Sabotage

***
UK Release Date: May 7th 2014

Members of an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one by one after they rob a drug cartel safe house.

Director: David Ayer (Fury, End of Watch, Street Kings)

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Josh Holloway, Joe Manganiello, Max Martini, Mireille Enos, Olivia Williams

Sabotage is David Ayer's most authentic cop-drama/thriller yet. No one pulls it off better. Kurt Russell's Perry questions his corrupt decisions in Dark Blue whilst Training Day sees Denzel Washington's nefarious Alonso Harrington increase his fraudulence with time. Ayer wrote the script for both these films, but hasn't driven the same effect for Arnie and co in this 2014 release.  

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) cops steal $10m from a highly dangerous gang during a bust. When they go back for the money they find it's already been taken. The DEA is on their case, knowing full well what they did, but have no evidence to prove it. Breacher (Schwarzenegger) manages to reassemble his team, but someone has a personal vendetta against them. No one is safe.

An array of macho characters fight to dominate the screen. A battle of wills as they say. The Alpha Males are a bunch of unlikeable mishaps in their own individual ways. Monster (Worthington), Grinder (Manganiello), Neck (Holloway), Sugar (Howard) and Pyro (Martini) join Breacher. The Killing's Mireille Enos is the meanest, damnedest, hardest bitch of them all. Shortly behind her is Olivia Williams' Detective Brentwood, who's assigned to Breacher and his team's case.

The deaths of the crew are well thought out. They're horrible yet gutsy. The forces attributes and personas feel real, even if their leader's acting is (still) a bit ropey. This doesn't stop Sabotage from being Arnie's best post-governor performance. There are fleeting moments of splendour, but his accent and inability to shout favour a humorous side than a serious one. Think Predator crossed with The Last Stand.

Verdict: Not Ayer's best, but a genuine one none-the-less. Arnie rocks, but his team rock the boat.

3/5

The Imitation Game

****
UK Release Date: November 14th 2014

English mathematician and logician, Alan Turing, helps crack the Enigma code during World War II.

Director: Morten Tyldum (Headhunters)

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Charles Dance, Mark Strong

Benedict Cumberbatch has been a busy man the last couple of years. From a crazy sci-fi villian and a genius crime detective to an incestial lover or a frightening dragon, there's no-one/nothing he can't portray. The Imitation Game see's Cumberbatch at his best and most complex. His character, Alan Turing, is an exciting one. This film is just as much about the second world war as it is about his life.

Turing (Cumberbatch) is an unsung hero of WW2. His work on the Enigma code has been kept under wraps until recently because homosexuality was illegal at the time. Turing's superior intelligence and sexual preferences make him a complicated character; one that's hated by his fellow employees for his rudeness and bluntness and one that Cumberbatch hone's in on. Oscar worthy? Yes, very much so.

The Imitation Game is gripping to a fault. The story follows Turing before, during and after the War, from his early school years up to a year after cracking the code. It's clear from the start that he completes his objective. It's Turing himself that we find ourselves interested in. He's just as much an enigma as the German's machine is.

British talent has never been so flavoursome. Keira Knightley's crossword cracker helps Turing in more ways than one, giving her a nod as best support actress. Great support also come from Mark Strong as the government official Cumberbatch and fellow cracker Matthew Goode report to. Same goes with Game of Thrones' Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister), even if his character is similar to the fantasy epic's.

Verdict: TIG is a very insightful film, packed full of history and moral views. Cumberbatch and the other cast-members are an intriguing bunch. They are the heart of it.  

4/5

The Adjustment Bureau

*****
UK Release Date: March 4th 2011

The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart.

Director: George Nolfi

Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Terence Stamp

The Adjustment Bureau is just as much a love story as it is a sci-fi thriller. It's here to appease more than one type of audience. It breaks so many genres within such a small time-frame that you'll be left reeling by the end of it. 

Love has come across as cheesy, sickly, weak or unconvincing in the past. Not with this film. Love has never been stronger. Love has never felt so real. 

David Norris (Damon) has lost the running for New York senate. He's rehearsing his losing speech in a mens restroom when a noise from one of the cubicles interrupts his flow. A woman comes edging out, embarrassed that she's been caught listening.

'You're that guy running for Senate', Elise (Blunt) remarks.

'I am that guy yeah. Are you a registered New York voter?', he asks.

'Do I sound like I am?, she replies.

Their chemistry is a force unto itself, from the very moment they meet each other. 

David falls for Elise straight away, but encounters mysterious men who want to keep them apart. He soon learns that these men are hidden from the world, controlling everyone's moves, keeping them in their line of Fate as they see fit. He was never meant to bump into Elise. They are not destined to be together, according to their Plan. David's future has already been set out for him. David's feelings for Elise are too strong to let her slip by. He must decide whether to let her go and move down his predetermined future, or risk losing everything for the love of his life.

David and Elise's love for each other is so gripping it hurts, as if we're feeling what they feel. It must be seen to the bitter or sweet end, depending on the path David takes. It's obvious which path he chooses, but he must suffer along the way before he reaches his goal. 

The Adjustment Bureau is George Nolfi's debut, and what a high flyer it is. Everything falls in to place nicely, from the script to the romance, and the action to the settings. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt make us believe they are perfect for each other, as if they really are together. Their dialogue is perfect, as if every character has honed in on them and made them their own. The weather in NY City changes depending on David's mood, adding depth to his emotions. Blunt is charismatic and funny, whilst Damon is often irrational but charming. Support comes from Terence Stamp, known as 'The Hammer' amongst the Bureau, because he gets the job done swift and hard. An Angel such as Stamp has never felt so intimidating. There's also Anthony Mackie's Harry, who's sympathetic towards David, and helps him along the way. 

The Adjusment Bureau doesn't come without its flaws though. The Bureau, led by Madmen's John Slattery, has proven to David that the Adjustment Bureau have great power to stop him finding Elise, whether it's raising parts of the floor, knocking out phone communications or having taxi drivers ignore him when he needs them. Towards the end they become nothing more than men-in-pursuit. The most obvious flaw, and the most bugging, is why doesn't Elise ring David back after he loses her number? Surely he's the more accessible of the two.

Verdict: Putting its flaws aside, The Adjustment Bureau is a romantic-action-thriller, whatever you call it, you won't want to miss. Damon and Blunt are divine.

5/5

47 Ronin (2013)

***
UK Release Date: December 26th 2013

A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.

Director: Carl Rinsch

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ko Shibasaki, Min Tanaka, Jin Akanishi, Rinko Kikuchi 

47 Ronin, with a Boxing Day release, bombed at the box office. It took only half of what it cost to make it. Too much money was spent on a film that targets a small audience. 

Here in lies another telling of the forty seven Ronin from 18th century Japan. They are the leaderless samurai, seeking vengeance on those who've killed their leader. Every story told since the event has been twisted. It's more important how the story is told than the true account, but the foundation and principal is still at the heart of every version. This remains so with this 2013 release. 

