Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs [G]

In the tiny town of Swallow Falls, the inhabitants live on nothing but sardines, which is less than satisfying. But when local inventor and branded “weirdo” Flint Lockwood invents a machine that turns water into food, the town’s prayers for nourishment are answered. At first, Flint thinks his inventing career is over when his machine explodes and is sent up into the stratosphere, but then it starts raining delicious hamburgers and Flint’s true genius is finally recognised. But how long can the good stuff last before it becomes more than Flint can chew? 

I didn’t bother to go and see this at the movies because, honestly, it looked like the most fantastically stupid film ever. But, curiosity got the better of me, and I hired it out to see just how silly it was. All I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised and that we should all indulge in our curiosities once in a while. 

In the tiny town of Swallow Falls, the inhabitants live on nothing but sardines, which is less than satisfying. But when local inventor and branded “weirdo”, Flint Lockwood, invents a machine that turns water into food, the town’s prayers for proper nourishment are answered. At first, Flint thinks his inventing career is over when his machine explodes and is sent up into the stratosphere, but then it starts raining delicious hamburgers and Flint’s true genius is finally recognised. But how long will the good stuff last before it becomes too much for Flint to chew? 

Despite the silly basic story about water being turned into food, which really just seems like a kid’s dream as the closest anyone ever got to it was Jesus, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs harboured some surprising moments of warmth, heart, and clever comedy. 

For a start, the script is very funny, sometimes a bit literal, but very funny. That, added to the voice talents of the stars gave the film both its comedy and its heart. A classic example of the type of humour the film uses is in this line, said by the local cop, voiced by Mr. T: “This contact lens represents you. And my eye represents my eye. I got my eye on you!” It’s actually rather funny and the animation is good too. 

Featuring the voice talents of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Benjamin Bratt, and Mr. T, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a funny little film that’s filled with food, comedy, great animation, imagination, heart, and romance. It may seem like a silly story, but it’s actually a good little film that the family can enjoy. 

Madeline [G]

In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. 

Based on the book and the animated series of the same name, Madeline is a sugary sweet little film that really is for the junior audience. I remember loving this movie as a child but, like A Simple Wish, it just didn’t stand up when I revisited it as an adult. 

In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. In two straight lines they broke their bread, and brushed their teeth, and went to bed. They smiled at the good and frowned at the bad. And sometimes they were very sad. They left the house at half past nine, in two straight lines in rain or shine. The smallest one was Madeline. 

Little Madeline, orphaned at a young age, has found a family with Miss Clavel and the twelve little girls who go to school with her. But her family is threatened when Lord Covington, the owner of the school, decides to sell it. Now, Madeline is at war with the adults, trying to make her voice heard, and she will even go so far to ask the nasty little boy next door, Pepito, for help. 

Obviously the basic idea of kids against adults is something that brings the junior audience in to see this film. I remember thinking that this movie was fun, action-packed, and funny, but watching it as an adult, I am grateful that my taste and general observation skills have matured. 

The film is basically a montage of episodes of the cartoon series, including the introduction of Pepito, how the girls came by Genevieve, and when Madeline has her appendix taken out. And then there is the added dramatic element of Lord Covington trying to sell the school and the kidnapping plot next door. Ultimately, this movie is really just a sugary sweet kids’ film and nothing more. It holds no joy for adults, except possibly to admire what cute and innocent actors all the children are. 

Hatty Jones, who plays Madeline, was very cute and she had that vivacious, outspoken, and irrepressible spirit that the heroine of the book always had. Also, scarily enough, she reminds me a bit of one of my cousins…it’s actually rather scary. 

Starring Frances McDormand, Nigel Hawthorne, Ben Daniels, Stephanie Audran, Chantal Neuwirth, Clare Thomas, and Kristian De La Osa, Madeline is a cute little film, but it’s really one for the kids. Filled with slapstick comedy, drama, innocent wars, and two straight lines, I’m glad to have revisited it, but unfortunately I do think I’ve grown up a bit too much to enjoy it. 

Sleeping Beauty [MA]

Quietly reckless and death-haunted university student, Lucy, takes a job as a Sleeping Beauty. In the Sleeping Beauty Chamber, old men seek erotic thrills that require Lucy’s submission. This unsettling task soon begins to bleed into Lucy’s life and she develops an increasing need to know what happens to her in those hours when she’s asleep. 

I have a bit of an admiration for Emily Browning, probably because a) she’s just beautiful, and b) she’s an Aussie. So I hired this smaller, more artistic and provocative title for no other reason than that she was in it. I have to say that I don’t think I entirely understood what the film was about. In its entirety, it’s very subtle and suggestive, with a haze of characters and vague erotic fancies. I’m in two minds about whether I liked it or not. 

Quietly reckless and death-haunted university student, Lucy, takes a job as a Sleeping Beauty. In the Sleeping Beauty Chamber, old men seek erotic thrills that require Lucy’s complete submission. This unsettling task soon begins to bleed into Lucy’s life when she’s awake and she develops an increasing need to know that happens to her in those hours when she’s asleep. 

Everything about this film was downplayed and incredibly subtle. In a way, the film is rather evasive as scenes are brought to a dignified close with a simple, yet somewhat unnerving fadeout. 

The script, though it does use some brazen and harder dialogue, is rather subdued with each character avoiding stating the simple and answering the ultimate question: “what’s going on?” Looking at it in this way, the film was rather like a game of ring-around-the-rosy, with the story and the characters dancing in a vague circle around a few central themes and questions that the movie puts forward. 

The film does pose a few questions about life, death, and enjoyment, but these are just as hazy and hard to grasp as the characters and the general direction of the film. 

Emily Browning was captivating as Lucy, delivering a subtle performance, aside from the penultimate climax before the credits roll. I think she was perfect for the role because she has a real sense of beauty and purity about her, almost like Snow White, even though her character is anything but pure. She did well. 

Starring Rachel Blake, Chris Haywood, Peter Carroll, and Ewan Leslie, Sleeping Beauty was a subtle yet interesting film that was filled with sex, drugs, sleep, eroticism, and a real sense of foreboding melancholy. I may need to see it a second time to get a bit more out of it because, despite its vague and evasive atmosphere, I feel that it does harbour a lot of something beneath the surface. 

The Banger Sisters [M]

Back in the day, Lavinia and Suzette were the Banger Sisters: famous groupies who slept with only the best. Now, years later, Suzette still retains her brazenness and free spirit, but Lavinia has moved on to become a prim and upstanding rich wife of a lawyer. When she loses her job, Suzette makes for Phoenix to ask Lavinia for money. Along the way she picks up a complicated man named Harry, who is travelling to Phoenix for sinister reasons of his own. And once back in Lavinia’s life, Suzette awakens a defiance and life in, not just her old best friend, but Lavinia’s entire family as well. 

This is a wonderfully funny and light film that’s filled with wit, charm, warmth, laughs, and memorable characters. It holds something for audiences of adolescent and adult variety and is generally a really nice film all around. 

