Reviews

A powerful, new film seizes cinemas worldwide as Kingdom of Heaven is released to the awaiting public. Directed by the master of the modern epic, Ridley Scott has proudly created a film about war and peace within the troubled twelfth century. Flanked by a host of talented actors such as Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson, this film struggles to avoid comparisons with Troy and Alexander. Both classics were released recently sharing similar violent battle scenes bringing our fascinating history to life. This graceful Hollywood blockbuster takes us on a journey of relative peace between the second and third Crusades, when the Christian knights of Europe took up arms against the Moors of North Africa for the Holy Lands. It focuses on the story of Balian Of Ibelin (Orlando Bloom), a young peasant who rises to knighthood and then finds himself drawn to the people of Jerusalem's cause. The story opens, with Balian, a French blacksmith, mourning the death of his wife and young son. It is then that Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), a highly regarded baron to the king of Jerusalem, and a man deeply committed to his mission of bringing long-term peace to the Holy Land, comes in search of his illegitimate son Balian, in the hope of giving him some comfort during his time of grief. Godfrey is hopeful that Balian will join him in his quest, but Balian, consumed with grief, cannot think of helping others find peace. All this is soon about to change however with his father's untimely death. Will Balian be able to lead an army against the evading forces and claim victory for a worthwhile crusade that will win a special place in heaven? I was astonished by the acting talent of Orlando Bloom, a man that will always be forever known as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings and cherish a place in the history books of Hollywood. Below is a fearless quotation by Bloom as he addressed his armies as they defended Jerusalem. I recognised a tremendous amount of passion in a truly gifted actor. "Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Safeguard the helpless, even if it leads to your death; that is your oath. Rise a knight, rise a knight!" Other actors that should be credited as knights in shining armour were Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons as they created promising performances. Finally, I can predict that this film will cast a competitive shadow of many future films this year boasting a stunning backdrop and magical set pieces, which are enhanced, but not dominated, by computer-generated effects.

This emotional, action packed Hollywood blockbuster explodes into cinemas across the United Kingdom this weekend with overwhelming support from movie fans.

From the critically acclaimed director, Sydney Pollack, has created a controversial and deeply moving film about the politics of the international community.

As the world embraces it self with the war on terror, this new film rises up against the critics and tells a brave story about an attractive UN interpreter, Silvia Broome (Kidman) overhearing an assassination plot against the dictatorial ruler of the fictional African state of Matobo.

Silvia eventually tells the security forces of her plight and demands extra security as she fears she was seen and wonders whether her African background could make her a target. A troubled FBI agent (Sean Penn) is assigned her protector and struggles to defend her as his colleagues dismiss her allegations as mere attention seeking; the audience are left wondering whether Silvia really is a lady in distress.

With Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn on top form, I was stunned by both acting performances throughout the many tense scenes. Both actors won Oscars at this year's academy awards and should be noticed for their breathtaking performances as their talent overshadowed the complex script.

However I was a little disappointed by the dramatic ending, there were too many comparisons with Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe; this may have been America's attempt at telling the world the dangers of dictatorial rule, a stern lesson from the world's most powerful country.

So, this is a high budget movie about the complexities of international politics combined with the seedy, underworld of the secret service attempting to protect a pretty blonde determined to punish her parent's killer.

This is a movie not for the restless or energetic as patience and intelligence is needed to understand the gripping plot.

The most suspense sequel this year makes a dramatic impact in cinemas this week as The Ring continues its frightening climax.

Acclaimed director, Hideo Nakata has created a nail-biting masterpiece designed for brave cinema fans as they embark on a journey of excitement and terror.

With a fairly unknown cast the story begins as Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (David Dorfman) move to the community of Astoria, Oregon to start a new life.

As Rachel gets a job at the local newspaper office and Aidan starts at a new school, their lives seem to be getting back to normal.

However the haunted past they left behind soon catches up with them as Rachel learns of an apparent homicide, she immediately suspects involvement with Samara and the ghostly videotape. She destroys yet another copy of the tape, but that only makes Samara angrier.

