Genre: Fantasy/ Horror
Overall: 10/10
Acting: 10/10
Originality: 10/10
Production value: 10/10
Del Toro’s imagination has escaped once again, only to be caught on film to reveal the masterpiece that is Pans Labyrinth. A journey into dark and fantastic worlds awaits a young girl who grows up in oppressive fascist Spain, we follow Pan and his minions as they attempt to rescue our child protagonist from the restrictions of the mortal realm. As gripping as it is visually beautiful, incredible costume design and storytelling makes this foreign film simply one of the best.
Genre: Sci-Fi/ Horror
Overall: 7/10
Acting: 7/10
Originality: 6/10
Production Value: 8/10
Ridley Scott, the prodigal son of the Alien franchise finally returns to reclaim his creation. After 4 Alien films and some questionable spin offs the world of Geiger’s imagination returns to the big screen. However, despite all the fanboy hype, Prometheus has left many confused and a little disappointed. The plot deals with the not just the creation of the ‘Alien’ but also the origins of mankind itself, a grand premise that may alienate some hard-core fans and leave the rest wondering just where the hell the alien thingy is. Couple a thick and twisted storyline with, what at times, seems like shabby dialogue and you have the cons to an otherwise brilliant film. Put simply, Prometheus is an ambitious visual masterpiece, packing many of the horror elements that made fans fall in love with the original Alien. Though it may not be what some audiences were expecting, Prometheus is a film worth watching and with a sequel underway who knows what course Ridley is plotting.
Overall: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Originality: 7/10
Production value: 7/10
The much anticipated Hobbit is finally here, Jacksons reimagining of Tolkien’s tales has hit theatres for the fourth time to kick start a new fantasy trilogy. Movie goers will once again set out into the lands of Middle earth, this time to follow Bilbo Baggins and his motley crew of Dwarves and a certain wizard, as they quest to reclaim lost treasure and fight orcs and trolls and stuff. A prequel to the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien nerds will openly weep as they once again behold the shire and see Gandalf’s pointy hat. But it’s easy to find yourself comparing the Hobbit too much with the previous trilogy, a standard that any fantasy film will find hard to surpass. The Hobbit has a unique visual style that sets it apart from Jacksons previous films, a style I personally thought was refreshing and well executed, even if rather special-effects heavy. Other critics have criticised the films pacing and tendency to become repetitive, the latter I would have to agree with but in my opinion it doesn’t make the film any less enjoyable. So watch the Hobbit with an open bag of popcorn and an open mind and enjoy having the escapist child inside tickled once again.
Genre: Sci Fi/ Horror
Overall: 10/10
Acting: 9/10
Originality: 10/10
Production Value: 9/10
An all-time classic, Alien set the standard for space horrors and kick-started one of the most successful franchises ever. Set in the distant future, the crew of the star-ship Nostromos find themselves carrying unexpected and deadly cargo. A heart pounding maelstrom of fear, suspense, shock and horror; Ridley Scott’s masterpiece takes inspiration from the dark and twisted imagination of H.R. Giger and puts it to brilliant practical effect. With some great acting from Sigourney Weaver and Ian Holm it’s a must watch, fun for all the family.
Genre: Sci Fi
Overall: 8/10
Acting: 8/10
Originality: 7/10
Production Value: 9/10
The hype on this one could have powered an interstellar spacecraft; fortunately we don’t need one as James Cameron takes us to other worlds with his movie making mojo. I’m sure it goes without saying that the special effects in Avatar are probably the best ever produced, the sheer scale and detail of this CGI world is breath-taking. The story however is not as impressive as the visuals, a clear cowboys and Indians theme is present that very closely resembles a certain Kevin Costner film. What Avatar lacks in plot it makes up for with literally everything else. Not a film easily missed, nor one you’d want to.
Genre: Fantasy
Overall: 6/10
Acting: 8/10
Originality: 9/10
Production value: 8/10
With Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude law and Colin Farrell all making appearances, the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is bound to attract attention. From 12 Monkeys director Terry Gilliam, it’s no surprise to find a surreal and imaginative storyline in this more recent project. With some pretty amazing uses of CGI, the Imaginarium is a visually beautiful film. Yet despite all the Hollywood acting firepower and expensive computer effects, the film suffers from a cripplingly-confusing plotline, which becomes harder to follow as the film progresses. You’ll wonder what was in those cookies you ate, as you become acquainted with what happens when Gilliam’s imagination is let off the leash. A film that may leave some with side effects, the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a descent film that would probably have got 10/10 if I’d watched it baked.