Back in the day, Lavinia and Suzette were the Banger Sisters: famous groupies who slept with only the best. Now, years later, Suzette still retains her brazenness and free spirit, but Lavinia has moved on to become a prim and upstanding wife and mother. When she loses her job, Suzette makes for Phoenix to ask Lavinia for money. Along the way, she picks up a complicated man named Harry who is travelling to Phoenix for his own sinister reasons. And once back in Lavinia’s life, Suzette awakens a defiance and life in, not only her old friend, but also Lavinia’s entire family. 

The story was nice, fresh, and original but, without a doubt, what made The Banger Sisters a good film was the bizarre mixture of the cast.
We have Goldie Hawn, with the world’s most excellent smile, playing a brazen and somewhat trampy home wrecker with harmless, but selfish, intentions. Goldie was gorgeous as a has-been, and she provided the film with wit, heart, and the right amount of sass. I loved her. 

Susan Sarandon stars as Lavinia, the former “blast” now turned upstanding and respectable wife. Initially, you watch this and think that Susan plays the perfect mum, but then she cuts her hair and dons the tight pants and we see a woman who has completely forgotten who she is. Susan did a great job of playing the character that had lost its way, and she did it with wit, charisma, and a tad of insanity. 

And finally, we have Geoffrey Rush as the character of Harry. Providing the film with a real sense of drama and general paranoia, Geoffrey delivered yet another brilliant performance that was confused, fearful, complicated, and, despite initial turn-offs, wonderfully charming. I do have a great admiration for Geoffrey Rush I have to admit. 

Also starring Erika Christensen, Robin Thomas, and Eva Amurri, The Banger Sisters is a great little film that’s light, fun, fresh, and filled with charm, wit, comedy, penises, sex, and self-improvement. I enjoyed it very much. 

Slumdog Millionaire [MA]

Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. How did he do it? 

A: He cheated 

B: He’s lucky 

C: He’s a genius 

D: It is written 

Based on the novel Q and A by Vikas Swarup and brought magnificently to the screen by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, Slumdog Millionaire is a stunning film that grips its audience from the first shot and holds them in constant frenzies of delight, suspense, hope, and disgust. Earning its place in The Book, this is a magnificent film that everyone needs to see. 

Two brothers born in the slums of Mumbai defy and battle through the worst of odds to emerge as grown men and survivors. Jamal becomes a contestant on India’s version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?, while his brother Salim attains upstanding status as a criminal. Now, just one question away from winning a fortune, Jamal is arrested for suspicion of cheating. 

The first thing that, I think, deserves an accolade is the breathtakingly beautiful soundtrack composed by A. R. Rahman. It’s a wonderful fusion of traditional Indian sounds as well as modern ones, and the songs seamlessly change from Hindi to English, making it both atmospheric and powerful all in one go. Killing two birds with one stone so to speak. 

The film stunningly conveys many universals that set humans on their destined or chosen paths: poverty, racial war, love, success, peace, money, and truth. Add the ingredient of the incredibly romantic love story to play against the shocking and sometimes violent conflicts, and you have a film that is both incredibly enticing and repelling. 

The film starts on the night of the penultimate question, with Jamal being tortured so that he might confess to cheating. The film is set into motion when he does not, and from there it is a series of past and present memories, all which have some key detail as to how Jamal knows the answers on the show. 

The fusion of Bollywood and Hollywood was stunning and the film earned itself 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Soundtrack, Best Original Song, Best Achievement in Sound, and Best Adapted Screenplay. 

Featuring amazing performances from Dev Patel, Frieda Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Tanay Chheda, Saurabh Shukla, and Mahesh Manjrekar, Slumdog Millionaire is a stunning film that’s filled with action, poverty, violence, success, defiance, hope, and love. It’s an amazing piece of cinema and I highly recommend it!

Some Kind of Wonderful [M]

Keith is a high school misfit with a domineering father, a best friend who’s a tomboy, and a love that cannot be repressed. After falling for the senior class siren, Amanda, Keith asks her out and is quietly ecstatic when she accepts. But Amanda has other motives in going out with Keith, namely to make her recent ex jealous. Whilst the whole school sees the joke on poor Keith, one person is right by his side, his best friend Watts who is madly in love with him. And it’s only through humiliation, repression, and unwavering defiance that Keith realises that the love he wanted was always right next to him. 

Another wonderful look at the dramas of adolescence from writer/producer John Hughes, Some Kind of Wonderful is another classic from the 80s filled with romance, defiance, comedy, drama, and poignant messages about social structure. With the conflicts of Pretty In Pink and the grit and warmth of The Breakfast Club, it will have to be added to the collection. 

Keith is a high school misfit with a domineering father, a best friend who’s a tomboy, and a love that cannot be repressed. After falling for the senior class siren, Amanda, Keith asks her out and is quietly ecstatic when she accepts. But Amanda has ulterior motives for going out with Keith, namely to make her recent ex jealous. Whilst the whole school sees the joke on poor Keith, there is one person who is constantly at his side offering support: his best friend Watts who is also madly in love with him. And it’s only through humiliation, deceit, repression, and unwavering defiance that Keith realises that the love he wanted was always right next to him. 

Why are there no modern filmmakers coming up with original and down-to-earth romantic dramas like this? No one can relate to a bizarre love triangle between mythic monsters! This, right here, is the perfect look at adolescent drama and romance and, because practically everyone has gone through something like this, all audiences can relate to it and that’s where its poignant power comes from! A simple story of two worlds joined: the rich and the poor, the intelligent and the creative, the future and the here-and-now. 

With wonderful performances from Eric Stoltz, , Mary Stuart Masterson, Lea Thompson, Craig Sheffer, John Ashton, Molly Hagan, Maddie Corman, and Elias Koteas, Some Kind of Wonderful is a classic film that’s filled with drama, romance, comedy, defiance, neglect, and heart. I absolutely loved it!

Scoop [PG]

American journalism student Sondra Pransky, whilst visiting friends in London, gets “volunteered” during a stage performance by touring magician Sid Waterman and is contacted from beyond the grave by famous UK journalist, Joe Strombel. Strombel tells Sondra that he knows the identity of the famous Tarot Card Killer, a serial killer who has been stalking London prostitutes. Enlisting the reluctant help of Sid, Sondra starts chasing the story, and it leads to the very charming and handsome aristocrat, Peter Lyman. Falling head over heels for Peter, Sondra soon learns that the perfect romance could be the scoop she’s after. 


From memory, this movie was advertised for quite some time, but then it didn’t do too well in the cinemas, lasting for something like a fortnight. It was quick to come out on DVD and I have seen it twice prior to tonight, but for the life of me, I could not remember anything about it. Watching it a third time, I not only actually figured out the story, but even enjoyed the film, although it does need to be said that it’s not really anything to rave about. 


American journalism student Sondra Pransky, whilst visiting friends in London, gets” volunteered” during a stage performance by touring magician Sid Waterman and is contacted from beyond the grave by deceased UK journalist, Joe Strombel. Strombel tells Sondra that he knows the identity of the Tarot Card Killer, a serial killer who is stalking London prostitutes. Enlisting the reluctant help of Sid, Sondra eagerly chases the story, finding that it leads to the charming and handsome aristocrat, Peter Lyman. Falling head over heels in love with Peter, Sondra soon discovers that the perfect romance could also be the scoop she’s after. 


