Jackie Brown

UK Release Date: 20th March 1998

A middle-aged woman finds herself in the middle of a huge conflict that will either make her a profit or cost her life (www.imdb.com).

Director: Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Vol. 1)

Starring: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro

Jackie Brown is Quentin Tarantino's third feature length film, and the only one is his roster that's not an original screenplay. And this is why, in my opinion, it's his least-best work. It's still a solid piece of work, but by filming an adaption Tarantino doesn't get the chance to break free like he's done with Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. JB contains only fleeting moments of absurdity and outrageousness, toned down as if to keep the director in check. Jackie (Pam Grier) an air hostess, is forced to smuggle money from Mexico to L.A by the unconvincing weapons dealer Ordell (Samuel L. Jackson). Betrayal and double crossings ensue. Agent Nicolette (Michael Keaton) is on her case. Others involved include a bail bonds accountant (Robert Forster) and a couple of Ordell's friends (Robert De Niro and Bridget Fonda). A good hour could be cut from the 154 minute running time to make it quick, snappy and enthralling. Instead it drags in the 2nd act, and by that time, I had to pause, and split Jackie Brown in to parts. Of all of Tarantino's films, this is one I won't be rushing back to.

3/5

Macbeth (2015)

UK Release Date: 2nd October 2015

Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself (www.imdb.com).

Director: Justin Kurzel 

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine, David Thewlis, Sean Harris

William Shakespeare's style of writing, whether its reading chapters in his books, or listening to dialogue in the umpteenth telling of Macbeth, makes me feel stupid. Thankfully the story of Macbeth has been told plenty enough times to understand what's going on, and everyone in this 2015 telling more than make up for its insolence. The story as a whole is dark, horrifying and wicked. Macbeth, played by the impeccably flawed Fassbender, loses the plot when his wife, the sinister, manipulative Marion Cotillard, pushes him to kill the king of Scotland (David Thewlis). There's one battle Macbeth cannot win, and that's against the demons (or witches, in this case) that continually torment him. There are hints of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings in there, dappling into the realms of fantasy through the eyes of Macbeth. This is gritty, dark stuff from director Justin Kerzel, a Shakespeare adaption that's not as hard to digest as originally thought.

4/5

Room

UK Release Date: 15th January 2016

After five-year-old Jack and his mother escape from the enclosed surroundings that Jack has known his entire life, the boy makes a thrilling discovery (www.imdb.com).

Director: Lenny Abrahamson (Frank)

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay

The depth and quality in Room stretches further than most emotional, heartbreaking films. If you're aware of the Fritzl case back in 2008, or any similar besides, there's a fair few hardships to view when watching Lenny Abrahamson's rare gem. Brie Larson, known as Ma, has been trapped in 'room' for several years. Her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay), who's just turned 5, has never been outside. His world is inside the four walls that surround them. This is sweet, sentimental material, but so, so agonising, showing the strengths of a relationship between mother and son, and their ability to overcome the odds. Larson is impeccable, a beautiful performance that'll have you smiling then crying moments later. The young Jacob Tremblay is a sensation, playing a part that would seem impossible for someone to even comprehend at such an age. Room is more than anything a love story, with added thrills and drama. Highly recommended viewing. 

5/5

Pulp Fiction

UK Release Date: 21st October 1994 

The lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption (www.imdb.com).

Director: Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill Vol.1)

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Tim Roth

Pulp Fiction: Quentin Tarantino's second film. Is it just as rich and mighty as Reservoir Dogs? Yes. This time, a budget and a cast come along for the ride, a ride that's chopped up into four stories circling a handful of people. There's a mob boss, the mob boss's wife, a boxer, a pair of raucous gangsters and a couple who resemble the contemporary Bonnie and Clyde. Now, you need to look at Pulp Fiction as an adaptation of a comic, and less as a linear story. There's no broad plot, only a smattering of small stories linking the oddballs on display. Surprisingly its style works wonders. Its cool, edgy, bombastic and just as outrageous (if not more) as Tarantino's first film, Reservoir Dogs. Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta and Uma Thurman make the biggest impact with personalities hard to beat. The dialogue is heavy, but witty and clever, the soundtrack glorious and the movie is wrought with memorable scenes. Mentionable moments include Thurman and Travolta's dancing, Jackson's reciting of a passage from the bible, and Travolta's accident. Tarantino proves that his first attempt at filmmaking wasn't a lucky one.

