There is no point in denying it, director Lars von Trier (Antichrist, The Boss Of It All) has delivered the best and most powerful film of his career, and that is saying something considering that his body of work has contained classics such as The Idiots, Antichrist and Dogville. Melancholia is the kind of film that will have you thinking ‘what the?’ while you are watching it, but give it time, let it settle as you reflect upon it and soon you to will be marveling at the genius that is Lars von Trier.

Melancholia is told in two halves. The first half is set on the night of the extremely depressed Justine’s (Kirsten Dunst – Fight For Your Right Revisited, All Good Things) wedding to her husband, Michael (Alexander Skarsgard – Straw Dogs, TV’S True Blood). But the night is anything but perfect. Justine’s mother (Charlotte Rampling – The Eye Of The Storm, The Mill And The Cross) is being a bitch, her father (John Hurt – Immortals, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) is horny and obsessed by the women at his table, her sister, Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg – The Tree, Persecution) is cranky and her brother-in-law, John (Kiefer Sutherland – Marmaduke, TV’S 24) is becoming aggressive in reminding her that he is paying for the night. Add this to the stress of work and it’s not hard to see why Justine is having a breakdown.

Part Two of Melancholia is told after Justine’s wedding and through the eyes of Claire. A recently-discovered planet called Melancholia is heading towards earth. And while the scientific John is saying it will miss Earth Justine’s research (on the Internet) has led her to believe that there will be a catastrophic collision. Convinced of this she brings a mentally-ruined Justine to their house so she can spend her last days with her Justine, John and her son Leo (Cameron Spurr – newcomer).

Anyone who has ever doubted Lars von Trier ability should be silenced by the opening ten minutes of this film. Von Trier has created what could almost be described as a ‘music video’ set to the music of Wagner’s opera Tristan And Isolde. Some may argue that the eerie montage of Earth’s final seconds is similar to the scenes of The Tree Of Life… I disagree. The Tree Of Life as a mis-directed piece of rubbish while von Trier’s scenes are eerily beautiful, and lets face it if they were paintings they would be hanging on the walls of the world’s top galleries.

Melancholia really is a masterpiece. The opening is spectacular but the rest of the film moves it up into another gear again. Some may see lengthy scenes such as the limo trying to get up the driveway as von Trier losing the plot, what they need to realise is that he is merely setting up the characters. The first half of the film is von Trier doing what he has shown us he loves doing (in films such as The Idiots), and that is making fun of the upper class. The second part of the film is von Trier’s version of a disaster movie, except his style of filmmaking allows for ten times the suspense then you would ever have felt in films such as Armaggedon.

This is also the film that has shown the world just what a fine actress Kirsten Dunst has turned into. Forget about her roles in stuff such as Bring It On or Superman, this is the moment where she really announces herself. To her credit she matches the brilliant performance of Charlotte Gainsbourg and there aren’t too many actresses who can say they have done that.

Sure some people will disagree strongly but for me Melancholia is a masterpiece and von Trier has finally shown the world what he is truly capable of.

Year: 2011

Director: Lars von Trier

Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Alexander Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling, John Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Cameron Spurr

Classification: M

Runtime: 136 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 18th April 2012

Dave Griffiths

TOM CRUISE IS BACK!!! Forget the fact that he jumped on Oprah’s couch, in fact forget anything that you may think makes Tom Cruise a little loopy because Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol reminds everyone that Cruise is a great actor and still after all these years can pull off a damn fine action movie… in fact this is the action movie of the year.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol actually goes back and tells a story roughly similar to what we saw in the first film – something major happens, Ethan (Tom Cruise – Kngiht & Day, Valkyrie) is blamed and is out on his own. This time the Kremlin is bombed and it appears that Ethan and his crew of Jane (Paula Patton – Jumping The Broom, Just Wright) and Benji (Simon Pegg – The Adventures Of Tintin, Paul) are responsible. While they are out in the cold they are joined by Brandt (Jeremy Renner – Thor, The Town) an IMF analyst that obviously has a secret. Then in a bid to save the world (and clear their names) the crew embark on a journey that takes them to Dubai and India to stop nuclear terrorist, Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist – Abduction, The Chinese Man) seeing out his evil plan.