But not all is well. Keanu Reeves makes a comeback after a few low-key films since 2008's The Day the Earth Stood Still, and what a strange choice to make his return. First and foremost his character, Kai, is completely made up. He's a 'half-breed' as one of the Ronin points out, taken under the wing of Lord Asano (Min Tanaka) after supposedly being brought up by demons. This is what we're told, but unfortunately we don't get to see it. Years later the older and still very reserved Kai is scorned by others. His love for the Lord's daughter, Mika (Ko Shibasaki) only makes matter worse. 'I would rather have been killed by that beast than saved by a half-breed' declares Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the son of Asano as the opening scene depicts a monster wreaking havoc near the city in which they live in. 

The tale, although true to its core, has morphed into a gigantic epic fantasy. A year after the death of Lord Asano, the captured Oishi escapes and tracks down the hidden Kai. They muster their masterless samurai, and encounter many strange animals and beings before their journey's end, from witches and snakes to Voldemort lookalikes and tattooed freaks. There's plenty of entertainment to extract from 47R, like its set-pieces. The fighting and battles are expertly choreographed. Keanu and co are professional fighters who put their heart and soul into their fighting.

The same can't be said for everything else in between. The editing from scene to scene is a little clunky, like a piece is missing from a puzzle, and the Japanese actors that we're all very familiar with (Hiroyuki Sanada from The Wolverine, Tadanobu Asano from Thor/Thor: The Dark World, Rinko Kikuchi from Pacific Rim) struggle with some of the dialogue. It's as if the translation from Japanese to English hasn't quite smoothed out. On the plus side you wouldn't notice it from their performances. It's always an odd one watching an English speaking film when the events contained were in Japanese. Is it trying to make us believe that they spoke a different language? 

Verdict: 47 Ronin is highly entertaining to watch. It's not likely to make your brain ache, but you can't help feeling Keanu Reeves is a bit out of place. 

3/5

The Best of 2014

Here is the list of the top 10 films of 2014, from what's been seen/reviewed already. They're in no particular order because some films were better in certain aspect than others.

1. The Raid 2

Meatier and grittier than the first (is that even possible?), The Raid 2 will smash you in the face over and over again. A strong plot will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

2. Nightcrawler

Take a journey with an odd rookie journalist on the streets of L.A. Jake Gyllenhaal is mesmerising.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy

Incredibly funny and plenty of action. What more do you need from a Marvel film? Easily their best to date. 

4. Interstellar

Will keep you awake trying to figure this one out. Christopher Nolan strikes again.

5. X-Men: Days of Future Past

Bryan Singer is a welcome return as Director. DoFP has a great story involve old and new mutants.

6. The Maze Runner

A quiet surprise this one. One for the young adults that will be around long after The Hunger Games. Bring on The Scorch Trials.

7. Edge of Tomorrow

A breath of fresh air in a year full of sequels. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt are a phenomenal pairing. 

8. Gone Girl

Ben Affleck is fantastic. David Fincher's never disappoints. Trying to work out who's right and who's wrong in your head is only half the fun.

9. The Lego Movie

Sheer entertainment, whether you're a Lego fan or not. Listen out for the cameos. Arguably the best animation of the year. 

10. The Wolf of Wall Street 

Rude, crude and outright hilarious, Scorsese and DiCaprio are back with this pill-popping, booze chugging party.

Other top films that didn't make the cut are The Grand Budapest Hotel, 12 Years a Slave, 22 Jump Street, St. Vincent , The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

***
UK Release Date: November 20th 2014

When Katniss destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta from the Capitol.

Director: Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, I Am Legend, Constantine)

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Natalie Dormer

This franchise is feeling the strain that Harry Potter and Twilight have felt before. Part 1 of all three franchises are weaker than their predecessors, and in HP and Twilight's case, far weaker than part 2. This remains to to be seen for The Hunger Games until late next year, when it finally comes to an end. 

There's two reasons why they'd split the last book into two. The first is the final book is usually the biggest, and to pack so much detail in to one film won't do it justice. The second, and the most beneficial to the studios is the money. Some of us might moan about this, but we're too intrigued to bypass a viewing at the local cinema. 

The quarter quell has come to an end. Katniss (Lawrence) has been saved by President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the survivors of District 13. Peeta (Hutcherson) on the other hand, is in the clutches of the capitol. Katniss, after much dilapidation, becomes the face of the District's (13) fight against the Capitol, otherwise known as the Mockingjay. Peeta is the Capitol's tool to get back at the districts. What ensues for the next 123 minutes is a battle of wits through propaganda and media stunts. 

Katniss is able to rally the other districts into joining the rebellion, but finds she's doing less than the people she's rousing. Jennifer Lawrence may be the saving grace in this film, building the suspense when it's needed with some fine acting, but has little to do than watch, observe and speak. Credit goes to Julianne Moore and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman's Plutarch, who breathes new (and old) life in to the series.

If you've read the last book then you'll be pleased with this film's outcome. Some characters (Effie, Caesar, Haymitch) are now intermittent ones. With Peeta out of Katniss's reach, it's time for her and Gale (Hemsworth) to reacquaint. Katniss is constantly torn by her affections for both men. Now would be a great time to develop this like the book does. Time spent with Gale has made us care for him more than the Capitol's manipulated Peeta.

Catching Fire had us by the throat a thousand times over. Mockingjay Part 1 is a slow burner, with little character development and little action. You'll be wanting even more by the end of this one.

August: Osage County

***
UK Release Date: January 24th 2014
A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.

Director: John Wells (The Company Men)

Starring: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor, Margo Martidale, Sam Shepard, Dermot Mulroney, Juliette Lewis, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch

August: Osage County focuses on a family who 'represent' the typical Osage-ian family. The Westons flock to their family home after Beverly (Shepard) commits suicide. At the centre of it all is the intolerable, pill popping Violet (Streep). She's as rude as she is crude, forever rubbing salt in her three daughters old wounds. 

Violet's attitude is mesmerising. The nastier she is the funnier it is. Her eldest daughter Barbera (Julia Roberts) is the most affected by her troubled childhood. She's bitter and twisted, constantly resenting her mom and her mom's actions, which reflects on her own family (McGregor and Breslin). 

Like Violet and Barbera, every Weston has a secret, but by the end it comes flowing out like a water fountain. A:OC is based on a play but feels like an extended episode of Eastenders. 

From the copious amounts of bad comes some hilarious amounts of good. A 20 minute dinner scene sees the family willing to get along after the funeral of Beverly, having a laugh and forgetting about their past, only to be brought back down to a miserable level by Violet. She eventually admits her love for drugs and that's when Barbera hits breaking point and flies at Violet like a bullet, dragging her to the floor. Roberts is pure gold. 

