Movies: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (12A), Jarhead 2: Field of Fire (DVD - 15), Demolition Man (DVD - 15), Spies in Disguise (PG), Playing with Fire (PG) & Cats (U)

Star Wars: The rise of Skywalker (12A) - what's it about? The final chapter of the main Star Wars story where Rey must battle the Sith and stop the dark side from taking over the galaxy.

I had to jump to see this as soon as it come out, just because you know Star Wars. I wouldn’t say I’m a fangirl - well you know not an uber hardcore fan so keep that in mind. I liked this one, I thought it was good, had the Star Wars feel, and it was nice that Carrie Fisher was in it but I did find there were a few plot holes in the story which was quite frustrating. Yeah was a good watch and a nice end to the story. I think some hardcore fans will probably nitpick this but for a general fan it was enjoyable.

Rating: ***

Jarhead 2: Field of Fire (DVD - 15) - what's it about? A squad must transport some stuff across a war zone and all doesn't go according to plan.

I popped in the shop and found this, to tell you the truth I didn't even know it was released, I loved the first one so decided to grab it. It's a bit different to the first but a good story which is filled with some good action, it's a good war film but it's focused on the team rather than the greater war. It's a good watch, if you like war stuff or enjoyed the first it’s worth giving it a watch.

Rating: ***

Demolition Man (DVD - 15) - what's it about? After being frozen for crimes a cop and a criminal get thawed and all hell breaks loose.

I hadn't seen this in a long while and had to give it a re-watch. They don't make movies like this with crazy ass villains any more. It's got a bit of a story but mainly focuses on the action, explosions etc. It's got some good humour in it that gave me a chuckle. It's one of those that you'll either love it or you'll think what have I just watched. Yep I liked it, a good futurist film!

Rating: ****

Spies in Disguise (PG) - what's it about? A top spy ends up getting accidently turned into a pigeon.

Ok so from the adverts this looked like it could be fun and amusing, sometimes the world needs something silly to make it laugh, and for me this didn’t disappoint. There were quite a few moments in it where I loled, which I was quite surprised at. Just think cartoon James Bond but with pigeons and that basically sums up this film so if you are a fan of spy action stuff but also like a good cartoon then this has it all. It also has enough humour which the kids will get but it also had stuff as an adult that I found really amusing. This is an all-round film that’s worth a look.

Rating: ***

Playing with Fire (PG) - what's it about? Three kids end up caught in a house fire and are saved by smoke jumpers, who have to look after them until their parents arrive.

I thought this may have been amusing from the adverts but it also could be really bad, sadly it ended up being the latter, it was just meh, totally meh. I feel my rating though of 1 star is probably a little harsh as it did have a couple of moments I found slightly funny but it wasn’t good enough to give it 2 stars in my book. This is one that is aimed at littler kids and doesn’t really have much to it. It’s just yeah, you’ll end up watching this if you have kids and you’ll probably have had enough after 5 minutes.

Rating: *

Cats (U) - what's it about? The Jellicles cats must decide who of them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer.

I was in two minds if to see this as I am not really a fan of musicals at all in the cinema, I love a good musical stage show but I think somehow they lose something being transported into the big screen. A friend of mine when I asked her though said she thought I’d like this but warned me it was a lot of singing and it was kind of weird the cats being so humanlike. I agree with her after seeing this, it’s a lot of singing and the cats were kind of disturbing, though I’m pretty sure the furries will appreciate them. Yeah it was an alright watch, though I have not seen the stage show so I cannot compare it, but I have to admit I did shed a tear in it, so it did hit me in the feels. Yep worth a watch if you like musicals.

Rating: ***

Movies: Jumanji: The Next Level (12A) & Hotel Transylvania 2 (DVD – PG)

Jumanji: The Next Level (12A) – what’s it about? The sequel to the Jumanji remake, where the gang must enter back into the game and save the day.

I thought I have to see this as the last one was really amusing and I felt like I could do with a good proper laugh, and it didn’t disappoint. It was exactly as I expected, more of the same silly humour and a bit of a refresh of the storyline. I’d say in a way it’s just a rehash of the first one so it maybe has lost a little bit of that edge, but it was still an enjoyable to watch and gave me a laugh. If you want to watch something silly where you can leave your brain at the door and just enjoy then this is worth checking out.

