Unfinished Business

UK Release Date: 6th March 2015

A hard-working small business owner and his two associates travel to Europe to close the most important deal of their lives. But what began as a routine business trip goes off the rails in every way imaginable - and unimaginable (www.imdb.com).

Director: Ken Scott (Delivery Man)

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Tom Wilkinson, Dave Franco, Sienna Miller, Nick Frost, James Marsden

Unfinished Business should be fun and games, but we only get the games. The director of Delivery Man, Ken Scott, which also stars Vince Vaughn, has the same man on a 'quest for redemption', to get back to his family/woman so that he can live happily ever after. Sounds like most Vince Vaughn movies. At least Vaughn's typecast characters in The Dilemma, Couples Retreat and The Internship were mildly entertaining. In Unfinished Business he is not. That relief is found in his two business partners. The young Mike's (Dave Franco) naivety lands in some comical situations, as does the perverted ways of Timothy (Tom Wilkinson). Vaughn's more wooden than a fence panel. His personality needs spicing up. The trio's business trip to Germany is full of debauchery. They are trying to close the business deal of their lives. It's a smooth and easy viewing, lacking in major laughs. Some of their stickier situations are unbelievable, others comprehensible. The biggest problem falls in the character's lack of depth and a story that feels like there's unfinished business to attend to, even when the credits start to roll.

2.5/5

Poltergeist (2015)

UK Release Date:  22nd May 2015

A family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces must come together to rescue their youngest daughter after the apparitions take her captive (www.imdb.com).

Director: Gil Kenan (City of Ember, Monster House)

Cast: Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt, Saxon Sharbino, Kyle Catlett, Kennedi Clements, Jared Harris

Remakes are a farce. We're given a second, sometimes a third helping of the same film. Lucky us! Look at Spider-Man as an example. Three times in 15 years is disrespectful to the franchise. At least 33 years have passed since the original Poltergeist. MGM studios have ushered this film to a new generation of viewers, who perhaps aren't familiar with the 1982 classic. Unfortunately, 2015's new look isn't one to be excited, or even frightened about. Haunted houses are dull and an overused prop within the horror world. The Bowen family could leave the house at once if it weren't for their daughter's disappearance. Evil apparitions take her to a parallel universe. Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt seek the help of an expert (Jared Harris) to get her back. This composition has been rinsed and repeated many times before. The production levels are high, the dark lit interior, the creepy toys and the sound effects are astonishing, but struggle to conceive the one, desired reaction all horrors are built for. Sam Rockwell's a light in the darkness, providing a down-to-earth personality in a movie full of mundaneness.

2/5

The Loft

UK Release Date: 15th June 2015

Five married guys conspire to secretly share a penthouse loft in the city--a place where they can carry out hidden affairs and indulge in their deepest fantasies. But the fantasy becomes a nightmare when they discover the dead body of an unknown woman in the loft, and they realize one of the group must be involved (www.imdb.com).

Director: Erik Van Looy

Cast: Karl Urban, James Marsden, Wentworth Miller, Eric Stonestreet, Matthias Schoenaerts

The Loft didn't make it to the theatres in the UK. No surprise when it's a remake. Big surprise when you hear what names are attached to it. The film contains the highest level of suspense, which kick starts instantly. It's a game of guess who, keeping us in the backseat until the bitter end. Five married men share a penthouse loft, to cheat on their wives without their knowhow. They find a dead woman in the bed. They all suspect each other. The story unravels through flashbacks, but it's not a simple 'who done it' endeavour because they all have secrets to hide. The five friends aren't terrific people to relate to. It wouldn't be a huge loss if they all got their comeuppance. The acting keeps it ticking over, with Urban, Marsden and Miller standing out the most. The twist at the end isn't clear until it's staring us in the face. The Loft's objective, wanting us to make out own minds up. This should not be missed.

4/5

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

UK Release Date: 10th April 2015

After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation. He heads to Vegas with his teenage daughter before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers (www.imdb.com).

