The Ridiculous 6

Netflix Release Date: 11th December 2015

An outlaw who was raised by Native Americans discovers that he has five half-brothers; together the men go on a mission to find their wayward, deadbeat dad (www.imdb.com).

Director: Frank Coraci (Zookeeper, Here Comes the Boom, Blended)

Starring: Adam Sandler, Terry Crews, Jorge Garcia, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, Luke Wilson, Nick Nolte

I'm a Taurus, so naturally, I'm short tempered. If I'm made to feel stupid then walking out of certain situations is the best thing to, before the heckles rise. The Ridiculous 6 is aptly named. It is ridiculous, but most of all, it's stupid, and makes you feel stupid. Adam Sandler, this time in a western setting, piles the dick, sick and shit jokes very high. Sandler and his five brothers with different mothers go off on a quest to save their shared Dad. They steal money from bad people to pay off a ransom. I think of them as a really poor version of Robin Hood and his merry men. All cast members fail to live up to previous standards; Terry Crews is probably the better of them but isn't funny in the slightest. Rob Schneider's Mexican is as painful as his flatulent donkey. Taylor Lautner's stupidity goes full distance ('everybody knows you never go full retard - Kirk Lazarus, Tropic Thunder) and Adam Sandler attempts a Clint Eastwood style serenity that doesn't match the film's tone. And that tone is way low. There's one positive out of this: you won't have to pay any extra to view it. I only hope the next film in the Netflix/Sandler contract is better.

1.5/5

Absolutely Anything

UK Release Date: 14th August 2015

A group of eccentric aliens confer a human being with the power to do absolutely anything, as an experiment (www.imdb.com).

Director: Terry Jones (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, The Meaning of Life)
Starring: Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Sanjeev Bhaksar, Rob Riggle, Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley, Robin Williams, the voices of Monty Python

Absolutely Anything is absolutely abysmal in countless number of ways. Simon Pegg earns the gift of (you guessed it) absolutely anything, thanks to a band of aliens and their experiment. His newly found powers are used to great effect, but that's the only good point. It didn't make me laugh. In fact, I spent most of the time cringing at its poorly executed plot. For such a stellar cast of comedians, which includes Eddie Izzard, Simon Pegg and the Monty Python crew, it should be both funny and memorable. It's probably the biggest shame in film history, especially as it's Robin Williams' last hurrah. At least Pegg's dog is cute.

1/5

Sisters

UK Release Date: 12th December 2015

Two sisters decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell their family home (www.imdb.com).

Director: Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect)

Starring: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, James Brolin, Dianne West, John Cena, John Leguizamo

Two ingredients are needed to make a good comedy. First up it needs to be funny. The second is having a good enough reason to like its lead, like any film in any genre. Fortunately for us viewers the laughs are aplenty, and at least one sister in Sisters is appealing. Sisters does takes a while to lift off. The chuckles start to flow around the 20 minute mark, when older sibling Kate (Fey) and Maura (Poehler) have one last shindig in their family home before the house is sold. Biggest problem for these half-fledged adults? An adult party is nothing like a teenage party. The gradual rise (or decline, depending on how you look at it) of the party's debauchery is immensely enjoyable. Sub-plots add to the overall feeling of carnage. Kate has a daughter she barely sees and Maura tries to get back in to the dating game but is in major need of help. Most of the support cast fair well, which includes WWE superstar John Cena and Bridesmaids' Maya Rudolph. Fey's character can grate at the worst of times, whereas Poehler has enough warmth to go round.  

3.5/5

Brooklyn

UK Release Date: 6th November 2015

An Irish immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a new romance. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within (www.imdb.com).

Director: John Crowley

Starring: Saiorse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Emily Bett Rickards

Saiorse Ronan needs to be in more movies. She's an absolute delight, whatever she's in. Brooklyn is Ronan's finest 111 minutes to date. All the anguish, all the emotion she portrays, is seen through her eyes. Eilis (Ronan), is torn between two worlds: Ireland and America, missing her family back home and starting afresh halfway across the world in Brooklyn, New York. Events that occur only make it harder for Eilis. Emory Cohen's Tony sparks confidence in our out-of-sorts protagonist. Ronan's acting is so brazenly from the heart that I can't help but feel everything she feels, even during her hardest times. Special mention goes to Julie Walters who oversees the girls in the boarding house that Eilis resides. Brooklyn is an extraordinary watch due to class acting from all round. It's funny, clever and charming. 

