thedudeabides-2 Reviews

War of the Worlds (2005)

Severely Underrated

[9/10 · 21 August 2014]

In 2002, Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise paired up for the very first time on Minority Report. It turned out to be a huge success and so they decided to work again, this time on an adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic The War Of The Worlds.

This being a huge Hollywood blockbuster, there are a great number of fantastically epic sequences involving the huge mechanical aliens decimating the world's population. Spielberg gives us some great visuals ranging from the aliens' first attack, a capsized ferry, a flaming train and an ingenious use of a hand grenade.

Spielberg chooses to shoot the movie from the perspective of Ray, played by Tom Cruise, as he simply tries to survive the devastating onslaught. And it is an onslaught; once the aliens attack, the movie barely lets up for the remainder of its 2 hour runtime and you will no doubt be left breathless by the time the credits role. Credit must be given to Cruise as he resists the urge to play the action hero and instead comes off as a typical man trying to understand what is happening around him. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for his children, as they make serious errors in judgement time and time again. In fact, the entire subplot of Ray's relationship with his children feels wholly unnecessary and only distracts from the main plot.

Thankfully, there is not too much time spent dwelling on Ray's parental failures, and for the most part you will be amazed at the spectacle on show. It doesn't quite reach the heights of Jurassic Park or Indiana Jones, but it is noticeably darker than any blockbuster Spielberg has previously made, with a distinct lack of humour and some really grisly imagery, War Of The Worlds is nevertheless a fantastically exciting blockbuster.

Aside from Spielberg's tendency to focus on parental issues, War Of The World's is quite a departure for the director but for anyone wanting a blockbuster movie with great effects and a real sense of danger, you could do a lot worse.

Aladdin (1992)

One of Disney's Best and Williams is outstanding

[10/10 · 21 August 2014]

There was a period during the early 90's where it appeared that Disney could do no wrong. Many of Disney's modern classics such as The Lion King and Beauty And The Beast were released during this period, and Aladdin can stand proudly alongside those two masterpieces.

The main reason for this is Robin Williams' outstanding turn as the genie, which must surely rank as one of the best voice-over performances ever. Williams' genie steals every single scene he is in, thanks to the boundless energy and enthusiasm he brings, and he is big reason why adults will enjoy the movie just as much as their children. Apparently, Williams improvised a huge amount of the material and it is obvious from the moment Aladdin meets the big blue guy that we are in for something special. The nature of the character allows Williams to play around with impersonations, voices and in one or two scenes, some real emotional depth as well.

He is undoubtedly the star of the show but that's not to say that the genie is the only good thing about Aladdin; the animation is fantastic, with one scene in which Aladdin must escape from a crumbling cave on his magic carpet being a particular highlight. We also have, in Jafar, one of Disney's most despicable and diabolical villains and many of the songs will have you tapping your feet and humming along. Like most of Disney's animated fare, the story is pretty straightforward and involves Aladdin trying to rescue his beloved Princess Jasmine from the evil clutches of Jafar, with the genie being his ace in the hole. It serves its purpose and manages to throw a few surprises in along the way, but the main attraction here is the genie, and he does not disappoint.

One of Disney's, and Williams', finest hours. Aladdin is a masterpiece of animation that you will enjoy again and again.

The Avengers (2012)

Ridiculously good fun

[10/10 · 21 August 2014]

Way back in 2008, Marvel decided to make a movie version of one of their lesser known comic book characters: Iron Man. Of course, we are now familiar with the character and the success Marvel have enjoyed but it was a bit of a risky move for them. What was even riskier was the idea that they would follow up with a number of origin movies for their other superheroes, before throwing them all into one huge summer blockbuster.

It seemed destined to fail, such was its ambition, and yet, somehow, they have pulled it off. Avengers Assemble is not the best comic book movie ever made but it is probably the most fun. Marvel's biggest coup was hiring Joss Whedon to write and direct the movie. Whedon, who had already written a number of comic books before being asked to take on Avengers, is extremely comfortable with all of the characters, giving almost everyone a fair share of the runtime.

One of the best things about Avengers Assemble is the dialogue; it is quite a feat to make a movie about a group of superheroes saving the world, and yet some of the best scenes are just two people talking. That is not to say there isn't some mind blowing action, with some of our childhood favourites slugging it out against each other before uniting against a common enemy, but it is often the verbal sparring which will have you grinning the widest.

The cast are all on top form with Downey Jr. being the star attraction, but the best character in the whole movie is not human, and perhaps not even a superhero. Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is an incredible feat, especially when you consider the previous incarnations of the character, and he is heavily involved in many of the movie's best scenes.

Possibly the most ambitious project to come out of Hollywood since four hobbits set off to destroy a magical ring; Avengers Assemble is a resounding success, ticking all the right boxes and leaving you wanting more.

Casino Royale (2006)

A Bond for the new generation

[9/10 · 21 August 2014]

Reboot is often a dirty word when it comes to beloved franchises. Sure, there have been some fantastic reboots recently, but, more often than not, they pale in comparison to what has come before. James Bond is a series which has been running since the 60's so it is perhaps inevitable that it re-invents itself after 4 or 5 movies.

Casino Royale was possibly the toughest challenge yet; audiences had begun to grow weary of the lame innuendos and increasingly outlandish gadgets, much preferring the gritty realism of the Jason Bourne movies. Thankfully, it appears that director Martin Campbell has taken heed of these concerns, and delivered one of the most satisfying Bond movies ever.