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

Cast: Kevin James, Raini Rodriguez, Neal McDonough

Expect more of the same light, inoffensive antics in Kevin James' second outing as the buffoonish security guard. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2's supposed to be fun-filled entertainment for the whole family. In respects, it is, depending on what you're looking for. The plot's very straightforward, the acting incredibly goofy. Its intentions are to be as flippant as possible. Blart's a loveable character, just not overly funny. He's as real a character as you're ever going to get. His short-term wife leaves him, his grand-mother befalls an unfortunate accident... life has taken a downward turn. So off to Vegas he goes with his daughter (Rodriguez). Duty calls when a heist takes place at the casino they're staying at. To some this will be comedy gold, to others a complete waste of time. Mall Cop 2, just like the first, relies too much on Kevin James' clumsiness. It's not as funny the 17th time round.

2.5/5

Man of Steel

UK Release Date: 14th June 2013

Clark Kent, one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human, is forced to reveal his identity when Earth is invaded by an army of survivors who threaten to bring the planet to the brink of destruction (www.imdb.com).

Director: Zack Snyder (Sucker Punch, Watchmen, 300)

Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Russell Crowe

Only 7 years have past since the release of Superman Returns. Brandon Routh must be kicking himself right now. It was easy to see where Warner Brothers/DC were going with Man of Steel. Making superhero movies that overlap similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be no simple task. Lovers of all things DC are excited for what's to come. Zack Snyder was a good choice, replacing the 'rumoured' Christoper Nolan in the Director's chair. Man of Steel is hard, rough, often accompanied by a sheen to the surface that J.J. Abrams would be proud of. Henry Cavill has the steel to fill the boots of this now hardened superhuman. He battles with inner struggles, both as Clark Kent and the hero, always on the move, never being totally accepted. All eyes fall on him when an evil tyrant from Krypton wants to save his race by annihilating Earth's. The chaos that ensues Michael Bay would be proud of. Man of Steel is heavy on CGI, but not so much that it strips away the story. Kent and journalist Lois Lane's (Adams) romance is quick off the mark, never as meaningful as it should be. The editing can be a little clunky. MoS marches quickly from scene to another, sometimes getting lost on the way, but mostly packing a lot of intensity into its 2 hour running time. The pressure's now on for Snyder to kill Dawn of Justice. July 2016 couldn't come any quicker.

4/5

Hector and the Search for Happiness

UK Release Date:15th August 2014

A psychiatrist searches the globe to find the secret of happiness (www.imdb.com).

Director: Peter Chelsom (Shall We Dance, Serendipity)

Cast: Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Toni Collette, Stellan Skarsgard, Jean Reno, Christopher Plummer

Instant comparisons are drawn with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty when watching Hector and the Search for Happiness. Both Hector and Walter seek a life better than their own. Hector, just like Walter, jets off on an adventure to find himself, by finding the meaning to happiness. He travels the world to find its true meaning, leaving his girlfriend (Rosamund Pike) behind. Pegg's character's a hit and miss man, at his worst at the beginning of his travels, almost cheating on his other half on the first night, at his best when abducted and left for dead in Africa. Some of Pegg's best acting in his entire career comes from this one, heartfelt scene. His journey opens up many possible ways to make one happy. HatSfH is a fun, feel good film that does little to disturb the ethos of the world, other than contemplate whether his journey is a real representation of worldly travels.

3/5

The Punisher (2004)

UK Release Date: 24th September 2004

An undercover FBI agent becomes a vigilante assassin and sets out to unleash vengeance upon the corrupt businessman who slew his family (www.imdb.com).

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh

Cast: Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Ben Foster, Will Patton

Before Marvel Studios had even decided to create their infamous Cinematic Universe, a handful of superhero films were made, including The Punisher, starring Thomas Jane and John Travolta. The film's opening 20 minutes are its strongest. The slaying of FBI agent Frank Castle's (Jane) family is brutal. A lethal businessman (Travolta) gets revenge on Castle for the death of his son by wiping out everyone he loves. Castle goes off the rails, either killing those in his path, or staying distant from others that show compassion. The Punisher's loose story is filled up with bangs, crashes and wallops. Jane's a placid front-man, unable to hide behind an unemotional character. Travolta fairs less well, exuding a comical villain instead of a terrifying one. The Punisher feels like an average action movie, not a notorious comic book adaption.

