Love and other Drugs

When I saw 'Love and Other Drugs' I was extremely impressed. This is a great script that has attained a balance between longevity of narrative, intricate human psychobabble and the right blend of Hollywood drama to make you feel you saw the right film.

Gyllenhaal (Jamie Randall) plays a testosterone-soaked womaniser who has never cared for more than himself. Beguiling the opportunity to make a quick buck, he mouths his way into drug company sales off the batt of audio and television retail success. Jamie becomes so good he assumes a one-on-one professional contact who has permitted him into several patient check-ups. Here Gyllanhaal's eye and charm first discovers Parkinson's sufferer Maggie Murdock (Anne hathaway).

A sexual and awkward relationship eventually transpires after much neuroses and fear (mostly on the part of Murdock-brilliantly played by Hathaway). We also see more nudity from both parties than has been shown in other ventures. but it's worth it.

'Love and Other Drugs' is a lengthy film whose narrative occurs during the era when viagra entered the market in the late 1990s. It portrays the American pharmaceutical industry as a profit-crazed commercial venture that remains absent-minded of patients' woes. Blending enough sympathy with sex, the script delves into the real world of sickness and competently makes statements-without going too far-about the American healthcare system (note Murdock's ventures to Canada to acquire affordable medications for fellow Parkinson's sufferers).

The portrayal of American pharmaceutical company careers as selfish and money-driven is the film's only downfall. Negative references to drug companies may be accurate, but I don't remember seeing majorettes in very short skirts skipping to hip hop at any credible drug company promotions in the real world.

'Love and Other Drugs' is a great film and I highly recommend you see it.

Why Did I Get married To?

'Why Did I Get Married Too' is possibly the best film I have seen in half a year. It is also one of the best scripts. Written, directed, produced and starring Tyler Perry, we are greeted by four African-American couples who have marriage difficulties to one degree or another. Getting away to the Caribbean to 'escape from it all', the comic moments soon turn into drama as the layers of problems unravel. They continue to do so as we follow the four couples home to their everyday lives. Psychologist Patricia (Janet Jackson) plays a key role in the narrative: a psychologist forced to leave her analytic mind on her shrink's chair and enter the real world. Enter she does. Jackson't performance is powerful and wouldn't be surprised if she wins an oscar.

We also follow outrageous Angela (Tasha Smith), Sheila (Jill Scott) and lawyer Diane (Sharon Leal) and the drama encountered in their various lives. 'Why Did I Get Married Too' gives the strongest performances of any script this year. This is an original film that will wil make you laugh and cry; but mostly you will enjoy the drama. Highly recommended.

The Last Exorcism

The Last Exorcism follows Reverand Patrick Faban (Cotton Marcus) and a film crew to Louisiana to investigate the reported possession of Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell). The plot revolves around the fact that Reverand Patrick does not believe in the devil or exorcism and the film crew are along as he shows how he fakes exorcisms in order to bring in much needed cash. This is his 'last exorcism'. Forced to be a preacher as a child in order to be a novelty and hence bring in Church dollars, Reverand Patrick has had enough. He has heard of too many people dying-mostly by strangulation-from exorcism. He can't stand by and see it happen again. Little does he know what is awaiting him.

The Last Exorcism is not as predictable as one might think. In fact, the ending has the biggest twist of all. The film would have gained credibility, however, if it remained in the convincing documentary style of the first twenty minutes. Nell as the innocent victim does not quite add up and the reactions of the crew to supposed events that await them would have convinced any sane person to leave this haunted house immediately. This is a somewhat disparate film at best with no coherent narrative follow through. The very end also renders the fact that it is viewable at all a mystery. You will know what I mean when you watch this enjoyable yet mediocre horror.

The Last Exorcism

Grown Ups

Grown ups is a story about 5 young twelve year olds from 1978 who decide to meet thirty years later following the death of their much-loved highschool coach. As 1978 champions of basketball, these men have a long friendship and strong love for their deceased mentor. With an all star cast including Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Kevin james and Rob Schneider, we follow these 'grown ups' and their families to the lakes where they play catch-up and bond with each other's lives. Directed by Dennis Dugan (Meet the parents), Grown Ups is a tale of little plot and happy families. This is a happy but boring film with little point. Coming from such an established and successful director, I was disappointed with situations and dialogue that at times do not add up. One is not supposed to see points at which cut may have been called by the director and the following piecing together by the editor; but one almost does. This is a mediocre film with all our favourite celebs. Just don't expect to be blown away in any capacity.