As with any new direction for the series, the focus is on Daniel Craig as the new Bond. There were reservations as he was not the hot property he is now, and many wondered if he could pull it off. We needn't have worried, Craig is an absolute revelation in the role bringing an as yet unseen vulnerability but retaining that iconic cockiness that we have come to love from Britain's favourite spy.

The story follows Bond as he tries to bring down some bad guys by playing poker at the prestigious Casino Royale. It doesn't really sound exciting but Campbell manages to wring some unbelievable tension from the poker scenes and there are numerous stunts peppered throughout. The most impressive of these occurs at the beginning with Bond engaging in a free running chase which has to be seen to be believed.

There are a few hiccups: the main villain is rather weak, it's about half an hour too long and it can sometimes feel like a Jason Bourne copy but these are minor complaints and chances are you will be having too much fun to notice.

A fantastic introduction to the new direction of Bond and Daniel Craig is perfect in the role. Great fun.

Jumanji (1995)

Stupid, but fun, family adventure

[8/10 · 21 August 2014]

Board games aren't as popular as they used to be. Before the likes of Xbox and Facebook, we had classic board games such as Go For Broke and Game Of Life. Luckily, we didn't have anything like Jumanji; a mystical board game which magically comes to life as you're playing.

It sounds incredibly fun, which is what young Alan Parrish thinks, minutes before he is sucked into the game and left to fend for himself for 30 years. Reawakened by a younger generation, old Alan, played by the late Robin Williams, must finish the game before it engulfs the entire town. If it sounds a little ridiculous, that's because it is. But it is a heck of a lot of fun as well.

Robin Williams brings his usual maniacal charm and injects healthy doses of humour when the movie threatens to take itself too seriously and a young Kirsten Dunst offers ample support as one of the younger players. But the real star of the show is the effects; we are treated to scenes of an animal stampede through the streets, a monsoon inside a huge mansion and, in a wonderful subplot, one of the players is gradually transformed into a monkey because he tries to cheat the game. It is almost 20 years old now so, understandably, some of the effects don't quite hold up, with the monkeys being the prime example but the premise is so much fun that you won't really mind a few dodgy effects shots here or there.

It also takes a little while to find its feet, with the beginning seeming to drag on for a little longer than necessary, and the ending may be a little to sickly sweet for some tastes. But once the main plot gets going it barely stops for breath as the players have to deal with any threat that the game delivers and a big part of the fun is waiting to see what the game will spit out next.

A wonderfully fun family film with plenty of thrills and a great premise.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Fantastic end to a fantastic trilogy

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

How many times have you cried at a movie aimed at kids? There are only a few notable examples with Bambi perhaps being the most popular. Well now you can add Toy Story 3 to that list. Pixar's third and, most likely, final outing for Woody, Buzz and co. has all the hallmarks of a Pixar movie. Eye meltingly beautiful animation, silly jokes aimed at kids, clever jokes aimed at adults and a surprising amount of adult content hidden in the subtext.

It had been 12 years since the second movie when Toy Story 3 was released but the folks at Pixar haven't missed a beat. Fittingly, we join Woody and the gang as they reach the end of their 'careers' as Andy's toys. Andy is now 17 and heading off to college, leading the toys to the realisation that they are no longer needed. A mix up with the garbage leads to the toys being sent to Sunnyside day care – a child's nursery which shares more than a passing resemblance to a retirement community.

It sounds a little depressing but this couldn't be further from the truth, as Woody and co. meet some of Pixar's most memorable characters to date, with Micheal Keaton's Ken doll being a particular highlight. The plot plays like a toy version of The Great Escape as the toys realise everything is not as rosy as it appears and must subsequently engineer an escape. There are some truly inspired scenes which take advantage of the central premise of toys coming to life; such as a group of toys playing poker inside a vending machine, a traumatic pre-school playtime at Sunnyside and a spectacular ending inside a trash compactor.

The subtext of retirement lends the film an emotional undercurrent not normally found in a kid's movie and you may find yourself complaining of something in your eye on more than one occasion; but you will be doing so with a huge smile on your face.

A masterpiece of animation from a company at the very top of its game. Toy Story 3 builds on the successes of its predecessors to deliver an emotionally charged, hilarious ending to the trilogy. A must see.

Iron Man Three (2013)

A great direction for the MCU after Avengers

[8/10 · 31 July 2014]

There is a moment in Iron Man 3 which will be a big influence on whether you enjoyed the movie or not. At the time of its release, this midway twist proved to be quite polarising, with many critics and fans revelling in the clever direction of the story, whilst others despaired at a Hollywood mishandling of an iconic character. Either way, Iron Man 3 will have you talking about it by the end.

And so you should; because, even setting aside the divisive twist, this is a hugely entertaining comic book movie infused with a wonderful sense of humour, a breakneck pace and some truly spectacular action sequences.

The story revolves around Tony Stark/Iron Man facing a new threat known as The Mandarin whilst juggling his relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts and keeping Guy Pearce's creepy scientist at bay. It seems like there is a lot going on but by keeping the focus squarely on Tony, director Shane Black is able to keep the narrative from becoming incoherent, and more importantly, retain its sense of fun.

