Greengrass and DP Barry Ackroyd have recreated a tremendously authentic Iraq; the numerous wide shots are simply splendid, assumingly using understated CGI to give it a gritty, war-torn atmosphere. When in close quarters the resonant sound design – punching gunfire, scratchy voices over the comms, thumping footsteps, humming of distant helicopters – that accompanies the intense set pieces add an additional level of immersion that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. The action itself is of the same high standard we have come to expect from Greengrass: fast, hard-hitting, unrelenting, genuine and exhilarating. Whether on foot or on wheels, Greengrass has a deft touch for creating suspenseful and convincing sequences that feel exactly like they would if occurring in real life.

If the story strikes you as slightly idealistic – all characters here are depicted as a clear cut good or bad, no ambiguity at all – that’s because it is. The protagonist Miller is the main focus of the piece and as such is given that extra profundity not afforded to the others and Damon reliably makes the most of this, delivering yet another solid performance. The rest of the cast are chiefly one-dimensional, but let’s face it, how much more fun is it when the hero screws over the political scoundrel or the haughty Special Forces Captain when we know without doubt they’re bad people? It’s credit to the seasoned talent of Isaacs, Gleeson and Kinnear that they provide entertaining caricatures that sneer, growl and smarm all in the right places.

As you’ve probably heard, the visuals in this movie are amazing. Just like in Avatar, the visuals alone justify reason enough to see the movie. Again like Avatar, this movie’s major weakness is in its story. In fact, the fairytale type of story is barely there; it mainly exists just for Alice to have a primary goal.

Other than the visuals, a major strong point are the performances. Saying that Johnny Depp (as the Mad Hatter) is a good actor is a gross understatement. He is one of the greatest actors working today, and he shows it here.

Helena Bonham Carter gets laughs as the Red Queen, Alan Rickman’s voice work is immediately recognizable as the Caterpillar, and Stephen Fry adds another level of creepiness to the Chesire Cat. By contrast, Anne Hathaway and Crispin Glover seemed a bit dull in their roles. Also of note was how surprisingly good newcomer Mia Wasikowska was as Alice. She has a great screen presence and holds her own against the rest of the pros.

I’m a great fan of Tim Burton (the director) and most of his movies, but this one seemed to lack a certain heart, soul and excitement that needed to be there to make this film truly great. Visuals and acting can only do so much; without a strong story and high energy, this film sadly never reaches its full potential.

All that said I have to say some lines and sequences are actually quite enjoyable, due to the sort of B-movie feel. The gruesome evisceration of people stops being horrible and quickly becomes comical, when viewed with a sense of satire. In fact, some of the performances, specifically Anthony Hopkins’ and Hugo Weaving’s, one could get the vibe that they weren’t really trying and were going more for a fun depiction of their characters and less of complex ones.

So, overall, when watched like a B-Movie it’s more fun. My understanding was that it was going to be a dark, complex, visionary re-telling of a horror classic. And it could be that therein lies the problem…

From what I understand, previews for the film give off more of a serious tone. People expecting that will be truly disappointed, perhaps even appalled. People willing to watch it for a fun, just-for-kicks gore-fest, may be more satisfied.

Bottom-line: Don’t expect a classic. Expect a popcorn horror flick, and MAYBE you’ll like it.

Telling of the hypocrisy and nearly despicable life we lead everyday because of what corruption does and how far it goes up in our society, Food Inc tackles the subject of the food industry in a way I’ve never experienced before. There are so many important points that the picture makes, telling them in a film review wouldn’t be enough nor do it justice. I can’t explain it thoroughly or good enough for any of you to understand. Just know, according to the film, we are living as prisoners in a very scary country. The economy is bad but this has been going on long before it turned downward. This will definitely make you think twice before placing another piece of anything in your mouth.

The film, directed by Robert Lenner, explores all sides of the spectrum. Forget Democrats, Republicans, all of them, this film shows how everybody’s hands are dirty. From a death of a child, to a certain governor of California vetoing something that could have changed our perspective on food forever, Food Inc. Tells it all. In the most beautiful and simplistic style of documentary film-making I have seen all year, Kenner’s keen eye to detail and structure of the picture is extraordinary. The Documentary Oscar SHOULD belong to Food Inc. period.

Food Inc is so brutal in its delivery yet it remains fundamentally important the entire film. Cheaper food is not the bargain but this food for thought is. Food Inc. is one of the best films of the year.

The central problem with the story is its appalling lack of originality. The plot, and moment after moment in this film, is ripped from previous movies with reckless abandon. No person who has seen such movies as Dances with Wolves, the Last Samurai, Pocahontas (Dis.) or any number of other movies should be surprised at any part of the story here. The plot is simply an excuse to string together a beautiful canvas of rich, detailed digital fantasy art. Soldiers are portrayed here either as self-hating pansies or narrow-minded bad asses. The Na’vi are portrayed as a race in perfect balance with the world around them, rather than as products of natural selection with their own defects. Count me as someone who wanted to see a story which had real characters with real people in them, or a twist in the story I didn’t see coming. I have a few moral qualms with the story as well, which plays out not as a message about tolerance of differences or peaceful coexistence, but as a racist ballad where the sacred Na’vi have been perverted by contact with the infernal humans and it is the humans that need to be eradicated or exiled.

