All DVD's featured in our reviews are available in our Youth section
The Host (2006) Directed by Joon-ho Bong
This Korean monster movie has one of the best opening twenty minutes I've seen in anything scary for a long while. It almost renders the rest of the movie a little slow in comparison. One sunny day along the Han River in South Korea, a whole load of people are attacked and eaten by what resembles a massive sea slug with teeth and legs, including a main character's daughter, Hyun-seo. Turns out Hyun-seo is not dead and has merely been 'monster-napped', and her father and his family set out to save her and kill the beast which lurks underneath the river. The special effects are pretty cool, and word of a sequel has fans salivating as this film already has a cult following. The story and script contain some dark satire - some of which is hilarious - mainly relating to the politics and state of the country. Some of the monster scenes are scary and exciting, and the finale brings the film back to its fabulous start and features a race against time to prevent the monster attacking a large group of people again. All in all, you'll either love it or think it's pretty dumb. But monster lovers will adore it. ***1/2
Hot Fuzz (2006) Directed by Edgar Wright
This brilliantly conceived (and at times both spectacular and hilarious) action-comedy begins with London cop Simon Pegg being transferred to the small town of Sandford, where seemingly the most action a cop can get is chasing a runaway duck all over the village. However, all is not quite as it seems in Sandford, and a series of grisly murders forces Pegg and his generally disinterested entourage of colleagues to find the killer before the entire town is painted red. Pegg and the rest of the cast are fantastic, and the action in the film's second half is fast, funny and outrageous. Some of the film's more subtle humour hits all the right marks, and director Wright ensures that while we're not laughing, we're on the edge of our seats. ****1/2
Happy Endings (2005) Directed by Don Roos
This engaging comedy-drama wins mainly because of its intelligent (and very talented) cast members (including Lisa Kudrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Tom Arnold and Laura Dern), and a script that twists and turns much like director Roos' other film with similar themes, "The Opposite of Sex". The characters generally have different issues and stories to tell, involving homosexuality, pregnancy, jealousy and guilt, but all are brought together in one of those familiar six (or only one or two in this case) degrees of seperation endings, but Roos, who also wrote the script, at least treats us like an intelligent audience. All in all, a movie where characters who you may like or dislike are representations of regularly everyday people in the real world - a good thing in my books. Maybe not for everyone, though. ***1/2
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005) Directed by Tim Burton
I'm a big fan of Tim Burton. Not everything he does is great, but generally most of his movies are quirky and entertaining enough to maintain at least some interest. Thankfully, the regular Burton touch is prevelant in this excellent musical-fantasy, and there are plenty of laughs and moments of fantasy (and possibly terror for littlies) to be found. Composer Danny Elfman once again provides a wonderful score, this time with at least five very catchy songs which help tell the story of a young bachelor (voiced by Johnny Depp) who finds the girl of his dreams, practices his vows near a young dead girl (voiced by Helena Bronham Carter)'s coffin, and is whisked away into her world of the dead with her thinking he's proposed marriage to her! If you liked "The Nightmare Before Christmas", you are sure to love "Tim Burton's Corpse Bride". ****
The Chumscrubber (2005) Directed by Arie Posin
This is a hugely entertaining and very intelligent American satire in the same vein as "American Beauty" and particularly "Donnie Darko". Not quite as difficult to follow as the latter, this film follows the life of young Dean (Jamie Bell from "Billy Elliot"), whose drug dealer best mate has just committed suicide. What drugs are remaining after the suicide are sought by other students at Dean's school, and they plan to kidnap Dean's brother so he tells them where they are stashed. Unfortunately, they take the wrong kid, throwing the world of Dean and his family into chaos, not to mention a whole onslaught of other people who are involved in one way or another. The multi-generation cast are all excellent, with standouts being Bell, Glenn Close and Allison Janney. James Horner's score is also worth mentioning. Not for all tastes, but more open-minded audiences should love it. *****
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
New X-Box games @ the Library!
Why not try out these fantastic new games in the Library and prepare yourself for our next X-Box playoff?!