Dinner for Schmucks

Dinner for Schmucks introduces us to corporate ambitious Tim (Paul Rudd) and fellow B-rate office trash as the credits start. They watch and gossip about a higher delegate who just lost his job. Enter Tim and his desire to fill some old office shoes.

As Tim (Rudd) finds out he may be on the road to promotion, we find out that when such a situation occurs, the subject has to invite one 'idiot' to dinner to make fun of, as well as all colleagues. Here enters Steve Carell to shine his beacon.

Dinner for Schucks is loaded with scenarios-especially between Carell (Barry) and Rudd-that simply do not work. They are loaded with obvious and ridiculous circumstances that blatantly facilitate Barry's presence around Tim (a person who he just me one day previously) when he should be nowhere near him. There are other ridiculous situations that do not work. Take for example that between Barry and (stalker of Tm) Darla (Lucy Punch) and her interaction with Barry on the first occasion of their meeting.

There are too many stupid lines and characters that do not mould into their dialogue (which could be actors that don't mould their characters-in which case we have bad direction). It is clear that Hollywood is opting for cheap in a recessionary environment. The sets are cheap, the props are cheap and the actors look cheap (note Frank's assistant). Some will laugh, but others, like me, will find it ridiculous and pathetic.

Marmaduke

I had not seen a trailer of Marmaduke before I entered the cinema. I did not know what to expect. I thought, 'oh just another G-rated kids movie', grin and smile for the next two hours and enjoy some of the moments. How wrong I was. As soon as this lovable canine began yapping via the voice of Owen Wilson a large grin came quickly across my face. And it stayed there.

Marmaduke greets us with a typical middle class young family. The father (Lee Pace) works in marketing and has been offered a better job in O.C. land California, working for an organic pet food company. Therein lies the plot sync that his lovable canine sinks into on arrival. We are introduced to a world of talking dogs that inhabit the park of the father's (Phil's) new boss Don Twombley (William H. Macy). While filfilling the prototypical characters that go into a conflictual plot where one side battles against the other, these dogs never lose their charm.

Marmaduke is highly entertaining. Containing an all-star voice-over cast including Keifer Sutherland (Bosco) and Steve Coogan (Raisin), your kids will love it from start to finish-and so will you. Great stuff.

The Expendables

The Expendables studies washed-up, black-souled ex-marines who have known nothing but fighting wars all their life. With an all-star cast including Sly Stallone, Bruce Willis, and the first big screen return since becoming the governator-Arnold Shwarzeneger-we are caught within a simple plot: a fellow American is trying to exploit Mexicans. The expendables are therefore on another mission.

Directed by and starring Stalone, the Expendables is the most cliched, one-liner shoot 'em up of the year. Firmly heterosexual, below intelligent males will wallow in its trash. The rest of us will suffer the cringe-worthy dialogue and in the end be impressed by the action-packed explosives that never seem to stop. My favourite lines include: 'looking for a makeover pretty boy?', and 'Next time I bust all your balls' (after stabbing a fellow American's basketball which lies about his chest as he lays on the ground).

The Expendables is the most violent movie I have seen this year-and that's breaking some records. if you are not susceptible to gore I suggest you leave the cinema now. While its fight scenes and choreographed explosives are genuinely impressive, there are too many times (mostly in the first half) when too many Mexicans (working for the exploiter American) outnumber the Expendibles with too many guns-and yet the Expendables break every bone in their opponents body and possibly sever every artery and muscle along the ways. Sly must think more as a director.

The Expendables is a cliched script and very violent but it is enjoyable for those who enjoy the genre.

Piranha 3D

Piranha 3D is set in the midst of a 'spring break' extravaganza, where young middle class Americans have come to break free from grades and lectures. It's just a shame that underneath them lies a mesolithic lake, covered up for two million years by volcanic determination. Oh, and thousands of killer piranhas have survived all this time by eating each other and now they're about to escape. Do I hear a jaws ripoff? Yes.

