Sherlock Homes 2

Second viewing of this one and I'm pleased to say it was just as good the first time.. ****1/2
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Mission:Impossible Ghost Protocol

That's Mission Impossible 4 to you and me.
There was something wrong with this film and I couldn't put my finger on it.. I'm not sure if it was because the main villain just wasn't there. In MI3 Philip Seymour Hoffman was an excellent bad guy who you genuinely feared.. This guy was just rubbish. Also Simon Pegg's humour didn't seem to sit well in the general tone of the film. In MI3 he played a small role and it complimented the film well. Here he is one of the team and his general incompetence undermines the seriousness of the film. All the other team members had to undergo rigorous training where as he didn't. Or at least that's the impression you got. All of which is not his fault, just the way he's written in..
On a positive note, the film does have some good action set pieces. Particularly the Dubai sequence with the dust storm/car chase..
Overall better than MI2 but not as good as MI3
Rating ***
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Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

This was the first of three films I saw today. I'd seen part of the original version but struggled to get into it and gave up after 20 minutes or so..
This, on the other hand started with a typical David Fincher title sequence. Cool visuals and a cool Led Zeppelin cover (reminded me of Fight Club) plus Trent Reznor credited for the music... Looked promising.
The film was an 18 certificate and I knew it was for sexual violence towards women.. Didn't make it any easier knowing this but I'm becoming desensitised these days.. Rooney Mara's performance was particularly good playing someone whose socially inept and was unrecognisable after her brief stint in The Social Network.
The film was long at 2 hours plus but I only looked at the clock once (mainly because I needed the loo!). Still, after that showing I'm looking forward to the next in the trilogy (in fact I may dig out the originals and watch them)
Overall another enjoyable film ***1/2
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Hugo (2D version)

Initially I was a bit apprehensive about this one. I didn't realise it was a 'U' certificate until I'd bought the ticket and I thought the screening's going to be full of kids... Turns out it wasn't, thankfully! Also the film didn't turn out too bad either..
I'd heard good things about this film but had no idea what it was actually about... Which wasn't a bad thing. After the spectacle of 'Sherlock Holmes' this was a more somber affair. Ben Kingsley put in another good performance and it was nice to see Chloe Morentz in a role that didn't involve bad language or sucking blood. I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not too familiar with Martin Scorsese's work, having only seen a couple of his films (and they weren't his best either)
Overall I enjoyed this film. A typical Saturday afternoon viewing. ***
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Sherlock Homes 2

It's 2 o'clock, Christmas eve and I'm killing time before a 2.30 showing of Hugo (2D version - review to follow later)
What can I say about Sherlock Homes: Game of shadows? Well, excellent! I can't remember a film I've enjoyed that much for a long time..
Ok, let's get the gripes out of the way first. And there's only one really. This has been done before... The first Sherlock Homes to be precise. But it worked then and it works here too. There's a particular action scene with them running for a train that is really well choreographed, incorporating Guy Richies inimitable slo-mo style! The banter between Robert Downey and Jude Law is funny, and some of Sherlocks quotes appealed to my sense of humour..
Overall an excellent film **** 1/2
(I'll try and catch this one again before we head back to Hereford)
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In Time

Today it was a toss up between 'Immortals', 'Tower Heist' and 'In Time'. 'Tower Heist's' screen was out of action and the trailor for 'Immortals' made it look pants. So I opted for Mr Timberlakes latest offering.
Ok, the synopsis is as follows: Some time in the future humans have been genetically engineered to live until 25. After that their time is like currency and as soon as they're broke they're broke. They have to earn time and everything costs time. Plus they don't physically age!? The question as to 'why?' is never really answered but to be fair it doesnt matter too much. In typical sci-fi style there's some nice touches and of course, everyone looks goreous.
The film moves along at a nice pace but the second half could have done with tidying up a bit. And the film leaves questions unanswered.
The style of the film reminded me of 'The Matrix' only not as dark. The cars where 'new vintage' and at one point I noticed an old bacolite phone!?!
Overall an enjoyable hour and a bit. Rating ***
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Contagion