- Surf's Up
- Ultimate Alliance
- Teenage Mutuant Ninja Turtles (TMNT)
- Halo 3
- Spiderman 3
- Skate
- Shrek the Third
- PGR4 (Project Gothic Racing)
- FIFA 07
- Fantastic Four : The Rise of the Silver Surfer
All these PLUS our popular range of well-used titles from before - what a selection!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Halloween 2007 at Burnside Library
Thursday 1 November 4.00-8.00 pm
Chill out in the Library with a FREE horror movie marathon!
Ghoulish treats, drinks and popcorn supplied!
FEATURE ONE : Stephen King's Thinner
Rated M USA 92 mins
A lawyer finds himself growing "Thinner" when a gypsy puts a curse on him
FEATURE TWO : Halloween H2o
Rated M USA 86 mins
Laurie Strode, the survivor from the first Halloween, must confront Michael Myers one last time when the life of her own son hangs in the balance
Come and see the Library as you've never seen it before!
Chill out in the Library with a FREE horror movie marathon!
Ghoulish treats, drinks and popcorn supplied!
FEATURE ONE : Stephen King's Thinner
Rated M USA 92 mins
A lawyer finds himself growing "Thinner" when a gypsy puts a curse on him
FEATURE TWO : Halloween H2o
Rated M USA 86 mins
Laurie Strode, the survivor from the first Halloween, must confront Michael Myers one last time when the life of her own son hangs in the balance
Come and see the Library as you've never seen it before!
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL AND CAN BE MADE IN PERSON AT THE LIBRARY OR BY PHONING 8366 4280
Monday, July 23, 2007
XBox playoff #3 our biggest yet!
.JPG)
July 19 marked the date of our third XBox tournament
at Burnside Library, with two simultaneous playoffs
- one for kids aged 5-8, another for ages 9+ -
occurring for nearly four hours in the library's
youth area.
The playoff was one of the many highly anticipated activities organised for the Winter school holidays, and no less than 30 competitive library members competed for some great prizes..JPG)
Pizzas were once again enjoyed by all during our intermission, before the games commenced yet again as we headed towards the final playoffs..JPG)
Congratulations to our final winners Ethan (9+) and George (5-8), who each won a fabulous prize pack consisting of two awesome PC games, 2 CD's, a DVD and a $25 JB Hi-Fi voucher.
.JPG)
Thursday, June 7, 2007
X-Box Playoff #3 on the 19th July
Book yourself in for our third X-Box playoff, which will occur just in time for the Winter school holidays!
Once again, there will be two simultaneous playoffs, one for ages 5-8, and the other for ages 9+. Pizzas and drinks will be served, and as always there'll be plenty of giveaways and cool prizes!
To book, have $3.00 handy and come to the Information Desk of the library.
For more info, please phone the library on 8366 4280.
Once again, there will be two simultaneous playoffs, one for ages 5-8, and the other for ages 9+. Pizzas and drinks will be served, and as always there'll be plenty of giveaways and cool prizes!
To book, have $3.00 handy and come to the Information Desk of the library.
For more info, please phone the library on 8366 4280.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Desserts and Databases at Burnside Library
Are you having trouble finding the right information?
Then this informative session could be just for you!
Learn how to find :
- Information for study
- Current magazine articles
- Newspaper articles
- Current and historical information
- English literature
- Study guides
- Information not freely available on the internet
$5.00 per family - one parent/one student (includes a delicious dessert!)
Suitable for upper primary and all secondary students, and parents.
For more information, please phone the library on
8366 4280
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Interested in volunteering overseas?
Come and listen to a volunteer talk about GAP (see post below) and how you could become one of their next volunteers!
Thursday 29 March
4-5 pm
Make your FREE booking at the Information Desk, or email tbach@burnside.sa.gov.au with your name and contact number.
Thursday 29 March
4-5 pm
Make your FREE booking at the Information Desk, or email tbach@burnside.sa.gov.au with your name and contact number.
Our 2nd X-Box playoff happening April 26, 2007!
The last one was such a success that we're having another one!
The tournament commences from 1.30 pm on Thursday, 26 April. Pizzas and drinks will be supplied, and there will be some awesome prizes and giveaways for all players!
This time, there will be 2 simultaneous tournaments - one for ages 5-8, the other for ages 9+!
Make your holidays fun and come along!
Register your interest at the Information Desk or email tbach@burnside.sa.gov.au with your name, age and phone number.
