Eat Pray Love (2010)

Director: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Julia Roberts
Genre: Drama
Rating: ****

Drama in which a newly divorced woman embarks on a journey around the world, on a quest of self-discovery and inner balance.

A radiant Julia Roberts stands out from this film, delivering a beautiful, moving performance. Eat Pray Love is a charming, sweet drama which should appeal to most - let's face it, the majority of us all wanted to find ourselves and change our lives before. And now, we can watch as someone else starts out on their journey and completes it.

It is the part of the film set in Italy which is the best part - learning how to enjoy life, change yourself, and learn new things. It is such a relatable, beautifully filmed adaptation of a book which I do confess to never have read before, so unfortunately no comparisons can be made between them. The film really does deliver interesting sentiments and opinions on life. And, the 'prophecy' at the beginning fortunately prevents us wondering about the ending - we know what happens, without actually seeing it.

A truly engrossing, inspirational film, and something definitely worth watching.

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The Crazies (2010)

Director: Breck Eisner
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson, Danielle Panabaker
Genre: Horror
Rating: ****

Horror in which a small, insignificant town is affected by a virus which turns people into bloodthirsty 'crazies'.

A lot of horror films are made simply to show the maximum amount of gore, and to terrify people, with little thought to the cinematography, soundtrack etc. The thing which stands out the most about this film is that the camera shots are quite breathtaking, and the whole thing has been put together as not just a horror film, but also a work of (scary) art. With a menacing soundtrack and a fantastic performance from Joe Anderson, in which we see him gradually transform into a crazy, The Crazies is honestly haunting and terrifying. It is not without its jump moments, but does not go overboard with them, and instead makes them extremely clever rather than just there for scares.

With some black humour and clever twists, this film has it all. And, I must say, it is a nice, original variant from the generic zombie film.

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Dorian Gray (2009)

Director: Oliver Parker
Rating: ****

A beautifully-filmed, wonderfully-acted, and brilliantly-horrific adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel.

Barnes is absolutely perfect as Dorian Gray, beginning the movie as an attractive, naive young man, and ending it as a terrifying monster. Firth is, of course, tantalisingly believable as Henry Wotton.

The wonderful thing about this film is that is portrays so easily how people can become corrupted over superficial things, in this case, staying young and beautiful forever. Yet it also shows that just because you live a life of pleasure, it does not necessarily mean you are happy.

Sexually charged and yet not obscene in the slightest, the film as a whole is a fantastic work of art, with the dark filters used to make it seem more gothic, and a darker film. The camera angles are experimental and sometimes slightly offputting, but this only adds to the layer of mystery and evil nature of Dorian Gray.

Worth seeing, especially if one has a love for darker and deeper films.

Tormented (2009)

Director: Jon Wright
Starring: Alex Pettyfer, April Pearson, Dimitri Leonidas, Calvin Dean, Tuppence Middleton
Genre: Horror/comedy
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

A witty script mixed with perfect acting from actors all relatively unknown (excluding Pettyfer) creates a refreshingly interesting experience in horror comedies. It captures the different attitudes of various school crowds - from the uncaring, bullying 'popular' group, to the girl who is willing to drop her true friends in order to become more popular herself.

The horror element is absolutely brilliant - with way too much gore involved, making the film hilarious in a more...ridiculous way. The actor playing Mullet is great to bring on the chills - as the film goes on, you start to genuinely fear him and his psychopathic revenge spree.

A horror film for teenagers? Definitely. But also for adults. Who wouldn't want to see pencils shoved into someone's brain, or an amputated hand? And even those aren't the worst...

40 Days and 40 Nights (2002)

Director: Michael Lehmann
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Shannyn Sossamon, Paulo Costanzo
Genre: romantic comedy
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

A romantic comedy always follows the same layout - boy meets girl, fall in love, something separates them for awhile, one apologises, finally get together, etc. This is no different, other than that it extends the 'something separates them...' part over three different 'somethings'. This perhaps is unnecessary, but at least it separates this film from all the other romantic comedies out there.

Yes, this film is charming in a sexual, occasionally vulgar way, but it is also laugh-out-loud funny and a relatively realistic display of a couple falling in love. Without the sex. Hartnett's peformance is genius, from his awkwardness to his various states of arousal. The plot is exceptional - using Lent to give up all sexual contact for 40 days, but unfortunately meeting who is most probably 'The One' during that time.

My one main criticism is the CGI - flying over mountains of breasts should look relatively realistic (the flying part - the cartoon-like visuals of the breasts did, for some reason, work pretty well).

The Edge of Love (2008)

Director: John Maybury
Starring: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys
Genre: romantic drama
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Firstly, this film is probably not for fans of poet Dylan Thomas - they would probably not be impressed with this film, as he is portrayed as a weak, selfish man.