Downey Jr. is completely at home in the role of Tony Stark. He throws out one liners and insults with such ease yet achieves a sense of vulnerability not yet seen in the character. It is his most assured performance as Tony and one can only hope that he doesn't stop here. But it is not just Downey Jr. on form here, as Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, and most notably Ben Kingsley deliver fantastic performances

With the success of Avengers Assemble, and the decision to make this movie the first of Marvel's 'Phase Two', it would be understandable if Black was feeling any pressure, but it certainly doesn't come across on the screen. It may have been tempting to try and better Avengers Assemble by going bigger, flashier and louder; but wisely, Black chooses to rein in the more ridiculous aspects of comic book movies, and delivers a film which is more concerned about the man inside the suit, not just the suit itself. That is not to say there is not a lot of action; there is and it is eye popping, but in between the explosions and stunts, we get a chance to spend time with Tony and see what makes the snarky billionaire tick. The fact that it proves to be just as exciting and interesting as the segments with the suit is a testament to both Black's script and Downey Jr.'s performance.

A bold and surprising take on one of the most popular movie characters since Jack Sparrow. Filled with exciting action, hilarious one liners and one or two unexpected plot turns, Iron Man 3 will have you grinning throughout its 2 hour runtime.

End of Watch (2012)

Slow to start but soon picks up

[8/10 · 31 July 2014]

After the success of The Blair Witch Project, the found footage genre took off considerably, with many poor imitators cropping up. Paranormal Activity only added fuel to the trend but it still stayed within the horror genre. Enter End Of Watch; a found footage cop thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Micheal Pena as two inexperienced cops patrolling the gang infested streets of L.A.

The plot is rather thin on the ground, as Gyllenhaal and Pena find out that they have upset a local gang leader and must watch their backs to avoid an early demise. It is a lot more exciting than it sounds, mainly due to the found footage style which offers some incredibly nail biting sequences, the most affecting of which involves the cops searching an abandoned drug den only to make an even more shocking discovery.

The almost constant use of hand-held camera is a little disorienting at first but, as you get used to the erratic camera movements, you will find yourself getting more and more embroiled in the plight of the cops. The style lends the film an intensity that simply would not have been possible if director David Ayers had employed a more traditional approach but it does throw up some logistical questions, like why a criminal gang would decide to film all of their nefarious acts.

Ayers also plays a little loose with the style, sometimes choosing to forego the hand-held style in favour of a more stylistic shot. It doesn't ruin the movie but it can be a little jarring to switch from hand-held to staged and back to hand-held. Thankfully, these instances are fairly rare, with the majority of the movie leaving you feeling breathless as you are put in the shoes of a cop in gangland L.A. Ayers wisely chooses to include a number of quieter character moments, in which we get to know the characters and what makes them tick and Gyllenhaal and Pena share wonderful on screen chemistry which only makes it harder to watch when the action eventually takes off.

A little bit of a slow starter, but once it gets going, End of Watch will have you gripping the edge of your seat until the jaw dropping finale.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Relentlessly bleak and intense, Taxi Driver is one of the most important movies ever made.

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

'You talking' to me?' With these four words, Robert De Niro and Martin Scorcese entered the Hollywood hall of fame, and with good reason. For, even if you have not yet seen Taxi Driver, you will most certainly have heard of it and possibly even watched its most famous scene. If you fall into this category, it is time to sit down and appreciate Martin Scorcese's 1976 masterpiece.

The plot centres on Travis Bickle, a 20 something loner who works the nighttime taxi shift on the streets of New York. We follow Travis as he becomes increasingly disillusioned at the sleaziness and decadence which he is subjected to on a nightly basis. Robert De Niro gives one of his finest performances as Bickle - a morally ambiguous Vietnam war veteran who may, or may not, be losing his mind. With the movie focused almost solely on Travis, there is a lot of pressure on De Niro's performance, and he delivers in spades. It is a cinematic tour de force and must surely rank as one of the best performances in modern movies. In lesser hands, Travis may have come off as completely crazy, but De Niro's subtle performance makes the viewer question his motives, and his sanity, at every turn.

Scorcese chooses to shoot New York City as a sleazy playground filled with criminals, prostitutes and other undesirables. There are a number of dreamlike shots which echo Travis' fragile state of mind and Bernard Hermann's sinister score contributes to an underlying sense of danger which is prevalent throughout the movie. This is where the beauty of Taxi Driver lies; it is not a simple tale of good vs. evil, but rather an exploration of one man's loneliness and how it can lead to some truly devastating consequences.

An absolute masterpiece of modern cinema and arguably Scorcese's best film. Taxi Driver is one of the most engrossing, disturbing and endlessly watchable movies ever made. With De Niro and Scorcese on top form, you will be thinking and talking about this movie for many years to come.

Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)

Fun but disappointing

[6/10 · 31 July 2014]

If you are familiar with the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, you would be forgiven for being more than a little wary of this adaptation from Bryan Singer of X-Men fame. The main issue stems (no pun intended) from the fact that the original fable is not long enough to warrant a big screen adaptation and so, inevitably, Singer has decided to pad out the story to warrant the price of a cinema ticket.

Where previous fairy tale adaptations such as Snow White and The Huntsman and Hansel And Gretel opted for a gloomy, moody style, Jack The Giant Slayer takes a decidedly more fun approach. Singer fills the screen with colourful characters and sets, with the beanstalk itself being particularly impressive, and any sense of danger is nullified by a snappy quip or bit of slapstick.

It starts off rather slowly, as we are introduced to Nicholas Hoult's unremarkable Jack, who is tasked with rescuing a princess from the land of the giants. It is as straightforward as it sounds and doesn't offer up any real surprises but once our hero scales the beanstalk, the movie picks up considerably. This is mainly down to the giants who, despite looking a little cartoony, are a whole heap of fun and contribute to the best scenes in the movie.

