The Babadook

UK Release Date: 24th October 2014

A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her (www.imdb.com).

Director: Jennifer Kent

Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman

The Babadook is full of surprises. It's easily the greatest horror film of 2014, but there was little competition to match it. It plays on all fears, like a bundle of nightmares rolled in to one. Initially Amelia's (Davis) son Samuel (Wiseman) has an imaginary friend, The Babadook. Samuel is psychologically torn by the lack of a father, so it's only natural for a child in such a state to be mischievous, that is, until The Babadook starts 'telling him' to do malicious things. Davis is in amicable form as the mother, struggling to bring up her son on her own and trying to lead an ordinary life. The more she tries to ignore the lurking monster, the more powerful it becomes. It integrates itself into her subconscious, keeping her awake and playing with her mind. The Babadook isn't overly scarey, but a horror film that can build in suspense without the viewer realising it makes you think about it long after it's finished. The low ambiance and sleep deprived mother, juxtaposed with Samuel's happy-go-lucky attitude is sublime yet difficult to digest. Fixation mixed with dislike sums up The Babadook.

4/5

Focus

UK Release Date: 27th February 2015

In the midst of veteran con man Nicky's latest scheme, a woman from his past - now an accomplished femme fatale - shows up and throws his plans for a loop (www.imdb.com).

Director:  Glenn Ficarra, John Requa (I Love You Phillip Morris, Crazy, Stupid, Love)

Starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie

Will Smith, doubt him or not, picks films well presented with tangible storylines. In Focus, Robbie and Smith are a formidable duo. This film's about daring con-artists and gamblers, one that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Nicky (Smith) is a highly likeable conman, who picks up potential trickster Jess (Robbie). Between them and a small crew, they steal their way to the big money. Nicky and Jess's relationship blossoms, falters and blossoms again. They are the perfect couple. Their connection is obvious and feels genuine. Their flirting is cool and their arguments unsettled. Nicky's plans are threatened by her presence. The less you know about Focus, the greater the outcome. The shocks and twists are unique and hard hitting. A must see film for its originality alone.

4/5 

Jersey Boys

UK Release Date: 20th June 2014

The story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.

Director: Clint Eastwood (Invictus, Hereafter, J. Edgar)

Starring: Vincent Piazza, John Lloyd Young, Michael Lomenda, Erich Bergen, Christopher Walken

Jersey Boys the film is a homage to Jersey Boys the stage show. For the fans, this will be an enjoyable feast. For those who aren't, it solely depends on your music taste. The Four Seasons, of which this film and the production are based upon, created timeless classics, including Sherry and Big Girls Don't Cry, which are recognised at weddings and discos these days. This story follows them from the birth of The Four Seasons to their demise. What happens in between is chaotic and poetic; each member gives versions of events by addressing the camera, similar to the stage show, leaving a little personal touch. The acting is decent, the singing is incredible (Vincent Piazza's falsettos are unbelievable) but the high and low points of their careers never get the impact they deserve. Clint Eastwood has made a daring attempt in directing a drama, but his talents don't lie in this field, but in the actions and the thrillers.

3/5

Fifty Shades of Grey

UK Release Date: 13th February 2015

Literature student Anastasia Steele's life changes forever when she meets handsome, yet tormented, billionaire Christian Grey (www.imdb.com).

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy)

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Jennifer Ehle, Marcia Gay Harden, Rita Ora

