Review: Hugo (2011)

Every piece of praise this film has received is completely justified. Spectacular, beautiful, magical; Hugo is a real masterpiece from director Martin Scorsese.

5/5

Review: Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Disney truly got that magic formula right with 1991's Beauty and the Beast, and it's a magic that is still clearly visable today with the new 3D re-release of the film. With a great deal of care, love and attention this film made people take notice of the company again. The real shame is that it is magic that they would see squandered as the 90's continued under studio head Michael Eisner.

4.5/5

Review: The Avengers (2012)

A cameo from Sam Jackson as Nick Fury at the end of Iron Man in 2008 started the ball rolling for an eventual assembling of The Avengers, and now half way through 2012 that promise is realised. And it is fun, ridiculously good fun. The film may take a while to get going, but once it does it doesn't let up on action, adventure, comedy and just sheer geeky pleasure. Many have already said that The Hulk steals the show in the film, and they’d be right to say so, but the whole ensemble is on top form and having a great time, which shines through in every frame. One of the most impressive things about this film is that it exists at all; it is really a testament to the creative team behind this cinematic universe at Marvel and Disney who have delivered this fan-boy delight. In essence The Avengers is the 6th film in a series, bringing together and exploring these characters and doing it so well. Having these characters know that they all co-exist in this Universe opens up a box of exciting possible options for the future of The Avengers and Marvel films, and I for one can’t wait to see what they deliver next.

4.5/5

Review: Eden Lake (2008)

Socially interesting but tonally and logically it’s a bit all over the place. James Watkins' Brit horror is a well directed and tight entry into the genre type, but its characterisation could certainly be seen as demonising the working class. Whilst the more well-off characters aren’t portrayed as much more likeable and often unreasonable character choices can be forgiven for story purposes of horror more could have been done to flesh out the issues the film tries to tackle. Recent British sci-fi/horror Attack the Block is worth a watch for a similar social theme but in my opinion a more rounded approach. Still, Eden Lake is fairly interesting, enjoyable and commendable for its intentions of highlighting social anxieties, but should have probably decided which side of the fence that it really wanted to be on.

3/5