4/5

Gattaca

UK Release Date: 20th March 1998

A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel (www.imdb.com).

Director: Andrew Niccol (In Time, The Host, Good Kill)

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Alan Arkin

Gattaca is one of the very few science fiction films with a one-of-a-kind world that's depth should have me excited before the title credits even start. Genetic engineering governs lives before birth; flawless people with high IQ's and highly resistant to illness. Ethan Hawke is not one of them. He's an In-Valid, someone born of natural birth, with bad eyesight and a dodgy ticker. This premise is stronger than most of its genre, but the depth of Gattaca doesn't end there. Hawke, the genetically flawed, helps out Jude Law, the physically flawed, by pretending to be him (blood, urine, hair strands, DNA and all) so that 'they' get the chance to pop to outer-space, because anyone imperfect is forbidden. It doesn't even end here! A murder is committed at the space station. All fingers point to the 'guy who's not supposed to be there'. Hawke spends most of the film trying to not blow his cover, whilst getting romantic with work colleague Uma Thurman.

Gattaca is organised mess at its best (setup) and worst (plot) due to an over-commitment to be unique. A society of flawless beings who work like drones show that our flaws make up our personalities and sense of humour. Hawke and Thurman are more steely than wooden, whereas Jude Law's crippled genius is the only character with human instincts. 

Great promise, poor execution. I nearly felt as bored as the desk-workers at the space-station. Gattaca is in much need of a personality.

2.5/5

Reservoir Dogs

UK Release Date: 15th January 1993

After a simple jewelery heist goes terribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant (www.imdb.com).

Director: Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill Vol. 1)

Starring: Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn

Reservoir Dogs is Quentin Tarantino's first movie. It's not clear that he had a low budget to play with, because what he's done with it is superb. A robbery gone wrong force a group of criminals, only known by different colours (Mr. White, Mr. Pink etc.) into an abandoned warehouse, to await help. In the mean time, they work out who the mole is. Tarantino fleshes out characters motives with a speech driven screenplay, music that defines memory and the ability to play on our imaginations. Madsen, Buscemi, Keitel and Roth are astutely incomparable, their given names matching their sporadic personalities. Reservoir Dogs is a profound start to Tarantino's career; one that's hard to beat with an unbeatable style, fast paced dialogue and an unforgettable scene that, whenever Stuck in the Middle With You by Stealers Wheel comes on, springs to mind instantly. 

4.5/5  

What Lies Beneath

UK Release Date: 20th October 2000

The wife of a university research scientist believes that her lakeside Vermont home is haunted by a ghost - or that she is losing her mind (www.imdb.com).

Director: Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Contact)

Starring: Harrison Ford, Michelle Pfeiffer

What Lies Beneath goes through a two hour period of no ambience, or at least it feels that way. Michelle Pfeiffer's wife to scientist Harrison Ford believes their house is haunted by a single ghost. For the majority of this film we're led down a path of tense scares and frights, which are conjured from thin air. Robert Zemeckis knows how to add these unbearable moments without us really knowing what they're about. Pfeiffer puts in a stellar performance as the jittery, mentally unbalanced wife, whereas Ford's as wooden as a tree trunk, not giving a hoot about his wife's slowly deteriorating health. What Lies Beneath is a very thrilling thriller, with the bathtub scene (no, not sexual in any way) likely to stick to the mind for a long, long time.

3/5

Creed

UK Release Date: 15th January 2016

The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed (www.imdb.com).

Director: Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station)

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone

Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler has revitalised a franchise that otherwise seemed dead. Stallone wasn't keen on the idea of a new Rocky film,  but with a decent script and much persistency, Coogler managed to convince him. And what a story it is! Coogler has deviated the attention to former collaborator Michael B. Jordan, who plays Apollo Creed's illegitimate son. Stallone's Balboa may be on the sidelines, but has just as much impact on us than when he was in the ring. He agrees to train the young Creed (who's going by the name of Johnson). Creed's story follows the usual pattern laid out by previous Rocky films, yet musters enough originality to place it amongst the best of them. Stallone puts in his greatest performance to date, whilst Jordan is exceptional, as he battles with his name and tires to build his own legacy. Jordan is improving over time. One of Creed's fights is shot in one, long breathless take. His fights place us in close quarters. We're there for every punch given, and every punch taken. Expect a sequel very, very soon. 