Critics have slated Fifty Shades of Grey, but audience opinion and its opening weekend grossing have proved most critics that the phenomenon is still strong, and that it doesn't take a huge deal to make a huge deal. Originally a Twilight fan-fiction novel, author E L James made it into something entirely different, a sort 'no bars held' approach to romance. It's raunchy, explicit and a complete taboo. Sam Taylor-Johnson has procured a feature-length film worthy of its fans and does little damage to the book. The film is played out in two halves; the first sees book-geek Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) meet hotshot billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), with instant attraction. The catch: Anastasia must sign a contract saying she will submit herself to his will, sexually. A cat and mouse style of flirting emanates. Anastasia plays hard-to-get but is attracted to Christian's mysteriousness. Johnson is magnificent; her personality cuts highly above Dornan's, who, for the sake of those having not read the book, comes across as a womaniser and a jerk. Little is given away about his disturbing past. This is where the problems lies; Grey is underwritten to the point where he's less than ambiguous, and it's obvious that Dornan struggles with this, especially in the second half, whern the romance starts to heat up and take a serious turn. The sex is toned down from the book (fair treatment as there are some parts too dirty or sickening for the big screen), but not tainted by the few cheesy lines it has. Don't worry though, there's plenty of it. Dornan and Johnson's dignities are saved albeit a shot here or there. The sex scenes, which make up about a fifth of the overall running time, feel a little choreographed. Maybe some improvisation and a little freedom next time. The spark is there, all it needs is a little edge.

3/5

3 Days to Kill

UK Release Date: 20th June 2014

A dying CIA agent trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assignment.

Director: McG (Terminator Salvation, This Means War)

Starring: Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen

Kevin Costner has made a return to the limelight after many years in the background. He's shown in this film that he can be a formidable action hero. He's cool and calm, but needs to be in order to stay alive. For his last job he must take down a ruthless terrorist, but there's a catch; he has to look after his daughter at the same time. Ethan (Costner) finds dispatching criminals easier than relating to his daughter, who's played by the brilliantly brash Steinfeld. Costner and Steinfeld's distorted yet beautiful relationship in 3 Days to Kill is disjointed as Ethan jumps from attempting to be the best father he can be to deadly agent in a short space of time. The action is standard. Costner isn't the issue, it's raw and powerful, but lacking in fresh ideas. Amber Heard's character is annoying to no end as the CIA representative forcing Ethan back into action. Stay with 3DTK for the for the father-daughter scenes, they are pleasant and uplifting.

3/5

Deliver Us From Evil

UK Release Date: 22nd August 2014

New York police officer Ralph Sarchie investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rites of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city. (www.imdb.com)

Director: Scott Derrickson (The Day the Earth Stood Still, Sinister)

Starring: Eric Bana, Edgar Ramirez, Olivia Munn

From the director of Sinister comes Deliver Us From Evil, a chilling tale involving real-life accounts of possession. How accurate these accounts are depends on your beliefs. DUFE starts strong, with Detective Sarchie (Bana) investigating crimes that are linked via supernatural causes. Sarchie's biggest dilemma is he's the only one seeing and hearing weird things. The ascension of creepy sounds and flickering images lead to questions itching to be answered. These answers come from Edgar Ramirez, a slightly unorthodox priest who specialises in exorcism. The edgy, gritty unnatural, transcends into the mundane, focusing on exorcism for the latter part of the film. It's been seen before, hundreds of times, and Deliver Us From Evil will not be remembered for the safe route it took.

3/5

I, Frakenstein

UK Release Date: 29th January 2014

Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans (www.imdb.com)

Director: Stuart Beattie

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, Yvonne Strahovski

I, Frankenstein is riddled with problems. First and foremost, is its lead character. Aaron Eckhart is the Frankenstein monster (who's weirdly called Adam), driven over the years by vengeance against the vampire race. He becomes embroiled in an all-out war between gargoyles (lead by The Lord of the Rings' Miranda Otto) and the vampires (lead by Bill Nighy). Adam (or Frankenstein) has become a killing machine. He shows little emotion, either because it's impossible for him to, or the poor script makes it look so. Chucking this mythical creature into a new story is neat, but odd. Think Underworld meets the original Frankenstein, with a side of Bill Nighy as a vampire prince for unoriginality. The acting is complacent, but marred by the dialogue, which feels like its been taken straight out of a book. Although it's aesthetically pleasing, I, Frankenstein is a messy concoction that's hard to enjoy. If you're looking for a medieval science-fiction to watch, stick to Underworld or Van Helsing, and that's says a lot for I,F.

2/5 

Gothika

UK Release Date: 2nd April 2004

A repressed female psychiatrist wakes up as a patient in the asylum where she worked, with no memory of why she is there or what she has done (www.imdb.com).

