 80’s most iconic and romantic gestures, the most recognisable being the scene where Lloyd stands outside Diane’s window with a heartbroken expression on his face and a boom box held high above his head, playing Peter Grabiel’s “In Your Eyes”. That scene is enough to make a girl sigh. 

Underachiever, Lloyd Dobler has just graduated and now has the summer to spend as he wishes before he has to decide what to do with his life. With his mind on the now, Lloyd’s only plan for the summer is to spend as much of it as possible with straight-A student, Diane Court. Never in his dreams did he imagine that she would return his feelings and soon, the two enter into a romance: one that is threatened by the disapproval of Diane’s father. 

What sets Say Anything apart from other 80’s teen romance movies is that it is the hero who is the one who invests his time and emotions into the relationship, not the heroine. Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles and all those sorts of films focus on the girl doing everything she can to get the guy, but in Say Anything it’s the other way round, which makes this movie instantly refreshing and original. 

John Cusack stars as Lloyd and he played the part perfectly. His performance was heartfelt and sometimes spurted forth great moments of fairytale chivalry, but in general, it was really natural; something that the audience can really believe and relate to. Loved him. 

Starring Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor, Amy Brookes, Pamela Segall, Jeremy Piven, and Joan Cusack, Say Anything was a refreshingly original 80s teen movie that was filled with drama, complications, chivalry, and romance. It’s very subtle, but it’s really lovely and I enjoyed it. 

A Cinderella Story [PG]

Sam’s life was a fairytale… until tragedy struck and took her father away from her, leaving her at the mercy of her self-centred and horrible stepmother. Now, the only thing that keeps Sam going is her dream that one day she will go to Princeton, be free from her stepmother and cleaning floors at the “family” diner, and a pen pal relationship with an anonymous emailer named Nomad. When the two finally arrange to meet at the Halloween Dance, Sam panics when her mysterious dream guy turns out to be the most popular jock in school; one who most definitely would not be seen with a diner girl. Can Sam’s own Cinderella story have a happy ending? 

Like The Parent Trap, What a Girl Wants, and Freaky Friday, A Cinderella Story is a really cute and sparkly little film that’s good for mum and daughter to enjoy together on a cold afternoon, as I did today. It’s nothing majorly special, just a cute little teen adaptation of the original fairytale classic. 

Sam’s life was a fairytale… until tragedy struck and took her father away from her, leaving her at the mercy of her self-centred and altogether horrible stepmother. Now, the only thing that keeps Sam going is her dream of going to Princeton, leaving her stepmother, stepsisters, and cleaning floors at the “family” diner, and a cyberspace pen pal relationship with an anonymous emailer named Nomad. When the two finally decide to meet at the Halloween Dance, Sam panics when she discovers that her mysterious dream guy turns out to be the most popular jock in school; one that could not be seen with a diner girl. Can Sam’s own Cinderella story have a happy ending? 

Hilary Duff stars as Sam and she was lovely. She delivered a performance that was bubbly and clever, and she sparkled; that’s the best word to describe her performance: sparkling. 

In essence, it really is just the basic story of Cinderella, but with a few subtle changes that are made to appeal to a teen audience: the high school setting, Sam working at a diner, the Halloween Dance, and the fact that Sam drops her phone instead of a glass slipper; just subtle changes that were effective nonetheless. 

Starring Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Dan Byrd, Regina King, Andrea Avery, Julie Gonzalo, and Madeline Zima, A Cinderella Story is a cute, modern retelling of the classic, filled with romance, technology, peer pressure, and masks. It’s very sparkly and girly, but it’s cute and a good way to pass the time. I really do love this film. 

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? [M]

After a faculty party, middle-aged married couple George, history professor and his wife Martha, daughter of the school’s president, invite a young couple around to their place for late-night, after-party drinks. As the drinks keep refilling, a series of uncomfortable conversations take place resulting in George and Martha’s forcing their guests to take part in a series of mentally disturbing and emotionally shattering games.