Much of the credit for this film working has to go to director, Brad Bird (Ratatouille, Jack-Jack Attack) who despite being a surprising choose to direct the film actually pulls it off wonderfully. Bird is known as a director as animation yet here manages to direct what of the most spectacular action sequences ever brought to the big screen. You may think I’m being generous, but please who wasn’t impressed by the skyscraper sequence that just happened to be filmed on the side of one of the world’s tallest buildings.

Like the rest of the Mission Impossible movies, as well as the TV show, there are moments of this film that require you to leave your brain at the door (such as the fact there are pay phones that double as IMF phones) but for the most part this is a spy thriller that works, obvious by the fact that my only major gripe is that when you watch it in IMAX you can always tell when something stunning is about to happen because the black of the letterbox keeps changing size.

As I mentioned earlier this is the film that shows that Tom Cruise is once again back at his game but also is the latest of a string of action films that actually requires its cast to put in some acting effort as well. While poor old Michael Nyqvist seems to have got the dud end of the stick playing a baddie with no character development (add it to Abduction and you’re beginning to be typecast Mr. Nyqvist), Pegg, Renner and Patton’s class really shines through… the latter also announcing herself to a wider audience. The mix of good acting ability and great action sequences just makes this film even better.

Clearly the best action of the year here’s hoping that Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol puts enough bums on seat to see that a new film in the franchise goes into production because it truly deserves it.

Year: 2011

Director: Brad Bird

Stars: Tom Cruise, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Michael Nyqvist

Classification: M

Runtime: 133 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 18th April 2012

Dave Griffiths

When you settle in to watch a Steven Spielberg film you know that your either going to get something good or something great… the master never finds himself producing up rubbish. Once again he had managed to weave his magic with War Horse a film that despite some faults wins you over with a story that is just the right amount of drama and sweetness.

Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo War Horse follows a horse named Joey from the day he first became the property of Albert Narracoot (Jeremy Irvine – TV’S Life Bites) through a heart-breaking journey that sees Joey first taken into the War by the British Army then ending up in the hands of the Germans and even to some French farmers. With Joey repeatedly changing hands it almost seems like an impossible task when Albert enlists in a bid to find his beloved horse.

Story-wise War Horse makes its audience suspend belief a lot, but with the added touch of Steven Spielberg (The Adventures Of Tintin, A Timeless Call) you find yourself not minding at all. Sure most of the characters are clichéd, the Germans and the French all seem to speak perfect English and you are expected to believe that someone would enlist in the bloodiest war that humanity had seen to find a horse but Spielberg manages to present the story in such a way you find yourself totally engrossed in the story. The epic scenes, such as Joey running across the battlefields, reminds us just what a visual director Spielberg is, while little things like beginning the film at dawn and ending it a sunset prove that he really is the genius filmmaker.

It may be a little harsh to say but this isn’t a film that allows its actors to shine. With very little set-up for most characters and the fact that some many seem to drift in and then drift out of Joey’s life you hardly ever find yourself really attached to a human character and they are never on screen long enough to show any real class. Still, once again Spielberg seems to have uncovered another gem with Jeremy Irvine and he obviously has the talent that he requires for a lengthy acting career.

Visually War Horse looks spectacular and this is a film that you have to see on the big screen, a TV screen just won’t do it justice. Dramatic and easy to understand War Horse once again shows that Spielberg really has perfected the formula of making these kind of films.

Year: 2011

Director: Steven Spielberg

Stars: Jeremy Irvine

Classification: M

Runtime: 146 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 2nd May 2012

Dave Griffiths

A lot of people (mostly of the male sex) are going to hate me for saying this but New Year’s Eve does actually work as a film. The creators might have missed the mark on how to make an ensemble film with Valentine’s Day but here they are spot on, even though the film is sickly sweet and may not have the depth that so many people crave these days.