However, the plot, which in some cases may be slightly too complex for a romantic drama, does drive the film forwards, with some fantastic acting from Knightley and Miller. Set over a long period of time in the second world war, you can easily see the relationships and characters develop throughout the film, but it would be nice to have the main one (between Knightley and Murphy) have a bit more screentime. As it was, it would have been unlikely for Knightley's character to forgive Murphy's as easily as she did. Again, towards the end, the reaction of Dylan Thomas (Rhys) when Vera (Knightley) confronted him about taking her husband to court perhaps should have been made more simple to understand that he was refusing her plea.

Although the plot does lack some simplicity, it does serve to keep the audience interested and enjoying the film, and that is mostly all that matters.

American Pie (1999)

Director: Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz
Starring: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott
Genre: teen comedy
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

A hilariously disgusting teenage comedy, suitable for girly sleepovers or even family viewing (if you are close to your family, that is).

Although the script itself is not the best, and neither are the directors (New Moon and The Golden Compass ring a bell, anyone?), this film still serves to be absolutely brilliant. From its sick yet remembered 'apple pie moment' to the simplicity of falling in love for the first time, this film will keep you amused and wanting more. And even wanting the main guys to use girls and get laid.

For me, the two cast members who stand out in this film are Eugene Levy, and Eddie Kaye Thomas. Levy's perfect awkwardness of being a father is easily portrayed, especially with his excruciating father-son talks about sex and masturbation. Thomas' more pretentious yet believable character, aptly nicknamed 'Shit Break', and his accidental seduction of Stifler's Mom simply cause the audience to fall in love with his charm. The best thing about this film is the actors' abilities to make each moment their own.

A teenage classic.

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

Title: Drag Me to Hell
Year: 2009
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer, Dileep Rao, Adriana Barraza, Reggie Lee
Genre: Horror
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

With a delightfully shocking beginning, the tension of Sam Raimi's 'Drag Me to Hell' doesn't waver once throughout the entire two hours of horror. With brilliant performances from both the main cast members (Alison Lohman; Justin Long), as well as a horrifying one from elderly gypsy Lorna Raver, this film is completely believable, despite its horrific content. Namely flies crawling up noses and the old gypsy appearing whenever it is least expected.

The script is witty, the action both hilarious and gripping. The ending...well, let's just say you won't be expecting it.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Title: Paranormal Activity
Director: Oren Peli
Year: 2007
Starring: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat
Genre: Horror
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Whilst watching this film you must first bear in mind the tiny budget and mainly improvised dailogue, as well as two actors who have never had any experience beforehand. Well, I say 'bear in mind', but actually, you simply forget that, as the film is completely believeable, regardless of the paranormal side of it. Whenever the two main characters put their camera on the tripod in order to go to sleep, your pulse rate immediately accelerates, as you are aware that this is when the freaky stuff happens. And by God is it freaky. Even the mild scares at the beginning are enough to make you understand just how terrifying this film will become. It is definitely a must-see for those who are Grudge fans, and even just those who love ghosts. Or even just anyone searching for a good scare.

Although it was filmed using a hand-held camera, in a 'found footage' style, the cinematography is still extremely interesting, and it simply serves to make you feel like you are actually experiencing what the characters are going through.

Definitely a shocker.

District 9 (2009)

Title: District 9
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James
Genre: Science-fiction thriller
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Apart from a rather slow start, this film proved to definitely be worthwhile watching. The special effects were absolutely stunning for such a low-budget film, whilst the acting was brilliant, along with the screenplay. There was the exact right amount of gore, and in places, some of the actions of all the characters were appalling.

This is by no means one of the best films ever made, but it is definitely worth watching, and enjoying.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Title: The Time Traveler's Wife
Year: 2009
Director: Robert Schwentke
Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston
Genre: Fantasy romance
Certificate: 12
Rating: **** (good)

I would not say that The Time Traveler's Wife is a 'special' or 'different' film. It certainly is not. But what it is is something extremely enjoyable. The film has a good idea, based on what I am told is a wonderful book. However, along with all time-travel films, there are some things that are not explained well-enough. For example, why he travels, why he cannot control it and his daughter can (kind of), and how he knows when he is going to miss certain events and so travels from the future in order to make them (for example, his wedding).

Although their marriage does work out (well...he dies, but that does not exactly mean that the marriage did not work well), the film does follow the arguments that would be involved if you married a time traveler, for example, he is not always there when you need him, and carrying a baby to term is extremely difficult.

As usual, McAdams' performance is flawless, and so is the rest of the cast's. Quite a few scenes are well-done, including a beautiful moment that involves a hand print on a window, and the moment in which their daughter grows up, which is a kind of montage.

All in all, The Time Traveler's Wife is a good film. It's just not that good.

Black Water

Title: Black Water
Year: 2008
Director: Andrew Traucki, David Nerlich
Starring: Diana Glenn, Maeve Dermody, Andy Rodoreda
Genre: Survival, horror, thriller
Certificate: 15
Rating: **** (awesome)

Black Water is similar in style to Open Water, in the fact that it is basically a bunch of people attempting to survive a deadly creature, with no means of contacting anybody to help. I expecting Black Water to be dreary, predictable, and cheesey. However, as soon as the film starts, you immediately start to like it due to its fantastic soundtrack and cast. Although the cast are not well-known, they definitely have talent, and I look forward to seeing them in other films.