I expected Piranha 3D to be outright slapstick. But it isn't-except for its ending. Director Alexandre Aja has turned a thin plot into a film that keeps you engaged. Continuous action and quality performances from Julie Forester (Elizabeth), Jerry O' Connell (Derrick Jones) and Christopher Lloyd (Mr. Goodman) strengthens this teenage romp from the outset. And I do mean romp. The executive producers have clearly gone for the safety net: female nudity and big boobs a-plenty. And it works. All elements survive to ensure that testosterone-filled fifteen year old males will fill cinema seats across the world and ensure a big return on investment.

If you like gore you'll love it. If you like slapstick humour and naked girls you'll like it even more. I enjoyed this film but the ending is its downfall. I would also argue in favour of an 18 rating. Full frontal female nudity usually peaks in around here. Me thinks the producers paid their way into a 16 cert.

Salt

Salt is an action packed spy-thriller conjured up by talented writer Kurt Wimmer. It follows Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), a CIA secret agent. She has been set up as a Russian spy by an unknown agitator. Desperate to find her husband, Salt is on a mission to secure her husband's safety. She is also on a mission to stop a Russian spy from killing the Russian presiden. This information is divulged by the same Russian suspect that matched her name as the name of the Russian spy on her/his way to kill the president of Russia in the first place. Make sense?

Salt is an action-packed thriller that is worth the cinema ticket and entertains to the end. While not packing as much tech savvy as the Bourne series, this script makes up for it in continuous twists. Salt could give jason Bourne a run for his money in the action stakes, however. (Note the scene where Jolie drives a police truck off a bridge to escape). Jolie is great, the stunts are great and fight scenes impressive. Four stars.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

The Sorcerer's Apprentice is another example of recent films that completely took me by surprise. I expected cliched sorcery aplenty. There is something deeply original about this film by producer Jerry Bruchheimer that had me hooked from the start.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice encompasses a scenario involving three of Merlin's (aka ancient medieval wizard's) apprentices from 700 A.D. whose relations with Merlin went awry in different ways. This good against evil history-narrated in the first two minutes of the feature-prepares the way for a contemporary New York that contains the heir of Merlin's bloodline and the only person who can ward off the evil destruction simmering nearby: a nerdy physics major at NYU-Dave (Jay Baruchel). Balthazar (Nicholas Cage) discovers the boy redeemer at long last and engages in a mighty battle against Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina).

The manner in which Director John Turteltaub enraptures medieval characters into the contemporary is quite unique and yet I can't quite describe why i was enraptured. The script dialogue and narrative are very sharp and coherent respectively. I was not cringing at all of this wizardry a la Harry Potter. Perhaps it's because I was surprised by the unexpected scenarios of events that took place-not to mention the spectacular special effects. The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a movie with a narrative where the actors and occurences do not stop from the very beginning.

Its production design is also very smart. The interiors of New York magician Drake Stone (Toby Kebbell-who befriends Maxim Horvath) can best be described as a mix between Buckingham Palace and Studio 54. Action-packed, compelling stuff with astonishing post production. The Sorcerer's Apprentice is an expensive movie and I highly recommend it. Then again my film companion had a completely opposite opinion.

The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid is yet another rehash of a famed Hollywood movie that tries to capitalise on the success of its predecessor and fails. The newest installation greets us with Dre Parker (Jayden Pinkett-Smith-aka son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett) and Jackie Chan (Mr. Han). This time Dre (Pinkett-Smith) arrives with his narrative mother in Hong Kong due to her employment relocation to a car factory in Hong Kong.

Soon we realise there are three threads to this movie: 1) Dre is enamoured by a pretty Chinese school girl who reciprocates his feelings; 2) He is also chased by school bullies who try to make hi life hell; and 3) A growing relationship with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) facilitates the Kung Fu revenge towards the school bullies on Dre's part. The three narratives (which attempt to roll into one) are not cohesive and are badly directed. A good editor would also have halved the waiting time we must undergo before we meet the new mentor for Pinkett-Smith (Perhaps, however, this was the decision of the director).

There are captivating moments in this film and the acting is top notch. jackie Chan is great-as is the extremely talented Pinkett Smith who will have no trouble following in his parents footsteps.

The Karate Kid is a children's movie and will appeal in sensibility to such a demographic. This remains a conscious shift from its previous installation. This is a watchable film but the narrative threads-in pace and sensibility-do not come together to reveal the film structure as a whole. If you want to bring the kids along-by all means-they will love it. if you are trying to relive the 80s hype over the first offering-I advise a serious rain-check.

