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21 Jump Street

What’s it about?
A pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.

What did we think?
A remake of a classic 80s TV show sounded like a bad idea. Making it a B grade comedy sounded like an atrocious idea. The trailer left me seething. And yet somehow this actually works.

With intelligent B-grade writing and some very insightful commentary about society and youth today, it turned out to very entertaining even as it respectfully mocked the series it’s based on. I liked it. Dammit.

B Grade but quality B Grade.

John Carter

What’s it about?
Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

What did we think?
Is it perfect? No.
Does it flow perfectly? Not quite.
Is it fun? Yes.
Is it a good story? Definitely.

Ignore the critics – this is a fantasy delight that all sci-fi fans should see. Not just because it’s a text that inspired so many of the ‘classics’, but because it’s an old-fashioned romp. It not only transported John Carter to Mars, it took me back to my childhood with the Edgar Rice Burroughs books that captured my imagination.

 

Wrath of the Titans

What’s it about?
Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares, and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world.

What did we think?
A messy celebration of poor film-making which proves special effects aren’t enough by themselves.

Why anyone thought a sequel was warranted is beyond me. Why they served this up boggles the mind even more. They certainly didn’t learn from their mistakes.

Mirror Mirror

What’s it about?
An evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.

What did we think?
Like a shiny red apple the lovely scenery and gorgeous star are enticing, but true to the original story the fruit leaves you feeling a bit off. The aesthetics are wonderful and Julia Robert’s wicked turn as the witch entertains but the re-imagination just never quite gels.

In a year of Snow White overload (Once Upon A time, Mirror Mirror and the upcoming Snow White & the Huntsman), this is not the Charming we were looking for. 2.5/5

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

YAWN… one of those films people tell you is brilliant because they think they’re supposed too.

An endless series of slow conversations, followed by someone walking somewhere, followed by another slow, monotone and utterly snooze worthy conversation.

Save your money.

Young Adult

What’s it about?

A fiction writer returns to her home town with the intent of rekindling a romance with her high-school boyfriend, who just happens to be happily married with a child.

What did we think?

Overly long, slow-paced artsy-wannabe flick with an intensely dislikable lead character. The sass from writer Diablo Cody’s earlier effort, Juno, seems to have disappeared. I didn’t really care what happened to anyone in the film and I want my money and my night back.

 

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