Weekly Review Round Up 10/2/2013

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

What should you spend your precious dollars on when visiting the cinema? What needs popcorn to enjoy?  And what needs waiting until DVD?

If you have seen any of these or want to see them and have a comment please feel free to share. We love hearing from our readers.

 (My movie Pick of the week)

Lincoln ★★★★^½
Opens in Australia: 7^th February 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

 OUR THOUGHTS

Steven Spielberg paints a wonderful portrait of Lincoln as a real man.  In a lesser Director’s hands this film would have dragged (some reviewers thought it did).  He manages to infuse, what could have been dry, political rhetoric with a humorous playfulness that balances the seriousness of the events.   I found this movie fascinating and moving and beautifully made. Even though I already had the greatest admiration for Lincoln through his wonderful speeches and thoughts, I now truly understand his greatness and why the American people still love him so much.  If Daniel Day-Lewis doesn’t win the Oscar, something is rotten in the state of Denmark. 

STUDIO BLURB

Steven Spielberg directs Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln, a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters ★★

Opens in Australia: 7th February 2013

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

You know what to expect, surely, from the trailers and the posters, so don’t blame me if you see it and are not happy. On the other hand, I did have a load of fun watching the witches get beaten up in so many different ways.  And I’ve never seen so many bodies, including our heroes, thrown through the air, through walls, through windows, down stairs, through trees, into carts, into barrels…well, you get the picture.   It has as many (plot) holes as a dozen packets of life-savers but if you love those slash-and-dash films like Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer, Resident Evil,  and Underworld here is another one especially for you.

STUDIO BLURB

After getting a taste for blood as children, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) have become the ultimate vigilantes, hell bent on retribution. Now, unbeknownst to them, Hansel and Gretel have become the hunted, and must face an evil far greater than witches...their past. -- (C) Paramount 

Guilt Trip ★★★

Opens in Australia: 24^th January 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

 OUR THOUGHTS

This is not an altogether fail as a film. It’s not hugely funny but towards the end, that was a tear that rolled down my cheek.  And, err, no, that wasn’t me squirming in my seat at the beginning as we were introduced to the over-bearing Mother Barbara Streistand played.  In any case, I love Barbara Streisand (yep I’ve seen every movie she’s made—many twice) and Seth Rogan is a great foil for her. 

Don’t go expecting anything hugely funny but do go looking for a lovely film that will remind you of the bonds between Mother’s and sons (and daughters) and how valuable they are if you take the time to look.

STUDIO BLURB

Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, and who better to accompany him than his overbearing mother Joyce. After deciding to start his adventure with a quick visit at mom’s, Andy is guilted into bringing her along for the ride. Across 3,000 miles of ever-changing landscape, he is constantly aggravated by her antics, but over time he comes to realize that their lives have more in common than he originally thought. His mother’s advice might end up being exactly what he needs. 
 

What have you seen this week? Did you find our comments helpful or do you disagree? Share your thoughts with us.