Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009) 7/10

Starring : Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon
Director : David Yates
Running Time : 147 mins

Lord Voldemort and his evil followers have become increasingly active in both the wizarding and muggle worlds as Harry Potter (Radcliffe) enters his sixth year at Hogwarts, but the school grounds aren't even safe for Harry and his friends as they face danger from every corner, so Dumbledore (Gambon) tries to help Harry by looking into any weaknesses Lord Voldemort may have so that they can finally defeat him.

As the Harry Potter films get darker they start to lose some of their childlike charm. Everything seems to be getting visibly darker even in the cinematography as the films lose colour almost completely. Still, they're pretty loyal to the books and manage to keep the spirit of the series alive while making it progressively darker for the audience that have more than likely grown up with the series.

You’ll like this if you liked : The Chronicles Of Narnia : Prince Caspian

Legion (2010) 8/10

Starring : Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Charles S Dutton
Director : Scott Charles Stewart
Running Time : 96 mins

When the apocalypse comes to Earth, it begins in the unlikely location of a small out of town diner, but when the Archangel Michael (Bettany) decides to rebel against the creator the small group of strangers trapped in the diner with him are forced to join forces to battle the legion of destructive angels that have come to destroy the world.

I actually enjoyed this movie, even though there wasn't as much action as the trailers would lead you to believe. The director has instead decided to focus on the melodrama of the piece and this makes this far more of a thought provoking movie than any all out action and violence could have achieved, although there are still some pretty sound action sequences throughout.

You’ll like this if you liked : Constantine

Chopper (2000) 8/10

Starring : Eric Bana, Simon Lyndon, David Field
Director : Andrew Dominik
Running Time : 90 mins

Violent Australian criminal Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read (Bana) wants nothing more than to become a legend in his own lifetime so, with no intention of even attempting to control his violent impulses, he sets about writing his memoirs, detailing how he supposedly murdered nineteen people and got away with it.

This is such a funny recounting of the life of Chopper Read that it's hard not to like him as a character. Granted you probably wouldn't want to meet him in reality, but while he's up on the scren you can enjoy his witless escapades and his terrible banter.

You’ll like this if you liked : Freeway

Downloading Nancy (2008) 5/10

Starring : Maria Bello, Rufus Sewell, Jason Patric, Amy Brenneman
Director : Johan Renck
Running Time : 98 mins

Faced with a life of being ignored by her husband Albert (Sewell), emotionally wrecked Nancy Stockwell (Bello) decides to end her life by hiring some one over the internet to kill her, but when she meets would-be killer Louis Farley (Patric) the tow find themselves falling in love.

Simply put, this movie is really weird. Basically this is a masochistic look at how relationships can evolve into love even when they're based on violence or even murder, and the end result is a mish mash of nonsense sex scenes and confusingly written character development.

You’ll like this if you liked : Eyes Wide Shut

Land Of The Lost (2009) 8/10

Starring : Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone
Director : Brad Silberling
Running Time : 98 mins

With a reputation that makes him look like the biggest loser in the world of palaeontology, Dr Rick Marshall (Ferrell) has only one chance to win back his reputation and self respect, but when he takes a wrong turn on an expedition he, along with his research assistant Holly Cantrell (McBride) and local survivalist Will Stanton (McBride), end up in The Land Of The Lost, facing certain death at the jaws of prehistoric monsters beyond anyone's imagination.

To be fair, I wasn't expecting much from this latest outing for Will Ferrell, having been a little disappointed by movies such as Semi-Pro and Talladega Nights, but this was actually an enjoyable romp that doesn't just rely on Ferrell screaming at people and being stupid.

You’ll like this if you liked : Journey To The Centre Of The Earth

Classic Friday : Coming To America (1988) 8/10

Starring : Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, Shari Headley
Director : John Landis
Running Time : 112 mins

African Prince Akeem (Murphy) travels to America with his trusted aid Semmi (Hall) in search of a Queen, and finds himself, coincidentally, in Queens where he meets Lisa McDowell (Headley), a young woman whose father Cleo (Amos) runs a chain of fast food restaurants. Taking on a secret identity, Akeem tries to win Lisa over without letting her know about his heritage, with some interesting results.

This is possibly one of Eddie Murphy's best and most memorable performances, thanks in part to the directorial skills of John Landis and the multiple characters played by Murphy. There are some great in jokes, such as the appearance of the billionaire's from Trading Places and the fact that McDowell's is getting sued by McDonald's is a nice touch, so overall this is a very enjoyable timeless comedy that everyone over a certain age will enjoy.