Pretty much a word-for-word screen adaptation of Edward Albee’s play of the same name, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a mesmerising and dramatic look at a hellish marriage; one that is filled with booze, lies, drama, and violence.

After a faculty party, middle-aged married couple George, history professor, and his wife Martha, daughter of the school’s president, invite a young couple around to their place for a few late-night, after-party drinks. As the drinks keep refilling, a series of uncomfortable conversations take place, resulting in George and Martha’s forcing their guests to take part in a series of mentally disturbing and emotionally shattering games.

I have to say, having literally read the play for the first time today and grabbing the film to watch immediately afterwards, it’s amazing to see something you’ve read, brought to life on screen. It really makes you appreciate the filmmaking industry. It’s most definitely my own fault, numbing my brain with booze, but when I read the play, I did not envision it to be as mesmerising and unutterably amazing as this film was.
Albee’s dialogue was matched almost word-for-word and that fact that it’s in black and white just adds a very powerful tone of melancholy to the whole thing. Not to mention the hauntingly sad instrumental soundtrack. But without a doubt, the film was moved forward solely by the performances from famous confrontational screen couple, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. After executing illicit malevolence towards one another in The Taming of the Shrew, they were the obvious choice for the leads.
Elizabeth Taylor as Martha, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress, delivered a performance that was harsh, aggressive, triumphant, determined, and tortured. The only other film in which I saw a performance under the influence to match hers was that of Jack Lemmon in Days of Wine and Roses. Elizabeth was absolutely mesmerising.
Richard Burton stars as George and he received an Academy Award nomination for the film. His was a performance that was taunted, silently defiant, competitive, and alarmingly disturbed. It’s a classic example of that old adage: less is more.
Starring George Segal, who recieved an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, Sandy Dennis, who scooped up the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Frank Flanagan, and grabbing the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Music, Best Sound, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is an alarmingly mesmerising film filled with drama, booze, deception, and violence. It’s an amazing, amazing film!

Pretty Woman [M]

Edward Lewis is rich, suave, and powerful, but in spite of all this he’s not really happy. But those circumstances change when he gets lost in Hollywood Boulevard and asks directions from a street-smart hooker with a heart of gold named Vivien. Upon personally guiding him back to his hotel, Vivien charms Edward to the extent that he hires her to be his “beck-and-call girl” for the entire week, giving her unlimited use of his credit cards and bringing her up from rags to riches. 

I love this movie! Absolutely everything about it is romantic and refreshing: the Cinderella story, the performances, the fresh and funny script, and even soundtrack, which is a mixture of both hip and modern tracks as well as lovely atmospheric instrumental ones. Earning its place in The Book, Pretty Woman is a timeless romantic comedy. 

Edward Lewis is rich, suave, and powerful, but in spite of all this he’s not really happy. But those circumstances change when he gets lost in Hollywood Boulevard and asks directions from a street-smart hooker with a heart of gold named Vivien. Upon personally guiding him back to his hotel, Vivien charms Edward to the extent that he hires her to be his “beck-and-call girl” for the week, giving her unlimited use of his credit cards and bringing her up from rags to riches. 

Well, it would be massively wrong of me not to draw attention to the facets of the story that make this movie so appealing right from the off. Pretty Woman takes the best scenarios from timeless tales of romance and combines them all into a one modern and gloriously original love story that will stand the test of time. 

Without a doubt, much of the story’s clout comes from the story of Cinderella; the whole rags-to-riches and overcoming-adversity-by-going-from-trashy-beginning-to-elegant-end type thing, although there are a few subtle hints of My Fair Lady (which incidentally is based on Pygmalion) as well. This raw idea is then twisted about to appeal more to a modern audience hence, in place of being locked up by an evil stepmother, we see the heroine being beaten by men and treated as nothing more than a toy. 