Ok, second film today. I was looking forward to this one for some reason. I think it must be my fascination with films of an apocalyptical nature. Anyhoo, it was a 12a certificate so I knew there'd be no exploding heads or excessive bad language.
As I read in the 'I' newspaper you know it's serious when Gwynneth Paltro dies in the first 10 minutes. But as the film progressed and more 'A' list cast died (well, one) I never really felt any dread. Well, not that much.. Maybe I'm getting too desensitised to all this.
Overall another *** film. A renter not a buyer.
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The Ides Of March

This one wasn't in my master plan today but I ended up seeing it due to timing.
Turns out it wasn't that bad. Granted, it's been a long time since I've seen a political thriller, normally opting for the standard blockbuster fair.. Well, the way I see it is this sort of film will work equally as well on DVD. The fact that I'd never rent a film like this though goes to show the benefits of the big screen.
Anyway, back to the film. Ryan Gosling once again puts in a good performance following the recent 'Drive'. Unless you're into politics (and I'm not) this could be a bit confusing. Infact it was initially, but as the film went on you realise those who you'd thought were pure and honest turned out... etc etc..
Overall though not a bad film and I'm gonna rate it ***
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Real Steel

I went into this film having not heard or read any reviews of it (which is a first!)
I knew the basic synopsis, ie a washed up boxer try's to make a living robot boxing. Then his estranged son turns up and blah, blah, blah.. Granted, it was schmaltzy and a bit too sentimental for my liking, but having said that, the fight scenes were well executed. The person next to me was actually on the edge of his seat! The special effects were seamless too and I can see why Robocop is up for a remake.
Overall, despite being a robo-remake of Rocky (or because of?) I'm gonna give it a rating of ***.
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Tinker,Tailor,Soldier,Spy

Ummm, that's interesting. I saw this film back in September but for some reason the rating wasn't posted.

Anyway, from what I can remember I enjoyed this film. There was a lot of attention to detail which reminded me of Master & Commander (only it wasn't as much fun) and the performances were what you expect of John Hurt, Gary Oldman, Mark Strong, etc.. I thought Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy were also particularly good up against the acting behemoths that they were.

Overall a definite ***1/2 star movie..

Drive

This was an interesting film. In some ways it was similar to 'tinker,tailor' in that there was little dialogue and lots.... of...... long............ lingering ......... shots.......... That was the main problem with this film. The pauses were too long and to start with it irritated me.! I felt like shouting at the screen 'just say something for gods sake'..
Ryan Gosling plays the strong (too) silent lead who gets mixed up with the wrong types, as you do! Also what was with all the 80's reference. When the film started the titles where in a day-glow pink and a font that reminded me of 'Grand Theft Auto:Vice City'! On top of this a soundtrack straight out of 1989! Despite this (or because of!?!) I enjoyed it, in a (very) slow burning way.
Overall I'd give it *** out of 5 (I've seen worse!)
Also where's Ryan Gosling been. Well where ever he's been he's making up for it now by being in pretty well everything!
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Update:  It's funny reading this review now.  The film definitely improves with age and repeated viewings.. So much so that I've bought the Blu-ray DVD AND the soundtrack..!? If I was to rate it today it would be ****.

Friends With Benefits

Yes, that's right TWO tickets. This was a wedding anniversary trip down the bay and was Liz's idea..
It's always nice to see a film with the wife, but even she'll agree this one wasn't that good. Eye candy always helps a film in my opinion but not even Mila Kunis could save this. It had it's moments, I think I laughed twice. But in the end it turned into the cliche it was mocking all though the film. Still, mildly entertaining and Liz managed to catch 40 winks towards the end..
Rating:**1/2
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Cowboys & Aliens

