Oldboy (2013)

***
Release Date: December 6th 2013

Obsessed with vengeance, a man sets out to find out why he was kidnapped and locked into solitary confinement for 20 years without reason.

Director: Spike Lee (Inside Man, 25th Hour, Malcolm X)

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli

Joe Doucett is an unsympathetic inebriated man who thinks only of himself. After going out on a bender, Joe is mysteriously kidnapped and cooped up in a hotel room that has no windows and no means of escape. He is fed and watered but besides that he is left to his own devices.

Over the course of the 20 years Joe disciplines himself day and night. From laying off the alcohol to exercising and practising martial arts, he's biding his time. After his eventual escape, and weirdly enough no ones attempt to stop him, he aims to find out who imprisoned him with what little clues are at his disposal.

This recent American remake lacks the feel and depth that the 2003 South Korean original has. Using the same choreographer, there's little in the way of unique. The renowned hallway scene from the original is a spectacle to behold. The new take spices it up by adding another floor, but lacks the raw power that Chan-wook Park's direction has.

Josh Brolin's character is hard to relate to; the story moves at such a fast pace that there's no time to pause and reflect. Joe bumps in to Marie Sebastian (Elizabeth Olsen), who after a time attaches herself to Joe and his esoteric manner. Samuel L. Jackson makes a few appearances in some incredibly gruesome scenes, whilst Sharlto Copley is magnificent as ever as an ambiguous villain. 

For those who haven't seen the original, you're in for a few shock twists that make Oldboy memorable, but not necessarily for the right moralistic reasons.

Violence is seen fairly differently in Western culture to other countries in the east. Factors such as religion and cultivation have a great impact on that. If you look at Tartan/Extreme Asia films such as Battle Royale, R-Point and The Butcher, you'll notice that violent acts are never toned down to face a wider audience. They master it well, but they also don't have the BBFC having the power of forcing the major studios to edit their work. Oldboy, the remake, has been hit by this. A Director's cut will be available, but we will have to wait for the DVD release to view it's full potential.

Overview: It's advised to wait and see the untouched Director's version to fully appreciate this film. If you're unsure, stick to the original.   

Saving Mr. Banks

****
Release Date: November 29th 2013

Author P. L. Travers reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney during production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins.

Director: John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side, The Alamo, The Rookie)

Staring: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, B. J. Novak, Jason Schwartzman

Whoever thought the Disney film Mary Poppins would have such a gripping background as to how P. L. Travers, the author of the said book, struggled with letting her work come to life.

Travers, played by the outstanding Emma Thompson, is the most stubborn character on screen that you'll have ever seen for a long time. She finds it hard to comes to grips with her financial status, and eventually agrees with her agent that she needs to make money quickly.

So off on a plane she goes to Los Angeles, to meet the illustrious Walt Disney (Tom Hanks). Disney's fellow workers Don Dagradi (Whitford) and the Sherman brothers (Novak & Schwartzman) try to collaborate with Travers on a script, but with Travers changing things left, right and centre and profusely recording every session, the team are constantly tip-toeing around her so that she doesn't hesitate handing over the rights to Walt.

This all works well, with the occasional laugh here and there. The dry humour is constantly disrupted by flashbacks of her gloomy past. Travers' present is plagued by her nostalgic memories of her father (executed by the excessively cheesy Colin Farrell) going on the downward spiral. This breaks the fine mould that Travers has, never quite knowing whether it wants its audience to be happy or sad. You'll always sit in the middle.

Hanks does a great job in a supporting role, right off the back of Captain Phillips, but this is not his for the taking. Thompson is unequalled. She goes from relentless and single mindedness to becoming an open book with added spurts of kindness. Travers is a difficult character to sympathise with at the beginning, but nearer the end her compassion is undeniably heartwarming.

Overview: It's nice to see variety from Disney Studios. Something other than the usual conventions in a Disney film will be greatly appreciated. Saving Mr. Banks would make for a great feel-good film if not for its sporadic sadness.           

Homefront

***
Release Date: December 6th 2013

A former DEA agent moves his family to a quiet town, where he soon tangles with a local meth druglord.

Director: Gary Fleder (Imposter, Kiss the Girls)

Starring: Jason Statham, James Franco, Kate Bosworth, Winona Ryder

The blurb above says it all. Statham is Phil Broker, an ex-DEA who changes his identity and moves away after a ganglord has a personal vendetta on him.

After the opening credits we are familiarised with the new town and elementary. Broker's daughter Maddy defends herself against a bully at school, which results in the bullies parents taking it out on both Maddy and Phil. Kate Bosworth plays the redneck mother of the said bully, who bleeds a menacing and horrible presence. Her other half, however, recoils in fear at Broker's capability of defending himself.

Broker gains a lot of unwanted attention from the town's residents. Cassie (Bosworth) gets her unhinged, meth-head brother Morgan (James Franco) involved. He seeks to drive Broker out of home with scaremongering and fear, and contacts the man who wishes Broker dead.

Written by Sylvester Stallone (who has also written The Expendables films), an assumption can be made that this will be all action and a bit of a no-brainer. Homefront is far from it. The moments where Phil and Maddy are alone may be a little cheesy at times, but it's mostly sweet, with the young Izabela Vidovic producing standout performances The action with Statham (we all know what to expect from a Statham film) comes often and with raw brutality.

James Franco plays a drug addict/dealer surprisingly well, along with great support from Boworth and Winona Ryder. They play druggies impressively. Check out the beautiful scenery with the set up of each scene. Who knew a place full of grandeur could hide the roughest of people.

Overview: Not a bad effort from Director and Writer. This will impress if you're a big fan of the Statham. 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

****
Release Date: December 14th 2012

A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on an "unexpected journey" to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug.

Director: Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis

Technology since 2003's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has evolved dramatically. 3D entered the fray with James Cameron's Avatar, and plenty of other films have followed suit, with the first Hobbit epic being one of them. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey also introduced us to 48fps (for those who don't know, frames per second amounts to how many still images there within a second to create the illusion of movement), thus, giving a smooth and crisper film to watch.

A large amount of expectation will be garnered, if The Lord of the Rings trilogy is anything to go buy. THAUJ is a more child friendly result, aimed at all ages. Adapted from a book that's only just over 300 pages long, AUJ is the first of three films that opens up the world of Middle-Earth to a whole new level. Be prepared to see more than what's in the book. It will come in two halves; the fans of the book may find this film hard to comes to terms with due to plenty of changes and new parts being added, or fans old and new will relish in Peter Jackson's take on Tolkien's classic.

Nevertheless, an exciting journey is had, as Bilbo (Freeman), the lovable furry hobbit, living in his hobbit hole under the hill, is interrupted by Gandalf the Wizard (McKellen) to join him on an adventure. Bilbo eventually decides to be the dwarven companies' thief and help reclaim Erebor from the clutches of Smaug the dragon.

But before we even get to that, there's trolls and goblins to contend with, sticky situations to get out of, and all the while the pale orc known as Azog and his warg-riders are in pursuit. The One Ring is also introduced with a small but effective cat and mouse game between Bilbo and the already familiar Gollum.

