Ratatouille [PG]

In Paris, the City of Lights, lives an ambitious rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great chef. He has a great talent for culinary creation, but unfortunately his size and general species prevents him from achieving his dream. But then he meets a young man named Linguini who has been mistaken as being a great chef and the two decide to join forces and set in motion a chain of events that will change the fine food of Paris forever. 

Hmm, it seems that in the time between Monsters Inc., Wall-E, and Toy Story 3, Pixar had lost something. Watching Cars and now Ratatouille, I just felt that there was not as much life in some of these later Pixar films, hence why, even though I love anything Disney, I have not added these films to the collection. 

In Paris, the City of Lights, lives an ambitious rat named Remy who dream of becoming a great chef. He has a great talent for culinary creation, but unfortunately his size, family, and general species prevents him from achieving his dream. But then he meets a young man named Linguini, a garbage boy who has been mistaken for a great chef, and the two decide to join forces and set in motion a chain of events that will change the fine food of Paris forever. 

Having said that there was something wanting in this film when compared to some of Pixar’s more memorable achievements: Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters Inc. and Wall-E, it cannot be said that Ratatouille was in fact a bad film. 

Its base is a very fine story about dreams, determination, and friendship, but I think the most intriguing thing about this movie was the great way in which it portrayed the power of food. It is said that taste and smell are the two senses that have the strongest connections with memory and I really liked the way that that fact was shown in this film during its climax at the end. I also particularly like the way in which different tastes were visually represented, not quite dissimilar to the beginning of Fantasia. 

The bright lights and animation make it a good children’s film, but the food aspect, in particular some of the culinary tricks and general ambiance will appeal to the adults, particularly those who have a real fondness for food and cooking. It’s actually quite cultured in that way, not to mention that the Paris scenery is just breathtaking, even in animated form. 

Featuring the voice talents of Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Brian Dennehy, Lou Romano, Brad Garrett, Will Arnett, Janeane Garofalo, John Ratzenberger, and Peter O’Toole, Ratatouille is a nice little film that’s filled with food, friendship, romance, comedy, and dreams. It is one of Pixar’s milder offerings on the menu, but it’s still worth having a taste. 

Life is Beautiful (La Vita e Bella) [M] - Italian

Life is a fairytale for Guido; riding around the Italian countryside with his close friend, he meets the love of his life and, through a series of awkward and somewhat embarrassing misdemeanours, makes her his wife. Soon they are blessed with a son, Joshua, but the fairytale gets rocky when both Guido and Joshua are captured and sent to the Jewish prison camps. Throughout the hardships of the camps, Guido remains ever loving and imaginative for his son, and through his conduct, he proves that in even the darkest moments, a glimmer of hope can still shine through. 

This is a really lovely film that keeps its audience one hundred per cent engaged by its wonderful story, its lovely direction, and its stunning performances. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards and winner of 3: Best Actor awarded to Benigni, Best Foreign Film, and Best Dramatic Music Score, Life Is Beautiful is a real classic that is equally as moving and dramatic as it is fresh and funny. It’s a perfectly balanced film that harbours something for everyone. 

Life is a fairytale of Guido; riding around the Italian countryside with his close friend, he meets the love of his life and, through a series of awkward, romantic, and somewhat embarrassing misdemeanours, makers her his wife. Soon they are blessed with a son, Joshua, but the fairytale becomes rocky when both Guido and Joshua are captured and sent to the Jewish prison camps. Throughout the hardships of the camps, Guido remains ever loving, enthusiastic, and imaginative for his son, and his conduct proves that even in the darkest moments, a glimmer of hope can still shine through. 

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Italy, what I felt was particularly nice about this movie was the fact that it didn’t give anything away as to what direction it was headed in. It begins as a lovely romance story and for that entire courtship, I could not have seen that it was headed towards a grim and dramatic tale of separation, hardship, and sacrifice… with a happy ending of course. You are completely captivated from start to finish and the film’s balance of drama, romance, and comedy, really holds your focus and touches both the heart and the funny bone. It’s just lovely. 

Without a doubt, special applause must be given to Roberto Benigni who starred as Guido. What a performance! He was charming, enthusiastic, funny, and you completely fell in love with from the first exclamation of “Good morning Princess!” I loved him. 

Starring Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano, Sergio Bini Bustric, Marisa Paredes, and Horst Buchholz, Life Is Beautiful really is beautiful and is filled with romance, comedy, drama, memorable performances, and a great story of hope and imagination. I thought it was really, really lovely, and I would recommend it. 

The Queen [M]

When the news of the death of Princess Diana, the “People’s Princess”, is broken to a shocked and disbelieving British public, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II retreats behind the walls of Balmoral Castle with her family to deal with the shock and grief with privacy and dignity, unable to imagine the public response to the tragedy. For newly elected and popular Prime Minister, Tony Blair, the nation’s need for reassurance and support from its leaders is palpable, and he faces a great challenge: reconnecting the Queen with her public. 

There is something incredibly engaging about these dramas that depict and then delve deeper into real events in the life and times of famous leaders. The King’s Speech, Frost/Nixon, and now The Queen make it into my list of Most Memorable Films. 

