Iron Man 2

Well it follows up the first film beautifully.  It's quite hard to make a franchise from a dc comic adaptation but they have hit the nail on the head here. Robert downey jr perfroms with perfection yet again and Mickey Rourke is still pulling the punches after the wrestler. I think many are very happy to see him return to the big screen and with such flare!
Not enough Samual L Jackson though i think and perhaps a little less Johansen (controversial i know) as she tended to just waddle around in the background, and needless to say her character was all insinuated rather than performed. Stunts were pretty cool but i think she bummed out on this one.
Brilliant soundtrack from the AC/DC catalogue of hits! 8/10

Nightmare on elm street (2009)

As a child I was bombarded with screen classics such as Jaws, Close encounters, Alien and also Nightmare on elm street. Since then I have watched hundreds of scary flicks that over the years have sculpted a critique in me.
The horror movie genre has been the most successful genres since the film was created. The audience craves the fear that is completely dispelled once leaving the theatres seats and embracing the sunlight that welcomes them outside.
Horror has quite frankly stopped scaring!
This classic movie gem has been picked up, covered in candy floss and been made into a picture book.
Don't waste your time, rent the original! 0/10

The Collector

Made by the same people who brought you all the Saw films that followed the best one! Why don't people know when to stop.
So anyway, The Collector...It's rubbish. Some good kill scenes and some good ideas but executed very badly on a whole. This is another film for the new easily scared, teen horror loving generation. A handy man working for a wealthy family breaks into their home to steal a valuable stone that is locked in a hidden safe, only to find himself locked in along with the family and their killer captor.
I didn't get to watch the end of this film but I was lucky enough to catch Superbad on the tele instead which always makes my night!
If you love really predictable, over the top, hardly scary films then you may like this. 3/10

Get him to the Greek

Russell Brand is Aldous Snow, an extroverted, egotistical super star on the rocky road to being consumed by addiction and a very bad song. Jonah Hill is works in the music industry helping to break new artists. By a twist of fate he lands the job of escorting Aldous back to the Greek theatre for an anniversary gig.
Much of the film is Russell Brand playing himself and has a few cameos of famous faces but in fact only packs in a few very hilarious scenes. The film on a whole is a little bit dull with a bit of humour for fun. Jonah Hill, for me, made this film!
I wouldn't rush out and buy it but it's one to watch on a week night when there is nowt else on!!
6/10

Letters to Juliet

Officially the latest chick flick on the block and a disappointing one unless you like films that you could watch with your eyes closed.
Poor Gael Garcia Bernal, a man of incredible talent has officially starred in his worst film to date. With such classic films under his belt such as Amores Perros and The motorcycle diaries we have to question what his agent was thinking when he put Gael forward to star in this epic dross.
There is very little going for this film and the real star of the film is Tuscany. Italy is such a beautiful place and that really is the focal point of the feature. In fact I would not be surprised if someone fancied a holiday in Tuscany and fancied getting paid for the pleasure, hence this film!
A young American couple journey to Italy for a pre wedding honeymoon. He, a passionate chef whom is opening a restaurant and her, a write seeking for her first breakthrough. Victor, Gael, gets taken in to the countries wealth of it's passion for good wine and food leaving Sophie to fend for herself in Verona where Juliet met her Romeo. She finds a letter written to Juliet asking for help and responds only to find later she has re sparked an old flame. Claire the once young write of the letter returns to find her lost love Lorenzo with her grandson Charlie and Sophie tags along chronicling the tale that she hopes will be her start in life.
5/10

The social network

This review comes as a welcome surprise. I use Facebook and so understood a little of the films subject to begin with but the back story turns out to be fascinating.
There are many very good reasons to go and see this film and I will try my best to convince you to see it!
The social network is a film about the conception of 'Facebook'. It follows a young Mark Zuckerburg through the imagining, creation and success of the website that is so globally famous.
Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark is dark and somewhat isolated from any real understanding of the human character. In fact he did an incredible job!
Every character in this film was thought out and cast incredibly well and therefore every performance truly shines. It has an insanely fast pace and thrusts you back and forth through time but after a while it suddenly makes perfect sense as it allows you to see every angle of this complicated weave of stories.
It packs in a lot of emotion and technical web talk with sharp witted humour and love or hate facebook, this film is a must see. If you hate it you will be elated watching the twists and turns of the court case and if you love it then you will appreciate it even more when the finer details enlighten you.
I would give this a 9/10