4/5

Contagion

UK Release Date: 21st October 2011

Healthcare professionals, government officials and everyday people find themselves in the midst of a worldwide epidemic as the CDC works to find a cure (www.imdb.com).

Director: Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Ocean's Eleven, Che: Part One) 

Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston

Contagion is a slow burner, a mildly tense thriller about an unknown disease that spreads as fast as wildfire. We're spoon fed with information from different sources, from Kate Winslet's support aid helper to Laurence Fishburne's CEO of a company who're attempting a cure. On ground zero there's Jude Law's 'tell it as it is' blogger and Matt Damon as the only representative with any feelings. And here lies the problem with Contagion; it may have kept my attention for the duration, but I didn't really care who lived and who died, bar Matt Damon and his daughter. This film feels like could have been a documentary in its early drafts, and the team behind it decided to take a different route.

3/5

The Revenant

UK Release Date: 15th January 2016

A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820's fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team (www.imdb.com).

Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (21 Grams, Babel, Birdman)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter, Forrest Goodluck

The Revenant satisfied all my senses on levels beyond my wildest imagination. Shot in natural light, director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki (best known for his work on Gravity and Birdman) have outdone themselves with a scope and magnitude which I can't even begin to describe. The Revenant is raw, placing us in the life of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman in 1820's America, fighting for his life and seeking revenge after being left for dead. It's violent, tense and nerve-wracking, even when there's little going on. It never feels too long, even at 156 minutes. It starts with the most intense scenery to grace the big screen since Saving Private Ryan. Emmanuel Lubezki's camera ducks, dives and weaves around frontiersman and native Indians in one, brutal battle. He takes us from one death to another, over hills, under water, never favouring one side over the other, and yet we're still routing for our favourites, even though we've just met them. Leo's sublime, the hardships he ensure makes him an awards contender. He goes through unimaginable tasks most actors wouldn't. Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter are great alongside him, the latter quivering his way brilliantly through the film. I haven't come out of the cinema feeling in cold, in shock, and mostly, in awe. The Revenant is a must see on the big screen.

5/5

Catch Me If You Can

UK Release Date: 31st January 2003

A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr., who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars' worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor (www.imdb.com).

Director: Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, Minority Report) 

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken

A cat and mouse game repeated over and over sounds a tad dull, but not when it's directed by Steven Spielberg! Leonardo DiCaprio's Frank Abagnale is deceitful and deceptive, but not nasty. Instead he's huge fun to be around. Same goes for Tom Hank's catcher, who incidentally, finds it difficult to do the catching. Catch Me If You Can, to not seem too rigid or sound mundane, splices the story from when Abagnale's already captured, to the how and why, the very beginning, up until Abagnale's inevitable capture. It's a slick, cool process held strong by its two leads. I wish there was more room for Hanks to thrive, as DiCaprio fills the screen with his charm and intelligence. 

4/5

Hot Rod

UK Release Date: 28th September 2007

Self-proclaimed stuntman Rod Kimble is preparing for the jump of his life - to clear fifteen buses to raise money for his abusive stepfather Frank's life-saving heart operation (www.imdb.com).

Director: Akiva Schaffer

Starring: Andy Samberg, Isla Fisher, Ian McShane, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, Will Arnett, Jorma Taccone

If you're not a fan of silly jokes, then this isn't for you. And I'm not talking Adam Sandler's silly, one-dimensional garbage, I'm talking so silly it's almost clever. Will Ferrell was suppose to take the lead role of the high-flying, amateur stuntman, instead the task goes to Andy Samberg, who's decent enough, if not a little unimaginative. Alongside on-screen brother Jorman Taccone and friends Bill Hader and Danny McBride, there's fun to be had, but not enough to propel the story. Some moments outdo others, mainly the ones involving the unwell Ian McShane, whom Samberg is trying to raise money for. They fight and they squabble, and Samberg's only doing this good deed so he can finally beat up his step-dad. Hot Rod is mildly funny, somewhat enjoyable, doing little harm in the process.

