Jaws 2

Cast: Roy Scheider, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, Jeffrey Kramer and Ann Dusenberry.

Director: Jeannot Szwarc

Release Date: 1978

Running Time: 1hr 56 minutes

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 12

Format: Amazon Prime UK

Synopsis:

When a monstrous shark begins to terrorize Amity Island, Police Chief Brody must do everything he can to protect the citizens living there.

Forty-two years ago director Steven Spielberg delivered one of the best thrillers of all time, Jaws! Due to the success of the first film, it's only natural that director Jeannot Szwarc would try and make a sequel that could potentially, live up to the same standards. When a diver's camera is dug up from an abandoned cruiser and a water skier is killed. Police Chief Brody suspects the killer to be a great white shark. Determined to help he, sets off to prove to the town council that they once again have a killer shark on their hands.

Unfortunately, the storyline isn't as thrilling as it is in the first film. Director Steven Spielberg was very clever when he chose not to show the shark to his audience until almost an hour into the film, this added a tremendous amount of suspense and fear. Roy Scheider returns as Police Chief Brody, it appears four years have passed since the events of the last film. Chief Brody has been awarded for his efforts in 1975. Scheider once again, delivers a very strong performance, unlike the story in the first film, Mayor Vaughn (Hamilton) refuses to believe that Amity Island has another shark terrorizing their tourists. Chief Brody must prove through a series of photographs that he is right.

Chief Brody's two sons also return, much older this time, thought to be in their early to late teens. Mike Brody has got a keen eye for sailing and for picking up girls. Mike and his friends soon find themselves in trouble when they are stranded and circled by the monstrous shark. Realistically a great white shark wouldn't attempt to attack anything bigger than itself. The idea that it goes after several sailing boats is somewhat unrealistic. Realistically the film doesn't work as a sequel, audiences were introduced to the shark in the first film, unfortunately you can't recreate that incredible feeling of suspense and fear that was built up in the first movie, where the shark was shown for the first time.

Unfortunately the shots used make some scenes very predictable and because of that they really lack excitement. The use of aerial shots has to some degree, been overused. The audience are fully aware that the story takes place on an island. The editing is very poor at times, some scenes even look unfinished due to this mishap. Although a lot of effort went into making it a good sequel, sadly it was nowhere near upto the standards of Spielberg's classic.

3.5/5 stars

Jaws

Cast: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw and Lorraine Gary.

Director: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: 1975

Running Time: 2hrs 4 minutes

Genre: Thriller

Rating:  12

Format: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

On Amity Island a small community rely on their beaches to bring in the tourists however, when new Sheriff Martin Brody finds the remains of a shark attack victim, his first choice of course is to close the beaches, naturally this doesn't sit well with Mayor Larry Vaughn, so it's decided that perhaps the shark should be caught, before it does anymore killing, Marty Brody turns to marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and a fishermen Quint (Robert Shaw) for his help, lets just say not everything goes as planned! Prepare for the thrills!

Based on Peter Benchley's best selling novel of the same name, Spielberg brings us one of the best thrillers of the 1970's! It's hard to believe when this film was in production that Steven Spielberg wasn't a very well known director at all, and ironically actually took over the job of another director, as the production team didn't feel like the film was convincing enough. Spielberg was that man! I think it's safe to say it was probably a wise choice as "Jaws" has gone onto be one of the best selling thrillers of the past forty two years! Spielberg has come incredibly far with his career since making this film, however it's still to this date one of his best pieces of work. Despite Spielberg cutting a lot of scenes from the book, I think it worked out for the best and appealed a lot more to audiences. The screenplay was very well written and the dialogue is great and very convincing.

Starring Roy Scheider as Chief Brody, Brody is the Chief of Police on Amity Island where he lives with his wife Ellen (Lorraine Gary) and their two boys, Michael and Sean. Originally from New York, Brody is still getting used to the island when the attacks start happening, just in time for the fourth of July. The acting in this film is really really good, Scheider is absolutely brilliant as the Chief of Police, he fits into the role perfectly and comes across as very convincing. Brody seems to be the only character at first that's convinced a shark is due to the attacks, Mayer Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) isn't so convinced and seems to care more about the money the town will make, then closing the beaches down for safety. It's become apparent that Brody is scared of the water, originally not allowing his son to go out on his first boat and refusing to go swimming in the sea. It's a shame Spielberg never gave us the backstory to that.

