Bad Teacher

The Synopsis
Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) is a teacher purely as a means to an end. What she would really like is to settle down with a husband... a stinking rich husband. Convinced the way she can do this is by getting breast implants, she works extra hard on every 'get rich quick' scheme she can think of. Her incentive sped by the cute new teacher that has started at the school with his own trust fund, Scott Delacorte (Justin Timberlake).

The Review
My reason for wanting to see this film? The same superficial reason for why I wanted to see Alpha Dog, Black Snake Moan, and even Shrek the Third... Justin. Justin is just so pretty to look at.

However, I found myself barely watching him and spending more time laughing out loud at the jokes throughout. Cameron Diaz was hilarious in this film and surprisingly the whole premise wasn't nearly as predictable as I had initially thought. There's no cliche character development to ruin the plot, instead just a complete devotion to making it as funny as possible and for that I tip my hat. I liked that aspect A LOT.

Jason Segel is also in this film as the sarcastic gym teacher that holds a bit of a crush on Elizabeth (Diaz). The banter between the two is awesome and completely un PC but once again this just adds to the film rather than detracting from it.

Justin's character Scott is so pathetic that you have to laugh and he plays it well. I don't think there was a single bad performance. It was incredibly enjoyable.

I'm off to watch James MacKavoy in something or other that isn't X Men... three guesses as to why I want to see this one. Film-Buddy-Kezia refused to come and see it with me until I had written this review. That girl can really crack the whip when she wants to. I'm a little scared.

All in all go and see Bad Teacher if you want a laugh. But probably not one to share with the kids.

Peace out with four faces.

X Men: First Class

The Synopsis
Designed as the prelude to the famous X Men stories we all know and love. It tells the tale of how Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr aka "Magneto" (Michael Fassbender) meet and the first collection of special mutants to form a team of X Men.

The Review
Dude, if you have even a tiny amount of Comic Book/Sci Fi geek in you then you are going to love this film. I don't think Film-Buddy-Kezia was quite prepared for the amount of mini chair dances I did throughout this film as I watched the well known characteristics of the beloved X men start to take form.

Not to mention that this film is directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kickass). This little juicy nugget of information was what made me go from a tentative "I suppose I should see it as I've seen the others but I'm not holding my breath" to "Oooh this is going to be good!" And it did not disappoint.

The soundtrack to the film was immense as well. The composer is Henry Jackman, not a name I am familiar with but definitely one I will be looking out for in the future.

And also, aaaah James McAvoy... you're back. I feel like you've been gone for so long! Where have you been man? I do love me some of the McAvoy perve.

But if I had to pick my most pleasantly surprising performance of the film I would have to tip my hat to Nicholas Hoult. You may remember Nicholas from the Hugh Grant movie, 'About a boy' where he played the boy and for those of you British TV watching people, he was also in the first series of Skins. I've never been that fussed by Mr Hoult. He's just skitted about on my periphery not really attracting any form of attention, but in this film he pretty much stole it for me. Not because he was particularly better than any of the other actors on screen but more because I was so surprised he could act the part as well as he did. He ain't no kid anymo'.

All in all a very enjoyable film although perhaps a little rushed with some of the character development. Younger-Brother-Daniel has a theory that it was because they didn't think the film would do as well as it did so they tried to cram everything into one film. Bad choice in my opinion, Matthew Vaughn really should have more faith in himself.

A happy four faces from me.

Attack the Block

The Synopsis
It's an alien invasion in a place we have yet to see, in a South London block of flats. The aliens have met their match with a bunch of teenage kids from London who will protect their block, no matter what it takes.

The review
Oh my days. Dude, you simply HAVE to see this movie. I know that a film has got me hooked when the next day it is all I can think about.

I saw the trailer for this film a while ago and thought immediately that I have to see this film. I didn't really know how I would take it though. But then the film came out and with it the reviews were outstanding. This peaked my interest as I couldn't see how such a bizarre and low-funded film could make that much of an impact, but then I saw it and now I know. It was immense.

Being a girl that lives in London, I immediately related to the characters. I am definitely not streetwise enough to ever pull off being anything like them but you can't go anywhere around this area without bumping into someone just like them. There's not many alien films where I can genuinely say, that was actually really realistic!! I'm not kidding, if aliens were to attack South London, that would totally be how it would pan out.

The film was fresh, new and simply awesome. The writing was perfect for it's setting and the main gang of kids totally stole the show.

One thing I wondered about prior to seeing the film was whether it would be nearly as good to anyone who doesn't live in London. After seeing it though, I really don't think it matters. The film was so well put together that an outsider might very well think it a little strange but by the end would be so wrapped up in it, it wouldn't matter.

All the main actors in the groups of boys were awesome but I need to take a moment to marvel at the genius that was one of them. His name is Alex Esmail and he played the character 'Pest.' I absolutely loved him. Almost everything that came out of his mouth was freakin hilarious and if he isn't immediately snapped up for another film then there is something seriously wrong with this world.

It was pure alien invasion science fiction classic with a new twist that was refreshing and very enjoyable. But overall, on top of absolutely everything else, it was FUNNY. Really really funny.

I really don't know what else to say except Nick Frost was his normal awesome self throughout and the Writer and Director Joe Cornish is officially my favourite person this month.

GO AND SEE IT AND THEN TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME. I've officially roped everyone I came into contact with at work today to make it their priority, now I'm doing the same to you.

That is all. No review can do it justice, it needs to be experienced to fully understand. I'm already making plans to see it again.

An unsurprising 5 faces from me.

Water for Elephants

The Synopsis
Just as Jacob (Robert Pattinson)is about to take his exam to make him a registered Veterinarian he is told that both his parents have died in a car accident. Distraught and without a place to call home he leaves town and jumps on a circus train. The Ringmaster of the circus, August (Christoph Waltz) takes a liking to him and hires him as the Circus's vet. It is here that he meets August's wife, the beautiful Marlena (Reece Witherspoon) and learns the trials and joy that is life in the 1930's circus.

The Review
Four months ago I saw this trailer for a film called Water for Elephants and was immediately taken aback by the imagery. Two days later I bought the book and had finished it before the week was out. The book simply blew me away.

Since then I have been waiting rather impatiently for this film and finally tonight I got to watch it. Let me tell you now, if you're wondering over the next month what film you'd like to see... choose this one.

Let's get the obvious bit out of the way first. It almost doesn't need to be said because any hardcore RPatz fans will probably be set on seeing this anyway, but for all you who love him, you will not be disappointed. It is definitely something to help take the edge off the long wait till November for Breaking Dawn.

But I want to say this to those who aren't fans of his. This is not just a film for people to swoon over Robert Pattinson. Please do not be disheartened from seeing it for that reason. Yes, he's in it and yes, when he first came onto the screen there was an excited gasp from a large population of the female viewers in the cinema, but this film is so much more than that. It's beautiful and magical and shows both the glamourous and not so glamourous life of the 1930's Circus.

Reece Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz are both amazing in this film. Christoph Waltz played August so well, they couldn't have cast anyone better.

For those who are going in to see it having read the book. Never fear people, they are very true to the book! The only large change they have made is by making August the Ringmaster and getting rid of the book's Ringmaster (Uncle Al) altogether. I've got to admit though, for the film it made sense. There were some slight differences in the storyline nearer the end due to this change but they find their way back again and keep all the best parts from the book in the film.

It's very well done and captures the heart of the story beautifully. Please people, see this film, it's one to watch! Not to mention the Elephant (Rosie) in it is adorable.

Now I said previously in my review for Never let me go that I would be a lot more stingy with my five faces and only reward films with that marking if it touched me as much as that film had. This isn't on the same level but at the same time, the idea of giving it any less doesn't seem right. So for completely gorgeous reasons that made me smile inside and out I'm going to dust off my five faces and give it to this film. It's not perfect but then again, I don't think I'll ever find a film as amazing as Never let me go was so it would be unfair to tarnish this film for that reason alone.

Thor

The Synopsis
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is set to be the next in line to the throne of Asgard. However, his head strong attitude and his selfish nature land him in danger. He needs to find the true attitude of a king before he can ever continue. His journey takes him to Earth and into the life of Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), but will he ever find what it takes to truly be a king?

The Review
Okay, I'm going to be honest. I went to see this film for two reasons: 1. It had Natalie Portman in it and 2. I was outvoted in terms of what my other friends wanted to see.

I wasn't exactly excited at the prospect of seeing this one as I'd seen one too many bad Marvel movies in the past but I've got to say, this one was pretty awesome!

It was very well written with some comedy gems in there that had the whole cinema laughing and although there was a lot of content to cover in the movie, it kept a fast pace and in turn kept me entertained.

What impressed me the most however, was the imagery. Moments like the transition from Earth to Asgard were amazing and the whole of how Asgard was set out simply rocked. I loved the attention that had gone into the detail of this world. Every part of this moving and magical city had been meticulously planned out and it showed. I actually left the cinema hoping and praying that such a place existed so that I could go there and sit on their golden furniture and where really uncomfortable metal clothing that probably chafed like a bitch when you walked.

It was inviting, the whole film just sucked you in and you had to be a part of it. I loved it.

And yes, Natalie Portman was once again in another film. That woman literally has not stopped working for what seems like a millennium to get all the films that she's done in. She was, of course, amazing as was Chris Hemsworth who managed to jump from serious to comical and then back again in the space of one scene and with such ease I had to tip my metaphorical hat at him.

All in all, a very good Marvel film and one I will most definitely be going to see the sequel of. Four happy faces from me.

Beastly

The Synopsis
Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) is completely obsessed with looks, convinced that they will take him anywhere. But when he upsets the witch Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen), she puts a spell on him, taking away his looks for what could be forever if he doesn't find someone to fall in love with him in just one year. Devastated, he moves away from the city, only allowing his housekeeper Zola (Lisa Gay Hamilton) and teacher Will (Neil Patrick Harris) to see him. He's convinced he will never break the spell until he meets Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens) who gives him hope that perhaps he has more to offer than just his appearance.

The Review
Okay, this is a guilty one. The film won't be winning any oscars and there's nothing about it to go 'wow' about, but I have to admit, it was sweet.

I tip my hat to Neil Patrick Harris who proves once again that he can bring comedy to a scene beautifully. This I knew he would be able to do before I went to see the film.

What shocked me however was the performance I saw from Mary-Kate Olsen. She was just so... enchanting. She played the witch in this modern day version of Beauty and the Beast and boy did she play it well. I particularly loved the physical theatre that she gave the character. She bent her body around as she talked in an understated way that, as Film-Buddy-Kezia aptly commented "Commanded your attention to her whenever she was in a scene." She owned that part man. Well done Mary-Kate. Plus, you know, if she ever got tired one day, she could always have just thrown her sister in to play the part. Ah the advantages of identical twindom are endless.

There was one scene that was possibly the worst scene I've ever seen in the whole of my film watching life. It was clear that there were two halves to this film, the part that was before Lindy arrives at Beast Kyles house to live and the part after. It was also clear that there was a large transition to get the girl who had barely spoken to Kyle to decide to live there. This would have to be dealt with well to show the marked change.

The film makers I get the impression however, decided to forgo the idea of even attempting to do this well. Instead they decided to go with the option of cramming half an hours worth of transition into two minutes and have the people who perform these two minutes to be pretty much the worst actors in the world. I'm not kidding, it was probably the funniest scene in the whole film purely for how BAD it was.

That being said and overlooked because I was sheepishly enjoying it up to this point. I continued to sheepishly enjoy it, whilst knowing in the back of my mind that this probably wasn't really a good film. But you know what? I really don't think I care. I'm going to say I enjoyed it because I did and in all fairness I will be buying the DVD because it was sweet and I like a bit of feel-good sweet every now and again so I shall generously give it four faces from me... with the warning that this one you may not agree with.

Scream 4

The Synopsis
Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is back in Woodsboro to promote her new book on how to move on from being a victim. However, from the moment she comes back, she is thrown into a world she is sadly all too familiar with as calls begin to come in asking a whole new generation the big question. "What's your scary movie?"

The Review
Okay, so I don't know if I am able to be anything other than completely biased with this film review as the whole Scream series are such a massive part of my teenage life that I can't help but completely geek out over there being a new one!

I have many a memory of girly sleep overs where we would curl up under a blanket on the sofa and scream into our popcorn at each new death. If you know me at all from my randomthoughts blog page, you would know that I am not a fan of the scary movie. However these films I tend to have a little bit of a immunity to due to my excitement for re-living my teen years being a far more dominant emotion.

I can't tell you the feeling of joy I felt when I first saw Dewey (David Arquette), Gail (Courtney Cox) and Sidney (Neve Campbell) all together in one scene again. And although yes they are not life changing films and yes they may not have much substance to it and yes they're even not particularly that scary but it is SCREAM man!! It is it's own thing.

It did what Scream did best, it analysed the film for you as you watched. Really there is no need for me to review it because they do it all themselves. The whole film constantly played the pros and cons of the series off each other through the film version of the real life events called 'Stab.'

Film-Buddy-Kezia had not seen any of the others and managed to enjoy it still (which I'm not surprised because it's awesome). My FAVOURITE bits throughout were when they tipped their hats to the previous films (mainly the first) and created in some cases almost identical situations as we have found previously (garage door opening, boyfriend tied to chair).

I also LOVED the opening sequence, creating a series of scenes of a 'film inside a film' idea and, again, doing what they do best by bringing a few well known actors into the mix for one scene cameos (Anna Paquin, Kristen Bell).

This is the first film for a while where I've come out, punching the air and saying 'Yesss man, I'm buying the DVD.' I guess that means it can only have one score.