4/5

Suite Francaise

UK Release Date: 13th March 2015

During the early years of German occupation of France in World War II, romance blooms between Lucile Angellier, a French villager and Bruno von Falk, a German soldier.

Director: Saul Dibb (The Duchess)

Starring: Matthias Schoenaerts, Michelle Williams, Kristen Scott Thomas, Sam Riley, Ruth Wilson, Margot Robbie

Suite Francaise poses a big dilemma during German-occupied France in WWII: not all Allied forces are good, and not all Nazis are sinners. For example, Matthias Schoenaerts' soldier Bruno is admiral, calm and polite, especially towards village girl Lucile (Michelle Williams), with whom he's staying with. Their feelings for each other grow, much to blah's disgust. Schoenaerts and Williams are on fine form, especially the former of the two. Lucile is a little too callous and hostile, but not as much as Kristen Scott Thomas, who plays unlikeable too well. Schoenaerts I weirdly felt is the one to route for. Suite Francaise is more village drama than history lesson. It's a love story without much heart, a bit of history and a rocking cast.

3.5/5

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

UK Release Date: 17th December 2015

Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a rag-tag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance (www.imdb.com).

Director: J.J. Abrams (Super 8, Star Trek: Into Darkness)

Starring: Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Max von Sydow, Peter Mayhew, Gwendoline Christie, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill

After a really long decade Star Wars is back! J.J. Abrams has done us proud. The Force Awakens, or episode VII (the first in a new trilogy of films to come every other year) as it's been named, is a superb science-fiction film. For the die-hard fans its only gripe is it's a little too familiar in territory, but that's genuinely it. For the newer, younger audiences, TFA leads a path to what's to come. When the blue letters 'A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away' followed by the trademark yellow words swiping up the starry backdrop, I felt like I was 11 again. There's a strong scent of nostalgia mixed in to the story, but for every old memory there's 10 new ones. So many emotions washed through me within a short space of time, as I know my expectations (and everyone else's) are, and were, going to be met. It only takes a few seconds to know we're in the capable hands of someone who's a major fan himself.

Now briefly on to what he's given us. The light side hangs in the balance. The forces of darkness, now known as the First Order, are stronger, bigger, more formidable than ever before. Characters on either side are equal throughout. TFA opens up the SW universe. Jakku's desert looks splendid, derelict AT-AT walkers and Star Destroyers are left abandoned and new arrivals provide different personalities that I want to know so much more about. Adam Driver's Kylo Ren switches from intimidating foe to deeply torn adolescent. All five main newbies (Isaac's fighter pilot Poe, Ridley's feisty girl Ray, Boyega's runaway Fin, Gleeson's evil man Snoke and Driver's Sith) get there chance to shine, just as the older ones so dear to me do as well.  

I'm eager to see The Force Awakens again, and even more for the next chapter. Episode VII will keep me feeling happy and young for a long time after its release. Next up, a spin-off called Rogue One!  

5/5

In the Heart of the Sea

UK Release Date: 26th December 2015

A recounting of a whaling ship's sinking by a giant whale in 1820 that would inspire the great novel, Moby Dick (www.imdb.com).

Director: Ron Howard (The Da Vinci Code, Frost/Nixon, Rush)

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, Ben Wishaw, Brendan Gleeson

In the Heart of the Sea is supposed to be the true account of the famous white whale we know from the novel Moby Dick. Herman Melville (Wishaw), an amateur writer, seeks out Tom Nickerson (Gleeson) to speak of his voyage at sea with the infamous first mate, Owen Chase (Hemsworth). This adaption is a stylishly contemporary approach. The way it looks, the way it feels makes it available for all, not just a particular audience. Chris Hemsworth's main man is the heart of the sea, making us feel his joy, feel his pain. Others barely make a stand. The sea and the creature it holds are much more interesting to watch than other characters. When things go bad it's hard to care what happens to them. ITHOTS's story unfolds very slowly, its 122 minute running time dragging harder than the feet of a sulking child. The whale's first glimpse comes around the half way mark, and by that point I'd lost interest. 

