Two Line Review: Juno (2007)

Some wonderful casting, Page and Cera combine chemistry and intrigue in this fantastic coming of age film. A fabulous script and perfect direction make this emotional journey a joy to watch. 

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.6/10

Critic's Opinion: 9.4/10

Juno - Jason Reitman

UK Box Office: 26-28th July

Top 5

1. The Wolverine
WG: £4,694,092  GTD: £4,694,092

2. Monsters University
WG: £3,114,562  GTD: £15,453,747

3. Despicable Me 2
WG: £2,085,392  GTD: £34,676,246

4. The World's End
WG: £1,435,469  GTD: £5,438,289

5. Now You See Me
WG: £880,783  GTD: £9,064,766

UK Productions

54. A Field In England
WG: £963  GTD: £48,016

58. Summer In February
WG: £822  GTD: £409,182

70. The Stone Roses: Made of Stone
WG: £321 GTD: £510,148

Two Line Review: Liar, Liar (1997)

One of Carrey's best and most memorable performances! The perfect opportunity for him to display his skills in the art of slap-stick comedy, with an enjoyable, family friendly film. 

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 6.7/10

Critic's Opinion: 8.1/10

Liar Lair - Tom Shadyac

Two Line Review: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

With charming performances from Roberts and Diaz this is an enjoyable, albeit slightly dated, rom-com pitting two huge leading ladies from the 90s against one another. 

  

Thinking Film Rating: 6/10

Public Opinion: 6.2/10

Critic's Opinion: 7.1/10

My Best Friend's Wedding - P.J. Hogan

Exciting Trailer for Sunday: 47 Ronin

47 Ronin

Starring: Keanu Reeves
              Rinko Kikuchi
              Hiroyuki Sanada

UK Release Date: 26th December 2013

Two Line Review: The Hangover (2009)

A great premise introducing a fantastic cast. Combining humorous one liners, an array of different characters and unpredictable story twists; the laughs keep coming in this cleverly funny film. 

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public opinion: 7.8/10

Critic's Opinion: 7.9/10

The Hangover - Todd Phillips

Two Line Review: Elf (2003)

A Christmas masterpiece! Fun for children and adults alike, bringing joy, happiness and laughter. December's only 5 months away, time to get ready to watch Ferrell's awesome performance again!

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 6.8/10

Critic's Opinion: 8.4/10

Elf - Jon Favreau 

Two Line Review: Flight (2012)

A captivating tale of morality that will keep you thinking long after the credits role. Washington performs excellently as Captain Whip, a compelling and thought provoking character. 

Thinking Film Rating: 7.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.3/10

Critic's Opinion: 7.8/10

Flight - Robert Zemeckis

Two Line Review: American Pie (1999)

A classic American-teen film with a wealth of humorous characters. Particular performance highlights from Hannigan and Biggs. Cringe-worthy, embarrassing and fun.

Thinking Film Rating: 6/10

Public Opinion: 7/10

Critic's Opinion: 6.1/10

American Pie - Paul Weitz 

Two Line Review: Hitch (2005)

The perfect role for Smith, combining his knack for humorous and heartwarming performances. James also gives a surprising wonderful turn in this slightly predictable and yet fully enjoyable film!

Thinking Film Rating: 7.5/10

Public Opinion: 6.6/10

Critic's Opinion: 6.9/10

Hitch - Andy Tennant 

Two Line Review: I Love You Man (2009)

Fantastic chemistry between Segel and Rudd make this funny film a treat time and time again. A story of male bonding that is appealing to men and women alike. 

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.1/10

Critic's Opinion: 8.3/10 

I love you Man - John Hamburg

Exciting Trailer for Sunday: Drinking Buddies

Drinking Buddies

Starring: Olivia Wilde
               Jake Johnson
               Anna Kendrick
               Ron Livingston

UK Release Date: 8th November 2013    

Two Line Review: The Descendants (2011)

A Wonderful film from Payne telling an emotional story with some carefully placed moments of comedy and drama. Outstanding performances from Clooney, Woodley and Miller.

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.4/10

Critic's Opinion: 8.9/10

The Descendants - Alexander Payne

Two Line Review: Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

Moving with the time, this Die Hard sequel is technology based. Delivering the perfect action/thriller formular fans have come to recognise, this is another entertaining outing for McClane!