I think there were two things that made this film stumble and trip. 
1) Although it’s actually a very clever and quirky little story, everything happened really quickly and there was little or no explanation as to what was happening. Admittedly, you can easily piece it together, but that’s not the point. 
2) With murder being the central drama, you would imagine that there might be a nice hint of suspense and sinisterness to the whole thing, but there wasn’t. I feel that the film was addressing the idea of serial murders too lightly (possibly just to keep the film PG), and for some reason it didn’t really work for me. 
Starring Scarlett Johansson; who was delightful even though she adapted a few of Woody Allen’s mannerisms, Hugh Jackman; who was irresistibly charming, Woody Allen, and Ian McShane, Scoop is a quirky and light little film that’s by no means a bad film, but it’s not brilliant either. Filled with murder, charm, wit, romance, and comedy, I don’t think I’d add it to the collection, but I still didn’t mind it third time around. 

Benny & Joon [PG]

Benny is a car repairman who, aside from working, spends his life taking care of his younger, mentally ill sister, Joon. One night, after Joon scares another housekeeper away with her uncontrollable behaviour, Benny takes her along to a poker game with his mates. During a game where the stakes are unusual, Joon loses the game, but ends up winning Sam, the eccentric cousin of one of Benny’s friends. With Sam now under the same roof, life for Benny and Joon becomes a little more crowded, but somehow a lot less complicated as he opens their eyes and charms his way into the hearts. 

A bit like Don Juan De Marco, Benny & Joon is sweet and very heart-warming little film that I don’t think many people have heard of. I first sat down and watched this on the recommendation from a friend from high school who was a devout Johnny fan (I had only just fallen in love with him after Pirates of the Caribbean, which I know is practically blasphemous, but that’s how it was). I was completely captivated by the story, the characters, the performances, and the familiar faces that make up this wonderful film. 

Benny is a car repairman who, aside from working, spends his life taking care of his younger, mentally ill sister, Joon. One night, after Joon scares another housekeeper away with her uncontrollable behaviour, Benny takes her along to a poker game with his friends. During a game where the stakes are not only high but also unusual, Joon loses and ends up winning Sam, the eccentric and whimsical misfit cousin of one of Benny’s mates. With Sam under the same roof, life for Benny and Joon becomes a little more crowded, but somehow a lot less complicated as he opens their eyes and charms his way into their hearts. 

The story is particularly lovely because it is one that quite a few people, I’m sure, can relate to. The film clearly portrays the struggles that both the characters of Benny and Joon go through, many of which centre around concern, frustration, repression, and thinking of what is best. Admittedly, these are a collection of rather sombre and serious themes, but add then the character of Sam and the film acquires a really nice bounce and comedy that really is like a breath of fresh air after being in a stuffy room for some time. 

Mary Stuart Masterson was lovely as Joon and could go from sugar to spice in a second. Her reserved and cute shyness that is apparent at the beginning of the film is completely shed and gives way to open happiness and even love, which is really lovely to behold. 

Without a doubt though, the real star of the show was Johnny Depp as Sam. Similar to Joon, the character of Sam does have a shyness and modesty about him which, when done by Johnny, is just irresistible and makes your heart melt. But it was the way in which Sam provided the film with comic relief that was the most engaging; Johnny regales audiences with iconic comedy sequences from Buster Keaton, the most famous of which being the bread roll scene, which Charlie Chaplin also did in The Gold Rush. Johnny’s performance was absolutely brilliant and, watching him in this film, you find yourself really admiring how versatile an actor he is and his body of work. I LOVE JOHNNY DEPP! 

Starring Aidan Quinn, Julianne Moore, Oliver Platt, CCH Pounder, Dan Hedaya, Joe Grifasi, and William H. Macy, Benny & Joon is a wonderfully heart-warming film that’s filled with romance, struggles, drama, comedy, and intriguing characters and eccentricities. It’s light, balanced, and I would highly recommend it.

Some cultures are defined by their relationship to cheese. 

A Love Song For Bobby Long [M]

Estranged from her mother, Pursy returns to her family home in New Orleans after receiving a delayed message of her mother’s passing. She arrives to discover that she has missed the funeral, which turns out to be the least of her problems. Pursy discovers that there are two other occupants in her mother’s house; Bobby Long, a washed up literary professor with a terrible drinking habit, and his pupil Lawson Pines, who is writing a book about Bobby. Bobby tells Pursy that her mother left the house to the three of them, which doesn’t sit too well at first, but as Pursy begins to adapt and settle into the southern community, whilst developing a warmness towards her booze-soaked roommates, she discovers some startling truths about her mother and the family she left behind. 

So here I am, dabbing my eyes and still amazed that I had never heard of this film before. I came across it cleaning the drama section at work and was instantly intrigued. A slow, but wonderfully powerful and heart-stopping film, A Love Song For Bobby Long is beautifully balanced between comedy and drama and is really wonderful. 

Estranged from her mother, Pursy returns to her family home in New Orleans after receiving a delayed message of her other’s passing. She arrives to discover that she has missed the funeral, which turns out to be the least of her problems. Pursy discovers that there are two other occupants in her mother’s house; Bobby Long, a washed up literary professor with a terrible drinking habit, and his pupil Lawson Pine, also an alcoholic, who is writing a book about Bobby. Bobby tells Pursy that her mother left the house to the three of them, which doesn’t sit too well at first, but as Pursy begins to adapt and settle into the southern community, whilst developing a warmness towards her booze-soaked roommates, she discovers some startling truths about her singer mother and the family she left behind. 

A slow story that develops into a wonderfully climactic build-up of emotional conquests, this film is a classic example of how, left to their own devices, stories and characters can change and develop and grow naturally into something really beautiful. 

Scarlett Johansson stars as Pursy and she delivered another breathtaking performance, beginning the film with mounds of harsh attitude and frustration and ending it completely at peace. I believe that she is one of the most beautiful actresses on the screen today and it’s absolutely impossible not to fall in love with her in this film. 

John Travolta stars as Bobby Long and his was a performance that moved me to tears. For much of the film he is bitter and inebriated, but there is always a strong sense of melancholy about him that just melts you heart and creates great waves of infectious sorrow. John’s was a completely mesmerising performance that could weather the hardest of stones. Really powerful. 

Starring Gabriel Macht, Deborah Kara Unger, Dane Rhoades, David Jensen, and Clayne Crawford, A Love Song For Bobby Long was an incredibly emotive and powerful film that’s filled with drama, dysfunction, clashes, and family. It was absolutely beautiful!

Junior [PG]

Dr. Alex Hesse and his partner Dr. Larry Arbogast are on the verge of a medical breakthrough, having created a drug that will help struggling woman conceive a baby. But then their project is terminated due to fund cuts and, unwilling to give up on the project so close to success, the two decide to carry out a human experimentation without proper authority or approval. Unable to find a female to test on, Larry steals a cryogenically frozen egg and the two decide to attempt the inconceivable: getting a man pregnant! 