The tournament commences from 1.30 pm on Thursday, 26 April. Pizzas and drinks will be supplied, and there will be some awesome prizes and giveaways for all players!
This time, there will be 2 simultaneous tournaments - one for ages 5-8, the other for ages 9+!
Make your holidays fun and come along!
Register your interest at the Information Desk or email tbach@burnside.sa.gov.au with your name, age and phone number.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
GAP (Gap Activity Projects) Australia
Applications are now invited for GAP 2008. With 35 years experience, GAP Activity Projects continues to offer young Australians (aged 17-25) the opportunity to undertake voluntary work for up to a year in one of 16 countries around the world.
GAP volunteers contribute to valuable ongoing projects in one of four worktypes:
GAP volunteers contribute to valuable ongoing projects in one of four worktypes:
- Community and Care Work
- Schools
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), and
- Outdoor Education
GAP is a journey. An opportunity to volunteer overseas, broaden your horizons and make a difference. GAP lets you challenge yourself and achieve something unique!
GAPers are provided with food, accommodation and in most cases, weekly pocket money. Visit www.gapactivityprojects.org.au or collect a brochure from the library to find out more and learn about the GAP Information Night soon to be held in Adelaide. Applications close Friday 18 May 2007 with interviews in June & July.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
More great links - check 'em out!
http://www.awesomelibrary.org - a fantastic site for fun and information for projects & assignments
http://www.noflyingnotights.com/ - a site devoted to graphic novels
http://www.insideadog.com.au/ - book reviews and more for young people
http://www.thesource.gov.au/ - a fantastic site devoted to youth entertainment, services and other info
http://www.jobjuice.gov.au/default.htm - a good site if you need help finding your first job!
http://au.youth.yahoo.com/tv-hits/ - if you're just after the latest celebrity goss, this is the ultimate site to add to your Favourites!
http://www.freshfm.com.au/ - links you to Adelaide's highly successful youth dance radio station
http://www.youthweek.com/ - Youth Week 2007 is fast approaching - the 14th-22nd of April in fact! Here's the link for everything you'll need to know
http://www.noflyingnotights.com/ - a site devoted to graphic novels
http://www.insideadog.com.au/ - book reviews and more for young people
http://www.thesource.gov.au/ - a fantastic site devoted to youth entertainment, services and other info
http://www.jobjuice.gov.au/default.htm - a good site if you need help finding your first job!
http://au.youth.yahoo.com/tv-hits/ - if you're just after the latest celebrity goss, this is the ultimate site to add to your Favourites!
http://www.freshfm.com.au/ - links you to Adelaide's highly successful youth dance radio station
http://www.youthweek.com/ - Youth Week 2007 is fast approaching - the 14th-22nd of April in fact! Here's the link for everything you'll need to know
COME AND SEE THE BURNSIDE LIBRARY'S AWESOME YOUTH ZONE!
The Burnside Library's Youth Lounge is a continually growing area which, after its major makeover in 2005, is becoming one of the most commonly accessed sections of the library. Located in the far left-hand corner, it offers hundreds of CD's, DVD's, books, magazines, and more!
We also offer an extensive range of X-Box games to play in the library, with X-Box playoffs held twice yearly! The playoffs involve terrific prizes and are completely free - just watch out for flyers in the library advertising the dates! Check out http://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1171 for a complete listing of X-Box games which are offered!