2/5

Ant-Man

UK Release Date: 17th July 2015

Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world (www.imdb.com).

Director: Peyton Reed (Yes Man, The Break-Up)

Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Pena

Ant-Man's the underdog of the Marvel Universe. The smallest in size, the biggest personality. Paul Rudd's expert thief Scott Lang's the most likeable, easy going hero in the MCU. He's a funny, charming ex-con who has a lot to lose if he's caught stealing again. Unfortunately for Scott, he's forced in to a situation where he has to 'break in to a place and steal some stuff', for the sake of the world. His new mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas) wants Scott to stop his old pupil (Corey Stoll) from building a new range of high-tech weapons for warfare. Ant-Man's not your typical superhero-origin story. What makes it a cut above the other Marvel movies is how he becomes the hero. The suit and its powers are odd. The ability to control ants is a strange but a much more impressive feat than originally assumed. Ant-Man's trailer doesn't do the film justice, because this is a bonafide superhero feast.  

4/5

Mr. Brooks

UK Release Date: 12th October 2007

A psychological thriller about a man who is sometimes controlled by his murder-and-mayhem-loving alter ego (www.imdb.com).

Director:  Bruce A. Evans (Kuffs)

Cast: Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, Dane Cook, William Hurt, Danielle Panabaker, 

The central focus of Mr. Brooks should be Mr. Brooks. 70% of the time it is. The other 30 is spent on Tracy Atwood (Moore), the detective who's been after Brooks for many years. Her side of the story is no less engaging, but it does deter us from the weirdly enthralling psychopath. Mr. Earl Brooks, played by the incredible Kevin Costner, is addicted to killing. William Hurt's the devil on his shoulder, always in Brook's presence. They come hand in hand, like bread and butter. Costner-Brooks' fully aware of his burden, trying to keep it under wraps, away from his wife and daughter. Hurt-Brooks' is a loose cannon. They kill, they laugh, they share emotions. Costner can be irrational and Hurt headstrong. It's a touch of schizophrenia, but never says so. The veteran actors dance a dark, humourous, tango, one that makes it acceptable to relate to their ups and downs, no matter how good or bad their actions. His daughter (Panabaker), the detective hunting him and the guy who forces himself under his wing (Cook) trouble Brooks in many ways. It proves to be perverse (but acceptable) entertainment.

3.5/5   

The Guest

UK Release Date: 5th September 2014

A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence (www.imdb.com).

Director: Adam Wingard (You're Next)

Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Brendan Meyer

The Guest is an oddly enjoyable film. It packs plenty of hooks from the moment the 'guest' enters the house of his old army friends' family home. 'David', as he calls himself (Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens), is an enigma. He says little but carries a high level of intrigue by attaching himself to his dead buddies' family.  He becomes over-protective with the Petersons, particularly with the young daughter, Anna (Monroe) and her brother, Luke (Meyer). He uses extreme, enthralling methods to help both out of tricky circumstances. Too many inexplicable deaths happen in town and only one person's to blame. The Guest's absorbing up until to the final chapter when David's mysterious background's revealed. His state of mind changes, and the narrative takes an illogical turn. Dan Stevens manages to uphold his character's mentality as the film dips in to the fanatical. Strong acting takes a leap forward, making the change in the narrative's frequency only a minor irritation .

3.5/5

You Don't Mess with the Zohan

UK Release Date: 15th August 2008

An Israeli Special Forces Soldier fakes his death so he can re-emerge in New York City as a hair stylist (www.imdb.com).