When the news of the death of Princess Diana, the “People’s Princess”, is broken to a shocked and disbelieving British public, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II retreats behind the walls of Balmoral Castle with her family to deal with the shock and grief with privacy and dignity, unable to imagine the public response to the tragedy. For newly elected and popular Prime Minister, Tony Blair, the nation’s need for reassurance and support from its leaders is palpable, and he faces a great challenge: reconnecting the Queen with her public. 

What, I think, is so great about these particular types of dramas is the fact that, not only that they are based on or inspired by true events, but the fact that they are so intriguing without the need for any special effects or the like. All these films run on are good scripts and strong performances; elements that, I believe, require a lot of stamina and talent, and ones that are completely natural and pure and not flashing lights and colourful diversions. But, seriously, fair play to all those involved in the more visual and technical side of filmmaking. I only dish it because it involves a lot of smarts and brainpower that I simply do not possess. Rock on! 

Headline for this film: Helen Mirren is a Dame! A complete and utter dame! Her performance was so strong and so moving and so memorable. I mean she did everything with a stern and dignified sense of duty, which only made it all the more powerful and tear-inducing when she had more emotional scenes such as the scene with the stag and the scene with the flowers outside Buckingham Palace; I didn’t bawl, but there were silent tears rolling down my face during that scene! Wow! That’s all I can say: WOW! 

Starring Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, Alex Jennings, James Cromwell, Roger Allam, Helen McCrory, and Syvlia Sysm, The Queen is a breathtaking film filled with duty, dignity, publicity, real footage, and stunning performances. It’s incredibly engaging and, quite rightly, earned Helen Mirren the Acadmey Award for Best Actress in 2007. It really is a stunning film and I would highly recommend it. 

Hanna [M]

In the frozen woods of Germany lives a teenage girl named Hanna and her father Erik. Being raised by her father, an ex CIA agent, Hanna has the strength and stamina of a soldier, and her upbringing and training has been to make her into the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one, as her father sends her out into the world on a special mission. Stealthily, she makes her way across Europe, at the same time eluding agents dispatched to capture her by a ruthless Intelligence agent with secrets of her own. As Hanna gets closer to her target, she faces startling revelations and unexpected questions about her existence. 

I’ve had customers give this film a real bad wrap and apparently, in some newspaper, it made it onto the Worst Films list. WHAT? WHY? I will admit that there were some things that were a bit um and hmm, but ultimately, I really liked this movie. I found it intriguing, rollicking, dramatic, and heartfelt, all at the same time. 

In the frozen woods of Germany lives a teenage girl named Hanna and her father Erik. Being raised by her father, an ex CIA agent, Hanna has the strength and stamina of a soldier, and her upbringing and training has been to make her into the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one, as her father sends her out into the world on a special mission. Stealthily, she makes her way across Europe, at the same time eluding agents dispatched to capture her by a ruthless Intelligence agent with secrets of her own. As Hanna gets closer to her ultimate target, she faces startling revelations and unexpected questions about her father and her own existence. 

I think, that there is much more to this film than initially meets peoples eye. On the surface, it’s an action film: agents chasing other agents and assassins and the like. But there is so much more to it than just that! There is the deeper story of Hanna growing up and, during her time abroad, discovering things that she has been denied for many years. The film touches on some very mature and relative themes such as isolation, sociality, and that awkward stage of adolescence, and I think it’s important to remember in this film that Hanna is not an adult, she is only a teenager, halfway through that dramatic gear-change, and for her entire life, she has lived in frozen solitude and isolation with only her father for company. She has strong wants and desires and needs, and it’s important to remember this before you slag off the film for whatever reason (I will say that I have not read the reviews as to why this film was so bad, so I am willing to accept that there may be some groundless arguments made here). 

I found this film incredibly interesting because it harbours no real climax. All its action and drama was at a consistent level the entire way through. The other thing that I found interesting, and that I liked, was the fact that it ends on a climactic note, but not closure, almost similar to the style of A Clockwork Orange. 

Not to mention that the film's soundtrack, done by The Chemical Brothers was equally as engaging. 

Special applause has to be given to Saoirse Ronin! She’s a great actress and I was completely transfixed by her from the very first frame. 

Starring Eric Bana, Tom Hollander, Paris Arrowsmith, Jessica Barden, Olivia Williams, Jason Flemying, and Cate Blanchett, Hanna was a great film packed with action, drama, murder, suspense, and underneath all that, heart. I thought it was really good and I would recommend it. 

I just missed your heart

Cars 2 [PG]

Racing champ Lightning McQueen is back with all his friends in Razor Springs for a bit of R and R, until he gets roped into competing in the World Grand Prix race. To add insult to injury, McQueen also gets roped into brining his best friend Mater along, but their friendship becomes rocky as, through a series of incidents, Mater gets mixed up in an adventure of his own: industrial espionage. 

All the memorable characters from Cars are back, as well as a few new ones and, without a doubt, this is one of the rare occasions where the sequel is better than its predecessor. 

Racing champ Lightning McQueen is back in Razor Springs with all his friends for a bit of R and R, until he gets roped into competing in the World Grand Prix race, which starts in Japan, goes through Italy, and finishes in England. To add insult to injury, McQueen also gets roped into bringing his best friend Mater along, but their companionship becomes rocky as, through a series of incidents, Mater gets mixed up in an adventure of his own: industrial espionage. 