3/5

Joy

UK Release Date: 1st January 2016

Joy is the story of the title character, who rose to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty (www.imdb.com).

Director: David O. Russell

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramirez

At times Joy is a formidable wrecking ball. At others she (and the film itself) make me want to rip my hair out. Represented by the ever wonderful Jennifer Lawrence, Joy goes from being taken advantage of by her family, to creator, business owner and pioneer, but not without trouble and hardship on the way. Her family, including De Niro as her father, are a constant pain. Jennifer Lawrence is an absolute blast, turning a rather humdrum plot into an exciting one. It's about more than just Joy selling a mop, it's about one woman's determination to succeed, and be treated fairly in a male dominated industry.

3.5/5

Silver Linings Playbook

UK Release Date: 21st November 2012

After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own (www.imdb.com).

Director: David O. Russell (The Fighter, American Hustle, Joy)

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker

David O. Russell's collaboration with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence can be seen as a work of art and a dour mess. Just like Picasso's paintings, Silver Linings Playbook, with no reason behind its title, feels broken but whole at the same time. The on-screen duo, who're mentally unwell for different reasons, juxtapose the convoluted story. They're not the most likeable singularly, but put together they're a tour de force. Both are equally outstanding; Cooper's Pat wants to win back his wife and the only way to do that is to help out Lawrence's Tiffany. As they grow closer, they become stronger characters that I'd happily watch over and over again.  

3.5/5

This Is 40

UK Release Date: 14th February 2013

Pete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart (www.imdb.com).

Director: Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Funny People)

Starring: Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd, Maude Apatow, Iris Apatow, Jason Segel, Megan Foz, Chris O'Dowd

This Is 40, the 'sort of' sequel to Apatow's Knocked Up, actually surpasses it in comedy value and substantial story. Husband Paul Rudd and wife Leslie Mann are struggling to keep their marriage together. Their kids persistently hassle them, other family members aggravate to no end, problems arise at work, all the while turning 40. Everything that's covered happens to all of us in married/family life. This Is 40 I can watch over and over, for its close to home topics, crazy authentic acting and humour. 

4/5

Bridesmaids

UK Release Date: 24th June 2011

Competition between the maid of honor and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride's best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef (www.imdb.com).

Director: Paul Feig (The Heat, Spy)

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Chris O'Dowd

Bridesmaids proves (not that it needs to) that women are just as funny, if not funnier than men. Rudolph Maya's five bridesmaids are boldly colourful. Her oldest friend Annie (Kristen Wiig) is constantly at blows with Rose Byrne's super-rich Helen. Exceedingly raucous and chaotic events take place on the lead up to Maya's wedding. Wiig is the central character to this story, and alongside Melissa McCarthy in her first major role, have the biggest laughs. There are too many strong moments, but if I had to pick two, one would be a scene involving a battle of emotions during an engagement party speech, and the other is Wiig trying to catch the attention of police officer Rhodes (Chris O'Dowd), who's the only real male representative in Bridesmaids. The shoe's on the other foot with Wiig's love-interest O'Dowd, like a gender-swap needed to happen in the big, bad Hollywood. It'll all make sense when you watch this alarming comedy. 

4/5

I Give It a Year

UK Release Date: 8th February 2013

Newlywed couple Nat and Josh are deliriously happy despite their differences, though friends and family aren't convinced that they can last. With their first anniversary approaching and attractive alternatives in the mix, can they last? (www.imdb.com)

Director: Dan Mazer

Starring: Rose Byrne, Rafe Spall, Stephen Merchant, Minnie Driver, Anna Faris, Simon Baker

Some rom-coms can be too formulaic. Not I Give It a Year. Sometimes the lead man is funnier than the lead woman, or vice-versa. This film is chock-full of laughs, mainly stemming from Rafe Spall's stay-at-home, laid back, but often lazy book-writer. Less so for his newly-wed, Rose Byrne, who's an uptight office worker. They clearly don't match, and they obviously have feelings for other people. The gags make IGIAY more than enjoyable, as they're outrageous and often embarrassing. Hats off to the foul-mouthed Minnie Driver who's Bryne's sister, and Stephen Merchant, Rafe Spall's misogynistic best friend. The American love-interest Anna Faris and Simon Baker fair less well, but happen to be involved in two of three best scenes of the film. 