The Ghost

Ewan McGregor plays a Ghost writer hired to write the memoirs of a former prime minister (Pierce Brosnan) and discovers some information that puts his life in jeopardy.
This is an adaptation from the novel 'The Ghost' by Robert Harris and has been directed by the legendary Roman Polanski.
Roman Polanski famous for such films as 'Rosemary's baby' and 'The pianist' has created a spine tingling chiller that is stylish and moody and got some incredible work from his cast.
It is true that Ewan does not replicate the preppy English accent all too well however you soon forget when Olivia Williams character 'Ruth Lang' takes part in the central storyline.
Brilliantly executed with extreme style 8/10

The killer inside me

This Is a  real performance from Casey Affleck. He will no longer be Ben Affleck's brother as this film really sets him apart. Although Casey really is a show stealer he has 2 incredible contenders of the opposite sex. Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson in contrast with each other present themselves as love interests to the brooding secretive Casey and really sizzle on camera with charm and oozing sex appeal.
This is a very sexy clever film but be warned it packs a punch! There are some very graphic scenes of violence as Casey's character takes on a Jekyll and Hyde personality clash.
Personally I loved this film but think it will be a  miss for those who shy away from violence. I give it a 10 but welcome all comments.

Precious

Gritty real life drama. A very poignant, moving portrayal of Precious, a girl who deals with verbal and physical abuse in her day to day life and still manages to be pure of heart. Precious finds herself pregnant and this is not the first time. She tries to break free from her deprivation and puts herself from school where she is surrounded by an unconventional group of friends and finds help in the unlikeliest places.
This is very frank and honest and will make you smile and cry in equal amounts. Prepare yourself with tissues and you should manage fine.
8/10

Fanboys

For every Star Wars loving person out there this one is for you. 5 Fans go on an adventure into the wilds of the Lucas ranch to find The Holy grail, a new film that is Episode 1. Along the way they make friends and foes (trekkies) and create insanely funny situations.
I genuinely love this film and will buy it because it is as is Star wars, it just keeps on giving.
Was stunned by a few cameo's (no telling for ultimate suprise). all round a massive 8/10

Hot tub time machine

Hot tub time machine Is already a classic film. It teams John Cusak with and 80's soundtrack and an 'out of this world' story line that could only happen in Hollywood.
If you liked 'The hangover' then watch this film!! It's nice to see that the 80's Is still a place we like to visit.
If you need a synopsis for this film then you've obviously missed the point! The whole story revolves around a Hot tub that is a time machine. Don't be a snob.. watch this film 10/10

Kick Ass

I will never judge a book by it's cover ever again!! Kick ass was full on action, bloody violence and foul mouthed school girls from the opening. I was sure it was going to be a big renter but after watching it for myself I can clearly see why.

We have moved away from the typical comic book movie formula to a whole new level in film making. It murges all of the basic film elements with a dash of retro/modern flare. 

Matthew Vaughn who has produced a string of cracking films such as Harry Brown and Stardust has moved in to a realm of ass kicking films!! We'll be expecting Kick ass 2: balls to the wall to be as good if not better!!

Winter in wartime

From the producer of 'The black book' comes an equally superb film about true conflict between good and evil, right and wrong. In places unsettling and soul searching this film is guided by a young man called Michael whose hatred of the Nazi's compels him to help an enemy RAF pilot whom is badly injured in escaping Holland.
This depiction of a boy caught between his heart and his head is truly gripping and sensitive and embodies the outstretch of the horrific war in Germany.
Definitely worth watching! 9/10

2001 Maniacs : Field of screams

This Crazy romp of a movie is the re make of the original 2001 Maniacs starring Robert Englund.
If your searching for a film that is sexy, gory and pretty darn hilarious then look no further. 2001 Maniacs is a true B movie!! Plenty of tits, gallons of gore and more puns than The Sun.
The film was shot on the original set of the Kevin Costner film 'field of dreams' hence the adapted subtitle 'Field of screams'.
One of the many highlights of the film was rousing maiden strapped to a table in nothing but underwear and a rotating saw rising up between her legs, I'll leave the rest to your imagination.
A small tid bit of general knowledge for you, the actor who plays 'Crow' (Ahmed Best) was also the legendary voice of Jar Jar Binx In the first Star wars film Phantom menace.
A big ol' 9/10 for this southern beauty!