Admittedly not as warm and heartfelt as the first one, Cars 2 did still harbour some strong messages about friendship and acceptance. Which was nice. 

But I think what makes this film a little more memorable was the fact that everything about it was just bigger. 

For a start, we travel through three different countries and get to see other famous figures represented as cars, including the Pope and Her Majesty the Queen. 

Secondly, the story of Mater’s adventure with a couple of secret agents was pretty damn cool: engaging and visually cool to watch; the gadgets that some of these cars had were pretty trippy and impressive, and it gave the film that feeling of watching a Bond film… only animated and about cars. I don’t know, in general it just amused me more than the first one did, and it didn’t try and recreate too many of its predecessor’s jokes, which I thought was a good thing. 

Featuring the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Emily Mortimer, John Turturro, Eddie Izzard, and Michael Caine, Cars 2 was a fun family film that was packed with action, adventure, comedy, friendship, drama, gadgets, and suspense. I still don’t think that the whole Cars thing was Pixar’s finest cinematic achievement, but they’re fun films to watch nonetheless. 

Red Dog [PG]

Red Dog is a charismatic kelpie who became an Australian legend as he united a disparate mining community in Dampier in the 1970s and 80s while roaming the Australian outback in search of his true, lost master. 

So here I am, tearing up something dreadful and sodden, after finding out why everyone is raving about Red Dog. IT’S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FILM; heart-warming, heartbreaking, tear-jerking, uplifting, giggle-inducing, and altogether wonderful. 

Red Dog is a charismatic kelpie who became an Australian legend as he united a disparate mining community in Dampier in the 1970s and 80s while roaming the Australian outback in search of his one true, lost master. 

Based on an amazing and just altogether breathtaking and incredible true story, Red Dog is a beautiful family film that has restored my waning sense of patriotism. I have to admit that, before Red Dog, it seemed that all the Aussies were coming out with in regards to cinematic input were gritty, confronting, and really close-to-the-bone dramas that both engage and repel audiences. But this film proved that there is a beating heart beneath the hardened and sunburnt exterior of this unique country. 

It must first be said that Koko, the star of the show, was really the star of the show. There are animals and there are actors and Koko was as strong an actor as any of his supporting human cast, if not more so. A beautiful animal who, I believe, had only done modelling previously and no acting, his performance was just amazing to behold; not just his barking at appropriate moments or growling or pining or whatnot, but his movements, his facial expressions… Koko is now, probably, the most sought-after dog-actor on the planet! 

The film is a series of reminiscences… and that is all I am willing to say on the topic lest I ruin it for everyone who has not seen the film. I am telling you now, that it is a must-see movie that harbours absolutely everything: fit for the perfect family afternoon. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, it’ll change your life. 

With great performances from Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor, Noah Taylor, Luke Ford, Rohan Nichol, John Batchelor, Arthur Angel, and a classic cameo from Bill Hunter (no Aussie film would be complete without him), Red Dog is a really beautiful film that’s filled with road trips, live animals, romance, friendship, action, sadness, and unification. It’s really, really beautiful and I urge everyone to go down to their local Blockbuster and grab a copy. It’s just gorgeous and not to be missed!

Grease [PG]

A summer romance finds sugary sweet Sandy Olsson and hip heartthrob Danny Zuko in each other’s arms at the beach and proclaiming their love for one another. But then summer ends and Danny goes back to being the cool leader of a gang of greasers whilst Sandy goes back to Australia. But then, as fate would have it, a change of plans brings Sandy to Rydell High School and Danny faces a multitude of challenges as he is forced to choose between his image and his heart. 

Grease is the word, is the word that you heard. It’s got groove, it’s got meaning. Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion. Grease is the way we are feeling. 

The clichéd and classic musical that everyone has to come know and most have come to love, Grease has to be the best high school movie ever made as it still continues to entertain and appeal to audiences of all ages, decades after its premiere. The story, the characters, the costumes, and most of all, the music makes Grease a wonder that has earned its place in The Book and secured its place in musical cinematic history. 

A summer romance finds sugary sweet Sandy Olsson and hip heartthrob Danny Zuko in each other’s arms at the beach and proclaiming their love for one another. But then the summer ends and Danny goes back to being the hip leather-clad leader of a gang of greasers whilst Sandy goes back to Australia. But then, as fate would have it, a change of plans brings Sandy to Rydell High School and Danny faces a multitude of challenges as he is forced to choose between his image and his heart. 

Set against the backdrop of high school in the 50s, which really is the best era for high school movies, Grease is a classic example of what happens when you take a little bit of everything, chuck it altogether and then let it completely raise in the oven. It’s a delightful quiche of drama, comedy, romance, and style. 

The basic story is as old as the hills, but it’s still a story that touches every girl’s romantic fancy: boy meets girl and although they are from completely different worlds, they overcome adversity and prove that love conquers all. Since Grease, we have seen that romance tale time and time again in Aladdin, Cinderella, Pretty In Pink, and even the Twilight saga. 