3.5/5

The Danish Girl

UK Release Date: 1st January 2016

A fictitious love story loosely inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer (www.imdb.com).

Director: Tom Hooper (The Damned United, The King's Speech, Les Miserables)

Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Amber Heard, Ben Wishaw, Matthias Schoenaerts

Tom Hooper is the master at covering either very grand or very taboo subjects. The Danish Girl is his most daring project yet. I'll admit I went in to this screening mildly narrow minded, and left more open to a matter I clearly know nothing about. Eddie Redmayne, who won the Oscar for The Theory of Everything last year, looks like a contender again this year for his transitional role. At first it's the mere touch of women's clothing that alerts his feelings, but that soon turns to dressing up and being someone, that in his mind, he knows he is: a woman named Lili. Although Redmayne's acting is tremendous, an award is more deserving of Alicia Vikander, who plays Redmayne's wife. The Danish Girl shows just as much her anguish, and acceptance, and the effect it has on their marriage, as it does Einar's/Lily's. The daring subject of this film may not be for everyone, but it'll certainly touch the hearts of those who do see it. 

3.5/5

X+Y (A Brilliant Young Mind)

UK Release Date: 13th March 2015

A socially awkward teenage math prodigy finds new confidence and new friendships when he lands a spot on the British squad at the International Mathematics Olympiad (www.imdb.com).

Director: Morgan Matthews 

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Jo Yang

X+Y is quite simply a beautiful film. First time director Morgan Matthews focuses on a child growing up with difficulties. Asa Butterfield's mathematics expert Nathan goes through troubles no kid should. His autism is touched upon often, but regardless of it, Nathan's story main stance is childhood issues. Being accepted is one, talking to girls is the other. What's so majestic about X+Y is how it encompasses the lives of those close to Nathan, especially his mother, Sally Hawkins, and mentor Rafe Spall, who suffers with multiple sclerosis. Both are superb, as is Asa Butterfield. It's a such a relief that X+Y follows its own path and not the outcome I expected of it.

4/5

The Holiday

UK Release Date: 8th December 2006

Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love (www.imdb.com).

Director: Nancy Meyers (Parent Trap, What Women Want, Something's Gotta Give)

Starring: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach

The Holiday is a romantic-comedy that's immensely gushy, with a thick layer of cheese. But that's ok, because it works. Yes it envisages a love that's almost circumstantially impossible. It's absurdness that's at least sweet and warm. Two women, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, decide to house-swap for two weeks over the Christmas period. One's in L.A., the other in Surrey (wow, what a comparison). There they meet their retrospective partners. The four main characters, including the charming Jack Black and Jude Law, are very well developed, making it easy to feel their emotions. Regardless of the outcome (and that's easy to grasp from the off), I want things to work out for them. If anything it was nice to see Jack Black in a completely different role to what he's comfortable with, which probably explains why he's so awkward throughout. The Holiday, as much as it's aimed at a certain gender type, can be for all if you just want it to be.

3.5/5

Fantastic Four (2015)

UK Release Date: 6th August 2015

Four young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The four must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy (www.imdb.com).

Director: Josh Trank (Chronicle)

Starring: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, Michael B. Jordan, Toby Kebbell, Reg E. Cathey, Tim Blake Nelson

Fantastic Four, Marvel's 2nd film of 2015 (but not tying in with the MCU), is a remake that comes ten years after the F4 with Chris Evans. This time, Miles Teller leads the team alongside Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Michael B. Jordan. All are young actors who're breaking and defining the Hollywood scene, some a tad more so than the others. Marvel hasn't yet disappointed me as a superhero fan, until now. This is an origin story, focusing around 90% of its time on getting to know the characters and how they got their powers. The remainder of time goes to the mediocre villain. A younger audience may still enjoy this, but for me, it dulled around the half way mark. It pains me to say this, as I believed Marvel Studios could do no wrong. FF's characters lack flare, even when they become 'fantastic'. 