Now, Rachel has to find a way to put Samara to rest once and for all, before it's too late. Will she rescue her disturbed son in time and will she find out what Samara really is? The film had a rather confusing plot that raised more questions than answers, Is Samara a demon, ghost or the devil and why is Aidan such a strange child? Although I must credit the actors for a convincing array of performances; Born in Shoreham, Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive, 2001) played the part of Rachel with dignity and David Dorfman was also very promising as the little Aidan; I felt their acting was sheer brilliance for such difficult roles.

But my favourite actor was Simon Baker (L.A. Confidential, 1997) who played the minor part of Max Rourke; His role seemed to strengthen the rest of the small cast.

All in all, this movie is one of the best sequel's I have seen in a long time, its full of suspense, fear, excitement, anger, emotion and will most definitely make you jump out of your seat petrified. Just be warned this is horror at its most horrifying and may even be cursed!

As the streets fall quiet and the darkness approaches a mysterious Constantine creeps into cinemas with a frightening silence from audiences.

The film is based on the popular DC/Vertigo comic book, Hellblazer and directed by Francis Lawrence: a successful music video director.

Set in Los Angeles, the plot focuses on the rebel occultist John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a man not wanted by heaven but instead desired by hell.

He was born with a gift – whereby he can see the things that others cannot. He can recognise the half-breed angels and demons that patrol Earth in human form.

John is a tortured soul, having taken his own life twice to escape the torrent of evil he witnesses on a daily basis. He lives in a hybrid state between the living and the dead, trying to earn his way to salvation by hunting down the demons that live amongst us.

When he meets police officer, Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) his life begins to have more meaning. She asks him to investigate the mysterious suicide of her twin sister and together they enter a journey through the world of demons and angels existing beneath the landscape of Los Angeles.

Will they find the answer to a string of devastating events and find the peace that Constantine so desperately needs?

This Hollywood blockbuster is a disturbing film with a complicated storyline about good versus evil. The movie seemed to echo other classic films, such as The Exorcist and The Matrix and struggles to find an independent voice of its own.

Although the film did boast of a high profile cast with strong performances from Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz (About a Boy and The Mummy Returns) in their convincing roles of John and Angela. My favourite actors were Shia LaBeouf (Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and I,Robot) for his role of Chas; his impressive, laid back acting style was remarkable for his age and Peter Stormare's terrifying role of Satan.

So all in all be prepared for a frightening fantasy about demons with stomach churning moments that may even put you off your popcorn. Just remember not to have nightmares!

A rare remake of the 1996 Japanese movie, Shall We Dance waltzes into cinemas in glitzy Hollywood style.

From the director of the 2001 classic Serendipity, Peter Chelsom has created a sophisticated romantic comedy about the realms of ballroom dancing.

Set in a modern America, an overworked estate lawyer, John Clark (Richard Gere) feels something is missing in his life and while returning home one evening he notices a beautiful dancer, Paulina, staring out of a window of Miss Mitzi's dance studio; he sees the passion in her that is sadly lacking in him.

After gathering the courage to meet Paulina (Jennifer Lopez) John joins the studio and to his surprise becomes transfixed by a newfound love of dancing that fills the void in his life.

Meanwhile, at home his beloved wife Beverly (Susan Sarandon) knows nothing of her husband's new hobby, as he has not had the courage to tell her. She becomes more and more suspicious and fears the worst about his whereabouts, eventually hiring a private detective. John soon feels that his dancing may be putting his marriage in jeopardy and he must act before it's to late.

This is a cheesy romantic comedy about a hobby that is passionate, inspirational and magical.

The standard of acting is very high with Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon in superb form; the dancing skills of Richard Gere is also impressive as he waltzes into the sunset with Jennifer Lopez. Her natural beauty and radiance is highlighted throughout the film.

Also watch out for a promising performance from Omar Benson Miller whose larger than life personality made me laugh during his role of Vern.

So all in all this is a Hollywood remake which isn't as good as the original but worth seeing. Although it will probably be more successful on video than at the box office as this is a movie that shouldn't have been released on the silver screen.

Through the cold winds of February a creepy film appears from cinemas in the United Kingdom this month with an unusual ghostly presence.

