Summary Review:
Red Riding Hood is a surprising new take on an old folktale, creatively and terrifyingly reworked.

Synopsis:
I was not planning on reviewing Red Riding Hood, but went to the cinema with a friend I hadn’t seen in ages, who insisted on watching it, so here we are:

Red Riding Hood is set in a medieval village that has been plagued by a wolf for many years.

A travelling priest comes to the village and explains to the people that it is not a mere wolf, but in actual fact a werewolf that is attacking their village. The villagers turn on each other as they realise that the werewolf could be any one of them undercover.

Meanwhile, Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) has been given to Henry Lazar to marry, but she is really in love with Peter, a lowly woodcutter. While embroiled in this love triangle, the three youngsters are pivotal in ridding their village of the werewolf.

Red Riding Hood is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, director of Twilight, and the visual aspects of this film are very similar to those of that vampire movie, making use of sharp colour contrasts. The illicit romance between Valerie and Peter is indulged with several dream-like forest scenes of the couple.

The dialogue of Red Riding Hood is very cursory, not aiding any character development, but rather progressing the plot from one scene to the next.

Despite the melodramatic romance and the scant dialogue, Red Riding Hood has many gory moments as a horror film. It is scary and has a few unexpected twists, which make the conclusion surprising and rewarding.

Director: Catherine Hardwicke Screenplay: David Leslie Johnson Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Julie Christie Time: 100min Age Restriction: 13V

Genre:
Horror

Summary Review:
The Dilemma is an awkward comedy with moral and ethical undertones about what to do with secrets you were never meant to know.

Synopsis:
Ronny (Vince Vaughan) is a fun-loving guy who can never take anything seriously. That is until he sees his best friend’s wife (Winona Ryder) kissing another man.

Now Ronny is faced with the dilemma of either keeping the secret and letting the affair continue that will destroy his friend, Nick (Kevin James) or telling Nick and being the bearer of bad news.

The Dilemma has a very interesting premise, but the film makers don’t seem to know how to conclude this story.

The unusual pairing of comedians Vaughan and James with serious actresses like Ryder and Jennifer Connelly adds to the movie’s off-kilter tone and awkward pace.

It seems the makers of The Dilemma couldn’t bring their ideas to life as they’d imagined and there will be many moments in the cinema where you’ll sit there feeling awkward and wondering what’s just funny and what’s sarcastic.

Director: Ron Howard Screenplay: Allan Loeb Cast: Vince Vaughan, Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly Time: 118min Age Restriction: 13SLV

Genre:
Comedy

Summary Review:
Morning Glory is a funny formula comedy with the usual good performances from 3 skilled actors.

Synopsis:
Becky (Rachel McAdams) is a sweetly ambitious young TV producer who gets retrenched when the local station she works for starts making cut-backs.

Facing huge pressure from her mum to give up on her embarrassing dream of becoming a star producer, Becky applies for a position at a failing network breakfast show.

She now has the challenge of reviving this show while facing opposition from its two grumpy presenters (Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford).

Rachel McAdams is an actress everyone expected to see great things from after her performance in The Notebook. Since then, however, she has played very similar characters in a variety of films and Morning Glory is another un-challenging movie.

While a funny and easy-going film, Morning Glory is nothing exceptional.

Director: Roger Michell Screenplay: Aline Brosh McKenna Cast: Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson Time: 107min Age Restriction: 13L

Genre:
Comedy

Summary Review:
Made in Dagenham is a seriously cheering movie about the beginning of the struggle for equal pay for women in the UK.

Synopsis:
The female machinists in the Dagenham Ford factory work in a stuffy basement, sewing car seat covers day in and day out.

Not only do they get paid an unskilled-labourers wage, but because they are women they also get paid half of what the men in the same positions do.

One day Rita (Sally Hawkins), one of the ladies working as a machinist, is asked to join a union meeting with the Ford factory management, just to add a number advantage to the union party’s representation.

But when the union representative seems to be backing down on his promise to raise the girls’ wages to those of skilled workers, Rita can not believe her eyes at the raw deal the women are getting and she begins a strike action that snowballs into taking the entire UK, and eventually the world, by storm.