These early 90s films from the team-up of DeVito, Schwarzenegger, and Reitman, are real classic comedies that every film buff should have in their repertoire. Junior is a wonderful film that has the power to delight its audience into frenzies of giggles, suspenseful outbursts, and tears. It’s not a work of cinematic genius, but it’s nice and light as well as heart-warming and good to come back to once in a while. 

Dr. Alex Hesse and his partner Dr. Larry Arbogast are on the verge of a medical breakthrough, having created a drug that will help struggling woman conceive a baby. But then their project is terminated due to fund cuts and, unwilling to give up on the project so close to successful completion, the two decide to carry out a human experimentation without the proper authority or approval. Unable to find a female to test on, Larry steals a cryogenically frozen egg and the two decide to attempt the inconceivable: getting a man pregnant! 

The idea of a man getting pregnant already gets a laugh, so the film had that to begin with. 

Then you have the wonderful performance that Arnold Schwarzenegger gave as Alex, the soon-to-be-mum. Beginning the film as quite uptight and driven by facts and stable routine, to see him explore a more emotional territory during his pregnancy was lovely. He did a great job capturing that radiance and glow that women get when they’re about to become mothers and then the climactic emotional scene at the end had me smiling warmly with tears welling up. You’ve got to love good ol’ Arnie. 

Starring Danny DeVito, Emma Thompson, who was absolutely delightful and very funny, Pamela Reed, and Frank Langella, Junior is a classic comedy that’s filled with science, romance, food, mood swings, and a bit of cross-dressing. It also completely throws that age-long question of nature vs. nurture entirely out the window. Classic.  

Bruce Almighty [M]

Despite his popularity and the great love and support from his girlfriend, Grace, local TV reporter, Bruce Nolan, does not think that the world is treating him fairly. After his worst day ever, Bruce angrily rants at God, accusing him of ruining his life, punishing him, and generally mismanaging the universe. And, in a bizarre turn of events, God actually responds! For one week, God endows all his divine powers to Bruce to see if he can do a better job. What begins as a means for righting the wrongs in Bruce’s own life soon escalates into a great wave of misery and dependence, and poor Bruce realises that it’s actually not that easy being the Guy Upstairs. 

Really, this is nothing more than a fun, slightly funny, and uplifting film that is good if you want to watch something that will neither stimulate you emotionally or intellectually. Bruce Almighty isn’t a bad film really, but neither is it a work of amazing cinematic brilliance. It’s really just there to be enjoyed. There for a laugh. 

Despite his popularity and the great love and support from his girlfriend, Grave, local TV reporter, Bruce Nolan, does not think that the world is treating him fairly. After his worst day ever, Bruce angrily rants at God, accusing him of ruining his life, punishing him for no crime, and generally mismanaging the universe. And, in a bizarre turn of events, God actually responds! For one week, God endows all his divine powers to Bruce to see if he can do a better job. What begins as a means for righting the wrongs in Bruce’s personal life soon escalates into a great wave of misery and dependence, and poor Bruce realises that it’s actually not that easy being the Guy Upstairs. 

Essentially this film is just one big learning curve for the hero who begins the film as arrogant, vain, and egocentric, and then, through the hardship of having to think of others before oneself, learns to be a better man. The story has legs, and makes for a nice, fun, feel-good-and-laugh-out-loud film, but ultimately this is nothing more than that. 

Jim Carrey stars as Bruce and he delivered another classic performance that does not quite rival that of Liar Liar, but is definitely in the same ballpark. He was loud, grandiose, demanding, but there was also a sort of unhappiness and melancholy with him, that is only realised when it comes to the power of free will. 

Starring Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, Lisa Ann Walter, and Morgan Freeman, Bruce Almighty is a fun little film that’s filled with magic, lessons, prayers, romance, and comedy. It harbours a fair few classic comedy moments and few lines that will easily catch on and slip into everyday conversation, but ultimately it’s a mediocre feel-good film and nothing more. 

American Dreamz [M]

The most popular show on television, American Dreamz, is about to have its most exciting season yet as it has new contestants, a guest judge, and a nasty plan to assassinate the President. Amongst the contestants is Southern belle Sally, who is sugar and spice on in front of the camera, but not so nice in reality, and Omar, a reluctant Middle Eastern contestant with a penchant for show tunes. The two will battle it out and gain celebrity status, but at the end of the day the show can only end one way… or can it? 

This is a strange little film that really only runs on two things: it’s story, which admittedly is a little mediocre and a bit camp, and the bizarre blend of the cast, all of which played their roles perfectly, gaining both laughs and cringes from the audience. 

The most popular show on television, American Dreamz, is about to have its most exciting season yet as it has new contestants, a guest judge, and a nasty plan to assassinate the President. Amongst the contestants are Southern belle Sally, who is sugar and spice on screen and then not so nice in reality, and Omar, a reluctant Middle Eastern contestant with a penchant for show tunes. Over the course of the season, the dreamers battle it out and gain celebrity status, but at the end of the day the show can only end one way… or can it? 

The story was strong and solid and did lend itself to great comedic interpretation, mainly satire and cleverly taking the piss out of popular reality shows, obviously American Idol. 

But what made American Dreamz so clever and funny was the bizarre blend of the cast and their performances. 

Hugh Grant is classic as the sleazy and unlovable host of the show, Martin Tweed. 

Mandy Moore sparkles in a clichéd way as the “poor white trash” talented belle in front of the camera and then she is so good at playing the manipulative bitch that you just want to slap her. Funnily enough, it was her character that was the cleverest in the film as she is a walking stereotype and provides the film with much of its satirical humour. 

Sam Golzari was just gorgeous as Omar, all singing and dancing, glittery shirts, and yet humble at the same time. Very funny. 

And Dennis Quaid as the President was brilliant, just brilliant! 

Also starring Willem Dafoe, Jennifer Coolidge, Chris Klein, Marcia Gay Harden, Seth Meyers, John Cho, Judy Greer, and Tony Yalda (who was brilliant and hysterical), American Dreamz was a strange, but very funny little film that’s filled with music, memorable characters, piercing insults, manipulations, and satire. It’s not a film that you can watch over and over, but it’s a great one to come back to once in a while because it will always make you laugh… or cringe. 

Burn After Reading [MA]

Osborne Cox is an analyst who is fired from the CIA for his drinking problem and is now drinking at home and writing his memoirs. His wife is having an affair with a man who is a compulsive dater and is being followed by divorce lawyers hired by his wife. In deciding to divorce Osborne, his wife downloads all his financial files, which are then put onto a disc to be taken to her lawyer. But the disc manages to be left behind on a gym changing room floor and discovered by two dim-witted employees in need of cash who mistake the files for documents of national security. They decide to blackmail Osborne, Osborne thinks they’ve stolen his memoirs, and soon the whole thing spirals into complete, bloody, chaos that no one can control. 

THIS HAS TO BE THE ONE OF THE FUNNIEST AND CLEVEREST FILMS THAT I HAVE SEEN! This movie is awesome! Absolutely awesome! It’s sharp, brutal, aggressive, witty, and hands-down the most hysterical comedy the Coen brothers have done! 

