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Reviews
Risky Business
Kashif Ahmed, 07/03/2010
Overrated 'Preppy Youth Going Off The Rails' comedy-drama with a star making performance by Tom Cruise as college bound Joel Goodsen; ever the good son, Joel is left home alone for a weekend, and promptly avails that opportunity to do all the things he shouldn't. 'Risky Business' isn't a particularly great film but the manner in which madcap humour is used to lacquer what's essentially a dark and brooding meditation on American culture and capitalism, has to be commended. Tom Cruise was already quite a big name in 1983; having won plaudits for 'TAPS' (1981), 'All The Right Moves' (1982) and 'The Outsiders' (1983) but it was his inexplicably iconic shimmying around the house in his underpants with a bottle of booze and wearing Ray Bans, that earmarked him for international stardom.

Rebecca De Mornay co-stars as Lana; the hooker-with-a-heart-of-stone whose either A) a manipulative shrew or B) a business savvy working girl, needless to say, the relationship between her and Joel forms a fascinating, sometimes funny and often disturbing dynamic. 'Risky Business' is no 'Billy Liar' (1963) and nor is it on a par with 'The Graduate' (1967) but writer / director Paul Brickman succeeds in steering his movie towards the satirical and introspective, rather than the vacuous or nonsensical.

Tom Cruise, a complex and highly driven eccentric, is one of the most misunderstood artists of our generation; whose turned in some excellent performances over the years in 'Born On The Fourth Of July', 'Rain Ma', 'Magnolia', 'Minority Report', 'Collateral', 'The Last Samurai' and yes, even 'Top Gun'. 'Risky Business' is worth seeing for Cruise; who holds it all together and coveys the flaws and nuances of his character with the discipline of an actor well beyond his years (he was 20 at the time), not the classic it's made out to be, but a fairly good movie nonetheless.
The Hurt Locker
Kashif Ahmed, 07/03/2010
In a career spanning over 20 years, director Kathryn Bigelow has made one great film ('Point Break') and an enjoyable cult vampire movie ('Near Dark'). But 'The Hurt Locker' or 'Iraq: The Video Game', is cringe worthy, Zionist drivel. Its banal spiel touts the lie that war is fun and without consequence for the invaders: a viable alternative to the tedium of U.S. suburban life. It follows the exploits of an occupation bomb disposal unit in Iraq complete with cut out military caricatures like the reckless maverick, the straight laced soldier and the guys who'd like to get back home to their gals. 'The Hurt Locker' leaves no cliché unturned in its bid for a total whitewash and doesn't even drive past 'Abu Ghraib' should the mere sight of it remind an audience of Uncle Sam and Saul's unspeakable crimes. Screenwriter Mark Boal, an embedded (i.e. pointless) journalist for 'Playboy' magazine (you couldn't make this up) churns out a script which rings hollow at every turn, for I seriously doubt any patriotic Iraqi would have ever uttered the line: "I am very pleased to see CIA in my home".

'Harsh Times' and 'Redacted' are the only recent American films about war to have come close to accurately depicting the perverse paradigm of an occupying power in its death throes. Alas, the former is still very underrated (despite an excellent performance by Christian Bale) whilst the latter was censored and suppressed by the U.S. government but did well on DVD. The simple fact is that we'll probably have to wait at least five years after the conflict before any serious Iraq war film is made; I don't know who'll direct such a film or from which country it'll originate but I can say with some confidence that 'The Hurt Locker' certainly isn't that film. Don't believe the hype.


In the interests of balance, it's only fair that I mention that Kathryn Bigelow recently issued the following statement: "I hope that in some small way this film can begin a debate and bring closure to this conflict".
The Pursuit Of Happyness
Thomas, 01/03/2010
The pursuit of happiness is based upon the true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a San Francisco salesman trying to do what is best for his family. After investing his life savings into a 'Bone density scanner' Chris thought he had the world at his feet, little did he know that the costs of the machines, strongly outweighed the benefits, meaning he was struggling to support his family. When his wife walks out on him, Chris is left with his son (played by Will Smith' real life son) he embarks on a journey, based on hurdles, pride and his dream to pursue happiness.