Verdict: Roberts, Streep and the rest are a joy to watch, even if the story meanders to an obsolete ending. This dysfunctional family make it worth the watch.   

The Butler

***
UK Release Date: November 15th 2013

As Cecil Gaines serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man's life, family, and American society.

Director: Lee Daniels (The Paperboy, Precious, Shadowboxer)

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding JR., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, Isaac White, David Oyelowo

There's a lot of ground to cover in The Butler. 34 years, 8 presidents, several movements and events later and we're left reeling from how much turmoil Cecil Gaines (Whitaker) has been through. 

After a very traumatic childhood that includes racial issues, it's Gaines's time to finally relax, but there's so many events to take in that one event quashes the previous event, and so on and so on.

The outstanding performances from most pushes The Butler into an awarding winning circle that few could hope for (and deserve). Forest Whitaker is commendable and wonderful. He goes through oppression after oppression with his head held high, never backing down when others would. Whitaker can only work with Gaines to a certain degree. He spends most of his time reacting to other people's actions. There's beauty in this also. Unlike Nelson Mandela if Gaines takes a step out of line, everything will get worse, not better. 

Other great performances come from Gaines's wife and two sons, Oprah Winfrey, Isaac White and David Oyelowo. The four or them are a close pack but are far beyond each others characteristics. How they react and absorb current events make them the most interesting to be around.

Some actors make a great impact with the duration they're given, others bombed like Nixon's Watergate scandal. John Cusack, Robin Williams, James Marsden, Alan Rickman and Liev Schreiber all play a one of the eight presidents. Only the latter makes a mark. A waste of talent and a waste of budget.

Verdict: The Butler is crammed full of historical events that pass like a soft wind, but thankfully the acting talent makes them remarkable.

R.I.P.D

*
UK Release Date: September 20th 2013

A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.

Director: Robert Schwentke (Red, The Time Traveler's Wife, Flightplan)

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker

R.I.P.D. is based on a comic. The comic must not have had a huge fan base or this film has dampened what spirit it had. Either way Peter M. Lenkov (writer), must be ashamed of this horrifying adaption. 

Nick (Reynolds) is a New York police officer is betrayed and killed by his partner Hayes (Bacon) over a pile of gold they've found. Instead of resting in peace, he's recruited by Proctor (Parker), the head of the Rest in Peace Department. He's to take down monsters and ghoulish creatures who've avoided the underworld, but all he wants is revenge.

Joining him as his partner is Roy (Bridges), who's character's a complete replica of Rooster Cogburn from True Grit, cannot save the day, and by that the audience's day, not their own. We need saving from this hellhole more than they do.

There's no originality. Everything has been sifted from other films. Think Ghostbusters crossed with Men in Black, but all the good bits have been stripped away. We're left with the scraps from the bones. 

Schwentke's Red was a success, so why he didn't stick to Red 2 and remedy its poor excuse to a sequel remains to be seen. Instead R.I.P.D. has soured our screens with a dead plot, shoddy CGI (their budget can only stretch so far) and piles of cliches and unsavoury characters. Bypass this one, even if Bridges and Reynolds starring in it peaks your interest.

Drinking Buddies

**
UK Release Date: November 1st 2013

Luke and Kate are coworkers at a brewery who spend their nights drinking and flirting heavily. One weekend away together with their significant others proves who really belongs together and who doesn't.

Director: Joe Swanberg

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, Ron Livingston

WARNING: There is a spoiler at the end of this review.

A real positive from Drinking Buddies is that its blueprints don't follow the formulaic structure of romantic comedies. That's as positive as it gets. Instead, we're stuck with two frequently intoxicated people who both work at the same brewery, have affections for each other, yet struggle to express their feelings.

Drinking doesn't even bring out Kate (Wilde) and Luke's (Johnson) emotions. They're wild(e) enough. They'd rather sulk than act. For the most part they've got a drink in their hand. If they haven't then they either asleep or passed out from excessive drinking.

Kate and Luke may know how to have fun, but it's Anna Kendrick and Ron Livingston's characters that are really enthralling. Jill (Kendrick) and Chris (Livingston) are the partners of Luke and Kate respectively, and it's not until the quartet decide to have a weekend away together that we (and they) know they're with the wrong partners. You can feel the tension between them. They're aching to be with each other. If it weren't for their complicated and immature other halves, and centred on them instead, then it would make for a quirky, yet slightly ordinary rom-com.

Students and young adults may enjoy the banter between the central couple. Personal preferences decide whether Drinking Buddies is a unique take of a rom-com or Luke and Kate should head to the nearest AA meeting. Others may find Luke and Kate need some growing up to do, and inevitably have little care for the film's outcome, which is just as disappointing as the rest of it.
  

Labor Day

****
UK Release Date: March 28th 2014

Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.

Director: Jason Reitman (Young Adult, Up in the Air, Juno)

Starring: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, Tobey Maguire

Jason Reitman's previous films all have something in common; funny people who make jokes out of serious situations. Labor Day is invaluable for its differences. A dark façade hides its lighter centre.

It will surely catch your attention from an early point. Tobey Maguire is the descriptive voice-over, playing an older version of Gattlin Griffith's Henry, the son of Adele (Winslet). Adele is a lost soul after her divorce, but becomes instantly intrigued and infatuated with Frank, who accosts young Henry whilst they're out shopping. Adele is both curious about this stranger and his sordid past and worried for her son's safety. From the moment Adele and Frank (Brolin) meet, there's a connection that's loving to watch. Relating to a criminal hasn't been easier. At least from the start we're led to believe he's one.   

Labor Day is based on a novel by Joyce Maynard and written for the screen by Reitman. It has been written from the heart. Adele and Frank are a relaxed and calm pair who fall for each other quickly. This film has all the foundations that make a cheesy, soppy vibe, but manages to be more sentimental and loving thanks to subtle yet powerful performances by Brolin and Winslet. The maturest, cheesy part comes when Frank coolly shows Henry and Adele how to make a peach pie from scratch, but even then the sick bags aren't needed. A real heartwarming moment sees Adele and Henry look after the disabled son of a friend. Frank, risking everything, makes sure Henry's friend enjoys himself. Charming and thoughtful.

Labor day's story is driven by small actions and little dialogue. It doesn't take the gung-ho route. It's suspenseful enough without it.  Frank doesn't want to go back to prison, and we don't want him to either.

Interstellar

*****
UK Release Date: November 7th 2014

A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in an attempt to find a potentially habitable planet that will sustain humanity.

Director: Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, The Prestige, Memento)

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Mackenzie Foy

Christopher Nolan, well known for Inception and The Dark Knight trilogy, has fastly become one of the biggest names in Hollywood. There's major expectations when he releases a new film. Is Interstellar just as good as Inception? Yes and no. They are different. Very different. Incomparable in fact. Interstellar is Nolan's first dip in to deep space.

