Disney’s mission to do 3D conversions of their classics hit a bit of a snag with Lion King (the animation just didn’t convert to 3D well) but they bounce back with Beauty & The Beast 3D that ends up looking sensational on the big screen.

For those that haven’t seen the film already, it tells the story of Belle (voiced by Paige O’Hara – Enchanted, Disney Princess Party Volume Two), a young girl who lives in an ordinary village with her father, Maurice (Rex Everhart – TV’S Lincoln  & Square One TV).

Belle spends her days trying to brush off advances from the local himbo, Gaston (Richard White – TV’S Great Performances & House Of Mouse), cleaning up the messes that her father’s inventions have caused and dreaming of a life out of the ordinary.

Her wish for a new life comes true when her father is kidnapped by a Beast (Robby Benson – Brave New World, TV’S House Of Mouse). Belle swaps herself for her father and soon finds herself in an enchanted castle with new friends including Lumiere (Jerry Orbach – TV’S Law & Order & Law & Order: Trial By Jury) and Cogsworth (David Ogden Stiers – Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil, TV’S Leverage) who are doing everything they can to get Bella and Beast to fall in love to have a spell broken.

Even after twenty years both the story and the music of Beauty & The Beast hold up, and what makes it even better is that the shots that directors, Gary Trousdale (The Pig Who Cried Werewolf, Thriller Night) and Kirk Wise (Atlantis: The Lost Empire, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame) captured all those years look absolutely sensational in 3D. Disney certainly didn’t go for a cheap conversion and it shows.

Seeing Beauty & The Beast again also reminds you about the power of the script. The film gets across some pretty strong messages about judging people by their appearance rather than what is inside yet you never actually feel that it is preaching at you. Having that message come through loud and clear however makes this a wonderful watch for the whole family.

Beauty & The Beast really holds up after twenty years, and like Titanic earlier this year is one film that is actually enhanced by the 3D.

Year: 2012

Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Stars: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Rex Everhart

Classification: G

Runtime: 104 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

In a world where Pixar animation runs riot it is good to see a stop-animation film arrive that is good enough to ensure it will put bums on seats And while the animation certainly holds up, the most amazing thing about Pirates: Band Of Misfits is the fact that it has an entertaining story and a brand of comedy that will actually make you laugh.

Based on a book by Gideon Defoe The Pirates: band Of Misfits follows the adventures of a rabble pirate crew run by The Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant – Did You Hear About The Morgans?, Music And Lyrics) who have long been the laughing stock of the Pirating world.

It is therefore a surprise to all when The Pirate Captain enters the race to be Pirate Of The Year which finds him up against the world’s best pirates – Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven – Angels Crest, I Melt With You), Peg Leg Hastings (Lenny Henry – TV’s Tinga Tinga Tales & Conversations With My Wife) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek – As Luck Would Have It, Puss In Boots).

In a bid to win The Pirate Captain and his crew find themselves on an adventure involving their beloved ‘parrot’ that leads to a meeting with the famous Charles Darwin (David Tennant – Fright Night, The Decoy Bride) and causes them to cross paths were their greatest enemy, the evil Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton – Arthur Christmas, The Awakening).

The animation in The Pirates: Band Of Misfits looks sensational and leaves you wishing that there were more films done in this style. Even better is the fact that directors Jeff Newitt (Trainspotter, Loves Me…Loves Me Not) and Peter Lord (Chicken Run, Wat’s Pig) don’t forget that even though they are using animation they are allowed to come up with some creative shots.

Storywise this film is spot on. It is entertaining and above all funny… yes I even laughed at the leprosy joke that seems to have been cut in the general release version of the film. The fact that the film also consist of some great characterization soon has you realizing that the script is actually pretty decent and some cudos need to be thrown in that direction as well. Their creativity far exceeds what this reviewer was expecting.

Hugh Grant is a strange choice to voice the lead character in an animation film but he pulls it off marvelously well, in fact if you didn’t know it was him you certainly wouldn’t pick it until the final credits. In fact there are a lot of surprises in the voice cast for this film… but all work remarkably well.

The Pirates: Band Of Misfits is a film that can be enjoyed by people of all ages… despite the fact some jokes may evoke some questions from kids. A surprisingly funny film that entertains and enchants.

Year: 2012

Director: Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt

Stars: Hugh Grant, Jeremy Piven, Lenny Henry, Salma Hayek, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant

Classification: G

Runtime: 88 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

Dr. Seuss was certainly a man ahead of his times, the new film Dr. Seuss The Lorax certainly proves that. His social comment on the environment and big business is still as important today as it was when the book was first published in 1971.