Freeman's younger hobbit to Ian Holm's older one is a delight to watch. Nothing is overdone, and Freeman easily fits the role, never ever overdoing things. The only other members of the company that have standout roles are Gandalf and Richard Armitage's Thorin Oakenshield. The occassional dwarf will have a line or two to say (Balin and Bifur) but the others blend in to the background with little to mention. 

It takes the dwarves and company around 45 minutes to leave the Shire and finally set off on their journey. Time is used wisely. It introduces the dwarves and gives us a monologue of the whats and whys. It may seem all a little slow, but the pace does quicken when they hit the road.

The second film, The Desolation of Smaug, will allow us glimpses of Smaug, and hopefully keep up the tempo that abruptly stops at the end of AUJ.

Overview: A great start, but The Fellowship of the Ring still stands the stronger of the two. If you're new to these, start with The Hobbit, and save the best til last.  

Hitman

**
Release Date: November 30th 2007

A gun-for-hire known only as Agent 47 hired by a group known only as 'The Organization' is ensnared in a political conspiracy, which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military as he treks across Russia and Eastern Europe.

Director: Xavier Gens (The Divide, Frontier(s))

Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Olga Kurylenko, Robert Knepper, Ulrich Tomsen

Game adaptions have been somewhat of a letdown over the past ten to twelve years. The Resident Evil films have never lived up to the popularity of the game, Mario Bros. would have been a lost cause if it weren't for its childhood qualities and Doom is a complete Alien ripoff, tied down with a 15 rating. Hitman is among these, and bares no qualities worth mentioning.

It's easy to get lost within the its first 10 minutes. A weak storyline that feels purposely confusing, mixed in with a lackluster lead (to us, only known as Agent 47... or Timothy Olyphant) whose emotionless facade comes from bad acting is not a concoction you'll want to watch for an hour and a half. It is not the fault of the actor, but the Director. There is little history around the harnessing of these agents, instead we are left perplexed at Agent 47's reaction to having a beautiful women throwing herself at him.

Nika Boronina (Kurlenko) has supposedly witnessed Agent 47 assassinate the Russian president, so now he must assassinate her, but this leads to a bigger conspiracy that 47 has been roped in to.

Simple plot, right? There are various flaws that didn't get picked up during production. The first being Agent 47 never hides the ridiculously massive tattoo of a barcode on the back of his bald head, but always manages to slip away unseen. The second is the absence of affection towards the only love interest. Third and foremost is the incomprehensible script, riddled with moments of stating the obvious.

If it weren't for an actions scene where 47 is pitted against three other assassins, it would be a complete and utter shambles.

Overview: A reboot is in the pipeline, and it can't do much wrong to be an improvement on this.

Bachelorette

**
Release Date: August 16th 2013

Three friends are asked to be bridesmaids at a wedding of a woman they used to ridicule back in high school.

Director: Leslye Headland

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Rebel Wilson, Adam Scott

And still these three friends (if they can be called friends) bitch about bride-to-be Becky (Rebel Wilson), and mainly because they're jealousy and lack of partners have left them bitter.

Regan (Kirsten Dunst) is chief bridesmaid to Becky. Gena (Lizzy Caplan) and Katie (Isla Fisher) are amongst the other bridesmaids, and they are probably the worst friends that Becky could have. Between them they get high on drugs (Regan is too level headed and angry to consider taking them), sabotage the pre-wedding speech and ruin the Bride's dress, all in a nights work.

This is all very enjoyable to watch, especially as Rebel Wilson for the first time is the tamest character on screen. It's difficult to maintain a viewing from start to finish when the characters are stupendously obnoxious. You will spend most of the time feeling sorry for the bride who spends most of her time off screen.

As time goes on, our trio aimlessly make things worse, and it's always a wonder why they didn't do the sensible thing in the first place and own up to their mistakes.

Overview: There are more cringe-worthy moments than funny ones. This isn't a film that's going to change anyone's lives. Stick to Bridesmaids. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

*****
Release Date: November 22nd 2013

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Director: Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine)

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire takes everything to the next level. It's predecessor was a starting point, opening up more than the games. This second outing in the 'quadrilogy' is darker and grittier, what with assault, murder and torture within the first half hour it's a wonder how it keeps the low rating (a 12A) as young adults are made to feel like adults.

Catching Fire comes nearly a year after the 74th annual Hunger Games. District twelve survivors Katniss (Lawrence) and Peeta (Hutcherson) are preparing for the victor's tour where they must visit all 12 districts. Before they set off, Katniss is visited by President Snow (Sutherland). He warns and threatens to hurt her family and friends if she doesn't follow his rules during the tour. A rebellion has emerged which see the districts revolting against the Capitol.

As President Snow and the Capitol try to calm the rebellion, Katniss and Peeta are soon preping for the next Hunger Games, and every 25 years it is know as the Quarter Quell where the year's Tributes are in for something special (you'll have to see to know more!).

Some old characters return that are familiar. Haymitch (Harrelson) is still their drunk mentor, who lives in Victory Road (with the only other victors of D12). Gale (Hemsworth) the other male in the love triangle with Katniss, doesn't get any particular strong parts apart from having to deal with some torture. Effie (Banks) is still the quivering, overbearing presenter of D12's tributes, Cinna (Kravitz) goes all out with the costume designs and Stanley Tucci is still as strange as ever as T.V presenter Caesar Flickerman. These familiar faces do nothing more than help the main protagonist; it's all about the female hero, and Lawrence performs just as well as before.

With the old comes the new, and they are welcome attributes. The more gutsier of these is Phillip Seymour Hoffman's Plutarch Heavensbee, the new Games-maker. He tries his best to make Katniss' life miserable, and cover up the hope that's spreading across Panem by injecting fear in the heart of the people.

Where the first installment sets the bar, Catching Fire raises the stakes and it's not just about the games; everyone's lives are at risk, and everyone is fighting for hope.

The new arena is full of new surprises. Rabid monkeys, death defying mist, freak storms and tidal waves are a few of the treats in store for our heroes. If you've read the book then you'll be struggling to think if Director Francis Lawrence has missed anything out. If Catching Fire is anything to go by, then we won't be disappointed when Mockingjay Part 1 and 2 come round. Bring on late 2014!

Overview: This will please all who are fans of both the books and the first film. Forget about Twilight, it's all about The Hunger Games. 

Snitch

***
Release Date: April 5th 2013

A father goes undercover for the DEA in order to free his son who was imprisoned after being set up in drug deal.

Director: Ric Roman Waugh (Felon, In the Shadows)

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Susan Sarandon, Jon Bernthal, Barry Pepper

Dwayne Johnson has become a certain typecast: lean, mean, takes no shit and is a tough nut to crack. In Snitch however, emotions can get the better of him.

Johnson is John Matthews, father of Jason Matthews, who's facing a 10 year prison sentence for drug trafficking. This is part of the minimum sentence law and a system run by the government that entitles the victim to decrease their sentence if they help catch other drug smugglers.

Jason's guilty conscience gets the better of him so John decides to step in and take control and convinces the DEA (run by Barry Pepper's Agent Cooper) and District Attorney Joanne Keeghan (Sarandon) that he can take action for Jason. After enlisting the help of one of his colleagues Daniel James (Bernthal), and without him knowing about it, John goes undercover to take down a drug trafficking group run by Malik, who is a big target of the DEA's. What John doesn't know is that he's bitten off more than he can chew.