Director: Mathieu Kassovitz

Starring: Halle Berry, Robert Downey Jr., Penelope Cruz

Gothika is a horror film with many pros and cons. The first, and the most obvious, is its name. It doesn't make any sense and has no relation to what's going on. Gothika has little originality to its name, but the scares still work, thanks to a resilient Halle Berry. Her psychiatrist Miranda Grey ends up as a patient at the asylum she works at from a murder she doesn't remember committing. She must work out what's going on whilst being stuck in the very place she was trying to help. This is a creepy affair, with the perfect setting (the asylum), audible low key lighting and flashing images all making a show. The script is a little scrappy, but it's hardly noticeable when Berry's present. Robert Downey Jr. and Penelope Cruz's characters, however, are an abundance of cliches and don't stand out no matter how hard they try.

3/5

Inception

UK Release Date: 16th July 2010

A thief who steals corporate secrets through use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a CEO.

Director: Christopher Nolan (The Prestige, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Dileep Rao, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Pete Postlethwaite, Michael Caine

Inception needs the audience's utmost attention in order to fully grasp its complexity and magnificence. To be polite, it's a mind-fuck, one that's hard to explain on paper, but an absolute joy to watch. DiCaprio and his newly assembled team must enter a CEO's dreams in order to extraxct information for a neighbouring competitor. Christopher Nolan, with his monumental ideas, will make your brain hurt, but revel in Inception's animosity. It'll take at least a second or maybe even a third viewing to understand and totally appreciate everything that's going on. Every shot is beautiful and meticulously thought out, the acting is incredible; everyone has their moment of glory, but DiCaprio hits peaks we knew he could, and the idea of entering 'a dream within a dream', and its minute details, is an idea that would be relished if it were explored more, but one that should be left alone so as not to ruin Inception's uniqueness.

5/5

The Legend of Hercules

UK Release Date: 28th March 2014

The origin story of the the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom (www.imdb.com)

Director: Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cleaner, 12 Rounds)

Starring: Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins, Roxanne McKee, Liam Garrigan

The Legend of Hercules is one of those slick looking films that lacks any real substance. This film is yet another take on the Greek hero we know so well, but how close to the myth it is is debatable. Kellan Lutz's Hercules is as bland as a led balloon, stunted by lengthy, rough-on-the-tongue dialogue. The action sequences are tough, but let down by slow-motion after slow-motion. Just like a lot of films made after 300, The Legend of Hercules dazzles thanks to a huge budget. It's less dramatic than 300; costumes, props and CG still hit the mark, but a concoction of everything else that lets this film down.

2/5

Begin Again

UK Release Date: July 11th 2014

A chance encounter between a disgraced music-business executive and a young singer-songwriter new to Manhattan turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents. (www.imdb.com)

Director: John Carney

Starring: Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, James Corden, Hailee Steinfeld, Mos Def, Catherine Keener, Adam Levine

Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley are an unusual coupling, but a surprising fit for these awkward characters we see before us. Their back-stories lead them to each other. Knightley ends a relationship with rising music star Adam Levine and ends up performing in a bar for friend James Corden. Ruffalo ends up at the same bar, drowning his sorrows after being fired from his own record label. He listens, she plays, and a bond forms. Their uplifting, heart-warming journey sees them producing their own record across New York, with ambient sounds aplenty. The music is cool and the acting is genuine. It just feels right and it's bloody good fun. Relationships collapse and soar, but none of it is hard to watch. It fills your heart with soul. Ruffalo and Knightley are one of the greatest pairings ever to grace independent films.

4/5

Starred Up

UK Release Date: March 21st 2014

A troubled and explosively violent teenager is transferred to adult prison where he finally meets his match - a man who also happens to be his father.