As the attacks get more and more frequent Brody highers a marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) to come in to identify the shark. Dreyfuss is absolutely wonderful as Hooper, he brings fantastic characterization to his role and at times come across as very amusing, his relationship with Quint, is very rough, however Brody and Hooper seem to have more of an understanding and have great chemistry on screen together. Quint has a very interesting role in this film as a Fishermen who wants the shark all for himself including $10,000. Robert Shaw is great as Quint, rumour has it a lot of his lines were improvised however you will find yourself hating his character. He does however come across as very convincing, you can practically feel the tension oozing from the screen.

The film certainly doesn't take long to get going and gets straight to the point extremely fast with an attack in the opening scene, gripping audiences from the get go. It's beautifully shot and looks even better on Blu-Ray. Bill Butler has clearly done an amazing job as director of photography, the camera work in this movie is excellent, there's a wonderful dolly zoom when an attack has taken place, and the camera is very quickly zoomed in on Brody who is sat on the beach with his wife. Spielberg has also chosen to do a lot of close ups of the main actors, The editing at times is a little bit choppy, but the majority of the film is very smooth. Spielberg has also managed to catch some beautiful shots at night too, that look fantastic on screen. There are a few fantastic moments where the camera has used low angles to capture underwater scenes, allowing the film to build tension, is the shark going to attack? Or are we waiting for a jump scare? There's a wonderful low angle shot where tourists panic on the beach, I love how Spielberg was able to catch such realism. I love the fear in people that Spielberg was able to capture so beautifully on screen.

The production department have done a great job, the film is set in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, they've managed to capture some gorgeous beach scenery. Quint's boat in particular is a work of art, it's very realistic, I love the rustic feel the production department have given it and the wonderful name of "The Orca" it suits the character of Quint perfectly! Quint's home or office as it were is great too, I particularly love how the prop department went to great effort to show shark teeth hanging up and fishing nets strung around the room. It's exactly how I expect a fishermen's house/boat house to look. It shows a lot of realism and authenticity. The production department also went to a lot of effort to show Matt Hooper's fishing rods, oxygen tanks, diving gear. The special effects are great and are very convincing, it's hard to believe that they shark seen on screen is just mechanical, there are some truly terrifying close ups, that would convince you otherwise. I'm blown away with how realistic it looks. It's hard to believe this film was produced in 1975, it looks absolutely stunning on Blu-Ray, no grain and great surround sound.

John Williams has composed one of the most famous film scores in movies in history! The most beautiful thing about a film score is that it should allow you to feel what you are watching on the screen! The music gets faster and harder the closer the shark gets to the victim. It really is one of the most amazing soundtracks you'll ever be subjected to! Beautiful moments shared between a father and his son, the music is mellow beautiful. At the end of the film, they're on this ferocious journey to kill this shark before it takes the life of anymore victims...its intense, it's thrilling, then suddenly....it just mellows. You really do go on a journey with this film and the incredible soundtrack allows you do that.

Blu-Ray Special Features:

Deleted Scenes:

I don't know about you, but I love watching deleted scenes. The director has chosen to take out scenes for a reason, either they don't like them or they didn't work or they drag the film down, it's fascinating to see how the film could have been different. As a member of the audience the deleted scenes worked being left out of the film. They're boring and they would of dragged the film down.

The making of Jaws: 2hr Documentary:

A fascinating documentary with the filmmakers and author Peter Benchley, I love how we're introduced to each of the actors who played each character. Steven Spielberg brings us a wonderful insight into the making of one of his biggest films. Everything from casting the actors, the production design, filming underwater scenes getting real footage of sharks as you will see in certain scenes in the movie. Fascinating documentary!

From the Set:

A nice little eight minute segment on the filming of Jaws! The press follow them round during filming, interviewing Steven Spielberg. Press release.

The Impact and Legacy of Jaws:

A more up to date documentary on the film, explaining a bit more into detail about what happened when the movie was released, the issues they had with the shark during production, showing the movie's popularity around the world, a very interesting documentary.

Jaws: The Restoration:

Showing you how they essentially made the Blu-Ry, a pretty cool thing to watch! Remarkable watching them clean up a film for Blu-Ray. The process is long and a serious amount of attention to detail takes place.

Jaws Archives:

Storyboards, Production Photo's, Marketing Jaws and Jaws Phenomenon.

5/5 stars

The Dark Tower

Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor, Dennis Haysbert and Claudia Kim.