When walking home from work one day, Chris spots a man getting out of his car to go to work, and sais "I've got two questions for you, what do you do? And how do you do it" the man replies "I'm a stock broker". This short conversation sets up the whole film. With Chris' strong maths ability, and his ability to convince people, he decides to apply for an internship. Throughout the film, Chris has to hurdle lots of obstacles, from losing his flat, to losing a friend, to being arrested and finally running out of money. One particular scene that stands out involves them sleeping the night in a toilet, located in the tube. When Chris begins to cry, even the strongest of viewers would find it hard to resist the inevitable tear drops.

It is without a doubt, one of Will Smiths' finest performance, he does a magnificent job portraying such a heroic character, he is very convincing, and he is ultimately what makes the whole story believable. The story is told extremely well, it explains everything with the finest detail; it even gives a reason for why happiness is spelt wrong in the title. Part of the reason the story is well told, is the real Chris Gardner was involved with the whole production, meaning the story could be as true to life as possible. He even makes a cameo appearance at the very end of the film.

The film is very inspiring, it not only provides valuable lessons, but is a 'feel good' film. It will no doubt change viewer's perspective on life, and challenge them, to challenge themselves.
2012
James Barham, 28/02/2010
Roland Emmerich, the man who brought us "Independence Day" and "The Day After Tomorrow", brings us yet another disaster movie that completely blows all of his previous disaster films out of the water, CGI wise. This films CGI really does make his other movies look tame in comparison, but you can't rate a movie solely on its look and technological achievements (Avatar anyone? Great film, but without that 3D would It have been so popular?), so It does have its flaws.

The film is based on a Mayan prophecy (That the world will end on the 21st of December 2012) and circles around the survival of one man, Jackson Curtis (John Cussack), and the band of people and family that join him. It's not your typical end of the world sci-fi film, as its not aliens blasting the planet to dust, It's the Earth and nature itself that Is the enemy, much like "The Day After Tomorrow".

The film is great, don't get me wrong, but it really could have been executed a bit better. Yes there are some great character moments, some laugh out loud moments and some great plot moments, but beyond those very few moments the film Is basically about the visuals of the world ending, of which are superb. If you want to see the world end In style (On the movie screen of course) then this Is the film to see, because the CGI Is very Impressive and really did give you a sense of realism. But In my view, had the film not had these Impressive CGI scenes, then It would have been a flop, because there're big plot holes, the characters get out of danger over and over again, danger that no normal human could escape, and these escapes become quite repetitive as they're In a car, then a plane, a car again and then again. The film is great If you want some popcorn munching action, but other than action and CGI this film really doesn't have all that much else to offer.

The other good side to this film Is Woody Harrelson playing a nut radio presenter who tells the world of his end of days theories, and he provides most of the before mentioned short spouts of comedy.

So In short, it's a good CGI fest of a film with good but sometimes unrealistic action sequences, but lacks good character moments, plot and sometimes acting. All In all though, it's well worth a watch and a good addition to anyone's DVD collection.
Marley & Me
Megan Seekings, 27/02/2010
I loved this film when I saw it in the cinema. I heard that it was an adaptation of a book, so I bought the book and didn't regret it; it was a great story of relationships, family and the problems that come between these. I would recommend the film to anyone, it's full of happy moments and memories to be had, and at times it brings sadness and a tear to your eye, but it's worth it to see this amazing film.
;)
Elephant
Barnaby Walter, 27/02/2010
Gus van Sant's cold and disturbing depiction of a Columbine-style school massacre is something of a flawed gem. The jury at Cannes were sufficiently impressed to award it the Palme D'or and Best Director award in 2003. But the film fails, on some levels, to live up to its hype. In the end it's nothing more than a well filmed experimental movie, examining the everyday lives of teenagers, rather than saying anything new about the psychopathic violence they occasionally commit.