Director: David Mackenzie

Starring: Jack O'Connell, Ben Medelsohn, Rupert Friend

Starred Up is a brutal, British prison drama, one that stands out amongst the few that've existed. It's a stunning take on life behind bars, from the moment youngster Eric (Jack O'Connell) has a full body examination to being a respected convict. O'Connell is in fine form. His psychological state is daunting and almost uncontrollable, but releases of grandeur and empathy make him a very likeable hooligan (within the confides of the prison that is). Threatening to destroy Eric and his new found buddies, including prison psychologist Rupert Friend, is Mendelsohn's Neville, who's Eric's father. Their broken relationship offers plenty of psychological questions, and many difficult answers. Mendelsohn is phenomenal, exudes leadership wherever he rolls. Friend tries to bring peace and balance, but struggles with demons unexplained. There's no character arc but all we need is what we see; a kid with serious daddy issues. Starred Up is a superb films where every punch, bite and kick hurts just as much as the last.

4/5

Wrath of the Titans

UK Release Date: March 30th 2012

Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares, and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world.

Director: Jonathan Liebesman (Battle Los Angeles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

Starring: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Rosamund Pike, Bill Nighy, Edgar Ramirez

Just likes it's predecessor, 2010's Clash of the Titans, Wrath of the Titans looks pretty, but has little else to say. 10 years after the events of Clash, Wrath pits Gods against Gods, Gods against half-Gods, and finally, you get to see a Titan. It's only taken 280 minutes. The action, set pieces, various monsters, costume design and CG look incredible. At least they've been thoroughly thought out because an even scrappier script drowns the cast. If the accents aren't hard enough to digest, the story hardly knows where it's going. The cast are in the zone when it comes to the fighting, but let down by the script for the moments in between. Replacing Alexa Davalos with Rosamund Pike to play Queen Andromeda is risky, and works to a point. Wrath is mindless fun. Don't expect to be blown away. If you enjoyed Clash, then Wrath will entertain you. Just don't expect Clash 3 any time soon.

3/5

Clash of the Titans (2010)

UK Release Date: April 2nd 2010

Perseus, mortal son of Zeus, battles the minions of the underworld to stop them from conquering heaven and earth.

Director: Louis Leterrier (The Transporter, The Incredible Hulk, Now You See Me)

Starring: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Gemme Arteton, Luke Evans Mads Mikkelsen, Liam Cunningham

Clash of the Titans is, in simple terms, all fun and games, with beautiful cinematics and very cool Greek mythology. It's very different from the original, the only thing staying intact is the beloved metal owl. It's a shame really, because underneath its exterior is a shoddy script topped with a plot with plenty of holes. Sam Worthington's involvement in saving the earth from the Gods comes from little motive, and he looks like he's been brought up as a war veteran, not a fisherman. Clash of the Titans has a huge cast that are lost sight of rather easily. Characters either have little development or are dispatched with ease. Unless you're a God, you're fucked (is the moral of the story). Fiennes and Arterton prevail, but even they struggle from the clunkiness that consumes this movie.

3/5

Avengers Assemble

UK Release Date: April 26th 2012

Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.

Director: Joss Whedon

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddlestone, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgard, Samuel L.Jackson

Avengers Assemble is a surprisingly strong film in the Marvel Universe. The quintet (Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America) are intact, each of them keeping their individuality without ruining the script. The action, humour and charisma it oozes is integral, not just as a stand-alone film but for the films that follow (Marvel's phase 2). Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson and Hiddlestone's villain Loki stand out, but the aliens that are under Loki's command are nothing more than cannon-fodder, but apparently pivotal for future films. Everyone gets there share of screen time, even Nick Fury. Avengers Assemble has everything a sci-fi blockbuster needs. It opens just as many questions within the Marvel Universe as it answers. Great family fun.

4/5 

Cuban Fury

UK Release Date: February 14th 2014

Beneath Bruce Garrett's (Frost) under-confident, overweight exterior, the passionate heart of a salsa king lies dormant. Now, one woman is about to reignite his Latin fire.

Director: James Griffiths

Starring: Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O'Dowd, Olivia Colman, Ian McShane, Kayvan Novak, Rory Kinnear

- Cuban Fury has nothing short of an amicable cast. All are likeable in their own way. This is a very rare occasion. It's a heartwarming tale of a man picking himself up off his feet and rekindling his fire and passion for salsa dancing. It's one that sucks you in to its story. 