Monday, February 19, 2007
DVD reviews
All DVD's featured in reviews are available in the library's youth or children's sections
Flight of the Navigator (1986) Directed by Randal Kleiser
I've got to say that some movies just have sentimental value. In the future, today's kids will have the Narnia series, the Harry Potter series, the Pixar movies, and so on. I - as an 80's kid - have Gremlins, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and this little gem from 1986. Kids of today would probably find Navigator relatively lame, but watching it recently for the first time since the 80's had me feeling a strange, and comforting, sense of nostalgia. The kid nobody understands or believes, the scientists he's trying to escape, the hair on Sarah Jessica Parker, the extraterrestrial friend/s he encounters along the way, the special effects, the 80's electro music. The list goes on and on. In a nutshell, a young boy (Joey Cramer - what's happened to him since nobody knows!) wakes up after a fall to discover he's in a world 20 years ahead of his time. His family is older, the world has changed, but yet he hasn't aged one bit. It takes an unnerving stay in an advanced laboratory and a trip to the stars with a friendly group of aliens to see if his life can get back to normal! Released in a forgotten era of movies with lots of imagination, this ranks as one of the best family flicks of the 80's. ***1/2
Over the Hedge (2006) Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick
Digitally animated movies come thick and fast in this day and age. To me, nothing beats the wittiness and enertainment value of the Pixar movies, but there have been a few exceptions (Shrek, Monster House, Chicken Run and Over the Hedge). Over the Hedge wasn't particularly well reviewed upon its theatrical release, but I believe critics were too harsh on their judgement. For what it is (a children's movie with a message), this extracts enough fun and laughs from its simple premise (a group of forest animals banding together to obtain food from the human world) to warrant repeat viewings from kids. Adults, however, will appreciate some of the more subtle gags, some of which are very clever. The most hilarious scene is when Wanda Sykes' Stella tries to seduce the cat of wild animal-hating Alison Janney, desperately trying to disguise the noise of the well-known surround sound introduction as an excitable feline cry. Voices from the cast are all good, and the colourful animation is another plus. ***1/2
Fun with Dick & Jane (2005) Directed by Dean Parisot
Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni do as much as they can to rescue this relatively dull comedy where they go from living the high life to living a life of crime after Carrey is cheated (by Alec Baldwin) into getting sacked from his job. The scenes early on in the movie are some of the funniest, when Carrey, Leoni and their family get accustomed to 'slumming it' - showering under the sprinkler being particularly hilarious. It's when Carrey and Leoni are trying to outwit Baldwin where the script gets predictable. For those seeking a mindless Hollywood diversion, this may satisfy. For those seeking more, stay away (or watch the first 40 minutes and press stop). **1/2
Zathura (2006) Directed by Jon Favreau
An indirect sequel to 1995's Jumanji, this entertaining adventure flick has two young brothers discovering a dusty board game called Zathura on a boring afternoon. As they begin, they soon discover that this is no ordinary board game, for soon they are flying through the outer reaches of space in their family home, dodging meteors and fighting robots and aliens! Of course, the usual Hollywood sermon of the importance of family is a message running through much of the later part of the film, however this is kept reasonably subtle, and the action scenes are well executed. The two young actors do an exceptional job of coveying normal brothers in an abnormal situation. This film is reminiscent of 1985's Explorers, but with better effects and less comedy. ***
Thank God You're Here : Series One (2006) Hosted by Shane Bourne
This hit Channel Ten series was a massive success last year, and has just been released as a deluxe 3-DVD package with every episode from Series One, and some fantastic (and hilarious) extra features. The show features Shane Bourne as your host, and he introduces several different comedians/actors/ personalities every show (including Frank Woodley, Fifi Box, Peter Rowsthorne, Glenn Robbins and Hamish Blake) who must improvise their way through a specific situation (getting fired/promoted/sprung etc) in various settings (the Titanic/Wild West/office/at dinner etc), with hilarious results. There are too many highlights to mention (not one of them being 'judge' Tom Gleisner, possibly the show's worst aspect), so before 2007's series hits our TV screens, treat yourself to this terrific DVD for some big laugh-out-loud giggles. ****1/2
Cry Wolf (2006) Directed by Jeff Wadlow
Before you can say Urban Legends Know What You Did Last Summer, so Scream Jeepers Creepers!, another teen horror movie has hit our shelves. However, Cry Wolf has more in common with Cruel Intentions than Scream in the way that manipulation, lies and cruel deceit are the main focus here. A spunky new jock arrives at a posh college, and willingly takes part in leading the whole school to believe that a killer is on campus. Soon after, however, a killer really does appear to be on campus, and as well as trying to convince his colleagues that this may be true, he must also fight to stay alive! Some good thrills (the library scene is great) can't compensate for the fact that many of the scares are relatively run-of-the- mill, but the twists and turns writers Wadlow and Beau Bauman wring out of the movie will keep you guessing, and the film's running time goes by briskly. A thriller for a dark night with some good friends and junk food. ***1/2
