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.