Ummm...!?! I think the title of this film is it's main flaw. To a degree I agree with a lot of the reviews being banded about at the moment. The first third of the film has the makings of a good western. But where as a lot of reviewers claim it drops off when the aliens turn up I disagree. Plus there where one or two funny moments. Harrison Ford plays a typical grizzled, ageing cowboy and he plays it well. Plus Daniel Craig also works well as the 'man with no name' character.
Overall I enjoyed this movie (more than Conan).
Rating:***1/2
(Plus Olivia Wilde gets her kit off!)
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Conan the Barbarian

Entertaining but flawed. To be fair, whilst I was watching this I found myself picking holes in it and, on reflection it wasn't that bad... really. Or was it? Put it this way I won't be buying the DVD when it comes out.
The main lead didn't seem to have the charisma of Arnie. And the supporting characters weren't much better. There were some nice cgi back drops.
Overall rating:**1/2
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Captain America (2nd time)

Ummm.... After the second viewing I may have to change my opinion on this one.. Perhaps it's because I'm not taken in by it all and tended to notice the flaws that I ignored the first viewing.. Still there's 'The Avengers' trailer.. Think I may have to lower my opinion slightly
Rating: ***
Plus I had this coffee FREE! cool eh?!
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Super 8

Missed the first few minutes of this one but it didn't matter. This film was a blast! This was like a PG version of Cloverfield and all the better for it (as I liked Cloverfield). There was emotional attachment with the children and the 'monster' didn't take over the movie..
Rating:****
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Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

Another 'film better than trailer' here and I was relieved. Even though I knew EXACTLY what was going to happen I still really enjoyed the film. There was a few nods to the original and the ape effects where very good (as expected from WETA) Plus the audience actually clapped at the end!!? Drako Malfoy made an appearance (he's getting typecast as the typical baddy these days).
Overall I'd rate this :***1/2
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Harry Potter 7: Part 2 2D

6th and final film of the month (plus second viewing!) and this has been the best of the bunch. I won't bore you with the details but it's still a **** movie!
(that's four star movie incase you thought I was swearing!?!)

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Captain America

Ok. That was kinda cool. There was some HUGE chunks of cheese and the gung-ho, all American saves the day routine would annoy a lot of people, especially has he won the second world war... But apart from that I had fun. In a kind of Green Lantern way. It's nice to see the links to the other Avengers movies and I'm writing this whilst waiting for the obligatory end of credits bit..
Oooo..!! It was an Avengers trailer... Cool!
Rating: ***1/2

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Horrible Bosses

Here's another film that I probably shouldn't have laughed at... but did. I enjoyed it and would say it was on par with Bridesmaids. They didn't use Colin Farrel much, in fact all his funny bits were in the trailer. But generally the rapport between the 3 leads worked well.
Rating: *** 1/2
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Harry Potter 7:part 2 3D

Well it's over.. Out of the 8 films the last one was pretty good. Probably my favourite. It would have been hard work had I not seen the previous episodes. There was plenty of action and the special effects complimented the movie (unlike Transformers 3 where they WERE the movie!)
At the end I even felt a little sad.. Makes me wanna go and watch 1 to 7.. Plus there was a twist or two that I didn't see coming!
Rating: ****

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Bridesmaids

Yes, that's right.. TWO tickets. Managed to persuade Liz to see this one!?
As it turned out she didn't enjoy it as much as me... which was unexpected.
I laughed out loud on several occasions and after the car crash that was Transformers 3, it was a breath of fresh air..
Rating: ***

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Transformers 3

"sigh".... When will I listen?!? Mark Kermode said it was crap, but I still had to check it out for myself.. That'll teach me. Nearly three hours of my life I'll never get back..
In all fairness the special effects were top notch! But that doesn't make up for the rest of it. To a degree, I can overlook the blatant sexism and lewdness (after all, I'm a bloke!)
But its the plot holes and just general poor quality of story/acting/dialogue i took a dislike to. Matt at work had highly rated this film and i can see what appealed to him... But seriously??!
A slight improvement on Transformers 2, but purely special effects wise.
Rating: ** (for effects only)
(Notice how I've under exposed the above picture to emphasis the "Dark" of the moon in the film title ?...Not really )
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Green Lantern