Thinking film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.3/10

Critic's Opinion: 8.1/10

Live Free or Die Hard - Len Wiseman  

Two Line Review: Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

Better than the first sequel, this film feels more like the original. McTiernan upped the ante; packing in the bigger explosions and improved stunts. Fans of the series will not be disappointed! 

Thinking Film Rating: 7.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.5/10

Critic's Opinion: 5.2/10

Die Hard with a Vengeance - John McTiernan

Two Line Review: Die Hard 2 (1990)

It doesn't quiet live up to its predecessor but still this action flick is a very enjoyable watch! McClane is the perfect role for Willis, a man who can deliver some perfect one liners!

Thinking film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 7.1/10

Critic's Opinion: 6.7/10

Die Hard 2 - Renny Harlin

Two Line Review: Die Hard (1988)

The best classic action film! No action film before or since can come close with matching this perfect combination of performances, gun chases, entertainment and cheese! 

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 8.3/10

Critic's Opinion: 9.2/10

Die Hard - John McTiernan

Two Line Review: The Lion King (1994)

Amazing animation, fantastically loveable characters and an unforgettable story! This film has the whole package, it is truly a Disney masterpiece!

Thinking Film Rating: 10/10

Public Opinion: 8.4/10

Critic's Opinion: 9/10

The Lion King - Roger Allers & Bob Minkoff

Two Line Review: Dirty Dancing (1987)

Despite the sometimes clunky dialogue this film is so very enjoyable!. A favourite of women, and probably many men, everywhere! Try and watch without wiggling your hips! 

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 6.6/10

Critic's Opinion: 7.2/10

Dirty Dancing - Emile Ardolino

Two Line Review: Jack and Sarah (1995)

Sweet, British and very 90s! The strength of Grant and Mathis' performances make this a lovely and heartwarming film. 

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 6.3/10

Critic's Opinion: 7.5/10

Jack and Sarah - Tim Sullivan

Two Line Review: When Harry Met Sally (1989)

A Classic rom-com with some wonderfully funny and memorable moments. Fantastic chemistry between Ryan and Crystal! Meg Ryan plays Meg Ryan but that's why we love her, right? 

Thinking Film Rating: 7.7/10

Public Opinion: 7.6/10

Critic's Opinion: 9.1/10

When Harry Met Sally - Rob Reiner 

Two Line Review: Spice World (1997)

Their acting is comparable to Posh's singing - but who cares! This 90s flick is a bag full of memories and happiness for any Spice girl or boy!!

Thinking Film Rating: 5/10

Public Opinion: 3/10

Critic's Opinion: 2.9/10

Spice World - Bob Spiers 

Two Line Review: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Hilarious, heartwarming and honest! Zellwegger perfectly portrays the common woman embodied by Jones in this classically British production. There are laughs, loves and some wonderful quotes.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 6.7/10
Critic Opinion: 8.1/10

Bridget Jones - Sharon Maguire

Two Line Review: The Social Network (2010)

Quick and snappy editing and dialogue, coupled with a nicely dislikable Zuckerberg played brilliantly by Eisenberg, makes a great, understated drama. A great soundtrack, too.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.9/10

Critic Opinion: 9.6/10

The Social Network - David Fincher

Two Line Review: Argo (2012)

If you can get past the strong, overly patriotic overtones, Argo is an enjoyable thriller that solidly navigates through a well-written story. Look out for a great Alan Arkin performance.

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 7.9/10
Critic Opinion: 9.6/10

Argo - Ben Affleck

Exciting Trailer for Sunday: The Spectacular Now

The Spectacular Now

Director: James Ponsoldt

Starring: Miles Teller

               Shailene Woodley

               Mary Elizabeth Winstead

UK Release Date: Unknown

Two Line Review: Sightseers (2012)

The British equivalent of Natural Born Killers, if more awkward and darkly comedic. Some great surreal moments but ultimately it felt more awkward than comedic. 

Thinking Film Rating: 6/10

Public Opinion: 6.6/10

Critic Opinion: 8.4/10

Sightseers - Ben Wheatley

Two Line Review: The Internship (2013)

A pretty standard, predictable comedy from Wilson and Vaughn with familiar live-your-dreams theme. There's not much here that hasn't been done many many times over.