You’ll like this if you liked : Trading Places

The Bad Lieutenant : Port Of Call - New Orleans (2009) 7/10

Starring : Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Fairuza Balk, Alvin Xzibit Joiner, Shawn Hatosy
Director : Werner Herzog
Running Time : 117 mins

After injuring himself when he rescues a trapped prisoner during the floods caused by Hurricane Katrina, Lieutenant Terence McDonagh (Cage) becomes addicted to pain killers and starts putting the pursuit of money and drugs ahead of his job. Assigned to investigate the murder of a family involved in a drug deal, McDonagh chooses to make allegiances with drug dealers rather than properly investigate the crime.

Some parts of this movie were very weird, what with Cage's character being a drug addict and all, but it wasn't over played and it worked pretty well, Nicolas Cage is on good form here, and it's nice to see that he is still able to play manic anti-heroes like he did back in his heyday.

You’ll like this if you liked : The Departed

Must Love Dogs (2005) 7/10

Starring : Diane Lane, John Cusack, Dermot Mulroney, Elizabeth Perkins, Stockard Channing, Christopher Plummer
Director : Gary David Goldberg
Running Time : 94 mins

After being left by her husband, forty-something preschool teacher Sarah Nolan (Lane) is convinced by her sisters to take up computer dating in an attempt to cheer herself up. When she meets Jake Anderson(Cusack) through a dating website, what starts off as just another bad date soon shows the potential of having a future if the two don't allow their other relationships get in the way.

This wasn't that bad a romantic comedy, with Lane especially putting in a likeable performance. Cusack was a little stale at times, but I'm guessing this was because the film was mainly written as a vehicle for the female lead with the male leads storyline feeling a little tacked on.

You’ll like this if you liked : The Truth About Cats And Dogs

How To Train Your Dragon (2010) 7/10

Starring : Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Director : Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders
Running Time : 87 mins

A clumsy young Viking named Hiccup (Baruchel) would like nothing better than to help his village fight off the invading dragons that are constantly attacking them, but his father, Stoik The Vast (Butler), won't allow him as he thinks he isn't up to the task. But when Hiccup is finally faced with a dragon he becomes friends with it, names it Toothless, and realises that the Vikings and the Dragons have been acting upon a complete misunderstanding of how each species works.

This was a nice story with an important message for kids, but it wasn't Dreamworks finest animated feature to date. The characters were fun and the flight sequences looked great, but there wasn't enough of a story to keep this 100% engaging from start to finish.

You’ll like this if you liked : DragonHeart

Transsiberian (2008) 7/10

Starring : Woody Harrelson, Emily Mortimer, Ben Kingsley, Kate Mara, Eduardo Noriega, Thomas Kretschmann
Director : Brad Anderson
Running Time : 108 mins

Roy (Harrelson) and Jessie (Mortimer) are an ordinary American couple on a Trans-Siberian train journey following a period volunteering in China. When they meet another couple, Carlos (Noriega) and Abby (Mara), they find themselves involved in a complicated smuggling ring as they fight for their lives against a supposed Interpol officer known simply as Grinko (Kingsley).

This starts off pretty slow, but soon the action kicks in as primarily Mortimer is faced with the news that a large quantity of drugs have been placed in her bag. Fans of standard thrillers will enjoy this literal train ride that twists around so much it becomes confusing as to who anyone should trust.

You’ll like this if you liked : A Perfect Getaway

Night At The Museum : Battle Of The Smithsonian (2009) 8/10

Starring : Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams
Director : Shawn Levy
Running Time : 105 mins

When former security guard Larry Daley (Stiller) discovers that the museum he once worked at is having a number of its exhibits sent to the Smithsonian, he decides to break in to prevent a magical talisman from bringing a whole new batch of exhibits to life and stop them from destroying the world by opening a gateway to the netherworld.

In many ways this is better than the original movie. The action moves faster, the characters are more fleshed out and there's less of Robin Williams. There's a lot more thought put into some of the newer characters and the idea of paintings also coming to life adds a new dimension. I wouldn't be surprised if Stiller agreed to a third instalment, and I'm not embarrassed to say that I'd watch it.

You’ll like this if you liked : Bedtime Stories

Classic Friday : Carry On Cabby (1963) 8/10

Starring : Sidney James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Connor, Charles Hawtrey
Director : Gerald Thomas
Running Time : 91 mins

Workaholic Charlie Hawkins (James) is the proud owner of Speedee Taxis, and business is booming, but while Charlie is busy at work, his wife Peggy (Jacques) is feeling a little neglected. When another cab firm opens up in the area, Glamcabs - a cab firm run by beautiful young women - Charlie realises that he is at risk of losing business and tries to find out who owns the cab firm so that he can reason with them.