Interstellar will have you deep in thought for a very, very long time. It contains a complex structure that adds extra layers the deeper it gets. It would help to have some knowledge in astronomy, or become lost in the story's abyss.

The planet is dying. Crops are slowly decaying. It's up to former pilot turned corn farmer Cooper (McConaughey) to find a new planet for the human race to inhabit. He chooses humanity over family, creating a rift between him and his daughter Murph (Foy/Chastain).

Going in to more detail would ruin the plot and its very twisty twists. Cooper is teamed up with his Anne Hathaway's Brand and two other pilots. Everyone gets caught up with them completing their nigh-on impossible mission that Cooper's family and everyone back home could be easily forgotten about, but not where Nolan's concerned. Interstellar isn't 169 minutes in running time to frolic in space. Space is secondary to the father-daughter relationship that occurs over the duration of the film. Nolan debuts McConaghey, Chastain and even the young Foy's acting is powerful enough to strip the attention away from outer-space. Cooper and Murph put family first and survival second. Let's be honest, what's the point in surviving without the ones we love most? 

Interstellar isn't just impressive to watch, it's marvellous to look at too. Surprisingly enough small amounts of CGI were used. Spatial interiors and closed sets were used to create the endless, foreboding darkness that drowns the screen, giving it that edge and extra realism that 'metaphorically' shits all over Gravity. Sandra Bullock's Ryan goes from set-piece to set-piece, coming in and out of danger more times than a fireman's career. Cooper goes from plot to character development, from set-piece to even bigger set-piece. A lot will come at you unexpectedly. Imagine Alien meets 2001: A Space Odyssey. The landscapes also look phenomenal too.

Don't worry too much if you're getting lost with its unreachable concept. It'll take a few runs to fully grasp this maze of a story. Even then only space fanatics will be able to comprehend what's on display, especially towards the end of the film. To summarise: it's a mind-fuck. That's about the only pessimistic thought it deserves.

Hans Zimmer's music adds depth to the scenes. There's a subtle ingeniousness behind the impeccable sounds that juxtapose the scenery. Zimmer's soundtracks are usually notable, but this time round there are more hints of Phillip Glass than John Williams.

McConaughey is fantastic, showing that he's a worthy A-lister. Following Dallas Buyers Club is no mean feat, but done with aching brutality. He's aided by Nolan veterans Michael Caine and Anne Hathaway and Nolan debutees Chastain, Lithgow and Casey Affleck. The support are just as admirable, with the screen-time they get to play with.

Verdict: The most memorable film of the year, Interstellar packs a lot into its running time. It doesn't feel dragged out, and there will be plenty to unravel with a second viewing. Should easily pick up a few awards.

The Book of Eli

***
UK Release Date: January 15th 2010

A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind.

Director: The Hughes Brothers (From Hell, Menace II Society)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson

The Book of Eli looks good from the outside, but the inside is hollower than an Easter egg. There is no surprises here.

Denzel Washington stars in this post-apocalyptic action-thriller. Eli (Washington) is a lonesome traveller, going wherever the road takes him. His mission: bring the one and only copy of the Bible to safety, so it can be used for good rather than bad.

Surviving is the least of Eli's problems. He attracts unwanted attention, and that attention comes in the form of Carnegie (Oldman), a leader, or rather a dictator, of a small settlement. He's searching for the very same book, but intends to use it for avaricious purposes. The Book of Eli showcases the very core of good vs. bad.

Eli and Carnegie's intentions are different but both of their minds are set on using this book. There's a few messages here that can be interpreted a certain way depending on your beliefs. 

There are snippets of substance hidden in the wastelands of America. It's light and murky where it should be deep and meaningful. The CGI makes the locations dazzle, and the acting from the main three (Washington, Oldman and Mila Kunis) is top notch, but a weak plot and a below standard support overwhelm their efforts.

Other strengths come with hints of weaknesses. Eli wields a short sword and uses it only when necessary. He single-handedly takes on numerous foes at a time. The massacres are nearly as funny as Carnegie's temper.

The Book of Eli edges safely towards The Road and Fallout 3. It shows no originality, but it's still worth seeing for Washington and Oldman.      

The Bone Collector

***
UK Release Date: January 14th 2000

A quadriplegic ex-homicide detective and his female partner try to track down a serial killer who is terrorizing New York City.

Director: Phillip Noyce (Salt, Sliver, Patriot Games)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker

Before John Q and the highly successful Training Day came The Bone Collector, a thriller centred on a serial killer that leaves a human bone at every crime scene. Rookie cop Amelia Donaghy (Jolie) stumbles upon the first body and makes some quick, sensible decisions that lands her as the one and only forensics member on the case. She's aided by Denzel Washington's Lincoln Rhyme, who's fully paralysed apart from the use of his index finger. It's convenient but all he needs to help Jolie. 

There are two major factors that stop The Bone Collector from crumbling in to dust. The first is the cast. A quadraplegic and a newbie is a rare but effective pairing. Washington, as we're use to seeing, is sublime, putting drama and genuine emotion above anything else. His condition at times shadows the serious issues at hand. It's a difficult one because his acting prowess is stronger than the story itself. The same goes for Jolie, who takes the pressure of a lonesome rider perfectly. She teeters on the burden of her new job with its emotional upheaval. There's no surprise that she fast become one of the biggest A-listers in Hollywood.

The second factor is the crime scenes. They are laid out with utter finesse, with a lot of evidence to make the brain ache. Jolie's Donaghy and down-trodden music create suspense. The Bone Collector has us guessing until the end, but the ending spoils a consistent turnout. As an audience we like to work things out ourselves, but TBC spoons feeds us instead. We'd never had suspected the outcome when there are no motives to show in the first place. Besides that, it does have some great photography and camera work similar to Silence of the Lambs, so we're kept guessing until this pivotal moment.

2 Fast, 2 Furious

***
UK Release Date: June 20th 200 childhood friend Roman Pearce are re-united by the FBI to bring down a Miami drug exporter in exchange for clear records.

Director: John Singleton (Abduction, Four Brothers, Shaft)

Starring: Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Eva Mendes, Cole Hauser, Ludacris, Devon Aoki

2 Fast, 2 Furious is the follow up to 2001's The Fast and the Furious. Essential characters are missing, Vin Diesel being the most extravagant. Dominic Toretto missing is felt considerably. A presence like his won't be easily replaced. Newcomer Tyrese Gibson has big shoes to fill, and fill them well he does.

Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster are also replaced with Eva Mendes and Devon Aoki, with the latter impressing considerably. Paul Walker has need of support, just as he did in the first film. His character is still under-developed. Gibson's Roman Pearce has an over-develop. We know Brian O'Connor reasonably well, but there is still a lot to learn about him. We weren't given the opportunity before. 

