Jumper

Jumper

Stars: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson

Fox Movies

Hold on to your seats and get ready for Jumper the first big action flick for 08. Imagine being able to jump through time? David Rice, played by Hayden Christensen has the power to teleport though time. He is on a mission to solve a family mystery, see the world and stay ahead of the law all at the same time.

Having run away from his father at a young age David knows that he has a special skill. He can transport himself between different locations throughout the universe. His special skill and some criminal activity earn the attention of corrupt government agent, Roland, played by Samuel L. Jackson.

Davey soon finds out that he is not the only one with this skill. Griffin, played by Jamie Bell joins David and they both become a high level target of the Government and other “Jumpers”. There has been a war going on between the Jumpers that they both find themselves caught in the middle of.

Jumper is a fast paced, high action thriller. Shot throughout the world on locations including Rome, Egypt and Mexico this is a visual stunning film. The special effects are over the top as you would expect. Jamie Bell is the stand out actor here; his scenes with Christensen come across well on screen. Rachel Bilson, as the love interest bored me to tears with no emotion in her scenes.

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The Jane Austen Book Club

Jane Austen Book Club

Stars: Mario Bello, Kathy Baker, Hugh Dancy

Sony Pictures

I will say right away, this film is a chick flick and a great way to start 2008. I loved everything that this film had to offer, the ups and downs and raw emotion that comes from Janes Austen’s books reflect through the many characters in the film. Filled with a strong male and female cast such as Marc Blucas, Maria Bello and Kevin Zegers, this film is a sure winner.

Jane Austen is probably one of the most acclaimed writers of all time. Her books continue to amaze and stir emotional in people all over the world day in and day out. Sylvia and her husband Daniel seem to be happy on the surface but we soon learn that Daniel has been holding a deep secret from her. Daniel has been having an affair and abruptly ends his marriage to her. Filled with depression and negativity Sylvia is at a low point in her life, her close friends decide to create a book club to help her keep their spirits up.

Before long some interesting characters have joined the book club and the real fun begins, especially with the introduction of Grigg Harris played by Hugh Dancy. Grigg finds that he is a welcome addition to the group. Before the long the members personal lives take over again and their issues become the fore front of the film. This is interesting to watch as they compare what is happening in the books to each of their own lives.

If you are a fan of chick flicks and good drama then I highly recommend The Jane Austen Book Club. Perfect for a night out with the girls or a lazy Sunday afternoon at the movies.

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Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd

Stars: Johnny Depp

Village Roadshow Pictures

From the massive Broadway musical by Stephen Sondhiem comes the film adaptation of Sweeney Todd। After being sent to prison for a crime that he didn’t commit Ben Baker returns to London assuming the identity of Sweeney Todd, to take revenge on aristocratic society and the Judge who put him away.

Tim Burton has taken the darkness and evil of London and created a visually stunning film that he is best known for। The black and white style and faded colour of this film makes it pleasing on the eye. I was surprised just how much Depp’s singing that I actually liked. Sweeney Todd is a bloody and gruesome movie but this only adds to the appeal.

One man’s revenge is the sole driving force behind the story and the music of the Broadway play and the film। If you love the 1930’s horror films then this is a sure winner as the film is shot in that particular style.

If you are a fan of the Broadway show or the music of this amazing show then you must see this film. Tim Burton and Depp bring to life a strong film with all the extravagance that one would expect from a big budget Hollywood film.

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A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line

Now on DVD

Directed by Richard Atenborough

Universal Home Video


Released in 1985, A Chorus Line the film is taken from the very successful Broadway show of the same name. There is always some hesitation when watching a move that was taken from a hit show. While I was surprised actually how much that I enjoyed this film, nothing beats watching a hit musical in a theatre.

This entire film pretty much takes place on and off the stage of a theatre in New York City. Well-known choreographer Zach, played by Michael Douglas is holding a huge audition for a new musical. Zach is tough and knows what he wants putting the dancers through the motions with force and a lot of nervous tension.

This film gives us a good behind the scenes view at what exactly happens when a Broadway show is cast in real life. The stress and the agony of knowing that there will always be dancers better than you and closer to getting that dream role just seems further and further away.

With so many Broadway shows being made into movies these days, when A Chorus Line was released in 1985 this adaptation was not well received at all. Having never seen the actual show live in a theatre, I was able to grasp what this film was trying to achieve. The music is just amazing and even if the film may not be what you expect the soundtrack is just what you would expect from a Broadway show.

Becoming Jane

Becoming Jane

Magna Pacific

Now On DVD


Becoming Jane is a romantic period drama based on the life of author Jane Austen. An outstanding cast has been assembled here. Dame Maggie Smith, Anne Hathaway and Julie Walters just to name a few.

