THE LEGO MOVIE

Basically…
Emmet, your average Lego man living by the instruction manual, finds himself on an accidental journey to save the world. He has to defeat the evil President Business who plans to stop the Lego community fulfilling their purpose in life by attacking them with the (very cleverly named) Kragle (you’ll get it when you see it).

In other words...
Toy Story in Lego form.

The main men and leading ladies…
There are US sitcom favourites left, right and centre (Chris Pratt, Parks and Recreation, Will Arnett, Arrested Development, Alison Brie, Community and Charlie Day, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia). And it isn’t short on Hollywood stars either – Morgan Freeman, Elizabeth Banks and Liam Neeson being just a few. Even some of the Star Wars cast came along for the ride while Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum will have thrived on the superhero roles they could only dream of normally playing. Will Ferrell also treated us to his least irritating performance, well, ever...let's keep him to the serious roles from now on. Please.

In the chair…
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller combine again after their Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs double header. They surprised a lot of people with their very funny cop-com in 2012, but 21 Jump Street will have to take a back seat for this work of art. The pair have more than raised the bar for themselves now. 

So…?
A smart, slick opening shows Emmet as he conforms to society’s expectations and succumbs to the over-priced corporate world he, and obviously the viewer, lives in. But the second act dips into chaos and despite the impressive animation and creativity, (the water especially deserving credit), the storyline becomes messy. There wasn't enough time to appreciate all the cameo roles and one-liner gags that were being thrown at us. However, just as it was losing its way, the third act not only rescued it, it was so good it turned a good film into a classic. Clever and completely unexpected, the best twist cinema has seen in years made everything fall into place and secure finale gold. To the adults it has a cheeky dig at kids ruining everything but to the children it shows just how good it is to be different - a refreshing theme.

Worth the money?
This is one block-buster (d’ya get it) you’ll want to see more than once just to appreciate everything you missed the first time. 

THE MONUMENTS MEN

Basically…
A platoon of middle aged museum directors, curators and art historians combine to rescue the artwork stolen by the Nazis during World War II. Hitler’s plan is to show the captured work in his almost-complete Fuhermuseum but orders it all to be destroyed if he is to die. Based on a true story, the Monuments Men go on a quest across central Europe to save vital items of cultural history as the war reaches the closing stages.

In other words…
George Clooney plays army with his mates. 

The main men and leading ladies…
The star studded cast will attract more cinema goers than the plot will. Damon takes centre stage of the poster for an easier role than his most recent high profile success, Behind the Candelabra while Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Dimitri Leonidas and Hugh Bonneville add to the big names. Maybe it’s a case of too many cooks spoil the broth, though, because when Hollywood’s A-listers combine, it’s difficult to settle for anything less than a grade A success.

In the chair…
Clooney has shown his ability to multitask over the years, producing almost 30 movies, writing and directing a handful and often starring in them at the same time. This time he takes on all four like he did with The Ides of March but lacking the polished finish and ability to settle on a definite tone, The Monuments Men doesn’t live up to his 2011 political drama. He may have passed the test in terms of acting and producing but his writing and directing is yet to meet those standards.

So…?
The setting is no laughing matter but the plot is one of the lighter ones to come out of World War II. When you put it into context against the likes of Anne Frank's Diary and Schindler's List, rescuing artwork allows for an element of humour. Despite some very funny one liners though, Clooney fails to maintain that tone throughout. It’s almost as though he’s not too sure what mood he should create, which is disappointing considering he plays dumb and humorous so well but wasn't able to write or direct it with the same precision. The message that dying for religious art is a poignant one throughout but for the atheists who believe art is more than what can be hung on the walls of a museum, it’s easy to be sceptical of their determination. While the concept of saving art is understandable and respectable, the manner in which it is depicted in The Monuments Men was in fact too serious to be taken seriously.

Worth the money?
With that cast list it's not the cinematic experience it had the potential to be, best wait until it pops up on Netflix. 

MR PEABODY & SHERMAN

Basically…
Mr Peabody, a dog with an IQ through the roof, builds a time machine to teach his adopted son, Sherman, about history. But when Sherman shows The Wayback to the school bully Penny, he realises how big a mistake he has made. Having tampered with history, the trio have to go back and make amends to make sure their entire future isn’t at risk.

In other words…
Back to the Future meets DreamWorks.

The main men and leading ladies…
If someone told you Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock had transformed into a dog you would look no further than Mr Peabody to find him. With the same arrogance, intelligence and sarcastic wit, the detective has competition on his hands to remain the most irritatingly delightful character on our screens. It isn’t Cumberbatch doing the voice though, as hard as that is to believe, it’s Ty Burrell, known best for his role as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family. And his on-screen daughter, Alex, played by Ariel Winter, joins him as the voice of Penny, Sherman’s enemy/love interest. Sherman is voiced by the hugely adorable Max Charles, who plays young Peter Parker in The Amazing Spiderman remakes.

In the chair…
Director of The Lion King, Rob Minkoff, has never really managed to, and probably never really had to, top his 1994 Disney classic. But with the likes of Stuart Little coming in the aftermath, his latest contribution to cinema is his best in two decades.

So…?
In terms of box office sales, this spin-off from the 1960s' US cartoon Rocky and Bullwinkle might not rival The Lego World which opened the same day, but it’s one of the better DreamWorks productions of late. In saying that, that isn’t hard to achieve, and yes it does still lack the warmth of Pixar, but it’s been long enough now to accept the two will never be on a par with each other. That didn’t stop this being surprisingly charming, funny and entertaining though. It’s billed as a children’s film but with trips back to the French revolution and the da Vinci era few kids will appreciate the historic references. It was indeed an education, but more so for me, a 26-year old, than the primary school children sitting around me. It’s hard to believe many of them will have got the Mona Lisa or Einstein jokes but for the adults who love clever animation they went down a treat.

Worth the money?
If you’re going for yourself yes, but if it’s a day out for the kids then don’t bother. It’s yet another film that just doesn’t require 3D as well, so don’t waste the extra pennies as you won’t gain anything. 

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

Basically…
Homophobic redneck rodeo, Ron Woodruff, (Matthew McConaughey) is diagnosed as HIV positive in 1985 Texas. With medical advances still in the early days, he turns to the black market in a bid to save his own life, and in turn others’ too. This true story shows Ron’s defiance against death and the lessons he reluctantly learns along the way. 

In other words…
One man stares death in the face and says fuck you.

The main men and leading ladies…
It’s still hard to shake the chick flick Matthew McConaughey from my mind – the leaning poster poses, smug smiles, sickly sweet storylines – Failure to Launch, The Wedding Planner and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days are enough to leave mental scars for a lifetime. But like Leonardo DiCaprio tirelessly fought to shake off the heart throb Titanic stigma, McConaughey has faced a similar battle with his early car crash of a CV. But while his crimes to cinema were far worse than DiCaprio’s, McConaughey is finally reaching a stage in his career where we can start to forgive him. Killer Joe, Mud, Paperboy, even his short (but delightful) role in The Wolf of Wall Street is evidence the romcom king has moved on to pastures new. His harrowing depiction of care-free Ron is well worthy of his Academy Award nomination, even before you take into account the startling amount of weight he had to lose for the role. He’s tipped to win the Oscar for Best Actor, and while DiCaprio should pip him to the post, few will grudge him that inevitable winners’ walk to the podium. 

In the chair…
Jean-Marc Vallee’s previous work includes The Young Victoria and Café de Flore but it’s his next release that bears the most resemblance to Dallas Buyers Club. Wild is the story, based on the Nick Hornby novel, of a woman who faces her demons by escaping through her hiking hobby. Her transformation is already well underway before she realises it’s happening, in a similar way Ron is initially oblivious. 

So…?
Ever googled your symptoms only to be told you’re dying, or had your GP tell you it’s just a virus trusty painkillers won't fix? Few are satisfied with the medical advice we get on a daily basis but for Ron, his contention with the FDA is a far bigger bone to chew. The fact this story is true makes it both remarkable and sickening to see how uneducated the medical world was at that time with regards to AIDs. Refreshing to see a hard-hitting movie with such a strong message not get dragged down by falling into the pretentious Oscar bait category (12 Years a Slave cough cough), this delivered a gritty, eye-opening and delightfully uncomfortable ride of rebellion instead. Special mention also has to go to the excellent Jared Leto who plays the transsexual Raylon, a character who warms even the heart of the disgusted Ron. 

Worth the money?
It’s a hot favourite for awards season so go and see what all the fuss is about.

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

Basically…
Homeless, aimless and detached singer, Llewyn Davis, is trying to break into the 1960’s folk scene just prior to the Dylan-days. But without really knowing where he’s going, how he’s getting there or even where he’s sleeping that night, we follow a meandering week in the life of the struggling sofa-surfer in this deadpan elliptical narrative. 

In other words…
A week in the life of a depressed musical hobo.

The main men and leading ladies…
It’s difficult to fault Oscar Isaac’s run down and despondent portrayal of Davis as he suffers the loss of his singing partner, and in turn, loss of any sort of direction in his life. As he roams from one unsuccessful situation to another, we grow closer to his accepting and gentle persona. Isaac, who also featured in Drive and Sucker Punch, performed each of his songs live, but while those were the capturing moments don’t try and pretend 'Please Mr Kennedy' isn’t a classic waiting to happen.
Smaller roles came from Carey Mulligan as a bitter ball of anger, Justin Timberlake as the painfully chirpy Mr Nice Guy and Adam Driver who seemed to have stepped straight off the set of Girls and still stayed in character.

In the chair…
Inside Llewyn Davis is not a typical Coen Brothers epic, in fact A Serious Man is as close a comparison you could make, but as ever their attention to detail continues to impress. The cold colours, winter setting and hostile atmosphere makes it a naturally uncomfortable viewing experience - but the witty script, engaging performances and fine attention to even the smallest of subjects makes this yet another satisfying Coen Brothers journey. Overlooked for the major Academy Awards it’s disappointing for the duo, but maybe that’s simply because it doesn’t live up to the likes of O Brother Where Art Thou? or Burn After Reading. 

So…?
Not much happens. In fact so little happens a sub plot about Davis' involuntary cat-sitting soon becomes the only plot. Typical of an exhausted artist desperately trying to cut it in the business; the lack of plot reflects the lack of direction in Davis’ life. But any unfulfillment you draw from that cleverly mirrors the emotions the singer is experiencing. Davis annoys just about everyone he comes into contact with, but as more people put him down, the more you start to sympathise with him. And despite the film’s cold atmosphere, the warm and engaging performances make it a memorable journey. 

Worth the money?
If you appreciate well written scripts, excellent acting and troubled characters more than a clear direction and strong plot, then yes.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

Basically…

When Violet’s (Meryl Streep) husband dies, her dysfunctional family reunite in rural Oklahoma for the funeral. The cancer-stricken, pill-popping mother of three leads the bickering and tantrums as home truths are told and secrets are revealed in this character drama.

In other words…

The sad reality that mum’s aren’t the indestructible heroes you grew up believing they were.

The main men and leading ladies…

“Meryl Streep could play Batman and be the right choice, she’s perfection” said Cam from Modern Family. And never was a truer word spoken. Nominated for a record 18^th time at the Academy Awards, Streep is a strong contender to lift her fourth Best Actress gong. A typically outstanding performance as the frail, lost and troubled leader of the family, this film wouldn’t have half the emotion it does if she wasn’t the leading lady.

Julia Roberts’ stand out performance as the eldest daughter emphasises the strain and frustration between loved ones, while Benedict Cumberbatch has to be mentioned for his shy and reserved portrayal of  ‘Little Charles’ which was precious.

In the chair…

With a theatre background, John Wells was a trusty candidate to turn this play into a movie. Shooting entirely on location, Wells even had some of his characters stay in the house during rehearsals to help enhance that family feel. Known for his TV shows more than anything, the man who produced ER and The West Wing was able to maintain that theatre feel by focusing on character development and setting the majority of the film over such a short period of time.

So…?

While Nebraska was the son’s experience of his Dad’s downfall, this is the powerful opposing version. As mother and daughters struggle with the passing of time, changes to the family and the inevitable aging they are all experiencing, this is a poignant and hard-hitting tale about reality. What it lacked though, was the black humour which Nebraska pulled off perfectly. While that was a film of equal helpings, literally leaving you laughing at one scene before welling up at the next, August: Osage County leaned more towards the heartbreak and tension with just the odd humour thrown in to keep the spirits up. None of the characters are particularly endearing either, but then, that’s real life isn’t it.

Worth the money?
It’s worth it for the excellent acting alone, but don’t blame me when you go home feeling bummed out.

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT

Basically…

When Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) breaks up with his wife, his two best friends agree to stay single with him in a stance of solidarity. But of course that’s when the girl of Jason’s (Zac Efron) dreams walks in. This is a romcom from the perspective of three lads who try to fight love without realising they’re all failing miserably.

In other words…

A chick flick for guys…a dick flick.

The main men and leading ladies…

Efron couldn’t look more comfortable playing Jack the lad. Like a typical player he has as much attitude as he does charm. And while you want to resist that cocky persona you can’t help but get sucked in by his romantic side - classic bad boy syndrome. Efron took on a new challenge in Parkland but like New Year’s Eve this is definitely his comfort zone.

While Efron leads the way, though, it’s his sidekick, and work colleague, Daniel (Miles Teller) who is the real star of the show. He’s the funny one of the group with a clever ploy of using his best girl mate to help pull him chicks.

In the chair…

Tom Gormican makes his directorial debut and let’s just all breathe a collective sigh of relief that it’s in an entirely different league to Movie 43 that he co-produced. The bit where Jason brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘cocktail party’ has shades of his horrendous last project - but luckily the script in this film actually has laugh out loud moments and he manages to recover the misplaced scene with some charm.

So…?

Ok so it has a rubbish title. (Apparently that awkward moment is when a girl says ‘So…’ followed by the dreaded where-is-this-going-chat). But like DonJon last year this film gives us a romcom from a guy’s perspective, a style that’s surprisingly yet to be exhausted. Yes, the plot is as predictable as the other comedies you dig out when you’re in a brain dead mood, but this is one of the better ones you can now add to the list. It has a classic boy meets girl, boy acts like a dumb asshole formula meaning it needs something special to make it work. But with its fair share of realistic lads-being-lads moments weighed up with even more realistic heart touching scenes this one is a keeper.

Worth the money?
Take advantage of an above-average romcom and have a fun night at the cinema with your friends.