Flight of the Navigator (1986) Directed by Randal Kleiser
I've got to say that some movies just have sentimental value. In the future, today's kids will have the Narnia series, the Harry Potter series, the Pixar movies, and so on. I - as an 80's kid - have Gremlins, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and this little gem from 1986. Kids of today would probably find Navigator relatively lame, but watching it recently for the first time since the 80's had me feeling a strange, and comforting, sense of nostalgia. The kid nobody understands or believes, the scientists he's trying to escape, the hair on Sarah Jessica Parker, the extraterrestrial friend/s he encounters along the way, the special effects, the 80's electro music. The list goes on and on. In a nutshell, a young boy (Joey Cramer - what's happened to him since nobody knows!) wakes up after a fall to discover he's in a world 20 years ahead of his time. His family is older, the world has changed, but yet he hasn't aged one bit. It takes an unnerving stay in an advanced laboratory and a trip to the stars with a friendly group of aliens to see if his life can get back to normal! Released in a forgotten era of movies with lots of imagination, this ranks as one of the best family flicks of the 80's. ***1/2
Over the Hedge (2006) Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick
Digitally animated movies come thick and fast in this day and age. To me, nothing beats the wittiness and enertainment value of the Pixar movies, but there have been a few exceptions (Shrek, Monster House, Chicken Run and Over the Hedge). Over the Hedge wasn't particularly well reviewed upon its theatrical release, but I believe critics were too harsh on their judgement. For what it is (a children's movie with a message), this extracts enough fun and laughs from its simple premise (a group of forest animals banding together to obtain food from the human world) to warrant repeat viewings from kids. Adults, however, will appreciate some of the more subtle gags, some of which are very clever. The most hilarious scene is when Wanda Sykes' Stella tries to seduce the cat of wild animal-hating Alison Janney, desperately trying to disguise the noise of the well-known surround sound introduction as an excitable feline cry. Voices from the cast are all good, and the colourful animation is another plus. ***1/2
Fun with Dick & Jane (2005) Directed by Dean Parisot
Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni do as much as they can to rescue this relatively dull comedy where they go from living the high life to living a life of crime after Carrey is cheated (by Alec Baldwin) into getting sacked from his job. The scenes early on in the movie are some of the funniest, when Carrey, Leoni and their family get accustomed to 'slumming it' - showering under the sprinkler being particularly hilarious. It's when Carrey and Leoni are trying to outwit Baldwin where the script gets predictable. For those seeking a mindless Hollywood diversion, this may satisfy. For those seeking more, stay away (or watch the first 40 minutes and press stop). **1/2
Zathura (2006) Directed by Jon Favreau
An indirect sequel to 1995's Jumanji, this entertaining adventure flick has two young brothers discovering a dusty board game called Zathura on a boring afternoon. As they begin, they soon discover that this is no ordinary board game, for soon they are flying through the outer reaches of space in their family home, dodging meteors and fighting robots and aliens! Of course, the usual Hollywood sermon of the importance of family is a message running through much of the later part of the film, however this is kept reasonably subtle, and the action scenes are well executed. The two young actors do an exceptional job of coveying normal brothers in an abnormal situation. This film is reminiscent of 1985's Explorers, but with better effects and less comedy. ***
Thank God You're Here : Series One (2006) Hosted by Shane Bourne
This hit Channel Ten series was a massive success last year, and has just been released as a deluxe 3-DVD package with every episode from Series One, and some fantastic (and hilarious) extra features. The show features Shane Bourne as your host, and he introduces several different comedians/actors/ personalities every show (including Frank Woodley, Fifi Box, Peter Rowsthorne, Glenn Robbins and Hamish Blake) who must improvise their way through a specific situation (getting fired/promoted/sprung etc) in various settings (the Titanic/Wild West/office/at dinner etc), with hilarious results. There are too many highlights to mention (not one of them being 'judge' Tom Gleisner, possibly the show's worst aspect), so before 2007's series hits our TV screens, treat yourself to this terrific DVD for some big laugh-out-loud giggles. ****1/2
Cry Wolf (2006) Directed by Jeff Wadlow
Before you can say Urban Legends Know What You Did Last Summer, so Scream Jeepers Creepers!, another teen horror movie has hit our shelves. However, Cry Wolf has more in common with Cruel Intentions than Scream in the way that manipulation, lies and cruel deceit are the main focus here. A spunky new jock arrives at a posh college, and willingly takes part in leading the whole school to believe that a killer is on campus. Soon after, however, a killer really does appear to be on campus, and as well as trying to convince his colleagues that this may be true, he must also fight to stay alive! Some good thrills (the library scene is great) can't compensate for the fact that many of the scares are relatively run-of-the- mill, but the twists and turns writers Wadlow and Beau Bauman wring out of the movie will keep you guessing, and the film's running time goes by briskly. A thriller for a dark night with some good friends and junk food. ***1/2
Join Fusion now!