3/5

10,000 BC

UK Release Date: 14th March 2008

A prehistoric epic that follows a young mammoth hunter's journey through uncharted territory to secure the future of his tribe (www.imdb.com).

Director: Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow)

Starring: Camilla Belle, Steven Strait, Marco Khan, Cliff Curtis

Looking up what people have to say about Roland Emmerich's 10,000 BC, it's safe to say that the story is historically inaccurate. None of the events portrayed occur around the year it suggests. Scrap the title and all of this goes away. Pushing amicable squabbles aside, 10,000 BC's imagery is outstanding. That's it. Story isn't much to go by, as tribesman D'Leh (Steven Strait) works his way through perilous tasks to save the one he loves (Camilla Belle). There are no twists. There are no turns. Just a linear, predictable-ness that has me wondering why I'm watching this to the end. Roland Emmerich can do so much better. 

1.5/5

Still Alice

UK Release Date: 6th March 2015

A linguistics professor and her family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (www.imdb.com).

Director:  Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland

Starring: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart

Still Alice places us in the heart of a moving subject matter. Be wary, this film is an emotional ride. Julianne Moore is off the charts, superb in every way, shape and form. For someone who's not experiencing Alzheimer's in real life, Julianne draws all suspension of disbelief, from the moment she starts forgetting the simplest of things. Although Alice is central to the topic, writer/director duo Glatzer and Westmoreland show how family members are affected too. Kristen Stewart's usual awkward, hapless self fits the role of Alice's youngest daughter whilst Alec Baldwin tries to stay tough to keep the family from falling apart. The way the story unfolds on screen (because of its powerful performances) gives us all we need to know. Movies never make me cry (Green Mile and Marley & Me are exceptions), but one moment in the film nearly sent me over the edge. Still Alice is truly an amazing piece of work.

4.5/5

Blue Jasmine

UK Release Date: 17th September 2013

A New York socialite, deeply troubled and in denial, arrives in San Francisco to impose upon her sister. She looks a million, but isn't bringing money, peace, or love... (www.imdb.com)

Director: Woody Allen (Vicky Christina Barcelona, Midnight in Paris, To Rome with Love)

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Sally Hawkins, Bobby Cannavale

Woody Allen films are full of dialogue. Blue Jasmine is no exception. Woody Allen film's heavy dialogue also takes over the possibility of a sensational story. This is also the case for Blue Jasmine. Too much talk. Not enough action. At least this time round it's a good enough watch. We should be thankful for the movie's lead lady. Cate Blanchett's New York, upper-class snob moves to San Francisco to live with her sister (Hawkins). Jasmine is a wreck. She's divorced, without money and integrity, attempting to uphold the look of a patrician, but her eyes give away her anguish and sorrow. Only Blanchett can turn a petty, unsympathetic character in to the complete opposite. If it weren't for her expertise, then Jasmine would drag us into the hell hole she currently resides in. 

3.5/5

Bridge of Spies

UK Release Date: 27th November 2015

During the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers (www.imdb.com).

Director: Steven Spielberg (The Adventures of Tintin, Warhorse, Lincoln)

Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance

Steven Spielberg. Tom Hanks. Mark Rylance. Joel Coen. Ethan Coen. Five reasons to love this film. Spielberg's directing is top notch, Hanks and Rylance's acting's cutting edge and the Coen's writing adds comedy to a serious film. There are two parts to Bridge of Spies. First part sees Hanks' lawyer defending Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Rylance) during the Cold War. In the second part Hanks' James B. Donovan negotiates a prisoner exchange; Abel for a captured American pilot. The coming together of the cast and crew make Bridge of Spies a riveting watch. Tensions are constantly high, even though there's minimal action. The few jokes spread throughout make it no less thrilling. Mark Rylance and Hanks are superb. It's hard to say whether one outdoes the other when they share the screen time. 

