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