Super 8

I don’t know about you, but combining Steven Spielberg and JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Lost, Alias) seems like a genius idea; they’re like the kings of fantasy, the supernatural and special effects. Lucky for us their combined efforts evoke all of the above, weaving a story that is reminiscent of E.T, but as fresh as any 2011 release.

After a bunch of kids witness a frightening train accident (while secretly shooting their own zombie movie) they realise that something bigger is at play when strange things start happening in their small town. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, the kids defy the sudden appearance of the US military and find themselves in the middle of a national cover-up. This is fantasy and escapism at its best.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Jock of the Bushveld

Many moviegoers will remember the first time they saw Jock of the Bushveld and cried their eyes out over the lovable and loyal dog, Jock. It was one of those iconic SA films that will never lose its impact. Well, many of those same moviegoers will now have kids or grandkids and will be delighted to take their young families to see an animated, 3D version of the beautiful story.

While Johnny Clegg’s tear-jerker “Great Heart” has been replaced by a Bryan Adams soundtrack, and the South African actors by voices of famous American actors, the story’s message is in no way diluted. Go see it; it’s one for the entire family.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

The Beaver

Yes, this movie is actually called The Beaver, and yes, it’s about a grown man who rediscovers his authentic self by using a beaver puppet to communicate. No, this is not a comedy. It’s actually a rather heavy story about an alcoholic husband and father who, on the verge of killing himself, finds a puppet through which he is able to speak honestly and uses it as a way to cope with his dire reality.

Okay, so I get the idea of finding one’s true self and finding an outlet to express one’s self, but a puppet? Really? It just seems to trivialise the whole dilemma. And while the performances of Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster are near perfect I just could not get over the fact that almost the entire movie is spent listening to a Cockney sounding beaver puppet. Trés bizarre.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Larry Crowne

A ‘middle-aged’ man (played by Tom Hanks who looks a little older than middle aged) loses his job and is forced to reassess his life. On deciding to go to a community college he find himself in a mixed-bag class of much younger students and being taught by a disinterested but attractive lecturer played by Julia Roberts. And you can guess where this goes…

Sure the movie is a little quirky and cute, but I do wish that Tom Hanks could have been played by someone a little, well, younger. Think Javier Bardem and Julia in Eat, Pray, Love… now there’s a hook up we can believe in. Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with this romantic dramedy, it’s just a bit like eating dry toast: bland.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Horrible Bosses

Nick, Kurt and Dale have complete psychos for bosses, and they hate them. A lot. At the end of their respective ropes, the guys, over a few drinks, come up with a genius plan: Kill each other’s bosses...

Hmm. While we might all have thought about something similar at some point, one usually wakes up the next day and laughs about the harebrained idea. Not these guys; they’re prepared to go all the way and kill the crazies, played by Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Colin Farrell, with the help of a not-so-bright hitman, played by Jamie Foxx.

Thanks to a dynamic cast, this is one of those comedies that works. You’ll have a good belly laugh at the complete ridiculousness and appreciate the cast’s on-screen sparkle.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Biutiful

A big hit on the awards circuit last year, this Spanish film is so multi-layered that it’s hard to sum up in such a short space. The story centres around a single father, Uxbal (Javier Bardem), who’s juggling a terminal illness, being a parent, running a business helping illegal immigrants, and his unstable ex-wife. He can also communicate with souls who have passed on, which is not always convenient when you’ve got a whole lot of other things to worry about.

The journey is poignant and emotional and expressed beautifully through Bardem, who is an absolute joy to watch. This is one that rates high on must must-see list.

Rating: 5 outta 5.

Chalet Girl

In case you don’t know, a chalet girl is a young woman who works as a maid and general dogsbody at one of many expensive ski resorts in Europe. While these ladies never get paid very much they usually have to deal with a whole lot of you know what from a bunch of people with too much money.

This film tells a much milder and PG-rated version of one chalet girl’s experience, but you still get the idea. Kim is the lady at the bottom of the ladder, and while catering to the whims of the rich, gets involved with the enemy: a trust-fund boy. Yup, it’s a modern day Romeo and Juliet complete with snowboards and champagne. One for the teens…

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Insidious

Whoo hoo! If you like scary movies, this one is bound to give you some sort of satisfaction. If like me you’re sick to death of gratuitous gore masquerading as horror, this film saves the day. It’s creepy and freaky and might even make you scream out loud (yes, I did). I like!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

The Bang Bang Club

During apartheid, a group of four fearless photojournalists became known as The Bang Bang Club. Collectively, Joao Silva, Greg Marinovich, Kevin Carter and Ken Oosterbroek, captured some of the most horrifying, compelling and newsworthy photos in history, thus playing a huge part in documenting what was happening in the country.