Based on the popular kid’s book The Lorax the film is told through the eyes of Ted (voiced by Zac Efron – Liberal Arts, New Year’s Eve) a young twelve year old who lives in a town that has plastic trees and has it’s air provided by a mega-rich businessman, Mr. O’Hare (Rob Riggle – 21 Jump Street, High Road), and there are only a few people including Grammy Norma (Betty White – The Lost Valentine, TV’S Hot In Cleveland) who can remember the world in any other way.

When Ted’s crush, Audrey (Taylor Swift – Valentine’s Day, TV’S CSI) says she will marry any guy that can provide her with a real tree Grammy Norma tells Ted to go and see The Once-ler (Ed Helms – High Road, Jeff Who Lives At Home), the one man who can tell the truth about what happens… and it involves a story about The Lorax (Danny DeVito – Girl Walks Into A Bar, When In Rome).

Together directors, Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, No Time For Nuts) and Kyle Balda (Banana, Home Makeover) have created a family film that you feel will stand the test of time and become a hit for generations to come.

The general story of The Lorax works remarkably well and while the message that big business is bad for the environment is there for everyone to see it certainly doesn’t feel that you are having it pushed down your throat. Even the film’s secondary message that every single person can change things is passed across in a manner that people will take notice off.

Visually the film is sensational. The bright colours fading into the dark of the ‘new world’ is a great touch while the animation is ‘loud’ but still works. The big plus however is that the music in The Lorax is nauseating. Yes it is a little on the cheesy side, but it’s a good cheesy, and you may actually be humming some of the songs long after you have left the cinema. Add this to the fact that some of the animal characters are insanely cute and you have a great film on your hands.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is the kind of film that can be enjoyed by the whole family, great considering the message that it is trying to push should be heard by people of all ages. This is set to become a timeless family favourite.

Year: 2012

Director: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda

Stars: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Betty White, Rob Riggle

Classification: G

Runtime: 86 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

The one thing you realise when watching Labyrinth (which has been recently converted to 2K Digital Format) is that director Jim Henson (TV’S Muppets & Dinosaurs) made too few feature films in his time. Sure Labyrinth is a strange little film (especially when you consider it was made for children) but really Henson was just making films in the same ilk as directors like Tim Burton (Alice In Wonderland, Sweeney Todd).

For those who haven’t seen the film already Labyrinth tells the story of what happens when Sarah (Jennifer Connelly – Salvation Boulevard, The Dilemma) angrily lashes out and wishes that her baby brother would be taken away by goblins.

The wish comes true and soon Sarah finds herself face-to-face with Jareth the Goblin King (David Bowie – August, The Prestige). She begs for the baby back but Jareth says if she wants him she’ll have to come to his castle to get him… that means making her way through a labyrinth in 13 hours (give or take a few thanks to a few tricks).

Along the way Sarah befriends creatures such as Hoggle (voiced by Brian Henson – TV’S Tinseltown & The Muppets), Ludo (voiced by Ron Mueck – The Tale Of The Bunny Picnic, Dreamchild) and Didymus (voiced by David Shaughnessy – Death Spa, TV’S Peter Pan & The Pirates).

Henson borrows heavily from stories such as Alice In Wonderland and Where The Wild Things Are and despite the fact that the story may lack a little and that the songs are pretty lame you overlook this because the film is just damn fun to watch.

You also have to marvel at how far advanced some the special effects were that were used in the film. There are a few lame ones but they are overshadowed by scenes such as the one where Jareth is walking upside down underneath Sarah.

Acting wise a young Jennifer Connelly is brilliant leaving no doubts to why she beat the likes of Helena Bonham Carter to the role. Despite the fact she is in a sci-fi she keeps her acting natural and interacts with the ‘puppets’ sensational well. David Bowie also puts in a credible performance despite the fact that at times he is given some really lame lines to deliver.

The new print of Labyrinth looks sensational on the big screen and is a must see for those who are fans for the film. And if you haven’t seen it, then now is the time to catch up with what is a classic fantasy film.  

Year: 1986

Director: Jim Henson

Stars: Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie, Brian Henson, Ron Mueck, David Shaughnessy

Classification: G

Runtime: 101 mins

Rating:

The new print of Labyrinth will be screening in Melbourne at The Astor from April 8-15.