As mentioned, Singer pads out the story towards the end, but you won't be complaining much as it offers the best action sequence in the entire film. Comparisons with Lord Of The Rings will be inevitable as you watch the giants lay siege to the human kingdom, but it feels more like an homage than a poor copy, and is easily the best part of the movie. It's just a shame that a lot of what came before feels a little flat.

A slightly flawed attempt at a Hollywood fairy tale. The biggest problem with Jack is the lack of excitement that runs for about half of the movie. Luckily, things pick up once we reach the giants and you will be smiling more than once by the time the credits roll.

Defendor (2009)

A wonderful hidden gem with Harrelson on top form

[8/10 · 31 July 2014]

It seems like barely a day goes by without Hollywood releasing a comic book movie of some kind. The popularity of Batman and Co. has never been higher and it's perfectly understandable that Tinseltown wants to cash in. But what if you're becoming bored of the same old stories told every year, with only a change in costume to differentiate between them? Fear not, for those of you that are feeling comic book fatigue, there is a new hero on the streets; and his name is Defendor.

Defendor follows the story of Arthur Poppington, played by Woody Harrelson. Arthur is an average Joe by day, but at night he transforms into the costumed vigilante, Defendor. In fact, he doesn't so much transform, as pull on a black t-shirt with a makeshift 'D' made out of duct tape; with black eye makeup and a bicycle helmet finishing the look. It's a far cry from Batman, but it works perfectly.

The story is actually pretty standard comic book fare, as Defendor decides to take on a notorious kingpin in an effort to clean up the streets. It isn't groundbreaking by any stretch, but it doesn't need to be because the character of Arthur/Defendor is so enthralling that you find yourself overlooking the slightly clichéd nature of the plot. The fact that Defendor is an extremely low budget crime fighter also allows for some great little touches- just watch how he uses lime juice in his quest against crime.

At the heart of all this is Woody Harrelson's fantastic portrayal of Arthur; a man who clearly has some form of learning disability, even though it is never alluded to directly. Harrelson makes the viewer immediately sympathetic and, as the movie shifts from comedy to drama in the final third, he finds a depth to the character which isn't apparent from the beginning. Kat Dennings and Micheal Kelly provide ample support as a friendly prostitute and Arthur's best friend but this is clearly Harrelson's show; and he is having a ball.

A sadly overlooked gem. Defendor is a welcome respite from the recent glut of super serious superheroes. A shift in tone towards the end provides the movie with a little more substance than originally thought and it is all the better for it.

Man of Steel (2013)

Superman for the 21st Century - Fantastic fun

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

Superman is an absolute icon of popular culture. Perhaps the biggest appeal is that it gives us a chance to see what life would be like if we, as a species, had a guardian angel watching over and protecting us. If Zack Snyder's Man Of Steel is anything to go by, it may not be as rosy as you might think, but it sure will look amazing.

But how do you introduce the character of Superman to the iPad and Facebook generation whilst retaining that which made him so popular in the first place? How do you tell an age-old origin story without making it feel like a pointless retread?

Well, thankfully, Man Of Steel avoids that potential pitfall thanks to some clever plot pacing and outstanding action set pieces. A fantastic opening on Superman's home planet of Krypton provides just enough backstory and exposition before the movie jumps forward 30 years to show Clark/Superman working on an oil rig. It then jumps back and forth as it gives us glimpses of Clark's upbringing. It was a brave decision to tell the story non-chronologically, but it works. With Superman's origins already well known, there could have been a sense of deja vu had Snyder told the story in a conventional way but this keeps it feeling fresh and exciting.

The second half of the movie deals with Superman's attempts to prevent the misguided General Zod from destroying Earth and rebuilding Krypton in its place. It's fairly standard comic book fare and gives Snyder the chance to wow us with some awe inspiring action scenes. You will marvel at Superman's first flight, his epic tussle with two of Zod's henchmen and his final fight with the man himself. This is truly the first Superman movie where he actually feels super.

After the disappointment of Superman Returns in 2006, Zack Snyder has brought the character back with a bang. An abundance of action, a clever and interesting take on the origin, fantastic acting from all involved and a Hans Zimmer score which rivals John Williams iconic tune, all contribute to make Man Of Steel an absolute triumph.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

More of the same from Micheal Bay

[7/10 · 31 July 2014]

The Transformers franchise has got to be one of the most infuriating in all of Hollywood. On the one hand, you have some of the most exciting and innovative action set pieces, not to mention some seriously impressive CGI which really sells the idea of robots disguised as various transport vehicles. On the other hand, you have some of the most excruciating dialogue this side of Twilight, corny humour which would make your dad cringe, and a guarantee of a bum numbing running time of at least 2 and a half hours.

And so it makes sense that Transformers: Dark Of The Moon follows the exact same template as the previous 2 movies. The action is fun, the CGI is the best it has ever been and the script is completely nonsensical. The story, for what it is, revolves around the 1969 moon landing. In Bay's universe, Neil Armstrong and Co. landed on the moon, but rather than being a simple exploration mission, they were actually researching a possible alien sighting. This of course turns out to be an old Transformer – one which the Decepticons (the bad guys) have been searching for and it's up to the Autobots (the good guys) to stop them. That's about it really, but Micheal Bay manages to pad out the story with a wholly unnecessary subplot involving Sam Witwicky and his low self esteem. It's as exciting as it sounds and only serves to distract from the admittedly impressive action.

