The Fighter

While this may not be the strongest contender for the Best Picture Oscar, it’ s obvious why it made the list. Based on the true story of the relatively unknown boxer Micky Ward, the film represents a fight in more than one sense of the word.

A talented fighter, Micky had to overcome several obstacles to gain success, the least of which was his family. It is only when he meets his girlfriend, Charlene, that Micky starts to see that perhaps his mother doesn’t make the best manager, and his crackhead ex-con brother, Dicky, might not be the best trainer. But how to let them go without losing their support poses yet another dilemma.

Mark Wahlberg spent four years prepping for this passion project, and it shows; he’s great. It is a super-skinny Christian Bale playing Dicky, however, who steals the show. Intense, scary and more believable than ever, he’s a glorious sight to behold.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Big Momma's Like Father Like Son

My new year’s resolution was to not judge people who watch stupid movies. I’m finding it hard to hold my tongue with this one though. Seriously. Big momma might have been mildly entertaining in the first movie 11 years ago, but now we’re just scraping the bottom of the barrel. There’s nothing new to say either; Martin Lawrence repeats the same old tricks, which include falling on his big butt and breaking stuff, getting hit on by a man and farting. How awesomely original.

Rating: 1 outta 5.

Of Gods and Men

This highly acclaimed foreign film portrays the moving story of a group of monks in Algeria who find themselves under attack from Islamic extremists. Warned by various locals to leave the country, the Monks are faced with the dilemma of whether to flee or fulfil what they believe to be their God-given purpose and continue ministering to the village.

Essentially a movie about faith and facing one’s fears, this art piece will not appeal to the mainstream, but is a worthy and wonderful film nevertheless.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Paradise Stop

I’ve said before that it’s good to have a laugh at ourselves every now and then, and clearly many South Africans agree: Leon Schuster wouldn’t be a rich man if we didn’t. Which is precisely why many filmgoers will enjoy the latest film from Kenneth Nkosi and Rapulana Seiphemo, which creates humour out of our South Africanisms, like crime, bad guys vs good guys, bribery and corruption.

The press release describes it best saying, “The film is peopled with a cast of eccentric characters who find themselves washed up in this remote town – an arrogant mayor, a spirited small-time gangster’s lackey, an easily beguiled desk sergeant, a simple minded swimming pool maintenance man, and a feisty, sexy security investigator who all become embroiled in a madcap comedy-thriller of errors.”

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Gnomeo & Juliet

Aside from the fact that this animated feature involves a bunch of garden gnomes – one of whom wears a Borat-style mankini – and other ceramic statues like pink Latino flamingos and “shrooms”, it’s still a story about forbidden love. This time however it’s Juliet from the red-hooded gnome tribe who falls in love with a much older looking Gnomeo from the blue hood. While it may not be of the same brilliant quality as Toy Story 3, it’s still a laugh a minute and boasts a seriously impressive voice cast.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

127 Hours

The true story of an over-confident rock climber getting stuck in a crevice with his arm jammed behind a boulder makes for compelling watching. The will to survive – played so convincingly by James Franco – is almost palatable. In fact, you experience this film with all of your other four senses too, along with a large dose of stomach twisting.

Trapped with a small camcorder, Aron videotaped his ordeal. This film is a mix between the two and so incredibly memorable that you’ll be having horrific flashbacks for days.

Rating: 5 outta 5.

True Grit

A remake of an old classic, this updated Western is way more edgy than you might expect. This is in no small part due to the brilliant direction of the Coen brothers, who brave this unexplored genre like old pros. It is also in no small part thanks to another fantastic performance from Jeff Bridges who plays the rough-as-sandpaper US Marshall Rooster Cogburn.

When Rooster is approached by a young girl, Mattie, to help her track down her father’s killer, he teams up with Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) and goes on the hunt for Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). While this synopsis sounds simplistic, the story’s nuances and action are anything but. This is a film worthy of its 10 Oscar nominations.

Rating: 5 outta 5.

How Do You Know?

It’s really hard to dislike a romcom starring Reese Witherspoon. Which means it’s doubly hard to dislike a romcom starring Reese and Owen Wilson. And then there’s Paul Rudd too, who plays this really cute, if somewhat lost, guy who makes silly faces and makes you smile.