It takes a fair amount of time for Dwayne Johnson to become The Rock as we know him, as he struggles to accept his sons decision not to trap others like he has been. We sit through a very mellow, slow start, and it doesn't build up until at least the final 20 minutes. This is not an action film with added drama, this is a drama with a healthy amount of action that focuses on the strains of keeping the family together, all its highs and all its lows. Most people will do anything for the ones they love, and this is shown in Snitch. John may have grown distant from his son, but he'll do anything to repair that.

Without the action that we expected there to be, the script needs to be powerful enough to keep moments tense and suspenseful, and Snitch does exactly that. Key moments include Malik sizing up John during their first meeting, and Daniel questioning his trust over his partner in crime.

Jon Berthnal is starting to branch out since starring in The Walking Dead, and with Snitch making its appearance at the cinema earlier this year and The Wolf of Wall Street at the end of the year his popularity will grow further if he keeps up the formidable performances.

Overview: Keep bearing in mind that this is a drama involving family matters. Dwayne Johnson is a silent time bomb waiting to explode in what can be only called an explosive finale.      

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

****
Release Date: December 26th 2013

A day-dreamer escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

Director: Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander, The Cable Guy)

Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Sean Penn, Kathryn Hahn

It's been over 5 years since Ben Stiller directed Tropic Thunder. His latest, A Secret Life of Walter Mitty, is a feel good movie that shows us that there are no boundaries and that instead of using our imagination we can bring it to life.

Walter (Stiller) uses his explosive imagination and conjures up some make believe thoughts for us all to see. In his mind, this is his way of mustering up the courage to speak to Cheryl (Wiig), who he has affection for. They both work at Life Magazine, and everyone's jobs are under major scrutiny because they are converting to online only.

By the orders of new boss Adam Scott (whose beard you'll be staring at wondering if it's real or fake) Walter must present slide number 25 which will be the last ever image to be on the front cover. Walter misplaces the slide from a reel that Sean O'Connell (a great cameo from Sean Penn) has sent whilst out on his expeditions. As the unveiling date approaches, Mitty panics and decides to set off on an adventure to track down O'Connell, and find the missing slide.

Enjoy the lavish, gorgeous scenery as we follow Mitty to Greenland, Iceland and later on the Himalayas. The beautiful settings match our everlasting yearn to see more, and explore with more than just our imaginations.

Do not expect the usual Stiller comedy. Tropic Thunder and Zoolander take on silly humour, mocking stereotypes and coming out with absurd nonsense. It's not necessarily negative, and nor is this different take with A Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Stiller has remarkably attempted a dryer technique, and this reflects well within the story. It's a story that's about grasping opportunities and living life at its fullest. The comedy is sometimes awkward and at others times unexpected. This isn't fundamentally a comedy. It's secondary to that of the journey you're supposed to enjoy.

The acting all round is good. Kathryn Hahn's ridiculousness is toned down somewhat and Adam Scott is still great at playing the arsehole (if you've seen Step Brothers or Leap Year you'll know what I mean). Ben Stiller stands out, it's definitely one of his best performances.

Overview: Stick it through, as I think it'll surprise most. The imaginations that we see shows us that there are no limits to what we can or can't do.    

The Great Gatsby

***
Release Date: May 17th 2013

A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor.

Director: Baz Luhrmann (Australia, Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan

The story of The Great Gatsby is overshadowed by it's glitz and glamour. Picture Mouline Rouge!, except not as odd as that. This is not the first attempt at bringing the F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel to life. Jack Clayton's The Great Gatsby (1974) starring Robert Redford will be the most familiar. This new outing comes at a time where CGI and colour stand out vibrantly, make it pretty to look at.

We follow Nick Carraway (Maguire), a war veteran who ends up being Jay Gatsby's (DiCaprio) neighbour. As he explains to a shrink and through a series of flashbacks we see his involvement in Gatsby's life; how he gets to know him, his wealth, his friends (or lack of) and lastly his incredible parties. He's making a name for himself without anyone knowing what he looks like.

Gatsby is besotted with his old love, Daisy (Mulligan). All went south with their relationship before the war, and Daisy is now married to philanthropist Tom Buchanan (Edgerton). Things may go his way, as Buchanan is unfaithful with Myrtle (Fisher), but we all know that the outcome is never happy.

The Great Gatsby may work as a book but it struggles to keep interest on screen. At least the story is not out of date. No one has really much to say (that you will care much for) apart from Gatsby. Every word that comes out of his mouth whether true or not, will captivate you, and DiCaprio reprises similar persona's to previous roles that will keep the women interested at least.        

The soundtrack (by rapper Jay-Z) is surprisingly fitting if not strange company. Rap didn't exist post second world war, so it feels a little surreal, as if none of it is real; a lifestyle we think we want but could probably do without.

Overview: No stand out performances bar DiCaprio, but the performance cannot outshine what can be seen.   

Stoker

*****
Release Date: March 1st 2013

After India's father dies, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her unstable mother. She comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives and becomes increasingly infatuated with him.  

Director: Chan-wook Park (Oldboy)

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode, Dermot Mulroney

Stoker is Chan-wook Park's US debut. It's hard for foreign-language based film-makers to break western mould, and by god does Park do it well. It will be one of the most bizarre, tense, questionable films this year.

Even though Park has broken into Hollywood, it's not your average Hollywood film. He manages to contain the art-house feel within the mainstream. It's serious, experimental and would usually not appeal to the masses, but a combination of direction, deftly finesse script, and impeccable cinematography shape this into a creepy horror, without the violence.

Stoker starts immediately gloomy and foreboding, at a funeral of Richard Stoker (played by Dermot Mulroney in flashbacks), father to India (Mia Wasikowska) and husband to Evelyn (Nicole Kidman). India's uncle Charles (Matthew Goode) shows up at the funeral, with India having no knowledge of this family member existing. Here marks the start of the guesswork; trying to find out why each of the three family members are acting strange.

India it would seem was closer to her father than her mother, so scorns anything and everything she says or does. She doesn't like to be touched, and is a very lonesome girl. She gradually becomes interested in uncle, as his past is shrouded in mystery. All we know is he's travelled the world, but anything he tells us seems unconvincing. Evelyn is not as estranged as most would be so soon after losing her husband. Instead she is just as absorbed by Charles's charm as India is. (This is probably the reasoning behind the BBFC giving this a harsh rating).

Little is said on camera, and that's exactly how it should be. Goode, Kidman and especially Mia Wasikowska are on form, whether it's a portrayal of emotion or something said, it's top class. Matthew Goode makes a smile look sadistic, Nicole Kidman replicates a similar casting (The Others) but with more edge, and Wasikowska is just exceptional. No one can say more with expression than she can.      
Written by non-other than Prison Break's Wentworth Miller, it's a new turn that for the actor. If he can write material similar to this again, then it won't be such a shame that he's off camera. Chung-hoon Chung, who has worked with Park often and is the DOP for Stoker, manages to make every shot interesting. There are metaphors in transition shots and where we think there's open space, there's not, and the shot has been done for a reason. 