This is the main problem with this, and the other Transformer movies; it's just too long. There are a number of misguided attempts at humour and Sam's love interest has all the charisma of a cardboard box. And yet, by the time the epic 45 minute finale kicks in, you will forget about all the wasted time and revel in the destruction that he so masterfully weaves as the Decepticons launch a full on invasion of Chicago. It's easily the best extended sequence of the entire franchise and would have benefited even more if we didn't have to wade trough so much unnecessary exposition.

A disappointing entry, in that Micheal Bay doesn't appear to have learnt from his previous mistakes. The good news is, he has also not lost his flair for explosive action and, in these moments, Transformers: Dark Of The Moon is every bit as entertaining as its prequels.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Very disappointing when you consider what came before

[5/10 · 31 July 2014]

In 2009, J.J Abrams changed the world's perception of Star Trek. Once thought of as a cult TV show with an extremely dedicated fanbase who were a little too boisterous in their admiration for it, Star Trek is now a million dollar blockbuster franchise with cinema screens filled with trekkies and non-trekkies alike. It's an admirable achievement considering how divisive the show is and it's clear that Abrams has decided on a more commercially friendly tone, with a number of explosive set pieces punctuating the drama. This was completely fine in the first Abrams movie, because the plot was interesting enough to keep the viewer engaged in what was going on. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Into Darkness. Falling into the sequel trap of 'bigger is better', Abrams fills the screen with tons of beautiful CGI, explosions that would make Micheal Bay weep and even a few gratuitous shots of scantily clad women. Unfortunately, he has forgotten to include interesting characters and a decent story. To be fair to Abrams, it is really the script, rather than the direction, which stops the movie from being good. Rather than a standalone movie, it often feels like a simple Star Trek checklist which is trying to include every iconic staple of the show; so we have Klingons, Leonard Nimoy as Spock, 'Bones' McCoy saying 'Dammit' a lot and an unapologetic rip off of The Wrath Of Khan. It's even harder to take when you realise there is enough here to flesh out a really good plot with high stakes. It starts off well, with Benedict Cumberbatch launching a terrorist attack against Starfleet, and Kirk and Spock sent to stop him. At first it seems like Abrams may be bringing some political, real world situations into his Trek universe but, once we know Cumberbatch's true motives, it quickly devolves into an incoherent mess with the impressive action being the only reason to keep watching. A very disappointing blockbuster which seems to have forgotten the merits of a well told story. The visuals are top notch, but the script fails to engage and the ending borrows so heavily from The Wrath Of Khan that it is almost insulting.

It's a Disaster (2012)

Hilarious

[8/10 · 31 July 2014]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find out that the world is ending? In most movies and TV shows, we see the characters either die a grisly death, or transform themselves into an everyday action hero. But It's A Disaster is not most movies, and it's all the better for it.

It's A Disaster follows Glen, played by the superb David Cross, as he is invited to a dinner party to meet his new girlfriend's group of friends. Soon after the dinner party starts, the group find out that a dirty bomb has been set off downtown and the radiation is going to kill them if they go outside. The rest of the movie follows each character as they each deal with the crisis in very different ways.

The tone is set right from the start, with a wonderful exchange about listening to the car radio. It has very little to do with anything but it is very funny, and this theme runs throughout. Fans of Seinfeld will be in heaven here, as a number of mundane social conventions are deconstructed hilariously, with each character providing a different angle to keep the comedy fresh. The acting and writing is top notch, with a number of well place dramatic beats punctuating the sharp comedy and a slew of memorable characters, the best of which is Shane; a geeky weirdo who seems to have been thinking about these types of situations way too much.

There are a few missteps; America Ferrera's character is more annoying than funny, there is a reveal about Glen which seemed to come out of nowhere and it starts to lose a little steam towards the end, but these are minor complaints in an otherwise highly enjoyable comedy. This is one dinner party you'll be happy to attend.

A sharply written and wonderfully acted comedy. It's A Disaster is anything but.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Deserves all the praise it gets

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

It has been almost 40 years since One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest first entered cinemas but its impact has not diminished. Cuckoo's Nest is one of only three films to win the 'Big 5' at the Oscars (Best Actor, Actress, Director, Screenplay and Film) and it is easy to see why. Jack Nicholson excels in the lead role as Randle P. McMurphy, a streetwise conman faking mental illness so he can spend his time in a hospital rather than a jail cell.

Nicholson draws on all his talents as he does battle with the despicable Nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher, who seems to revel in the torment she inflicts on her patients. The conflict between these two characters is the driving force in the film, as Ratched strives to maintain order in the face of Nicholson's gleeful anarchy.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about Cuckoo's Nest is how funny it is. There is always a danger, when making a film about mental illness, that the subject matter becomes too dark and depressing. Cuckoo's Nest is able to avoid this by populating the hospital with a number of memorable, and funny, characters. Rather than laughing at the patients and their illnesses, the movie explores their idiosyncrasies and, with stellar support from the likes of Danny DeVito and Christopher Lloyd, never threatens to mock the characters.

Director Milos Forman handles the pacing perfectly, with the movie flitting between comedy and drama with ease and never once feeling like it is overstaying its welcome. For a film almost exclusively set in one location, it moves along at a rollicking pace, with McMurphy pushing Ratched closer and closer to her limit, until we reach the absolute gut punch of an ending.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is an absolute classic – one of those instances where everything just seems to work together to create something truly special. It contains, arguably, Jack Nicholson's greatest performance, a cracking script handled perfectly by a talented director and one of the most iconic endings in Hollywood history. If you are a movie fan and have not yet checked this out, you owe it to yourself to grab a copy.