This is one of the better early Carry On films, with an actual plot that is fun to follow and gives the viewer equal footing on who to root for. The performances are great to watch, and the battle of the sexes plot line is timeless and relevant even today. Children and adults alone will enjoy this wonderful comedy that even in black and white is a match for today's comedy films.

You’ll like this if you liked : Carry On Teacher

Baise-Moi (2000) 5/10

Starring : Karen Bach, Raffaela Anderson
Director : Virginie Despentes & Coralie
Running Time : 77 mins

After being brutally raped by a gang of men, two women - Nadine (Bach) and Manu (Anderson) decide to join forces and roam around France murdering those involved in sordid sexual antics, all the while trying to punish those they feel have ruined their lives.

This was a pretty terrible movie - the characters start off seemingly killing those that deserve it, but soon move on to kill anyone they feel like. The ending was good but rushed, and the sex scenes are pretty close to the bone, but there's nothing too outlandish in this movie and I found it hard to see what was so special to get this banned in so many places.

You’ll like this if you liked : Bound

The Eye 2 (2004) 6/10

Starring : Qi Shu, Eugenia Yuan, Jesdaporn Pholdee
Director : Pang Brothers
Running Time : 96 mins

After failing to commit suicide, Joey Cheng (Qi) discovers that she is pregnant. As she considers terminating the pregnancy, she starts finding herself stalked by mysterious shadowy people and finally realises that the people haunting her may actually be spirits sent to either help of hinder her in her decision making.

This wasn't a patch on the first movie, and the title didn't even seem to make sense in respect of the plot. Other than Shu Qi having visions of a sort, there's nothing at all to do with eyes in the whole film. Still, as far as Japanese horrors go this is okay, but there are lots more that are far superior in both content and execution.

You’ll like this if you liked : Ring 2

The Back-Up Plan (2010) 5/10

Starring : Jennifer Lopez, Alex O'Loughlin, Michael Watkins, Eric Christian Olsen
Director : Alan Poul
Running Time : 105 mins

Zoe (Lopez) thinks she’s never going to meet her mister right, so decides to have children via artificial insemination. No sooner has she discovered that she’s officially pregnant than she meets Stan (O'Loughlin), a man who could quite possibly be the mister right she’s been looking for all her life.

This cringe-worthy romantic comedy desperately tries to raise laughs where there are none. Lopez desperately tries to hide her pregnancy from her new man for all of five minutes, then the rest of the film just doesn't sit well in my eyes. O'Loughlin's character seems just too forgiving about the whole situation, and the usual pregnancy jokes are handled badly and some great opportunities are passed over in favour of less funny moments of mirth.

You’ll like this if you liked : The Bounty Hunter

Deception (2008) 7/10

Starring : Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams
Director : Marcel Langenegger
Running Time : 103 mins

When Jonathan McQuarry (McGregor) is introduced to a strange sex club known as The List by a man calling himself Wyatt Bose (Jackman), he finds himself the prime suspect in the disappearance of a mystery woman known simply as S (Williams).

This wasn't a bad mystery thriller, with a solid ending and some interesting twists, but the set up felt a little weak and the build up of the storyline was a bit too wishy-washy for my liking. If you persevere this is a good movie, but for those with short attention spans they might just switch off before it really gets going.

You’ll like this if you liked : Derailed

The Lovely Bones (2009) 9/10

Starring : Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Saoirse Ronan, Stanley Tucci
Director : Peter Jackson
Running Time : 136 mins

When Susie Salmon (Ronan) is brutally murdered by child abductor George Harvey (Tucci), she finds herself possessing the ability to watch over her family and she has to decide between communicating with them in order to help them find her killer, or to just leave them to cope with her death in thier own way.

This was actually incredibly good; not one of the actors in this adaptation can be flawed in their performances. My one gripe is Jackson’s overuse of CGI throughout the movie, making it appear that he felt that the story alone couldn’t carry the film. Still, this is a fantastic thriller with a satisfying ending and some great performances.

You’ll like this if you liked : Stir Of Echoes

Classic Friday : Tremors (1990) 8/10

Starring : Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire
Director : Ron Underwood
Running Time : 92 mins

The townsfolk of Perfection, Nevada, are faced with a deadly infestation of giant flesh-eating worms that have decided to start eating their way through the town. Armed with only their wits and a few handguns, the remaining few join forces to wage battle against the deadly creatures in the vain hope of protecting their town, their homes, and their lives.