This is the Hollywood version of their stories, complete with American actors trying to master the elusive South African accent. They fail miserably, which is unfortunate as it distracts you from the story, which is an important and interesting piece of our recent past. Why they couldn’t have dipped into our overflowing pool of acting talent I don’t know. Clearly the message is that SA actors don’t sell movies overseas. Hello? Does anyone remember District 9 and Tsotsi?

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Honey 2

There is absolutely nothing that differentiates this movie from any other dance movie other than the unknown actors/dancers. It’s about a girl who’s not good enough to dance with one crew, so she goes off and joins another - with one condition: They must beat the offending crew in the big battle. Ugh. While I appreciate good dance, I’d rather watch a dance movie with the sound off. After all, the cheesy dialogue really is secondary.

Rating: 2/5

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Words seem inconsequential at this point of Harry’s wondrous adventures. This is where it all ends; where we must finally bid farewell to a legendary character that’s shaped the childhood of millions. It’s the final battle between Voldemort and Harry. It’s the final battle between good and evil. Goodness, it almost feels like the world might end after this epic. This is what films are all about, people. Make sure you do not miss the very last Harry Potter ever on the big screen. Oh, and PS: be prepared to be scared!

Rating: 5 outta 5.

Cedar Rapids

While this film is funny, you really have to be in the mood to watch it. It’s one of those silly comedies where people get drunk and do ridiculous things that normal people would never do in real life.

It all takes place at an annual insurance conference where the sales guys (and sales woman) gather to drink and behave like teens. As a first-timer and goodie-two-shoes, Tim is initially horrified at the shenanigans but predictably gets into the swing of things with a little encouragement from his new pals. Generally amusing and occasionally really funny.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

The Perfect Host

David Hyde Pierce (Niles from Frasier) turns psychopath in this wacky thriller with a humorous twist. When a criminal ends up in his house, Warwick (Pierce) manages to get the upper hand and ends up holding the guy hostage while he throws a raucous dinner party. And the story only gets weirder, especially when Warwick drags the drugged criminal around as part of a party conga. Yup, bizarre pretty much covers it. If you’re feeling experimental, give it a go.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Win Win

The storyline of this movie is convoluted and doesn’t lend itself to a one-paragraph review, so I will say only this: it’s good. Whether it’s the great performance from Paul Giamatti or just a relatable script that involves people who actually seem real, the film check all the right boxes.

It’s definitely not your average Hollywood blockbuster, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. After all the recent million-dollar releases it’s wonderful to get a reality check like this one.

Rating: 4/5

Cars 2

The critics are loving this movie, and for good reason: It’s proper fun for the whole family. Race-car Lightning McQueen and his beat-up truck friend Mater are off to the World Grand Prix race, but end up getting involved in a plot to take over the world, as you do. Enter Finn McMissile, the James Bond of cars, who joins forces with the two to save the motor race. With witty banter and non-stop action this is one for the adults too.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Something Borrowed

I’m just going to put the romcom alert up front here so that you know what you’re in for. This one dredges up yet another done-before storyline about two best friends (Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin), one of whom is about to marry the man that the other is actually in love with. While I don’t want to give the story away (God forbid), I will say that you’ll be able to guess what happens in the end. A classic battle of blonde versus brunette, it’s not unwatchable, it simply is what it is.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

Scream 4

It’s been 15 years since the first Scream movie came out, which means, for a large majority of people reading this, you might not have even watched it. Sadly I remember the experience vividly: a bunch of us teens huddled together in a dark lounge freaking out every time we saw that ridiculous mask.

Well, nothing much has changed since then, which is why the whole thing seems kind of pointless. There’s still a guy running around in a mask and prank calling Neve Campbell, and Courteney Cox and her ex David Arquette are still hunting down the story and killer respectively. Perhaps if you’re 13 and feel like a good giggle you’ll appreciate it. Personally I’d rather watch the first one again.

Rating: 2 outta 5.