Taken (I) (2008)

Short but fun revenge thriller. Neeson is awesome

[8/10 · 31 July 2014]

Having your child taken away from you is one of, if not the most, horrific thing that could ever happen to a parent. We would dread to think how we would react were this tragedy ever to befall us. This is the situation Liam Neeson finds himself in, in Taken. Neeson plays an ex spy who begrudgingly allows his 17 year old daughter to travel to France with a friend. His fears are confirmed when he finds out she has been abducted but, rather than let the authorities handle it, Neeson takes matters into his own hands and pursues the captors to deliver his own brand of justice.

You would be forgiven for sneering at the idea of Neeson as an action hero but he excels in the role and is clearly having a lot of fun with it, despite the unsettling subject matter. Playing like a cross between James Bond and Jason Bourne, Neeson's take no prisoners style affords the viewer some immensely satisfying fistfights as he tears through the streets of Paris in search of his daughter.

Were it not for the disturbing subject matter involving human trafficking of underage girls, Taken could be described as a dumb, fun action blockbuster. But with the seedy undercurrent running throughout, it's hard to cheer too loudly, despite the fact that a great number of despicable human beings get their just desserts. The scene in which Neeson hears his daughter being abducted over the phone is incredibly tense and unsettling, but it does set up the viewer for the brutal retribution that follows.

There are some shortcomings, such as the failure to really explore the very real danger of human trafficking, and the end is wrapped up a little too neatly and abruptly. But these are minor quibbles which can be easily forgotten thanks to a great performance from Neeson and excellent fight choreography.

A fast paced action movie which deals with a very serious issue in a rather glib and unfocused manner. Nevertheless, there are some fantastic set pieces and Neeson does a great job of generating sympathy in the viewer. Not bad for a guy who tortures someone by sticking electrified metal shards in their thighs.

Batman Begins (2005)

The Batman movie we had been waiting for

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

In 1989 Tim Burton changed the idea of the comic book movie with Batman. His twisted take on the Caped Crusader showed audiences that Batman could be much more than the camp version seen during Adam West's tenure. After two films, Joel Schumacher took the reins and subsequently plunged Batman back into a neon soaked, pun filled disaster, effectively killing off the character.

Enter Christopher Nolan, who decided to take Batman and place him in a world which was much more familiar to us. The strength of Batman Begins lies in it's gritty realism. Nolan crafts an immediately believable world in which we see how and why Bruce Wayne decided to become the Dark Knight, wrapping it in a story which takes on weighty themes such as fear, justice and grief.

The movie is effectively split into two parts, with the first half dealing with Bruce's transformation into Batman. After spending much of his time fighting petty criminals, Bruce encounters Ra's Al Ghul; the unforgiving leader of the mercenary group: The League Of Shadows. After training with the league, Bruce realises that he doesn't have it in him to act as judge, jury and executioner and decides to return to Gotham to clean up the streets. It's a fantastic origin story which explains, in great detail, how Bruce manages to pull off the incredible feats as Batman.

The second half is a little more generic, as Bruce realises he has to stop an evil psychologist, known as the Scarecrow, from destroying all of Gotham. Even though it sticks more rigidly to an established formula, it is still rollicking good fun, with Cillian Murphy offering a suitably creepy performance as Scarecrow and some breathtaking action sequences; the best being a chase between the Batmobile and the cops of Gotham. Despite it not reaching the heights of The Dark Knight, Batman Begins is the perfect starting point for anyone not familiar with the character, and the final scene is a perfect example of how to set up a sequel.

A dark and gritty take on the Caped Crusader; Batman Begins is one of the best comic book movies ever made. Nolan has not only re-invented the character but also raised the bar considerably for every other superhero movie out there. A triumph.

Now You See Me (I) (2013)

Instantly forgettable with a ridiculous end twist

[5/10 · 31 July 2014]

Have you ever been to a magic show and been so amazed at the feats being performed that you absolutely must know how it was done? Remember the crushing feeling of disappointment as it is revealed that the trick is nothing more than smoke and mirrors? You will experience a very similar feeling after watching Now You See Me.

Louis Leterrier's 2013 thriller follows Jesse Eisenberg and his band of magicians known as The Four Horsemen, as they perform audacious crimes disguised as tricks, all whilst being followed by Mark Ruffalo's FBI agent. It all starts off very promising, as the horsemen rob a bank in Paris from their stage in Las Vegas leading to a cat and mouse chase in which we are not quite sure who is the cat and who is the mouse.

Leterrier adopts a fast paced, dynamic style throughout the movie, meaning we never really have a chance to get to know the characters or their motivations. There are a few action set pieces which, whilst impressive, feel slightly out of place. We are asked to suspend disbelief a little too much, as we see this band of magicians using fighting skills more commonly associated with Jason Bourne. But perhaps the biggest issue with Now You See Me is the lack of character development. Despite gathering a cast which includes Micheal Caine, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson and Mark Ruffalo, the movie never really explores these characters, they are merely tools used to enhance the story which isn't strong enough.