Knight and day

Knight and day encompasses all the attributes that should make a Hollywood blockbuster great: Cameron Diaz, Tom Cruise and an A-list director. From the time we realise that Diaz (June Havens) is under the fancy of a crazed ex-CIA assassin (Cruise) and that they have many action-packed scenarios to overcome together in this action-packed script, this should be all we need to make this a blockbuster. But it's not convincing. The action scenarios are not a patch on Jason Bourne's thrift-not that they are necessarily meant to be; but when an audience has seen such execution standards a director must keep in mind the level of expectation from his cinema goers. The lack of continued momentum is another issue. Yes we realise that the script contains romantic gaps that fit the love story but it doesn't mean the film needs to lack continued direction. Cruise's acting is another fault. Yes, we know he is Tom Cruise, but an actor that smiles during scenarios he should know not to smile in needs a director to give him a mighty slap across the chops. Perhaps that is the problem. Director James Mangold must push his cast to higher levels (or at least take some tips from William Friedkin). This is a good movie but it could have been pushed to become better. I'm sure it'll still be a hit and I'm sure we'll see more installations if the ending is anything to go by....

The A Team

The A-team is the latest in a long line of Hollywood remakes that appear recession-proof. But forgive me for being so cynical. This adaptation of the hit 1980s TV series is right on the money and up there with the best Hollywood blockbusters. With an all-star cast including Liam Neeson (Hannibal), Bradley Cooper (Face), Quintin 'Rampage' jackson (B.A.), Sharlto Copley (Murdock) and Jessica Biel as the military temptress we are on a course of action-packed lunacy from the soldiers that specialise in the ridiculous. And soldiers they are. As an exclusive force involved in an Iraq war-inspired scenario, the A-Team is action packed. The scenarios of these ridiculous boys are also more clever and unexpected than your average cinema-goer would expect. I'm sure we can expect to see more. Well worth the cinema ticket.

Toy Story 3

It's a well-known fact in screen-writing that Aristotle's 'Poetics' has structured many principles that still remain in Hollywood screenplays to this day. One of these conventions remains making characters bad in order for them to appeal to the masses on a greater level.

There is something dark and classically Aristotelian in this flawless film. But then how could it be otherwise since it is originating from the Spielberg laboratory.

Its constant action is another 'Poetics' convention that makes the script so smooth. In fact, the characters motives and plot points as well as follow on actions and desires are so well interwoven it is not surprising that this has been such a box office hit.

Containing again an all-star cast headed by Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Light Year) and Whoopi Goldberg (Stretch) to name a few, we are now living in an era when Tommy (owner of the toys) is heading for college. Such is the time that has spanned since we were first enthralled by the stunning computer animation of the first installation. However, this time the toys are being moved to a nursery in order to find new children to play with them. It is here that the action begins.

The nursery is the setting for a classic narrative tale where conflict ensues between one side opposing the other. The older boys-lead by Lotso (Ned Beatty)-wish for the new toys to remain in the nursery section where the children most physically tamper with and abuse the toys in order that they may stay in an area occupied by harmless infants.This plot, while grippingly proves Aristotle's theories-grows ever darker and possibly beyond the point of suitable for children.

Toy Story 3 has one of the the best scripts, most polished acting, flawless animation, clear-cut post-production video and audio and best scores of any film you will see this year. Just don't bring children that are easily frightened. Five stars.

The Jones's

The Jones's is a satire on modern consumerism as told through a phony family who work for in marketing in a very empirical sense. Starring Demi Moore and David Duchovny, The Jones's is one of the smartest movies to come out of Hoyllwood this year and has not-in this writer's opinion-received enough credit by far. Duchovny and Moore head a family who mingle in their new community in order to display new products to their 'friends' unconsciously through parties, golfing trips and plain old boring school. With a marketing executive monitoring the sales in the town of each family member, we are encountering a microcosm criticism of the modern American material emphasis through this script by Bork and Tinzler. It is only when Jones' (Duchovny) neighbour commits suicide because he cannot keep up with the expensive items Jones seems to keep purchasing that we realise the inhuman impact material consumption can have when emphasis is put only on consumerism and not the consumer. The plot crumbles for the Jones's following the tragedy. To tell you more is to give the plot away. I did not expect much from this what seemed a run of the milll middle class American comedy-drama. How wrong I was. The Jones's is an original gem and highly recommended.