Overview: A fantastic film that's a unique breath of strange air. Awards are worth giving. Psychoanalysts and Freudian lovers will revel in it's phycho-sexual involvement. 

The Place Beyond the Pines

***
Release Date: April 12th 2013

A motorcycle stunt rider turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover and their newborn child, a decision that puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective.

Director: Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine)

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper, Ray Liotta, Ben Mendelsohn, Rose Byrne, Dane Dehaan, Emory Cohen

The Place Beyond the Pines is a tale including three chapters, and how they link to one another. Don't see this as a linear story, but more of a knock on effect from what happens first.

The first part follows Luke (Ryan Gosling). He is a stunt-motorcyclist, who is always on the move with his job, never settling down. Out of the blue his ex Romina (Eva Mendes) comes to see him, but as Luke later calls on her, he finds out some news that changes his life. In order to make more money, Luke resorts to robbing banks with the help from Robin (Ben Mendelsohn).

The next chapter follows Avery (Bradely Cooper), a cop who becomes a hero when he runs in to Luke. This part shows how he deals with his first serious case and how it effects his personal life. Smaller parts from Ray Liotta and others are welcome as corrupt cops. Rose Byrne is Cooper's wife, and had hardly any screen time. Same goes for Mendes. This is purely a film about Fathers and their sons, and how their upbringing (or lack of) makes them who they are.

The third and final part introduces the sons of Luke and Avery. Played by Dane DeHaan and Emery Cohen respectively, little can be said about their story so as not to spoil the film.

The acting is phenomenal. Gosling, Cooper and the two young men all deliver. The Place Beyond the Pines is a very male dominated film, but not aimed at only a male audience.

The flow of the film is a little sluggish. Going from one story to the next, even though they are connected by family matters, doesn't flow well. Just as your about to start caring for these characters and their burdens, we shift to another character. If the film stayed with Gosling's character, then it would have a better outcome.

The main problem with TPBTP is it's duration; it doesn't know where to end, so when you think it would end nicely at a certain point, it does the opposite and carries on for what feels like longer than its 140 minutes.

Overview: Gosling shows an ambiance that resembles his character in Drive. It is definitely Cooper's best performance to date. Try to see it the whole way through, the performances make it worth while.

The Hunger Games

*****
Release Date: March 23rd 2012

Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to compete.

Director: Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville)

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz

The biggest question we may ask ourselves is does it stay true to the book? And it's safe to say that yes it does. Some may believe that it's derived or copies Battle Royale. It may seem similar, but The Hunger Games has its open spin and uniqueness.

This is perfect for all ages, from the teenage youngster with a rebellious attitude to the adult yearning to be young again. The games itself are gut-wrenching and emotional, yet it takes a good half of the film to get to them, as we follow both Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) journey of acceptance, help from others, showing off in front of the Capitol and testing their skills. This may sound boring and stretched out, but believe me it's not.

Director Gary Ross puts us in the heart of the choosing of the contestants, otherwise known as the Reaping. People are poor, the lands barren, it hardly looks the ideal place to live in. We have succumbed to shaky-cam, fueling the tension of what's about to happen, as if we are joining them in the ranks of youngsters waiting on baited breath. (The shaky-cam might make you feel a little dizzy).

After offering herself as tribute due to her younger sister's name being pulled out, her and Peeta whizz off to Panem, where steady-cam is used to focus on the glitz and glam of the rich and greedy. Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) takes them and looks after them through the lead up to the games, whilst Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), a previous winner, is their mentor, albeit a little temperamental.

There's great acting throughout. Jennifer Lawrence is exceptional as Katniss, portraying every emotion with ease. If you loved her in the books you won't be disappointed with the choice of actress. Donald Sutherland is the brooding President Snow. Caesar Flicker Man (Stanley Tucci) is the T.V. presenter of the games and Lenny Kravitz makes a surprising appearance as Cinna, Katniss' costume designer and friend.

Going in to the games is when the film speeds up on the pace. It doesn't matter if there's kills or survival instincts kicking in, it's engrossing to watch. There's a few bits and pieces missed out from the book, but you'll hardly notice.
   
Overview: Consistency in Catching Fire will be most welcome, and it stays true to the book.

The Counsellor

**
Release Date: November 15th 2013

A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking.

Director: Ridley Scott (Prometheus, American Gangster, Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Blade Runner, Alien)

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Brad Pitt

Now, I think we're all expecting something great for such a legendary director as Ridley Scott. This is not the case, as The Counsellor is not one of his better works.

As explained above the storyline should be simple to follow. In some cases it is easy to grasp, but it's the delivery that's confusing and cryptic. Michael Fassbender goes by the Counsellor, a corrupt lawyer who works for Reiner (Bardem) and his cunning other half, Malkina (Diaz). Her love for cheetah's (there's definitely a double meaning here) is expressed through her pets and crazy tattoo.

The Counsellor has proposed to girlfriend Laura (Cruz) but she is unaware of how much the ring she now possesses, or where the money has come from to pay for it.

The Counsellor takes an age to kick off, as the film spends a third of its duration introducing and setting up the characters, with the occasional cut to unknown Mexicans obviously trafficking drugs over the Mexican-Texas border. What happens later on is double-cross after another which inevitably leads to it being the Counsellor's fault. With the help from Westray (Brad Pitt), he does... not very much.

In his situation it's expected of him to either escape, or fight back. Instead we have a very whimsical protagonist that expects help from others and proposes to speak to the drug owners to make them understand. What unfolds around him is a delight to watch, even if it's gruesome.

The writer Cormac McCarthy's previous work was No Country for Old Men, a Coen Brothers film that also stars Javier Bardem, that leaves little room to breath, and has the most unforgettable performances. The Counsellor is similar in that respect but not for the same reasons. Every bit of monologue is a riddle. The odd one now and then works well, but the whole script is tiresome.

Overview: The acting is strong throughout, the ending bleak but unique. Whether you like it or not, it's better going in to this with what to expect. 

Gangster Squad

****
Release Date: January 10th 2013

Los Angeles, 1949: A secret crew of police officers led by two determined sergeants work together in an effort to take down the ruthless mob king Mickey Cohen who runs the city.

Director: Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, 30 Minutes or Less)

Starring: Josh Brolin, Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, Anthony Mackie, Robert Patrick, Michael Pena, Giovanni Ribisi

Gnagster Squad has an all star cast, led by Josh Brolin and Sean Penn, the first being a cop turned undercover vigilante who hires a group of detectives to take down L.A controlling Mickey Cohen (Penn), the latter is Mickey Cohen himself, who above all else oozes excellence. His rough speech and crazy euthamisms: 'My whole crop of cunt is ruined', he barks after Brolin's John O'Mara single handily brings down one of his brothels.

If you're a fan of The Untouchables, this is a must watch. Sgt. John O'Mara's wife, after some unconvincing reluctant moans about 'Cohen can have L.A., he just can't have you', suddenly turns around and seems o.k. with the situation, as long as John has the right people around him.