Director: Nikolaj Arcel

Release Date: 2017

Running Time: 1hr 35 minutes

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 12

Synopsis:

Gunslinger Roland Deschain has been locked in an never ending battle with Walter O'Dim, commonly known as the Man in Black. Determined to stop him from toppling the Dark Tower which holds the Universe together. In a battle of good and evil, with the world at stake, Roland must do everything he can to stop the Man in Black. 

Based on seven novels by Stephen King in The Dark Tower series. Jake Chambers (Taylor) believes that his visions are explaining the reason behind the earthquakes on Earth, believing that the The Dark Tower is under attack. Forced to run from home when people from The Dark Universe chase him, Jake seeks out to find the truth behind his visions, travelling through a porthole in the process. The problem with the storyline is the lack of understanding in not knowing where exactly the story takes place in the book series. The man in black is someone who can manipulate others actions. Force them to stop breathing, make them invision evil.

Director Nikolaj Arcel would of really benefited from making the films in order.The idea to push all seven books into one movie was a risky move. For those who have no read the novels will find themselves severely lost as to what is actually happening in the story. It's unfortunate that Stephen King's imagination is not captured the way it should be on screen. To capture the imagination of such a powerful author you need to be sharp in the film process, ideally not mixing the stories together, that were originally intended to be separate. Is it a coincidence that Jake can shine too, just like Danny in Stephen King's novel The Shining? Are the two thought to be set in the same universe?

Newcomer Tom Taylor stars as Jake Chambers, a young boy who can shine and see across worlds. Taylor delivers a seemingly good performance, although not a lot of characterisation is shown. McConaughey's performance as the man in black/Walter is very wooden, for such a talented actor it's really quite disappointing. There's no depth to his character. Idris Elba delivers the strongest performance in the film as gunslinger Roland. Both Elba and McConaughy had serious potential with their characters if it hadn't been for their poor direction. The special effects are poor and look incredibly messy on screen. The visual effects lack excitement and don't enforce an ounce of suspense. The story really had the potential to be huge, however due to poor direction and visuals the film was poorly let down.

2.5/5 stars

The Nutty Professor

Cast: Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett, James Coburn, Larry Miller, Dave Chappelle and John Ales.

Director: Tom Shadyac

Release Date: 1996

Running Time: 1hr 36 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Rating: 12

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

Insecure yet good-hearted Professor Sherman Klump takes a special chemical that turns him into a slim and obnoxious man Buddy Love. 

Fifty-four years ago Jerry Lewis jumped onto our screens in "The Nutty Professor", a story about a nerdy professor who takes a posion that temporarily turns him into an obnoxious ladies man. In 1996, Eddie Murphy took to our screens in this hilarious remake. Professor Sherman Klump invents an magnificent weight-loss solution that temporarily turns him into his obnoxious alter ego Buddy Love. Despite losing 250 pounds, his alter ego and arrogance soon spiral out of control. The storyline is very similar to the one in the smash hit movie "The Mask" starring Jim Carrey. In "The Mask" Stanley Ipkiss wore a green mask that turned him into an hia alter ego. An eccentric and animated clown.

Jerry Lewis reportedly turned down a cameo in the film, due to his personal beliefs expressing dissatisfaction at the amount of fart jokes used. Considering the humour that Lewis used to express in his younger years, it came as a surprise that we would not see the original Nutty Professor make a cameo. The humour used throughout the film is very tongue in cheek and should by no means be taken seriously. The story is funny because of it's ludicrosity. Eddie Murphy not only stars as Sherman Klump but also as Buddy Love, Lance Perkins, Papa Klump, Mama Klump, Grandma Klump and Ernie Klump. Murphy's art of characterisation for each character is absolutely outstanding. A different emotion, a different facial expression is shown in each and every character.

The storyline holds a strong message about not being afraid to be yourself, that beauty is found within and to believe in yourself, anything is possible. Although very different to the original film, the modern twist works well with the characters and the story. Jada Pinkett-Smith stars as Sherman's stunning love interest, Carla Purty. Jada Pinkett-Smith shows a lot of emotion through her eyes as Curly, you can really see the hurt in her eyes when Sherman is being made fun of in the nightclub by the comic. Her eyes really light up when she is with him, a fantastic performance is shown by Pinkett. A lot of work hasn't gone into the film to make it look fantastic visually, however the storyline and the characters certainly make up for it. Highly entertaining and fun.