Inception

Inception is a film about the ability to steal people's thoughts by tapping into their dreams and making it seem the dreams are real to the person having them. Leonardo di Caprio plays the main highjacker of such events. He seeks ro unveil a deadly plot; but in the process unravels that which haunts his subconscious most: the death of his wife. In the midst of this plot, DiCaprio and his colleagues enter further into different dream levels from the previous supposed reality. The fact that each time a dream is entered the seeming time is multiplied many times over so that many days (for example) can happen within a few minutes within the previous layer, which buys much time for DiCaprio and his comrades. The deeper DiCaprio enters into more dream levels the more times with his deceased wife seem real and the more fragile and threatened the entire operation becomes. Inception is a very good film with great performances from all cast. it is also an exceptional script. A lot of time and locations have gone into this movie-not to mention extensive and very skilled post-production effects. Inception is a very good film but it is not The matrix and do not expect to be wowed as such-despite what the hype may tell you; but it is worth a cinema ticket. DiCaprio is-as always-a very good actor. I just long for the day he plays a different part.

Get him to the Greek

Get him to the Greek is a story of sex, drugs and rock n' roll that tries to aspire to greater films in this genre and be funny. Greek is the story of a young music industry employee (Jonan Hill) who tries to resurrect the career of a rock n' roll celebrity (Russel Brand). He does this in order to raise much-needed revenue for the record company he works for. His boss also just happens to be P Diddy. Get Him to The Greek contains poor acting (with the exception perhaps of Jonah Hill), scenarios that do not fit the characters created (take the scenario of Jonah's wife-a sweet doctor-who agrees to a threesome with Hill and Brand) and the script needs to be re-written-with a better plot. The director also needs to hire actors who can act (i.e. not Sean Puffy Combs). Get him to the Greek is a poor film but if you like looking at Russel Brand's chest-be my guest.

Shrek: Forever After

Shrek: Forever After, is sadly the last in the line of some of the funniest animated series (and characters) to come out of Hollywood in recent years. After Shrek2 rivalled the first installation we were let down by the mediocre plot and pranks in the third tale; but Shrek has come to reclaim his throne-at least until Rumple Stiltskin stumbles in. The schemer advances on the chance to change one day in the heir's life. Fatherhood and kingdom responsibilities have become too much for Shrek Shrek: Forever After boasts an all-star cast and the sharpest parodies of our favourite fairy-tale characters yet. With again-stunning 3D computer animation, post-production effects and post-production sound, you are in for a treat fit for a king. You may even cry when you realise it's all over.

Alice In Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is Disney's lates 3D reality-cum-animation offering. It is also the 7th collaboration between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. With an all-star cast including Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathoway and (er) Mia Wasikowska as Alice, Burton adapts this classic tale of dream fantasy in what is Hollywood's latest effort to make well-known super hero and fairytale narratives. For what it'a worth the cinema-going public also seems to be eating them up like-well-a tea party.

So. We have a realiable story-and a reliable collaboration. But do we have a good story? Not really. For the amount of marketing and promotion done for this fim I expected a lot more. No doubt the packed cinema audience of young, pop corn filled faces expected more too. The animation, special effects and art direction are amazing, but the plot vanishes. Wasikowska also stays in the main as the main character. Depp does not outshine her as the mad hatter, as the visual communication in the film's advertising had suggested. Depp acts very well; but he is not nearly as eccentric, show-stealing or funny as I thougt he would be. For a film directed primarily at the under 12's I also rarely heard a young laugh. This is most strange for a Disney film, where at least on outrageous and funny character keeps the younger ones laughing all the while.

The Victorian costumes of the real world depicted at the beginning (and the end) were also a surprise as nothing of this style is communicated in the film's visual marketing either. The all too iron-pressed costumes were not convincing and the stereotype characters portrayed in Alice's real world were the same.

Alice in Wonderland isa disappointment. There are too few characters and the plot is too thin. Its saving grace is the excellent acting of Bonham-Carter, Hathoway and the less animated than he should be Depp. Don't believe the hype.

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones is the latest offering from acclaimed director Peter Jackson. It revolves around the death of its main character Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) by local paeodiphile/child murderer George Harvey (Stanley Tucci). Originally a novel, 'The Lovely Bones' Follows the middle class family of Susie who try to uncover the mystery of her death after she is gone. It is only when her determined father uncovers a photograph taken by his deceased daughter (who incidentally had a passion for photography) of loner neighbour George Harvey that suspicions arise.