The plot is deeper this time round, but it's hard to focus on it when a sequel doesn't involve key players that we would have loved to have seen again. 2 Fast, 2 Furious would have suited better as a prequel than a sequel.  

If you're watching this for the action-packed, high adrenaline car races then you're in the right place. Expect more of the same mechanics, 'lightning speed' effects and very, very flashy cars. All the races fit in to the story well, whether it's Brian and Roman chasing down a package for drug lord Carter Verone (Hauser) or on the run from police, there's plenty to get excited about. 

A Long Way Down

***
UK Release Date: March 21st 2014

Four people meet on New Year's Eve and form a surrogate family to help one another weather the difficulties of their lives.

Director: Pascal Chaumeil (A Perfect Plan, Heartbreaker)

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, Aaron Paul

Four very different people wish to commit suicide on New Year's Eve at the exact same time and on top of the very same building. And that's the opening scene. The set-up may be ridiculous, but there's enough substance to the characters and their relationships to keep A Long Way Down interesting until the end.

They all have their motives, but it's their differences that bring them together and make them work so well. A disgraced news-reader, a single mum with a disabled son, a wealthy daughter with judgemental parents and an ex-musician with an ulterior motive are all undeveloped. Back-stories are glossed over and never fully explored.

Poots shines brightest with Aaron Paul's J.J. coming in at a close second. A Long Way Down is a comedy and a drama, switching from one to the other. Sometimes it's done gracefully, others disjointedly. Poot's Jess manages to lift the tone crass-fully, whenever it gets too dark. The humour in this film is all thanks to her blunt personality. 

Ouija

**
UK Release Date: 31st October 2014

A group of friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they awaken the dark powers of an ancient spirit board.

Director: Stiles White

Starring: Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff, Bianca A. Santos, Douglas Smith

Many horror films these days reuse and recycle material. Some break familiarity, others play it safe. Ouija falls into the latter group. Unless this is the first horror film you've ever seen, which is highly unlikely, expect an abundance of clichés befall the characters we're introduced to. 

Spirit boards are a mysterious force not to be messed with. Circumstances lead a group of friends into playing with the unknown. Most of them are oblivious or stubborn about what they're doing before it's too late. 

The problem to begin with is we're placed in front of a bunch of people we have little connection to. The only character who's ballsy and has reason to use the board is Olivia Cooke's Laine. The others are one dimensional characters who'll follow Laine even though they know it's the wrong thing to do. It's almost worth joking about. Scooby-Doo's classic 'splitting-up' tactic springs to mind.

Frights are few and far between, and a twist that should come as a surprise is seen from afar. It's so blatantly obvious because we're led to believe everything is back to normal, when we know that's never the case in a horror film. Sorry to ruin it, but you're better off sticking a classic on repeat.

Fury

****
UK Release Date: October 22nd 2014

April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and his five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Out-numbered, out-gunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.

Director: David Ayer (Sabotage, End of Watch)

Starring: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal

War films are few and far between these days. Clint Eastwood's double entry Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima and this year's Lone Survivor are the ones worth mentioning that really stand out. Fury lives up to the great ones that'll immediately cross your mind. It's short in size and locations are limited but the effects are no less horrifying.

The message it shows us is very clear. No matter where the quintet go, every town, field and household has been effected by war. Disease is everywhere, and death is just as close. We can almost smell it. Just like them we're plunged in to very uncomfortable situations. 

The tank we come to know as Fury is characterised just as much as its owners. Slowly but surely it makes its move, outnumbered and outgunned, into enemy territory. Wardaddy (Pitt), the leader of the crew, relies on Fury with his life. Inside or out, there's no escaping the inevitable. It may be their home, butit's a claustrophobic one at that.

Alongside Wardaddy is 'Bible' (LaBeouf), 'Gordo' (Pena) and 'Coon-Ass (Bernthal). Norman (Lerman) joins them not through choice, but through a fatality. He's the newest member of their team, and the most rewarding. It's hands down one of Brad Pitt's best performances since Seven, but it doesn't stop the focus and attention surrounding Lerman. Norman proves to be the emotional attachment we need. We're just as new to war as he is. An incredibly intense moment sees Wardaddy forcing Norman to make his first kill 'He kills you or you kill him. It's simple math. You or him: pick.' he says. The truth hits home.

The Fast and the Furious

****
UK Release Date: September 14th 2001

Los Angeles police officer Brian O'Connor must decide where his loyalties really lie when he becomes enamored with the street racing world he has been sent undercover to destroy.

Director: Rob Cohen (Alex Cross, xXx, Dragonheart)

Starring: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster

Who needs A-listers? It's a breath of fresh air to see relatively unknowns dominate an entire movie. The Fast and The Furious is an high adrenaline, turbo charged ride with an exciting cast, thrilling car races and solid action.

Even though Paul Walker's fame has risen due to TFatF, his undercover police officer Brian O'Connor is as bland as his blonde hair. Vin Diesel is easily the winner here. He sparked interest with cinema-goers with blah blah's Pitch Black. Dominic Toretto is a skulking, brooding mass of testosterone who exudes strength and leadership wherever he goes.

The attractive Jordana Brewster grabs the men's attention and the same goes for Walker and Diesel for the women. They're not just good looking, they're idols; someone we'd like to be or to be around if we had the guts to do it.

The Fast and the Furious has a very light plot, one that needs little thought process. You may see everything coming before it happens, but that doesn't stop it from being fun. The car racing scenes are very fast and very furious. You can almost smell the burnt rubber from the tyres. A fine mixture of CGI and stunt-work is all we need.

This film only takes its foot off the gas when we're pulled away to deal with some troublesome gangsters, but apart from that we're firmly in the passenger seat, waiting for the next ride.

Nightcrawler

*****
UK Release Date: October 31st 2014

When Lou Bloom, a driven man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. Aiding him in his effort is Nina, a TV-news veteran.

Director: Dan Gilroy (writer of Real Steel and The Bourne Legacy)

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Paxton, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed

Everything happens at night. At least it does for Lou Bloom, Jake Gyllenhaal's creepy, solitary optimist. He's a cunning, daring thief who's determined to make a name for himself.

After witnessing a journalist (Paxton) filming a major traffic accident and being swiftly rejected when he offers free work, Bloom buys (or rather trades with stolen goods) a crappy digital camcorder and a police frequency unit and starts his journey. He records the footage of crimes on the streets of Los Angeles and sells it to Nina (Russo), a television broadcaster. She wants big ratings and he'll do anything to score big, even at the expense of others.

Bloom is an lonesome man similar to Drive's nameless driver. His actions and motives propel us deeper in to darkness. If it bleeds, it leads. The horrible crime scenes rake in the cash. It's true to say that the public love a decent story and a little painful to admit the most horrendous ones are the ones we'll come back to.