- Frost without Pegg. Nick Frost is incredible for this role. He takes on this film with an eclectic demeanour, proving never to be too silly when he lacks the confidence (before meeting Rashida Jones), but never becoming over-confident when he gains it (after). The script fits him perfectly, and there's no other actor out there it's better suited to.

- The cast surrounding Frost is superb; Rashida Jones brings the America/British humour complexities, Chris O'Dowd grates as the jealous and malicious co-worker of Frost, Olivia Colman is the loving sister/old dance partner with the wise words. Ian McShane pushes Frost as the angry teacher and Kayvan Novak is hilarious as Frost's new, gay friend. 

- Cuban Fury is for the men and for the women. There's a lot more to like than just dancing. Chris O'Dowd's comedy is crude, Jones is the hot girl that everyone wants and Frost's two other friends (including Rory Kinnear) provide banter. 

- Frost has the moves. The choreography is phenomenal. It gets the heart beating and the feet moving. If it doesn't, then you have little taste, and no soul.

4/5

Kingsman: The Secret Service

UK Release Date: January 29th 2015

A veteran secret agent takes a young upstart under his wing.

Director: Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class)

Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Edgerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Mark Hamill, Sofia Boutella, Michael Caine

- Matthew Vaughn has taken many risks with Kingsman: The Secret Service. Twentieth Century Fox's marketing and advertising have been extremely deceiving. It's a lot, LOT better than your first impressions. If you think it looks good, times that by about 10.

- It draws many similarities from spy movies, taking the best parts of them and making it their own. An entrepreneurial villain (007), gripping action (The Bourne Trilogy) contemporary issues and events (like Zero Dark Thirty) and cool-ass gadgets (Inspector Gadget) are combined to kick more ass than Bruce Lee.

- A deceiving youngster (Taron Edgerton) comes under Colin Firth's wing. At first glimpse he's an absolute rascal, but after a few minutes his ballistic attitude isn't just a cry for attention, but a show of potential. He's a bright young star, aided by great British talent. He's not yet ready to take on his own lead role, but in time, he will be.

- Colin Firth could be the new action star of the decade. Like Liam Neeson with Taken, Kingsman has made Firth more of a star than he's ever been, if it's even possible. Let's hope he becomes the next, big action man.

- Kingsman is a very unique film. It's entertaining, tense, thrilling and funny. It's everything you'd expect an action film to be, and then some.

5/5

Daylight

UK Release Date: December 26th 1996

Disaster in a New York tunnel as explosions collapse both ends of it. One hero tries to help the people inside find their way to safety.

Director: Rob Cohen (DragonHeart, The Fast and the Furious, xXx)

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen 

- Some disaster movies are over-the-top, as if they're trying to outdo each other in grand, spectacle style. Not with Daylight. The people who are trapped face one problem after another, but it never takes away the realism and believability. These people just can't catch a break.

- For a 1997 film the CGI is superb. The NY tunnel collapsing at the start is a spectacular catastrophe. Walls cave-in, fires spread and water cascades. Not once will you feel at peace, hoping against hope that Kit Latura (Stallone) and company make it out safely.

- This leads on to Daylight's only downfall. Like most disaster films, it's predictable. It's about building that relationship with the character/s, and thinking there's a chance that no one'll survive. Rob Cohen has chucked a dog in to the cast for awkward measure, knowing an audience would love to see an animal survive far more than a human.

- Stallone has broad shoulders (mentally and physically), taking on heaps of pressure but never becoming overwhelmed by the situation at hand. He's at his best, with the performance hitting man-points in different ways than Predator or Rambo would do. He's a benevolent people's hero.

- There's light at the end of the tunnel. Daylight is an off-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller, one that stands the tests of time nearly 20 years later.

4/5

Ex Machina

UK Release Date: January 21st 2015

A young programmer is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I.