'The Lovely' Bones' is meant to represent the sixth-sense feelings we have when a deceased loved one or friend appears to be mystically intervening in our life via interpretive sensal feelings after they have gone. Jackson uncovers the world beyond earthly reality that the ever-present narrator Susie Salmon now inhabits. (We learn that this is the world between earth and heaven the deceased meander around before discovering their destiny). Seemingly a mix between subconscious surrealism and the world of 'Willie Wonka', this world inhabits our aformentioned narrator for the whole film. Her whispering sensualities become increasingly annoying as the plot moves on-especially since we are aware of the protagonist who has killed her from the moment the murder 'mystery' is being unravelled. There is no surprise and there is no suspense. It meanders from drama to
light comedy (mostly through the eccentric alcoholic grandmother of Susie, played by Susan Sarandon), to after life fantasy.

'The Lovely Bones' is not a great film. This is unexpected as I am a big fan of Peter Jackson. If we did not have to endure Susie's 'feel sorry for me I was murdered' narration to the end, and if we did not know who killed her through out the film we would have a much better plot. Perhaps the book reads better than the film. 3 stars.

Up in the Air

'Up in the Air' is a surprise gem. Starring George Clooney, it follows his character around America where he fulfills his role as chief person hired to to fire you. 'Up in the Air' sets a contemporary tone given the harsh economic environment it emboldens. More than that, it explores the down side of human interrelationships and disappointment that inevitably gets entangled through the gaps of our working life.

Clooney plays a forty-something bachelor who is sharp, anti-social, knows what he wants and is happy to keep it that way. Things seem threatened however when a new recruit, 'fresh from Cornell' suggests an internet based system of 'letting people' go that replaces the myriad of flying hours it takes to let people go at via the current system. Disgruntled by this threat, Clooney insists she accompany him on some of his many flights on his way to let people go from the next multinational employer whose revenues have been crushed by the recession.

'Up in the Air' is very well directed and does not delay. Performances are perfect and the script pristeen enough to convince us the smart characters' life hurdles are fettered with true emotions. A surprise hit. Highly recommended.

Precious

'Precious' is a contemporary drama about sixteen year old Clarice 'Precious' Jones from a working class area of under-privileged New York. Over weight, African-American and suffering an abusive mother, 'Precious' explores the brutality of teenage emotional and psychological trauma as especially bestowed upon certain socio-economic areas. Preganant with her second child (both of whom her father has fathered) we begin a journey towards hope with Precious by following her aptitude for 'math' into a newly prepared classroom. Partly produced by Oprah Winfrey and co-starring Mariah (who really can act!), Precious encompasses outstanding performaces by all actors. Its director is also a visionary who delves into almost surreal and avant-garde moments brilliantly in the midst of realism that is all too real.

Precious was billed to me as a knock-em out drama. I wasn't knocked out. While it is a drama there is plenty of comic relief to keep me away from the edge of my seat as well. With such an expectation I was disappointed by this film; but one cannot take away the fact that it is a great film. If this visionary director keeps away from the humour and concentrates on blowing me away in the next project I may just see him at the Oscars.

It's Complicated

It's complicated is a romantic comedy about a devorcee (Meryl Streep) who begins an affair with her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) after ten years of divorce. Her ex-husband is persecuted by a temperous young Latin/Spanish vixen and her tell-all young son. Wanting to escape this wrath, he begins to rediscover his old ('not in the age sense') wife again.

The plot thickens when Streep begins to see her architect who is extending her house to facilitate an expanding cuisine business.

It's Complicated is a light-hearted romantic comedy with great performances (as always) from Streep, Baldwin and Martin (not forgetting the rest of the pack). There is lots of feel good, lots of food and warm and cosy interiors a-plenty. This is fun entertainment that for fleeting seconds explores the heartache of divorce on a thriving middle class American family. Its one down side is the interest all siblings appear to have in each other at all times. I have yet to witness such harmony in a real family.

It's complicated is a recommended viewing. You'll laugh. You'll almost cry. Big stars, warm story.