2/5

Burnt

UK Release: 6th November 2015

Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) is a chef who destroyed his career with drugs and diva behavior. He cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can gain three Michelin stars (www.imdb.com).

Director: John Wells (The Company Men) 

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Daniel Bruhl, Oma Sy, Emma Thompson

Critics have panned Burnt, and, after watching it, I can see why. The biggest reason; Bradley Cooper's Adam Jones is an absolute jerk, and I mean Gordon Ramsey, 'I don't give a toss about anyone' kind of jerk. Burnt, which was originally titled Chef, is difficult to watch because its leading character is incredibly unlikeable. Try and stick with it though, as Burnt really develops into an appetising drama, with a hot twist and some fulfilling characters. One thing it won't do, is make you hungry. 

3/5

A Walk in the Woods

UK Release Date: 18th September 2015

After spending two decades in England, Bill Bryson returns to the U.S., where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends (www.imdb.com).

Director: Ken Kwapis (Big Miracle)

Starring: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson

A Walk in the Woods was a project that started when Robert Redford and the dearly departed Paul Newman were connected to Bryson's book in the 90's. Bill Bryson was 44 when he made his expedition along the Appalachian Trail with Stephen Katz (Nick Nolte). Redford and the added Nolte are in their 70's, so A Walk in the Woods is more of an 'inspired by even' story than a true account. Redford and Nolte exchange blows; their personalities different, rubbing like chalk and cheese. Unfortunately this film's forgettable even if it's frequently endearing. Even though they're following a trail with an end goal, AWITW ends all too abruptly. 

2.5/5

Panic Room

UK Release Date: 3rd May 2002

A divorced woman and her diabetic daughter take refuge in their newly-purchased house's safe room, when three men break-in, searching for a missing fortune (www.imdb.com).

Director: David Fincher (Alien 3, Se7en, Fight Club)

Starring: Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker, Jared Leto 

Panic Room is not one of David Fincher's best. But that doesn't mean it's bad. Foster and Stewart are an impressive pairing as mother and daughter, breaking out of the usual female's 'damsel in distress' situation. Forest Whitaker and Jared Leto are two of the three burglar-villains set on stealing money hidden in Foster's new home's panic room, which is where mother and daughter have taken base. Both parties use their heads rather than their resources to resolve their conflicts. Panic Room is a little on the predictable side, but extremely tense throughout. It's not one of those films you can flick in and out of, as it had me grabbed by the privates, from the moment the burglars enter the house. 

3.5/5

Superbad

UK Release Date: 14th September 2007

Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry (www.imdb.com).

Director: Greg Mottola

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Emma Stone, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader

Superbad features Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader and Emma Stone, all of which are pushed to the front of the American-movie-comedy scene. Superbad is a comedy that's lewd and crude, following three high-schoolers on their quest to get booze for a party, just so they can hook up with girls. Crazy events befall the trio. Most of their antics are ludicrous, but they are hilarious. There are no stand-out performances (apart from McLovin), just consistent ones. Superbad's the type of story worthy of a sequel, as long as the script's right.  

4/5

Big

UK Release Date: 21st October 1988

When a boy wishes to be big at a magic wish machine, he wakes up the next morning and finds himself in an adult body (www.imdb.com).

Director: Penny Marshall

Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia

Big is the ultimate classic, feel-good, relaxing, stress-free movie. I literally cannot say a bad word about it Tom Hanks', in his early 30's, plays a 13 year old whose wish to be bigger is answered. Hanks is pure delight, capturing a young heart in an adult's form with ease. Big is outrageously funny, even when it's not trying to be, all thanks to Hanks. The idea of a boy becoming an adult overnight is a little odd, a tiny bit misconstrued, but never, ever, breaks my disbelief. The most beautiful point about Big is seeing a boy wish he was older, but wanting to keep his innocence at the same time. Stand out moments: when Hank's in a hotel room in the scary Big Apple, petrified of the noises around him, and another at a dinner party, testing out fanciful food. Priceless on all accounts. 

4.5/5