Interesting one this one. It turns out the film was better than the trailer!?
I remember first seeing the trailer and thinking this is one to avoid, but overall I enjoyed it. Granted it was standard Super Hero fare but there was some reasonably good CGI. Ryan Renolds reminds me of Chris Evans (the actor that is) and has his same cocky charm and arrogance which helped to lighted the mood as it were.. Peter Starsgard (?!) was a fairly good 'bad guy' but generally the baddies could have done with being cranked up a notch..
Overall rating; ***
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Hangover II

I'd heard bad reports of this one... And they were all correct. It was rubbish. Granted there were one or two laughs, mainly from Zack Galifanakis but it was generally offensive. Should have listened to Mark Kermode.
Rating:*1/2
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X-Men:First Class

What you see before you is a Pret-A-Manger coffee, cheese and ham croissant and my ticket stub for the latest X-Men movie. In order of excellence I'd have to rate **** stars for the croissant (they're excellent and it's my SECOND today). Next is the movie. It started off really well, but unfortunately it suffered the usual drop off associated with pretty well all Super Hero movies (plus, oddly Michael Fassbender's Irish accent became more apparent !?!). But overall I enjoyed it. Not 'Dark Knight' good but at the same time not 'Spiderman 3' bad (plus better than X:3!)
The special effects were on par with most of today's blockbusters and there was a funny cameo from Hugh Jackman.
Not sure what's next in store but you could easily carry on with X-Men 1 now, they managed to dot the 'i's as it were.
Rating: *** 1/2
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Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Ummm... Well, that was exactly what I expected. The reviews were spot on.. Just average. Glad I saw it in 2D and didn't waste any more money... There were one or two funny moments and Andrew at work will enjoy it..
Rating: ** 1/2
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Hanna

Wasn't sure what to expect of this one. And on reflection I think it was a pretty good film. Some flashy visuals and The Chemical Brothers soundtrack helped. Maybe a bit too long but overall an enjoyable thriller.
My '1.15' is Pirates 4(2D). Not sure if that's going to be as much fun... Watch this space!
Rating: *** 1/2
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Cedar Rapids

First film of the month and it was either give Thor another try and see if it improves or try this little low budget comedy. In the end I think I made the right choice. There were moments when I laughed out loud and in the end it was a 'feel good' movie. i.e. Nobody was disemboweled or the planet didn't implode in on it's self consuming all life etc etc..
Rating:***
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Fast & Furious 5

Another throwaway Movie, good for a Bank Holiday Monday. Was it better than F&F 4 or Thor ?? Ummm... better than Thor (just!), can't remember much about F&F 4 to be honest..
Rating:**1/2
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Thor (2D)

Erm... Another 'trailer ruins film' here. This was routine Marvel CGI madness and the odd funny moment. Plus this was the second Natalie Portman movie I've seen this weekend..
It's as if they've taken a step backwards to 'Transformers 2' and totally ignored 'Inception' and other intelligent blockbusters.. Granted the "CGI madness" was good, but not enough to save it... Well the best film of the weekend goes to 'Limitless' and the less I think about that one the better..
Rating:**1/2
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Your Highness

Ummmm.... The trailer was a bit misleading on this one (aren't they all?!). To be fair Natalie Portman in a thong had a certain appeal. But that, plus a few laughs do not a good film make... I think 'gross out' films have lost there zing...
Overall rating: **1/2

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Limitless

Just came out of Limitless and I enjoyed it. Had some interesting ideas and Bradley Cooper did a good Bradley Cooper if you know what I mean..
Rating: ***1/2
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Battle Los Angeles

Second film today and this one was typical alien invasion fodder. That's not such a bad thing. Granted the dialogue and general tone was 'Independence Day' bad but the special effects were pretty good. It's was shot in the now customary 'gritty documentary' style (a la Bourne trilogy) but towards the end it wasn't that bothersome.. I'm not quite sure what to compare it to. It wasn't as bad as 'Skyline' and 'Independence Day'..
Rating:***
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Source Code