3.5/5 stars

The Bourne Ultimatum

Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Scott Glenn, David Strathairn, Albert Finney and Joan Allen.

Director: Paul Greengrass

Release Date: 2007

Running Time: 1hr 55 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 12

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

Jason Bourne must dodge a ruthless CIA operative and his agents from a new assassination programme while searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer.

Trained killer Jason Bourne (Damon) is still desperately trying to find the answer to his identity. Bourne goes on the run when he learns London reporter Simon Ross is trying to unveil Operation Blackbriar, an significant upgrade to Treadstone. CIA Deputy Director Noah Vosen (Stratheim) wants him dead, however CIA Deputy Director Pamela Landy (Allen) is doing everything she can to keep him alive.  Meanwhile Jason attempts to track down Madrid based CIA station chief Neil Daniels (Stinton) who may just hold the answer to his real identity.

Ideally if you are relatively new to the franchise, it would pay to watch the films in order, otherwise particular scenes including flashbacks from the two previous films won't make an awful lot of sense,  director Paul Greengrass goes into a lot of detail in this film about what initially happened to Bourne,  detailing the events that took place in the first film. Paul Greengrass has taken the same approach as he did in the previous film with choosing to shoot the film in documentary style. Although this technique does add a dramatic effect to the film, it can be difficult to see what is going on too. It does, however give the film a sense of realism.

As the story progresses, Bourne really starts to remember his past and who he is in a series of flashbacks. The storyline is exciting and enticing, leaving you on the edge of your seat with a feeling of fear and suspense. The storyline almost feels like a puzzle to some degree, what is it they are searching for? The fact that questions aren't answered straight away is excellent. It allows you to keep wondering, keep figuring out what is actually going on. Bourne wants revenge and will do everything he can to get to Daniels. It becomes clear that Bourne doesn't trust anyone.

The idea to use little to no special effects has worked surprisingly effectively. Action sequences look real and genuine. The editing is very sharp and clean. Unlike other action movies "The Bourne Trilogy" certainly look the most real and effective, the film really deserved the Academy Award win. The stunt sequences are spectacular. The stunt sequences have been remarkably choreographed. Damon shows raw talent in his performance and his action sequences. An extremely well put together film, one that director Paul Greengrass should most certainly be proud of.

4.5/5

The Bourne Supremacy

Cast: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles and Karl Urban

Director: Paul Greengrass

Release Date: 2004

Running Time: 1hr 43 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 12

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

Jason Bourne finds himself being framed by a CIA operation gone awry. he is forced to resume his former life as a trained assassin to survive. 

Based on the novel of the same name by American author Robert Ludlam. Director Paul Greengrass delivers the next installment in the action packed franchise. Jason Bourne and Maria are now in hiding in Goa, India. It doesn't however, take Treadstone long to hunt them back down. Jason soon finds himself on the run again when he is targeted for death by Russian assassin Kirill. Meanwhile back home, CIA Deputy Director Pamela Landy and CIA Chief Ward Abbott are desperately trying to bring him in...alive.

We begin to learn a lot more about Bourne, as he begins to remember more and more about his past. Matt Damon really shows fierce emotion in character, proving that he is a fighter and a soldier. He must do everything he can to survive. Unfortunately the storyline isn't quite as exciting as the first, it does however still really live up to the expectations of the first film as far as action sequences go. As far as book adaptations go, the storyline in the film is very different to the novel. Screenwriter Tony Gilroy has gone into far much more detail about Treadstone, understandably to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Director Paul Greengrass has taken a much different approach in using hand held cameras to create an almost documentary effect. The director of photography has worked well with the lighting designers in choosing a muted colour palette to emphasise how dark the story is. The choice to use little to no computer graphics works excellently, fight and action sequences look more real and genuine. Audiences really have an opportunity to believe that what they are seeing, is actually real. Although the directing approach gives a more realistic feel to the film, it can be overwhelming at times too. Giving the impression that it's been very rushed.

It's unfortunate that we don't get to know the other characters better. We're introduced to several different characters, who have such little screen time that you start wondering who they actually are and what they actually have to do with the storyline. Despite the action sequences adding a lot of excitement to the film, it was very disappointing in comparison to the first film. However a good sequel, nonetheless.

