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While Johnny Clegg’s tear-jerker “Great Heart” has been replaced by a Bryan Adams soundtrack, and the South African actors by voices of famous American actors, the story’s message is in no way diluted.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