But it’s not the story that makes Grease the phenomenal film that it is. Patrick Swayze can dirty dance his way out of the spotlight because every girl’s dream guy is brought to life through John Travolta’s memorable performance as the bad-boy-on-the-outside-but-heart-of-gold-within…although Johnny Depp in Cry Baby could give him a bit of a run for his money. With his leather jacket, his tight jeans, and his lustrous locks, any woman who does not swoon when she sees John on the screen should be shot. As if a greaser John is not enough, we see him dish out some phenomenal musical numbers as well as dance sequences. Seriously, Greased Lightnin’ has everyone in front of their TV doing the moves along with the actors. Even the people who say they hate the film. Don’t deny it! 

The other actor who deserves a special mention is Stockard Channing who plays renowned school tart, Rizzo. Stockard is a very strong actress and though hers was a supporting role, she really made her presence known and her character not only brought much of the maturity and drama to the movie, but she also gave us that memorable and tear-jerking performance when she sang one of my all-time favourite songs: There Are Worse Things I Could Do. 

Without a doubt, the music was the defining feature of this film as it goes through a range of genres from the boppy pop sound of Summer Lovin’ to the hard rock ‘n’ roll of Greased Lightnin’ to the sentimental and romantic Beauty School Drop-Out. You cannot help but sing along with every single song that comes up in this film, whether it be the heartfelt Hopelessly Devoted to You or the sarcastic Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee. 

And on top of the romantic story and the high school dramas, there is a layer of comedy, which manifests itself in many forms, but none so memorable as the clichéd beginning and the terrible cheesy ending. No more needs to be said, but if you’ve been living under and floorboard and have not seen either, you’d better run down to your local Blockbuster and get a copy. 

Starring Olivia Newton-John, Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Didi Conn, Jamie Donnelly, Dinah Manoff, Eve Arden, Joan Blondell, Edd Byrnes, Sid Caesar, Sha-Na-Na, and Frankie Avalon, Grease is a wonderful and completely classic film that is filled with leather, cars, action, romance, comedy, drama, dancing, and good old-fashioned everything. It’s just a load of fun and I absolutely love it to bits. 

Cars [G]

Lightning McQueen is the rookie racing sensation, famous for boasting that he is a one-man show and needs nobody at his side. But his self-centred attitude completely changes when, on the road to a tiebreaker race, he gets lost and stranded in a tiny run-down town in the middle of nowhere. Whilst fixing the damage he’s inflicted on the town, Lightning begins to make friends with the locals and he discovers that there is more to racing and life than just winning and doing it all for yourself. 

Another heart-warming and funny little animated film from Pixar, but not their greatest achievement, it has to be said. I mean, I liked the film muchly, it’s cute has great characters, has heart-warming messages about friendship and whatnot, but ultimately I feel that Pixar have done some much cleverer things in the past. 

Lightning McQueen is the rookie racing sensation, famous for boasting that he’s a one-man show and needs nobody at his side. But his self-centred attitude completely changes when, on the road to a tiebreaker race, he get stranded and lost in a tiny, run-down town in the middle of nowhere. Whilst fixing the damage he’s inflicted on the town, Lightning begins to make friends with the locals, and he discovers that there is much more to racing and life than just winning and doing it for yourself. 

Under all the layers of crisp animation, recognisable voice talent, and subtle and clever humour, Cars does have a really nice story about change, friendship, and trust. Those sorts of stories are great in family films such as Pixar’s because the junior audience can take more away with them then just laughs and bright colours. 

On a more trivial and film-tragic note, what I liked about this film was that Pixar took a short trip down the Dreamworks road. You know how in most Dreamworks’ films they give the animated character some defining feature that reflects the actor providing the voice talent? Well, there was a moment in Cars where Pixar did that too and I have to say that it was actually kind of funny seeing how Jay Leno and Arnold Schwarzenegger would look like if they were cars. 

The animation is just as classic as that of Toy Story or Monsters Inc and there is a lot of humour that will appeal to the adults, which makes this another classic family film. Oh, and be sure you watch the little bits at the end while the credits roll; clever note on Pixar’s casting preferences. 

Featuring the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Martin, Tony Shaloub, George Carlin, John Ratzenberger, and Michael Keaton, Cars is a cute and funny little family that’s filled with races, bright colours, humour, friendship, action, and romance. It’s not Pixar’s finest cinematic achievement, but it’s worth watching nonetheless.

Scrooged [M]

Greedy, driven, and all around grumpy bastard, Frank Cross, is the big man of a television agency screening a live version of Scrooge for Christmas Eve. At the end of a particularly nasty day, Frank is visited by the ghost of his old boss and warned that, if he does not change his ways, a rather grim afterlife waits for him. So, to save his soul, Frank is visited by three spirits: a maniacal cab driver, a sugary sweet fairy with a mean punch, and a headless spectre from the future, and it proves to be a night that will push even the sturdiest person over the edge. 

I remember watching this as child and really loving it. I remember it being really funny. But now, a good thirteen or so years later, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I remember. I would even go as far to say that, nup, this film just doesn’t do it. Sorry. Wrong number. My night’s ruined. I’m disappointed and a bit peeved. 

Greedy, driven, and all around grumpy bastard, Frank Cross, is the big man of a television agency screening a live version of Scrooge for Christmas Eve. At the end of a particularly nasty day, Frank is visited by the ghost of his old boss and warned that, if he does not change his ways, a rather grim afterlife waits for him. So, to save his soul, Frank is visited by three spirits: a maniacal cab driver, a sugary sweet fairy with the mean punch, and a headless spectre from the future, and it proves to be a night that will push even the sturdiest person over the edge. 