4.5/5

Daybreakers

UK Release Date: 6th January 2010

In the year 2019, a plague has transformed almost every human into vampires. Faced with a dwindling blood supply, the fractured dominant race plots their survival; meanwhile, a researcher works with a covert band of vamps on a way to save humankind (www.imdb.com).

Director: The Spierig Brothers 

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Isabel Lucas, Sam Neill

Daybreakers' concept is highly intriguing. In a world where vampires rule, the human population is dwindling and supply of blood is running low. Ethan Hawke's scientist Edward is trying to find a long-term solution to the vampires' problems. Edward comes across a human faction who may have the answer he's looking for. Sounds great, right? For the majority, it is. The action and acting coincide well with the story, but it's easy to see that The Spierig Brothers are handling a craft too broad for their own good. Sub-plots diminish under the bigger picture, and a slight romance between Edward and an insurgent human (Isabel Lucas) never quite catches flame. The CGI is under heavy scrutiny. It looks as if the effects budget was mostly used on one, gory scene.  

3.5/5

Victor Frankenstein

Uk Release Date: 3rd December 2015

Told from Igor's perspective, we see the troubled young assistant's dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein, and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man - and the legend - we know today (www.imdb.com).

Director: Paul McGuigan (Luck Number Slevin, Push)

Starring: James McAvoy, Daniel Radcliffe, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott

Victor Frankenstein is the umpteenth time the Frankenstein story has been told. What makes this one different I hear you ask? This movie is about the maker not the monster. McAvoy's V. Frankenstein recruits a hunchback from the local circus (Radcliffe). This film shows the duo's relationship, and how they came to make the creature we have known so well for several decades. Igor is an eccentric fellow, highly passionate about his work. Same goes for Radcliffe's nameless man. Their enthusiasm is infectious. We're more than welcome to this party. Three (us being the third) is NOT a crowd! Victor Frankenstein looks terrific, with wonderful settings and lavish dress-up and make-up. This latest outing almost has us believing their experiments could happen. 

3.5/5

The Campaign

UK Release Date: 28th September 2012

An incumbent congressman embroiled in personal scandal faces a no-holds-barred challenge from a naive newcomer funded by two unscrupulous billionaire lobbyist brothers (www.imdb.com).

Director: Jay Roach (Austin Powers in Goldmembers, Meet the Fockers, Dinner for Schmucks)

Starring: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott

With two well proportioned comedian/actors, there should be plenty of laugh out loud jokes in The Campaign. Ferrell and Galifianakis are running for congress of a small town in North Carolina. Ferrell is outrageous and nonsensical whilst Galifianakis is a bit of a dork. They never quite gel in their battle of wits. Scenes that separate them are stronger than those united. The story doesn't progress past each candidate attempts to outdo the other, until the inevitable conclusion of a winner. At least The Campaign is a lighthearted film, even if the comedy's below average. 

2.5/5

Wild Card

UK Release Date: 20th March 2015

When a Las Vegas bodyguard with lethal skills and a gambling problem gets in trouble with the mob, he has one last play...and it's all or nothing (www.imdb.com).

Director: Simon West (Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Expendables 2)

Starring: Jason Statham, Milo Ventimiglia, Michael Angarano, Hope Davis, Stanley Tucci, Sofia Vergara

Jason Statham is a typecast. He falls largely in to the same category as JCVD or Steven Seagal. Wild Card shows what Statham's capable of doing, but only that. His security specialist come extreme gambler gets on the wrong side of a mobster (Milo Ventimiglia). This mobster is a coward. Not scary and very comical, which brings the tone of the film to a major low. And where exactly is Wild Card trying to go? Famous actors come and go (Stanley Tucci, Sofia Vergara) like a soft breeze, and the Stath's gambling addiction is attacked once before moving swiftly on. A particular scene involving Statham breaking random goon's body parts is entertaining to say the least, but its raw energy is taken away by the accompanied music. That's as good as it gets. Statham can do better. Milo unfortunately need more cojones. 

2/5

The Godfather: Part III

UK Release Date: 8th March 1991

In the midst of trying to legitimize his business dealings in New York and Italy in 1979, aging Mafia don Michael Corleone seeks to avow for his sins while taking a young protégé under his wing (www.imdb.com).