Osborne Cox is an analyst who is fired from the CIA for his drinking problem and is now drinking at home and writing his memoirs. His wife is having an affair with a man in the treasury who is being followed by divorce lawyers hired by his wife. In deciding to divorce Osborne, his wife downloads all his financial files, which are then put onto a disc to be taken to her lawyer. But the disc somehow manages to wind up on the floor of a gym changing room and is discovered by two dim-witted employees who are in need of cash and mistake the contents of the disc for documents of national security. They decide to blackmail Osborne, Osborne thinks that they have stolen his memoirs, and the whole thing soon spirals into complete and bloody chaos that no one can control or make sense of. 

Another classic example of mistakes and the Ripple Effect, Burn After Reading was really made hilarious by the performances of its actors. I mean, the story was there and brilliant to begin with, but the cast that made up this film was a wonderfully bizarre blend and each gave a performance that was hugely hysterical and highly memorable. 

First kudos must be given to Brad Pitt who gave an explosive performance as a gym junkie with most of his brain in his biceps. Between his singing with headphones in and then playing the Men In Black part according to how it’s done on screen, you could not help but laugh whenever he was on the screen. 

Next, we must draw our focus onto George Clooney who played the pursued lover of Osborne’s wife. Practically everything that comes out of his mouth is unfathomable, but then to watch him grow spectacularly paranoid and have these amazing, panicky outbursts is just hilarious! 

John Malkovich delivers a wonderfully brutal and aggressive performance as Osborne. Practically every work out of his mouth is “fuck” and you’re just watching the screen going “thank God I’m not there right now”. You wouldn’t want to be on Osborn’s wrong side, I can tell you that. 

And finally, Frances McDormand as a middle aged woman who is desperate to raise cash for cosmetic surgery is just hysterical! She was driven, intense, funny, and treads that fine line between overly eager and completely psycho. I loved her. 

Also starring Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins, David Rasche, Kevin Sussman, Olek Krupa, and J. K. Simmons, Burn After Reading is a real laugh-out-loud comedy that’s filled with violence, deceptions, epic mistakes, murder, and plenty of monumental fuck-ups. IT’S ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT PEOPLE! WATCH IT!

Raising Arizona [MA]

Hi is a convenience store robber, forever in and out of jail and having constant run-ins with the law. He falls in love and weds a prison officer named Edwina, though everyone calls her Ed, and the two begin their married life in bliss in an Arizona trailer park. But soon, Ed wants to really begin a family and is devastated to learn that she is infertile. Being constantly turned down by adoption agencies, the happy couple decide to steal one of the quintuplets of a local furniture tycoon. But all too soon, the responsibilities of parenthood, added to the magnitude of their situation, begins to prove a bit much for Hi to handle. 

Another work from Ethan and Joel Coen, Raising Arizona is unlike the Coen brothers’ later comedies like The Big Lebowski that established them as clever and unique filmmakers with their own specific brand of comedy. A screwball comedy of both classic and clever technique, Raising Arizona is a great film that has earned its place in The Book. 

Hi is a convenience store robber, forever in and out of jail and having constant run-ins with the law. He falls in love and weds a prison officer named Edwina, though everyone calls her Ed, and the two begin their married life in bliss in an Arizona trailer park. But soon, Edwina wants to begin a family and is devastated to learn that she is infertile. Being constantly turned down by adoption agencies, the happy couple decide to kidnap one of the quintuplets of a local furniture tycoon. But all too soon, the responsibilities of parenthood, added to the strange situation he finds himself in, begins to prove a bit much for Hi to handle. 

Unlike The Big Lebowski, Burn After Reading, and Fargo, where the crucial comedic ingredient was the Ripple Effect, Raising Arizona is just a classic screwball comedy that naturally lends itself to strange and humorous interpretation. 

The idea of a somewhat trashy, trailer park couple stealing a baby and raising it as their own, already gets a laugh. Bring into the mix two escaped convicts, some weird “sophisticated people”, and a grossly unhygienic nomad hired to find the baby, and the whole thing just writes itself. 

Nicholas Cage stars as Hi and he delivered a very memorable and funny performance playing a man on a rough track who, despite his voiced-over monologues that use sophisticated language and longs stretches of dialogue, has not got a clue. Essentially, a stereotypical brain-dead hick, Cage played the part very well and deserves applause. 

Starring Holly Hunter, John Goodman, Trey Wilson, William Forsythe, Sam McMurray, Randall “Tex” Cobb, and Frances McDormand, Raising Arizona was a very funny movie that was filled with crime, romance, explosions, car chases, shootings, hold-ups, and child rearing. It was a very clever and funny film that I think holds some joy for everyone. 

The Cable Guy [M]

Recently dumped by his girlfriend, Steven moves into his own place and thinks that he’ll spend all his time watching TV. But that was before he met Chip Douglas, the cable guy who comes to fix his set. Chip is a guy with a few loose wires in his head and a couple of obsessive qualities befitting of a stalker. Worse still, Chip is lonely and wants a friend, and once he lets him into his house, Steve is going to have a hard time getting Chip out of his life. 

I sincerely worry about the people in the world today that find this movie funny and recommend it to other people. The Cable Guy has to be the biggest blight on Jim Carrey’s career and, quite frankly, I don’t see how anyone can find this film remotely funny. 

Recently dumped by his girlfriend, Steven moves into his own place and thinks that he’ll just spend all his time watching TV. But what was before he met Chip, the cable guy who comes to fix his set. Chip is a guy with a few loose wires in his head and a couple of obsessive qualities that are befitting of a stalker. Worse still, Chip is lonely and wants a friend, and once he lets him into his house, Steve is going to have a hard time getting Chip out of his life. 

I think the major problem with this film, aside from the really bad script, was the fact that it just didn’t know where it was going or even what it wanted to be. It starts off as a seemingly funny film about intentions of friendship going from bad to worse, but then it suddenly veered off the path and turned into some weird psychopath film. I have to say, at this point, that I have sat down and endured this movie, voluntarily, four times and each time, I just get more and more enraged and confounded by it. I HONESTLY CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS FILM IS IN EXISTANCE! It felt as if the filmmakers thought it would work and then the characters, Chip’s in particular, began to evolve, and it was too late in the shoot for the makers to halt everything and change the direction in which it was going. The entire thing is just one, big, confusing, mess of blackmail, psychos, stalkers, and bad dialogue. 

I have a great deal of respect and awe for Jim Carrey, so I will not say what I thought of his performance in this film, but I will say “Why Jim? WHY?!” 

Starring Matthew Broderick, Jack Black, Leslie Mann, Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, and George Segal, The Cable Guy was a terrible psychopathic comedy that just did not know what is was trying to be. Filled with TV, romance, “comedy”, and film and TV quotes, I would not recommend this movie to anyone… let’s be honest. 

DON’T BLOODY BOTHER! YOU WILL LEAD A FULL AND HAPPY LIFE WITHOUT WATCHING THIS FILM!