Essentially, just a macabre and modern version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooged I found a little tasteless and tacky to be brutally honest. All Bill Murray did was scream or say a load of sadistic and sarcastic lines that harboured nothing to throw me into frenzies of comedy delight. This modern-day version was a mutated cross between Heart and Souls and Beetlejuice, if you can imagine such a thing, and I really don’t think I can say much more on the subject. 

Fair play to the people who were responsible for the makeup and special effects, some kudos is due there. Well done everyone involved in that. And, um, yeah, no further comment. 

Starring Billy Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe, John Glover, Bobcat Goldthwait, David Johansen, Carol Kane, and Robert Mitchum, Scrooged was a bizarre and tasteless Christmas comedy that very nearly murdered a masterpiece. Filled with ghosts, booze, screaming, the homeless, and weird, weird supernatural characters and sets, I think that I’ve seen it more than enough for one lifetime thank you very much. 

Zombieland [MA]

Nerdy and scared-of-everything college student Columbus has survived the plague that has transformed mankind into flesh-eating zombies. But the fall of humanity has left him alone and unfulfilled. So he goes on the road to his hometown to try and find his family. Along the way he meets the gun-toting, twinkie-loving, and scared-of-absolutely-nothing Tallahassee and two sisters, Wichita and Little Rock, who have also survived, and together they face their most horrifying challenge yet: surviving each other’s company. 

What a bizarre film this is. The entire thing is really just a cross-country trip with the added drama of being chased by zombies and having a showdown in an abandoned amusement park. To be truthful, it wasn’t a bad or un-entertaining movie, but I wouldn’t say that it’s “the funniest comedy since The Hangover” which the back of the cover claims it to be. Look, at the end of the day, I would say that this film is not bad and it’s worth having a look at, especially if you have a hard-on for mindless violence and bloodshed, but it’s really not all that. 

Nerdy and scared-of-everything college student Columbus has survived the plague that has transformed mankind into flesh-eating zombies. But the fall of humanity has left him alone and unfulfilled. So he goes on the road to his hometown to try and find his family. Along the way he meets the gun-toting, twinkie-loving, and scared-of-absolutely-nothing Tallahassee as well as two sisters, Wichita and Little Rock who have also survived the plague, and together they face their most horrifying challenge: surviving each other’s company. 

Yeah, ultimately, this movie was nothing more than a cross-country trip embarked upon by completely different characters who have zombies chasing after them. 

By no means being a great cinematic phenomenon, the film does harbour some intriguing and slightly intellectual and funny moments, mainly manifesting themselves in the form of Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson’s performances. The complete character clash really works in this film, and I do also like the fact that a more meaningful and family oriented story comes in play against the violence and gore. 

It has to also be said here that it was interesting to see zombies actually have some life in them: seriously, these creatures were unlike the slow-moving and mindless masses that we saw in Shaun of the Dead, but desperately starving and ravenous, fast-moving, dead people with blood all over their faces and flesh in their teeth. It was actually rather intriguing and added some more fear to the whole thing as these creatures could actually keep up and outrun their prey. I liked it. 

Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, and Bill Murray, Zombieland was a weird, but not entirely unfunny movie filled with violence, horror, zombies, guns, romance, and family. If you like the actors and don’t mind the occasional bit of weird and “what-the-fuck”, then this movie might be one to consider having a look at.

Nut up or shut up

30 Minutes Or Less [MA]

Nick is a man who is still becoming a man. Whilst his best friend is a substitute teacher, Nick is still driving around delivering pizzas for a living. But his humdrum and mundane world is almost literally blown to bits when he delivers pizzas to a guy who plans to murder his own father. Nick wakes up to find that he has a bomb strapped to his body and only a limited amount of time to rob a bank, steal a grand, and get it to the psychos before he becomes stains on the pavement. Dragging his best friend Chet along for the ride, this is going to be the longest day of Nick’s life. 

As much as I hate to make a really stupid and clichéd pun here, it must be said that this movie is the bomb! It’s simple and a smooth-sailing story, but at the same time is loaded to breaking point with all types of action and verbal attacks that are hard on the ears. Not to mention the fantastic freak-outs that came out of Jesse Eisenberg! This movie fucking rocks! I LOVED IT! 

Nick is a man who is still becoming a man. Whilst his best friend is a substitute teacher, Nick is still driving around delivering pizzas for a living. But his humdrum and mundane world is almost literally blown apart when he delivers pizzas to a guy who plans to murder his own father. Nick wakes up to find that he has a bomb strapped to his body and only a limited amount of time to rob a bank, steal a grand, and get it to the psychos before he becomes a stain on the pavement. Dragging his best friend, Chet, along for the ride, this is going to be the longest day of Nick’s life. 

This is just a really good action/comedy! All there is is the slight Coen-esque action that stems from misunderstandings and people acting like idiots in time of desperation or control. And let it be said here that I use the phrase “Coen-esque”, but that does not mean that this is a Coen brother’s movie. A bit of a disclaimer, I know, but there it is. 

