Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Director Guy Ritchie managed to turn the stuffy stories of Sherlock Holmes into something chic, sexy, witty and oh-so-alluring. Did he manage to do it a second time? Oh, yes!

Holmes, his side-kick, Watson and Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock's brother) delve into the death of the Crown Prince of Austria. Along the way, they encounter a most formidable opponent:  Professor Moriarty. What’s more, the Prof is intellectually Sherlock’s equal! How are they to outwit a fellow genius?

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Midnight in Paris

Ooh goodie, this one pulls at my heart strings! The tagline of this movie says Paris after midnight is magic – and that is exactly what you get. Hollywood screenwriter, Gil, is spending his holiday in the city, hoping to find inspiration to write.

He gets more than inspiration; he gets magic that transports him back to the 1920s! He mingles with writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald and artists like artists Salvador Dali, Man Ray and Pablo Picasso. And it really feels as if you are spending time with these historical figures. Charming stuff, this movie!

Rating: 5 outta 5.

I Don’t Know How She Does It

Many women will be able to empathise with Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Kate Reddy. She is a fierce career woman, a passionate wife and a loving mother who always wants to be there for her children.

This movie excels because even though its message is serious, it finds a humorous and heart-warming way to tell it. And we personally loved to see the motherly side of SJP.  Added to that is the dashing British accent of Pierce Bronson, so this movie definitely makes for a perfect girls night out. Just what the holiday period ordered!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

The Ides of March

Oh my word, Ryan Gosling and George Clooney - in one movie! I expected cameras to melt from the hotness overdose, but I was rewarded with superb performances. It is so refreshing to watch a movie that does not rely on special effects and 3D, but good, old fashioned acting. Ahh!

Stephen Meyers (Gosling) is a press secretary for Mike Morris’ (Clooney) political campaign.  As seems to be the nature of politics, things get dirty and ugly, and it challenges Meyer’s idealistic notions. Though by no means entirely original, the riveting performances will make you forget you have popcorn to munch on.

Rating: 5 outta 5.

The Adventures of Tintin

Steven Spielberg certainly has that magic touch with movies – give him any idea and he turns it into a master piece that will be watched for generations to come. This, I know – I watched E.T again the other day and it still left me astounded after all these years.

Back to 2011, and the Adventures of Tintin encompasses escapades through cobbled European streets, deserts and old worldly ships. As a reporter, Tintin and his trusty sidekick, the white dog Snowy, get the truth no matter what. And Snowy more often than not steals the show. If you have to see one movie before the year is up, this is it!

Rating: 5 outta 5.

Hoofmeisie

If you enjoyed flicks like Mean Girls and Clueless, you will probably enjoy this.

Hoofmeisie is a funny look into the pursuit of the Head Girl position at a primary school. Nadia van Heerden is one of the main girls coveting it and believe you me, these little darlings transform into most vile, ambitious monsters.

Take your daughter, little sister, cousin or niece to watch it. No doubt good lessons can be learnt, and the South African humour much enjoyed. Oh and there are English subtitles too! Bonus!

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

I could not wait for the latest and fourth installment of Mission Impossible and quite happily, I was not fully disappointed.

Okay, so the story isn't most innovative, but I reckon that the adrenaline pumping action scenes more than make up for this. Take the one featuring 49-year-old Tom Cruise scaling Dubai’s Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world! That will go down as one of the most heart stopping movie scenes of all time, especially since Cruise did not use a stunt double. Kudos! 

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

I remember these helium voiced critters from back in the day when they were on telly, before they became big at the movies. I found them to be charming and adorably mischievous. Forward onto 2011, and their voices make me involuntarily grind my teeth, their jokes are incredibly abysmal and I am at a loss as to how their previous two movies were such  successes.

Keeping in with their downright bratty behaviour, the Chipmunks and Chipettes get ‘chipwrecked’ on a deserted island, instead of enjoying their ‘cruisechip’ holiday. It sets off a series of events that only kids under the age of 8 will find entertaining. And if I have to use the word ‘chip’ in this context one more time, I will hurl.