Director: Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II)

Starring: Al Pacino, Andy Garcia, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Eli Wallach, Joe Mantegna, Sofia Coppola  

The Godfather: Part III takes place many years after Part II. Al Pacino's Michael Corleone a.k.a The Godfather is older, wiser and better than before. His nephew Vincent (Andy Garcia), who he takes under his wing, is irrational and short-tempered, just like his father (Sonny Corleone, as played by James Caan in Part I). Part III sees Michael trying to correct the wrongs and wipe away his sins. III should've been filmed shortly after II. Time has sapped The Godfather's intensity. Pacino and Garcia are on top form. This film's success is partly down to the others. A fine film in its own right but one that will never reach the heights of its predecessors.  

4/5

The Godfather: Part II

UK Release Date: 15th May 1975

The early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York is portrayed while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on his crime syndicate stretching from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to pre-revolution 1958 Cuba (www.imdb.com).

Director: Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather)

Starring: Al Pacino, Rober De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale

Pacino outdoes himself in The Godfather. He's just as powerful as Brando was in the role of The Don. Michael Corleone (Pacino) expands his cartel, making friends and enemies alike. Michael's story is spliced with his father's uprising. Vito is played by the mesmerising Robert De Niro. Vito's story could stand alone from Michael's, but both compliment the other in ways that cannot be described. Scenes end on cliffhangers. When one starts, we want to be back with the other. The Corleone family is corrupt, and Part II just shows how deep their roots run. This second act is more intense, more involving, incredibly climactic, leaving it's audience wanting more. Absolutely fine displays from Pacino and De Niro. The Godfather: Part II almost outdoes its predecessor. 

5/5

The Godfather

UK Release Date: 24th August 1972

The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son (www.imdb.com).

Director: Francis Ford Coppola 

Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, Diane Keaton, Richard S. Castellano, Talia Shire

There isn't a gangster film out there bigger or better than The Godfather. It's hard to some it up in a few words, but here goes. At the centre of this film is the family. The Corleone family, headed by Vito (Marlon Brando), a.k.a. The Don, or The Godfather. His daughter's wedding tells us all we need to know about the Corleone's; key individuals, small but incredibly thought out sub-plots and a running theme of business and personal matters never mix. 

The Godfather is based on the simplest of foundations. Love thy family. Think before you act. Never betray your own. Vito attempts to keep the peace between the crime families. When things go south Vito's youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) gets involved. Michael's innocence is torn apart as he takes control of the family business.

With every view comes a new discovery, a piece of the puzzle missed the last time round. The Godfather is a labyrinth waiting to be deciphered. Brando is sublime. He's able to radiate warmth and coercion with the smallest of reactions. It sets up careers for James Caan and Robert Duvall, who're brothers with dissimilar attitudes. The best is to come for Pacino, as this first part in a trilogy only shows his potential. The Godfather is a one of the most intense gangsters films you're ever likely to see. 

5/5

Black Mass

UK Release Date: 25th November 2015

The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf (www.imdb.com).

Director: Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace)

Starring: Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Plemons, Peter Sarsgaard, Dakota Johnson, Adam Scott

Black Mass is supposed to be Johnny Depp's return to form. After the dismal Mortdecai earlier in the year, Depp has got some making up to do. His take on the notorious Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bolger is one heck of a performance, one that's expected of his caliber. His transformation far exceeds the act. His piercing blue eyes is enough to make anyone flinch.

This movie follows the chunk of Bolger's life accredited to his relationship with the FBI, chiefly agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), who he knew growing up. They strike a deal; the Bureau will leave Whitey alone if he gives up the location of rival gangsters. This gives him free will to do whatever he likes, whenever he likes.

Black Mass has an open narrative. A select few of Whitey's men tell stories of their time they spent with Bolger. Just as much focus goes on Edgerton as it does Depp, which greatly hinders the man we want to know more about. 

What we do see though, looks fantastic. The low-key lighting and the dark, gloomy exteriors fit Bolger's ever cloudy mood. This is a gangster films that broods and will be remembered for its main performer. 