Director: Dennis Dugan (I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Big Daddy, Happy Gilmore)

Cast: Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chirqui, Rob Schneider

It shouldn't be a shock to the system that Adam Sandler can still churn out rubbish films. You Don't Mess with the Zohan is at the bottom of those rubbish films. His sporadic Israelian-special-agent-turned-hair-stylist is irritating. His accent is poor, and his mannerisms consist of shaking his crutch, pleasuring elderly ladies and saying 'no' repeatedly. None of these overused jokes are funny, and the same goes for everything else in between. A political stance on the ever present Palestinian - Israeli conflict is the strongest aspect of this comedy. It sits in the background, overshadowed by the silly puns. When Zohan's nemesis Phantom (Turturro) comes to New York, the humour picks up: the Israelis and Palestinians in New York squabble over western matters instead of important ones. A neat move that comes too late, as it's be a waste of 113 minutes of your life to stick around to the end.

1/5

Terminator Genisys

UK Release Date: 2nd July 2015

John Connor sends Kyle Reese back in time to protect Sarah Connor, but when he arrives in 1984, nothing is as he expected it to be (www.imdb.com).

Director: Alan Taylor (Thor: The Dark World)

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney, Byung-hun Lee

The major question that needs answering regarding Terminator Genisys is 'where does it fit in with the other films?'. It has thrown the series completely out of whack. Schwarzenegger hasn't hidden the truth that Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Terminator Salvation are now null and void due to the path that the filmmakers has chosen. Some overlapping occurs with James Cameron's Judgment Day (film 2). A new timeline has formed, with Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney, Michael Biehn in the first film) going back in time to stop Judgment day from happening. Events that follow differ from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) is different. T-900 is older. They're aware of Reese's arrival, and of an alternative future. Kyle is baffled, as are most of us. Nothing makes much sense. This alternate reality has neither the intelligence or shock value of Star Trek. How is it that Sarah Connor's (a lot) younger and the T-800 (Schwarzenegger) is made to look older if a small amount of time has passed since T:JD? These question leave me deeper in to the land of confusion. Starting from the beginning would help. Connor, Reese and her robot companion set off on a mission to destroy Genisys (known to us previously as Skynet). Clarke, although cherished in her role in Game of Thrones, struggles as the leading girl. Sarah's allegedly cold and hard but half the time we get cheese and stale bread. Courtney and Schwarzenegger impress, but even their performances are softened by a timid age rating (12A). Genisys is a mess, an annoyingly, enjoyable money-making mess.

3/5

Miller's Crossing

UK Release Date: 18th January 1991

Tom Reagan, an advisor to a Prohibition-era crime boss, tries to keep the peace between warring mobs but gets caught in divided loyalties (www.imdb.com).

Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen (Raising Arizona, Blood Simple.)

Cast: Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, Albert Finney, John Tuturro, Jon Polito

Miller's Crossing is one, of the best gangster films to come around since The Godfather: Part II. The Coen Brother's gem is a slow, tepid burner, relying heavily on friendship and treachery rather than guns and death. Violence may be sparse, but it's authoritative and compelling when it lands. Tom (Gabriel Byrne) is the heart, the catalyst, the soul of the Coen's third major film. Paying as much attention as possible is key. The script is tenacious but flawless. Everyone involved is superb. Not one person stands out. Every shot is crisp and beautiful. Every scene meticulously thought out. The symbiosis behind Tom's hat and his connection towards it represents a power within the community. No hat, no power. Miller's Crossing has many layers. Repeat viewing is advised.

5/5

American History X

UK Release Date: 26th March 1999

A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did (www.imdb.com).

Director: Tony Kaye

Cast: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Stacy Keach

Utterly outstanding performances from the two Edwards (Norton and Furlong). American History X is a fine blend of drama and thriller, a story behind the leader of a neo-nazi cultist Derek Vinyard (Norton), seen from the eyes of his younger brother Danny (Furlong). AHX flicks from flashbacks of Derek's rise (head of a cult) and fall (murder), and rise again (redemption), to his present day atonement. Derek's crime is one of the most violent off-screen acts in cinema history. Danny looks up to his older brother, slowly but surely following his footsteps. It's down to Derek to put things right. This film sticks to the back of the mind, because the representation of its immoral actions are heavy, powerful and a harsh kick on reality regarding hate-crime.