As the movie progresses, a feeling of disappointment begins to seep through. The running theme of misdirection often leaves the viewer unsure of anything that is happening and you find yourself second guessing every plot turn. This wouldn't be a problem if the movie had a satisfying resolution but, unfortunately, this does not prove to be the case. Answers often fall flat, plot twists feel predictable and by the time you reach the end, you realise that it is nowhere near as clever as it would have you believe. Much like a magic trick.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Best Comic Book Movie Ever Made

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

In 2005, Christopher Nolan banished all memory of the dismal Batman and Robin with the phenomenal Batman Begins. A gritty, realistic take on the Caped Crusader; Batman Begins was the movie many Batman fans had been waiting for. It was clear from the final shot that Nolan was not finished with the character and three years later he returned with The Dark Knight.

We pick up a few years after Batman Begins, and Gotham City is no longer a den for criminals and corrupt power players. The presence of Batman has led to a decrease in crime and with District Attorney Harvey Dent vowing to clean up the streets for good, it appears that things may finally be looking up for Gotham, until the Joker makes his explosive entrance and the trio are pegged back time and time again by his devious schemes.

As good as Batman Begins is, The Dark Knight is on a whole other level. A lot of this is down to Heath Ledger's stunning portrayal of The Joker as he gleefully destroys everything Batman has achieved. Ledger's Joker is an unpredictable, homicidal force of nature who pushes Batman to his absolute limit and immediately elevates the movie above its peers. It's also clear from the outset that Nolan is already much more confident in his ability to tell a Batman story, with a plot which is much larger in scope and a script which defies a number of comic book conventions.

For, although it contains all the elements of a good comic book movie, The Dark Knight often feels like it is so much more. Nolan and David Goyer's script gets under the skin of the character and asks some fairly philosophical questions about the nature of justice vs vengeance and what constitutes a moral code. It's fairly adult stuff and the 12A certificate is stretched to its absolute limit due to the sheer intensity of Ledger's Joker. Despite its near two and a half hour runtime, the movie never feels like it outstays its welcome, and, even though you may be familiar with some characters' fates due to the comics, Nolan still manages to throw in one or two surprises which will leave you astounded.

The best comic book movie ever made. The Dark Knight elevates the genre to a whole new level and, with Ledger's Joker, contains one of the finest acting performances ever committed to film. A must see for fans and non fans alike.

Thank You for Smoking (2005)

Sharply written satire with a great performance from Aaron Eckhart

[8/10 · 31 July 2014]

Every now and then, a movie will come along that will show a side of the world not often open to public scrutiny. The tobacco industry is probably one of the most mysterious in the world, with a number of restrictions placed on them over advertising and health warnings meaning we don't really have an idea of how they work. If Jason Reitman's Thank You For Smoking is anything to go by, they are every bit as despicable as you would believe.

Thank You For Smoking follows Nick Naylor, a fast talking PR spokesman for tobacco tasked with the unenviable job of making tobacco look good. Aaron Eckhart is absolutely superb in the role of Nick, a man who believes he can win any argument as long as he comes at it from the right angle. And he's right. Throughout the movie you will see Nick worm his way out of sticky situations again and again, with Eckhart's smarminess effectively replacing any sense of logic in his arguments. He's a truly despicable character but you cannot take your eyes off him and, as the movie progresses, you may even find yourself liking him.

It is a testament to Eckhart's performance, and the fantastic script, that you find yourself rooting for Nick as he takes on pragmatic politicians, his ex wife and her new husband, a disgruntled former employee and, perhaps most tricky of all, his young son. It may have been risky making a movie about the inner machinations of the tobacco industry but Reitman wisely keeps the tone light throughout, with only a handful of dramatic scenes punctuating the sharp comedy. This may be off-putting to some, due to the serious nature of the subject matter, but Reitman and Co. have clearly aimed for a black satirical comedy and, with a lightning fast script and excellent performances from all involved, it succeeds admirably.

A very clever and funny look at the inner workings of the tobacco industry. Some jokes may be too near the knuckle for some but if you're in the mood for some inappropriate laughs then this one is for you.

American Beauty (1999)

Visually stunning, often hilarious and very moving

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

Kevin Spacey is currently lighting up our TV screens as the slimy politician, Frank Underwood, in Netflix's excellent political drama, House Of Cards. When it was announced, there was a considerable amount of fan expectation, mainly down to Spacey's involvement. Considered by many to be one of the best actors of his generation, Spacey has starred in a number of fantastic films, and American Beauty just might be the best.

The story follows Lester Burnham, played by Spacey, a disillusioned 40 something living in suburbia with his overbearing wife, Carolyn and 17 year old daughter, Jane. Lester is an empty shell of a man – in the opening moments he laments that he feels dead already. It's hard not to feel sorry for him as his boss, his wife, even his daughter walk over him at every possible opportunity. This all changes, however, when he meets Angela, a beautiful blonde cheerleader who just happens to be Jane's best friend. Angela lights a fire in Lester's belly as he decides he has had enough of his mundane existence and embarks on a mid life crisis of epic proportions.

Released in 1999, American Beauty won a number of Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director for Sam Mendes. It is clear to see why, as he fills the screen with unbelievably gorgeous imagery, with a rose petal motif providing a lot of the beauty of the title. Alan Ball's script is also near perfect as it deconstructs the idea of the American Dream and exposes the cracks in American suburbia's perfect facade.

There are times when the movie strays into pretentious territory and Chris Cooper's character is disappointingly one dimensional when compared with the rest of the fine cast. But these issues are minor as Spacey's performance, gorgeous cinematography and a score which will give you goosebumps all combine to give you a Best Film which is truly worthy of the honour.

A hilariously scathing satire of suburbia containing one of Kevin Spacey's best ever performances. Beautiful.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Mind bending and poignant. Fantastic.