The plots run thick and fast with New Year’s Eve. There is the nervous Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer – Personal Effects, Cheri) who quits her job and then hires a young courier, Paul (Zac Efron – Charlie St. Cloud, 17 Again) to help her complete a bucket list. Laura (Katherine Heigl – Life As We Know It, Killers) is catering the party of her life but hates the fact that her ex, Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi – Pucked, Cry Wolf) is the guest of honour. Stan Harris (Robert De Niro – Killer Elite, Limitless) comes to terms with the fact that he is about to die but begs his doctor and Nurse Aimee (Halle Berry – Dark Tide, Frankie & Alice) to let him see the ball drop one more time in Times Square, and job that city official, Clarie Morgan (Hilary Swank – The Resident, Conviction) is in charge of. Meanwhile, Tess (Jessica Biel – The A-Team, Valentine’s Day) and Griffin Byrne (Seth Meyers – I Don’t Know How She Does It, Spring Breakdown) are trying to have the first baby of 2012, Elise (Lea Michele – TV’S Glee & The Cleveland Show) is trapped in a lift with the holiday-hating, Randy (Ashton Kutcher – No Strings Attached, Killers), Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker – I Don’t Know How She Does It, Sex And The City 2) is coming to terms with the fact that her daughter, Hailey (Abigail Breslin – Rango, Janie Jones) isn’t a little girl anymore and Sam (Josh Duhamel – Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, Life As We Know It) is desperately trying to get back to New York to meet a woman he met last New Year’s Eve.

Director, Garry Marshall (Valentine’s Day, Georgia Rule) does a wonderful job making sure that all the stories incorporated in the film flow nicely and this time around the stories all fit together nicely and don’t feel like they are being forced together. Surprisingly, you find yourself drawn to some of the characters and you find yourself actually caring for them. Cudos must also be given to screenwriter, Katherine Fugate (Valentine’s Day, The Prince & Me) who remembers to add a little bit dramatic tension this time round, and yes even has the audience desperately trying to work out what is going to happen next.

Of course with this many A-Listers around the acting is going to be pretty good, and the stars don’t fail. Robert De Niro puts in one of the best performances and you find yourself really hoping that his character can hold on to midnight, although the big surprise is Zac Efron. He clutches hold of his role with two hands and seems to relish in playing a character really removed from what he has played before. His on screen presence with Pfeffier playing an unhinged woman is surprising and should silence those who claimed he had no future after High School Musical.

At times New Year’s Eve is just plain sickly sweet yet you can’t help liking it. The characters are likable, the stories are intriguing and on the way out of the cinema you will find yourself saying, “I kinda liked that film”. Not the best film of 2011, but certainly far from the worst.

 Year: 2011

Director: Garry Marshall

Stars: Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Katherine Heigl, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Jessica Biel, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Ashton Kutcher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel

Classification: M

Runtime: 118 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 11th April 2012

Dave Griffiths

This classic six-part Doctor Who adventure, first broadcast in 1971 and released to DVD on December 1st, 2011, sees the titular Time Lord (Jon Pertwee) – having previously been forced to regenerate into his third body and cast into exile on Earth by his own people – finally venturing out into the stars again with brand new traveling companion Jo Grant (Katy Manning) by his side. Unfortunately for The Doctor, his journey isn’t exactly by choice and he quickly realizes the Time Lords have recruited him for their own plans. Which, as it happens, revolve around the recovery of top-secret files relating to something called The Doomsday Weapon. And so its off to the desolate planet of Uaxerius in the year 2742, where The Doctor and Jo find themselves caught up in a dispute between the local colonists and the Intergalactic Mining Corporation regarding ownership of the planet.

As if all this hubbub wasn’t rough enough for our heroes, things go straight down the toilet once the Doctor’s evil counterpart The Master (Roger Delgado) shows up with his own agenda.