Thinking Film Rating: 3/10

Public Opinion: 6.4/10
Critical Opinion: 3.4/10

The Internship - Shawn Levy

Two Line Review: Amour (2012)

Powerhouse performances from Trintignant and Riva guide us through a very real and emotional story of loss. If a little slow at times, this is purely to reflect the frustrations of the protagonists.

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 7.9/10

Critic Opinion: 9.4/10

Amour - Michael Haneke

Two Line Review: Shrek The Third (2007)

Flogging the franchise, Shrek 3 is still decent but with a weaker storyline and still weaker new characters, the film feels more like a money-making scheme than a story-telling effort.

Thinking Film Rating: 5/10

Public Opinion: 6.0/10
Critic Opinion: 4.0/10

Shrek The Third - Chris Miller, Raman Hui

Two Line Review: Shrek 2 (2004)

A weaker but still better than average sequel, bringing in more excellent voice talent for another great fairy tale mix up. Fun but maybe a little forced at times. 

Thinking Film Rating: 6/10

Public Opinion: 7.3/10
Critic Opinion: 8.9/10

Shrek 2 - Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon 

UK Buzz Chart: 28/06 - 01/06

01. Man of Steel

   OB: 40,202 IV: 28.7%

02. Despicable Me 2

   OB: 14,622 IV: 57.9%

03. Monsters University

   OB: 9,231 IV: 48.3%

04. World War Z

   OB: 6,695 IV: 43.7%

05. The Purge

   OB: 4,859 IV: 48.2%

* OB = Overall Buzz, IV= Intent-to-View

Two Line Review: Shrek (2001)

An enjoyable play in the traditional fairy tale that has wit and charm a-plenty for kids and grown ups alike. An all round solid performance from Dreamworks, and the voice-talent. 

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.9/10
Critic Opinion: 8.9/10

Shrek - Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson

Exciting Trailer For Sunday: The Wolf Of Wall Street

The Wolf Of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorcese

Starring: Leonardo Di Caprio

               Jonah Hill

               Matthew McConaughey

UK Release Date: 17th January 2014

Two Line Review: Ice Age (2002)

As with all long-running franchises, the first film is easily the best, with collection of great characters, awkwardly pushed together. The story is the strength where the animation is merely good.

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 7.5/10
Critic Opinion: 7.7/10

Ice Age - Chris Wedge, Carlos Saldanha

Two Line Review: Hummingbird (2013)

A good performance from Statham and some witty one liners. Knight delivers a more than standard action in his first feature. One to watch for some great sights of London. 

Thinking Film Rating: 7/10

Public Opinion: 6.4/10
Critics Opinion: 5.0/10

Hummingbird - Steven Knight

Two Line Review: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)

Spectacle and atmosphere are key to the epic conclusion of this trilogy. All the story strands are nicely pulled together, and maybe the ending is a little drawn out, but it is still a satisfying finale. 

Thinking Film Rating: 9.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.9/10

Critic Opinion: 9.4/10

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King - Peter Jackson

Two Line Review: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

The weakest of the trilogy but by no means a poor film. Largely occupied by the Battle of Helms Deep, the plot loses it's flow but Serkis' powerhouse performance as Gollum easily makes up for it.

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.7/10

Critic Opinion: 9.6/10

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Peter Jackson

UK Box Office: 23rd June

Overall

01. Man of Steel

   WE: £5,073,356 GTD: £21,332,301

02. World War Z

   WE: £4,535,899 GTD: £4,535,899

03. After Earth

   WE: £432,881 GTD: £5,711,932

04. Behind The Candelabra

   WE: £367,888 GTD: £2,444,433

05. The Hangover Part III

   WE: £316,888 GTD: £18,777,521

Other Openers

06. Snitch

   £268,229 in 305 locations

08. Before Midnight

   £244,231 in 106 locations

11. A Haunted House

   £153,805 in 226 locations

UK Films

15. Spike Island

   WE: £55,961 GTD: £55,961

16. Summer In February

   WE: £41,377 GTD: £198,398

27. The Stone Roses: Made Of Stone

   WE: £10,962 GTD: 494,536

Two Line Review: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

An amazing start to the trilogy, the film is visually - both in design and FX - stunning. With a brilliant ensemble cast and a respect for the source work, this is a very worthy adaptation.