Heartless

Jamie is young man living in the east end of London and is isolated by the birthmark on his face. He catches sight of a strange figure in a derelict house's window one day while he is out photographing and from his obsession with the figure in the window strange and tragic situations begin to occur.
This was an unusual but good film. It's not quite as fast paced as horrors seem to be currently but the story is involved and clever and the actors give very strong performances.
An excellent thriller/horror that combines the gritty mean streets of London with twisted demonic forces of evil. 7/10

Alice in Wonderland

Tim Burton's pictures are a genre in their own right. This return trip to Wonderland see's Alice battling the Jabberwocky to save Wonderland from the dreaded red Queen.
To avoid disappointment I watched  this on Blu-ray and pretty sure that DVD would have lived up to my expectations just as well.
Johnny Depp plays the infamous Mad Hatter and is a delight as always!
I recommend this to any Tim Burton fan or anyone who wants to escape reality. 9/10

A special message

I just wanted to add a special message for a very good friend of mine.
Happy Birthday Susie!
25 today!

Micmacs

Wow! What a film. If you have seen Jean-Pierre Jeunet's previous titles 'Amelie' and 'Delicatessen' then you will not be surprised or disappointed with his latest picture.
Bazil, an ill fated being makes an unlikely group of friends living in a rubbish tip and begins a cartoon style trip of revenge.
There is something of magic in Jean-Pierre's quick witty style that really lights up the small screen with his vibrant colours and sepia tones he lifts your spirits and takes you in to an almost fairy tale life for a short while. I cannot recommend his work highly enough. This is a true masterpiece. 10/10 Oh and even the website is cool. http://micmacs.substance001.com/

Exam

8 candidates and only 1 job. From here you could probably surmise the entire film from just the one sentence alone.They have only 1 question to answer and certain guidelines to follow and they have only 80 minutes to do so. The rest is all dialogue and theory making.
This film is OK in the thriller category but it has been done so many times before that it no longer leaves you gasping at the end when you finally reach catharsis!
I don't want to spend all day tapping away about this film so I'll just say that if you like an easy to read thriller then you may like this. 6/10

Katalyn Varga

This tells the story of a young woman, married and with 1 child who becomes an outcast of her village. Forced to leave she begins a road trip of self discovery and vengeance.
This is a polish film that is full of hate, love, sorrow and redemption. It will knock you sideways. I would hate to explain too much of the story as part of the beauty of this film is how it unfolds!
9/10

Ramen girl

I have had a friend over recently who is a complete sucker for a rom com and so here it is! A Brittany Murphy film is always as expected but that is in some way the joy of it all!
Abby is stranded in Tokyo after her boyfriend decides he no longer want's to be around her. Distraught and confused she decides to check out a Ramen house situated across the road from her. Language barriers ensue as she decided to learn the intricate art of Ramen.
This film took me by suprise. It's a very good film if you wan't to get that warm fuzzy, uplifting feeling that accompanies popcorn and a litre of coke so well.
Sit back, enjoy 8/10

It's complicated

This film would be of interest to anyone of a certain age if you catch my meaning! It's about a couple who have divorced after a long marriage and three kids who are now all grown up and are now have an affair with each other. The predicament comes when Jane (Meryl Streep) finds a kindred spirit in Adam (Steve Martin) and finds herself torn between 2 men and 2 lifestyles.
The best part of this film is watching 2 grown adults getting high and acting like kids.
Give this one a god if you love a rom com and that's about that really.7/10

The Men Who Stare At Goats

This crazy caper starring Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, George Clooney and Jeff Bridges is about The 'new earth army' that has been created to tap into special senses that will enable them to end all wars!
Ewan McGregor is a reporter whose failed marriage gives him an opportunity on a lead into Afghanistan that could potentially give him the break he desires. When he meets Lyn cassady, a former member of the New earth army his journey takes a different path and leads him to a very unusual place!
Very funny and some great performances 8/10

Sex Drive

It's a no brainer. This film is hilarious. I highly recommend if you liked such film's as superbad and American pie.
Ian Lafferty is a young graduate looking to loose his virginity and finds resolution via a social networking site. Ms. Tasty has offered to have sex with Ian if he will drive all the way to Knoxville. He finds himself stealing his homophobic older brothers Pontiac GTO Judge and hitting the road with his two best friends Lance and Felicia. They soon find themselves in all kinds of trouble and all you have to do is sit back and watch as it all unfolds.
9/10 