One of the weakest aspects of the film comes from the particularly poor performances from the young amateur actors. Some of their dialogue is improvised and sadly it shows, particularly in a group of bitchy teenage girls who argue about who's going out with whom. Having said this, there are some very effective scenes involving the youths, most notably when we discover that the killers, two teenage boys, are involved in a romantic relationship with each other. This is revealed in a subtle and well handled moment of tenderness in a school shower, and adds a potentially new dimension to the story.

But herein lays some further problems. It is suggested that the unhappy murderers are taking revenge for some form of homophobia that has been inflicted upon them by the heterosexual majority of the school. Indeed, there is even an unsettling class discussion about how to spot a gay man walking in the street. But this is an underdeveloped narrative thread that should have been an interesting aspect to the killer's motive, but instead becomes an unconvincing whispered message that dissolves as soon as it has been implied. And as some critics at the time pointed out, there are millions of gay teenagers in the world that don't choose mass slaughter as a way to express their anger against the bigoted members of society.

However, there are some truly remarkable aspects to Elephant. The film feels like an uneasy dream, with the cameras following students around the school and repeating events from different points of view. There are some superbly handled moments of disorientation when a schoolboy (John Robinson) starts to realise what devastation is about to unfold and tries to warn people not to go into the building. Some don't listen to him, and he is left outside, shouting at them to stay away.

The title "Elephant" pays homage to a 1989 BBC drama which presents destructive sectarian violence as "the elephant in the room". It isn't very apparent what problem forms the "elephant" in this film. It could be the rise in school violence, or the dangers of homophobia in the classroom. This is not one of Gus van Sant's best pieces of work, but it's certainly one of his most interesting. It is a shame, therefore, that it fails to follow through on the potent questions and issues it raises.
Mr Arkadin
Adam Addis, 26/02/2010
The 'poor' rating should not be taken as applying to the film itself, but only to this particular presentation of it. Both sound and vision appear to have been processed in a cement-mixer. Also, the Delta logo appears on the screen from time to time, which adds to the annoyance.

The film itself is a typical Orson Welles effort: consistently fascinating, full of brilliant ideas, though occasionally crossing the line into self-indulgence. Very well worth watching, although I'd strongly advise paying more for a different presentation. (Any other version will probably be better than this one.)
Star Trek - Enterprise - Series 4 - Complete
James Barham, 25/02/2010
Enterprise was a very underrated but superb show and really was a great addition to the Star Trek universe. Some may still disagree; yes it wasn't always the Trek we were so used to, but it is Trek nonetheless and deserves credit for trying to be different, bolder and younger than the other series.

OK, there are many people who didn't like Enterprise, but those that did, know what I'm talking about because the show really did improve year on year, and we saw some great writing and episodes especially in season four - the season where the show hit its stride but was sadly cancelled. Many people gave up on Enterprise right from the word go, and some just lost Interest, simply put it wasn't given a chance when it was on the box. Now it's over and slim-line boxsets are available at really great bargain prices, people are now watching Enterprise and seeing what a great show it turned out to be. Many Trek fans complain about there being no more Trek on the telly at the moment, but had they tuned in to Enterprise there would no doubt be new Trek running on the box right now. However, had Enterprise not been cancelled we would not have got to see the amazing new Star Trek movie. I want more Trek on the telly as much as any fan, but I do think, In some small way, that there being no Trek on the small screen at the moment Is because of some peoples dislike of Enterprise. I'm glad however that some Trek fans are changing their minds about Enterprise, I just wish they would have changed their minds sooner, and got Enterprise back on track.