Made in Dagenham is a delightful film, filled with 60′s fashion and wry British wit. The cast bring the diverse characters to life, and there are several minor storylines that flesh out the characters and personalise them.

Sally Hawkins is brilliant as the shyly feminine, but boldly idealistic Rita and the film is filled with bittersweet feel-good moments, as she is disillusioned of another naïve belief in the world, but optimistically triumphs to bring justice to the situation.

Made in Dagenham is an inspiring drama with funny moments, about the underdog triumphing at something that’s never been attempted before.

Director: Nigel Cole Screenplay: Billy Ivory Cast: Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson, Rosamund Pike, Bob Hoskins Time: 113min Age Restriction: 13SL

Genre:
Drama

Summary Review:
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky is a beautifully filmed work of art, with fine cinematography and design, but a faltering pace that shudders to a disappointing halt.

Synopsis:
This week’s hottest release is Harry Potter 7.1, which I’ve already reviewed, and I haven’t reviewed a nouveau film in ages, so here goes Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky.

In 1913, couturiere Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) attends the first performance of The Rite of Spring, a ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky (Mads Mikkelsen). Today, Stravinsky is credited as one of the most important revolutionaries in modern ballet, but at the time the rhythmic dissonance of his music caused a riot in the theatre.

Despite the public reaction to Stravinsky’s ballet, Chanel is impressed by Igor and when they are introduced 7 years later in 1920, these two forward-thinkers are immediately attracted to each other.

Chanel’s business has become extremely successful over the years, but she is grieving the loss of her lover, Arthur “Boy” Capel, who died in a car crash. Chanel invites Stravinsky and his family to move into her villa outside of Paris, ostensibly to create an inspiring environment for his composing.

Chanel and Stravinsky begin a love affair that stimulates both their creativity – Stravinsky composing with clarity and passion, while Chanel gets breakthrough with the perfume she’s been struggling to create (incidentally the iconic Chanel No.5).

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky begins with a bang as the film opens with the riot at the premiere of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, after the elegantly stirring opening credits are screened over a background of monochromatic kaleidoscopes.

But as it progresses, the film loses its momentum and neither the soundtrack comprised of Stravinsky’s own dramatic music, nor the fine costume and set design can save Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky from stuttering to a flaccid ending.

Director: Jan Kounen Screenplay: Carlo de Boutiny, Jan Kounen, based on the novel Coco & Igor by Chris Greenhalgh Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Anna Mouglalis, Elena Morozova, Natacha Lindinger Time: 118min Age Restriction: 16SN

Genre:
Drama/Romance

Summary Review:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is by far the best Harry Potter film to date and has finally managed to capture the addictive tone of the books.

Synopsis:
I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter books, but I’ve found all the movies thus far to be boring and disappointing. Until I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, that is.

Lord Voldemort is now out in the open and the whole wizarding world lives in fear, knowing he has returned. Harry, Ron and Hermione are the only ones who know that the only way to defeat him is to destroy all his Horcruxes.

So, instead of packing off to Hogwarts for their 7th and final school year, they embark on an expedition to uncover and kill the Horcruxes.

Although there are a few new characters and scenes in the movie that were not in the book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is more faithful to the book than any of the previous movies were. This is testament to the fact that J.K. Rowling worked closely with the film makers and was a producer on this movie.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is not only a great reflection of the book; it is a good movie in and of itself.

Directed by David Yates, who also directed the 5th and 6th films, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is beautifully filmed, with impressive special effects and cinematography.

Truly dark, with several tense moments that will keep you at the edge of your seat, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 creates moments for one to really connect with the characters, as well as incorporating the humour and danger of the book.