4/5/5

The Riot Club

UK Release Date: 19th September 2014

Two first-year students at Oxford University join the infamous Riot Club, where reputations can be made or destroyed over the course of a single evening (www.imdb.com).

Director: Lone Scherfig (An Education, One Day)

Cast: Sam Claflin, Max Irons, Douglas Booth,  Jessica Brown Findlay, Holliday Grainger, Freddie Fox, Ben Schnetzer

It's hard to distinguish what's fact and what's fiction in The Riot Club. On one side secret societies will always have their debauchery and initiations, so a level of trouble-making's to be expected. On the other, TRC exaggerates the misbehavior of a notorious Oxford University group. It's a not so fine line between the two. One single dinner event escalates out of control, subjecting the divide between the rich and the working class. The Riot Club's an infuriating watch, with the majority of the club's members basking in their 'importance', looking down on those they believe to be beneath them. The performances are solid, especially from the club's newest members (Sam Claflin and Max Irons), but two thirds of this film is spent focusing on their petty squabbles than relatable facets.

3/5

Predestination

UK Release Date: 20th February 2015

The life of a time-traveling Temporal Agent. On his final assignment, he must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time (www.imdb.com).

Director: The Spierig Brothers (Daybreakers)

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor

The science-fiction genre has been done to death of late. None have stood out amongst the flock. Predestination does. It's a wicked film with a astonishing plot that will have viewers' brains rattling around their skulls for hours. It's an intricate story that the less you know, the more rewarding it is. Ethan Hawke's a time-travelling agent, stopping crimes before they've even taken place. One particular criminal has evaded him for countless years, the' Fizzle Bomberrr'. Hawke enlists the help of Sarah Snook (in what could be the best breakout performance of the year), a lonesome rider with a rough past. That's all that can be said about Predestination without ruining it. The Spierig Brothers have filmed this incredibly well, constantly throwing off their audience. This is a must see sci-fi/action/thriller/drama, all rolled in to one raw, powerful, thought provoking piece of cinema. A must watch for all science-fiction buffs.

4.5/5

Larry Crowne

UK Release Date: 1st July 2011

After losing his job, a middle-aged man reinvents himself by going back to college (www.imdb.com).

Director: Tom Hanks (That Thing You Do!)

Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Brian Cranston, Rami Malek, Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Larry Crowne is Tom Hank's second film as a director. It's a feel good film with a big heart from its lead man. Financial cuts force Larry (Hanks) into losing his job. This hot topic is brushed aside as Larry stays positive by attending college. He meets some weird and wonderful people, including a young, free spirit who changes everything in Larry's life; his hair style, his fashion sense, even the layout of his living room. Larry's on a journey to reinvent himself. He gets a new job, stays focused in college and has a thing for the teacher (Julia Roberts). Julia Robert's relationship with her husband is nearing its end and never quite fits in with the rest of the film. Ultimately not much happens. The movie never escalates, only simmers. If it weren't for Hanks and Robert's ability to act out greatness from a weak script, Larry Crowne would be worse off. By the time it hits its happy, sure-fire ending all involved will be wondering what Larry Crowne's point was. 

3/5

Ted 2

UK Release Date: 8th July 2015

Newlywed couple Ted and Tami-Lynn want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he's a person in a court of law (www.imdb.com).