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

Have you ever been in a relationship that you wish you could completely erase from your memory? Perhaps you fell out of love, perhaps your significant other was unfaithful, or perhaps it simply wasn't meant to be. This is the situation that Joel Barish is faced with in the superb Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.

Jim Carrey plays Joel, a shy and unassuming bachelor who meets Clementine, a boisterous, fun loving dynamo who gives his mundane existence a considerable shot in the arm. Unfortunately for Joel, Clementine decides she has had enough and has all memory of him erased. Feeling understandably hurt, Joel decides that he also wants the operation and subsequently arranges a memory wipe of his own.

The rest of the movie takes place in Joel's head as he realises he does not want to have the operation and proceeds to try and prevent it. It sounds a little confusing and, to some extent, it is. The high concept can take a little while to get your head around, but once you do, you will uncover an absolute gem of a romance.

The fact that the movie takes place inside Joel's head gives director Michel Gondry the opportunity to fill the screen with some unforgettable images, such as a rainstorm in a living room and a fully grown Jim Carrey being bathed in the sink. But the true genius of Eternal Sunshine lies in its structure. The first half of the movie is quite gloomy as it focuses on the end of Joel and Clementine's relationship but, as the team begin to wipe earlier memories, we see what made the couple fall in love in the first place and we are treated to some truly heart warming scenes that never threaten to stray into cheesy territory.

With Carrey playing against type as the close mouthed Joel, it falls to Kate Winslet to adopt the typical Carrey role, and she grabs the opportunity with both hands. Winslet's energy permeates every scene she is in and it is easy to see why Joel fell in love with her. A stellar supporting cast does good work with a slightly underwhelming sub-plot, but this is very much Joel and Clementine's movie and, by the time the credits roll, you will instantly want to watch it again if only to make sure you understood what just happened.

A mind bending romance with a fantastically clever script and some outstanding imagery. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is one of the best romantic films you will ever see.

Super 8 (2011)

A fun and enjoyable throwback to old 80's movies with a CGI injection

[9/10 · 31 July 2014]

Do you remember your childhood? Carefree days spent with your friends, sleepovers, using inappropriate language when you really should know better and, in the case of Super 8, fending off an alien invasion with your mates.

Super 8 is J.J Abrams' first attempt at a non-franchise movie. After cutting his teeth with the excellent Mission Impossible 3 and introducing Star Trek to the younger generation, Abrams was given the chance to make a film that was much more personal to him, and it shines through.

The plot deals with a group of young friends who are trying to finish their movie during the summer holidays. Whilst shooting a pivotal scene, the boys (and girl) are witness to one of the most spectacular train crashes ever committed to film, with the remainder of the movie dealing with the mysterious cargo aboard. It would be an unfair spoiler to divulge the rest of the story, suffice it to say that Abrams manages to weave a compelling, but not entirely flawless, monster movie.

At the time of its release, Abrams made no secret of his admiration for Steven Spielberg, even going so far as to bring him on board as producer, and so it comes as no surprise that Super 8 often feels like an homage to classics like E.T and Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. There are a number of Spielbergian traits such as the absent father, the story told from a kid's perspective and the tantalising glimpses of the train's cargo, all contributing to a stellar first half.

Unfortunately, the wheels come off a little once the cargo is revealed. Abrams sacrifices character development for blockbuster thrills and, on more than one occasion, potential pitfalls are sidestepped just a little too easily. In the end, it feels like a hybrid of two very different movies. On the one hand, we have a nostalgic coming of age tale and on the other, an old fashioned monster movie. It doesn't quite manage to merge the two genres into a unique whole, but it does offer some truly outstanding visuals (the train crash being a particular highlight), one or two tear jerking moments and, in the case of the kids, the most enjoyable gang of adolescents since Stand By Me.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)

As bad as you would expect

[4/10 · 31 July 2014]

The Transformers franchise has a lot to answer for. Not only has it prolonged Michael Bay's awful career, but it also convinced Hollywood that a toy brand can successfully carry a big screen blockbuster, leading to an uninspired G.I Joe movie which was successful enough to warrant a slightly better sequel.

Anyone who has seen the original will know exactly what to expect from G.I. Joe: Retaliation; a paper thin plot, some highly questionable acting and a few action set pieces sprinkled throughout. The story picks up from the first, with the Joes acting as a defence force for the US government. Naturally, this proves to be a problem for Cobra: a group of villains who happens to be the Joes' arch enemy, who decides to eradicate them in an early set piece which contains the only surprise of the movie.

The rest of the movie follows Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, as he leads the remaining Joes on a mission to clear their name and bring down Cobra. Not only has this been done a million times before, it has also been done a million times better. Johnson, to his credit, does the best he can with a script peppered with flat jokes and macho posturing and the movie's major selling point, Bruce Willis, is essentially an extended cameo with no redeeming quality whatsoever.

It's not all bad; there is a wonderful joke right at the beginning between Johnson and Channing Tatum, and a sequence which occurs halfway through, involving the mute Snake Eyes' rescue/kidnap of Storm Shadow is easily the most enjoyable part of the whole movie. Unfortunately, these instances are few and far between, and for the rest of the time you will be scratching your head wondering why this was deemed necessary in the first place.

A slight improvement on the original which is not saying much. This is cynical Hollywood movie making at its worst. Bruce Willis phones it in, the script is a lame duck and most of the action is uninspired. Play with the toy instead, you will have more fun.