Director: Alex Garland (writer of 28 Days Later and Dredd)

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson

Ex Machina is a bold, elaborate fountain of knowledge regarding technology, AI and what could become with its advancement. Caleb (Gleeson), after winning a competition and jetting off to the middle of nowhere, is subject to a Turing test. In Layman's terms this means testing a machine's ability to convey human thoughts and emotions, and our reaction to them. He's up against a female robot who's so lifelike it's hard to distinguish the artificial from the human. Her creator, Nathan (Isaac) has spent so much time alone with his creation that he's become incredibly difficult to work out. One moment he's right as rain, the next he's an aggressive alcoholic. Every character (all three of them) is as engaging as the next. Isaac and Gleeson are a battle of morals, holding different opinions about the 'subject' being tested. Neither is right or wrong, but they struggle with their differences. Alicia Vikander is Ava, an absolute sensation. She plays with our minds so much it's hard to comprehend what's real and what isn't. Is this technology possible? Is this what we're to expect in the future? What will happen if it does?

Ex Machina needs to be seen to fully grasp its beauty and cacology. The trailer gives absolutely nothing away, which is divine, because there's so much more Alex Garland has to offer. The 28 Days Later scriptwriter has made an original idea that will be explored after this film's success.

4/5

The Double

***
UK Release Date: April 4th 2014

A clerk in a government agency finds his unenviable life takes a turn for the horrific with the arrival of a new co-worker who is both his exact physical double and his opposite - confident, charismatic and seductive with women.

Director: Richard Ayoade (Submarine)

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn

The Double is an odd, odd film. So odd it needed to be said thrice. If you're familiar with Richard Ayoade's previous work (The IT Crowd, Submarine, Garth Marenghi's Dark Place) then you'll know what to expect. For those who don't, Ayoade has one of the driest senses of humour around. It'll have you either in fits of laughter or thinking of tumbleweeds blowing along a desert trail. The Double is reminiscent of Arthouse Cinema; a low budget offers more to the imagination, it's not aimed at a large audience due to it's odd story, and the events that occur take place in one location: an open office. Simon James (Eisenberg) is a worker at this number crunching hell-hole. He's boring, very shy and life is pretty much against him. He's worked for this data analysis company for many years but has daily run-ins with the security officer because his key-card doesn't work. He's in love with the copy room worker, blah (Wasikowska), but has neither the confidence or the charm to seduce her. Enter James Simon (also Eisenberg), an employee that's the exact opposite in personality but the exact same in looks. The hardest part is working out if Ayoade is taking us along the Fight Club route or taking a direction of his own. Rest assured, The Double holds plenty of originality; enough for us to see it through its eerie end.

3/5  

Lovelace

***
UK Release Date: August 23rd 2013

The story of Linda Lovelace (Seyfried), who is used and abused by the porn industry at the behest of her coercive husband (Sarsgaard), before taking control of her life. (www.imdb.com)

Director: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Sharon Stone, Robert Patrick, Juno Temple, Bobby Cannavale, James Franco

Amanda Seyfriend manages to pull off transforming from a young and innocent girl to a popular porn star in less than an hour and a half. Lovelace is an informative biopic of Linda Lovelace's life prior to, and after her first porn film Deepthroat. It was a sensation in the 70's, making Lovelace one of the biggest stars of the industry. This film focuses on Linda's life rather than the porn. Directors Epstein and Friedman pan away from those blushing moments and provides us instead with a broken relationship that's difficult to watch. Linda's husband Chuck, played by the stellar Peter Sarsgaard, is torn between fear and bullying. He owes people a lot of money, so he uses Linda to pay off his debts and live a comfortable life. The story delves deeper into Linda's troubles, supplying us with knowledge we probably never knew. The supporting cast dip in and out, but the round of applause should go to Seyfried for her most riveting and complex performance yet, and Sarsgaard for his density. Sharon Stone is hardly recognisable as Linda's very religious mother, and James Franco is Hew Hefner. Enough said. 