This is one of the best comedy horrors of all time. Irrespective of the less impressive sequels, this monster movie harks back to the good old days of simple creatures with simple needs attacking simple folk. The special effects are both quirky and fun to watch, and the characters manage to be one dimensional while simultaneously being deep and engrossing to watch.

You’ll like this if you liked : Lake Placid

Expired (2007) 7/10

Starring : Samantha Morton, Jason Patric, Teri Garr, Illeana Douglas
Director : Cecilia Miniucchi
Running Time : 108 mins

Mild-mannered traffic warden Claire Barney (Morton) hates her job but desperately needs the money. Because of her job she finds it difficult to make any lasting relationships, but eagerly anticipates meeting someone she can share her life with. When she meets fellow traffic officer Jay (Patric) she thinks she may have met a like minded person; unfortunately he enjoys his job and uses it as a means of venting his pent up anger.

There was something a little sinister about this movie - Samantha Morton is a bit simple, and Jason Patric is just the most horrible person alive - but it still had some endearing qualities, largely in Morton's character. If you can stand to watch a perfectly nice character selling themselves short for an hour and a half, then you might enjoy this, but if you find Patric too grating this may not be for you.

You’ll like this if you liked : Lars And The Real Girl

The Glass House (2001) 7/10

Starring : Leelee Sobieski, Diane Lane, Stellan Skarsgard, Bruce Dern
Director : Daniel Sackheim
Running Time : 102 mins

When Ruby Baker (Sobieski) comes home from the movies to find that both her parents have been killed in a car accident, she and her little brother are taken in by a kindly couple, Terry (Skarsgard) and Erin Glass (Lane), who used to live next door to them but now live in Malibu. Everything seems to be going well until Ruby discovers that their parents have left them a small fortune, and she begins to second guess the motives of Mr and Mrs Glass and also question their possible involvement in the death of her parents.

What starts off as a pretty basic thriller soon becomes quite interesting. I love the simple idea of killing a couple so that you can adopt their kids and steal their money, and Skarsgard does a good job of portraying the moneygrabbing adopter, and despite an exciting closing section the middle of the movie could have been a lot stronger.

You’ll like this if you liked : Disturbia

Ed Gein (2000) 6/10

Starring : Steve Railsback, Carrie Snodgress, Carol Mansell
Director : Chuck Parello
Running Time : 89 mins

It’s 1957, and Ed Gein (Railsback) is a strange, lonely little man who lives with his overbearing mother (Snodgress) in the small town of Plainfield, Wisconsin. Years of abuse from both of his parents has lead him to become slightly disturbed, and he begins to use brutal mutilation as a way of venting his enmity to his parents.

In spite of being one of the most intriguing true tales of a serial killer ever imagined, this fell a little short of the mark in regards to actually being impressive. Where Hannibal Lector and Norman Bates - although based on Gein - were rich with character and were genuinely creepy, Ed Gein was just a bit sad and I did actually feel a bit sorry for him. Still, this is a true story, so you can't overly embellish the facts.

You’ll like this if you liked : Psycho

The Objective (2008) 6/10

Starring : Jonas Bell, Matthew R Anderson, Jon Huertas
Director : Daniel Myrick
Running Time : 86 mins

A Special Forces team meets in Afghanistan are given a mission to track down an Afghan cleric called Mohammad Aban, but as they head into the mountains and start to see and hear some very strange occurrences, and talk of a curse starts up, they soon start to realise that the mission they’ve been sent on is far from being run of the mill.

This movie was a little slow, and was very weird. Quite why the American government were after this cleric is never really explained, although if they had heard about his powers they probably just wanted to exploit them in some way. This has a ring of classic sci-fi about it, but it isn't handled or executed quite as well as it could have been.

You’ll like this if you liked : Outpost

The Unborn (2009) 7/10

Starring : Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman, Cam Gigandet, Meagan Good, Idris Elba
Director : David S Goyer
Running Time : 86 mins

After a terrible nightmare involving a strange dog and a small boy, Casey Beldon (Yustman) discovers that she was born a twin and that her brother dies in the womb. When people around her start to get injured or die, she suspects that she may be possessed by an evil spirit that had latched onto her dead brother, Casey calls on the aid of Rabbi Sendak (Oldman) who tries to help her exorcise the demon.

This could have been a lot better, but clearly the director was more interested in showing the leading lady in various stages of undress to actually write an intriguing plot line. This really needed a little more fleshing out to make it truly engrossing, but it was good enough in parts and didn't go overboard with uses of CGI or unnecessary special effects.

You’ll like this if you liked : The Gravedancers