Ninja Assassins

Coming from the makers of The Matrix, 'Ninja Assassins' explores the story of deadly trained Ninja assassins who seek to-well-cause destruction really. While encompassing none of the philosophical might of the Matrix, Ninja Assassins definitely gives the Matrix fighting scenes a run for their money. It is definitely more violent. It also takes place in Berlin. Ninjas Assassins is one of the most violent films I have ever seen! A bold statement I know-but somehow the film works! After uncovering the Ninjas plans, a police journalist is under serious threats to her life, aided only by the formerly most brilliant and skilled ninja of this pack who has long since escaped. We learn through various strands of narration that this protector, who once fell for a girl in this pack is out for vengeance. Every member in this 'family' has been raised to see sensitivity as a sign of weakness and to destroy it at all times: strength is the only thing worth striving for. This girl has a personality and 'heart' antithetical to the philosophy of this 'family'. I won't divulge more for fear of giving away the plot. Ninja Assassins is well worth the money. Very well directed, fantastic fight scenes, excellent post-production sound. Another recommendation.

Brothers

'Brothers' is a drama about a U.S. marine serving in Afghanistan (Toby McGuire) who leaves to serve his country just as his brother (Jake Gyllenhaal) leaves jail. After the marine reportedly dying, Gyllenhaal inadvertently begins to fill the role of playful father to the children of a weeping widow (Natalie Portman). While only going as far as a kiss with the brother of the deceased, things have changed when Portman discovers her husband is not dead after all.

This film is excellently directed by Jim Sheridan-a director that always seems to be in control. This is especially true of the performance of his actors. This film more than anything explores the psychological trauma of war on an intimate, micro level. It explores the emotions of a family in such situations. The psychological trauma of the returning marine has significant effect on his family. Sheridan did especially well in choosing the child actors in this film, who portray brilliantly the devastating emotional effects their daddy can so powerfully display. This film is recommended.

Sherlock Holmes

Before Avatar comes Sherlock Holmes-in the category of BEST film I have seen in a long time. DIrected by Mr. Richie (aka Madonna's ex), if I didn't know better-would say the former Mr. Madonna was making a point to his ex that in the film stakes he is the man. This film is directed as if his life depends on it. But one must not overlook the quality of this script. Far from resurrecting an old-school cliched character, this contemporary take on Mr. Holmes could be mistaken for one of Hollywood's most brutal shoot 'em ups-except it and Mr. Holmes have the brains to prove otherwise. This is truly an original script! The writer's knowledge of ancient chemistry and witchcraft, without wanting to give the plot away, even makes death impossible. Contemporary themes of conspiracy theories, the illuminati and the work of satan in the world also unfold in the narrative, making it even more relevant to a contemporary audience. But the mind and acuteness of the best private investigator in Britain- who notices everything (and I do mean everything), ensures the audience is kept alarmed and surprised at all times. This film is brilliantly directed and Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. deliver their best. Mr. Richie also insists on the best editing and post-production sound in-well-Britain. Not that Hollywood can do any better. Move over Madonna-your husband has arrived.

Avatar

Avatar is without doubt one of the best-and most consistent-films I have seen in a long time. I must firstly admit that science fiction is not my typical taste. I also had no knowledge of this being three hours long previous to viewing it. However, Cameron's 'King of the World' budget has paid dividends with a movie I can only imagine must have taken two years to complete. This classic Hollywood narrative of action-packed good-against-evil plot displays acute direction: crisp editing, great acting, up to the minute special effects, wise shot choices from the camera team, and great grading and post production sound. While I admit again that this is not the usual film genre I choose to go and see, Cameron's hard work and attention to detail made this a must see film. The three hours fly by!

All About Steve

'All about Steve' encompasses everything we all love about Sandra Bullock making a fool of herself. Unlike 'Miss Congeniality', however, she swaps her 'tough as old boots' stance in that film for very red boots that speak volumes about her character at every turn: quirky, nerdy, verbose and always eccentric. After pouncing on her date-quite literally-Mary becomes obsessed with Steve and dedicates a cross-word puzzle to him in her local paper. After this causes her to lose her job (as the resident cross-word puzzle creator), she decides it is her destiny to follow Steve cross-country, much to her detrimant. While 'All About Steve' encompasses great entertainment and light laughs, one can't help but feel a less aesthetic person may have been more suited to the role and excellent dialogue that shapes this quirky character so well. But in today's recessionary Hollywood where stars are needed to sell movies more than ever, we welcome Sandra Bullock and enjoy the light entertainment to the end of our popcorn. Go and laugh and let seriousness go aside in this offering from the same producer that made her funny in the first place