Described as the most romantic writer of all time, this film takes a look at the early years of her life. We see how she first found love with Tom Lefroy, an Irishman with a heart of gold. Forced to marry the wealthiest man that she can find, Jane must compromise her values and beliefs for the sake of her family.

As they are in financial ruin, Jane is responsible to marry into money, not love. When Tom comes to stay with her family Jane instantly feels an attraction to this entertaining Irish fellow. As the two bond and get to know each other better it soon becomes clear that Jane has fallen deeply for Tom.

Under the intense pressure of family friend Lady Gresham to marry her nephew, Jane must give up the idea of ever being with Tom. What we see next is the begging of her writing career and how she came to be the greatest romantic author of all time. Jane was able to create a magical world of romance while all this time she was never married.

Anne Hathaway does a pretty good job in playing the lead role. I was somewhat surprised as it would be hard to imagine an American actress in an English role. The setting on the beautiful English countryside is pleasing on the eye despite some very slow moments during the film.

Resident Evil 3

Resident Evil: Extinction

Now In Cinemas

Sony Pictures

Milla Jovovich


The third and final instalment of the successful trilogy is back. Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice. Also starring in the film is Australian actor Chris Egan who was in Home & Away for a few years.

This film follows on years after the events that happened in Racoon City. Still against the Umbrella Corporation Alice vows to bring them down. Early on we learn that Alice is now a clone, while the real Alice is still alive and searching for survivors.

The deadly virus from the past films, have made the world unliveable by turning into a giant desert. Alice along with Carlos are back together searching the world for a place that has not been infected by the virus. While in Las Vegas they are found and captured by the evil Doctor Isaacs and his army of zombies.

The action scenes are shot very well, but they are slow in reaching their climactic point. The special effects department have done great work on the zombies like in the second film. If you are a zombie fan then you will enjoy this film. Milla Jovovich looks great and fans will love seeing her back on the big screen.

The Kingdom

The Kingdom

October 4th 2007

Universal Pictures

Jamie Foxx

Jennifer Garner


With all that is happening in the Middle East today, it always fascinates me how Hollywoood interprets these events. The Kingdom is an action packed thriller set in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom is a secure American compound in Saudi Arabia. Suddenly terrorists invade this safe zone and they begin a massive shootout. Hundreds of innocent people are killed. One of the men killed is an FBI agent.

Back home when the FBI decided to go and investigate they attack, they are meet with resistance from their own government. Defying orders, the FBI set out to solve the mystery of what happened anyway.

Saudi officials refuse to help the FBI because they know they are targets of the terrorist groups. With all the doors closing on the team, an unlikely friendship is formed between a Saudi police officer and the FBI. Together they try to solve the case.

The Kingdom is a hard-hitting, action film that will have you on the edge of your seat. Foxx and Garner are great together and even though I’m not normally a Foxx fan, he surprised me in this role. If you are in the mood for a good action thriller then I recommend The Kingdom.

A Mighty Heart

A Mighty Heart

Now Showing

Paramount Pictures

www.mightyheart.com.au

Angelina Jolie


This is the sad and true real life story of American journalist Daniel Pearl. His kidnapping and demise is a powerful example that terrorism is alive and well all over the world today. This film is set in Pakistan.

Jolie plays the loving wife of Daniel Pearl, Marianne. Trying to find out what happened to her husband, and why he is missing she sets out on a meaningful quest. Her quest will open up to her a world deep inside political and personal agendas of many people high up in Government and security and what can happened when people ask too many questions. Added to her situation, she is pregnant with her their child.

This is a powerful film but at the same time it sends a message out there somewhat negative about the Pakistan government and officials and their lack of motivation to help the Pearl family in any way. Jolie’s performance is rather remarkable and it’s good to see her actually acting for a change instead of her personal life being spread out across the tabloids.

The Brave One - Movie Review

The Brave One

Jodie Foster

Now Showing

Roadshow Films


This emotional film tells of one woman’s story to fight back after being a victim of a brutal attack. Set in New York we take a horrifying journey into the deep, dark underground of the city. One woman’s journey back to being normal is riddled with the good and the bad of defending her life and what she believes in.

When Erica’s partner is brutally killed the damage that she has suffered seems unlikely that she will ever recover. This is certainly not the case as radio host Erica bounces back stronger than ever to rid new York City of crime and decay. On her quest to be a vigilante Erica murders would be killer, from this action she suddenly finds herself running from the law.

This film is a good example of one woman’s revenge and what drives people to hold grudges. There is a good twist at the end of the film that you don’t expect at all. This added to what a unique and powerful film The Brave One is. Foster is in top form and will not disappoint her legion of fans worldwide.