Slumdog Millionaire

Release: 09.01.09
Director: Danny Boyle

A fantastically captivating story of love, violence and destiny. Perhaps a slightly unfair portrayal of Mumbai culture, which may raise a few criticisms, although this is clearly not the focus of the film as Dev Patel's Jamal is a truly captivating character. The brillant story combined with Danny Boyle's stunning direction, its an absolute classic.

****/5

Seven Pounds

Release: 16.01.09
Director: Gabriele Muccino

The plot line to Will Smith's latest blockbuster has been kept tightly under wraps, although once the film starts its not too difficult to see where its going. There are a few things which might surprise you, but generally its rather predictable. Despite this, it is a very moving and original story; definetly a tear-jerker.

**/5

The Pink Panther II

Release: 13.02.09
Director: Harald Zwart

Steve Martin returns as Inspector Clueso to foil the plans of the mysterious 'Tornado' who's dastardly plan involves stealing priceless historical artifacts from around the world- including, of course, the Pink Panther diamond. Having low expectations of big-screen comedies of late, sequels especially, it was a pleasently surprising and genuinely quite funny movie. Steve Martin's Clueso and John Cleese's Inspector Dreyfus are brilliantly funny and masters of physical comedy. Its a charming and funny family film.

***/5

Australia

Release: 26.12.08
Director: Baz Luhrman

Baz Luhrman's epic is so in every sense of the word. Epic storyline, epic photography, epic running time. Its a very, very long film, and theres a point about half way through where everyone reaches for their coat before simultaniously realising that its not quite finished. If you leave at this point then you wont be disappointed. However, despite the length its a stunningly beautiful film and a very effective advert for Luhrman's home country.

***/5

The Day The Earth Stood Still

Release: 12.12.08
Director: Scott Derrickson

Keanu Reeves stars as the enigmatic Klaatu landing on Earth with an ultimatum for the human race. What could have been an interesting reinvention of the original is somewhat corrupted by the laughably obvious plot holes, Reeves’ dull and tedious eco-friendly alien and the lack of mystery behind the metal jolly green Klaatu brings along. There are some decent special effects this kind of big budget movie warrants, but little else.

*/5

Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa

Release: o5.12.08
Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath

The animals of Central Park Zoo are back! Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock) and Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) leave Madagascar to head home to NYC, but don’t get very far and have to get back to nature in Africa. The characters develop as they have to survive among their own with family reunions, identity crises and love stories along with more from the hilarious King Julien (Sacha Baron Cohen). It’s a good sequel and lots of fun; if you liked Madagascar it’s more of the good stuff.


***/5

Four Christmases

Release: 26.11.08
Director: Seth Gordon

Yes, it’s Christmas again, in case you haven’t noticed. It’s about time for another Vince Vaughn Christmas movie! Happy couple Brad (Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) are forced to spend Christmas with the family, make way for awkward parents and bizarre situations including an evangelistic nativity play. It’s a typical Christmas movie, so you should know what to expect; there are a few laughs and it might be enough to get you into the spirit but keep the expectations low.

*/5