The marriage of the action and the comedy was perfectly balanced and what makes this film so gripping is the fact that all types of comedy and action are used. Action-wise, we have car chases, hold-ups, shoot-outs, flame-throwers, bombs, and everything in between. And then comedy-wise we have freak-outs, desperation, violence, language, and general verbal and violent abuse and amateurship. It’s just hilarious. 

And then, to play against the comedy and action, the film has a subtler and really lovely story about friendship that runs along parallel with the general story. That was really nice. 

Without a doubt, the show belonged to Jesse Eisenberg who starred as Nick. I have a real soft spot for Jesse, I have to admit; I absolutely love him and here, he delivered a wonderful and memorable performance that was desperate, aggressive, frustrated, and just wonderfully funny. HE WAS BRILLIANT, JUST BRILLIANT! 

Starring Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Dilshad Vadsaria, Michael Pena, Fred Ward, and Bianca Kajilich 30 Minutes Or Less is a wonderfully funny, violent and rollicking film that’s packed with action, romance, self-discovery, friendship, blunders, and all manner of violence and fuck-ups. It really is a great film and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Mr. Popper's Penguins [G]

Mr. Tom Popper is a man who has hit a wall in life. He lives for his work, he’s divorced, and he can no longer properly relate to his kids. But that changes when his explorer father passes away and sends him one final souvenir: a real penguin. Unable and unwilling to take care of this new pet, Popper tries to send the bird back, but due to a miscommunication, ends up with six penguins in his apartment. They’re loud, they bite, and are absolute trouble, but they might just be what Popper needs to get his life back on track. 

Based on a children’s book, which I have never read nor indeed heard of, Mr. Popper’s Penguins was a cute, but silly little film, almost like a cross between Night at the Museum and Bedtime Stories. 

Mr. Tom Popper is a man who has hit a wall in his life. He lives for his work, he’s divorced but still in love with his ex-wife, and he can no longer properly relate to his kids. But that all changes when his explorer father passes away and sends him one final souvenir: a real penguin. Unable and unwilling to take care of this new pet, Popper tries to send the bird back, but due to a miscommunication, ends up with six penguins in his apartment. They’re loud, they bite, they give him no privacy, and are just general trouble, but they might just be what Popper needs to rediscover love and get his life back on track. 

When I say that this film is a sort of cross between Night at the Museum and Bedtime Stories, I mean that it is set against the backdrop of a more adult situation: the whole divorced parent who only sees his kids on certain weekends, similar to Night at the Museum and it’s a silly and childish catalyst that causes the hero to change and go on a journey of self-discovery, like Bedtime Stories. 

I think my only major beef with this film was the fact that everything moved a bit too quickly, but at the same time, too subtly and smoothly. There was no real shock or jolt into the meat of the story and journey of self-discovery, indeed even the arrival of the first penguin did not really seem all that engaging. So, yes, I think that we could say there was a lack of real initial engagement. It was all sort of “huh” and that was it. 

Having said that, the animated penguins were rather cute and the script did harbour some very clever and funny treats, the major one being Popper’s assistant with her most amazing alliteration. Watch out for that! 

Starring Jim Carrey, who just seemed to breeze through the whole thing and not try very hard at all, Carla Gugino, Ophelia Lovibond, Madeline Carroll, Clark Gregg, Jeffrey Tambor, David Krumholtz, Maxwell Perry Cotton, and Angela Lansbury, Mr. Popper’s Penguins was a cute, but admittedly silly little film filled with penguins, ice, noise, comedy, and love. It’s cute and all, but I don’t think it’s a film that I would watch again any time soon. 

The Blues Brothers [M]

Jake Blues is newly released from prison and, after his release, he and his brother Elwood go to visit the nun who raised them when they lived in an orphanage. To their dismay, they discover that the orphanage and the only home and family they’ve ever known is greatly in debt and in danger of closing down. After having an epiphany, they decide to get their band back together so that they can raise the money for the orphanage. But the road to regain success isn’t quite as smooth as they had hoped and soon, the brothers find themselves being chased all over the place by the police, the army, an angry country band, the Illinois branch of Nazis, and a murderous ex-girlfriend. 

I’ve seen this film a couple of times, but I keep forgetting just how clever the whole thing is and the familiar faces that make up the cast. The Blues Brothers is a real comedy classic as it samples and subtly takes the piss out of practically every mainstream genre, and all the while the main characters are completely nonchalant as to the dramas and dangerous situations that surround them. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! 

Jake Blues is newly released from prison and, after his release, he and his brother Elwood go to visit the nun who raised them when they lived in an orphanage. To their dismay, they discover that the orphanage and the only home and family that have known is greatly in debt and in danger of closing down. After having an epiphany, they decide to get their band back together to play some gigs and raise the money for the orphanage. But the road to regain success isn’t quite as smooth as they had hoped and soon, the brothers find themselves being chased all over the place by the police, the army, an angry country band, the Illinois branch of Nazis, and a murderous ex-girlfriend. 

There are so many things contained in this film that appeal and mean something to everyone, which makes it a great film for a variety of audiences. 

For a start, the film is technically a musical, as there are a few moments when the characters randomly burst into song, but at the same time, it is taking the piss out of musicals in an ironic way, as most of the musical numbers are done in a situation, which almost calls for it. 