Season four continues right from where the season three finale left us, and we get an amazing World War story, where the Germans are allied with Aliens from the Temporal Cold War (Future War), thus changing history and leaving Enterprise to sort out the mess. That crew and ship really did go from one epic mission after the other. Watch season three, its awesome if you like a good Space war type story and dog fighting in space etc, but that's not all that season was about by no means. If you're a Trek fan you'll know that the best stories are those that avoid war and try to reflect common Issues of today and resolving them In the future, and those episodes where we see the truly extraordinary and alien from exploring those strange new worlds. Season four of Enterprise had some fantastic stories, and had the show been doing stories like these from the start, I think we'd have got our traditional seven seasons easily. The season barely had any stand alone episodes, as most were two or three part arc stories, of which were amazing as they tied into other Trek series. One three part episode shows us the origins of Data's (TNG) creation, a story about Augments (Genetically enhanced humans) of which ties Into the Khan story and the eugenics wars. Another story shows us the reason behind the Klingons lack of cranial ridges in the original series, of which is a fantastic episode. You got a two part story set in an alternate universe, the same alternate universe that is seen in the original series and DS9. And In many episodes there are subtle little references to listen out for, such as the section 31 reference in the klingon back story episodes. We also get to see a great three partner involving the Andorians, a great story involving the Romulans and even the Vulcans get a great three partner. This season was Impressive, and had there been a fifth season I'm sure the Romulans would have shown up a lot more, because we have still yet to see the much talked about Romulan and Human war. And the finale, ok It wasn't a masterpiece, but It did manage to tie up a fair few loose ends, and It gave some sort of closure, but It wasn't really the ending we all wanted, but I do give out my hat to the writers of that episode, because they had to end a show early, a show that should have had another three seasons In It.

Enterprise Is fantastic, and If you're gonna buy one season only, or a season to test out the show, then get this because It has It all: great characters, great stories, great effects and It's just great Trek. Go boldly where not all Trek fans went and watch Enterprise, because it really is an amazing show.
Zombieland
Matthew Monk, 25/02/2010
I went to see this film at the cinema knowing little about it, but after reading a positive review on it. Little was I to know that I would stumble upon a comedy gem.

The film is about Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) trying to survive 'Zombieland' by following his very wise rules. He aims to get to the aforementioned Columbus to see what has become of his parents. On the way he meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) who isn't one to mess with and the two start travelling together. On the way they find some more 'friends' and there is a Hilarious Cameo which I won't spoil. Overall this film had both a great story with great comedy combined and is well worth a watch.
Law and Order UK: Series 2
Barnaby Walter, 25/02/2010
Law & Order: UK is like a big ball of baffling Television elastic-bands, all tangled together. Is it brilliant? I don't think so. Is it utter rubbish then? Not quite. But strangely, and in a way not privy to normal television viewers, it sort of works, as long as you don't look at the individual strands too closely. It can be frequently ridiculous, but it also has moments of excellence which are hard to shake off. If you get a corker of an episode, you're in for a treat. If you get a poor one, you might as well be in Narnia for all the sense it makes. At the end of one of the bonkers episodes, I end up wondering if the writers pen the scripts using glitter-glue and crepe paper.

If you haven't stumbled across this weird beast on ITV1, here's how it works. The superb Bradley Walsh and photogenic Jamie Bamber investigate crimes in a meticulous manner. When they think they have a case against someone, they check with their boss Harriet Walter who considers their reasoning and does her trademark chewing-on-a-wasp expression before giving them the nod to charge their suspect and hand them over to the CPS. But this is when it all gets a bit silly (and where a potentially great episode starts to become a script-writer's joke). Ben Daniels, as the Prosecuting Barrister, insists on speaking every line as if he's quoting something Latin, Bill Patterson murmurs in the background like a tired old terrier and Freema Agyeman.....ah, dear Freema. She's actually not bad, but the script gives her the most awful, explain-the-plot-while-drinking-coffee lines, and in the end she comes across as the office dim-wit. Even when she's made a breakthrough on a case, her dialogue is so weighted and emotive we feel as if we should clap and give her a sticker. But maybe that's why she's so lovable.

