"American Reunion"

The boys and girls are back for their School Reunion, and as ever the antics come at the screen thick and fast.

It is the first time that the original cast from the first movie have all gotten back together, and it makes for an enjoyable film. I was not a major fan of the two sequels, but seeing the likes of Jim, Oz, Finch and Sifler all back together was too tempting.

For a comedy it is not high on laughs, and it is not as crude as some of the previous movies, though that being said, what is nice is seeing them all come together for their Reunion, which this viewer can relate to, having organsied a small reunion himself.

 If you are looking for a movie to match the standards set by the first three films then you may come away disappointed....6 out of 10

"Salmon Fishing In The Yemen"

Another best selling novel hits the big screen, with this tale of a rich Arab, who has discovered his love of Salmon fishing whilst on holiday in the UK. He feels that with enough of his own finances, and the resources of the fishing experts of the UK, he can fulfil his dream of being able to Salmon fish in his own back yard...literally.

Here arrives Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor playing Harriet and Alfred, the UK experts given the task of realising the dream of the Arab Prince, and then putting it into practice. Alfred is reluctant to have any involvement in the ludicrous scheme, but eventually he changes his mind, and gets fully involved, especially when he forms a stronger friendship with Harriet. They both are suffering with relationship issues, Alfred is constantly at odds with his wife, as they never seem to spend more than a few hours in each others company. And poor Harriet has just met the man of her dreams, when he has to go off to Afghanistan to fight for Queen and Country, and after being there only a few weeks is missing presumed dead.

The scheme is deemed proposterous at first, but then with a little persuasion from the Government, it is looked into, and could be possible. The UK ministers are keen to further relationships with the Arab Prince. The Government is mainly represented by Patricia Maxwell, a no nonsense Minister who scares the bejesus out of anyone who comes within a five mile radius of her.
The Prince does have his problems however, as some dissidents in his country object to him spending millions just to enjoy fishing when others in his country are poor. They take matters into their own hands.

The affection between Alfred and Harriet grows stronger, that is until, Harriet's boyfriend returns from Afghanistan alive and well, and the all conquering hero. Cue Patricia Maxwell and hordes of reporters. Will Alfred and Harriet live happily ever after? Will she go back to Blighty with her military man?

All in all it is a nice enjoyable film, it will not win any major awards, but given some of the dross that I have had to endure recently, it makes for a refreshing change. Despite nice performances from both McGregor and Blunt, it is Kristen Scott Thomas as no nonsense Maxwell who steals the show. Her performance in fantastic, and highly amusing.

A nice little distraction from the mundane business of life.......6 out of 10

"Silent House"

Something of a rarity is this latest film, a thriller shot in real time, alledgedly in one continuous take. A young woman goes to visit a family house, out in the sticks, before it is put on the market with her Father and Uncle.
After only being there a few minutes, strange things start to happen. She sees figures lurking, and all three members of the family are attacked. All does eventually become clear as to what the cause is...but quite frankly you will find that you do not give a flying f**k by the end of it.
The slogan of the film is "Real Fear....In Real Time". Well the real fear is how the hell this film was commissioned, as it will almost certainly be in my Top Ten of the worst films of the year.

Elizabeth Olsen gives an absolutely dire performance in the lead role. She does nothing for the argument of stronger roles for women, quite the opposite in fact.
The main selling of the film has been that it was shot in one take.....what utter crap. It is quite clear that the film was shot in segments and then edited to give the appearance of a one take film. Even a novice could spot where the edits are made...

A silent cinema more like, due to empty seats......3 out of 10

"Mirror, Mirror"

Whether it be Asteroid movies, or volcano movies or even movies about 'Snow White', they are like buses, you don't get one for ages, and then two come along at the same time.
But first to the posts is "Mirror, Mirror" as this children's classic is retold for the Cinema Screen.

It is the traditional story for the most part, with the odd tweak and alteration here and there. Yes there are 'giant' dwarves in the film, a talking mirror, Prince Charming, all the key ingredients that made the book such a classic, alas the same cannot be said for the film.

Wicked Julia Roberts' Evil Queen is doing her best to make life sheer hell for Snow White. Both encounter Prince Charming, and have the hope of making him their own. One of them will be unlucky.The local town folk are starving, and in the woods near the castle live not only the thieving dwarves but also a monsterous beast.
The main difference with this film version is that Snow White does not spend a good portion of the latter part of the film asleep, waiting for a kiss from Prince Charming, she is more of a kick ass type of girl, and it is she giving the kiss to Prince Charming to break him from a spell.

Does everyone live happily after?  Well sadly not for this viewer. as the film was bland, dull, boring, and poorly made. The saving grace was a beautiful Julia Roberts clearly having a blast as the Evil Queen. Lily Collins was just about tolerable as Snow White, Nathan Lane was woefully underused, and given some below par material to work with. And the less said about Armie Hammer the better, as he has to rank as the most useless, one dimensional uncharming Prince Charming in movie history.
The colourful costumes were beautiful to look at, and a testament to the great work of the late Oscar winner Eiko Ishioka.

Mirror mirror on the wall, will I enjoy this film at all?.......am afraid not........4 out of 10

"The Hunger Games"

The best selling novel has now become a major film event...