Probably the best film I've seen this weekend. Another Sci-fi in a similar vein to Adjustment Bureau yesterday, although I enjoyed this more. I enjoyed 'Son of Bowie's last movie (Moon) and this had similar mind bending elements plus an explosion every 8 minutes!
Rating: ****

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The Adjustment Bureau

I enjoyed this one more than Sucker punch. A typical 'P K Dick' movie. Good slice of Sci-fi but also a 'Chick flick'. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt were particularly convincing.
Rating: *** 1/2

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Suckerpunch

Umm.. Not sure what to make of this one. I was looking forward to it having been intrigued by the trailer. Plus I enjoyed a few of Zack Snyders previous flicks (300 and Watchmen in particular)... Initially it was like MTV, lot of style over substance and slow-mo.. Then it got weird with steam powered, zombie nazi's and excessive gun play ..!?!?
Jury's still out. I think it deserves another viewing.
Rating: ***

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I Am Number Four

Missed out on "Drive Angry 3D" today because of the timing, so opted for this instead.

Wasn't a bad film. Nothing that hasn't been done before but with fresher faces.  Apart from flagging in the middle there was some reasonable action and special effects.  Unfortunately it felt like it was Part 1 of something and didn't really pick up until No 6 turned up. Then it was over in half an hour..  

Still, it was enjoyable as a Saturday afternoon flick.. Be interesting to see if the franchise kicks off.

Overall rating: ***

Paul

Just came out of the new Simon Pegg/ Nick Frost collaboration - Paul.  And I enjoyed it.  It lacked Edgar Wrights zippy direction for sure and you could tell it was USA financed, but I laughed a lot. If you're a sci-fi fan like me, a lot of the humour was derived from previous film references and I found myself laughing out loud on my own a couple of times.  In a recent interview with the two leads they commented that they had to erm... dumb it down slightly for the studio... all I can say is it'll be interesting to see if there's any out-takes on the dvd..

Overall rating: *** 1/2
Good, but would've loved to seen an Edgar Wright version.

True Grit.

Graham and I saw this one today, in a 3/4 full Cineworld. Having seen the John Wayne version about 30 odd years ago, I honestly couldn't remember much of the plot.. apart from the iconic "one man vs four" show down..

Overall I really enjoyed it. Jeff Bridges does old, drunk, fat and haggard very well and there were some genuinely funny moments. Plus, as commonly acknowledged, the performance of the young girl was excellent.. This now means I going to have to watch the 1969 original again and compare the two (Graham's an avid John Wayne fan and swears by it..we'll see).

Rating: ****

The Kings Speech

To be honest I had high expectations of this film. The overall opinion has been very good and it's managed to acquire 12 Oscar nominations. Plus I was still on a high having just come out of 127 Hours. Turns out this film was also very good and didn't disappoint. I laughed more than I thought I would.  Wether Colin Firth wins the Oscar or not remains to be seen...

Rating: ****

127 Hours

Managed to get in two films today, this being the first. To be honest I wasn't going to see this one. The thought of a man cutting off his own arm didn't appeal to me, but Liz wanted to see it and I thought what the heck. Turns out it was excellent. James Franco put in an oscar worthy performance and it didn't focus on just the 'arm cutting off' scene. Overall I'm glad I saw it.

Rating: ****

Tron: Legacy

Second viewing of this one. Killing time on JLS night. Only got to see 3/4 of the film but I still enjoyed it.
Still ***1/2

Megamind 3D

It's JLS night so to kill some time I saw a couple of films. The first being Megamind (in 3D... oh joy!). Wasn't that bad a film. Not 'Shrek 4' bad anyway. But then it was no 'Cloudy with... meatballs' either. Overall a 3 star movie. Fun but forgettable..
Rating:***