The other thing that I feel is important to mention about this movie is the fact that everything, absolutely everything is filmed in a really romantic way. The movie used everything at its disposal, providing us with memorable relationships, and possibly the most tasteful and romantic sex scenes ever! I mean come on, the fact that when they make love on the piano is accompanied by nothing but silence, no music at all, is just really elegant and proves to be very powerful too. 

Our two leads were perfect together with Richard being charming, suave, but caged, and Julia being free-spirited, charming, and very eager to prove herself. I loved them both. 

Starring Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, who earned herself an Academy Award nomination for this film, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo, Alex Hyde-White, and Hector Elizondo, Pretty Woman is a timeless romantic classic that’s filled with great outfits, glamour, comedy, and drama. It’s an instant fairy tale classic, I absolutely love it!

Dumbo [G]

When Mrs. Jumbo’s little baby finally arrives, Dumbo and his oversized ears becomes the real freak of the circus. Whilst trying to protect him, his mother is locked up and poor little Dumbo has nobody to turn to. But then a mouse named Timothy forges a friendship with him and Dumbo soon turns his freakishness into strength, by becoming the world’s one and only flying elephant. 

I know I did see this film when I was little, obviously very little as I have next to no memory of it at all. Watching it as an adult, it’s amazing to see how mature and adult this movie actually is. 

When Mrs. Jumbo’s little baby finally arrives, Dumbo and his oversized ears becomes the real freak of the circus, with taunts and mean jokes made about him constantly. When his mother tries to protect him from all the injustice, she is wrongfully locked up and poor little Dumbo has no one to turn to for comfort. But then a mouse named Timothy forges a great friendship with him and Dumbo turns his freakishness into strength, by becoming the world’s one and only flying elephant. 

This was the fourth animated feature and, like Bambi was based on a low profile book that steered away from the traditional princes-rescuing-princesses-with-the-aid-of-magic-and-true-love type thing. The central themes of Dumbo are actually rather harsh and alarming to see in a G rated film, let alone a Disney production! Throughout this movie we look at nasty and mature themes such as ridicule, the wrongly accused, mother and child separation, and the effects of alcohol (although that certain scene did give us the unforgettable Pink Elephants On Parade hallucinations sequence). It’s these horrible themes that make the ending and Dumbo’s overcoming adversity so heart warming. 

Not to mention the fact that Dumbo is so cute! The animation is adorable and it brought tears to my eyes to see this little baby elephant so horrible treated. 

Featuring the voice talents of Herman Bing, Billy Bletcher, Cliff Edwards, Vern Felton, and Sterling Holloway, Dumbo is an adorable little film that’s filled with ambition, courage, love, and loveable characters. Earning its place in The Book, it’s not the best film Disney made, but it’s still gorgeous! 

The Rescuers Down Under [G]

Deep in the Australian outback, a young boy named Cody forges a great friendship with a great golden eagle. But when a ruthless poacher named McLeach sets out to capture the eagle, Cody steps in to protect her. Unfortunately, McLeach captures Cody and keeps him prisoner so that he will be forced to reveal the eagle’s whereabouts. A desperate cry for help is sent the US and soon, Bernard and Bianca, two mice from the Rescue Aid Society are off to the land down under to rescue Cody and save the rare golden eagle. 

Aw, I love this movie. I grew up with The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under and I have to say that, watching them again at the age of twenty-one, they still stand up. Much more rollicking than the first one, The Rescuers Down Under is filled with action, great adventures, and memorable characters. It makes me smile every time. 

Deep in the Australian outback, a young boy named Cody forges a friendship with a great golden eagle. But when a ruthless poacher named McLeach sets out to capture the eagle, Cody steps in to protect her. Unfortunately, McLeach captures Cody and keeps him prisoner so that he will be forced to reveal the eagle’s whereabouts. A desperate cry for help is sent to the US and soon Bernard and Bianca, two mice from the Rescue Aid Society, are off to the land down under to rescue Cody and save the rare golden eagle. 

In all honesty, I think I love this film most because it’s set in the Land of Aus. Being a Disney film, you can forgive the stereotypical setting of the Aussie outback, after all that whole rural “G’day mate” does set us apart from the rest of the world. 