Colony In Space holds a less-than-stellar position amongst the fanbase, generally being seen as one of the lower points of Jon Pertwee’s tenure as the Third Doctor. I can see why that is – being a story that moves painfully slowly – although I personally still found some enjoyment in it. The story itself works well enough and the actors clearly have enough of a grasp on their roles to make their performances believable, with the interactions between The Doctor and The Master, and The Doctor’s overjoyed reaction to the first sight of an alien planet since his exile being high points. That said though, there are a couple of things (aside from the chuckle-worthy special effects. I know its the 70′s, but seeing the TARDIS literally disappear and reappear on screen in the form of quick-cuts rather than fade in and out is just hilarious) that upset my experience: The first being that the Master’s involvement is made obvious from the first episode’s opening scene, thus ruining any element of surprise his appearance may have had later. Secondly, would be the character of Norton (Roy Skelton). He turns up in the story at a time when things are going especially bad, and he’s so obviously evil, its a wonder that everyone who isn’t The Doctor doesn’t twig to it.

Fortunately, all is not lost. The special features on this single-disc release are quite entertaining, including audio commentary from several actors as well as script editor Terrance Dicks, and “IMC Needs You!” – a documentary about the making of Colony In Space.

Caley Bethune

How do you follow up one of the best animated films of all time? That was certainly the problem facing legendary director, George Miller (Happy Feet, Babe: Pig In The City) when he (and his company) sat down to tackle Happy Feet Two. And while there are plenty of reasons why it isn’t as good as its older brother this is still a film that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

This time round Mumbles (voiced by Elijah Wood – TV’S Wilfred & Robot Chicken) and Gloria (Pink – Catacombs, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle) have a son, Erik (Ava Acres – Five, TV’S Harry’s Law) who can dance but chooses not to because he feels that he doesn’t have any reason to. However, tragedy strikes when Mumbles goes to get Erik and his friends after they follow Ramon (Robin Williams – Old Dogs, Night At The Museum 2) back to his colony and meet the legendary ‘flying penguin’, The Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria – The Smurfs, Hop). On return to the Emporer colony they discover that everyone else (including Gloria) is trapped by an iceberg and will eventually starve to death. Not to be beaten Mumbles enlists Ramon’s colony to help and tried to call in a favour with Bryan (Richard Carter – TV’S Rake & East West 101), a seal that owes him a favour.

For the most part Happy Feet Two really does work. There are moments of comedy and the musical items work really well. The writers even manage to bring in some tear-jerking moments and Miller once again manages to put a strong environmental message into the film but there are also times when you feel that Miller and co are trying too hard. A classic example is the introduction of Will (Brad Pitt – Moneyball, The Tree Of Life) and Bill The Krill (Matt Damon – We Bought A Zoo, Margaret) as characters, yes they serve a purpose but it really does feel like they are trying to be like Scrat in Ice Age.

Another low point is the voicing of Pink, while she sounds awesome when  Gloria has to sing she really needs to work on her voice acting, especially when she is moving into the shoes of Britney Murphy who unfortunately died before she could once again voice Gloria.

All up though Happy Feet Two does in fact work. The animation is top notch and you will find yourself singing the songs long after the credits have finished. Not as good as the first film, but still a worthy animation that shows that Australia is right up there with their American colleagues.

 Year: 2011

Director: George Miller

Stars: Elijah Wood, Pink, Ava Acres, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Richard Carter, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon

Classification: PG

Runtime: 103 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 24th April 2012

Dave Griffiths

It is always difficult to review a film that has already been slated as an Oscar winner a long time before the nominations are already announced, but here goes. From my point of view it is easy to see how The Iron Lady is generating Oscar Buzz because this film is a bio-pic with a difference. Normally, a film like this shows a character in the best light, at the top of their fame, but The Iron Lady not only shows Margaret Thatcher at the top of her political game but also as an aged woman suffering from delusions.

The elderly Thatcher is expertly played by Meryl Streep (It’s Complicated, Fantastic Mr. Fox) as she goes through her daily routines with her daughter, Carol (Olivia Colman – See Me, TV’S Rev.) and is haunted by visions of her deceased husband, Denis (Jim Broadbent – Arthur Christmas, Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2). She reminisces of times when she (Alexandra Roach – The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, TV’S New Tricks) was younger and started on her political journey with Denis (Harry Lloyd – Jane Eyre, TV’S Game Of Thrones) by her side. Her thoughts take her right through her career right through to her darkest days when an incident with Geoffrey Howe (Anthony Head – TV’S The Adventures Of Merlin & Free Agents) that ultimately led to her demise as Prime Minister.

