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