What makes Nightcrawler such an endearing and mesmerising watch is Gyllenhaal. He's absolutely stunning from start to finish. There's definitely a psychological instability controlling him and his actions, but nothing of the sort is mentioned by the writers. Bloom's drive and determination to be a boss of his own company is comical, maniacal and heartening all at once. 

For all its troubles and burdens, L.A is beautiful when lit up at night. The external settings are a complete contrast of Lou's night-crawling. The DoP has been thorough with his research because even the dankest, murkiest corners look half decent.

Dan Gilroy has no previous directing titles to his name. Having written the script for 2011's Real Steel and 2012's The Bourne Legacy, Gilroy has been given the green light for his directorial début, and what a scorcher it is. He can do this more often. With a tight, organised script with a string of fine actors (Riz Ahmed wistfully scores as jittery Rick, who's hired by Bloom) and a musical score that gets the blood pumping, Nightcrawler is the perfect thriller. 

John Q

***

UK Release Date: May 31st 2002

A down-on-his luck father, whose insurance won't cover his son's heart transplant, holds an emergency room hostage until the doctors agree to perform the operation.

i rector: Nick Cassavetes (The Other Woman, My Sister's Keeper, The Notebook)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anna Heche, Ray Liotta

Surprising and shock are words that come to mind after hearing that John Q, Denzel Washington's first film since Training Day, got slated by the critics. Whether they were swayed by the political upheaval or just didn't take to it, John Q still holds moments of grandeur.

Denzel Washington is as impressive as ever. He's the one true asset to this film. He goes to great lengths to save his son's life. Viewers, whether they have children or not, and especially lacking health insurance, will support him until the very end. 'Give a father no options and you give him no choice.'

Political debates and facts plague the script, as if John Q is a direct message to the government. Stereotypical supporting characters are also aplenty, with the good cop (Duvall), bad cop (Liotta) and the immoral chief of medicine (Woods) suffering for it. Try as they might, there's no crawling out of the pit the writers have put them in. 

It has its benefits too; John Q could change medical practice in America (similar to Obama's Obamacare). Director Nick Cassavetes spoke to New York Times after John Q's release and said 'This movie is splitting people along the lines of money. The people this doesn't affect find it to be an overly fantastic melodrama, but play this movie in a middle class or poor area and people get angry and are yelling at the screen. They get it.' John Q gives you heaps of questions to dissect, regardless of your background. Those viewing from outside the US can still feel the emotional attachment thanks to the sublime Washington.

At the heart of it, John Q is an entertaining, suspenseful watch addressing issues that will be talked about for years.

The Best of Me

**
UK Release Date: October 15th 2014

A pair of former high school sweethearts reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.

Director: Michael Hoffman (Gambit, The Last Stamer Night's Dream)

Starring: James Marsden, Michelle Monaghan, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato

Be aware, don't read on as it contains mild spoilers.

The Notebook is the most loved Nicholas Sparks book and adaptation.  It's a soppy work of art, but one that's deep and meaningful. Last year's Safe Haven was a little on the cheesy side. This year's The Best of Me is a large helping of cheese on toast.

Paul Walker was set to play the male lead, but he sadly passed away before production started. James Marsden was given the role and the replacement may have taken its toll on the overall presentation.

The story centres on Dawson (Marsden) and Amanda (Monaghan), from when they were first together as young lovers to being inexplicably forced together over 20 years later. Events drove them apart. Old feelings creep up that bring them closer. 

There's no faulting Marsden or Monaghan. They are swamped by the over-zealous scriptwriting, emphasising of emotion through music and a matter of an under-valued character, Young Dawson (Luke Bracey) looks nothing like the present day Dawson.

Lacking the originality that The Notebook brought to the table, The Best of Me bears no surprises. What we've seen in Sparks' previous adaptations we see in this one too. What would be surprising is a happy ending. 

Training Day

****
UK Release Date: February 1st 2002

On his first day on the job as a Los Angeles narcotics officer, a rookie cop goes on a 24-hour training course with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears.

Director: Antoine Fuqua (Bait)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke

Training Day defies the cop-buddy element by distancing rookie Jake Hoyt (Hawke) and narcotics veteran Alonzo Harris (Washington) from each other. Their partnership is no less enthralling, in fact, it's deeply engaging, with Ethan Hawke effortlessly manipulated and constantly pressurised by Washington and his bad ways, which goes to question, has he gone rogue or is he really showing Jake what it's like on the streets? 

There's little time to think it over; within minutes Hoyt has taken hallucinogenics, had a gun pointed to his head and roughed up a couple of the homeless. This is just a taster compared to what's to come for the rookie cop. The plot builds at a decent pace with plenty of action and suspense, neither of which take the focus off of the lead men.

Hoyt teeters on the edges of right and wrong. The good cop in him wants to play by the rules, but the devil on his shoulder (that being Harris) makes him far more interesting. As the day pans out, Hoyt bites off more than he could chew. 

Washington comfortably steals the show. Impeccable and mesmerising acting comes naturally to him. It's incredibly hard to dislike Harris. He oozes a charm and a cunning attitude that most villains and anti-heroes lack. 

Regardless of what happens to either character, Training Day is an explosive ride, and never stops for the climatic finale. Be aware, Training Day is not a film to watch if you're thinking of going on holiday to Los Angeles. Bad stuff happens, and even the good guys can be twisted easily.

Shaun of the Dead

*****
UK Release Date: April 9th 2004

A man decides to turn his moribund life around by winning back his ex-girlfriend, reconciling his relationship with his mother, and dealing with an entire community that has returned from the dead to eat the living.

Director: Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, The World's End)

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Rafe Spall, Peter Serafinowicz

Shaun of the Dead is one of those rare occurrences in cinema. At first glance it looks like your typical zom-com, but underneath is panache and a relishing satire. Contained within is a layered structure waiting to be taken apart with every viewing. There's always something new that might have been missed before.

Set in the South London, SOTD couldn't be better located. The streets with their terraced houses along with the convenience shop and the now very popular Winchester pub, aren't your typical locations for a survival film. It beats being in New York or L.A.. That would be boring.

None of the characters slip in to the cliché spectrum. Featuring a huge roster of television and cinema talent, including the likes of Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton, it's fundamental that everyone gets a shot, or two.

We're in for an equal balance of scares and laughs. The zombies are useless and slow, making fun of the ones seen in Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead.  Shaun (Pegg) and company use whatever comes to hand to defeat them, be it a cricket bat, laundry basket or some crap vinyls, but the funniest of the lot is Shaun and Ed's (Frost) bromance. A partnership exists that we'll want to see for years to come.

The most embarrassing and humourous aspects are what happens in the background. Shaun goes about his morning business as usual; stumbling and yawning his way in to the living room, listening to his bemoaning housemate (Peter Serafinowicz is gold) about a certain lodger. Whether he walks to the shop, or on the bus to work, everyone around Shaun gradually deteriorates. It's daunting how similar to life it really is. Shaun is completely oblivious, but we're aware of the humans and their transition.