John Polson is a director that is destined for greater things; this unique sense of direction can be seen in Hide and Seek; a powerful story about a young girl, Emily Calloway (Dakota Fanning) coming to terms with the sudden death of her mother, Alison. Her father, David Calloway feels it would be best to take her away from the city that holds so many memories, so that the two can cope with their grief and begin to move on as best they can.

Their new house is in the sleepy community of Woodland, in New York. For Emily though, the move has offered her little comfort; she has moved away from her friends and knows no one in her new town. As she becomes isolated and vulnerable, she invents an imaginary friend called Charlie, and together they play seemingly innocent games.

Soon enough strange things begin to happen around the house, and Emily begins to change within herself. David is extremely concerned that Emily, with her mother's death so fresh in her mind, is having psychological problems. Who is this Charlie and is he really real?

This creepy movie is terrifying and enjoys a mysterious ending that will keep you guessing for hours after the credits roll. Watch out for the promising performance of the young Dakota Fanning, a rising star in the movie business, no doubt. Although the phenomenal acting legend Robert De Niro steals the show, proving time and time again that he can turn a Hollywood movie into a box office sensation.

So all in all hold on to your popcorn and be prepared for a very frightening game of Hide and Seek. This movie has a bag full of scary surprises that will satisfy even the hardened thrill seeker. Come out, come out wherever you are and watch this year's latest horror movie.

Britain's very own Vera Drake makes a thriving cinematic triumph across the region this week as this box office classic fills auditoriums.

From the award winning writer and director, Mike Leigh has created an emotional masterpiece that should be watched by every genuine movie fan.

The story is set in Britain during the 1950s when the country was recovering from the aftermath of world war two. Vera Drake is a caring mother and devoted wife performing illegal back street abortions to those in need. Her life is thrown into turmoil when one of her patients nearly dies and the police call to investigate. Is this a loving woman who just wants to help others or a confused criminal scared by a turbulent past?

With a fairly small and unknown cast my first impressions of the film were completely mistaken by the phenomenal acting that took place before my eyes. Vera appears to be a heart of gold just offering cups of tea to those young, innocent girls who have nowhere to go.

Imelda Staunton's BAFTA winning portrayal of Vera is very moving and should be remembered for many years to come. Many people may remember the actress from minor roles in Shakespeare in Love and David Copperfield.

I was also impressed with Richard Graham as Vera's husband, George whose affection for his wife is a sign of true love, also watch out for a cameo appearance of Jim Broadbent as the judge who decides Vera's fate.

This film may be a little depressing but very powerful and evocatively beautiful as the cast work together in a way I have not seen in cinema before. This is quite simply academy award winning potential and will continue to raise many important questions about the much controversial abortion debate.

See this film even if it's the last one you'll see, as this will have an impact on everyone's lives.

One of William Shakespeare's finest plays is dramatically brought to the silver screen in all its splendor.

From the director of the film version of 1984, Michael Radford has created a masterpiece for everyone to enjoy time and time again.

With an outstanding cast that includes Al Pacino, (Shylock) Joseph Fiennes, (Bassanio) Jeremy Irons, (Antonio) Kris Marshall (Gratiano) and Lynn Collins, (Portia); this beautiful movie is a must see for every Shakespeare enthusiast.

The story is set in 15th century Britain when many Jews were sadly persecuted in the streets for no apparent reason. Bassanio with the help of Antonio visit a wealthy Jewish loan shark called Shylock and ask if they may borrow some money so Bassanio can visit his love, Portia. Shylock agrees but demands a pound of flesh from Antonio if he can not meet his strict payment demands.

A while later Antonio can not pay the loan and Shylock demands his pound of flesh. A ferocious court battle then takes place between the two men as Antonio's friends and family gather round to await his verdict.

This is a remarkable cinematic experience with the passionate Al Pacino at his best. Also look out for the rising young star, Kris Marshall from the hit, Love Actually. He played the part of Gratiano which such emotion and dignity.

This film, which will most certainly be up for Oscars, clearly demonstrates that Shakespeare can still entertain crowds centuries from his death.