Director: Seth MacFarlane (Ted, A Million Ways to Die in the West)

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth Macfarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Giovanni Ribisi, Morgan Freeman

Seth Macfarlane yet again proves that his brand of humour isn't everyone's cup of tea. In fact it's not for many with his latest feature length film. Ted was all about the thunder buddies and the ups and downs of their relationship. The second takes a completely different approach. Instead of mocking political subjects, which Ted 2 focuses on, Macfarlane fills up it's long running-time by abusing celebrities, with distasteful dick jokes and awkward racism. This time round the puns invoke little or no reaction. Mila Kunis is sorely missed, replaced by a reputable but unconvincing Amanda Seyfried as a lawyer. John Bennett (Walhberg) and Ted's (Macfarlane) relationship never flourishes past the first film. Big shock, when it's their banter and wild antics that made the Ted so outrageously entertaining.

2/5

Yes Man

UK Release Date: 26th December 2008

A guy challenges himself to say "yes" to everything for an entire year (www.imdb.com).

Director: Peyton Reed (Bring It On, Down with Love, The Break-Up) 

Starring: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins, Rhys Darby, Terence Stamp

Yes Man's story is fitting for Jim Carrey. It gives him plenty of material to show off his sporadic, eccentric ego. It's astonishing then, to see only flashes of Ace Ventura or Charlie/Hanks from Me, Myself & Irene. Yes Man sits comfortably between them and the likes of Eternal Sunshine and The Truman Show. Carl (Carrey) is a likeable man whose lack of ambition is having a detrimental effect on himself and those closest to him. He reluctantly agrees to say yes to everything for a whole year, no matter what it is. From online dating and learning Korean to bungie-jumping and organising his best friend's fiancee's bridal shower, there's nothing he cannot, sorry, will not do. The story is one of redemption, of finding ones-self. Taking part in something that you'd later regret not doing. It's all well and good until Carrey and new love interest Zooey Deschanel get serious. A less formulaic route hits a cliche roadblock. And that's the route it takes thereon. The ending doesn't have the strength that the rest of the film carries. Carl's work partner, Rhys Darby (Flight of the Concords) is a scene stealer.

3/5

Minions

UK Release Date: 26th June 2015

Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world (www.imdb.com).

Director: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin (Despicable Me, The Lorax, Despicable Me 2)

Starring: Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan, Jennifer Saunders, Geoffrey Rush

The minions are what make Despicable Me so special. Ask any kid that adores Despicable Me and guaranteed the (nearly) bald, yellow back-scratchers will come straight to mind. The trailer is not an indication of what to expect. A small amount of footage is spared on the Minion's troubles through the different ages (Jurassic, Ice and finally on to human), following their many evil masters. The humour is light and harmless, funny because the minions are the heart of their masters' demise. The voice of God (the eloquent Geoffrey Rush), leading us through their journey, is the only coherent, comprehensible speech around, and it works, very well. The minions blab nonsense, the occasional word (mainly banana) blurted out amongst the babble, and it's perfectly understood by those around them. Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob split from the pack to find a new master. On their journey they meet Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the most evil villain of them all. The second half of Minions focuses on the three on a heist in London. It's a rocky ride, a story blunted by it's change to the straight and narrow. Thankfully the minions keep up the laughs and the silliness is consistent. The writers need a big lesson in culture though. Us British may enjoy a cup (or two) of tea, but we're not drinking it all the time, as Minions suggests otherwise.

3.5/5

Lethal Weapon

UK Release Date: 28th August 1987

A veteran cop, Murtaugh, is partnered with a young suicidal cop, Riggs. Both having one thing in common; hating working in pairs. Now they must learn to work with one another to stop a gang of drug smugglers (www.imdb.com).

Director: Richard Donner (The Omen, Superman, The Goonies)

Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey

Lethal Weapon is the ultimate buddy-cop film. Murtaugh (Glover), is a hard working family man. Riggs (Gibson) is a suicidal maniac. They both hate working with others. Their differences cause major rifts. Their bickering, squabbling and conflicting ideals make their current objective a thrilling experience. The story is simple, but strong, the leads cops driving it until the end credits. Murtaugh's anger towards Riggs is funny. On the flipside Riggs's troubled past is touching. It dips a little in to dark comedy, but not so much that it takes away what emotion it carries. Murtaugh might be too old for this shit, but we're not. Riggs and his partner are characters that stick around, more so than John McClane or Axel Foley.