Director: David Yates Screenplay: Steve Kloves, based on the novel by J. K. Rowling Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson Time: 146min Age Restriction: 10V

Genre:
Fantasy/Sci-fi/Adventure

Director: Ryan Murphy Screenplay: Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt, based on the novel by Elizabeth Gilbert Cast: Julia Roberts, Billy Crudup, James Franco, Javier Bardem Time: 134min Age Restriction: 10LM

Genre:

Director: Jon Chu Screenplay: Amy Andelson, Emily Meyer, based on characters created by Duane Adler Cast: Rick Malambri, Adam Sevani, Sharni Vinson, Alyson Stoner Time: 106min Age Restriction: 10LM

Genre:
Dance/Drama/3D

Summary Review:
Step Up 3 is all about the incredible dancing and the new 3D effects.

Synopsis:
Moose (Adam Sevani) is just starting college at NYU and has promised his parents to give up his dancing so as to focus on his Engineering degree.

But when he gets challenged, Moose can’t help but let loose and he soon joins The Pirates, a crew of street dancers from all walks of life.

Step Up 3 starts with a series of inspiring clips from dancers speaking about how they got into dancing and what it means to them. Although the deepness soon gets lost as the movie becomes one breathtaking dance sequence after another, the intro successfully sets the tone of passion, which helps to explain the characters attitudes when the script and storyline fall short.

The music is excellent and there is a fresh creativity in the dancing.

If you decide to watch Step Up 3, you must see it in 3D. I watched it in 2D, but you can see the movie was made for 3D – some of the dance moves seem almost too fast for the 2D and the transitions are slightly blurry in places where the 3D is missing. There are also one or two scenes that you can just see were made to look awesome in 3D.

Step Up 3 is for the dance fans. If you go in expecting a moving story and witty dialogue, you’ll be disappointed by the repetitive plot, but if you want to see likable dance characters passionate about their art having a blast, Step Up 3 will be a great night out for you.

Director: Thor Freudenthal  Screenplay: Jackie Filgo, Jeff Filgo, Jeff Judah, Gabe Sachs, based on the novel by Jeff Kinney Cast: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Devon Bostick, Chloë Moretz Time: 94min Age Restriction: PG13

Genre:
Comedy/Children

Summary Review:
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid is a smart and funny film that shows insight into the character of children and addresses the issue of popularity that many carry into adulthood.

Synopsis:
Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) is just about to start middle school and his older brother, Rodrick, has told him a number of nightmare stories about what his first day is going to be like and how he can survive the year.

But Greg is not intimidated, on the contrary, he is confident that he will make it to the top of the popularity list by the end of his first week. Unfortunately, becoming popular is not quite as simple as Greg anticipated, especially not for a nerdy kid like him.

So he embarks on a series of tactics to become a “class favourite” – the popular elite, who feature prominently in the school Yearbook. His plans are, however, repeatedly and inadvertently foiled by his desperately uncool best friend, Rowley Jefferson (Robert Capron).

Based on a series of cartoon books by Jeff Kinney, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid is a nimble comedy film, filled with the intelligent, but sarcastic humour of a geeky pre-adolescent. Greg Heffley is a likeable protagonist, despite his shallow ambitions, and the cast of children’s characters will take you right back to your own school days.

The cinematography is standard, but cleverly mixes the live-action sequences with partly animated cartoons, and Diary Of A Wimpy Kid features a good, nostalgia-inducing soundtrack.

It is a bit sophisticated for very young children and not all adults will be amused by the innocent humour, but Diary Of A Wimpy Kid is a charming movie with an underlying message of loyalty, friendship and being yourself.

Director: Scott Stewart Screenplay: Peter Schink, Scott Stewart Cast: Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, Dennis Quaid, Adrianne Palicki Time: 100min Age Restriction: 16LV

Genre:
Horror

Summary Review:
Legion is a lame horror film about the archangel Michael fighting off the possessed zombies of Armageddon.

Synopsis:
God has given up on the human race and has decided to kill off mankind by turning them into cannibalistic, vampire-like zombies.

But the archangel Michael believes God is mistaken and that there is still hope for humans, so he rebels and tries to help the last remaining people, who are hiding out in a diner in the middle of the desert.

Legion is based on an interesting concept, but the movie is cheesy and predictable. As a horror film, however, Legion does manage to serve up quite a few shocks.

The theology is biblically inaccurate and Legion may be offensive to Christian viewers, with its erroneous referrals to God’s character.