4/5

Jupiter Ascending

UK Release Date: 6th February 2015

A young woman discovers her destiny as an heiress of intergalactic nobility and must fight to protect the inhabitants of Earth from an ancient and destructive industry (www.imdb.com).

Directors: The Wachowskis (The Matrix, Cloud Atlas) 

Starring: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, Tuppence Middleton

I don't know if I actually cared about the events taking place in Jupiter Ascending or if I wasn't completely paying attention. It was a bit of both. I lost interest very quickly for a number of reasons. First and foremost, JA is a cold, hollow movie. The dialogue's heavy and clunky, leads Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum feel the blow. Kunis isn't shocked to learn that she's intergalactic royalty, and Tatum spends most of his alien life skating the skies, avoiding enemy fire from those seeking to hurt Kunis.   

Secondly the Wachowskis have tried too hard to create a piece of work that as unique as The Matrix. Much of film's time and effort is spent on how it looks, and it does look incredible, thanks to 99 shots out of 100 being computer generated. The actors are engulfed by it, chiefly Eddie Redmayne's ridiculous talking villain, who's hellbent on destroying Kunis just for being a greedy little planet hoarder.

It's best to end on a high note, because not all's bad. In between the scant story is a couple of really joyful set-pieces. Both are sky battles, one at both ends of the film. They are thrilling, but not long lasting. There should be more of them, to give JA reason to have our utmost attention. 

2/5

Super

UK Release Date:

After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt, a superhero with the best intentions, but lacking in heroic skills (www.imdb.com).

Director: James Gunn (Slither, Guardians of the Galaxy)

Starring: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Michael Rooker

Frank (Rainn Wilson) is a man with an alter ego. On the outside he's a kind, sensitive man, giving tonnes of love to his wife who he doesn't receive it from. She (Liv Tyler) is stolen from him by some crack-addict dead-beat (Kevin Bacon). On the inside, Frank has an uncontrollable rage waiting to get out. 

Frank dons a hood, a wrench and decides to take matters in to his own hands. 'Shut Up, Crime' is his slogan. Very fitting for his persona, as he bludgeons any wrong-doers to near death. One stand out scene involves some queue cutting. Nothing's as funny or brutal as this. 

Super may seem like a copy of Kick-Ass to some. This is correct in most ways. Super picks substance over style, where as Kick-Ass's 2010 outing is the other way round. Wilson is superb in this role, very engaging and resilient, both as Frank (calm yet nervous) and the Crimson Bolt (violent but bold). Don't take him for granted just because he's a bit of a moron in The Office. 

Special attention should go to Ellen Page, who forces herself to be Wilson's sidekick. She names herself Boltie. She's just as thrilling as Frank, but for different reasons. Like a socially awkward nerd coming out of her shell, Libby is hilariously unhinged, spouting out profanities before thinking, and giggling like a young school girl whenever the Crimson Bolt performs some righteous act of defiance. 

Super is part parody, part its own thing. The disguised heroes are a thrilling, strangely likeable duo. Outrageous it is.

3.5/5

John Carter

UK Release Date: 9th March 2012

Transported to Barsoom, a Civil War vet discovers a barren planet seemingly inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter Woola and a princess in desperate need of a savior (www.imdb.com).

Director: Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL-E)

Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Bryan Cranston

Star Wars. The Lord of the Rings. Harry Potter. These are loved film franchises. All are unique in their own way. John Carter, unfortunately struggles to make its own way. Copying others is what JC does best.

That's not to say it's dreadful. On the contrary. The story is decent; a headstrong princess on Mars is in need of help and a single man from Earth comes to her call. John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) is dropped in to the unknown. Being foreign in a different world isn't taken advantage of when Carter feels at ease very quickly. 

The war between two human-looking races (differentiated by red and blue garments), and a marriage proposal between Dominic West and Lynn Collins' princess detracts our attention from the alien race. The green-skinned, 12-foot tall barbarians are full of character and back-story which is what the human lookalikes lack. Tars Tarkas (voiced by Willem Dafoe) and his band of misfits are Disney greats.

There's nothing particularly wrong with this movie. It has all the right ingredients to succeed, but for some unknown reason John Carter's deprived of that 'wow factor' that other franchises bear. 

3.5/5