Director, Phyllida Lloyd (Macbeth, Mamma Mia!) and screenwriter, Abi Morgan (Shame, Royal Wedding) need to be congratulated for taking such a ‘different’ and brave look at one of the world’s most loved/hated historical figures. While seeing Thatcher in her glory days is a good watch it is seeing her as an ‘older’ woman that really brings this film to life. The scenes of her losing her mind makes the audience feel a real apathy for her and while probably not intended to be so The Iron Lady becomes a film that gives a great insight into the dreadful disease that is dementia.

While I can’t see The Iron Lady winning Best Picture at the Oscars there will be a crime occurring if Meryl Streep doesn’t at least get a nomination for her performance. Streep is unrecognizable for most of the film as it seems she really does become Margaret Thatcher… she even gets the voice to a tee. What is also obvious is that she and Jim Broadbent really did enjoy their time on screen together. Broadbent also puts in a good performance going from the cheeky apparition one moment to the frustrated and pained husband the next.

The Iron Lady is a brave and unique look at a historical figure that will be foreign to the younger generation. With a ground-breaking script from Abi Morgan and a brilliant performance from Meryl Streep this is one of the must sees of 2011.

Year: 2011

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Stars: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Alexandra Roach, Harry Lloyd, Anthony Head

Classification: M

Runtime: 105 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 26th April 2012

Dave Griffiths

I’ve been a fan of Tintin ever since I was little kid, so much so that the TV show is in my DVD collection and all the Graphic Novels have a home on my book shelf. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was eagerly awaiting The Adventures Of Tintin, and while I was blown away by the animation I can’t help but feel that the film dragged a little.

The film takes stories from three of Herge’s books (The Secret Of The Unicorn, The Crab With The Golden Claws and Red Rackham’s Treasure) and starts with Tintin (Jamie Bell – Jane Eyre, Retreat) and of course, Snowy finding a model ship in a market. After Tintin purchases it he finds out that Ivanovich Sakharine (Daniel Craig – Dream House, Cowboys & Aliens) is willing to do anything to get his hands on it – things including kidnapping Tintin and taking over the ship of Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis – Arthur Christmas, Wild Bill). While Haddock and Tintin try to find the treasure left behind by the Unicorn two detectives, Thompson (Simon Pegg – Paul, Burke & Hare) and Thomson (Nick Frost – Attack The Block, Paul) begin a search for Sakharine.

It may sound like a big called but The Adventures of Tintin has the best visuals of any animated film that I have ever seen. Director, Steven Spielberg (A Timeless Call, Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull) really takes the technology that James Cameron was supposed to have perfected with Avatar and takes it to a whole new level. So realistic is the animation in The Adventures Of Tintin there are times when it really feels that you are watching real action.

Unfortunately the script sadly lets down what could have been one of the best films ever made. It feels like Spielberg really has tried to pack too much into the film. While the Indiana Jones style desert action and the Pirates Of The Carribbean-esque sea battles work remarkably well (and at times have you on the edge of your seat), the films does seem to drag… something a film that is only 107 minutes long certainly shouldn’t do.

Performance wise the actors are top notch, although I still believe that Simon Pegg would have made a great Tintin (am I alone in believing that there is a physical resemblance there?). Jamie Bell does a great job but even he is overshadowed by Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock. The drunken buffoon is of the character that is most memorable and Serkis brings the character to life remarkably well.

When Oscar night comes around it should be a foregone conclusion that The Adventure Of Tintin will pick up ‘Best Animated Film’. Just keep in mind that while the film is a visual masterpiece the story can lag a little… even for the most hardened Tintin fan. Visually, this is one of the best animated films ever made… and for the ones that love trivia Spielberg’s first animated film!