Assembled is a cast that singularly aren't anything to shout about, but together have great one liners and a lot of fun on their course of destruction to rid L.A of Cohen. First we have Sgt. Jerry Wooters (a name that cannot be taken seriously, but performed suitably well by Ryan Gosling) who at first isn't interested, but later on does as his relationship with Grace Faraday (Emma Stone) becomes more complicated (she just so happens to be Cohen's lady). There's gunslinging Max Kennard (Robert Patrick) and his rookie Ramirez (Michael Pena), otherwise known as 'hopalong'. The brains must come with the brawn, and so last but not least is Officer Conwell Keener (Ribisi) whose knack for technology is an asset they can't refuse.

Gosling and Stone's love affair is a somewhat fiery version of their one in Crazy, Stupid Love, except this time they're wearing costumes. One line is all it takes, with most girls swooning at the thought:

“Let me guess: you want to take me away from all this and make an honest woman of me?”
“No, ma’am. I was just hoping to take you to bed.”

Gosling and Stone are a few of the stronger characters in the film, making them the only ones worth being emotional over.

This is a gangster piece at it's best. Blazing Tommy-guns, massive shoot-outs, raw fist-fights. You cannot help but route for Brolin at the end, but you will be wishing it lasted longer. Gangster Squad is a safe movie to hit the cinemas in January, but doesn't do anything more than be safe.

Overview: A memorable gangster film with an awesome cast. Penn is phenomenal.

Safe Haven

***
Release Date: March 1st 2013

A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

Director: Lasse Hallstrom (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Dear John)

Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smaulders

I think by now we all know what to expect from a Nicholas Sparks adaption, regardless of whether we know the books. A woman with a troubled past? Yes. Overly sensitive male? Yes. Fantastic backdrops that make you wish you were there? Correct.

Safe Haven is the eighth Nicholas Sparks' book that has been adapted to film, and it is one of the better ones.

Safe Haven begins with Katie (Hough), who is seen bording a coach, escaping the clutches of the Police. She ends up in Southport, North Carolina, a place far away from where she was that's in the middle of the sticks. This is where she sets up camp, and eventually creates a bond with local shopkeeper Alex (Duhamel).

What else is there to say? The story is as simple as that. Katie is suspicious of everything and everyone around her, but manages to settle. She has a new neighbour in the form of Jo (Smaulders). Alex's kids are polar opposites; the daughter is kind and sweet whilst the son hits back at Alex for the death of his mum.

This isn't exactly a film that's thought driven. It doesn't take any deal of work to know what's inevitably going to be happen. The sense of mystery behind Katie's past keeps this interesting but fundamentally there's not enough there to keep you on tenterhooks. Maybe it's what fans of Sparks' adaptions want and learn to expect, which at the end of the day, is a feel good, romantic film.

Fans of the book though, may be disappointed. Going by what someone else has told me, the events at the end of the film are different, and that the book's ending would have been great on film.

One thing is for certain though... the ending finishes with a nice twist.

Overview: Not nearly as good as The Notebook, but a lot better than others. The mushy lovey-dovey is bearable and not over-the-top. If you liked Dear John, then it's good to know you're safe in the hands of the same director. 

Olympus Has Fallen

Release Date: April 17th 2013

Disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped inside the White House in the wake of a terrorist attack; using his inside knowledge, Banning works with national security to rescue the President from his kidnappers.

Director: Antoine Fuqua (Brooklyn's Finest, Shooter, Training Day)

Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Finley Jacobsen, Dylan McDermott, Rick Yune, Mellisa Leo, Radha Mitchell

First and foremost Olympus Has Fallen would have made a fitting sequel to the Die Hard Quadrilogy. It's got everything it needs: mass destruction, hostile situations, epic building takeovers. The biggest problem for OHF is it lacks the perfect one-liners and a sense of 'going along for the ride'.

Disgraced Secret service agent Mike Banning (Butler), after what has been a frightful 18 months (an introduction to his relationship with the President and his son takes place at the start of the film), he's now has a desk job, conveniently in a building opposite the White House.

Whilst he's busy at work, the White House becomes under attack by North Koreans acting as tourists. What unfolds is what can only be said as carnage and mayhem against the White House. This film makes out that America have the worst defense system if they were to fall under attack.

President Benjamin Asher (Eckhart) and other government officials (including Melissa Leo as Secretary of Defense) are held hostage within the Oval Office, and Banning is the only hope America has in saving the President, and stopping this terrorist threat (an inconceivable reason stops the rest of America helping, as they negotiate with these terrorists).

Now there's not a lot to expect from Olmpus Has Fallen, only that the action is incredible and a little outrageous. It's doesn't take a lot of thought to work out it's plot, it is slightly predictable and it's one of the most simple storylines that the Training Day director has done in his career. It is a thoroughly enjoyable watch, even if Butler's Scottish accent overpowers his put on American when he's shouting.

Morgan Freeman and Aaron Eckhart are underwritten. The latter is tied up for the majority of the film, and coming off a bit flimsy whilst the former sits at a desk in the Pentagon for the duration of the film, with the only interesting dialogue about coffee.

Nevertheless, Olympus Has Fallen does the job, but can two films with complete similarities have any originality? (OHF was shortly followed by the release of White House Down).

Overview: Butler is a great action hero, even if he doesn't have that much to say. OHF is a no brainer, but won't score any awards.

3.5/5

Gravity

*****
Release Date: November 8th 2013

A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space.

Director: Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Cloone, Ed Harris

It doesn't get any more terrifying and real than Alfonso Cuaron's new disaster film Gravity. It has taken Cuaron only 8 years to treat us with another film, the last being 2005's Children of Men. Even James Cameron has branded Gravity as 'the best space film ever'.  

Everything starts off so peacefully, as we join Matt Kowalski (Clooney) roaming space, trying to beat the space walk record, and Doctor Ryan Stone (Bullock), on her first mission from NASA. For at least the first quarter of the film, we are there to admire the spectacle. Mission specialist Shariff (Phaldut Sharma) is seen floating in the background.

This introduction is all done via one long 13 minute take. This is what makes it so breathtaking; the cinematography weaves around the shuttle, focusing on each character as the conversation unfolds.

It takes some time before things kick off. Mission Control (voiced by Ed Harris) informs the crew of debris heading straight towards them from a Russian satellite. This causes destruction and damage that puts the teams survival nigh on impossible. We follow Doctor Stone, as she comes across one problem after another. It's only a small gripe, but to keep the momentum going Stone cannot catch a break. Just as she believes she clear of danger, something else gets in her way.

Gravity is a must see film in 3D. It has completely jaw-dropping moments. A misplaced screw flies at you, tear drops float before your eyes and the depth of space is out of this world. The picture was transferred in to 3D in the editing phase of post-production. Usually the 3D isn't as deep when it's done like this, but Gravity is one of those rare enchantments.   

Overview: I will be surprised if Gravity isn't nominated for best film when the awards hit next year. Sandra Bullock's acting is the best it's ever been.

Falling Down

****
Release Date: June 4th 1993

An unemployed defense worker frustrated with the various flaws he sees in society, begins to psychotically and violently lash out against them.

Director: Joel Schumacher (Trespass, Phone Booth, Tigerland, Flatliners)

Starring: Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Ticotin

William 'D-Fens' Foster is starting to have a bad day. Stuck in an L.A freeway gridlock on a hot, summer day, he decides to abandon the car and walk home instead.