I'll stick with Law & Order: UK for as long as it lasts. But please, writers, please - can you stop representing the Crown Prosecution Service as a hire-for-the-day, go-get-em law team who'll come to the rescue of any grieving family however much it costs them in time or money? In one episode of this second series, the CPS feel sorry for the parents of a dead drug-smuggler after her sleazy boyfriend gets off in court, so they go through all his tax details and business paperwork desperately trying to find something to charge him with. Is this legal? Ethical? A realistic portrayal of how CPS employees spend their time? Who knows. I've stopped caring. After all, it's just television.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (1 Disc)
Chris Minton, 24/02/2010
New Moon...It makes women swoon and men feel inadequate. Thank you Stephenie Meyer...and thank you Chris Weitz...

My friend described this film as 'hunks and chunks' and he was right. The director pounced upon every opportunity for Taylor Lautner and Robert Patterson to whip their shirts off and expose their muscley torsos. Taylor Lautner aka Jacob is about 12 years old, but he's still somehow managed to transform his body into an object of desire for every woman in the world. In the cinema I witnessed a woman of at least 60 years of age audibly groan in pleasure as Jacob revealed his six pack. It's disgusting! I've got food in my fridge that's older than that lad!

All this aside I did actually really enjoy the film...even if it did make me feel like I needed to hit the gym twice a day for the next six months. New Moon was different from Twilight in the sense that it didn't seem to take itself so seriously. It's as if Chris Weitz, the director realised how cheesy and ridiculously corny the stories are and decided to inject a little comedy into the script. I think the director got the balance of comedy and drama just right this time and it beats the first film of the series hands down. It's not so sombre and broody and has a lot more action and humour. Fans of the books and Twilight newbies alike will both love this film. There's something in New Moon for everyone to enjoy...even those of us who don't have a t-shirt that says 'Team Jacob' or 'My boyfriends a vampire'. Oh and you don't need a Twilight duvet cover either...that's a step too far...

Verdict: Good film. Soft porn for the ladies. A bit of vampire violence for the lads. Everyone's a winner!
The Time Traveller's Wife
Kashif Ahmed, 24/02/2010
Intriguing, if schmaltzy, adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger's 2003 bestseller, first off; I've not read the book thus don't have the literary touchstone from which to draw comparisons. But as a standalone film; 'The Time Traveller's Wife' is an entertaining and well paced romantic sci-fi, albeit with the emphasis on romance rather than sci-fi: More 'Meet Joe Black' and 'Big Fish' than 'Back To The Future' or 'Frequency' whilst some may also liken it's time-shift age gap themes to 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button' (Brad Pitt was once set to star but opts for a producer's credit instead). Henry (a blank but believable Eric Bana) is the time traveller, Clare (Rachel McAdams) is his wife; they've met at various points in time at different ages, are desperately in love and struggle to meet the challenges of Henry's fantastic, if uncontrollable, ability.

Now they're using 'The Terminator' method of time travel here, the one that rudely robs the passenger of all their clothes, and no; gentlemen, Rachel McAdams doesn't get to time travel in this movie so forget about it! It's actually quite a rubbish power, as anything could trigger it off and away Henry goes; bouncing through time in the nude unable to change anything but constantly struggling to avoid hypothermia or slumming it for some threads. Director Robert Schwentke, whose previous efforts include forgettable action thriller 'Flight Plan', keeps the movie on course but decides to rush things towards the end, it also seems as if editor Thom Noble went cut happy on the 'Avid' and deleted a little too much footage which is often a no-win situation: For on one hand it ups the pace, which is good, but in doing so you lose potential character development. Personally, I felt they were holding back; I'd like to see 'TTTW' remade by Davids Lynch or Cronenberg and starring Jeremy Irons or Daniel Day Lewis, for this film didn't explore all the potentially disturbing and interesting possibilities that could arise from such a power. Bana and McAdams make a convincing onscreen couple and their journey is similar to the one taken by Robin Williams and Annabella Sciorra's characters in 'What Dreams May Come'. 'The Time Traveller's Wife' is by no means a classic and I doubt I'll see it again, but the ladies will weep, the lads will occasionally glance at their watches though no one ought to be offended or bored for there's nothing terribly wrong with this movie at all, that said, there's nothing particularly great about it either. Worth watching for its commendably old-fashioned love story, a small role by the legend that is Ron 'Office Space' Livingston and some genuinely good, mind-bending narrative twists. Not bad, could've been better.
Torchwood - The Collection
James Barham, 24/02/2010
"Torchwood: outside the government, beyond the police. Fighting for the future on behalf of the human race. The 21st Century is when everything changes. And Torchwood is ready."