There has been quite a build up to this film release. The story concerns the future, and a planet seperated into districts. Every year each district, of which there are 12, has to submit a boy and girl to complete in the Annual Huger Games. Sounds like a rather grand and prestigious tournament. There is however a downside, out of the 24 contestants taking part in the event, there can be only one winner. or rather there can be only one survivor.

District 12 is ranked as a low outsider, having little success in the previous Games. But they could be on to a winner this year, as the female contestant is Katniss Everdeen. A bit of a wild card, a loner, she and her younger sister are both possible contenders for District 12, and when her young sister is selected, Katniss offers herself as tribute rather than have her sister take part.
All the contestants are taken to the main city, where they can train, learn skills, and also interact with potential sponsors, who can help out when the Games are running.

There is major flaw with the film, in that like "The Cabin in the Woods", the creative behind involved with making the Games enjoyable for the viewers, are able to turn the tables on the contestants whenever they want, I suppose they have to give the viewers a reason to keep watching, but when the contestants are working so hard, it is rather like a slap in the face for all their hard work.
There is the usual bunch of contestants, the alpha male, there is a love interest for Katniss, those who help, and those who hinder.

Ultimately it is a rather bland effort, nothing to majorly say wow to. After the credits rolled, all I could think was "Is that it"?
Another major negative point is the photography. I would advise against anyone sitting on the first say 30 rows of seats at the cinema, as it may induce vomitting. With this kind of documentary style photography, and constant shaking, it is difficult for one to focus and enjoy what is on screen. And who is the guilty party? None other than Tom Stern, who has photographed some truly great films, many under the Direction of Clint Eastwood. As to where he went badly wrong here, I can only sumise the Director was at fault.
The only major plus is a scene stealing Stanley Tucci as 'Caeser Flickerman', a kind of Michael Parkinson for The Hunger Games. Great fun performance from a great actor, a rare delight in this film.

The Hunger Games failed to deliver on so much promise......6 out of 10

"Titanic"

Returning to the Big Screen is one of the biggest Box Office hits of all time. Namely James Cameron's multi Oscar winning "Titanic".

Will just recap the story....the White Star Line has its latest luxury liner about to set sail. On board are Rose and Jack, two people who could not be any further apart if you tried. Yet somehow their worlds coming crashing together, and they become attracted to one another, despite that Rose is engaged to be married.
Also on board the luxury ship is an assortment of people from all walks of life, from the rich to the lower classes. All completely unaware of that tragedy that is about to befall them all.

The story between Jack and Rose does rather detract from the tragedy that befalls the other 2,000 or so passengers on board. They get the occasional bit of side story, but ultimatelty this is about them, and lets face it, they are fictional as well. Their story of making each day count is all very nice, but there are more moving stories to tell, and stories that are very real.

The story am afraid, as is often the case with a Cameron film is a tad bland, the lead characters are ok, but it has all been done before, and frankly a lot better. By far the worst character is 'Cal Hockley' played by Billy Zane, such dreadful writing, he is barely one dimensional, and the acting is dreadful. He is quite like a Pantomime villain, you expect him to start twirling on a large moustache, and cackling to himself.

One thing that you cannot argue with is the technical side of the film, the recreation of the ship, the costumes, the visual effects, all are of a first class standard, and were worthy Oscar winners. I do have a problem with "Titanic" winning Best Picture, personally I still think it should have gone to "L.A. Confidential".

Onto the 3D aspect, something that I have been very critical of. I have problems enjoying films shot in 3D, let alone 2D films which have been converted, like this one.
There was however one major change with this 3D viewing, namely that one saw it on an IMAX screen. Now whether it is the IMAX aspect or not I am not sure, but this was a very good 3D experience, not the best, but for a conversion was very good. There is hope yet.

Nice to re-experience"Titanic".....and the IMAX was superior.......8 out of 10

"The Cabin In The Woods"

A group of young people head off into the woods to find a nice deserted cabin to spend some quality time together. There are the usual characters, the geek, the sports jock, the token girls to excite the male members of the audience. There is also the local red neck hill-billie type warning them of impending doom. Sounds all too familiar.

All the regular ingredients are there, but with one added extra. The film opens in a huge complex, and we see accomplished actors like Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford in white coats, looking over a huge bank of television screens.
I suppose one might say that it is "Big Brother" the next level, but there is still more to the story.

When the teeny boppers arrive at their venue, they find it quite accomodating....that is until the Zombies arrive to start terrorising them. Soon the group are being picked off, one at a time.
Back in the complex, it seems that it is more than just an extreme version of B.B. taking place. And that a greater evil is at work. I won't reveal anymore about that, incase anyone who watches this film, might actually find it enjoyable.

My biggest fault with the film is if you do want to terrorise a group of young people with Zombies then at least allow them a sporting chance. It makes it so much more enjoyable for the viewer.
There is very little I can think of to commend about the movie, the final few scenes are ok, but to be honest by that time, the damage has been done, and you really don't give a sh*t.

And for the love of God, PLEASE will someone get Sigourney Weaver a new Agent, and give the  lady a chance of appearing in some decent films, as the poor dear is turning into a joke.

Don't believe the poster....for it lies......3 out of 10