Traffic is the least of his, and our worries, as Falling Down will soon show. The real problem lies in society as a whole; being mugged off in a overpriced corner shop, Immigrants speaking their native language, gang warfare, burger joints that falsely advertise their food, a Nazi fascist with a racist chip on his shoulder and rich white men taking up all the land.

Now the worst thing about it is we can all relate to his anguish in one way or another. That means Falling Down is giving off the wrong kind of message. Wrong. Some people might see D-Fens as the protagonist, our hero who's cleaning up the mess of civilisation. He's an objective character, neither good nor bad.

Robert Duvall's Detective Prendergast is retiring from police work, and it's his last day at the office. What an end it would be for him if he were to take this nutcase down! Whilst dealing with the hassle from his mentally unstable wife, it can be clearly seen that he's not leaving the force because he wants to.

Be prepared for some amazing acting from Michael Douglas. It was definitely a risk taking on this role. He's at his peak during the burger joint scene. Whatever anyone else says to make him happy ends up making him angrier. Watch as he compares his burger to the photo of one. Sublime.

Overview: Falling Down is not a film to be taken seriously. It's dark humour coupled with its theme gives you a unique and entertaining movie. Go along just for the ride.      

Iron Man 3

UK Release Date: May 3rd 2013

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution (www.imdb.com).

Director: Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley, Ty Simpkins

Coming off the back of Avengers Assemble, is Iron Man 3. All seems well after the events of AA, but it's all a facade, as Stark struggles with anxiety. A new threat known as The Mandarin (Kingsley) wreaks havoc on America. The story is loosely based on Warren Ellis' 05-06, six issue comic book call 'Extremis'. Many fans of the comic will be wondering why this was chosen and not a classic Lee's originals. For the main bulk of IM3, Tony is without his suits. It's still less about the hero, and more about the human dealing with unescapable responsibilities and how his antics in the suit effect his life.

There are only minor squabbles here. The lack of help from the other superheroes is told unconvincingly: 'This isn’t superhero business. It’s American business'. Stark's anxiety is rushed and underplayed. As a whole, this film is entertaining. Ben Kingsley is chilling as The Mandarin. RDJ is still as witty as ever. Cheadle and Paltrow and the young Ty Simpkins are great support.

The MCU still manages to please a wide audience. Let's hope every film to follow this is just as pleasing.

4/5

Thor: The Dark World

****
Release Date: October 30th 2013

Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Director: Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones, The Sopranos)

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Eccleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander

Thor: The Dark World is everything and more to expect from a sequel. This is the second singular Marvel adventure since Marvel's Avengers Assemble, the first being Iron Man 3 (who else but Iron Man making an appearance first), so each individual story needs to come off the back of this film to keep the consistency going. This second outing does this incredibly well, coming two years from the first film. 

All is explained in an epic prologue. Many years ago, a race known as the Dark Elves attempt to destroy the nine realms with a weapon called Aether. The Asgards, along with Odin's father, Bor, stop the Dark Elves, but Malekith (Eccelston), the Dark Elves' leader, escapes. Since the Aether cannot be destroyed, Bor decides to hide it.

This brings us up to the present day. It's been two years since Jane (Portman) last saw Thor (Hemsworth). She's on a blind date, with an actor making a delightful cameo as the bloke who doesn't stand a chance in competing with the likes of Thor (also the God of Thunder I might add). Loki (Hiddleston) is sent to the dungeons of Asgard for his crimes committed in Avengers Assemble.

This sequel could have been used to showcase Loki, because let's face it, Hiddleston's character has become incredibly popular over the three appearances, mainly because of his fitting personality as a villian and dry sense of humour. It's a surprise to sat that it's no shame that Loki and Thor don't encounter each other until way past the hour mark. It's definitely worth the wait.

Thor takes a backseat this time round. There is plenty of screen time for all main characters, Hopkins is thunderous as the mighty Odin, Portman's Jane 'coincidentally' encounters Thor again because she accidentally absorbs the Aether (making her character rather loose in the fray) and Stellan Skargard's Erik Selvig is found running around Stonehenge naked because he's mentally unhinged after Loki taking over his body in Avengers Assemble.  

The Dark World keeps up the fun as the last did. There's a great level of action and comedy. Some blinding moments come at the end, making you laugh and enjoy the carnage at the same time. This film is nowhere near perfect though, as it has an opportunity to further itself with a love triangle that includes Thor, Jane and Sif (Alexander). It's lightly touched upon, but goes no further than a couple of jealous stares. There is also a lot of scientific jibberish and for anyone who knows their physics, will know that none of it makes sense.

Overview: Director Alan Taylor has done well to keep up the pace with the other two films. Thor: The Dark World is a sequel to Kenneth Branagh's effort, not AA, with the story centred on Thor and the Asgardians.

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa

***
Release Date: October 25th 2013

86-year-old Irving Zisman takes a trip from Nebraska to North Carolina to take his 8 year-old grandson, Billy, back to his real father.

Director: Jeff Tremaine

Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll

I may be awarding this film a high rating in some people's eyes, but that comes with how much the team behind Jackass have improved with Bad Grandpa. Although Jackass 1-3 are a belly ache and a half, it's great to see a storyline added to the fray of silly, undeniably funny, pranks.

There is not that much to expand on when it comes to the story, as Johnny Knoxville's acclaimed old man Irving teams up with youngster Jackson Nicoll. Nicoll is on par with Knoxville's acting and ability at not letting slip. Both have incredible moments that will have you cracking up over it for ages.

Admittedly even though it is a step up from the others, the story is somewhat lacking in luster. Think of it as a road trip. Getting from A to B, with the occasional antics to terrorise the locals between Nebraska and North Carolina. 

Nicoll is definitely one to watch out for. If he keeps up the the standard seen here, then we're in luck because there will be someone to keep the legacy going (or at least we can hope).

There are some stand out comedic moments, like the opening up with Irving getting his genitalia stuck in a vending machine, a strip tease and Jackson's beauty pageant scene, but there are some jokes that fall flat. In these situations that they put themselves in there is never knowing what the outcome is going to be; i.e how the locals react to Irving and and Billy's (Nicoll) shenanigans.

I appreciate that this will not be for everyone. It's derogatory at times and it's toilet humour will make you wonder why they didn't try something else.

Overview: Knoxville has said he wants to work with Nicoll again. Can't wait to see what's in store for us next.

The Big Wedding

*
Release Date: May 29th 2013

A long-divorced couple fakes being married as their family unites for a wedding.

Director: Justin Zackham (The Bucket List, Going Greek - writer)

Starring: Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Topher Grace, Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams, Ben Barnes, Patricia Rae

Have you heard of the saying 'too many cooks spoil the broth'? There should be one for too many actors spoiling the plot. Some example come from the likes of Movie 43, Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, whilst others work in The Lord of the Rings, Ocean's 11-13 and Love Actually. This will all depend on how the cast is used within the confines of the film.