ARE YOU AGED 9-14 YEARS?
If you like reading and books, movies, crafts, interesting guest speakers & meeting people your own age, then why not try FUSION, a free group for kids!
Add your name to the Fusion mailing list by picking up a flyer in the library and providing your name and address, or let Judy know @ jlbrown@burnside.sa.gov.au
If you like reading and books, movies, crafts, interesting guest speakers & meeting people your own age, then why not try FUSION, a free group for kids!
Add your name to the Fusion mailing list by picking up a flyer in the library and providing your name and address, or let Judy know @ jlbrown@burnside.sa.gov.au
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
New Youth CD competition
Don't forget to pick up an entry form at Burnside Library for your chance to win a fantastic prize pack consisting of some of the latest CD releases! The library wants YOU to name 5 CD's you think we should purchase for our collection - IT'S THAT EASY!
Or go to http://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1172 and send an entry online!
Entries close 1/2/2007 - the winner will be announced 2/2/2007
Don't forget to pick up an entry form at Burnside Library for your chance to win a fantastic prize pack consisting of some of the latest CD releases! The library wants YOU to name 5 CD's you think we should purchase for our collection - IT'S THAT EASY!
Or go to http://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1172 and send an entry online!
Entries close 1/2/2007 - the winner will be announced 2/2/2007
Monday, January 1, 2007
DVD reviews (ratings are out of five stars)
CARS (2006) Directed by John Lasseter
Cars is the latest Disney-Pixar release which focuses on the relationship between Lightning McQueen, a young up-and-coming racing car, and a quirky group of out-of-town vehicles living in Radiator Springs, a near-ghost town which has gone out of business due to the installation of a new bypass. Lightning learns - with the help of his new friends - that winning is not necessarily the only thing that matters when it comes to racing. To be honest, I started out watching this movie dubiously. I had read average reviews (ie. not the usual spectacular reviews Pixar releases normally get) and cars are nowhere near as cute as fish or as lovable as toys (or so I thought). But the usual sharp script we have come to expect is there. The usual delightful characters are there. The gorgeous animation is continually improving. The Disney morals and ability to move an entire audience : still there. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised that - while maybe not reaching the classic status Finding Nemo has - Cars still managed to leave me thinking that Pixar is still the best when it comes to animated movies with heart and style. ****
Ice Age 2 : The Meltdown (2006) Directed by Carlos Saldanha
Ice Age 2 begins in an age where the polar caps are starting to melt and the home of Diego the sabre-toothed tiger, Manny the mammoth and Sid the sloth (among others) is under threat. And so begins a humorous journey to find a new home before the melting ice makes way for a massive tidal wave of water which will flood the entire valley. Along the way, Manny the mammoth meets Elly, whom he needs to convince possums are small and not mammoth-sized, and Scrat has (many) more difficulties in finding an acorn to hold onto for more than a couple of seconds. This sequel contains some fabulous animation (much of which looks better than most CGI-enhanced live action), and the characters are a lively bunch indeed (Queen Latifah is the ideal choice for Elly). However, unlike Cars, much of the action and comedy in Ice Age 2 is more for the younger folk. Still, an ideal way to spend a weekend afternoon for the family. Be sure to watch some of the special features included on the DVD. ***
Nanny McPhee (2006) Directed by Kirk Jones
Nanny McPhee is one of the most magical movies to be released in some time, but with all the hype surrounding the Harry Potter, Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies, I fear some people may have missed out. Emma Thompson is terrific as Nanny McPhee, who arrives at the home of a father at his wits end trying to control his revoltingly bratty children. She manages to eventually teach them a lesson or two about behaving and, in time, wins their hearts. Featuring a superb score by Patrick Doyle, enough magic for five movies, and some stunning special effects and hilarious comedy, this movie (based on the children's book Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand) is a must-see for children and adults alike. ****
Final Destination 3 (2006) Directed by James Wong
This is the third (and final?) part of a cult horror trilogy aimed at the teen market. But there is something intriguing about these movies which make them the sort of movie you want to hate but secretly love at the same time. What sets this trilogy apart from the others is that there is no knife-wielding maniac dressed in a Halloween mask, no monsters, no aliens. Villain in these movies in death itself. And the helpless teens in these movies die in such creatively morbid, gruesome ways that you'll find yourself eager to see what the writers have up their sleeves next. Of course, it's complete trash, but it's an entertaining ride, so to speak (since the initial occurance where the kids cheat death in this one is a rollercoaster accident), and the young cast is generally likeable (except for the blonde bimbos in one particularly nasty scene). ***1/2
The Fog (2006) Directed by Rupert Wainwright
This is a particularly slow-moving horror film where by the time you've got to the end you'll wonder whether it was worth sitting through at all. I was relatively excited by the preview (but previews make everything look exciting), but maybe that was because I have fond memories of the 1980 John Carpenter original. The premise is simple - a thick fog bank approaches a sleepy island town and, as it turns out, inside the fog are a not-so-friendly group of murdered ghosts seeking their revenge on the residents. The effects are pretty dodgy and the cast is stiff, so unless you're a die-hard horror fan or have nothing to do on a dark, stormy night, it might be best to leave this one on the library shelf! Still, there are a few scenes where you think it might all be worthwhile. Then, Selma Blair opens her mouth again and you kick yourself for thinking it. **1/2
Ghostbusters (1984) Directed by Ivan Reitman
Ah, nothing like an old classic. Movies and moviemakers had so much imagination back then. Now, everyone relies on a good book to inspire them. This classic horror-comedy starts out when the 'Ghostbusters', a newly-formed ghost-hunting/catching group of middle-aged guys, become the most dialled number in New York City as ghosts and demons start popping up all over the place! A fantastic cast (including Bill Murray, Signourney Weaver and Dan Ackroyd), score (by the late Elmer Bernstein) and lots of scares and laughs (even now!) give this one a classic status from me! Well worth revisiting, or watching for the first time! ****1/2
Red Eye (2005) Directed by Wes Craven
This short, sharp and shiny thriller has a fantastic first half, but then loses it in it's final moments. A young hotel worker happens upon a charming - and somewhat creepy - young man in an airport shortly before their flight leaves, and ends up sitting beside him on the plane. It doesn't take her too long to realise that he has a sinister plan involving the assassination of one of her hotel clients and, if she fails to cooperate with that, the assassination of her father! A relatively far-fetched premise is handled well by Scream director Wes Craven, and the two young leads are particuarly good in their roles. However, when the plane lands, it becomes just another chase movie, which prevents the film from reaching the peak it may have since the plane sequences are so devilishly clever. ***1/2
Watch out for more reviews soon!
CARS (2006) Directed by John Lasseter
Cars is the latest Disney-Pixar release which focuses on the relationship between Lightning McQueen, a young up-and-coming racing car, and a quirky group of out-of-town vehicles living in Radiator Springs, a near-ghost town which has gone out of business due to the installation of a new bypass. Lightning learns - with the help of his new friends - that winning is not necessarily the only thing that matters when it comes to racing. To be honest, I started out watching this movie dubiously. I had read average reviews (ie. not the usual spectacular reviews Pixar releases normally get) and cars are nowhere near as cute as fish or as lovable as toys (or so I thought). But the usual sharp script we have come to expect is there. The usual delightful characters are there. The gorgeous animation is continually improving. The Disney morals and ability to move an entire audience : still there. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised that - while maybe not reaching the classic status Finding Nemo has - Cars still managed to leave me thinking that Pixar is still the best when it comes to animated movies with heart and style. ****
Ice Age 2 : The Meltdown (2006) Directed by Carlos Saldanha
Ice Age 2 begins in an age where the polar caps are starting to melt and the home of Diego the sabre-toothed tiger, Manny the mammoth and Sid the sloth (among others) is under threat. And so begins a humorous journey to find a new home before the melting ice makes way for a massive tidal wave of water which will flood the entire valley. Along the way, Manny the mammoth meets Elly, whom he needs to convince possums are small and not mammoth-sized, and Scrat has (many) more difficulties in finding an acorn to hold onto for more than a couple of seconds. This sequel contains some fabulous animation (much of which looks better than most CGI-enhanced live action), and the characters are a lively bunch indeed (Queen Latifah is the ideal choice for Elly). However, unlike Cars, much of the action and comedy in Ice Age 2 is more for the younger folk. Still, an ideal way to spend a weekend afternoon for the family. Be sure to watch some of the special features included on the DVD. ***
Nanny McPhee (2006) Directed by Kirk Jones
Nanny McPhee is one of the most magical movies to be released in some time, but with all the hype surrounding the Harry Potter, Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies, I fear some people may have missed out. Emma Thompson is terrific as Nanny McPhee, who arrives at the home of a father at his wits end trying to control his revoltingly bratty children. She manages to eventually teach them a lesson or two about behaving and, in time, wins their hearts. Featuring a superb score by Patrick Doyle, enough magic for five movies, and some stunning special effects and hilarious comedy, this movie (based on the children's book Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand) is a must-see for children and adults alike. ****
Final Destination 3 (2006) Directed by James Wong
This is the third (and final?) part of a cult horror trilogy aimed at the teen market. But there is something intriguing about these movies which make them the sort of movie you want to hate but secretly love at the same time. What sets this trilogy apart from the others is that there is no knife-wielding maniac dressed in a Halloween mask, no monsters, no aliens. Villain in these movies in death itself. And the helpless teens in these movies die in such creatively morbid, gruesome ways that you'll find yourself eager to see what the writers have up their sleeves next. Of course, it's complete trash, but it's an entertaining ride, so to speak (since the initial occurance where the kids cheat death in this one is a rollercoaster accident), and the young cast is generally likeable (except for the blonde bimbos in one particularly nasty scene). ***1/2
The Fog (2006) Directed by Rupert Wainwright
This is a particularly slow-moving horror film where by the time you've got to the end you'll wonder whether it was worth sitting through at all. I was relatively excited by the preview (but previews make everything look exciting), but maybe that was because I have fond memories of the 1980 John Carpenter original. The premise is simple - a thick fog bank approaches a sleepy island town and, as it turns out, inside the fog are a not-so-friendly group of murdered ghosts seeking their revenge on the residents. The effects are pretty dodgy and the cast is stiff, so unless you're a die-hard horror fan or have nothing to do on a dark, stormy night, it might be best to leave this one on the library shelf! Still, there are a few scenes where you think it might all be worthwhile. Then, Selma Blair opens her mouth again and you kick yourself for thinking it. **1/2
Ghostbusters (1984) Directed by Ivan Reitman
Ah, nothing like an old classic. Movies and moviemakers had so much imagination back then. Now, everyone relies on a good book to inspire them. This classic horror-comedy starts out when the 'Ghostbusters', a newly-formed ghost-hunting/catching group of middle-aged guys, become the most dialled number in New York City as ghosts and demons start popping up all over the place! A fantastic cast (including Bill Murray, Signourney Weaver and Dan Ackroyd), score (by the late Elmer Bernstein) and lots of scares and laughs (even now!) give this one a classic status from me! Well worth revisiting, or watching for the first time! ****1/2
Red Eye (2005) Directed by Wes Craven
This short, sharp and shiny thriller has a fantastic first half, but then loses it in it's final moments. A young hotel worker happens upon a charming - and somewhat creepy - young man in an airport shortly before their flight leaves, and ends up sitting beside him on the plane. It doesn't take her too long to realise that he has a sinister plan involving the assassination of one of her hotel clients and, if she fails to cooperate with that, the assassination of her father! A relatively far-fetched premise is handled well by Scream director Wes Craven, and the two young leads are particuarly good in their roles. However, when the plane lands, it becomes just another chase movie, which prevents the film from reaching the peak it may have since the plane sequences are so devilishly clever. ***1/2
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