That, and our wonderful fauna, and there was certainly a lot of animated native animals dominating the screen here. Without a doubt, the best sidekick of the century has to be Joanna the goanna, the only animal that McLeach will tolerate alive. I just think it’s great that Disney did not leave Australia off the map and made a film where our native creatures are the stars. You’ve got everything in this movie from animated echidnas to razorbacks; all with a somewhat stereotypical but very loveable Aussie accent. 

Featuring the voice talents of Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, John Candy, Tristan Rogers, Adam Ryen, Wayne Robson, and George C. Scott, The Rescuers Down Under is a classic family film from Disney filled with action, adventure, brilliant animation, heart warming friendships and memorable characters. I love it. 

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back [MA]

When Dante and Randall take a restraining order out against Jay and Silent Bob, life starts spiralling downwards for the foul-mouthed stoner and his hetero life mate. Soon after being forced to leave their favourite spot, the two discover that a movie is being made out of the comic book that’s central characters were inspired by them. To add insult to injury, a group of anonymous bad-mouthers are slandering the comic book, bitching about the fictional Jay and Silent Bob and, by so doing, enraging the real ones. So the two decide to go to Hollywood and stop the movie from being made. 

This movie is the cross-referencing commander! We all know that Jay and Silent Bob are characters that appear in practically every Kevin Smith movie and now, with a film that is all their own, the close-knit community that seems to surround them in other Smith movies, are here to help them find their way into the spotlight. 

When Dante and Randall take a restraining order out against Jay and Silent Bob, life starts spiralling out of control for the foul-mouthed stoner and his hetero life mate. Soon after being forced to leave their favourite spot, the two discover that a movie is being made out of the comic that’s central characters were inspired by them. To add insult to injury, a group of anonymous bad-mouthers are slandering the comic book, the film, and bitching about the fictional Jay and Silent Bob and, by so, enraging the real ones. So they decide to go to Hollywood to stop the film being made, but their cross-country road trip is going to be filled with surprises that neither of them could ever have expected. 

The central humour and genius of the Jay and Silent Bob movie comes purely in the form of constant cross-referencing. We see characters from practically every Kevin Smith movie make an appearance: Banky and Holden from Chasing Amy, Brodie from Mallrats, and of course, Dante and Randall from Clerks. Not to mention the clever and classic references to Dogma. The other brilliant thing about this movie is the fact that it’s a film buff’s dream. The flick is jam-packed with ‘in’ jokes from movies as well as constant samples from ET, Star Wars, and the original Planet of the Apes. 

AND THE CELEBRITY CAMEOS! They’re awesome!

Starring Ben Affleck, Jeff Anderson, George Carlin, Wes Craven, Matt Damon, Shannon Doherty, Eliza Dushku, Shannon Elizabeth, Will Ferrell, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Steve Kmetko, Ali Larter, Jason Lee, Tracy Morgan, Judd Nelson, Brian Christopher O’Halloran, Chris Rock, Sean William-Scott, Gus Van Sant, Jason Biggs, James Van Der Beek, Morris Day and The Time, and of course, Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is another classic from Kevin Smith and is a film buff’s dream. Filled with action, drama, live animals, romance, explosions, lightsaber combat, and heaps of celebrity cameos, it’s fucking hysterical. 

Snoogans

The Parent Trap [PG]

Hallie Parker is a hip Californian. Annie James is a proper London miss. When the two meet up at Summer Camp, they are shocked to discover that they are identical twins, separated at birth, along with their parents. Whilst spending the summer together, the two come up with the idea to switch places so that each can spend some time with the parent they don’t yet know. This harmless idea soon turns into a scheme to get their parents back together. 

It seems we’re going on a bit of a Disney/Lindsay Lohan theme today: first Freaky Friday and now The Parent Trap, which was her first ever movie and gained her instant stardom. 

