Monsters VS Aliens - 2009 * * *

Alien Problem? Monster Solution.

I was eager to see this to compare it with other Dreamworks films including Bolt and Monsters Inc, but have to say it wasn't as great as I had imagined it would be.There are always funny moments in Pixar but normally what makes me love the movies so much is that the characters are likable and the type that you want to go on a journey with. For starters I didn't like the main character Susan who was whiny and wingey throughout, and her obnoxious boyfriend Derek? Well don't get me started on his rudeness! I liked the 3 monsters that Susan spends most of the movie with especially Hugh Laurie's mad scientist cockroach (in fact I think he pretty much made the movie for me) but unfortunately I wasn't gripped enough or excited enough by the story to pay too much attention. A mighty shame considering Monsters Inc was a masterpiece.

Jaws: The Revenge - 1987 * * *

This time it's personal.

There are many reveiwers who think this is better than the original Jaws, and I have to say that I wasn't expecting it to be quite as good considering it was the 4th sequel to be churned out of the 'killer shark' franchise. I was happy that 2 of the original characters were in this one as neither had been in the 3rd movie, and Michael Caine provided some welcome relief as Ellen Brody's new love interest. This shark was certainly a whole lot meaner and some of the scenes are pretty scary, making you wince but still want to watch through your clasped hands. Ellen's son Sean is killed quite close to the beginning by the great white and that sends her almost over the edge with terror that such a hideous beast could still be prowling the nearby waters. I don't really understand why this movie wasn't brought out as Jaws 3 and Jaws 3 as Jaws: The Revenge, because it would have made more sense to follow the characters through to the end instead of totally disregarding them in the 3rd movie and then suddenly bringing them back for the 4th. Still there was enough gore and horror in this to keep me occupied so all in all I'd say not a bad attempt.

Jaws 3 - 1983 * *

A deadly new attraction.

I hate to go along with the stereotypical opinion that sequels get worse and worse the more that are made but it can't be truer than here! The first Jaws was pretty darn good, the second was not bad at all and this one, the third helping of angry shark on a rampage was pretty dire!

Added to which it's a different shark! The basis around this movie is that a mother goes on a killing spree after her baby is taken to the Sea World attraction to be put on display soon after being found out at sea. I suppose the idea sound pretty good and there are some eerie moments including one where all the visitors to the park are trapped in the 'Undersea Kingdom' with an maniac of a shark chasing them!

Hearing what I have just written it does actually sound like a good movie, just poorly executed but I still don't rate it nearly as much as the 2nd or the 1st.

Exte: Hair Extensions - 2007 * * *

What lovely hair you have...

This was a bizarre film. It wasn't so much scary as totally disturbing and seriously puts you off having any extensions of any kind put into your hair. The idea for the movie is that someone who is murdered has her hair cursed and then (unknowingly) it is used to make hair extensions for a busy and popular hair salon. Every girl who uses the hair extensions then becomes cursed herself etc etc, a typical Japanese sounding story really. Certain scenes do make your stomach churn though (such as a dead body growing her hair at a freakishly fast rate out of cuts on her arm and even out of her eye sockets) but most of the film is pretty similar to other Japanese horrors except for the idiotic beginning where the characters dictate and narrate to us as they are going about their daily duties, it is infuriating.

The Invisible Man - 1933 * * * *

Catch him if you can.

For a film that's over 70 years old this movie really does have some amazing special effects. The bizarre aspect of the film is that we don't actualy get to see the real invisible man until the very last scene and that's pretty frustrating when you've become so wrapped up in his life. Claude Rains is excellent as the man who, after experimenting on himself becomes totally invisible, but also deranged and dangerous. He finds himself in an inn where he attempts to find the cure to what has happened, the only trouble is the owners just won't leave him alone...

Amazing to watch (including the scenes where Rains unbandages himself, and where he causes havoc in the small village by knocking out anyone who gets in his way) and also very funny, the Invisible Man is a great movie because although we know it is only make believe, there is a horrible feeling in the bottom of our stomachs that it could happen, and what on earth would we do if it did?

Grab this movie, plus some popcorn and a rainy afternoon and you have yourself a real treat which proves that you don't have to watch a modern day film to have an amazing experience (but then I knew that already;) )

The Warrior - 2001 - * * *

Honour is worth more than pride.

This film certainly packed a punch and there are plenty of gruesome mutilated heads and bodies being flung around. All these warriors protecting one princess who didn't even seem to be able to defend herself was a bit of a joke. The story appeared to be about the warriors and one very important warrior who can kill loads of the oppostition just by a flick of his wrist. Not a bad story but a bit jumbled in my opinion.

The Stranger - 1946 * * * 1/2

The most deceitful man a woman ever loved!

This film has sat on my shelf for years but it was only yesterday that I decided to watch it. Compelling and gripping throughout, Orson Welles plays the husband-to-be of Loretta Young, who's very presence is a problem for Edward G. Robinson who arives at the town of Harper to investigate the disappearance of a notorious war criminal. Orson Welles is charming on the outside to all who know him, but Robinson isn't fooled and begins to follow his trail which ends with a terrifying climax.

The Phantom of the Opera - 1943 * * *

He creates the music of the night!

I've only seen Claude Rains in a few other movies but I think this was one of his best performances. His portrayal as the dedicated violinist who is disfigured horribly after wrongly believing he has been robbed off a concerto he was working on for over 2 years. The scene where he tries to find his manuscript after leaving it to be looked over at a publishing house is heart-breaking and brought tears to my eyes. He may not be the most charismatic portrayal of the 'Phantom' but he was one of the sweetest. Susanna Foster was very annoying as Christine though but her two suitors were hilarious.

Also noted that it won 2 Oscars.

Possessed - 1947 * * * *

If she couldn't have him then no one could!

Joan Crawford sizzled in this late 40s noir about a woman obsessed with a stubborn and egotistical man who didn't return her affections. From what I'm aware I don't think this was a particularly well-known movie but it really should have been. This and Joan Crawford's masterpiece 'Mildred Pierce' are I think two fo her finest works. Bette Davis was reportedly offered this role but turned it down to go on maternity leave and I'm glad she did, because Crawford was perfect. Raymond Massey was also very sympathetic as Crawford's boss who later becomes her husband. A very atmospheric attempt at classic noir.

Crime Spree - 2003 * * * *

Simple Job, Simple Minds.

I had no idea this was going to be such an amusing film when I sat down to watch it. To be honest I wasn't really expecting anything much despite it having Harvey Keitel and Gerard Depardieu as it's cast leads. The story follows a group of clumsy French crooks who accidently burgle a gang boss (Harvey Keitel) and then go on the run with a series of hilarious scenarios. Renaud and Johnny Hallyday are famous rock stars in France and some of their scenes they do together (including having an argument over the radio that is conveniently playing both their tracks on different stations) are extremely funny to watch. The whole entourage work well together and I am really pleased I watched it. A pleasant hour and a half.