Shaun of the Dead is easily one of the best zombie-comedies to ever grace our screens. Its hilarious even when it tries to be serious. Zombieland, which showcases American humour compared to SOTD's British, is the only film that comes close in terms of levels of entertainment in the last decade. 

Zombieland

*****
UK Release Date: October 7th 2009

A shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a gun-toting tough guy trying to find the last Twinkie, and a pair of sisters trying to get to an amusement park join forces to travel across a zombie-filled America.

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

Surely zombie films are starting to wear thin. Thankfully 2009's Zombieland has its own abundance of taste. It packs a lot for a film that clocks just under 90 minutes.

There's no living soul in the world, except Columbus (Eisenberg) an ungainly, gawky fellow and Tallahassee (Harrelson) whose obsession with finding Twinkies is half the reason why he's angry. Joining them are sisters Wichita (Stone) and Little Rock (Breslin). The quartet are mesmerising to a tee, and hold the story together well. Whether its smashing a shop to smithereens  or a montage of bickering in the car about past normalities you know you're in for a few laughs. 

In a world they call Zombieland where they're likely to end up as a 'human happy meal' you'd expect it to be swamped with the living dead. Well, it is and it isn't. The writers have centered the plot on the characters and the zombies are secondary to them. Zombieland is a solid, thrilling ride. Each of the four have their own motives, or final destination. In a world riddled with the infected, what are you to do... where are you to go?

Eisenberg demonstrates a few key rules before embarking on his journey. He takes us through some rules of survival, aided by random victims running for their lives. These aren't your typical zombies that usually appear in Shaun of the Dead or Romero's Dawn of the Dea. They're fast, and not to be taken lightly, just like Zombieland.

Eisenberg shines and Harrelson hits a personal best, but Stone and Breslin feel a little undertone. Last to mention but surely not the least is the film's cameo. Incredibly prestigious and highly famous, the cameo has become Zombieland's focal point. Not to ruin too much, it's probably the best cameo to ever appear on screen. Thankfully the rest of the film lives up to it.

Delivery Man

***
UK Release Date: January 10th 2014

An affable underachiever finds out he's fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them file a lawsuit to reveal his identity.

Director: Ken Scott (Starbuck)

Starring: Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smaulders

Vince Vaughn is a born practical joker, one that acts younger than his 40+ years. Delivery Man may have the recipe for disaster, or potential to suck, but surprisingly it holds its head up high. Vaughn's David Wozniak is a fuck-up trying to make amends to all his problems. He's a rubbish truck-driver who's constantly badgered by his father. He owes a lot of the wrong people money, and his police officer girlfriend Cobie Smulders wants nothing to do with him. Out of luck. Punching above his weight with a pissed off other half and learning a set of life lessons are a forte of Vaughn's. 

Wozniak is different to Vaughn's other characters. Instead of coming to terms with his problems, he knows he has them. When he finds out he's the father to 533 children because of a mishap at the fertility clinic and over 100 wish to know who he is, Dave takes a roundabout turn and sees this as an opportunity to do right.

The story is a complete farce, but a comical one at that. It treads ever so lightly in to ridiculousness, without losing a touch on reality. The chances of this happening are slim, but not impossible.

Vaughn is the most predictable of type casts. He shrugs it off somewhat in Delivery Man, but the tantalising performance comes from Chris Pratt's Brett. He's Dave's lawyer and friend, taking control of every scene he's in with some great one-liners.  

The Maze Runner

****
UK Release Date: October 10th 2014

Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.

Director: Wes Ball

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Aml Ameen, Will Poulter, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee

Young adults of the world are being spoilt by Hollywood. First came The Hunger Games, then Divergent, and now The Maze Runner. All are dynamic and virtuous in their own ways, with TMR sticking out with plenty of worth.

It smacks you hard in the face from the moment it opens its doors. It starts with a teenager in a dark lift, on his way up to no one knows. The suspense kills already as we're just as isolated as he is. Tensions continue to soar as the lift's doors eventually open to a wide, open glaze surrounded by high walls. Staring at the newcomer are a bunch of other youngsters (all of which are male). He can't remember a thing, apart from later on his name, which turns out to be Thomas (Dylan O'Brien).

Like all the others, Thomas has to start life without memories, just as we have no choice but to find out the answers when he does. The unveiling of the narrative as time stretches on is what makes The Maze Runner so successful. We aren't spoon fed; début director Wes Ball believes we have what it takes to work it out, just as Thomas eventually does. 

All the problems that Thomas faces are questioned from beginning to end (why are we here, what's beyond those walls?), but not all of them are fully answered. That's because, just like The Hunger Games and Divergent, it's the first in a number of films to come, but maybe not exactly as the books/authors intended them to be. Its success may lead to a two part finish.

Part of The Maze Runner's success is down to the actors. Some are relatively known (Will Poulter in We're the Millers and Thomas Brodie-Sangster in Game of Thrones) but others not so much. We're given the chance to see everyone as equals. This means no one's safe. Performances are greatly enjoyable. The only downside that effects their deliverance is those minor parts we see coming. They take a fistful of emotion out of the experience. 

Far grittier than other YA films, The Maze Runner is one to keep a keen eye on. Once The Hunger Games has been and gone, this will be the leader in the ever expanding genre.

Here Comes the Boom

***
UK Release Date: November 9th 2012

A high school biology teacher looks to become a successful mixed-martial arts fighter in an effort to raise money to prevent extra-curricular activities from being axed at his cash-strapped school.

Director: Frank Coraci (Zookeeper, Click, The Waterboy)

Starring: Kevin James, Selma Hayek, Henry Winkler, Bas Rutten

Any film starring Adam Sandler or Kevin James is usually a Happy Madison Productions film. Director Frank Coraci has worked with both before, so what does Here Comes the Boom bring to the table? It's got a high feel-good factor which you'd think wouldn't go well with MMA fighting. Just when it gets too serious, Kevin James and co. (but especially James) bring it back down to an equal level with slapstick humour. Projectile vomiting after a fight isn't something you see every day.

HCTB may bear cliché characters and a predictable storyline but it is an above average film that's full of warmth. James is the one to connect with. He fills his life with ambition, no matter how small. He's a biology teacher with little motivation, living in past successes. A meeting with the other teachers turns sour when budget issues are raised and jobs are at risk. Henry Winkler's lovable but slightly irritable music teacher is one of those. Scott Voss (James) takes it upon himself to raise the money they need by becoming a mixed-martial-arts fighter. 

It sounds ludicrous but it truly works. The thought of winning money even if Voss loses a fight has him believing he can complete his mission. 