This is a movie you will want to see if eye-popping visuals and vivid detail at all appeal to you. But if you’re looking for a compelling story that you haven’t seen before, look elsewhere. As sci-fi, District 9 is a much better movie, and I would say even Star Trek has the edge on a compelling story line.

There are scenes and individual shots that pop with ethereal beauty. It’s worth seeing for that reason, but I don’t think it’ll be as fun after multiple viewings. The great thing about “Star Wars” was the characters: Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda and so on. They embodied the other-worldliness of the story, taking the weight off the effects.

In thirty-two years, I don’t think anyone will remember “Jake Sully.”

David charms his way into Jenny’s life and the lives of her parents with real ease.  Introducing the young schoolgirl to a brighter world away from her books including classical concerts, dinner parties, art and a trip to her beloved Paris.  Jenny begins to question what the point of her obtaining a school education when the real world provides her with so much more.

As the film unfolds a darker side to David’s character begins to show and it becomes clear that everything is going end in tears but the bright young girl from the film has gone and is now fixated by a lifestyle and nothing else.

The storyline was a little predictable and for me it could have ended with a little more bite.  It was maybe missing that final twist at the end to make this a contender for ones of the years top films. That said An Education is really something worth checking out.

From the trailer, I already knew this would not be the typical Disney-Pixar film. First of all, the lead character is a cantankerous elderly guy! I was really curious how this story would flow. And true to Pixar’s amazing record of film-making, “Up” belongs up there with the best of them.

That wordless montage on the evolution of the relationship between Carl and his wife Ellie from childhood to old age was beautiful and very touching. Maybe kids will not get affected, but certainly adults will be hard-pressed to hold back their tears in these few minutes that start of the film.

The “spirit of adventure” upon which the love affair of Carl and Ellie was founded was finally realized when Carl was pushed to the wall by modern developments around their house. Carl had no other recourse but to go for broke and bring their house to the edge of Paradise Falls in Venezuela, as Ellie always dreamed since her childhood. He did this in the most original way, only possible in an animated film like this.

The relationships Carl builds with his unwitting stowaway boy scout Russell, and later the strange bird Kevin and talking dog Doug, were slow to build up. But again, in true Pixar fashion, the power of true friendships shines through adversities encountered. Great story-telling indeed. This is a movie truly for all ages to enjoy. Do not miss it! The 3D is not essential for you to fall in love with it.

The biggest surprise to me was the amount of humor in the movie. The best scary movies have elements of humor in them to prevent them from being too grim to enjoy. The humor in Paranormal Activity not only served as a contrast to the intensity of the more frightening scenes, but also helped the audience to empathize with Katie and Micah, who were a likeable dare I say pretty normal couple.

My only complaints are minor ones.  Even though I liked the ending and found it especially disturbing, the fact that the effects went beyond the reality of the entire movie to that point took the movie out of character a little and made it less believable. I certainly hope the DVD release contains the other endings as bonuses.

I’ve seen a lot of scary movies, and Paranormal Activity is right up there with the best of them, if not on top, certainly within spittin’ distance.

I think it’s due for release in the UK on the 27th of November.

Number 10

Paul

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen
Director: Greg Mottola
Release Date: TBC 2010

Plot: Two British buddies (Shaun of the Dead/Hot Fuzz’s Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) head out on the road in search of Area 51 after attending a comic convention, only to encounter a cute little alien (voiced by Seth Rogen) along the way in this comedy from Working Title and Universal Pictures. Superbad’s Greg Mottola directs from a script by Pegg and Frost, with Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Jane Lynch heading up the supporting cast.

Links: IMDB Page, Production Blog

Number 9

The A-Team

Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper
Director: Joe Carnahan
Release Date: 30th July 2010

Plot: 1980s TV action gets a reboot with this new version of The A-Team, which shifts the Vietnam vet backstory to a group of Iraq War vets who become mercenaries for hire. Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces) directs from a script by G.I. Joe’s Skip Woods. Liam Neeson heads up the crew as Hannibal, the brains of the operation, with Bradley Cooper as Face, UFC star Quintron ‘Rampage’ Jackson filling in for Mr. T as B.A. Baracus, and District 9′s breakout star Sharlto Copley inheriting the unhinged role of ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock. Jessica Biel co-stars.