Dave Griffiths

For anyone that hasn’t seen The Muppets you are probably going to laugh when I say this is an intelligent film that says more about modern society then you could ever imagine. Laugh as you may though, the screenwriters who put together this script have created something great that can only attract more fans to the lovable creatures that we grew up with.

Walter (voiced by Peter Linz – TV’S 30 Rock & It’s A Big, Big World) and Gary (Jason Segal – Jeff Who Lives At Home, Friends With Benefits) are brothers. But because Walter is a Muppet (no I can’t explain how a muppet and a human can be brothers) who hasn’t found his way in life the way Gary has so as a result Gary feels responsible for him, which is really getting in the way of his relationship with Mary (Amy Adams – The Fighter, Leap Year). When Gary decides that Walter is going with them to Los Angeles Mary is unhappy but an adventure starts while visiting the old rundown Muppets Theatre and Walter hears evil oil tycoon, Tex Richman (Chris Cooper – The Tempest, The Town) say he is going to demolish the theatre from under the Muppets feet. Now it is up to Walter to feverishly get the Muppets together in a bid to raise $10 million to save the theatre.

Director, James Bobin (TV’S Flight Of The Concords & Da Ali G Show) must have wondered what kind of script the new Muppets movie would have, but he needn’t have worried. In some ways the film makes fun of itself, highlighting the fact that most kids these days don’t know who the Muppets are and even laughing at its own songs, the film actually does a better job making fun of the genre then what most parody films do. There are some lowlights throughout the film, but they are few and far between meaning that for most of the time the film works, and kids may also get an education from it.

Jason Segal and Jack Black (The Big Year, Bernie) seem to lap up their comedy roles however Amy Adams seems a step behind them. She just can’t seem to get the over-acting required for her role right and at times comes off looking really ridiculous. Credit must also be paid to the actors who play cameo roles because they all work sensationally well and part of the fun of the film is being surprised at just who will pop up next.

The Muppets well and truly show that there is life in these puppets (or should be muppets) yet. Don’t write off another film surfacing soon, and I for one will be eagerly awaiting it as I had more fun watching this film than I have had in a long time… I’m just so thankful it had a good script.

Year: 2011

Director: James Bobin

Stars: Peter Linz, Jason Segal, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Jack Black

Classification: G

Runtime: 110 mins

Rating:

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 9th May 2012

Dave Griffiths

It’s a pity that this franchise went down the gurgler because the original Alvin And The Chipmunks movie worked so well, and while Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked is better than the last in the series it still has some serious flaws that really holds it back as a film.

This time around Dave (Jason Lee – TV’S Up All Night & Memphis Beat) decides to take the Chipmunks and the Chipettes on a cruise just before a major music awards ceremony. The cruise gets off to a shaky start with Dave realizing their nemesis Ian (David Cross – TV’S Modern Family & Archer) (you remember him the evil record label boss from the first film) is working on the cruise, and to make matters worse Dave and Alvin (voiced by Justin Long – Ten Year, Alpha & Omega) are arguing over whether Alvin should be given more freedom. Then of course comes the big moment which sees all the chipmunks trapped on a deserted island with the loopy Zoe (Jenny Slate – Marcel The Shell With Shoes On, TV’S Ugly Americans) while Dave and Ian look for them.

Poor Mike Mitchell (Shrek Forever After, Sky High) certainly can’t be blamed for where this film goes wrong. As far as directing go he gets the animation meets real life stuff pretty spot on, no the problem here is with the writing. See, this is a kid’s film but the moral in the film (‘parents have to decide when their children have to be stopped being treated as children and given some freedom’) is aimed at the adults, as is a lot of the supposed humor… I mean seriously did the screenwriters think that most children have seen the Tom Hanks’ film Castaway? How else are they supposed to get the ‘Wilson’ joke in the film.

Small children will probably find the chipmunks pretty cute but it’s hard to see children over the age of 5 even enjoying this film, I’m pretty sure even they will grown at the over acting of Jenny Slate who really needs to learn that children have brains as well, her performance is woeful when you consider how other actors play their parts in kids films… did she not watch her co-star, Jason Lee at all during the making of the film.

I really pity the poor parents who are dragged along to see Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked as this will be torture for anyone aged over 5 years of age.

Year: 2011

Director: Mike Mitchell

Stars: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long, Jenny Slate

Classification: G

Runtime: 87 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

Director, Martin Scorsese (George Harrison: Living In The Material World, Public Speaking) has well and truly stepped out of his comfort zone with Hugo, and I don’t just mean because this time around he hasn’t got Leonardo DiCaprio has his leading man. No, Scorsese has stepped behind the camera for a family film, not something you would normally expect from the man who has brought us Shutter Island and The Departed, but even as he tries something new Scorsese manages to create a really beautiful film.