Here Comes the Boom wouldn't be as entertaining as it is without it's characters. Amongst the Kevin James's, the stereotypical head-teacher and fighting coach, you'll find some greats, including Selma Hayek's school nurse who constantly declines Voss's dinner invitations, and Bas Rutten's Niko, Voss's comical friend and trainer. 

Taking the best bits of Rocky and 2011's Warrior, Here Comes the Boom doesn't show anything we've seen before. It is however, worth watching James take a hit or two, as the fight scenes pack a punch. 

Gone Girl

*****
UK Release Date: October 2nd 2014

With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.

Director: David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac)

Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon

Every three years or so David Fincher storms the film industry like a hurricane. He's up there with other directing legends like Spielberg and Ridley Scott. From Alien3 all the way to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Fincher thrives on character driven narratives with troubled pasts or psychological burdens. Gone Girl is yet another masterpiece added to his illustrious career.

Lovers of Gillian Flynn's book won't be disappointed in Fincher's adaption. Flynn wrote the script, and like most adaptations there are small differences and very few pieces missing. I didn't have the pleasure of reading the book myself, my fiancée did and said she was happy with the film's outcome.

Ben Affleck's career has been full of highs and lows. Fans and critics alike are ready to pounce on him if his next performance is below their standard. When it comes to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, I say give him a chance. He's proven himself in Argo and The Town, and his acting is superb in Gone Girl.

The opening shot sets the tone uncomfortably, and proceeds like this for the duration. A brilliant close-up of Rosamund Pike's head from Ben Affleck's point-of-view coupled with his inner-monologue ("what are you thinking?", "what have we done to each other?") brandishes married life as a constant journey full of questions and answers we probably don't want to know. Do we fully understand each other? How far are we willing to go to make this work?

When the investigation of Amy Dunne's (Pike) disappearance starts to unfold, all fingers point to her husband Nick (Affleck). The media gets involved and doubts are pressed on Nick. Who do we trust? Nick? The media? Fincher gives nothing over to speculation. Another cause for concern that David raises is our ability to believe consumerism. We are bombarded with news and facts everyday, but is it all gospel? In Nick's case we can never be too sure.

The narrative unravels like chapters in a book. Gone Girl switches between past and present, between Amy's diary entries accounting her thoughts on Nick (and her growing assumption that he's not all he seems) and Nick's inability to deal with the situation at hand. All interior and exterior shots are chock full of grey hues, dark colours and a melancholy ambience, reflecting the tone exceptionally.

When all those questions are finally answered (there are some truly shocking twists), we're left feeling quite damaged, as if our own relationships are at risk. There's little else I can say without spoiling it. Go and see this film. It's not as dark as some of Fincher's previous work, but on the surface it has everything a psychological drama needs; tension and catechisation.  

Parental Guidance

**
UK Release Date: 26th December 2012

Artie and Diane agree to look after their three grandchildren when their parents need to leave town for work. Problems arise when the kids' 21st-century behaviour collides with Artie and Diane's old-school methods.

Director: Andy Fickman (She's the Man, The Game Plan)

Starring: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei

It's been a while since Billy Crystal has graced our screens. He fits the childish and silly humour that befits Parental Guidance. Although the results are mediocre and soft, there's something for everyone. It's one of those films that contains gags the oldies like Crystal will understand but the young audience will not.

It's laborious to watch the pesky trio that Artie (Crystal) and Diane (Midler) have to look after. They're highly annoying from the moment they're introduced. They all have health issues because their parents suffocate them with 'over-parenting'. Marisa Tomei's fruitless role as the mum who's mistrustful of her parents is also aggravating. Surely the people you can trust the most to look after your kids are your own parents. Not in this case.

The script is developed around Billy Crystal's ancient cracks and Bette Midler's life lessons and obvious point-outs, with the moral (or morals) of the story slapped in our faces as if we're too senseless to see it without help.

Parental Guidance has all the ingredients that make up a good family film, but it's unfortunately delivered in a way that makes it barely watchable.    

The Equalizer

***
UK Release Date: September 26th 2014

A man believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can't stand idly by - he has to help her.

Director: Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Shooter, Olympus Has Fallen)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Chloe Grace-Moretz, David Harbour, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Martin Csokas

Denzel Washington has taken a different turn with The Equalizer. His performance is no less enticing but his ex-CIA operative Robert McCall is exactly what a balls-out action needs; a ruthless man with the power to play moralistic vigilante. 

McCall's daily routine is regimented, pinning him as an obsessive compulsive. If someone were to hurt those around him, or disturb his routine, they're lifespan would be terribly shortened. 

Moretz's escort Teri falls under a bad case of misused potential. She's barely seen after being assaulted by the gangsters that 'own' her. McCall befriends her in the diner he visits every night, and his odd effection for her starts this chaos. He's upset the wrong people, and they just happen to be the Mafia. Washington claims the spotlight, dazzling the crowd with surprisingly intense action and a cool demeanour. There's little time spent with anyone else.

There are moments that come across as funny when they shouldn't be. One is Csokas's hired assassin. His dialogue is ropey, stripping him of his heinous edge. The second is McCall's last stand. He takes down his enemies with any tools or implements within in reach. Some are effective, others questionable (and laughable), siphoning the proposed emotion out of the scene. I guess we might do the same if we were in his shoes, or merely squirm like a coward. 

The Equalizer isn't a film that Denzel usually goes for, but his partnership with Fuqua has proved eloquent (Training Day). TE is less character driven than Training Day but highly plot driven. We get nothing out of McCall, no back-story and no emotional connection. Vengeance is the main dish, and it has been served well. 

That Awkward Moment

***
UK Release Date: January 19th 2014

Three best friends find themselves where we've all been - at that confusing moment in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So...where is this going?"

Director: Tom Gormican

Starring: Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Imogen Poots

That Awkward Moment isn't your typical rom-com. Instead of usually focusing on women and their man troubles, a trio of twenty-somethings and their issues are centre of attention. Tom Gormican has hit the spot with his writing and directing debut, possibly marking the start of a sub genre; the bromantic comedy.

Efron has grown out of the High School Musical typecast and on to bigger and better roles. He's Jason, an asshole to most women in his life but a likeable one. One that's fed  He's joined by Miles Teller, who relies on a close girlfriend to hook up with other girls, and Michael B. Jordan, ditched by his wife for another guy.

They make a pact to stay single for the foreseeable future, a no strings attached mentality, although none stick to their plan. Efron meets Imogen Poots, and Efron's attitude changes the moment his emotions get involved.

Efron isn't the golden ticket in this film. That honour goes to Miles Teller. He's had a recent run of form that's rendered him very unlikeable (21 and Over, Divergent) but has changed that with a bowlful of charm. 

A decent script has been written that let's the main three reign supreme. Efron, Teller, Jordan and Poots let the words slip off the tongue with ease. Not an awful lot happens, the narrative goes from point A to point B quickly, but the script and the character's wit maintains our interest.