Sherlock Holmes (out 17 May 10, Cert. 12) Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr., Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Kelly Reilly, dir. Guy Ritchie, 2009, cert. 12 Monkey Score: 69% On a quest to solve a string of mysterious and brutal murders, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his trusted ally Watson (Jude Law) plunge into a world of dark arts and startling new technologies. With logic and a good right hook on their side, the infamous duo attempt to foil a terrifying plot that threatens to destroy the country. Guy RItchie injects enough of his trademark action sequences to keep Sherlock Holmes interesting, while Robert Downey Jr. in the title role and Jude Law as Dr Watson are obviously enjoying themselves immensely. The female roles are very much underwritten, which seems a shame, but this is more than made up by villain Lord Blackwood, played to sheer perfection by Mark Strong. Still this is no Lock, Stock: the big budget does unfortunately not cover up the plot holes, and it may have paid off to spend a bit more on tidying up the script rather than blow it all up on pyrotechnics. All in Sherlock Holmes is a fairly innocuous piece of cinematic fluff: it's fun and fast, and quite enjoyable while eminently throw-away. Still, enjoyable enough that we'll check out the next installment.
Fellini's Casanova (out 17 May 10, Cert. 15) Donald Sutherland, Tina Aumont, Cicely Browne, Carmen Scarpitta, dir. Federico Fellini, 1977, cert. 15 MonkeyScore: 70% Based on the memoires of Casanova, Fellini's tales of the legendary lothario follows Donald Sutherland in the lead role, bed-hopping his way around Europe. In the words of the man himself, "A man who never speaks ill of women does not love them. For to
understand them and to love them one must suffer at their hands. Then
and only then can you find happiness at the lips of your beloved." Indeed Donald Sutherland's Casanova is am aging playboy who seems to be more motivated by chasing his own youth than the multitude of skirts on offer. Fellini's heavily stylised set further emphasises the feeling that Casanova is on his way out, with a pared-down Sutherland at odds with the lavish costumes that surround him in the over the top Cinecittà sets. While it doesn't offer much in terms of character insights, Fellini's Casanova is such a visual feast that it remains one of the definitive takes on the mythical lover. Sutherland's performance is a treat, only equalled by the majesty of Nino Rota's score. |
All About Steve (out 17 May 10, Cert. 12) Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper, Thomas Haden Church, Ken Jeong, dir. Phil Traill, 2009, cert. 12 Monkey Score: 74% Despite the fact that she has only gone on one short date with the man, love-struck crossword constructor Mary Horowitz (Sandra Bullock) becomes enamoured with Steve (Bradley Cooper), a successful cameraman, and follows him around the country convinced that the feeling is mutual. She soon becomes involved with a group of misfits who selflessly accept her at face value.
Valhalla Rising (out 10 May 17, Cert. 18) Mads Mikkelsen, Alexander Morton, Stewart Porter, Jamie Sives, Gary Lewis, dir. Nicolas Winding Refn, 2009, cert. 18 MonkeyScore: TBC% A man with a remarkable talent for violence must fight to survive when he sets out on a remarkable journey in this fantasy from director Nicolas Winding Refn. One-Eye (Mads Mikkelsen) is the nickname given to a nameless, mute warrior who has become a slave to Barde (Alexander Morton), a wealthy Scotsman who obtained One Eye for his remarkable fighting skills. One Eye is a fierce warrior but shows little loyalty to his master, and when the opportunity presents itself, One Eye murders Barde and his mercenaries and sets off on his own, with a young boy (Maarten Stevenson) tagging along to speak on his behalf. Eager to leave Denmark behind in favour of freedom and adventure, One Eye throws in his lot with a band of Christian Vikings, who've set out on an ambitious quest to travel to Jerusalem and claim the Holy Land as their own. But the voyage to the Holy City is a difficult one, and the Vikings are met with violent resistance, forcing One Eye to rely on his talents as a warrior to protect himself and his young apprentice. REVIEW COMING SOON |
Spread (out 17 May 10, Cert. 18) Anne Heche, Ashton Kutcher, dir. David Mackenzie, 2009, cert. 18 MonkeyScore: TBC% Nicki (Ashton Kutcher) is the epitome of big-city sexuality. Terminally hip and always fashionable, he's a sexual grifter who operates by his own set of rules. But in Nicki's world of money, power, and fame, true stardom is fleeting. As Nicki climbs the ladder of conquest and begins focusing his attentions on an older, well-to-do client (Anne Heche), a strange thing happens -- he begins developing actual feelings for a pretty young waitress. Little does Nicki realize that he's about to fall victim to his own seductive game. REVIEW COMING SOON We have 3 copies of the Spread DVD for you to win this week just follow the link!
True Blood Season 2 (out 17 May 10, Cert. 15) Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley, Michelle Forbes, Barrie Preston, created by Alan Ball, 12 episodes, 2009, cert. 18 MonkeyScore: TBC% Welcome back to Bon Temps, home to mystery, Southern sensuality and dark secrets. For Sookie Stackhouse, life is more dangerous than ever after she and Bill become more deeply involved. Meanwhile, Tara finds herself under a lover’s spell. Sam puts his trust in an unlikely ally. Jason becomes involved with an anti-vampire sect. Eric becomes interested in Sookie after he recruits her to investigate the disappearance of his 2,000-year-old maker. And Maryann is revealed to possess a power that can control almost everyone in town. Then, after making a shocking discovery, Sookie, Bill and Sam must form the last line of defense against a diabolical plan. REVIEW COMING SOON |
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