Captain Jack (John Barrowman) is back, and back for good, literally, as he can't die. And that is all thanks to a little help from Rose (Billie Piper) and the TARDIS in the father show Doctor Who.

The show has grown year after year, with the stories becoming better and better, more engaging and darker. Torchwood is a much loved spin off of the hugely popular Doctor Who, and shows us the sides to the Doctor Who universe that can't be shown before nine o'clock at night, unless edited of course.

The first season sets the premise and the story up really well, giving us characters we can all connect with, and stories that we won't forget in a hurry. The premise of the show is that there is a rift of time and space flowing through Cardiff, and Torchwood is there to pick up the pieces of what comes through that rift, whether It be new technology or aliens, they are there to hold down the line. The first episode shows us a character we can really connect with, Gwen (Eve Myles), as she is leading a normal life with a normal job as a police officer, but she finds herself thrown into the world of Torchwood, and like me I wouldn't leave, so we see the beginning of this show through her, through our minds eye. The show does link into Doctor Who very well, with species such as the Cybermen appearing, but you don't necessarily have to watch Doctor Who or be a fan to watch this superb show.

Season two really cranked things up a gear, with even more engaging stories, great character building and more heart wrenching and surprising moments. This season had it all, from a recurring villain (James Marsters) to mind altering aliens, and from a human eating shapeshifter to a large whale like life form, it truly was impressive. And we even get to see Martha (Freema Agyeman) in all her glory once again.

Season three (Children of Earth) was truly a masterpiece, and really showed off what Torchwood could do. The season was a five part mini-series, with each episode being shown consecutively each day over the period of one week, which made for some great television. The show has been a massive success, starting on BBC3, then moving to BBC2, and then moving to BBC1 which gave the show what it deserves, a seat at the top of the tower so that it can be seen by all. The ratings for this season basically tripled, and for those that couldn't watch every night, they recorded it as it was a must see. The season shows us the threat of the 456, who want to take our children and use them for their own twisted means, but watch out coz Torchwood are about, and they don't go down without a fight. Every episode left you wanting more, left you with questions that were always quickly answered and resolved, and left you with a better and better cliffhanger every time, just as well the next episode was on the next evening otherwise I would have gone mad whilst waiting to see what happens. This season was the best by far, so role on season four, we're expecting great things and with Torchwood you know you'll get great things.

Every episode is fantastically directed and the show always looks superb, whether that be because of camera work, set designs or special effects, it always has that wow factor. The show also has an exciting soundtrack which adds an extra layer to those heart wrenching moments and action sequences.

Torchwood is something special, and it grows and moves on just like its father show Doctor Who, never does the show get boring or repeat itself.

This is a great sci-fi show, and if you haven't seen it already then you should really give it a go. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Dead Snow
Chris Minton, 23/02/2010
Three babes, a handsome guy, a funny fat dude and two geeks go holidaying in a wooden cabin in an isolated outback region of Norway. They're having a grand old time having snowball fights, sliding around on an inflatable rubber tube and laughing at the funny fat dude's wise cracks and jokes. Then, as I am sure is the experience of many people, they find a load of Nazi gold under the floorboards...perhaps hidden by some bright soul who's never heard of a safe and just tucked it away for a rainy day in case they ever needed a few hundred grand worth of gold for a new exhaust for the car, or some new lenses for their specs or something of the like! After a midnight visit and a tall yarn from a crazy old dude (who for some reason is taking a stroll in the pitch black in the middle of nowhere) the cabin is besieged by zombies. Maybe this motley crew could have handled ordinary zombies but these ones are Nazi zombies who have the added bonus of military training (and they lost the war so they're not in the best of moods). What ensues is a cavalcade of calamities as the group try to stay alive in the most comic ways the writers could imagine. They try ringing the police but strangely the law don't seem convinced by their tale of woe. Molotov cocktails seem like a neat idea until they set the cabin on fire. Oh well there's always that chainsaw conveniently stored in the shed next door.

