Dark Shadows (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1077368/

Disappointingly this was a total disaster despite the usually winning combination of Burton, Depp, Bonham-Carter, and some dark fantasy subject matter.  Terrible costumes and make-up lead to a complete lack of immersion, and although there were some laugh-out-loud moments the plot was boring and incoherent. *sigh* what a shame.

Two stars

Men In Black (1997)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119654/

Classic comedy sci-fi with more inventive alien characters than you can shake a stick at.  Expert balancing between Will Smith’s clumsy but innovative rookie and Tommy Lee Jones’ stoic old-timer leads to laughs at every turn, and it has some surprisingly impressive action scenes for 1997. A must-see!
 

Five stars

Bellflower (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1242599/

This quirky romantic drama successfully achieves an air of difference, what with all the flame throwing and binge drinking, but the Instagram-esque cinematography and overly analytical dialogue give it a major pretention problem.  I’d recommend a viewing due to its novelty but I expect opinion will be divided.

Three stars

The Raid (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1899353/

Well worth the hype, this Indonesian cops vs. criminals behemoth delivers all the action it promised.  The grace and beauty of the martial art combat are expertly juxtaposed with its brutality as the death toll relentlessly escalates.  However, the “story” aspects are a little underdeveloped and it's not for the squeamish!

Four stars

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0983193/

Any Tintin fan will love this – it’s as action packed and heartwarmingly funny as ever, and with exceptional animation.  All the old faces are there (Haddock and the Thompsons!), joining Tintin and Snowy as they try to solve a dastardly mystery that takes them on a worldwide caper. Classic stuff.

Five stars*

* (y'know, for a PG film)

The Ides of March (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124035/

An accomplished cast give excellent performances in this gripping, well-rounded political drama from George Clooney.  The characters are all so smarmy and disloyal that it’s difficult to like any of them, but this is to the film’s credit, as real-world politicians are so very rarely likable.

Four stars

Avengers Assemble (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848228/


Whether Hulk’s smashtastic antics, Iron Man’s quips, or Thor’s hammer-wielding, this movie delivers everything it promised.  The newcomers fit right in, with all the characters given an equal share of the (plentiful) action.  Millions of dollars of gargantuan special effects, all infused with Joss Whedon’s distinctive sense of fun. Unmissable!


Five stars