3/5

All Is Lost

****
UK Release Date: December 26th 2013

After a collision with a shipping container at sea, a resourceful sailor finds himself, despite all efforts to the contrary, staring his mortality in the face. (www.imdb.com)

Director: J.C. Chandor (Margin Call, A Most Violent Year)

Starring: Robert Redford

Robert Redford's nameless sailor spends the duration of All Is Lost by himself. Little is known about him, but in the first twenty minutes or so he shows how calm, patient and resourceful he can be. Whether it's repairing a giant hole in the side of his boat or freeing his boat after colliding with a floating shipping container, he knows his stuff. He's in the middle of somewhere, and faces one travesty after another, similar to Bullock's Ryan in Gravity. All Is Lost is unbearably tense to watch at times, thanks to the great Redford and his ability to survive and stay cool under pressure, and for us to want him to survive even though we know little about him. Chandor's nearly non-existent dialogue is a risky choice, but one that's pulled off impressively. It opens up our other senses and sound is very much still important to all concerned. Hearing the waves crash or thunder rolling over the sky gives us all warning of the problems heading Redford's way, and unlike Gravity, Redford's disaster-ride is a believable one, and one that will put anyone off sailing the seas altogether.

4/5

The Interview

***
UK Release Date: February 6th 2015

Dave Skylark (Franco) and producer Aaron Rapoport (Rogen) run the celebrity tabloid show "Skylark Tonight." When they land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, they are recruited by the CIA to turn their trip to Pyongyang into an assassination mission.

Director: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen (This Is the End)

Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Lizzy Caplan, Randall Park, Diana Bang

The Interview has attracted a lot of media attention after the cyber attack on Sony Pictures. The FBI claim the attack came from North Korea, but others speculate current or former employees of Sony were involved. The threats from hackers who call themselves 'Guardians of Peace' have driven Sony to cancel its premiere and only distribute the film in the US digitally. The Interview follows similar footsteps to 2004's Team America, (mocking current North Korean President Kim Jong-il and Hollywood actors), but has spiraled out of control. It's nothing more than comedy-entertainment, but one that doesn't match the hype and attention surrounding it. Where Pineapple Express and This is the End saw Rogen and Franco's bromance flourish, The Interview strips and eradicates it. It's like two perfect solos that can't quite gel together. The first act, before they even set foot in Pyongyang, has them at their best. The usual improvisation flows nicely; getting celebrities to admit controversies and amicably quoting Lord of the Rings punches high, but the tone loses its touch in the second act, when our newly assigned assassins spend most of their time apart. This is where Park and Diana Bang step in. Bang's chemistry with Rogen is thoroughly comical and Park makes a courageous attempt at playing Kim Jong-un. Their characters surpass Rogen and Franco in interest. Not knowing where Skylark stands with the President is the bomb. The third act is outrageous, hitting the political spots well, and proves that taking the piss out of world issues and threats can be made mockery of like any other subject.

3/5

Pride and Glory

****
UK Release Date: November 7th 2008

A family's moral codes are tested when Ray Tierney investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal involving his own brother-in-law. For Ray, the truth is revelatory, a Pandora's Box that threatens to upend not only the Tierney legacy but the entire NYPD. (www.imdb.com)

Director: Gavin O'Connor (Warrior)

Starring: Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich, Jennifer Ehle, Frank Grillo, Lake Bell

Pride and Glory keeps a very stable head above other cop thrillers, mainly due to its actors and gripping, personal storyline. A drug bust goes horribly awry and four cops are killed. Detective Ray Tierney (Norton) is assigned to the case, but unaware that his brother-in-law Jimmy (Farrell), who's also a cop, is connected to the murders. Ray is split between the decision of ratting out his own family, or keeping it under wraps. Quite the family dilemma. Norton's performance is one of his best, acting as a lone wolf and biting off more than anyone is capable of chewing. Farrell puts in his best too, he's a force not to be reckoned with, holding a scary and intimidating nature whenever he's on screen. His character has some incredibly well-written moments, ones that stick in the mind longer than the rest. They're aided by a highly driven supporting cast, all with added quirks, quibbles and sub-plots (Noah Emmerich and Jennifer Ehle's is captivating) and a deep, morbid atmosphere. New York looks rotten and full of decay, while the city looks invariably dull and grey. Setting the tone in an ironically beautiful way. The Departed may have won the awards and attention in 2008, but at least Pride and Glory does exactly what it sets out to do.

4/5