My favourite scene saw the fat dude paying a visit to the outside karzy to 'drop the kids off at the pool'. He's halfway through his business when one of the babes unexplainably bursts in and has relations with him right there on the toilet. Classic.

A close second sees one of the geeks get his arm bitten by a very angry zombie. He thinks he's going to be transformed into the living dead and so naturally he needs to chainsaw his own arm off to counteract this impending misfortune. By the look on his face it smarted a little.

Dead Snow is an incredibly enjoyable comedy horror. It's not very scary (unless your five years old...and then you shouldn't be watching it anyway) but it is funny. Recommended for military minded zombie fans with a sense of humour, who like their sex scenes on the toilet. An adequate description of a great many people I'm sure...but not positive.
Death Proof
Chris Minton, 23/02/2010
Death Proof is my favourite Tarantino movie to date. I feel really shocked to have written that last sentence but amazingly it's the truth! The film shown as a Grindhouse double bill alongside Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror flopped big time at the box office when originally released in cinemas. Why? I have no idea...maybe people just didn't like the idea of the Grindhouse double bill clocking in at nearly 3 and a half hours. The film observes the perverse antics of one Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russel), a murderer who targets young attractive women and kills them with his 'death proof' stunt car. From the start of the movie we are introduced to a group of beautiful women and Tarantino's unparalleled dialogue quickly encourages us to grow fond of each of them as the story develops. It's at this point that Stuntman Mike kills and there's nothing the law can do to stop him. It looks just like an unfortunate road traffic accident and he moves on to another state and another group of gorgeous victims. But this time he's messed with the wrong women! Just like Kill Bill, Death Proof is a story of revenge and female empowerment. You'll feel shock and anger halfway through but satisfaction soon follows as Stuntman Mike gets his just desserts! Awesome dialogue, sublime acting and a jaw dropping car chase with a woman hanging on to the bonnet for dear life! Incredible! 5/5
Made Of Honour
Laura Bowling, 23/02/2010
Made of Honour is a heart warming romantic film. The chemistry between Thomas (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) is electric. You can tell right from the beginning that they are meant to be. The film would be suitable for 12 years and above. But the romantic comedy film will melt everybody's hearts!!
Flesh And Bone
Stuart Donaldson, 21/02/2010
There's little to say about the film that will not give it away cheaply, Dennis Quaid gives an accomplished performance alongside then wife Meg Ryan.
James Caan is menacing in every scene, his performance is one of his better portrayals.
I would imagine the bleakness of the landscape is to liken to the bleakness of Quaid's character's lifestyle.
Ryan as usual at that time gives a secure performance, assured even.
The story starts 30 years before the main story, an awful multiple murder (of implied violence) to which Quaid's character is witness/accomplice.
The woven tale is rich and full, when the film is over there's an emptiness left. The damaged people in this photoplay do nothing to hide their wounds, some damage others and some get on with it wounded and hurt.
It's an interesting piece with a few actors at their best and bringing a sombre tale to you for a couple of hours.
It is worth a watch and at a price to match postal rental you would own it.
Serenity (Blu-Ray)
Ben Grant, 20/02/2010
Quite simply this film is amazing, it is a follow on from the 'firefly' TV series, but is still strong enough to be a standalone movie. If you are a fan of Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse) you will love the blend of humour bought to this high octane sci-fi adventure.

The characters are amazing and performances are sublime. The film is held together by Nathan Fillion (White Noise 2, Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog) who plays Captain Mal Reynolds, the father figure to the crew, who will stop at no end to protect his crew, his character and performance are a particular highlight and you can't help but love the mixture of badass who can also make you laugh.