Two sisters, and one of their partners, decide to go on a fishing trip, before their boat is over-turned by a viscious and hungry crocodile who immediately kills their guide. The three protagonists camp out in a tree, with no supplies and no means of escape. The crocodile also returns regularly to the source of food, and they have to devise a way to get back to their boat without being eaten, get the engine working, and sail back to the mainland.

The film has extremely good effects, keeps you perched on the edge of your seat, has you shouting at the TV screen, and your pulse racing against Usain Bolt. It is a completely non-cheesey, serious, and somewhat devastating film that will make you value your family and friends, and (most likely) fear crocodiles.

Iron Man (2008)

Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow
Genre: Superhero/adventure
Age certificate: 12
Rating: **** - good

I have to tell you that when I first started watching this film, I was actually in the mood for some soppy romance. Therefore, the first, ten minutes maybe?, I was not impressed. It seemed like it was just going to be another war film. Although, at the same time, I admit, I was slightly amused by the attitude of the main character, Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). After the initial war and death part though, and when Stark started building a giant iron man to escape a terrorist camp, I actually realised that this film is hilarious, and just generally good all-round, with stunning visual effects and great acting. The characters are not just likeable, but also loveable, excluding the antagonist of course, whom you automatically loathe.

There's Something About Mary

Title: There's Something About Mary
Director: Farrelly Brothers
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben Stiller, Chris Elliott, Lee Evans
Genre: romantic comedy
Rating: **** (awesome)

There's Something About Mary starts off funny, continues to be funny, then ends funny. Because it's a funny film. Basically, a man hires a detective to spy on his childhood sweetheart, to determine if she is married etc. However, the detective falls in love with her, causing a battle to win over Mary. What is later revealed to us is that there is another player in the game, and, nearer the end, three more. This film is unpredictable, laugh-out-loud brilliance, and also hilariously embarrassing.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Helena Bonham-Carter
Genre: Fantasy-adventure
Certificate: 12
Rating: **** (awesome)

The sixth installment of the Harry Potter film series is the first one in which I have thought of the film as a piece of art. It is a shame there are only two films left to continue it with. Daniel Radcliffe's acting is a lot better as well. Equus must have been the right choice for him.

There are many scenes in the film which are more beautiful than I could have imagined - for example, although they left out Dumbledore's funeral in the film, when he died, every single Hogwarts student and professor raises their wand up in the air, lighting the tip at the same time. This is the moment in which I sobbed my heart out. Ginny and Harry's kiss is also fantastic, although predictable, and so is the scene in which The Burrow is burned down. I could keep listing the beautiful moments, but I would end up including the whole film.

The only problem I have is that there is not enough action - the film is more like a dramatic love story (including teenage awkwardness that actually does exist) rather than a battle against Voldemort. Also, for those who have never read the books, understanding Horcruxes would be extremely difficult for them, as they are not explained properly in the films like they are in the books.

This film is a must-see.

The Ruins (2008)

Director: Carter Smith
Starring: Jonathan Tucker, Shawn Ashmore, Jena Malone, Laura Ramsey, Joe Anderson
Genre: Horror
Certificate: 18
Rating: ****

The Ruins is an interesting horror film - although it has its fair share of gore, it also genuinely is terrifying. Who would have thought that something as harmless as vines could cause so much suffering? Although at times it is hard to understand what is happening/why somebody would do that, it is actually a very good film, with disgusting (mostly medical) gore, and haunting performances from Laura Ramsey, who, along with Jena Malone, show off the best of their acting abilities here. That's not to say the others aren't good - they definitely are, but Ramsey and Malone are just...better. I accept that the plot probably isn't the best in the world, but The Ruins works with what is has, and does so extremely well. Some parts are predictable, but not so much that the film is boring. Most of the gore stems from self-amputations, and slicing into your own skin to remove some vines. All in all, although this film is not the best by any account, you still have to accept that it is pretty good.

Eden Lake (2008)

Director: James Watkins
Starring: Kelly Reilly, Michael Fassbender
Certificate: 18
Genre: horror
Rating: **** - good
Review: Eden Lake is, ultimately, another torture porn film. You can see similarities between this and films like The Hills Have Eyes. With chilling performances from Jack O'Connell (whom you may have seen in Skins), this film will make you squirm, and shock you into utter silence. There is, for example, one scene in which you see (extremely clearly) a young boy stick a knife into a man's mouth, and wiggle it from side to side. Another scene - a woman impales her foot on a spike, then has to remove it. This film is not actually as scary as it is made out to be, just extremely gory and distressing. The only scary thought is actually that it could happen. As much as the film is good and exciting, it does stray from what could actually happen in a few places, for example the ending (which is bleak), and also a scene in which a young lad is set on fire. Alive.