The Big Wedding recycles and churns out the same old stuff we've seen before. It starts with Robert De Niro's ex wife Diane Keaton walking in on him going down on new lover and her former best friend Susan Sarandon. Not a bad start most would think. It goes down hill from there, as De Niro and Keaton have to pretend to be husband and wife again for adopted son Ben Barnes' wedding, so as not to offend biological mother Patricia Rae.

So ensues an ensemble of terribly cliche stories that The Big Wedding somehow makes them boring. The more serious the problem doesn't necessarily make them the more interesting. Amanda Seyfried goes back to familiar territory and is a bride to be (Mama Mia!) and her fame is wasted by a small part. Katherine Heigl has a bun in the oven and a major problem with her Dad (De Niro) and other half. Topher Grace is a 30-something year old virgin, waiting for the right woman, until Rae's daughter Ana Ayora, who's there to ruin it for him. De Niro is a foul mouthed, careless ex-alcoholic who makes it hard to believe that he's put up with and Robin Williams is a judgmental Priest, making him a waste of a character and screen time.

This isn't as much a comedy but more a rambling of problems and bitter people. Jokes are recycled and seen before. The most notable being Grace getting whacked off underneath the dinner table by Ayora, whilst listening to the ramblings of Seyfried's upper class, racist parents. All stereotypes are here, it's such a shame that none of them were left out.

Overview: Don't bother with this film. Watch an alternative film with one of these actors in, like The Godfather.

Mama

***
Release Date: February 22nd 2013

Annabel and Lucas are faced with the challenge of raising his young nieces that were left alone in the forest for 5 years.... but how alone were they?

Director: Andres Muschietti

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nelisse

Mama is a far superior improvement on Guillermo del Toro's last presenting effort, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark. Where DBAotD was directed by Troy Nixey, this had a different one director in, Andres Muschietti, who had written a short film, also called Mama, back in 2008. del Toro was interested in the idea and expanded on it with him.

It's starts very morbidly, which sets up the the rest of the film nicely. Jeffrey (Coster-Waldau) escapes with his two daughters, from a crime that he committed due to losing his mind. He takes his daughters Victoria (Charpentier) and Lilly (Nelisse) to an abandoned cabin in the middle of the sticks (no cliches there, but don't worry, it doesn't last for long), and tries the most unthinkable act imaginable by a parent. His attempt is thwarted by an unknown presence.

Jump forward 5 years and Jeffrey's twin brother Lucas (also Coster-Waldau) has been searching for his brother and niece's since they vanished, sending out a small search party with the little savings he has left to try and figure out what happened to them. They, as we all know would happen, are found, but are not alone.

Mama stays consistent until then end, but it lacks jumps and scares. There are a few, creepy, shocking moments, but again, like Dark Skies, once we see the presence of "Mama", it loses its scare value.

Lucas' nieces have the acting that make your eyes glued to the screen. Both girls are naturals at acting already, they mould themselves to the characters and make them their own. The girls move like primates and cats at the same time, bounding and leaping everywhere and moving around on all fours, snarling and grunting at their uncle and his partner.

The acting of the adults is shadowed by the younger duo. Jessica Chastain's Annabel is an annoying, selfish person whose self-indulging (expressed through her grunge music) ways make her a person to ignore; there's no relating to this one. Game of Thrones' Jamie Lannister on the other hand, is off screen more than he should be.

The ending will leave you scratching you head and thinking, 'why like this'? It ends with a mixture of emotions, never quite knowing where to place itself. You may be wishing for an alternative ending on the DVD release. 

Overview: Mama doesn't go out of it's way to scare, but the girls will weird you out a treat. 

Dark Skies

**
Release Date: April 5th 2013

As the Barret family's peaceful suburban life is rocked by an escalating series of disturbing events, they come to learn that a terrifying and deadly force is after them.

Director: Scott Stewart (Priest, Legion)

Starring: Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton, Dakota Goyo, Kadan Rockett, J.K Simmons

Dark Skies goes from the worries and horror of life to the worries and horror of the supernatural. Daniel (Josh Hamilton) and Lacy Barrett (Keri Russell), and their two sons Jesse and Sam look like the normal, suburban living family. This is not the case, as they struggle with their finances; Daniel finding a new job, and Lacy finding it tough to sell a property.

As if that wasn't difficult enough for the family, they start to have paranormal activity in their house. From rearranged kitchen utensils and blackouts to flocks of birds flying at their house and amnesia, it's not looking like its going to get easy quickly.

Dark Skies struggles to break the pack of horror films. It's cliche after cliche, but that's to be expected when watching a certain genre. What it doesn't do is scare in the right places. The one time that it does, however, it's hard to take it seriously. What it does do is take on a different twist, and instead of usually involving ghosts and ghouls, it's an alien invasion (of sorts).

The acting is a little disconcerting when it comes to the parents. This adds to the lighthearted feel to the film especially when the couple seek out Edwin (J.K Simmons). They try too hard.

What I believe makes a great horror film is the evil force that the characters within have to contend with and the fact that it (whatever it is) cannot be seen. What we conjure up in our brain is far scarier than seeing the real thing. The mind plays tricks, sort of similar to a living nightmare. Dark Skies does not follow this path. It's not worth watching a horror if you're on the verge of laughing at it.

Overview: This film displays some similarities with The Shining and Paranormal Activity with its home video usage. Don't expect to be wowed here, but go in with an open mind.

Oblivion

***
Release Date: April 10th 2013

A veteran assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself.

Director: Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy)

Starring: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

The Sci-Fi genre is gradually increasing in popularity. This year sees an admirable amount; 6 of the top 10 highest grossing films this year are from the science fiction category. Unfortunately, Oblivion falls short, taking an estimated $286m from a $120m budget.

Cruise is Jack Harper, one of the last drone repairmen left on Earth. The planet is ruined by war with an alien race. Jack and his partner Victoria (Riseborough) only have two weeks left before they are free from duty. Jack discovers a crashed spacecraft, and what he finds turns his life upside down, and opens up questions about his existence.

It's great to see a sci-fi film with a completely new idea. Oblivion feels fresh and innovative, with CGI that's beautiful to look upon. Harper and his companion live high above the clouds, in a home that's away from any danger. The only harm that comes upon them is when Harper is out on a mission. Enjoy the landscapes as they come, because the plot takes a while to kick off. It is slow coming off the ground, and only picks up pace when Julia (Kurylenko) enters.

Oblivion is worth the watch if you can make it through to this far. I like many others, feel that Hollywood relies on CGI far too much these days. More human qualities are needed, characters need development. As soon as they start to, it's too late, and the film comes to an end.

This film may be aesthetically pleasing, but other films this year (Elysium, Ender's Game, Thor: Dark World) are likely to prove more popular due to strong story lines.

Little else can be mentioned after Julia's entrance, as it would include spoilers, but the one thing that can be mentioned is the humans that Harper comes across still on Earth. Led by Morgan Freeman, they force new questions and answers about the truth on Harper and rely on him not to rat them out to Mission Control. It's great to see a legend such as Freeman, but he gets very little screen time, and not much chance to find out reasons why, and how they are still on Earth.

Overview: Amazing to look at. Falls short on its story all the way through.