Hallie Parker is a hip Californian. Annie James is a proper London miss. When the two meet up at Summer Camp, they are shocked to discover that they are identical twins separated at birth, along with their parents. Whilst spending the summer together, the two come up with the idea to switch places so that each can spend time with the parent they don’t yet know. But soon, this harmless idea turns into a grand scheme to get their parents back together. 

THIS MOVIE IS SO LOVELY! It’s a timeless family classic that I will always love. It’s charming, romantic, and wonderfully heart warming. You cannot help but smile warmly whenever you watch this film (at least women can’t anyway). 

Lindsay Lohan stars as both Hallie and Annie and she was absolutely brilliant. This was her first ever screen debut, “introducing Lindsay Lohan” read the opening credits, and her performance was absolutely gorgeous. She was wonderfully fresh and vibrant as both Annie and Hallie and, although she had the innocent face of a pixie, you could see the conniving cogs working in her mind. She was absolutely delightful. 

With wonderful and memorable performances from Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter, Simon Kunz, and Ronnie Stevens, The Parent Trap is a wonderful remake of a classic that’s filled with romance, innocent schemes, comedy, and a wonderfully heart warming story. It’s a real family classic. I LOVE THIS MOVIE TO PIECES!

Freaky Friday [PG]

Tess Coleman and her daughter Anna have one thing in common… that they can’t relate to each other at all. Each moment of every day, they are fighting about something and, one particularly nasty Thursday evening, Anna has a huge row with Tess because she is forced to miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime audition for her rock band. With the aid of a little mystic mayhem, Anna and Tess awake on Friday morning to discover that they are trapped in each other’s bodies. With Tess’s wedding on Saturday, mother and daughter are forced to walk in each other’s shoes in order to find a way to switch back. 

This movie is a timeless classic! It’s the perfect light, afternoon flick, filled with rock music, comedy, drama, and heart. I REALLY LOVE THIS FILM! 

Tess Coleman and her daughter Anna have one thing in common… that they cannot relate to each other in any way. Each moment of every day, they are fighting about something and, one particularly nasty Thursday evening, Anna has a huge row with Tess because she is forced to miss a once-in-a-lifetime audition for her rock band. With the aid of a little mystic mayhem, Anna and Tess awake on Friday morning to discover that they are trapped in each other’s bodies. With Tess’s wedding on Saturday, mother and daughter are forced to walk in each other’s shoes in order to find a way to switch them back. 

Now, this movie is a remake, so we already know that the story has been done. I think what made this movie really memorable is the fact that it’s updated for a modern audience, with loads of references to rock bands, and modern slang, and the fact that the movie was pushed along solely by the brilliant performances from Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. 

Lindsay stars as Anna and she was just gorgeous. Bringing the right amount of drama and teenage angst, but carefully treading the line so as not to walk into M rated territory, she was just brilliant and wonderfully funny playing a mother. 

Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Tess and she was just as glamorous. She stole every scene she was in when she was Anna in Tess’s body. A very cool and rocking mum. I think what I love most about this movie was the fact that, unlike in The Hot Chick, both Lindsay and Jamie were able to be one another when they were in different bodies. They performed so well, you really felt as though they were mother and daughter trapped in each other’s bodies. Just brilliant! 

Starring Chad Michael Murray, Harold Gould, Mark Harmon, Christina Vidal, Hayley Hudson, and Stephen Tobolowsky, Freaky Friday is a fantastic family movie filled with drama, vendettas, rock music, comedy, and heart. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!

The Da Vinci Code [M]

When the murder of a museum curator takes place, history professor and symbols interpreter, Robert Langdon is called on to be of service in the case. But Landon gets the shock of his life when he discovers that he was not called as an investigator, but as a suspect. Now Robert, with the help of French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, is trying to find the real killer, but their investigation is going to prove to be something more that just a case of murder. 

Based on the book by Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code is a great thriller filled with conspiracy, murder, and the devastating consequences of Faith and Truth. 