I would comfortably give this film 10/10 it is a great watch for any sci-fi, action, adventure genre enthusiasts. But also a great film to watch with friends. If you have never heard of it, well worth a watch.
Rome, Open City
Kashif Ahmed, 20/02/2010
In the tradition of Gillo Pontecorvo's classic 'The Battle Of Algiers', Italian auteur Roberto Rossellini brings us the impressive 'Rome, Open City' a sparse and engaging portrait of resistance in Fascist Italy during World War II. Freedom fighter Giorgio Manfredi (Marcello Pagliero) attempts to evade Gestapo troops with the help of comrade Francesco (Francesco Grandjacquet), his feisty fiancée Pina (Anna Magnani) and partisan priest Don Pietro Pellegrini (Aldo Fabrizi). 'Rome, Open City' was the first film in Rossellini's wartime trilogy along with 'Paisà' and 'Germania Anno Zero', it also restored and set a course for the Italian neo-realist movement, which began in 1943 with director Luchino Visconti's controversial 'Ossessione'. Respected film critic Andre Bazin once defined neo-realism as a genre that "...portrays truth, authenticity and is the cinema of duration" and in that regard, Rosselini's picture ticks all three boxes, though at the same time; there's no denying the experimental nature of the thematic elements being put into place: for Renzo Rossellini's score along with good, but intentionally exaggerated, performances from Harry Feist, Giovanna Galetti and Maria Michi are still firmly rooted in the melodramatic style of the 1930s. 'Rome, Open City' began filming two months after the end of the second world war, so shots of bombed out / bullet ridden buildings, shrapnel littered streets and ramshackle structures give this movie an authentic look that would later inform the documentary visuals of films like 'The Bicycle Thief', 'La Terra Trema' and 'Army Of Shadows'. And though 'The Battle Of Algiers' is the last word on neo-realism, 'Rome, Open City' is an equalling compelling look at how the genre was revived and reinvigorated in post-war Europe.
Gavin And Stacey - Series 1-3 And 2008 Christmas Special
James Barham, 14/02/2010
Whats Occurin'? One of the best TV programmes to come from the BBC, no wait, to come out of England, ever, Is whats occurin'.

The show is lush I tell you, and has received critical acclaim since the very beginning. It is well written by stars James Corden and Ruth Jones, who have managed to effectively create a show, and characters, that improved and evolved year after year. And that is proven by its high ratings and channel ascension, as it started out life on BBC3 and ended up on the one and only BBC1.

I know (In Nessa's voice), It was a very sad day when the news came about that the third series would be the shows last, but I can predict many more one off specials to come, because this show can't end, It's a look at a life we all dream of, that perfect meeting, the perfect coupling, that life that can only move forward Into a new direction. It's a programme that shows you your own life in a way, the way you most likely want it to be or to have been like. The show won't end completely, we haven't seen the last of little Neil Noel Edmund Smith, the show is too popular to be gone for long and will be back at some point in the future, for one it's comedy gold.

The characters are amazing, each one having their own distinct personalities and humour. From Bryns' love of his Picasso and Sat Nav to Nessa's love of Cigarettes, the characters never let you down. Even the subtle and background jokes get you laughing out loud, the shows that good. For example, Nessa requires some batteries, comes back downstairs and makes a remark about not having needed them, she then runs two fingers under the tap and uses a washing up cloth, In use by Gwen, to dry her fingers, a subtle background joke that just tickles you endlessly.

As you go from Barry to Billericay, you will notice how well the episodes are strung together, the humour flows effortlessly and the comedic timing of some of the jokes is Immense.

The show is renound for its smart comedy, and has been rightfully rewarded for its humour several times, but the characters also give you brilliant and touching heartfelt moments, well acted by the likes of Joanna Page and Matthew Horne. The drama is integrated Into the show very well and all comedy related shows could learn a thing or two from Gavin and Stacey.

Gavin and Stacey Is a must buy. If you're after some great comedy then buy it. If you're after a touching story and heartfelt moments look no further and buy it. And if you're looking for a smart, well written and hugely entertaining show, then of course buy It. you will not be disappointed!
The show provides a Barry-full of laugh out loud moments, its Tidy.