The little girls in the audience were pretending to have princess powers during the end credits so I guess it worked for them. I found it an at times funny, bright and smart comedy with a few amusing pop culture references and unique 'girly' super hero ideas. The name Barbie is not mentioned at all which was a surprise to me, while the weakest moments were the scenes with the Baron and his frog, all they did was annoy. Musical interludes of pop songs were not bad because they are not overused. The short running time is mandatory thankfully because the backbone of the story about planting a vegetable garden is stretched Once was enough for me but i assume most kids are going to love it.
Reviews
46 Reviews
The Hundred-Foot Journey
(2014)
Beautiful Movie but what would you expect from Lasse
11 August 2014
Out of over 200 movies I have seen at the cinema or at film festivals this year, this is in my top 3 of 2014. This movie is why you go to the cinema to see films, it has everything, emotions, comedy, romance, intensity, beauty and a lovely soundtrack. Helen Mirren has never ever made a bad movie in my eyes, enough said! Om Puri, makes a fantastic adversary to her character and the food glorious food is succulent on the big screen. Must see delight, a story of triumph & love, brilliant. Lasse Halstrom is a magnificent Director, watch Once Around, now or What's Eating Gilbert Grape, he delivers so many character traits and gets his actors to show rhythm of the craft.
Out there like the first only ramped up to 11
8 December 2013
Funny, obscure and ridiculous comedy comes at you in spades as Ron Burgundy takes on New York in the 1980's. Juvenile and stupid, but it doesn't really matter as that is exactly what you would expect from anyone familiar with Director Adam McKay. The original was a sleeper and the real reason we have a sequel is because of on going fan requests, especially in Australia where Anchorman made massive box office then became a globally cult DVD. There are few comedies that go as quick fire as this, something outrageous is constantly happening, most jokes hit the mark, others spin off into awkwardness, a few do fall flat too, not everything works. Repeated viewings won't be kind. Perfect movie to watch after a few top shelf scotches, sporting salon perfected hair, wearing a new pastel suit or simply enjoying amongst a big appreciative cinema audience. The cameos are a highlight, some you will know, some you may not. Liam Neeson is awesome. Amazing Kristen Wiig is the best new character while Harrison Ford is in rare comic form.
Jobs
(2013)
Ashton as JOBS is better than you may think
9 August 2013
Taken for granted as a one time go to guy for many lame and a few decent romantic comedies, Ashton Kutcher proved in The Butterfly Effect he can give drama a decent crack. Not a life story, simply a focus on a period during one mans creative life journey. Inspired by events and true story of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple computers. To me 'inspired' means fabricated, so if you have read the late subjects biography, liberties have been made. Slow moving film, some cool in-tel on Apple and a few cameos, including James Woods who just appears then disappears and Lesley Ann Warren. The movie is no classic, but quite interesting. The problem for me was that platforms were laid to some concepts or set pieces that fizzle out just as tension builds, then it ends moving onto something else. Ashton was good, his opening scene is fantastic.
Scary Movie V
(2013)
It's alright but what did you expect, class?
12 April 2013
Charlie Sheen is himself and very funny in the opening scenes with Lindsay Lohan sending each other up perfectly. Forget plot, it's a Scary Movie film, just like Hot Shots, Not Another Teen Movie, Epic Movie, Superhero Movie and so on.... just a reason for a series of good and not so good parodies of pop culture films. And, in this case the book 50 Shades of Grey gets a look in with the unlikely pairing of Jerry O'Connell & Mike Tyson appearing opposite Ashley Tisdale in that sequence. My highlights were the Black Swan & ongoing Paranormal Activity rip offs, especially the pool cleaner party. Look at it this way, it's mindless fun, better with a beer in hand. It has it's moments and for those who care, stay on AFTER THE CREDITS for an extra scene. Ashley Tisdale is brilliant at the dead pan comedy required although I did miss Anna Faris a little.
Paranormal Activity 4
(2012)
No spoilers and still scary
17 October 2012
I was petrified and I am a dead set fan of the previous three. There are about 6 or 7 shocks in this and just like the previous installments they mostly come unexpected. Things happen either quick or in the background. If you have seen the trailer or teaser to part 4, you know what to expect. The focus is on teenager Alex, a 15 year old who uses her laptop a lot. It records, it connects to her boyfriend and it records things, thats all I'll say. This one picks up 5 years after part 2, so possessed Katie and the stolen baby Hunter now live across the road from Alex. There goes the neighborhood. Try and see Paranormal 4 before anyone tells you it's thrills. I was in a paralysis of fear in the finale.
Resident Evil: Retribution
(2012)
This was GOOD even if I am over Zombies
13 September 2012
For me this series of films keeps getting better. I never liked the first two Resident Evil's (maybe I need to re-watch them seeing it's been a while) but I really never took much notice of them until Apocalypse. That was a game changer and they keep improving. It doesn't matter the story has drifted away from the computer game. In Retribution, the plot kind of swings back to origins with Alice back inside the Umbrella corporation through circumstances set straight after the last film when she jumped off an exploding tanker into the ocean. Milla Jovovich should be enough reason to watch the grass grow if she was lying on it and she does not let any of the fans down here. Her kick ass attitude remains as does her armory. Michele Rodriguez also returns in not one but two roles and the concept is an interesting one. There is also a subplot of a Young deaf girl who Alice protects. Escaping through artificial cities such as Moscow and American Suburbia being pursued by zombies, monsters and foot soldiers makes it different. Must see as far as I'm concerned, the 3D is quite effective too.
The Dark Knight Rises
(2012)
Drop everything RUSH to this now
17 July 2012
WOW strap yourself in this is going to be remembered long after you leave the cinema. Without giving you any spoilers let me just say from the opening sky high scene that rivals the best of any James Bond scenario the pace is set for a bleak, but thrilling 'so called' conclusion mastermind Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight series. Soon to be the new Mad-Max, Tom Hardy (seen but not forgotten in Sucker Punch) plays ultra bad guy Bane with amazing confrontation. Challenging Batman mentally and physically you will not soon forget his chaotic reign. Anne Hathaway albeit an alarming choice as Selina/Catwoman will surprise the die-hards while the amazing cast is listless, Michael Caine has some tender moments amongst the mayhem and new addition Joseph Gordon-Levitt challenges to further his history with and legacy of the Wayne foundation. Spiderman will spin off into the distance the minute the caped crusader appears in cinemas. Must see.
Ted
(2012)
Gordon's Alive! DROP DEAD FRED ramped up by a thousand
26 June 2012
Very funny, I have not laughed so much for a very long time and that was even before the salute of FLASH GORDON kicks in with a cameo from Sam J. Jones. Remember 'Drop Dead Fred', the crazy imaginary friend of Pheobe Cates who caused all sorts of mischief, well TED is real and TED is a party animal, literally. He drinks, smokes, dances with hookers and has never left the side of his best (thunder) buddy played by Mark Wahlberg. As time goes by Mark and his amazing girlfriend played by Mila Kunis want to live alone without TED. Havoc erupts creating some amusing scenes not soon forgotten. TED is a comedy that the recent debacle starring Adam Sandler 'That's my Boy' failed to be, edgy, unique and most importantly, funny. See this now, Go Flash Go.
That's My Boy
(2012)
Don't see this mess, I certainly wouldn't say comedy gold
14 June 2012
Nice to see Leighton Meester on the big screen she is a talent and the soundtrack, as in all Sandler films, is full of retro cool, also seeing Susan Sarandon's cameo almost made me laugh. Better than Jack & Jill but thats not saying much, although not as good as Zohan, if you can call YDMWTZ good. Better than Click & Little Nicky put together, again not saying much. Actually at times through out this hard to watch excuse for a comedy, due to his hair style Adam Sandler looks similar to his Little Nicky persona without the obscure voice. His character here also has an obscure and irritating voice, it's not funny or unique, its dumb. My IQ dropped a thousand percent watching his antics as a dad who rekindles interest with his long lost son that he hasn't seen since turning 18. With a name change and an impending marriage into a wealthy family, washed up former child celebrity Donny, seeks him out for ulterior motives. There is supposed to be a family message here somewhere but I couldn't gel with any of the sentimental rubbish. If a grandma getting funky in bed or a big fat pole dancer popping out tennis balls floats your boat, go see this absolute undesirable bad aroma of a movie that makes The Wedding Singer look like The Godfather. Who is this intended for, too crude for 13 year olds, too stupid for 30 year olds. The first 10 minutes of the Kentucky Fried Movie is funnier than this embarrassment.
Men in Black³
(2012)
One highlight, Josh Brolin has perfected Tommy Lee Jones
20 May 2012
Well it's been 10 years since the dismal MIB2 where Johnny Knoxville at the height of his Jackass fame was miscast as an obscure evil sidekick, so 3 is at the very least an improvement. However, the 3D is not worthy, while other than a few decent gags from the fast talking Will Smith, it's Josh Brolin who steals every scene he appears in as the young Agent K. Sending Agent J back to the swinging 1960's New York was cool, especially in a clever Andy Warhol moment and a few observational one-liners The non-event plot as it turns out could have been extended more and gets plain ridiculous at a NASA launch, but there is a nice emotional touch at the end, but too little too late. Certain scenes are expertly choreographed, effects are mostly cool, the bad guy here (both versions) is a waste of time and boring. Overall MIB3D works as popcorn entertainment for kids.
Battleship
(2012)
Very Bad E.T Things
11 April 2012
Hello Peter Berg, after Directing Battleship he should be instantly asked to make Top Gun 2. Based on the board-game there is a cool scene that shows the grid but thats about the only reference as this big loud explosive film is Armageddon at sea. Gathered at Pearl Harbor are the global navy elite for some international war games, lucky this is when aliens attack. NASA has constructed some communication beacons in the hills of Hawaii and out of the blue, some very bad ET's are phoning in. There is lots of very funny moments amongst the carnage with Taylor Kitsch redeeming himself after the debacle of John Carter plays Hopper, a misfit officer in love with the admirals daughter . Co-star Brooklyn Decker is actually significant as Hopper's love interest caught on land hiking (don't ask) while the movie debut of R&B star Rihanna looks great in navy fatigues, isn't given much to say and may have found her niche running around holding a weapon. Battleship is a good non thinking adventure, Peter (Very Bad Things, Hancock) keeps things moving and obviously loves his cast giving them free reign to have fun, that translates to the audience. The finale is the only point where Battleship lost me, even by blockbuster Hollywood standards, it's outrageous. Also, thank god it's not in 3D.
21 Jump Street
(2012)
Yes its good and full of funny!
6 March 2012
No way am I saying who turns up in cameos during this surprisingly very funny and cool reworking of the famed 80's television show. Channing Tatum is on a roll after 'The Vow' while 'Jonah Hill' is on another type of roll after his Oscar Nomination. Both are a fantastic duo of young looking policeman who go undercover to a high school to track down a supplier of a new synthetic drug frequently used by the students. The film has little decorum kicking into gear within minutes and not really slowing down. The little things in the boys comic routine is what works best, their one liners, banter with Ice Cube and the quips referring to high schoolers. Forget the script, this is just fun action fluff better than 'Project X' and 'This Means War' put together. Excellent soundtrack too and Brie Larson backs up her coolness she displayed in the best unknown movie ever; JUST PECK. The original TV theme gets a run during the final credits.
This Means War
(2012)
This means stupidity, but it's not too bad
14 February 2012
If you leave your intelligence at the door you will like this movie just fine. A trio of good looking leads help too and there a couple of decent action scenes mixed with odd comedy. Unfortunately there is not really an abundance of romance in which the film is touted to have. Anyway two best mates and top CIA operatives are on the hunt for an international killer on the loose in the US, however they also meet and go after the same beautiful woman. At first they didn't know, but after finding out they want and actually like Reese Witherspoon, its on for young and old using all the benefits of government gadgets to watch or disrupt the other while with her. This is stupid and I really liked what McG (Director) did with Terminator 4. Its fast paced, funny it bits and Tom Hardy/Chris Pine have chemistry. Reese is involved in a fantastic scene inside a video shop where she discusses Alfred Hitchcock, a nice moment for film fans.
Chronicle
(2012)
Check this out NOW
2 February 2012
No spoilers here so all good you can keep reading, however my advice is go see Chronicle as soon as you can before anyone tells you what happens or even part of the story-line. Luckily the trailers do not give too much away except three mates in high school obtain magical powers after discovering a weird hole in the ground. Thats all I'll say other than its awesome, different and when one of them goes ballistic, Armageddon is nigh. Filmed in handy-cam style like CLOVERFEILD, BLAIR WITCH, DISTRICT 9, this is outrageous stuff. Beautiful and talented, Ash Hinshaw & Anna Wood are the prominent females in the cast, but its all about the boys, unknowns now but after CHRONICLE, exposure will be immediate. Must See.
A Few Best Men
(2011)
See in desperation only, or just don't
26 January 2012
Two redeeming features of this vulgar, racist and awkward mess are the beautiful locations around the Blue mountains of New South Wales and national treasure Olivia Newton-John in a very different role. Don't be fooled though as the Xanadu & Grease superstar is simply having fun and we're invited. The stupid movie is not an Australian Hangover that the trailers may suggest, more a bad trip of a different kind. Xavier Samuel is a world away from his Twilight persona as a backpacker returning to London only to inform his idiotic mates he's proposed to Mia, an Aussie girl from a straight laced political family. So it's down under they go to drink themselves into oblivion. A wedding disaster movie with no decorum and even as a genre picture this does not make one laugh, rather cringe and look for the exit door. Not even the lovely Rebel Wilson, who can just appear and be funny is on screen enough to make me give this an extra star. Unless seeing a sheep being violated, twice is amusing to you, do not bother wasting your money on this rubbish.
Tense and confrontational, full tilt action
14 December 2011
Best enjoyed on the big screen, a very big screen if you choose to accept it, an in form Tom Cruise returns as Agent Ethan Hunt. Forced to go rogue to clear his name after an international incident at the Kremlin, he's set up as the culprit. Plot holes aside, this is a sweeping high tech adventure with the teams visit to Dubai the standout seeing Tom dangling off the worlds tallest building with a sandstorm moving his way. Globetrotting edge of your seat moments are truly breathtaking. The Incredibles director Brad Bird proves he can manage live action and ramps it up a few extra notches to prove his point. Put your reservations of Tom Crusie off screen aside, he rocks without flinching that edge at any stage. Paula Patton looks magnificent and Simon Pegg provides some comic relief, however the trailers make you think this is funnier than it is. M.I.4 is thundering excitement. Ving Rhames cameos.
A Better version, don't mention the 'DIFFERENT' ending
13 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Not long out of a screening and I am still thinking about this English language version of the mega popular Swedish Millennium films GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE, GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNETS NEST derived from the brilliant bestsellers. Purists may be up in arms, but think outside the box, what I witnessed was an almost perfect movie.It does, however, have an ending that will divide the audience, different from the foreign version but good enough for me to want to see the whole thing ALL OVER AGAIN. Anyhow all I will say is you will not be bored in the 2.5 hrs of grim proceedings. Daniel Craig is a perfect choice as the journalist Mikael Blomkvist disgraced for libel but takes on a memoir writing case to escape, only to be drawn into a web of secrets and family weirdness. His new partner is all the talk and so she should be. Rooney Mara I predicted big things from the second I saw her in Youth in Revolt and she carried the otherwise ordinary Elm Street remake long before her cameo in Social Network. She's also very good looking, holds her poise, strikes like a cobra and walks with complexities unknown to the common man. Christopher Plummer, Steven Berkoff and Robin Wright are unique fillers on screen but not as effective as the great Stellan Skarsgard who is despicable to the point of exhaustion. Mara is a standout as the tough motorcycle riding computer hacker with a actual heart, Lisbeth Salander. Magnificent shock tactics are not overblown as Lisbeth carries out proceedings on a dark missing persons case. Original scenes have been lifted from the source, but tweaked. The music is a standout, typical Direction magic from David Fincher seals the deal to make thus unmissable. GIVE ROONEY MARA an Oscar nomination please, she engulfs Salander as did Noomi Rapace.
In Time
(2011)
It's not 'Inception' or even 'Logan's Run' it's 'In Time'
26 October 2011
No spoilers here but let me just say that the trailer doesn't give the film any curious benefits. Timberlake can act, that goes without saying now, but he is let down a little by the story. In a nutshell, there's no money in this futuristic world, there's time. There are also zones as named in the film that start from the ghettos to the ultra high class. Once someone is 25 they need to work to earn time to stay alive but the higher the zone the longer the life. J.T plays Will, who after an unfortunate family circumstance and a meeting of a stranger ends up with lot's of time. Moving up zones he meets a beautiful daughter (The china doll-like Amanda Seyfried) of a rich banker type with infinity time in his possession. The pair get together and go on the run in an inspired Robin Hood type escapade. Andrew Niccol also directed the superior 'Gattaca' and this does have a few unique ideas, just not enough explanations either. Cillian Murphy rocks though.
Paranormal Activity 3
(2011)
Read this I won't ruin the illusion, but see it quick
21 October 2011
Before I begin this third installment made me squirm and jump just as much as the second film but no where near as the first. It helps if you know the first two movies because all the weird stuff happening is linked. I liked this third one, it takes things back to when the sisters from the first two films were little. The origin story of why the entity followed them from kids to adults is explained to a point but there are still questions that need to be asked. The concept remains the same with video footage interjected together and this one being set in the 80's, VHS rules. See it before someone else tells you the ending.
X: First Class
(2011)
the prequel we had to have
30 May 2011
Fans may disagree with me but, this reboot was needed after Wolverine Origins brought down the X-Men universe to a shambling mess, however it is also a step up from the third X-Men film. Seeing the youthful Professor X and Magneto as best friends working together before becoming archenemies is a brilliant concept. The mutants, some familiar, some not so familiar are well represented among the human existence. Settings around the early 1960's is a brilliant move with the era lovingly created, especially the costumes. Frantic and loud as they may be, the action set pieces are nothing short of astonishing. The submarine moment lives up to the excitement of the trailer. January Jones just needs to appear on screen as sultry Emma Frost to captivate me, while Australian Rose Byrne rocks as Doc MacTaggert. Perfect casting of McAvoy and Fassbender as Xavier and Magneto respectively is a constant winner. I know the fans are going to probably hate Kevin Bacon, he's different to his comic character. Lame one liners aside, this is a fine accompaniment to the Marvel film plethora on the horizon. Also watch for a rather vulgar but memorable cameo from a 'hairy' X-Men favorite.
Back to the spirit of the Black Pearl
16 May 2011
These Pirates films are all about entertainment and thankfully this latest adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow at the helm is back to basics, reminding me of the formula that made the very first one, Curse of the Black pearl so great. Don't worry I won't give anything away here but be aware that the opening 20 minutes is one funny sequence and quirky one liner after another. There is also a couple of hilarious cameos, one may be familiar but the other was a right royal shock. Depp walks through his lethargic swaying pirate character with ultimate ease, while new high seas bad boy Blackbeard is exceptional, but not as cool as Sparrows former flame played by Cruz. She is foxy, feisty and funny. The action is elevated by some wonderful 3D effects but I am sure the film would be just as rocking without it. Finally, the highlight is the Mermaid scenes. As dark as they are, they take the viewer into their web of intrigue. Australian Gemma Ward even sings during an evocative moment. Remember to stay on after the credits for an EXTRA scene. After the last two installments left me crying with disappointment, I Loved it.
Something Borrowed
(2011)
I want 1 hour & 54 minutes of my life back
5 May 2011
I am happy to admit I quite enjoy various romantic comedies and chick flicks when they are interesting, unique and mostly amusing. Something Borrowed is not one of them Ginnifer Goodwin is certainly getting used to playing perennial single woman. As Rachel, she is an almost replica of her character in the far superior and that's saying something, 'He's just not that into you'. Working at a New York legal attorney office, Rachel is a good girl. However, after her 30th Birthday party and a lost Chanel handbag, she falls into the arms and in bed with Dex. He is the guy who she's had a crush on since law school. Dex is also the fiancé of her longtime best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson) So it's from here on it's cliché after cliché and irritating event after irritating event. If you knit, take it to the cinema, if you need a sleep, go watch this. Everyone is in love with the wrong person in this absolute cringe worthy romancer. Not even soft boyfriends who tag along to cinemas to please their partners will handle Something Borrowed. Even a few weekends in the Hamptons end up flat, there was potential for comic gold in a few situations but nothing happened that breaks new ground in the genre. John Krasinsky is the only male in the cast worthy of mention, all others are caricatures of better rom-coms such as Chasing Amy, Bed of Roses or Reality Bites (Just to name a few). Avoid Something borrowed, even fans of the bestselling book will check their watches.
Thor
(2011)
An Englishman, an Australian & a Hammer
17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Having just seen the global premiere of Thor - God of Thunder, in Sydney Australia, all I can say is ....wow! Don't worry readers I am not about to give away one single spoiler, however after some time and anticipation, Thor is a winner. Australian Chris Hemsworth graced the red carpet in all his native glory, talking up the film and his future entity in The Avengers. He was joined by Shakespeare aficionado Director Kenneth Brangh and co stars Jamie Alexander & Tom Hiddleston who plays crowd favourite Loki. Thor is a good movie, plenty of action, a lovely heroine (Natalie Portman) and some interesting sidekicks. Costumes rock, not to mention the obligatory Marvel characters making significant cameos, not just the extra scene after the credits, but within the film itself. I was a little over superhero movies recently but this is not to be missed.
Limitless
(I) (2011)
Careful what you wish for, Limitless is a mind bender
14 March 2011
Wild. This is a trip worth taking in more ways than one. The usually handsome Bradley Cooper plays would be novelist and extreme under achiever Eddie. Sporting a bad haircut, he's obnoxious and one of the biggest losers seen on the big screen for very a long time. After being dumped by his girlfriend in public, he stumbles into his lowest point of living. However, through various circumstances he is offered a new mystery drug, largely untested it is a pill to heighten brain activity and body senses. What follows is a turnaround in Eddie's life, an ability to recall every bit of information he's been exposed to his entire life. The drug is no simple steroid and there's a catch, a big one. He must continue to take the pills or his body will deteriorate as quick as it was pumped up. Bradley Cooper is so good he's almost nauseating, switching from no hoper to know it all with perennial ease. Legendary Robert DeNiro is a major player in the film creating surprises, the less said about him the better. Plot holes throughout I overlooked as Limitless took effect. Must See.
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