Year: 2011

Director: Steven Spielberg

Stars: Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost

Classification: PG

Runtime: 107 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 25th April 2012

Dave Griffiths

Okay, here’s a tip for Adam Sandler. It’s time to surround yourself with people who are willing to tell you the truth and not just say ‘yes’ to you. It is so obvious that everyone Sandler showed the script of Jack And Jill to must have boosted his ego by telling him how great it was, instead they should have been bashing him over the head with the manuscript and telling him how crap it was. As a result Sandler finds himself the main man in one of the worst movies of 2011.

Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler – Zookeeper, Just Go With It) has everything working out just fine for him. He is happily married to Erin (Katie Holmes – The Son Of No One, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark) and has two cheery (if not slightly dysfunctional) children. Then he faces his worst nightmare. His twin sister, Jill (also played by Sandler) is coming to visit, a nightmare because Jack despises his annoying twin. To top it off Jack also hits a hurdle with his successful advertising company when a company has their heart set on Al Pacino (The Son Of No One, You Don’t Know Jack) to be in their next television ad… something that Jack doesn’t see happening in a million years.

Director, Dennis Dugan (Just Go With It, Grown Ups) also deserves a good ass-kicking for his role in making sure that Jack And Jill made it to the cinemas. He should have read the script once and been able to say to Sandler “um sorry pal this just isn’t funny.” The film may provide a laugh here and there but for the most part the comedy is juvenile and just falls flat, so much so you can only think that Sandler must have photos of Pacino, Holmes and Depp (The Rum Diary, Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) that they don’t want released, why else would they slum it in a film this trouble.

Aside from the woeful script the other thing that makes Jack And Jill such a stinker is the fact that Sandler is just plain awful as Jill. He’s not funny, and I’m sorry but donning ladies clothes and putting on a child’s voice just isn’t acting. If he wanted to make the part work he needed to put in a hell of a lot more effort or just bitten the bullet and actually got an actress to play the part (even though it may have defeated Sandler’s juvenile view for the film).

Jack And Jill is one of the worst movies of the year… do yourself a favor and make sure you steer clear.

Year: 2011

Director: Dennis Dugan

Stars: Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino

Classification: PG

Runtime: 91 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 4th April 2012

Dave Griffiths

Animated films just seem to get better and better as every year goes on and while Puss In Boots may not be as good as its older cousin, The Shrek series, it certainly does hold its own as an animated film that will provide interest and laughs for people of all ages.

This is a prequel to the time Puss (Antonio Banderas – Haywire, Black Gold) meets Shrek. It tells the story of how he and his best friend, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifanakis – The Muppets, The Hangover Part II) become fugitives after Humpty lures Puss into a botched bank robbery on their home town. Years later Puss decides to try and steal magic beans from Jack (Billy Bob Thornton – Faster, The Smell Of Success) and Jill (Amy Sedaris – TV’S The Good Wife & Raising Hope). His first attempt is thwarted by fellow thief, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek – Americano, Grown Ups), someone who Puss soon learns is now working with Humpty Dumpty in a bid to steal some golden eggs… or even the goose that lays them.

Together with a team of talented writers, director, Chris Miller (Shrek The Third, Lea Press On Limbs) has done a fabulous job making Puss In Boots really slot into the ‘South American’ feel with some real Spaghetti Western moments. The film flows really well and despite the fact Puss is an outlaw you on his side, even more when you realise there is a hint of Robin Hood about him. To their credit the writers make the film appeal to both adults and children alike although parents be warned if the adult parts (like Puss spending the night with another cat) don’t go over children’s heads you find yourself having to answer some tricky questions… although the joke at why Puss has catnip on him is an absolute classic.

There is so much to love about this film that my only gripe seems to be a really petty one, but early on it seemed a little difficult to understand Antonio Banderas’ accent. Then it seems to significantly improve and is smooth sailing for the rest of the film… strange, and yes I know, petty, but it was annoying while it lasted.

Dreamworks once again have put together a quality animation for the whole family. Funny in parts and dramatic in others… this is an animated film guaranteed to entertain people of all ages.

Year: 2011

Director: Chris Miller

Stars: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianikis

Classification: PG

Runtime: 90 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 12th April 2012

Dave Griffiths