4/5 stars

The Bourne Identity

Cast: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox and Josh Hamilton

Director: Doug Liman

Release Date: 2002

Running Time: 1hr 59 minutes

Genre: Action/Thriller

Rating: 12

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

Jason Bourne is found and picked up by a fishing boat, covered in blood and filled with bullets and finds himself suffering from severe amnesia, before racing to elude assassins and regain his memory. 

Based on the book of the same name by American author Robert Ludlum. This is the first of four movies based on Ludlum's  novels. Jason Bourne is pulled from the Mediterranean sea by an Italian fishing boat. With no clue as to who he is, he is blood ridden and filled with bullets, with nothing to show but a pile of fake passports and a Swiss bank account number displayed by miniature laser disc found in his hip. It doesn't take long for him to realise that he is being hunted down by someone who wants to kill him. Bourne (Damon) must travel to Paris with friend Marie Kreutz to find clues about his identity and why he is being hunted down.

The storyline really has a sense of mystery to it. How is it that Jason Bourne has no memory? Why does he possess intense survival skills? Is Jason Bourne who he really is? When the men in Switzerland know his location they begin to hunt him down. There is an awful lot of character development, particularly between Jason and Maria. Damon delivers a very good performance, he really manages to keep quite a deadpan expression throughout the course of the film, a real look of confusion. He doesn't know who he is or where he came from, Damon really shows that emotion fantastically.

Action packed from beginning to end, not only is it exciting but really thrilling too, full of suspense and tension. Chris Cooper delivers a tremendous performance, like all of his roles he is really able to show emotion terrifically on screen, Cooper stars as Conklin one of many men hoping to hunt down and kill Jason Bourne. The story is essentially Jason's journey into finding who he is and where he came from. There are moments where you feel like there is a piece of the puzzle missing,  avid readers have mentioned how much more the novel goes into detail. Although it's very nicely shot there are a few editing issues, particularly at the beginning of the film, although it's not too obvious, it does take a little bit of the magic away from the story.

The action sequences have been very coherently shot, with the use of terrific cinematography and lighting, the scenes really come to life and look realistic. Director Doug Liman has heavily relied on action sequences to explain the story. These sequences are heavily chaotic, very much like the mind of Jason Bourne. Fast thinking and quick. Set in the heart of Paris, the city works really well with the storyline. Adding a real sense of mystery to the film and there whereabouts of Jason Bourne. A highly entertaining film, full of action and depth.

4.5/5 stars

2012

Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson and Danny Glover

Director: Roland Emmerich

Release Date: 2009

Running Time: 2hrs 31 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 12

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

A frustrated father struggles to keep his family alive when the world is thrust into a series of global catastrophes, forcing the planet to start over. 

December 21st, 2012 marked the ending of the 13th cycle of the Mayan long count calendar. The Mayan calendar ends December 21st 2012. The beliefs suggested that the Mayans foretold the ending of the world at this time. Also this date was highly significant to Mayans, there is no evidence to prove that the world would cease to exist. In 2009, at the Institute of Astrophysics in India, Adrian Helmsley and Dr Satnam Tsurutani discover there has been a major solar flare, one that will push the planet into severe catastrophic proportions. Forcing himself to convince the President of the United States (Glover) that the world is coming to an end, the world must start preparing themselves by building arks in Tibet that will hopefully save mankind.

Unfortunately the problem arises with the storyline when it is mentioned that only the rich will survive and board the Arks. This is a very controversial move, in saying that the President's around the world would only choose to to save the rich and not the poor. As far as the storyline goes it's not really giving off the best image to audiences. Of course the storyline is not to be taken seriously, this of course is the beauty of film. It's unfortunate really that the concept is there, it's just been very poorly executed. Although the use of humour works quite well, it does sadly pull the storyline away from the catastrophic occurrences taking place. It'd be very easy to believe that "The Day after Tomorrow" and "San Andreas" are set in the same Universe as this one due to the storyline being so similar. The storyline sadly just isn't convincing.

It's embarrassing to know that the child actors deliver better performances than some of the more professional adult actors. John Cusack stars as single father and author Jackson Curtis, Curtis must do everything he can do get his family out of the country before it's too late. Forcing his ex-wife's boyfriend to fly them to China in the hope they can board the Arks. Although Cusack delivers a fairly good performance, it's a shame the same couldn't really be said for Amanda Peet and Tom McCarthy who play Kate Curtis and Gordon Silberman. Danny Glover however, does deliver a very strong performance as the President of the United States. Risking his own life to save others, he stays behind whilst his team board Air Force One.