Musicals are not the only genre that’s mocked in this film. There is a lot of action packed into it, but again the piss is taken out of the genre is an ironic and subtle way: the car chases practically never end! Seriously, they last for close to 10 minutes! And then there is the character of the murderous ex who just randomly turns up and begins bearing her wrath upon the brothers with the help of bombs, rifles, and flame-throwers. And, even in the face of all this, the lead characters, Jake and Eldwood, are completely nonchalant and un-phased by it. It’s effing hilarious! Like Chaplin tumbling down the stairs and just getting up, having a little shake, and moving on! 

And then we have a most amazing cast, which is packed with the familiar faces of both actors and musicians alike. Starring John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, James, Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Murphy Dunne, Willie Hall, Tom Malone, Lou Marini, Matt Murphy, Alan Rubin, Carrie Fisher, Henry Gibson, John Candy, John Lee Hooker, Kathleen Freeman, Steve Lawrence, Frank Oz, Twiggy, Jeff Moris, Charles Napier, Steven Williams, and Armand Cerami, The Blues Brothers is, without a doubt, a classic filled with action, comedy, drama, music, a great soundtrack, and practically everything in between. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS FILM! It’s bloody brilliant!

Breaking Dawn Part 1 [M]

It’s really happening. Edward and Bella are tying the knot and soon, Bella will become a vampire, able to love and cherish her Edward forever. But whilst on their honeymoon, something happens that threatens, not only Bella’s life, but also the lives of the entire Cullen family, as Bella discovers that she is pregnant. Still a human, the baby is too strong to grow inside Bella’s frail body, but the bigger problem is that the wolves see it as an abomination and will not allow it to be born, sparking a war against Bella, the Cullens, and anyone who stands in between. 

What can I say that has not already been said about the whole bloody Twilight phenomenon? This film is pretty much just like the others only more violent, brutal, and packed with more screaming from Kristen Stewart, who really has a talent for it, I have to say. To give her credit, she did really well at gaining that glow when she lets the shock of being pregnant settle into a calm and maternal state. 

It’s really happening. Edward and Bella are tying the knot and soon, Bell will become a vampire, able to love and cherish her Edward forever. But whilst on their honeymoon, something happens that threatens not only Bella’s life, but also the lives of the entire Cullen family, as Bella discovers that she is pregnant. Still a human, Bella is too fragile to carry the baby through a regular pregnancy, but the bigger problem is that the wolves see the thing as an abomination that will threaten all the humans they protect, and they will not allow it to be born. So begins a battle waged by Sam and his pack against Bella, the Cullens, and anyone who stands in between. 

The final book in the series, Breaking Dawn has been divided into two films, rightly so as there is a lot of stuff that needs to be covered. I have to say that I thought that they did Part 1 very well, ending it at just the right place in the story, and covering the wedding, the child, and the change. From the start, it was very true to the book and more or less exactly how I imagined the wedding and the honeymoon was going to be like. 

I was surprised, however, at how violent and brutal they made the pregnancy though. I have read the book and understood the danger and severity of the whole thing on Bella in particular, but I suppose I just thought that they would sort of put a glaze over it in the film. I was grossly mistaken, which in actually fact works out a lot better for the story as, even though it’s hard to watch, it really conveys the danger of the whole thing, not the mention the unusualness of it. Yes, there was lots of screaming, lots of bloodshed, and lots of bones cracking and breaking. Ugh it makes you just shudder. 

Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Sarah Clark, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, and Elizabeth Reaser, Breaking Dawn Part 1 was just another chapter in the Twilight saga. I don’t know what to say that I haven’t already said before. There is nothing inherently amazing about these books or films, yet there is something about them that just pulls the masses, girls in particular, into the cinema or onto the couch…

Driving Miss Daisy [G]

When rich, elderly Daisy Werthan drives her car into her neighbour’s garden, her son Boolie decides that her driving days are over. So Boolie hires Hoke to be Daisy’s chauffer, which starts out as a bit of a fiasco but, as the two spend more time together, whether they like it or not, they develop a warm and special relationship and, as time goes on, they discover that they have become each other’s best friend. 

Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name and winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture, best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, Driving Miss Daisy is a lovely little film that’s filled with warmth, conflict, and heart. It’s a really lovely little tale about a bond developing between the two most unlikely of souls. 

When rich, elderly Daisy Werthan drives her car into her neighbour’s garden, her son Boolie decides that her driving days are over. So Boolie hires Hoke to be Daisy’s chauffer, which begins as a bit of a fiasco as Daisy forcefully and stubbornly resists this intrusion into her life. But as the two spend more time together, whether they like it or not, they develop this special and warm bond, and, as time goes on, they realise that, over the course of their 25-year relationship, they have become each other’s best friend. 

Everything about this film was subtle, but at the same time, poignant. Admittedly, the passage of time is one that can almost be completely missed, I would not have realised that their friendship went on so long without reading the blurb on the back of the cover. 

The story is a lovely natural one that just blooms over the course of the film and the performances from the two leads were just beautiful. 

Jessica Tandy as Daisy was wonderful, beginning the film as stubborn, frank, and rather powerfully passive aggressive. Then she begins to smile and speak warmly towards Hoke and it’s really lovely to see the change, like watching sun break through on an overcast day. 