Bend It Like Beckham [PG]

Jess is 18, smart, pretty, and can play football better than any of the guys she knows. But her mum and dad disapprove of her playing and want her to settle down and learn to cook like a good Indian wife. But then Jess meets Jules and joins the Hounslow Harriers, an all-girls team, and as her talent gets better and better it becomes harder and harder to keep if from her parents. To make matters worse, her sister Pinky is getting married and soon, Jess finds herself having to choose between her doing her family proud or doing what she loves. 

A fun film that’s inspiring, uplifting, charming, and funny, Bend It Like Beckham is a wonderful film that greatly shows what happens when cultures clash. It’s got such great heart, a great cast, and it’s a film that I can always come back to. 

Jess is 18, smart, pretty, and can play football better than any of the guys she knows. But her mum and dad disapprove of her playing and want her to settle down and learn to cook like a good Indian wife. But then Jess meets Jules and joins the Hounslow Harriers, an all-girls team, and as her talent gets better and better it becomes harder and harder to keep if from her parents. To make matters worse, her sister Pinky is getting married and soon, Jess finds herself forced to choose between doing her family proud or doing what she loves. 

What I particularly love about this film, aside from both the dramatic and comedic things that result from culture clash, is the fact that this film is an excellent story of belonging and acceptance. And this is evident in all the characters, not just between Jess and her family, but between Jules and her mother, played so perfectly by Juliet Stevenson. Without wanting to give too much away, there are some really wonderful misread signals and situations that make for great entertainment as well as convey poignant messages about acceptance and love. 

Armed with its great story of power, defiance, and following your heart, not to mention its funky and uplifting soundtrack, which features a great blend of Indian music as well as hits from Texas and Blondie, Bend It Like Beckham is the perfect film for a quiet night in. It’s short, fun, light, and just great. 

Starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi, Shaheen Khan, Ameet Chana, Juliet Stevenson, and Frank Harper, Bend It Like Beckham is a great film filled with sport, romance, drama, friendship, comedy, and great Indian food and outfits. No matter how many times I watch this film, I never get tired of it. 

Fargo [MA]

Jerry Lundergaard is a car salesman who is grossly in debt. But he has a plan: hire a couple of thugs to kidnap his wife so that he can receive a hefty ransom from his rich and bullying father-in-law. Nothing could possibly go wrong, but then all goes deadly awry when the two thugs begin killing people. Enter Police Chief Marge, heavily pregnant and glowing, to investigate the triple homicide caused by the thugs, and her small-town investigative skills soon give the crooks a run for their ransom. 

WHAT A GREAT FILM! The Coen Brothers are extremely clever filmmakers and Fargo has to be one of their finest works. It’s dark, macabre, dramatic, and at the same time, devilishly funny. Earning its place in The Book, this movie is brilliant, just BRILLIANT! 

Jerry Lundergaard is a car salesman who is grossly in debt. But he has a plan: hire a couple of thugs to kidnap his wife so that he can receive a hefty ransom from his rich and bullying father-in-law. Nothing could possibly go wrong, but then everything goes deadly awry when the silent pancake-loving psycho of the two thugs begins killing people. Enter Police Chief Marge, heavily pregnant and glowing, to investigate the triple homicide caused by the thugs and her small-town investigative skills soon give the crooks a run for their ransom. 

Like The Big Lebowski or Burn After Reading, this film is classic Coen comedy as it shows all these terrible and macabre things happening, all because of a simple misunderstanding or failure to do something. It’s devilishly clever as it causes the audience to gasp, cringe, and laugh. The first cause for a giggle is the authentic accent and dialect that the small-town folk use in Minnesota, a relic of the region’s Scandinavian immigrant pioneers. You cannot help but be captivated by the sounds that come out of the characters’ mouths. 

The second devilish treat in this film in its opening: 

THIS IS A TRUE STORY. The events depicted in this film took place in Minnesota in 1987. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred. 

This entire statement is covered in shades of grey because, although the film is completely fictional, the Coens do claim that many of the events actually did take place and made up other cases and stories, all of which have been thrown together to make one story. Joel Coen, director, noted: 

“We weren’t interested in that kind of fidelity. The basic events are the same as the real case, but the characterizations are fully imagined… If an audience believes that something’s based on a real event, it gives you permission to do things they might otherwise not accept” 

Cheeky, but very clever and used to make a great film. 

The final and possibly most notable breath of fresh air in this film was the basic character of Police Chief Marge and the performance so beautifully given by Frances McDormand. Her character scales the lofty heights of The Dude in The Big Lebowski. It was just so funny to see this happy, glowing, and heavily pregnant woman investigating triple homicide without batting an eyelid. I mean the entire thing was just such a weird and wonderful way to play against the grim and dark happenings of the film and brought a bit of light-hearted and even warm comedy to play against the dark and the macabre. Frances was brilliant; funny, charming, and she had a real glow about her. I loved her. 

Winner of two Academy Awards including Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Frances, and filled with murder, deceit, blunders, misunderstandings, debt, kidnapping, and comedy, Fargo is a brilliant film that is easily one that I would come back to and watch again. I absolutely LOVED IT! 

And I guess that was accomplice in the wood chipper?

Educating Rita [PG]

Frank is a burnt-out literary professor and booze hound who has given up on life and the few delights it can afford. But his eyes are opened when Rita walks through his door; a free-spirited woman who is determined to change her life into the one that she has wanted for ages, by becoming an educated woman. Through trials and tribulations the two develop an uncanny relationship, each one giving the other insight, perspective, and choice, whether they want it or not. 

As a person whose romantic lead in life is her library, Educating Rita appealed to me in so, so, so many ways. Its moving soundtrack, its wonderful story of change and belonging, and two most moving performances from Michael Caine and Julie Walters, makes it completely blasphemous that I do not possess my own copy. I shall have to rectify this gross inaccuracy as soon as possible. 

Frank is a burnt-out literary professor and booze hound who has given up on life and the few delights it can afford. But his eyes are opened with Rita walks through his door; a free-spirited woman who is determined to change her life into one that she has always wanted, by becoming an educated woman. Through trials and tribulations, the two develop an uncanny relationship, each one giving the other perspective, insight, and choice, whether they want it or not. 

From the point of view of a Standard English student, this film is a dream. There are so many beautiful and poignant underlying messages about tragedy, belonging, change, journeys, inner conflicts, and what it really means to be “educated”. 

Nominated for three Academy Awards, what I think makes this film so very special a gem is the fact that each and every member of the audience will watch it and see something different or interpret it differently. And any way you slice it, every person’s opinion and interpretation is right. The film’s simplicity plays a most seminal role in conveying the raw power and irresistible charm of the basic story, which was written by Willy Russell, based on his own play. The only outstanding features of the film are the amazingly literary and passionate script and the performances from the two leads... and truly outstanding these are! 

Michael Caine stars as Frank and delivered a memorable performance as a man who cannot see beyond the door of his office. For the better part of the film, he provided the sternly passive and somewhat gritty edge, aside from when he was drunk, which was enough to make you sigh. He was brilliant. 

Julie Walters stars as Rita and she was absolutely radiant. Providing the film with its moments of comedy that keeps us all from drowning in tears, she gave a performance that was eager, free, and uniquely insightful. I loved her, just LOVED HER! 