Okay, so I’m sounding like a real girly girl here, but this is all just to help the men out there who are trying to decide what to take their ladies to watch. Unless you’re totally stone-hearted you will find this frivolous love story enjoyable in some way, shape or form.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Saw 7

I seriously can’t believe this franchise is still churning out these movies… The only thing that you wouldn’t have seen is the blood spurting, bone cracking and muscle slicing in 3D. Here’s an idea: go with a water squirter and when the blood comes at the audience start squirting like mad. Might make the movie a little more exciting.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

The King's Speech

George VI never wanted to be King of England, but when his brother, Edward, forfeited the crown by marrying an American divorcee, George was forced to lead the nation. Unfortunately for George, he had a debilitating stutter that prevented him from speaking fluently. Given that he needed to inspire an uprising against Hitler, his stutter became a major impediment.

It was George’s wife, Elizabeth, who introduced him to a crazy Aussie speech therapist, who ultimately saved the day in more ways than one. While this might not sound like the most riveting story, the director of the film has poured so much heart into it that the result is compelling. On top of this, Colin Firth’s portrayal of George is flawless and inspiring and will almost certainly win him the Best Actor Oscar this year. If you’re looking for stellar acting and a good human drama, book now!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Morning Glory

Rachel McAdams plays Becky, a young, energetic TV producer who’s been given the responsibility of reviving a dying morning show. Against everyone’s advice, she hires the cranky Mike (Harrison Ford) to partner with the seasoned host Colleen (Diane Keaton), and all hell breaks loose. Determined to make it work, however, Becky throws herself into the challenge and, well, you can pretty much guess what happens in the end.

While the plot sounds a bit lame, the film is made really fun by McAdams and, surprisingly, a more endearing Ford. I could think of worse ways to spend an afternoon.

Rating: 3 outta 5

Jane's Journey

Jane Goodall is one of the world’s foremost environmental and animal activists. At the age of 76 she still dedicates about 300 days a year to raising awareness and inspiring people to look after the planet and all its creatures. This documentary gives us a look into her incredible life and is testament to the idea that one person can change the world.

Take your blinders off, climb out of your bubble of denial and take your whole family to see this.

Rating: 5 outta 5.

Warrior's Way

This movie, which pitches cowboys against ninjas, might think it’s achieving the slick stylisation of Tarantino or Rodriguez, but it comes nowhere close. A few cool effects cannot save a bad script and poor acting, people! And on that note, what the hell is Kate Bosworth doing starring in this sub-standard offering? Urgh. I hate it when I feel like I’ve just wasted two hours of my life…

Rating: 2 outta 5.

Black Swan

This movie has everything going for it. Firstly it’s directed by the brilliant Darren Aronofsky of The Wrestler and Requiem for a Dream fame. Secondly it’s a dark, psychologically arresting story that leaves you questioning your reality. Thirdly Natalie Portman plays the lead with such intensity that it’s no surprise she’s the forerunner in the Best Actress Oscar race.

Forget the fact that it is centred around the Swan Lake ballet. Don’t let your boyfriend or husband use this as an excuse not to see it. This is why I love awards season: bloody brilliant movies!

Rating: 5 outta 5.

Fair Game

Based on actual facts in the USA’s very recent history, this film pulls no punches when it comes to incriminating the Bush administration and revealing the lies surrounding the “discovery” of weapons of mass destruction.

Based on the story of a couple that both worked in government, we get yet another look at the corruption, cover-ups and scapegoating that ultimately justified the declaration of war. This is one of those films that is jam packed with fascinating info and shocking revelations; whether you believe them or not is up to you. Either way, it makes for great watching.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

The Green Hornet

Wow. Just when you think that not another superhero movie could possibly be made ever again, whoops, there it is. It’s obvious that some are better than others, and that just because ordinary people can suddenly shoot razor blades from their fingertips does not automatically make them movie-worthy.

Despite having Seth Rogan at the helm of this movie it still falls flat. Quite simply it’s frivolous, silly and at times rather boring. Sure, people will laugh every now and then at the shenanigans but only because they’ll feel obliged to after paying 50 bucks to see it.

Rating: 2 outta 5.