The special effects really dominate the film, this of course makes sense seeing as it is of course a disaster movie. The problem however is that the special effects really don't look that fantastic. When the film has got a budget worth $200,000,000, it is a little bit disappointing to see special effects that in hindsight look so poor. For the most part, it feels like two and a half hours of fancy special effects, where is the depth to the storyline? The story gets lost in endless disaster scenes that are shared with poor character development. For a film that is set in December there are no references at all to the month throughout the course of the film. The score does absolutely nothing for the film or the action sequences, there is barely any sense of suspense or fear. This film really had the potential to be excellent, a huge disappointment.

2.5/5 stars

Home Alone 3

Cast: Alex D. Linz, Olek Krupa, Rya Kihlstedt, Lenny Von Dohlen, David Thornton, Scarlett Johanson and Christopher Curry.

Director: Raja Gosnell

Release Date: 1997

Running Time: 1hr 42 minutes

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

A nine year old boy living in Chicago, defends himself from thieves who seek a top secret microchip inside his toy car to support a North Korean terrorist organization's next deed.

When a US Air Force missile microchip finds itself in the hands of eight year old Alex Pruitt, he finds himself having to defend his home when four high tech industrial spies come searching for it. Unbeknownst to Alex does he realise the chip is hiding inside a toy car that he was given as a gift. Ready to take action, along with his pet mouse Doris, he is more than prepared when they come looking for him. Directorial debut of Raja Gosnell, Gosnell proves that there is still some spark left in the "Home Alone" franchise in this highly entertaining sequel. However, unlike the first two movies, this story is in fact set after Christmas.

The disappointment hits audiences when they realise it is different from the two previous films. Different director. Different story. Different kid. This film was made purely to entertain, nothing else. Alex D. Linz has just as much if not more charm than Macaulay Culkin. Although the storyline is set in Chicago, the story takes place in a different street. Alex Pruitt finds himself home alone when he develops the chicken pox one night, furious that no one believes him when he witnesses several burglaries, he takes action into his own hands. Proving that he has just as many tricks up his sleeve as Kevin McCallister.

The storyline works well because it doesn't go into serious detail about who these people are. There's a certain amount of mystery to the characters that makes them a lot more interesting and it allows the story to keep in line with the family Christmas persona. The bad guys are what really make this story work. Beaupre, Alice, Jernigan and Unger, performed by four terrific actors, Olek Krupa, Rya Kihlstedt, Lenny Von Dohlen and David Thornton. Absolutely hilarious, they soon find themselves victim of Alex's booby traps. The film comes with a wonderful contemporary soundtrack including smash hit artists such as Oingo Boingo and Chuck Berry. Highly entertaining and full of fun.

5/5 stars

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Catherine O'Hara and Tim Curry.

Director: Chris Columbus

Release Date: 1992

Running Time: 2hrs

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Format: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

Kevin is back again, this time he accidentally finds himself lost in New York City and unfortunately for him the same criminals from last year are not far behind. 

Chris Columbus's second installment into the "Home Alone" franchise is equally if not even more exciting then the first. Kevin McCallister finds himself lost in The Big Apple in the arms of the same two burglars who tried to rob his home in Chicago. Armed with cash and credit cards, Kevin finds himself having the trip of a lifetime. Director Chris Columbus admitted to essentially remaking the first film, this time setting it in New York City. Although the storyline may seem exactly the same, the characters are very different. The characters that Kevin interacts with are not only fantastically eccentric but wonderfully entertaining too. The storyline really has a magical spark to it.

Macaulay Culkin reprises his role as Kevin McCallister excellently. A little bit older and wiser he has a few more tricks up his sleeve for Marv and Harry. Both find themselves in New York City when they escape jail during a prison riot. No longer the wet bandits they are now the sticky bandits! Although lost and alone in New York City, Kevin makes friends along the way, a very kind pigeon lady who looks out for him in time of need, performed beautifully by actress Brenda Fricker. Most will be accustomed to seeing Joe Pesci in the likes of "Goodfellas" and "Lethal Weapon", however his comedic timing in both "Home Alone" films is truly wonderful. Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci are the ultimate comedy duo. Both prove that they are capable of serious and comedic roles.