This boxing day your kids may be screaming at you to take them to see the latest Alvin & The Chipmunks film, but please do everyone a favor and take them to see Hugo instead, because this a family film that deserves to be mentioned alongside classics such as The Sound Of Music and Oliver Twist.

Set in Paris in the 1930s Hugo tells the story of Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield – Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang, The Wolfman) who has been living in the walls of a train station with his uncle (Ray Winstone – Lost In Italy, Rango) after the death of his father (Jude Law – Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows, 360). But now his uncle has disappeared so Hugo spends his days winding the clocks of the station, dodging the station’s inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen – Bruno, Madagascar 2) and trying to put together an automaton that his father left him (more importantly trying to find the key that will make it work). His search is made harder by a toyshop owner, Georges Melies (Ben Kingsley – Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time, Teen Patti) who takes a disliking for Hugo when he looks at the boy’s notebook. However, Hugo soon befriends Isabelle (Chloe Grace Moretz – Hick, The Dark Fields) who is really looking for adventure.

Scorsese really does bring a feel to this film that most directors could only dream it. His sweeping opening shots over Paris and his shots inside the internal workings of the station’s clocks show just what an eye-for-detail he has… is it to bold to say that he is the finest director of our time? Add this to an amazing story that ends up in a place that nobody would ever guess and you really do have one of the finest films that we have seen in a very long time. It doesn’t happen very often these days but this was a film that made me sit there and just go ‘WOW!!!’… I felt like a child seeing my first ever film… this is the kind of film that can make you re-discover your love for cinema.

Hugo allows Asa Butterfield and Chloe Grace Moretz to continue growing as actors but the surprise packet here is Sacha Baron Cohen. As he did with Sweeney Todd Cohen shows that there is more to his acting ability than just characters such as Borat and Bruno. As the station inspector Cohen is playing the bad guy but so good is his performance that you can’t help but feel for the lonely man. It won’t happen but so good is Cohen’s performance that he deserves a Best Supporting Oscar nomination… his performance in Hugo is one that I will remember for a long time to come.

This is a stunning film that has certainly made my list of Top Films of 2011. Visually spectacular Hugo is a film that deserves to become a family classic.

Year: 2011

Director: Martin Scorsese

Stars: Asa Butterfield, Ray Winstone, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, Chloe Grace Moretz

Classification: TBC

Runtime: 126 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

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

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

One of the first punches of the 2011 Christmas Film Fight has been thrown… and it’s a mighty powerful punch as well. Some may be critical of a animated family Christmas film but Arthur Christmas holds it own because of its witty script and the fact that it is original.

The Christmas family has had the role of Santa covered for centuries. As Christmas Eve comes around once again Grandsanta (voice by Bill Nighy – Chalet Girl, Rango) prepares to curl up in his chair and watch as his son Malcolm (Jim Broadbent – Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2, TV’S Exile) dons the Santa suit and goes on his world trip. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s son Steve (Hugh Laurie – The Oranges, Hop) shouts orders from the control room while dreaming of taking over the Santa role. In the background is the clumsy Arthur (James McAvoy – X-Men: First Class, Gnomeo & Juliet) who works in the mail room and is horrified when one child is forgotten at Christmas time.

Writer/director, Sarah Smith (TV’S Thin Ice & Dead Man Weds) really announces herself with Arthur Christmas. Not only doesn’t the terrific script manage to captivate children but its humor will also appeal to adults… there will be no nodding off for Mums and Dads here. The team behind the film has also done an amazing job with the animation… mark my words this is equal to any film that Pixar have released over the last few years.

But the thing that really makes Arthur Christmas work is its script. Arthur is lovable character, he is the under-dog and everyone in the audience is going to find themselves hoping that he succeeds. The screenwriters also manage to deliver some powerful morals without preaching as well… it doesn’t take a genius to realise that the idea of not having any one person go without a present is a hint at charity, and to their credit it comes across subtly but really makes you think.

A nice little family film that doesn’t forget that a good storyline and a little bit of humor go a long, long way. If you want some quality family time this Christmas then Arthur Christmas is a great way to start… bring on the Festive season.

Year: 2011

Director: Sarah Smith

Stars: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Ashley Jensen

Classification: G

Runtime: 97 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths