MOVIE REVIEW: THE SMURFS (U) (2D) (3D)

"WASN’T SMURFED ENOUGH"

The Smurfs is an animated comedy family film Directed by Raja Gosnell (Same guy that brought us Home Alone 3 & Big Momma House). When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours. 

Its Starring Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, Tim Gunn. Voice Actors: Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry, Fred Armisen, Alan Cumming, Anton Yelchin, George Lopez, Jeff Foxworthy, Paul Reubens, Gary Basaraba, John Oliver & Kenan Thompson + many more…

#Fact: Ben Stiller, John Lithgow, Ben Affleck, Sally Field, Julia Sweeney, Marisa Tomei, & Quentin Tarantion were all rumoured for roles at one point.

THE REVIEW:

I heard a lot of critism being thrown this movies way that I had to go and see it for myself, and my conclusion is that it’s not that bad, neither is it great… it’s just okay. I can understand why some people will say it’s a piece of junk movie that should never have happened (bland storyline). 


From the moment I saw the little blue people’s arch enemy Gargamel (Azaria) and the way he was I knew how much effort had gone into this real life recreation. All the little blue people are just characters that we don’t really connect with in the same way as the cartoon does. It’s too gimmicky and way too cheesy, it’s only has a funny bits here and there.

On the upside, the 3D looks good & the CGI on the cat isn’t bad either so it’s worth the watch in that dimension. The acting and voices were also pretty good. Azaria, Harris, Mays did their best but I’m sure they won’t be buying it on DVD themselves lol.  So when deciding if to watch this you should for your kids’ sake (if you have any) they will enjoy it.

OVERALL:  Hollywood Should Know Better.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  2.5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

Last 20 minutes of the movie.

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with us in the comments)

TRAILER:

MOVIE REVIEW: RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (12A)

"EXPLOSIVE INTELLIGENCE"

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an action, drama & science fiction film Directed by Rupert Wyatt (same guy that brought us The Escapist, 2008) In San Francisco a man’s own experiments with genetic engineering leads to the development of intelligence in apes and sparks off a war. 
Its starring James Franco, Frieda Pinto, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, Tyler Labine, David Hewlett & James Harris.

#Fact: Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) & Jeff Goldblum were originally casted in this movie but talks broke down and both stars ejected from the project.

#Fact: Unlike all previous Ape films where it’s just actors in make-up. This film’s Apes was created digitally using Motion Capture --> (The process of recording movement and translating that movement on to a digital model).

THE REVIEW:

I  watched this film I must say I really enjoyed myself (didn’t expect to). From start to finish this prequel is very engaging, I was actually surprised on how much substance this movie has. It’s well paced, easily understandable and most importantly it has depth. The relationship between the ape and the human is what they show off really well. The emotions in the story acted out are right on the money and I really felt a connection. 


Director (Wyatt) showed us that animals like these monkeys/apes would do things we humans do in our lives and react to certain situations the same way and they understand how life works just like we would. Its is a summer supriser because nobody will expect it to be this good. The action scenes are explosive, exciting & very entertaining. This film is a cheeky way of sticking a middle finger at all these Superhero films that’s been coming out this summer. I fully recommend it.

Even more impressive is the special effects on display, everything about how these animals  from their looks to the way they swaggered about & expressions was just marvellous to watch. The attention to detail and style is what sets this Movie apart from all the previous ones. You won’t see effects this breathtaking or a long time to come, I can promise you that. This is what the previous film like Planet of the Apes would have loved to look like.

The lead character (well chimp) Cesar played by Andy Serkis is definitely the #StarOfTheShow. We follow his life throughout and what an animal he grows to be. I already developed a like for him from the start and by the end I was fan. It’s the way he’s been made to look and how powerful he’s presence is when he’s the focus. All the efforts put in my by real life actor Serkis is captured perfectly, he must be one of the best animal impersonators ever to do it. #WellDone.

Franco, Pinto, Lithgow, Cox, Felton & Oyelowo all put in high standard performances.

OVERALL:  Better Than Expected.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  4.5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

Cesar’s response to Will (Franco) when he comes to take him back after bribing John (Cox) with money.

 (if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with us in the comments)

TRAILER:

MOVIE REVIEW: MR. POPPERS PENGUINS (PG)

"PG RATED BIT OF FUN"

Mr. Poppers Penguins is a Family Comedy film Directed by Mark Waters (same guy that brought us Mean Girls, 2004) The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins, and as he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel. 

Its Starring Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Madeline Carroll, Maxwell Perry Cotton, Angela Lansbury, Philip Baker Hall, Dominic Chianese, Clark Gregg, Ophelia Lovibond & Frank Welker.

#Fact: This film is based on a children’s book (with the same name) published in 1938.

#Fact: Ben Stiller was originally casted to play Mr Popper.

THE REVIEW:

I for one was happy to see Jim Carrey back on our screens (it’s been a while). He’s back to his funny self in this family movie Poppers Penguins. I saw the trailer and it looked okay, nothing special just a cool & fun piece of story to tell little kids.

After watching this film, I liked some parts (funny bits) but the storyline is nothing to marvel at. I’ve seen storylines likes this before (just without the penguins). It’s one of those does exactly what it says on the tin kind of film. Jim Carrey inherits penguins, gets attached and saves them with all his powers. (crowd pleaser) Jim does save this film with his presence, without him it wouldn't have had the same impact it does.

Kids will like this film because of the funny and animated nature of Mr Popper (Carrey) he saves this film in more than one way. It’s a PG film that families can watch together and enjoy the entertainment. The penguins (mostly CGI) look really good on screen and the antics they get up to will excite the kids watching. All the characters were very good actors even down to Tom's kids. #ThumbsUp

Older Jim Carrey fans won’t be interested because it’s not the storyline that will engage the older crowd but I think that’s okay because it’s a kid’s film that does its job.

OVERALL: Nice Movie.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  2.5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The struggle at the gate of the Zoo between Tom Popper (Carrey) & at Jones (Gregg)

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with us in the comments)

TRAILER:

TRAILERS: ALL THE FILMS OUT IN CINEMA THIS AUGUST (2011)

THIS MONTHS RECOMMENDED MOVIES ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN RED.

·          MR. POPPERS PENGUINS (PG) (IN CINEMA 5^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBVTtaJbMUI

·         SARAH'S KEY () (IN CINEMA 5^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AmxnNxiNWA

·         SUPER 8 (12A) (IN CINEMA 5^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCRQQCKS7go

·          THE TREE (12A) (IN CINEMA 5^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRFo5ILvJR4

·          THE DEVILS DOUBLE (18) (IN CINEMA 10^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3FFj-r3UK0

·          THE SMURFS (3D) (U) (IN CINEMA 10^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7emiua3X4p4

·         RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (12A) (IN CINEMA 11^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8D2NIGEJW8

·          PROJECT NIM (12A) (IN CINEMA 12^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxQap9AAPOs

·          COWBOYS & ALIENS (12A) (IN CINEMA 17^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJixNxFxhT4

·     THE INBETWEENERS ((IN CINEMA 17^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFSJUbXS47Y

·          THE GUARD (15) (IN CINEMA 19^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_kJ3d1vqs4

·          SPY KIDS 4: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD (3D) (IN CINEMA 19^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g5KO7BGv4Q

·         CONAN THE BARBARIAN (15)(3D) (IN CINEMA 25^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptC_KlAP_Ko&feature=fvst

·         ONE DAY (12A) (IN CINEMA 25^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtGchOIRL58

·          FINAL DESTINATION 5 (3D) (IN CINEMA 26^TH AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luflYNXAc0U

·         BODYGUARD  (IN CINEMA 31ST AUGUST)

TRAILER LINK:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoF4OJkWH3U

MOVIE REVIEW - HORRID HENRY: THE MOVIE (2D) (3D)

"HORRID FANS WILL LOVE IT"

This review will come with a difference. I went to see Horrid Henry The Movie with my little 8 year old nephew Michael and I have come up with the idea to ask him what he thought of the Movie and write in bullet points everything he says. That way you will get a first-hand view of what a kid thought of the film rather than a grown up.

MICHEAL’S REVIEW:

I asked him “So... What did you like about Horrid Henry The Movie”. He Replied:

·         All the sing alongs Horrid Henry & Perfect Peter performed.

·         All the characters.

·         Henry is brave & fun boy.

·         All the special effects & bobby traps set (3D).

·         All the little catchphrases (e.g Snot for brains, Beetle breath etc.).

That’s all the little rascal had to say after a 5 minute think, remember he’s only 8 lol.

To wrap it up I have to add that the film is not too cheesy. It’s fun, funny, colourful, engaging and the kids will enjoy every moment of this film (especially Horrid Henry cartoon fans). The storyline is not about how clever they could make it but more on how much they could entertain the audience and they did. All the actors and actresses do a wonderful job especially the kids. Henry is a good front kid who’s confidence on screen is marvellous to look at. All the characters were perfectly chosen and they are all really sound like cartoon. Parent should definitely take their kids to see this film, its worth the cinema trip.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  3.5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

Perfect Peter’s singing at his new school audition.

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with us in the comments)

TRAILER: