Films
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 12A - 122 mins.
More adventures from the ageing action hero, in a fun-packed romp.
Sex and the City - 15 - 145 mins
Tears and laughs abound in this winning follow-up to the TV show.
The Ruins - 18 - 90 mins
Completely silly but still enjoyable horror about flesh-eating plants.
Gone Baby Gone - 15 - 114 mins
Multi-dimensional challenging crime thriller about a child kidnapping.
Adulthood - 15 - 99 mins
Hard-hitting urban crime drama that never treats its audience like fools.
Couscous - 15 - 114 mins
Unshowy but hugely rewarding film about a divorcee realising his dreams.
Charlie Bartlett - 15 - 96 mins.
Offbeat school days comedy starring Robert Downney jr. and Anton Yelchin.
Speed Racer - PG - 135 mins
Shallow but exciting car racing story from the makers of the Matrix.
Iron Man - 12A - 126 mins.
Superhero movie that combines strong characters with special effects
Cassandra's Dream - 12A - 108 mins
Woody Allen caper set in London.
Smart People - 15 - 95 mins.
An excellent cast sadly wasted in a below par family drama.
There will be blood - 15 - 158 mins.
Epic featuring an Oscar-winning performance from Daniel Day-Lewis.
The Devil Came on Horseback - 15 - 85 mins.
Devastating documentary about the genocide in Darfur.
My brother is an only child - 15 - 103 mins.
Fun and fascism in this zesty adaptation of Antonio Pennacchi's coming of age bestseller.
The Orphanage - 15 - 106 mins
Absorbing and terrifying supernatural adult fable
Funny Games - 18 - 109 mins
Brilliantly unsettling and challenging horror/thriller from the director of Hidden.
Shine a Light - 12A - 122 mins
Excellent concert film of the Rolling Stones in a New York performance, filmed by Scorsese.
The Spiderwick Chronicles - PG - 97 mins
Pleasingly dark family adventure based on the best-selling books.
Step up 2 the streets - PG - 97 mins
Teen dance cultures collide in this sequel.
The Water Horse - PG - 112 mins
This is an enchanting story about a Scottish boy and his baby monster, filmed on location in Scotland, amid some beautiful scenery. One of the best things about this film is that it is British, and it captures the atmosphere of World War II well, with some excellent sets. Suitable for children aged 5 - 12, it was loved by our 8-year old. The boy in the story, Angus, discovers the egg of a sea horse on the beach, and smuggles it home, where it hatches into a baby that just grows. In the course of the story Angus comes to terms with the loss of his father in the war. The characters are well cast, and inspite of a few incongruities, the film is a really excellent adaption of Dick King-Smith's book.
Stars Shun Limos
20th February 2008
From Leonardo DiCaprio to Forest Whitaker, eco-conscious celebrities are increasingly shunning gas-guzzling stretch limousines to take them to the Oscars and preferring greener alternatives. That means that business is booming for Eco-Limo, which comprises a fleet of 14 cars all of which are either "hybrid" (gas/electricity) or run on bio-fuels. "We're dedicated to alternative fuel," says Fray who started the firm with a single Toyota Prius. "There's no town car, no Hummer, no Cadillacs. Some other companies have a small number of hybrids, but they have hundreds of limousines."After starting out with a small client base word of Fray's company reached Global Green, an environmental awareness group, who soon directed Hollywood icon DiCaprio towards the firm.
"Leo is a client every now and then," Fray says. "Things have just blossomed by word of mouth. We have not done any advertising or marketing."
While the Prius is the most popular vehicle, Eco-Limo's fleet also includes a Mercedes and a Ford sports utility vehicle that run on bio-fuel.
"Some companies that were laughing when we started are not laughing anymore," says Fray, noting that several established limo companies had sought to emulate her firm by offering green alternatives.
The 11th Hour
Time for mankind is not running out, it's already run out - this is the stark message in a new 90-minute documentary film - The 11th Hour - produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. The 11th Hour is a natural partner to Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and is an apocalyptic warning of the consequences of big business, consumerism and a casually wasteful throwaway society which depends on diminishing stocks of oil for survival. The film catalogues the impact of the human race upon the Earth: in the mere
150,000 years since man emerged from the plains of Africa, our dominion and stewardship has brought the planet to the brink of catastrophe.
A number of celebrities are featured in the film, including Stephen Hawking, the Cambridge professor of Mathematics, theoretical physicist, and author, who states:
"One of the most serious consequences of our actions is global warming brought about by raising levels of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels. The danger is that the temperature increase might become self-sustaining, if it has not done so already. Drought and deforestation are reducing the amount of carbon dioxide recycled into the atmosphere and the warming of the seas may trigger the release of large quantities of CO2 trapped on the ocean floor. In addition, the melting of the Artic and Antarctic ice sheets will reduce the amount of solar energy reflected back into space and so increase the temperature further.
We don't know where the global warming will stop, but the worst case scenario is that earth would become like its sister planet, Venus, with a temperature of 250 centigrade, and raining sulphuric acid. The human race could not survive in those conditions."
Definitely, Maybe - 12A - 112 mins
Original flashback rom-com featuring a trio of fine female performances.
The Kite Runner - 18 - 158 mins.
Based on the book, tells of the friendship of two Afghan boys, in an emotive study of the nature of loyalty.
Enchanted - PG - 107 mins.
Disney film which gently makes fun of all the princess movies, in which a princess is transported by a wicked stepmother onto the mean streets of New York. Complete with typical Disney parades, a computer generated dragon, and of course, a happy ending! Great fun.
The Golden Compass - PG - 113 mins.
An exciting version of Philip Pullman's fantasy story, which has been criticised by the Catholic church for its godlessness.
St. Trinians - 12A- 101 minutes
Fun but rather outdated visit to the girl's school.
Sicko - 12A - 123mins
Searing documentary highlighting the failings of the American health insurance system
Death at a funeral - 15 - 90 mins
Hit and miss comedy about a man trying to organise his father's funeral
Elizabeth - The golden age - 115 mins
Inferior sequel, lifted by Blanchett's superb portrayal of the Virgin Queen
Stardust - PG - 128mins
Charming but overlong fantasy action
Atonement - 15 - 123 mins
Stunning period adaptation
Ratatouille - U - 111 mins
A real joy with superb animation and a clever script. Good music. Some of the animation is unbelievably realistic and there is some great humour.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - 12A 138 mins
Potter and pals mature in this brilliantly dark instalment of the spell-binding series.
Die Hard 4 - 15 - 129 mins
Explosive wise-cracking sequel
Hairspray - PG - 116 mins
A plus-size teenager fights for her right to dance in this hilarious and kitsch musical.
Ocean's 13 - PG - 122 mins
The stylish heist franchise returns to Las Vegas for its sleek and low-key third film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - 12a - 168 mins.
Over long, over complicated instalment of the swashbuckling adventure starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Kiera Knightley
Zodiac - 15 - 158 mins.
Three men attept to locate a serial killer in this nuanced, well-acted and taut thriller.
Ocean's Thirteen - PG - 122mins
The stylish heist franchise returns to Las Vegas for its sleek and low-key third film.
Bridge to Terabithia - PG - 95 mins.
Two friends escape to an imaginary land in this glorious, emotionally acute fanasy.
The lives of others - 15 - 138 mins.
Astonishingly accomplished, multi-layered drama about a writer in a dystopian state.
Shooter - 15 - 126 mins.
A US soldier goes on the run in this sharp action thriller with an incisive political edge.
Blades of Glory - 12a - 93 mins.
Figure skating hilarious comedy.
Meet the Robinsons - U - 102 mins.
Sylish and witty animation.
Hot Fuzz - 15 - 121 mins.
An hilarious Britcom about an over-zealous cop posted to a sleepy village
Freedom Writers - 12a - 123 mins.
Emotive drama in which a young teacher attempts to reach her disaffected pupils.
The Last King of Scotland - 15 - 123 mins.
Powerful, well acted study of a Scottish doctor's relationship with dictator Idi Amin
The Illusionist - PG - 109 mins.
Dark and brooding tale of love following a magician's attempt to woo his sweetheart.
Babel - 15 - 143 mins.
Several stories intertwine in a powerful study of human communication.
The Pursuit of Happiness - 12a - 117 mins.
Uplifting and emotionally acute story of a father's search for the American dream.
Pan's Labyrinth - 15 - 120 mins.
Spellbinding and sinister adult fairy tale, set at the end of the Spanish Civil War.
Flags of our fathers - 15 - 132 mins.
Moving WWII drama exploring propoganda and the notion of heroism.
The Holiday - 12a - 136 minutes
A star cast shines in an unashamedly schmaltzy but expertly realised romcom.
Apocalypto - 18 - 138 mins.
Gory and shallow action movie following the decline of the ancient mayan civilisation.
Miss Potter - PG - 93 mins.
Charming and old-fashioned study of the life of the eccentric author.
Happy Feet - U - 109 mins.
Clever, cute and amusing animation about an awkward yound penguin's coming of age, with some green themes.
The Holiday - 12a - 136 mins.
A star cast shines in an unashamedly schmaltzy but expertly realised romcom.
Flushed Away - U - 85 mins.
A rich rat slums it in the sewers in this fun animation filled with home-grown humour.
Casino Royale -12a - 144 mins.
A tough new Bond is born in this thrilling instalment of th ehome grown franchise.
Borat - 15- 84 minutes
The embarassing Kazakhstani goes to the US in hilarious comedy.
The Devil Wears Prada - PG - 109
Excellent performance from Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt lift this bland expose of the fashion industry.
The Departed - 18- 151 minutes
Explosive but deep portrayal of a flamboyant crime boss and his gang, with Jack Nicholson, matt Damon, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Volver - 15 - 121 mins.
Beauty and passion in a surreal exploration of female solidarity.
The Black Dahlia - 15 - 121mins.
The seedy underbelly of 1940s Hollywood is exposed in this stylish crime thriller.
Little Miss Sunshine - 15 - 102 minutes
A strong cast do not save this superficial and dark exploration of family values.
Cars - PG- 121 mins.
Inane, and not very green, but amazing animation in a tale of an obnoxious car on the road to redemption
Snakes on a plane - 15 - 105 mins.
Deadly snakes take over a plane in a much-hyped action thriller, with comic thrills.
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest - 12A - 150 minutes
Two and a half hours of piratry and swashbuckling, in which Jonny Depp again steals the show. A convoluted plot and great special effects make this a worthy sequel to the original. Fast-paced and humourous.
Thank you for smoking - 15 - 92 mins
Amusing, balanced satire about the propaganda role of the tobacco industry.
Fearless - 15 - 104 mins
Flawed but flashy account of a real-life martial arts legend's struggle for honour
Poseidon - 12A - 98 mins
Entertaining disaster romp set aboard an overturned cruise ship.
Over the hedge - U - 83 mins
Uninspired, predictable animation about a rowdy group of animals' quest for food.
American Dreamz - 12A - 107 mins.
Hugh Grant, Mandy Moore, and Dennis Quaid star in this satire in which reality television and politics collide.
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown - U - 91 minutes
A heart-warming sequel.
Tsoti - 15 - 94mins.
Deep story about a South African thug and his struggle to make amends.
Inside Man - 15 - 129 mins.
Styish big -budget heist movie that's smart, well-acted and provocative.
Hostel -18 - 93mins.
V. Violent intense thriller in which back packers get out of their depth.
Hidden - 15
Powerful psychological thriller exploring guilt and family secrets.
Good Night, and Good Luck - PG
Stirringly relevant portrayal of journalistic integrity in 1950s McCarthy-era America.
Lucky Number Slevin - 18
An all star cast but they fail to impress in this over-long and dreary story of mistaken identity.
Seven Swords -15
Long historical martial arts film that is both beautiful and confusing.
Brokeback Mountain - 15
A moving study of forbidden love.
A Cock and Bull Story - 15
Hilarious multi-layered comedy with Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon and Kelly Macdonald.
Jarhead - 15
A perceptive, intelligent and raw portrayal of a US Marine in the first Gulf War.
March of the Penguins - U
Beautiful Antarctic scenery but an over sentimental commentary.
Fun with Dick and Jane - 12A
Tedious slapstick about an affluent couple who turn to a life of crime.
Above reviews from "Metro"
Greyfriars Bobby - PG
Captures the harsh and austere atmosphere of historic Edinburgh, in the heart-warming story of the dog that the City took to its heart. Suitable for aged 6+ but has some sad and scary sequences not suited to very young children.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
PG
On a superficial level, which let's face it, is what most people go to the cinema for, a bit of fun, this is a great film, with wonderfully recreated snow scenes in the forest of Narnia, some beautiful, breath-taking scenery in the second half, filmed in New Zealand, and some amazing computer enhanced battle scenes towards the end. The film is playing to packed cinemas around the country. Our twelve year old loved it, and was oblivious to all the religious analogy to the story of Christ. But we reckoned the Snow queen's followers and the killing of Aslan scene made it unsuitable viewing for any child under 9.
Read a highly critical review of this film's emotional and religious undertones by Polly Toynbee writing in The Guardian 5/12/05:"Narnia represents everything that is most hateful about religion". The film is being promoted by the religious right in America.
It is a faithful adaptation of the book, and well acted. The Snow Queen is wonderfully played, and the controversy will be lost on a generation of children who will just see it as a story of the fight of good against evil, set against wonderful scenery and the usual amazing special effects.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
12A Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson.
More wizardry, magic and incredible special effects, based on the book by J.K.Rowling, and a roaring success at the box office. Some of it was on the scary side for a young audience.
The underwater scenes are amazing, and at the showing we went to, the audience applauded at the end, which is about as much an accolade as can be expected of an English audience!
Elizabethtown
Starring Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst and Alec Baldwin, this is a very sentimental romantic comedy.
Nanny McPhee
This is a fun film for children aged 5 and over, with some hilarious sequences and keen observations. About half an hour too long, but well cast, with some excellent character acting, and parts which border on pantomime. The main characters played by Emma Thomson and Colin Firth are well performed, it is good family entertainment throughout.
The Brothers Grimm
Very clever in places, but messy and not recommended
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