Avatar: **

So now I've moved on to some slightly older films, and here I'm going to be discussing Avatar. 

If you actually thought this film was clever/good/inspirational then I'm afraid I believe you've been brainwashed by the use of 3D effects and pretty colours. One word can sum up with film for me: Over-fucking-rated (yes i'm counting that as a word). Am I one of the only sane people who recognized the plot was far from original? Pocahontas anyone? Pocahontas 2.0 rise of the blue people and glow-y flowers. At least Pocahontas's love story was heart felt and endearing, the relationship between Neytiri and Jake was uncomfortable and forced. "I see you"... Please stop. It's the classic 'humans are bad bad people stop the humans stop.' And yeah, fair enough, I have to give to the team for special effects. This film was an undeniable break through for filming technology, being one of the first films to be released in modern 3D effects. There's beautiful scenery (obviously as it's set on a majestic moon full of plants that look like jellyfish) and it's got a nice moral. But again, my main reasons for disliking the film isn't down to the concept in itself, it's because we've seen it before. The whole 'save the planet, look after nature' is a beautiful message but I'm simply saying, I think this film has been made out to be a lot better than it is. It was a box office smash hit, and reached no.14 on the all time highest grossing films. But, personally I think it's success was purely down to good use of visuals and the introduction of modern viewing technology. Not at all for the story line, performances or script.

Rating: 2 Stars

Highlight: Every things pretty!!!!!!

See if: You like Pocahontas. You like pretty colours.

Don't see if: You want a genuinely gripping, tense story. Because you won't find it here.

Silver Linings Playbook: *****

If you're struggling to choose between watching a romance, comedy or drama, Silver Linings Playbook combines the three with a new spin on the classic 'feel good film.' David O Russel directs the story of troubled, bi polar Pat who is chasing after his cheating wife in order to find a 'silver lining' amongst his bad experiences. Pat is introduced to Tiffany, who agrees to help Pat win back his wife in order for help in return and eventually the relationships between friends, family and lovers all become complex.The plot seems quite dry through out until things tie up at the end, and so the audience is really given the chance to get to know the characters thoroughly and develop an empathy and understanding with their complicated mind sets and situations. I found this film uplifting, funny and hopelessly romantic with the sizzling chemistry between the leads Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper also providing undeniable entertainment. Both characters come from similar pasts linked to mental health and tragedy giving this film a strong moral of 'look on the bright side to every situation.' And this film really isn't your typical rom-com or 'chick flick.' Materiel is provided for both male and female audiences here, besides from the guaranteed love story, you have a crazy pulp fiction inspired dance routine and a superstitious father who is American- football obsessed. The story is also presented creatively as we see the events pan out through Pat's eyes, and the camera work often mirrors his emotions as he suffers with his psychological condition. Silver Linings is an enjoyable, brilliant and quirky comedy and I most definitely recommend, I even think it's likely to pick up an Oscar.

Rating: 5 stars
Highlight: The climax of the film being the very ending scenes, the beautiful innate connection between the two leads and the dance scene. Also Jennifer's performance is flawless.
See if: You're in the mood for a gripping romance. Alternatively if you simply want to stare at the beautiful faces of the two leads.
Don't see if: You don't think you'll be able to handle the beauty of Bradley Cooper's smile. Hnng.

The Impossible: ***

The highly anticipated drama disaster film The Impossible has recently been released for viewing. The film was undoubtedly going to create deep emotional response being set upon the very recent and very real 2004 boxing day Tsunami, telling the story of a family separated, injured and emotionally damaged by the catastrophe. The events in the picture are relatable to the mass majority of the audience having the events of the disaster just being under 10 years ago, and of course the family in who's point of view we see have been transformed to be British for 'world wide acceptance'. However if you're on the fence before viewing as to whether or not you'll like this film, I would say chances are that you won't. I was expecting a story that would engulf me with heart ache, but instead found myself waiting for something 'big' to happen all the time and being let down with an unjustified ending. I'm not saying this film was a disaster it's self in anyway, there are scenes that will make you well up when reminding you of the importance of family and the basic means of human survival, and the tsunami scene will keep you on the edge of your seat and gasping for air. But the ending really spoils the film a little in my opinion, I felt that because we were able to know the characters so well they were owed more than a rushed closing. There was very graphic imagery through out, with convincing make up and moving performances from the cast. There were touching aspects with the family unity, their relationship was extremely real as a performance and their drive to find each other after separation was heart-rending. All in all, I think what makes this film so emotionally melting is the concept and the fact the actual family were based upon real people, not the screen play or script. You're left at the end reminded of a tragic, real event that damaged the lives of so many people so in this memorial aspect the film is a success. Oscar worthy? ...Perhaps for talent in acting, but certainly not in writing or general production in my opinion.

Rating: 3 Stars
Highlight: The performance from Naomi Watts in the Tsunami scene, and the reunion
See if: You're looking for a good cry, you're interested in recent historical events and disaster/tragedy film.
Don't see if: You actually want to see a film with a complex story. Besides from the obvious Tsunami strike and aftermath, the plot is quite blunt to say the least.