Rating: 1 outta 5.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

Old, spooky mansion aptly called Blackwood Manor: check. Raspy voices coming out of nowhere: check. Family with a young child in peril: check. But you know what? This horror flick actually works!

It takes you back to when you were a child and scared of that ‘haunted’ house in the neighbourhood. I think it is successful thanks to Guillermo del Toro's (Pan’s Labyrinth) brilliant touch. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about the original owner of the mansion – he met a most terrible end: check!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Drive

I was sold on Ryan Gosling after I watched The Notebook. Knowing he acts in this flick, it is an instant must-see for me, even though it seems more action than romance.

In this crime, drama/thriller, a Hollywood stunt performer moonlights as a wheelman. He discovers that a contract has been put on his head after a heist goes horribly wrong. Uh oh, how is he to survive? Watch it to find out!

Rating: 4 outta 5

Arthur Christmas

We’ve all wondered: “How does Santa deliver all his presents in a single night?” This movie answers just that: the Claus family runs a tight corporation and operate a la Mission Impossible – with the fancy gadgets too!

But this year there is a gift that is not delivered. Grandsanta helps Arthur deliver it, old school style – with the sleigh and reindeer! Get on board for a movie that will become a Christmas favourite for years to come.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

New Year's Eve

It may feature a long list of top Hollywood stars including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank, Ashton Kutcher and Halle Berry but this follow-up to director Garry Marshall's all-star hit Valentine's Day is far too similar to its predecessor.

The movie explores themes such as love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts set in the bustling hub that is NYC. It touches on a number of characters whose intertwining stories deal with the triumphs and  struggles of their lives as they get ready for the most dazzling night of the year. But dazzling this movie is not.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

Brighton Rock

Why do good girls fall for the bad guys? Such is the case with gangster Pinkie Brown and Rose, the waitress. Set against the stunning back drop of the pier at the coastal town of Brighton, Pinkie viciously batters a rival gang member. Rose gets to know the truth, but being dim (we suspect), she marries him. This movie is another dark look into the lives of thugs.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

Puss in Boots

Remember when Puss in Boots gave Shrek those huge, saucer-like, goo-goo eyes in the second Shrek flick? It was love at first sight for me and I am sure I was not alone!

Now the swash-buckling feline is back and holding his own in a new adventure. He learns that the ‘magic beans’ he has been on the hunt for actually exist but they are in the hands of villains, Jack and Jill. Teaming up with Humpty Alexander Dumpty and a sassy Kitty Softpaws, they high-tail (couldn’t resist that one) through dangers, laughs and escapades you will not easily forget. It is almost as freshly appealing as the first Shrek movie.

Rating: 3 and a half outta 5

Another Earth

Imagine looking up at the sky and you see the earth? It is a mind bending idea and one that is exquisitely crafted in this indie flick. Earth, and the second earth are not in the same universe, yet it has become visible in our skies.

This discovery sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of Rhoda Williams and John Burroughs. Rhoda gets accepted into an astrophysics program and goes out to celebrate, having one too many. Yet she still gets into her car to drive home and hears the news about the second earth. She peers out of her window and crashes into another car – killing a mother, a child and leaving the father (John) in a coma. After her DUI stint in prison, she seeks him out in an attempt to make amends. 

Against the backdrop of the second planet, this film demands thoughtful reflection. How would you navigate through life, if you knew there is another you in a different universe?

Rating: 4 outta 5

Real Steel

Real Steel may star His Yumminess himself, Hugh Jackman, but this movie is as washed-up as his character Charlie - a fighter who has lost his chance at a title after 900 kg, 2.5 meter tall steel robots take over the ring.

When it seems Charlie’s life cannot get any worse, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son, Max, to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max get one last shot at a comeback.

Not a total waste of your time but I would rather suggest you wait for this one to come out on DVD.

Rating: 2 outta 5