Thinking Film Rating: 9.5/10

Public Opinion: 8.8/10
Critic Opinion: 9.2/10

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - Peter Jackson

Two Line Review: Romeo Must Die (2000)

Clearly the uninspired story is simply an excuse for the martial art scenes, but even those don't fully deliver, particularly due to the frenetic editing. 

Thinking Film Rating: 2.5/10

Public Opinion: 5.9/10

Critic Opinion: 3.3/10

Romeo Must Die - Andrjez Bartkowiak

UK Buzz Chart: 21-24 June

Introducing a new weekly update of social media buzz for the biggest films, Showing the top talked about films in social media each weekend. (Data from Way To Blue.)

Man Of Steel

Despicable Me 2

01. Man Of Steel

   OB: 113,351 IV: 31.1%

  02. Despicable Me 2

   OB: 9,332 IV: 53.6%

03. World War Z

   OB: 6,666 IV: 43.5%

04. The Purge

   OB: 6,378 IV: 50.4%

05. After Earth

   OB: 5,354 IV: 31.2%

*OB = Overall Buzz, IV = Intent-to-view Percentage

Exciting Trailer for Sunday: Under the Dome

Under the Dome (TV mini-series)

Creator: Mike K. Vaughan

Starring: Mike Vogel, 
              Colin Ford
              Aisha Hinds 
              Jeff Fahey (Frank Lapidus - Lost!)

UK Release Date: Unknown

Two Line Review: Take This Waltz (2011)

After a slow start, this film opens up to be a fantastic portrayal of real life, capturing the quiet moments that often go unnoticed. Wonderful editing, beautiful colours and gripping performances.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 6.5/10

Critics Opinion: 7.7/10

Take This Waltz - Sarah Polley

Two Line Review: Submarine (2010)

Beautifully portraying the identity confusion of adolescence, Ayoade moves through a rich and stylised script with ease and grace. A great directorial film debut and introduction to Craig Roberts.

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Rating: 7.2/10
Critic Rating: 8.7/10

Submarine - Richard Ayoade

Two Line Review: Stoker (2013)

Park Chan-wook's brilliantly dark and twisted style is still very apparent in his English language debut, albeit toned down and refined. Although this restraint may have made the film more powerful.

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10

Public Opinion: 7.1/10
Critic Opinion: 6.7/10

Stoker - Park Chan-wook

UK Box Office: 16th June

Man Of Steel

   Overall:
   01. Man Of Steel
      WE: £11,198,786 GTD: £11,198,786
   02. After Earth
      WE: £1,231,671 GTD: £4,776,067
   03. The Hangover Part III
      WE: £861,554 GTD: £17,975,953

Summer In February

   Other New Films:
   11. Summer In February
      £74,898 at 64 locations
   13. Much Ado About Nothing
      £68,285 at 64 locations
   16. Stuck In Love
      £34,859 at 1 location

Yeh Jewaani Hai Deewani

   World Cinema:
   10. Yeh Jewaani Hai Deewani
      WE: £85,450 GTD: £941,066
   19. Yamla Pagla Deewana 2
      WE: £24,880 GTD: £176,994
   20. Thérèse Desqueyroux
      WE: £19,252 GTD: £58,121

 *WE = Weekend Total, GTD = Gross-to-Date

Two Line Review: The Great Gatsby (2013)

If you love pure grandeur and spectacle then look no further! Luhrmann cleverly packs stunning visuals design with fantastic performances and a great modern soundtrack. Watch on the big screen.

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10

Public Opinion: 7.5/10

Critic Opinion: 5/10

The Great Gatsby - Baz Luhrmann

Two Line Review: The Apartment (1960)

A  fantastic Wilder film! Lemmon is brilliantly funny; he and MacLaine give wonderful performances in a film that is romantic, comedic and touching. A joy to watch years after it was made!

Thinking Film Rating: 10/10

Public Opinion: 8.4/10

Critics Opinion: 9.3/10

The Apartment - Billy Wilder

Two Line Review: The Impossible (2012)

After some clunky opening dialogue the film gets into it's stride, taking you on an emotional journey through this brutally true story with powerful performances from Watts, McGregor and Holland.

Thinking Film Rating: 8/10

Public Opinion: 7.6/10

Critical Opinion: 8.1/10

The Impossible - Juan Antonio Bayona