Broken City

***
Release Date: March 1st 2013

In a city rife with injustice, ex-cop Billy Taggart seeks redemption and revenge after being double-crossed and then framed by its most powerful figure: Mayor Nicholas Hostetler.

Director: Allen Hughes (The Book of Eli, From Hell)

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jeffrey Wright, Barry Pepper

There's a lot to be expected with Broken City; an impressive cast and a storyline that holds premise, but this is not the case. The story is weak, with characters that are forgotten easily. Not only does Mayor Hostetler (Crowe) use and abuse ex-cop/hired investigator Billy Taggart (Wahlberg) to find out if Mrs Mayor (Zeta-Jones) is cheating on him, he's out to dish the dirty on liberal opponent Jack Valliant (Pepper). He's definitely corrupt and will do whatever he can to stay in power, because that's what it's ultimately about, power.

Interestingly Michael Fassbender was offered the lead role as Taggart but turned Wahlberg, who also produced the film, down. Whether that was down to the weak storyline...

Crowe does not live up to the dangerous eminence we expect of this character. Instead, we see someone who tries to hard to be a stand out character in cinema history.

This is not one of Mark Wahlberg's strongest roles either. Taggart is an ex-cop due to shooting and killing someone on the job. He is let free on the basis that he quits the force. Battling his own demons, we see him eventually go off the rails and the choices he makes affect his personal life. Wahlberg teeters on the edge of typecast-dom, but this time round, his character is boring and bland, and by the time being interesting comes around it's too late.

Admittedly the landscapes are fantastic. Nice swooping long shots of New York City at night could not look any nicer. But as soon as we hit lower ground, we are left wanting to hit the skies again. The scenery and lighting set the mood and emotion well.

There are smaller parts from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Barry Pepper whose characters are stronger, but are not plot driven. They are there to drive others, which is a shame as they have potential to be key players, creating unexpected twists. Instead they are involved in an incredibly predictable plot.

Overview: Looks great, but underneath the sheen is an obvious outcome. Tries too hard to be something it isn't.

The Fifth Estate

**
Release Date: October 11th 2013

A dramatic thriller based on real events that reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century's most fiercely debated organization.

Director: Bill Condon (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1/2, Dreamgirls)

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Bruhl, David Thewlis, Peter Capaldi

The trailers at teasers for this film have been edited in a way that makes The Fifth Estate look suspenseful and very serious. The topic that it entails is serious, but not to the standard that Hollywood likes to make you believe.

From leaking the British National Party's addresses and phone numbers to Bradley Manning's leak of U.S cables (documents), we follow Wikileaks from the very beginning, from small time news to major headlines.

How much of the truth will we know? The Fifth Estate is based on accounts from ex-Wikileak partner Daniel Domscheit-Berg (played by Daniel Bruhl) and Guardian journalist Nick Davies, who were eventually bought down to earth by Julian Assange (Cumberbatch) and his egotistical, maniacal ways (at least according to the film). At this present moment, this is the only verdict we will receive through the use of media, mainly because Assange himself is stuck in the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK due to the US being after him for releasing highly classified info and allegations of sexual assault in Sweden.

This film is very similar to The Social Network, creating suspense on what's said rather than action. The difference between them is TSN keeps you gripped, sounds, setting and character eminence, TFE lacks all this, a score that's forgettable, 'stereotypical' settings in shack looking hideaways and clubs, with a cast that fade in to the background.

Cumberbatch is the only character that keeps this film going. His Australian drawl, fitted with his selfish attitude make him look like a sociopath (whether the film is right or wrong, this is the impression that it gives). Cumberbatch is moving on to better things, from Star Trek to The Hobbit (voice of Smaug), and now this.  

Overview: Cumberbatch may display some acting, but he's annoying and hard to sympathise with, resulting in careless feelings at the outcome.

Captain Phillips

****
Release Date: October 18th 2013

The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

Director: Paul Greengrass (Green Zone, The Bourne Ultimatum, United 93, The Bourne Supremacy)

Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman

There are two main points to mention that makes Captain Phillips an intense, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, thriller. The first is Tom Hanks, and his ability as an actor. His acting hasn't been this powerful and touching since Cast Away, showing emotion so deep you will feel everything Captain Phillips does.

The second is Paul Greengrass' direction. There might not be as much action compared to his Bourne films, but it will keep you hooked from the get go.

Most of you, like me, will be unaware, or will have forgotten about the events that took place in 2009. If that's the case, then the first 45-60 minutes is guesswork. Will the Somalians manage to board the ship or will Captain Phillips and his crew keep them away? Well, it would not make for great viewing if the Somalians scurried off with their tail between their legs.

Alas, they do, and it's no easy feat for four Somalian pirates. Led by Muse, they dominate, overpower and wreak fear into the ship's crew. This doesn't long, however, as the Captain is sharp and cunning and uses the resources around him to take advantage.

Captain Phillips isn't at all patriotic. There is no right or wrong doing. Both the Americans on the ship and the Somalian pirates are followed throughout the film. The Somalians are not seen as the enemy but seen as doing a job that's normal to them. “There’s got to be something other than fishing and kidnapping people,” Phillips says to Muse (Abdi). “Maybe in America, Irish, maybe in America,” he replies.

This film is consistently suspenseful, right up to the end. It's the ending that will move you, and respect Tom Hanks more than before. His acting doesn't get any finer than this. This is his moment, and awards will be heading his way for it.

Overview: Another fantastic effort from Greengrass. Tom Hanks is phenomenal, with great support from Barkhad Abdi.

Insidious Chapter 2

***
Release Date: September 13th 2013

The haunted Lambert family seeks to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world.

Director: James Wan (The Conjuring, Insidious, Saw)

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye, Barbara Hershey, Steve Coulter

In my eyes sequels are usually never as good as the first. In Insidious Chapter 2's case, it excels in mostly every way.

Chapter 2 starts exactly where the first left off. Elise (Shaye) is dead, after helping Josh (Wilson) bring back his son from The Further (the creepy netherworld), only to find Josh acting very odd and not being himself, so the Lambert family enlist some help from friends old and new to help with their situation.

All the scares are in the right place, which is what the first lacked. Just as you've caught your breath back from one scare, another comes unpredictably. It's clear that this is going to be consistent after the title credits come as a shock. The cinematography adds to the trepidation; the camera takes you exactly where it wants you in order to unleash the unexpected. James Wan has a natural talent where others don't, with this film and the likes of Saw, he leaves his viewers with their hands over their faces or ears.

There is a careful amount of overlapping with the first film, tying up certain events nicely. This has been done before in the Saw franchise, but goes too far after seven films. Wan had nothing to do with Saw after the first one, and has taken advantages of other director's potential work.

I am torn between love and hate for Specks and Tucker. The paranormal investigators are the leads in comedy, cracking jokes or being cowardly at our expense. This is good because they keep the audience calm when they shouldn't be, making the surprises harder and stronger, and bad because it takes away any seriousness the audience had for the film.  

Some of the ghouls and ghosts in The Further are random, even if they're scary when they appear, but maybe that's the whole point, not much is known about the netherworld. It is an open world that I feel hasn't left ours yet.

Overview: a step forward from Insidious. The end is left open to a third chapter. Let's hope it's as good as the second.