When the murder of a museum curator takes place, history professor and symbols interpreter, Robert Landon is called on to be of service in the case. But Langdon gets the shock of his life when he discovers that he was not called as an investigator, but as a suspect. Now, Robert, with the help of French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, is trying to find the real killer, but their investigation is going to prove to be something much bigger and sinister than a simple case of murder. 

This is one of the rare films that I watched before reading the book; so I’ll say what I think here and now, but I’ll bet you that my opinions will change when I read the book. Anyway, here we go: The Da Vinci Code. 

The story was already there and of strong support. Dan Brown’s novel was big when it first came out. I think, to watch films such as these; that deal with history and religion, Christ, the Last Supper, and all that jazz, you really need to the know the stories in order to get more out of the film. The extent of the audiences’ understanding of the subject matter will strongly influence how much they enjoy the film. Me, who only knows vague stories about the Holy Grail and stuff by watching Indiana Jones movies, sat and watched this movie, armed with no knowledge of the subject matter whatsoever and, as a result, probably didn’t enjoy it as much as someone who knew what was going on would. That’s the only failing that I can see. 

The way the film was put together was really intriguing as, in particular, the memories and supernatural sequences intercut seamlessly with the present. The editors and special effects people deserve congrats for that. 

With brilliant performances from Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Alfred Molina, and Paul Bettany, The Da Vinci Code was a goose bump-inducing thriller that was filled with action, drama, conspiracy, murder, and the devastating, ageless war between Faith and Truth. I think if you’ve read the book or at least know more about the subject matter, the better, but it was still a film that I enjoyed. 

The Hot Chick [M]

Jessica is perfect. She’s beautiful, has a gorgeous boyfriend who loves her, is cheerleading captain, and a sure win for Prom Queen. But she’s never really appreciated all this until it was taken away from her. When a pair of enchanted earrings switches her body with that of a 30 year-old man’s, Jessica is forced to make amends to the people she’s hurt if she’s to have any hope of getting her life back. 

Admittedly, this movie is rather trashy and kind of stupid, all those Rob Schneider/Adam Sandler Happy Madison movies harbour comedy that leaves a bit to be desired. The Hot Chick, although a stereotypical body-switching movie, is still one that I can watch every once in a while and certain scenes from it tend to just pop into one’s head on certain occasions. It may be trashy, but it is a movie that stays with you. 

Jessica is perfect. She’s beautiful, has a gorgeous boyfriend who loves her, is cheerleading captain, and a sure win for Prom Queen. But she’s never really appreciated all this until it was taken away from her. When a pair of enchanted earrings switches her body with than of a 30 year-old man’s, Jessica is forced to make amends to the people she’s hurt if she’s to have any chance of getting her life back. 

I honestly don’t know what it is about this movie that just stays with you, but there is definitely something. I mean, the story is enjoyable enough and lends itself to all sorts of comedy, the characters are reasonable memorable, and the performances were all fine. But there is nothing inherently special about this movie. 

Rob Schneider both writes and stars in it and yeah, he was funny enough. I do have to say, though, that there was something askew about the casting of the body-switchers. Rachel McAdams is Jessica when she’s a she and Rob Schneider is Jessica when she’s a he and, for some reason, the two just didn’t really work. Obviously, because of the physical changes, the audience is always aware that the girl is really a boy and visa versa, but Rob’s acting like Jessica whilst looking like a man, just didn’t fit. I guess what I’m trying to say (very inarticulately) is that his Jessica was different to that of Rachel’s at the beginning. The whole character just sort of changed along with the arrival of a penis. That’s my only major beef though. 

Starring Anna Faris, Matthew Lawrence, Eric Christian Olsen, Robert Davi, Melora Hardin, Alexandra Holden, Maritza Murray, Jodi Long, Angie Stone, and Adam Sandler (who stole each scene he was in), The Hot Chick is a trashy, but funny and light movie filled with body switching, romance, memorable characters, and comedy. It’s not one that I would watch all the time, but every once in a while, it’s worth it.