Set in the heart of New York City, the setting simply adds even more magic to the movie. Showing the city in all it's glory. The production design again is very similar to the first, director Chris Columbus has really just used the same template for two different films. Although it doesn't sound original, it would surprisingly well. The gags set up for Marv and Harry are fantastically shot and for the most part are absolutely hilarious. Chris Columbus hasn't mist a beat when it comes to entertaining his audiences. The late screenwriter John Hughes has one again written a terrific film. John Williams delivers a tremendous soundtrack that adds heart and emotion to the film. Simply one of the best Christmas films ever made!

5/5 stars

Home Alone

Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, Devin Ratray and Catherine O'Hara.

Director: Chris Columbus

Release Date: 1990

Running Time: 1hr 43 minutes

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Format: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

Eight year old Kevin must protect his home from a pair of dimwitted burglars, when he is accidentally left at home by his family during the Christmas holidays.

The McCallister family are planning a big family vacation to Paris, when they accidentally leave their youngest son Kevin (Culkin) at home. Kevin must defend for himself when he learns two burglars are hoping to break into his house on Christmas eve. Armed with boobie traps, the fun that unfolds is fantastically entertaining. What would you do if you were eight years old and left at home on your own over the Christmas holidays? Eat whatever you want and do whatever you want of course! Kevin McCallister is performed excellently by Macaulay Culkin, Kevin is not your normal typical child, smart and mischievous he knows exactly how to defend himself against two moronic burglars.

The dimwitted robbers are performed magnificently by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Terrifically funny, the comic timing between both actors are what really makes their scenes so hilarious. Beautifully written the storyline will tug on your heartstrings at times, everyone's celebrating Christmas, Kevin however is having to defend for himself, when he should be at home with his family snuggled up around a Christmas tree. The story really emphasises the importance of family and spending time together, life is short to stay angry at someone. The real action however, begins when Harry and Marv break into the McCallister house, unbeknownst to them do they know it's armed with boobie traps, pet spiders and and a very protective neighbour.

It's miraculous to see how many traps Kevin sets up in such a short space of time, the action sequences are superb. How much pain can two burglars go through before they give up? It is during these scenes that you learn Harry and Marv's fears. Wonderfully executed, you'll find yourself laughing time and time again at their antics as they attempt to chase Kevin through his fun house. A wonderful ending to a terrific film, "Home Alone" is a film you can watch time and time again with your family, to really get you in the festive spirit.

5/5 stars

The Sound of Music

Cast: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath and Angela Cartwright.

Director: Robert Wise

Release Date: 1965

Running Time: 2hrs 45 minutes

Genre: Musical

Rating: U

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

An eccentric woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval Officer widower.

Set in 1930's Austria, Maria (Andrews) is failing miserably at attempting to become a nun, always rushing off into the hills to see the beauty in the world. In an attempt to see if Maria really is willing to become a nun, the convent send her to become a Governess to look after seven mischievous children under the rule of their Navy father Georg Von Trapp. Naturally with her wonderfully contagious bubbly personality, Maria shows great kindness and understanding to the children, becoming a terrific role model for them whilst their father is away. The story is simply nothing short of warm and enchanting.

Starring "Mary Poppins" sensation Julie Andrews as the ever so bubbly Maria, Andrews is absolutely captivating, she's a match made in Heaven for serious and strict Navy Captain Georg Von Trapp performed fantastically by Christopher Plummer. Everyone naturally deals with grief in different ways, Georg Von Trapp chose to push out anything and everything that reminded him of his wife, fun, music. One can only imagine how overwhelming it must be loose a wife/husband and be left with seven children to care for on your own. Georg naturally does what he does best by acting as Captain.

Introducing Liesl, Louisa, Friedrich, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl. The children are simply charming. Each of them deliver wonderful performances. Smart and mischievous they don't take to Maria straight away, however with her kindness and understanding they soon begin to look up to her like as a mother. Beautifully written, the storyline focuses on love, grief, friendship and the second world war. At 2hrs 45 minutes, the story never has a chance to bore with it's captivating songs and magical moments.

The setting for the story simply adds magic to it, set in Salzburg, Austria. The stunning landscapes are what really make this film so memorable. Austrian traditions that have been excellently added to the storyline. The incredible soundtrack of course is what really pulls the film together with terrific songs such as "Do-Re-Mi" and "So long, farewell", you'll find yourself humming the songs for weeks to come. A beautiful love story that is certain to pull on your heartstrings. Powerful and wonderfully entertaining. A classic!

5/5 stars