4/5

A Most Violent Year

UK Release Date: 23rd January 2015

In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history (www.imdb.com).

Director: J.C. Chandor (Margin Call, All Is Lost)

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Elyes Gabel

Too much talk, and not enough action. For a film that's called A Most Violent Year, violence is sparse. 1981 was the year with the most recorded crime in The Big Apple. J.C. Chandor's focuses on a successfully wealthy businessman. Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) is a leading competitor in the oil heating industry. Luck's on his side when a plot of land becomes available that, if bought, will make him a powerful man. Unfortunately for him, his company's being attacked from all angles. Robbers are stealing his goods, his salesmen are assaulted and a legal battle (or two) threaten to overthrow him completely. Isaac's a fine line between honest businessman and passive gangster, placing family as the most important thing in his life. Only a small glimpse of his three daughters is given, meaning the daddy role is ill conceived. Making up for that is the oblique relationship with his wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain). There's a few tricks up her sleeve. She's not all she seems. Her family background gives enough indication as to what she's capable of. The heartbreaking moments come from Game of Thrones star Elyes Gabel. Julian, one of Abel's drivers, breaks the law trying to defend himself. Repercussions are fatal and sentimental. Where A Most Violent Year falls short is in its lack of action. This can be viewed as a masterpiece from a scriptwriters point of view, or a lack of depth that sees Chandor barely scratch the surface of the most violent year in New York's history.

3.5/5

Nymphomaniac: Vol I & II

UK Release Date: 22nd February 2014

A self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating.

Director: Lars von Trier (Dogville, Antichrist, Melancholia)

Starring: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgard, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Uma Thurman, Jamie Bell, Willem Dafoe, Mia Goth

Lars von Trier. If you know the name then you're aware of the avant-garde, ambiguous style he produces in every feature film he's made. Nymphomaniac, with its two parts and 240 minute running time, has its cast practicing real sex acts. It's the sole reason why this film has garnered so much attention. Overlooked is everything else in between. Joe (Gainsbourg) tells her tale of emotional and physical highs and lows to Seligman (Skarsgard), a dutiful, friendly fellow that helps her after an assault. Her life's story is split up into metaphorical chapters, from the moment she finds her sexuality as a young girl, up to present day. Gainsbourg is a fine example of ideal casting, looking the part before baring any skin. Her story telling is clunky and disjointed. Lars von Trier's scriptwriting is dry, elusive and as ambiguous as a white canvas. The word cunt's blurted out more times by Gainsbourg than seen, grating like nails on a chalkboard. The acting's authentic, by all accounts (most notable is Stacy Martin playing young Joe), but only when dialogue is absent (Shia LaBeouf's accent is diabolical). The scenes that contain nudity represent nymphomania. Porn's toes are not being trod on. Nymphomaniac's easier to digest than other LvT films. Some viewers may feel short changed and a little underwhelmed, both physically and emotionally, by the end.

1.5/5

The Gambler

UK Release Date: 23rd January 2015

Lit professor and gambler Jim Bennett's debt causes him to borrow money from his mother and a loan shark. Further complicating his situation is his relationship with one of his students. Will Bennett risk his life for a second chance? (www.imdb.com)

Director: Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes)

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Michael Kenneth Williams

As entertaining as The Gambler can be, there's only so many times Jim (Mark Wahlberg) can play and lose big money on black jack before patience is lost. Addiction, whether it's alcohol, drugs or gambling, can be a disapproving, cold subject with judgements being made on the person abusing them. Jim knows full well he's addict. Wahlberg's a convincing gambler, but less so as the vibrant English teacher with enough corn to harvest. Jim ambles on, infuriating the wrong people, especially those closest to him. Brie Larson carries the expands the story somewhat with her incomprehensible liking for Jim, but others, including mob bosses John Goodman and Michael Kenneth Williams, talk the talk but don't walk the walk. There's room for Jim to play bad guy and none whatsoever for redemption.

2.5/5