Morgan Freeman as Hoke was just gorgeous. I have a bit of a thing for Morgan Freeman, I have to admit; I find him wonderfully charming with this amazing ability to demand the audience’s attention, even when he’s paying meeker characters like Hoke or Azeem in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. In this film he’s wonderfully amiable, gentle, and at the same time just as determined and stubborn as Jessica Tandy and the clash of the two heads brings the film its drama and its heart. Lovely. 

Starring Dan Akroyd, Patti LuPone, and Esther Rollie, Driving Miss Daisy is a lovely little film that’s filled with drama, conflicts, friendship, and heart. I thought it was really nice and genuinely moving. 

An Education [M]

Jenny is an attractive and bright girl, just on the verge of becoming a woman. Struggling with a dull life of adolescent routine that is enforced by her conservative parents, Jenny cannot wait for her adult life to start. Then, one rainy day, she crosses the path of 30-ish David who is rich, fun, has taste, and soon becomes her suitor, having amazingly charmed her parents as well as Jenny. Soon David shows Jenny a whole new of classical concerts, art, jazz, and glittering restaurants and she becomes dangerously tempted to veer off the Oxford path that her parents would have her take, and walk down one of excitement and fun with David by her side. But all that glitters is not gold, and soon Jenny begins to wonder if David will be her making or her undoing. 

This is a wonderful, WONDERFUL film! Armed with its simple, but gripping story, it’s a wonderful look at an array of things and poses quite a lot of questions about life, education, and relationships. It’s a film that really glows and everything about it seems radiant and poignant. IT’S ABSOLUTELY LOVELY! A real gem! 

Jenny is an attractive and bright girl, just on the verge of becoming a woman. Struggling with a dull life of adolescent routine that is enforced by her conservative parents, Jenny cannot wait for her adult life to start. Then, one rainy day, she crosses the path of 30-ish David who is rich, fun, has taste, and soon becomes her suitor, having amazingly charmed her parents as well as Jenny. Soon, David shows Jenny a completely different world filled with classical concerts, art, jazz, and glittering restaurants, and she becomes dangerously tempted to veer off the Oxford path that her parents would have her take, and walk down one of excitement and fun with David at her side. But all that glitters is not gold and soon Jenny begins to wonder whether David will be her making or her undoing. 

Set in the early 60s, An Education is a remarkable film that makes some very interesting points about everything from education and its benefits to relationships and conservatism. The whole thing of a 16 year-old dating a 30 year-old already grabs the audience and holds their focus, but funnily enough, the relationship between Jenny and David is actually rather wonderful as it seems completely natural and is probably the least shocking thing in the film. Their questionable relationship opens doors both for the progress of the story and the character of Jenny, and I find it really intriguing that it is insignificant, but at the same time a really lovely catalyst. Not to mention that the chemistry between the two romantic leads seemed really genuine and radiant. It has to be one of the most radiant and charming romances that I have seen on screen. 

Special applause must go to Carey Mulligan who starred as Jenny. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED HER! She gave an amazing performance that was wide-eyed, innocent, cultured, and at the same time harboured some real fire, opinion, and aggressiveness. She just had presence and was radiant, really radiant. I was completely captivated by her from start to finish. 

Starring Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Rosamund Pike, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams, Sally Hawkins, and Emma Thompson, An Education is a really beautiful film that I am seriously considering adding the collection. It’s tasteful, captivating, elegant, and is filled with lessons, romance, experiences, culture, drama, comedy, and glamour. I LOVED IT, ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! 

The Tale of Despereaux [G]

Once upon a time there lived a mouse named Despereaux, who dreamt of being a brave knight. Banished from his home for being more of a man than a mouse, he one day, meets a distraught princess and vows to embark on a noble quest to free her from her prison and bring her what she longs for. 

This was an interesting little family film in that it goes back to a time of chivalry and honour and there was real sense to it: like a sense of duty, a sense honour, moral sense, and the characters sensing how others are feeling and what can be done to bring happiness. It was more of a feeling movie rather than a grand adventure of damsels in distress, brave knights, and the like. 

Once upon a time, in the faraway land of Dor, there lived a small mouse named Despereaux who dreamt of being a brave knight. Banished from his home for being more of a man than a mouse, he one day meets a distraught princess and vows to embark on a noble quest to free her from her prison and bring her what she longs for. 

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film quite like this before. There really isn’t much of a story to speak of, more of a collection of personal anecdotes and vendettas of the characters set against that fairytale-esque backdrop of chivalry and honour. It’s a very naturally evolving tale in a way, as the small series of adventures and misdemeanours lead to different feelings, which then lead to actions, some nasty and some nice, rather as it happens in reality. It’s sort of funny to say, as this is really a film where mice and rats are the heroes, but this is actually a very human movie as it depicts human feelings as being the real villains: grief, longing, insult, and injury. 

The animation is amazing with the perfect voice talents to match. 

Featuring the voice talents of Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Tracy Ullman, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, Sigourney Weaver, William H. Macy, Robbie Coltrane, Christopher Lloyd, and Frank Langella, The Tale of Despereaux is a nice little film with both courage and heart. Filled with adventure, soup, bravery, and forgiveness, it’s not the greatest fairytale in the world, but it’s worth having a look at nonetheless.