Links: IMDB Page

Number 8

The Green Hornet

Starring:Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz
Director: Michel Gondry
Release Date: 17th December 2010

Plot: By day, Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) is a millionaire publisher and popular media figure, but by night, Reid assumes the identity of fearless crime fighter The Green Hornet and teams with his trusted sidekick, Kato (played by Asian pop star-turned actor/director Jay Chou), to keep the streets safe for average citizens. Producer Neal H. Moritz spearheads this big-screen adaptation of the popular radio serial, comic book, film, and television series originated by Lone Ranger creators Fran Striker and George W. Trendle. Rogen and frequent writing partner Evan Goldberg provide the screenplay, with visionary Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) handling directing duties. Breakout Inglorious Basterds star Christoph Waltz portrays the villain, Chudnofsk

Links: IMDB Page, Official Site

Number 7

Alice In Wonderland

Starring:Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Alan Rickman
Director: Tim Burton
Release Date: 5th March 2010

Plot: Tim Burton takes a stab at Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale of a young girl (Mia Wasikowska) lost within a fantasyland with this 3-D production of Alice in Wonderland. The Lion King’s Linda Woolverton provides the script, with Hollywood heavyweights Richard Zanuck and Joe Roth heading up the production team. Burton veteran collaborator Johnny Depp co-stars as The Mad Hatter in the Walt Disney Productions picture.

Links: IMDB Page

Number 6

Robin Hood

Starring:Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt
Director: Ridley Scott
Release Date: 14th May 2010

Plot: Director Ridley Scott and actor Russell Crowe reunite for their fifth big-screen outing, a retelling of the Robin Hood legend featuring the Gladiator star in the titular role. A bowman in the army of Richard Coeur de Lion, virtuous rogue Robin Hood rises from an unlikely background to become a hero to the impoverished people of Nottingham and lover to the beautiful Maid Marion (Cate Blanchett). Cyrus Voris, Ethan Reiff, and Brian Helgeland collaborate on the screenplay for a costume adventure produced by Brian Grazer (Frost/Nixon, American Gangster).

Links: IMDB Page

Number 5

The Expendables

Starring:Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Mickey Rourke, Arnold Schwarzenegger
Director:Sylvester Stallone
Release Date: 20th August 2010

Plot: Sylvester Stallone gears up for a men-on-a-mission film with the Nu Image/Millennium Films war picture The Expendables. Jason Statham and Jet Li co-star alongside the brawny filmmaker as a group of mercenaries who undertake a near-impossible operation to overthrow a dictator in South America. Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, Terry Crews, and UFC star Randy Couture co-star in the action-packed production.

Links: IMDB Page

Number 4

Iron Man 2

Starring:Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson
Director:Jon Favreau
Release Date: 7th May 2010

Plot: Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark, the wealthy playboy whose exploits as Iron Man are now public knowledge after his admission at the close of the first film. In the follow-up, Stark is pitted against his Russian arch nemesis, Whiplash (Mickey Rourke), and corporate rival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell). Also making their Marvel debuts are Scarlett Johansson as the sexy Russian spy Black Widow, and Don Cheadle, who takes over the role of Colonel James Rhodes from Terrence Howard.
Links: IMDB Page

Number 3

Tron Legacy

Starring:Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde
Director:Joseph Kosinski
Release Date: 17th December 2010

Plot: The Master Control Program is booted back up in this revamped Tron continuation that sees the return of original star Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, the brilliant computer programmer whose dissapearance leads to his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), to search for him in and out of the computer world. Original director and co-writer Steven Lisberger produces the new film, which is helmed by commercial director Joseph Kosinski. James Frain, Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett, and Michael Sheen also star, with Bruce Boxleitner returning as Alan Bradley and Tron, the heroic protagonist of the original film.
Links: IMDB Page

Number 2

Inceptiony

Starring:Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Director:Christopher Nolan
Release Date: 16th July 2010

Plot: Warner Bros. presents the new film by The Dark Knight’s Christopher Nolan, this one taking on a sci-fi psychological spin for the serious-minded action auteur, with Leonardo DiCaprio spearheading the cast. Emma Thomas serves as producer, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, and Ellen Page rounding out the supporting roles.
Links: IMDB Page

Number 1

Toy Story 3

Starring:Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Director:Lee Unkrich
Release Date: 23rd July 2010

Plot: Warner Bros. presents the new film by The Dark Knight’s Christopher Nolan, this one taking on a sci-fi psychological spin for the serious-minded action auteur, with Leonardo DiCaprio spearheading the cast. Emma Thomas serves as producer, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, and Ellen Page rounding out the supporting roles.
Links: IMDB Page

When I watched the trailer I thought this was going to be a comedy but there was much more drama in there than I was expecting (not necessarily a bad ting of course.)  I enjoyed the tone of the humor, it was quite dry but which I like and thought John Krasinski was fantastic as Burt Farlander. I’ve not seen much of before Maya Rudolph but thought so gave a great performance and I’ll keep an eye on her future work.

The plot centers around a slightly eccentric couple traveling across America trying to find an ideal place to raise their unborn child.  Their travels bring them to Phoenix, Madison, Miami, and Montreal.  As their travels unfold it becomes clear to Burt & Verona that finding the ideal location to raise their child is solely based on the location alone.

As they move from location to location their encounters with friends and family fluctuate between quirky (Phoenix) to bizarre (Madison) to genuinely touching (Miami & Montreal.)

All in all it is a decent movie. It won’t feature in my top 5 movies of 2009 or anything but was a worthwhile watch.