Julie & Julia

If you haven't seen this film because you think it's a chick flick, well get over it! It's a witty, funny potrayal of a woman who as quite clearly very comfortable with herself. Julia Childs is a famous chef in the 1950's adored by many but Julia  portrayed by Meryl Streep is extremely captivating. You find yourself looking forward to seeing her more and more.
Amy Adams plays a hard-working subservient trying to help the victims of 9/11 with their claims and spends her spare time relaxing via her passion for cookery. She embarks on a mission to complete every recipe in Julia Child's 'Mastering the art of French cooking' in a year and blogs her progress.
This is a charming film that will delight the senses and leave you hungry for sure!!
8/10

Avatar

And so it arrived on Blu ray. I had a pre order just to be sure of a copy!
I was unsure If the film would work as well in 2d and on my TV In Blu-ray but I was very happy with the results.
It was just as mesmerizing and stunningly beautiful.
Every time I watch it I loose myself in the fantasy world that is 'Pandora'. In my opinion this is a 'Must have' for everyone's DVD collection.

The Painted Veil

Based on the Novel by W.Somerset Maugham, this beautifull adaptation is captivating. Walter, a middle-class doctor and Kitty, an upper-class woman find themselves married and living in Shanghai. Kitty falls in love with a married man and when Walter discovers her infidelity takes upon himself a journey of vengeance into a remote village in China that is being ravaged by cholera.
This film has been made with so much integrity and style that you simply cannot fail to fall in love with it. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts create an incredible on screen relationship that is truly spellbinding.

I hold this film in very high esteem and highly recommend watching this completely alone and loosing yourself for the whole 120 minutes. 10/10

Observe and report

You would think that by working on such a modern classic such as 'Superbad' that you would learn a trick or too but no!
Jody Hill has not hit the jackpot here despite having so many fantastic comedic actors on board. I was really interested in seeing this but became very bored within the first half hour or so.
This is very slow and has it's moments but I wont try and watch it again in a hurry.

3/10
Avatar (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]

Law Abiding Citizen

Never judge a book by it's cover and that is the same for films.
Gerard Butler the biggest name in Hollywood at the moment has produced a string of hits and this is actually his best in my opinion.
I was extremely reluctant to watch it and it was only when people asked me time and time again if knew if it was good or not that I decided to find out.
Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) looses his family in a tragic incident where he is held captive and cannot save them. He see's the law fail to prosecute the offenders correctly and finds himself without justice. After ten years Clyde returns with a plot to teach the law it's failings.
Jamie Foxx is superb as the young feisty lawyer who is trying to climb the ladder of success. This film is an action, thriller that will keep your attention through out. 9/10 well worth a watch

Paranormal Activity

'Do not watch this ALONE' it boasts! I would be inclined to agree as this film is chillingly disturbing. A young couple decide to record their everyday lives and document the strange goings on that happen to them while they sleep.
You can compare films like this to the likes of 'The Blair witch project' and most recently 'Rec' and to be honest they are pretty much all along the same lines. The only real difference with this film is that it was on high demand by the public to be played in their local cinemas. Over 1,000,000 to be exact and this kind of attention really gave it the exposure Oren Peli, the director, needed to make the movie a real hit in Hollywood.
Although the entire film grasps the atmosphere and makes you feel in complete unease it really failed to leave me  feeling satisfied. The ending was sloppy and too easy and VERY Hollywood!

6/10 If you fancy watching a scary film but left laughing, go for it!

How to train your dragon 3d

This an Easter holiday must see!!!!
Hiccup is a young Viking living in a town that snows 9 months of the year and hails for the other 3. They are pretty ordinary Vikings apart from having to deal with the odd Dragon!!! Hiccup is faced with a choice to follow his heritage or face his demons and change the way the Vikings live forever.

This film is a sheer delight and I would recommend to everyone of every age and especially in 3d because this is where it really comes to life! 

With a cast to boast about this film is set to quite possibly be the best film of 2010. Don't miss it for anything!! 10/10

Check out this link for some more info and games http://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com/

Funny people

Judd Apatow has worked on such films as Superbad, The 40 year old virgin and Pineapple express and has done just as well with this film.

Adam Sandler has a way with film that I'm quite insatiable for. His humour is smart and he can grip a scene without humiliating the film whatsoever. He has a real understanding that I admire. At the same time putting Seth Rogan and Jonah Hill into the mix really make this film a laugh a minute!

George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is an established comic and is told he has a rare inoperable condition that he has a very rare chance of surviving. Ira Wright (Seth Rogan) a struggling comic has a chance meeting with George and catches his eye. George thinks That Ira has talent and takes him under his wing as his assistant writing material for him and giving him the exposure he needs to make it as a professional.

Great film especially if you like any of the cast already. You won't be disappointed. 9/10

Lady vengeance

The vengeance trilogy of Park chan-wook is a complete mastery of film making. Sympathy for Mr vengeance, oldboy and finally Lady vengeance complete his trilogy of deception, love and the pursuit for solidarity within one's self by means of avenging past evils.

Lee Geum-Ja is released from a lengthy prison sentence for the kidnap and murder of a 6 year old boy. What is unknown to her friends that she has made throughout her sentence is that her time spent inside has been kept with a plan of ultimate revenge for her release.What unfolds in this film is remarkable to watch and will have anyone questioning their own morality.

I am a huge fan of world cinema as it's truth is as plain to see with the naked eye. You cannot fault such sharp and beautiful films such as this and i will always give my time to them without a second thought. If you liked Oldboy then see this film and if you haven't seen either I would recommend this most highly! 10/10

A serious man

A serious let down. Maybe it's me but 'hilariously funny' this film is not. The story was very good and the acting was superb. I chortled here and there but it was nowhere near side rippingly funny.

It also felt a bit disconnected to me. The end of the film left me dissatisfied and with a lot of questions. Maybe go into this film expecting a drama and you'll not be too disappointed but I'm not going to waste my time watching it again so it's up to you.

4/10

The Piano Teacher

This is a dark movie about love, loneliness and masochism.

Erika Kohut is a Piano teacher and a stern, cold woman who secretly finds solace in visiting peep shows and acting out her sexual desires.

Erika, still living with her hysterically possessive mother, gives everything for her work and somehow despite being a teacher tries to diminish her students talent rather than nurture it.

When her student Walter Klemmer, a young, handsome vivacious man shares his true feelings with Erika she divulges to him her deepest desires.

The Piano Teacher is based on a novel by writer Elfride Jelinek and caused a great stir at the Cannes film festival where it swept up 3 prestigious awards. Many were outraged by it's content and the rest fell in love with its quiet, morose plot.

I found this film very interesting from start to finish and it certainly leaves you with a lot to think about. It does contain a lot of sexual content. Incredible acting and masterful direction 8/10

A Christmas carol

'A Christmas carol' written by Charles Dickens in 1843, quite possibly one of the most adapted stories to the screen that ever was. It was unexpected that a story so well known and loved would make it this far into modern day conciousness and yet this timeless classic has done just that.

I think everyone has a favourite telling of this incredible classic and yet this modern day portrayal challenges these with a chilling and compelling version that you cannot fail to love.

I left the cinema in the middle of march with that 'Christmassy feeling'.

I think save this film for a once a year viewing to really get you into the spirit of Christmas but i wouldn't recommend this film for young children. 10/10

9

9 is about a time when the world has been taken by chaos and not a single human has survived. However 9 strange, individual beings have. These are the 9 who must save the world from further destruction.

An altogether masterpiece in animation however somewhat lacking in pace. I found myself slipping in and out of this film as it failed to grab me fully. I was really anticipating this release and feel slightly let down by it. Despite all this it did get much better towards the end and I am pleased I watched it.

If you like adult animated features then give it a go but I can't promise you complete captivation.

7/10

UP

CGI has played an important part in the 21st century. It has changed our expectations and how we view films today. However it is unfortunate that even though CGI has been a massive milestone in our film history and an incomparable success that the hand touched animation has almost become a rarity. CGI has a lot to answer for in that respect but every now and then a CGI classic springs out and surprises us all, UP definitely deserves a place in this category.
It conveys deep emotion and deft irony that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
The first 10 minutes show the prologue to the protagonist, Carl Fredricksons life before we settle down to watch his prodigious adventure to the wilds of South America. Joining him on this colossal journey is stowaway and wilderness explorer Russel and a dog called Dug. When Carl comes face to face with his ultimate idol events turn and the battle begins to save the ones he loves.
This is an exceptional film and deserves 96 minutes of your full attention!! 10/10

Paul Blart : Mall cop

I have to say as a first post I hoped for something more sensational but that is the way the cookie crumbles.

Paul Blart : Mall cop, a Happy Madison production, Didn't really fulfil my expectations from a Sandler picture. To go from films such as Deuce Bigalow and 50 First dates to a film that looked like an excuse to party with some buddies was a bit of a tragedy.

Still, the first half an hour or so was Luke warm and very predictable comedy and yet as time went on Kevin James' comedic posterior stole the show.

I would call this your 'average slap stick, man likes girl but he's too much of a looser on every level to get her but does' kind of film. If you have time to kill and your not too worried about what your watching, this one's for you.

5/10