Starring Michael Williams, Maureen Lipman, Jeananne Crowley, and Malcolm Douglas, Educating Rita was a beautiful film that was filled with literature, witty comedy, insight, change, choices, determination, and great, great heart. It’s absolutely beautiful and a work of literary genius in its own rite. 

Notting Hill [M]

William Thacker is the owner of a bookshop in Notting Hill in the heart of London. Anna Scott is one of the world’s most famous actresses. One day, by a miraculous one-in-a-million chance, Anna comes into William’s shop and William watches in amazement as she buys a book, leaves, and he thinks he’ll never see her again. But as fate would have it, the two bump into each other again on Portobello Road, and so begins a romance that takes both romantic leads on a surreal but nice journey. 

I love the work of Richard Curtis, from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Love Actually to The Boat That Rocked, and Notting Hill is one of those oft-mentioned romantic comedies that never seems to tire. Having now finally sat down and watched it, I have to admit that although it’s not without its warmth and charm, it really was nothing all that rave. 

William Thacker is the owner of a bookshop in Notting Hill in the heart of London. Anna Scott is one of the world’s most famous actresses. One day, by a miraculous one-in-a-million chance, Anna comes into William’s shop and William watches in amazement as she buys a book, leaves, and then he thinks he’ll never see her again. But as fate would have it, the two bump into each other again on Portobello Road, and so begins a romance that takes both romantic leads on a surreal but nice journey of the heart. 

I cannot deny that the story was lovely. It was charming, and nice, and a fine little tale of love, but ultimately I felt that it could only be pushed so far. The film does belong to the dialogue, rather like Four Weddings and a Funeral, but unlike the aforementioned film, there is no real sense of passion or love. Not even a sweeping romantic gesture or kiss at the end. At least Four Weddings has that wonderful kiss in the rain. That was hugely romantic. But this film, nothing but camera flashes that give you a headache. 

Hugh Grant is back playing the reserved and awkward role of a man who has had bad experiences with love and does not really know how to go about the entire thing, and fair play, he does the part well. 

Julia Roberts is Anna and I will say that she was rather radiant. I would imagine that it could actually be rather tricky playing a character that could so easily be related to. So, fair play Julia. 

Also starring Rhys Ifans (who was hysterical), Dylan Moran, Emma Chambers, James Dreyfus, John Shrapnel, Tim McInnerny, Gina McKee, Hugh Bonneville, and a young Mischa Barton, Notting Hill was a charming little film that was filled with comedy, romance, and the occasional bit of drama. I will say that it is definitely worth watching as it does afford some laughs and some moments of contented sighing, but ultimately I believe that Curtis has done some much cleverer things. 

Notorious [M]

Towards the end of the war, suave secret agent Devlin recruits loose-living Alicia Huberman, the estranged daughter of a convicted Nazi traitor, to infiltrate a group of Nazi exiles and find German scientists hiding in Brazil. Soon after arriving in Rio, Alicia falls in love with Devlin, the man who has saved her from a life of drinking, tramping, and uselessness, and is agonised when she feels that Devlin is just pimping her for the assignment. Driven to take her mission to extremes, Alicia marries Alexander Sebastian, the former conspirator of her father, but she must still report her findings to Devlin and, under the watchful eye of her new husband, their romance will not go unnoticed for long. 

I did not love it as much as Spellbound, which still comes in as my absolute favourite Hitchcock film, but Notorious was not without its irresistible charms. Earning its place in The Book, this film is the perfect blend of romance, drama, and suspense. I did love it. 

Towards the end of the war, suave secret agent Devlin recruits loose-living Alicia Huberman, the estranged daughter of a convicted Nazi traitor, to infiltrate a group of Nazi exiles and find German scientists hiding in Brazil. Soon after arriving in Rio, Alicia falls in love with Devlin, the man who has saved her from a life of drinking, tramping, and uselessness, and is agonised when she feels that Devlin is merely pimping her up for the assignment. Driven to take her mission to extremes, Alicia marries Alexander Sebastian, the former conspirator of her father, but she must still report her findings to Devlin and, under the jealous and watchful eye of her new husband, their romance will not go unnoticed for long. 

Set against the dramatic backdrop of World Ward II, Notorious elicits some very memorable, powerful, and iconic Hitchcock traits e.g. a long sweeping close up that begins on the second story of a manor and closes on a key hidden in Alicia’s hand. Come to think of it, I cannot recall another film where the camera is used in this way; it’s a simple trick, but at the same time it really stands out and is quite iconic in its own right. Awesome! 

I think what was particularly special about Notorious was the dramatic triangle of the three leads. Some action or other causes you to constantly be changing your respect and feelings towards them; on more than one occasion, you’re questioning Devlin, and even Alexander, the token villain and “other man”, shows some heroism towards the end. 

Ingrid Bergman, who earlier starred alongside Gregory Peck in Spellbound, delivers a dazzling performance as Alicia; she’s alluring, she’s passionate, and she just has such presence. You’re completely captivated from the first moment. I adore Ingrid Bergman! 

Starring Cary Grant, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern, and Leopoldine Konstantin, Notorious is a wonderful film filled with romance, passion, drama, biting dialogue, and suspense. It really is a fabulous film that holds something for everyone. 

Peter Pan [PG]

All children grow up... except one.

When Wendy’s father tells her that it is time for her to grow up, she and her brothers run away from home with Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and go to Neverland where they have many adventures. But soon, for Wendy, the novelty of fighting pirates, flying, fairies, and mermaids disappears and she begins to wonder if growing up is altogether unavoidable. 

J. M. Barrie’s timeless tale of adventure and fantasy is given new life in this visually stunning version. Filled with absolutely everything from action to romance, it’s a wonderful film that the entire family can enjoy time and time again. 

Wendy Darling is getting older and one night her father finally tells her that it’s time for her to grow up. Upset and angry, Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, run away from home with Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and they go to Neverland, a wonderful place that is the stuff of their dreams, where they have many grand adventures. But soon, for Wendy, the novelty of fighting pirates, flying, dancing with Indians, fairies, and mermaids disappears, and she begins to wonder of growing is in fact unavoidable. 

This is just a great film all round. The special effects for the fantasy elements of the story were absolutely dazzling and special attention needs to be paid to the art department and set designers because every set in this film was absolutely brilliant from the Black Castle to the Jolly Roger to Peter’s home in the forest. An amazing, really amazing display of talent and craft that actually can put a fair bit of pressure on the actors, as they have to really fight to keep the limelight on them. 

I also need to draw some attention to the most beautiful instrumental soundtrack, composed by James Newton Howard. It’s just gorgeous and I am seriously going to get myself a copy to listen to as I go to sleep at night. And then the perfect balance of action, comedy, and romance is just the icing on the cake. Between Hook and Peter’s great swordfights to Wendy’s lovesick and mature performance, everything, literally everything was right in this film; the swordfights, fantasy creatures, and flying appeal to the junior audience and then the slightly grandiose and mature script keeps the adults just as enthralled. It’s brilliant. JUST BRILLIANT! 

Starring Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Geoffrey Palmer, Olivia Williams, Jason Isaacs (who plays a duel role and has to be the best Captain Hook ever!), Richard Briers, Harry Newell, Freddie Popplewell, Ludivine Sagnier, and Lynn Redgrave, Peter Pan is a wonderful family film that’s packed with action, adventure, romance, comedy, fantasy, and magic. It’s a really visually stunning treat that every family can enjoy. 

Liar Liar [M]

Fletcher Reede is a great lawyer and a divorced, habitual liar who has broken his son’s heart on countless occasions. So, on his fifth birthday, Max wishes that, for one day, his dad could not tell a lie. And his wish comes true. Now Fletcher has to struggle through 24 hours and the biggest court trial of his career… without telling a single lie. 

One of the most stereotypical, but most memorable performances from Jim Carrey, Liar Liar is simple and cheesy and overacted, but you can’t help but smile and laugh. It’s classic. 

Fletcher Reede is a great lawyer and a divorced, habitual liar who has broken his son’s heart on more than one occasion. So, on his fifth birthday, Max wishes that, for one day, his dad could not tell a lie… And his wish comes true! Now, Fletcher has 24 excruciating hours to struggle through as well as the biggest court trial of his career… without telling a single lie! 

Admittedly this film was just a simple story that only was made into a film because it lent itself to so many great comedic moments. A bit like Yes Man, which I do realise was made years afterwards, Liar Liar is a silly story that was driven forwards solely by the film’s hero: Jim Carrey. 

When people think of Jim Carrey, images of eccentric screaming, noises, facial expressions, and amazing moments of slapstick and other physical gestures of comedic brilliance spring to mind. It’s sad to say that that is the type of performance and, in particular, genre, that defines Jim, but he does do it so incredibly well. There is no other actor alive that has the effect on an audience that Jim Carrey does. It has to be said. But his performance in Liar Liar was more than just shouting, screeching, and gestures that seemed to be channelling Peter Sellars in Dr. Strangelove at one point. Jim’s chemistry with his on-screen son, Max, played so lovely by Justin Cooper, is one that will melt the heart. It does seem cheesy and a bit clichéd, but it still is a heart-warming story that can outshine the comedy when it wants to. That cannot be denied. 

Starring Maura Tierney, Anne Haney, Jennifer Tilly, Jason Bernard, Swoosie Kurtz, Mitch Ryan, and Carey Elwes, Liar Liar is a classic comedy that’s packed with all types of comedy, relationships, suspense, and the truth. It may be silly and somewhat overdone, but it definitely won’t be denied. I do love this flick. 

AND THE TRUTH…SHALL SET YOU FREE!!!

Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde [PG]

Elle is getting married and she wants everyone that’s important to her to be at her wedding, which undoubtedly includes the mother of her best friend and constant companion: her Chihuahua, Bruiser. But when she discovers that Bruiser’s mum is a subject in a cosmetics animal-testing lab, she bends and snaps into action, going to Washington to make animal testing for cosmetic companies illegal. But can Elle change the law and plan the wedding of the century at the same time? 

Nup. Sorry. Nowhere near as vibrant or inspiring or just generally good as the first one. I’ll admit that it does harbour some moments of cuteness and comedy, but ultimately this sequel is a bit of disappointing overkill. You know, trying to top the first one and just flopping epically. The only reason I have it in my collection is because it came in a double pack with the first movie, which is the one I really wanted. It’s a matter of value; I was potentially paying no more for two films than for one. 

Elle is getting married and she wants everyone that’s important to her to be at her wedding, which undoubtedly includes the mother of her best friend and constant companion: her Chihuahua, Bruiser. But when she discovers that Bruiser’s mum is a subject in a cosmetics animal-testing lab, she bends and snaps into action, going to Washington to make animal testing for cosmetic companies illegal. But can Elle change the law and plan the wedding of the century at the same time? 

As is the case with countless sequels, this film tried to outdo its predecessor… and failed. Everything just became way too ditzy and overdone for my liking and it seemed more like a tween film than one where the heroines are all adults out to change things that affect the entire country. You just can’t take it all that seriously. And the dramas and complications, which were basically just the same as in the first film, were roughly slotted in and solved really quickly. Everything happened too fast, too soon and, therefore, caused the audience to just forgo paying attention and just watch mindlessly. That’s not really what you try to do in a film. 

All of the original cast are back as well as a few new faces. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Jennifer Coolidge, Dana Ivey, Jessica Cauffiel, Alanna Ubach, Regina King, Bruce McGill, Mary Lynn Rajskub, J Barton, and Sally Field, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde was a trying sequel that just did not scale the lofty heights of the first Legally Blonde. Filled with warmth, fuzziness, comedy, romance, pink, and four legged critters, it’s all right, but it’s not great. 

Clueless [M]

Cher “actually has a way normal life for a teenager”. Brought up by her rich father in a vast Beverly Hills manor, Cher spends most of time shopping, parading around in fashionable outfits with her best friend Dionne, and matchmaking two unhappy teachers. When a new girl named Tai arrives at her school, Cher immediately “adopts” her and makes her over in her own image, but soon some unexpected dramas occur as Tai becomes a Cher clone and basic control seems to slip out of Cher’s grasp. 

Loosely a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless is a wonderful film that you can’t watch all the time, but once in a while, and each time you revisit it, you’re never disappointed. It’s filled with outrageous outfits, misread signals, biting comedy, and memorable performances. Earning its place in The Book, it’s a classic that should be in any film buff’s collection… well any girl buff’s collection at least. 

Cher “actually has a way normal life for a teenager”. Brought up by her rich father in a Beverly Hills manor, Cher spends most of her time shopping, parading around in fashionable outfits with her best friend Dionne, and matchmaking two unhappy teachers. When a new girl named Tai arrives at school, Cher immediately “adopts” her and makes her over in her own image, bringing her instant popularity. But soon some unexpected dramas occur, as Tai becomes a Cher clone and basic control seems to slip out of Cher’s grasp. 

As I mentioned before, Clueless is loosely based on Jane Austen’s tale of a vain heroine who finds great joy in planning and setting up romances between other people. But the film is also a very clever portrayal of a number of things. As the story harbours much of the romance, the comedy of the film is presented in the clever and biting satiric portrayal of the modern teenagers and makes some very funny jibes at fashion, education, language, and most importantly of all, egocentrism. The film is all about the teenagers, in particular rich and spoilt teenagers, and their complete lack of understanding of anything that doesn’t directly relate to or affect them. The entire world that this movie shows is just a bubble and it’s only through the character of Josh, Cher’s stepbrother that we are brought back to reality. 

Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher, the film’s heroine and seriously, no one could have done it better. She played the whiny, vain, and delightfully ditzy teenager role perfectly and even in her voiced-over monologues, no matter how many poetic phrases and big words she used, you just could not help but smile and giggle. She was absolutely brilliant and really made a name for herself in this film. 

Starring Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, Twink Caplan, Justin Walker, Wallace Shawn, and Dan Hedaya, Clueless is a fantastic film that’s filled with outrageous outfits, great satire, matchmaking, romance, and epiphanies. It really is a classic and a great one to come back to from time to time.