Rating: ****

Hotel Transylvania 2 (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? Dracula and the gang try to awake up the monster in Mavis and Jonathan’s son.

After watching the first one last week I was straight on this to see what the second one would be like, as I really did love the first one. Now in my opinion I don’t think this one was as good as the first one, don’t get me wrong it was still a great watch, pretty fun and just an enjoyable family-friendly spooky film. I don’t know, I am not a fan of films where they introduce babies, but I suppose in something where there is a couple it’s pretty inevitable but yeah I just switch off when it’s all baby gaga. That said this did make me smile and I did enjoy the light-hearted storyline, it’s worth a watch and another one for all the family.

Rating: ***

Movies: Knowing (DVD – 15), Last Christmas (12A), Knives Out (12A), Gremlins (35th Anniversary) (12A), Hotel Transylvania (DVD – PG)

Knowing (DVD – 15) – what’s it about? After a time-capsule is pulled out of the ground John works out the document his son is given lists predictions of major disasters.

I thought I’d give this a re-watch as I hadn’t seen it in a while and couldn’t fully remember the story. This is one of those interesting disaster movies as it’s not just like the run of the mill as it has numerous disaster bits in it but also stuff to do with the whole mystery that’s got to be solved. It’s kind of graphic in parts though like ouch so I’d probably say it’s not for anyone that’s too young for the age rating or anyone who’s really squeamish. The story kept me intrigued throughout even though I think this is the second or so time that I’ve watched it. I would say though it would have been better if they cut off the last 5 or so minutes of the film as it just doesn’t seem to fit, though I think they did it so the film didn’t end up on a downer. Yeah it’s a good film and worth a watch if you haven’t seen it.

Rating: ***

Last Christmas (12A) – what’s it about? Girl meets guy and she falls for him and it changes her whole outlook on life.

Ok so I really wasn’t going to see this one as I thought ugh another sappy love story and it’s a Christmas one to boot so I can’t think of much else worse than this. But a friend of mine saw it and talked me around to going to watch it, and well I was pleasantly surprised by it. It definitely had its moments and it was quite amusing throughout and of course heart-warming, even though I could see the plot coming a mile off. This is definitely a chick flick, a good blanket and tub of ice cream is calling…and don’t forget the obligatory box of tissues.

Rating: ****

Knives Out (12A) – what’s it about? A murder takes place and a Private Investigator is called to solve the crime.

This is basically like watching Cluedo or one of those old school murder mysteries, which in this day and age is quite refreshing to see as it’s not like all the other films out at the moment. I usually love a good mystery movie or show where you have to try to figure things out as it goes on, but I did find this a little underwhelming, it was pretty predicable but at the same time it was a fun watch. If you like a bit of mystery or want to watch something a little different then I’d get out your magnify glass and check this one out.

Rating: ***

Gremlins (2019 35^th Anniversary) (12A) – what’s it about? Billy gets given a new pet by his father and he doesn’t follow the rules so all hell breaks loose.

So the cinema is currently showing Gremlins which has been remastered for its 35^th anniversary so I thought this could be quite cool to see so I decided to check it out. Now sadly I was a little young when this was released, so I was really looking forward to getting to see this on the big screen rather than just the small one. It was an awesome film back in the day and to see it again brought back a lot of good memories. They’ve done good work upgrading it but because of its age it was still a bit dated, that said though it was totally worth seeing it again!

Rating: ***

Hotel Transylvania (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? Dracula’s daughter comes of age and she meets a human boy and falls in love.

I hadn’t see this until now, and my friends kind of mocked me when the 3^rd one come out as in they thought I would have been all over it being the mopey goth adult, but nah I missed it in the cinema and never got it until now. I now totally regret not seeing this sooner, it was freaking awesome, so amusing and well just general cartoon fun really. It was just a fun story and nicely done, it would definitely be one that your kids will love (unless they are complete scaredy cats). It was really nice to see, as the only other spooky cartoon out like this has been The Addams Family. If you haven’t see it and like things childly spooky then you should totally check this one out.

Rating: ****

Movies: 21 Bridges (15) & Pacific Rim (DVD – 12)

21 Bridges (15) – what’s it about? After two criminals take out some cops on a heist, the police lock down Manhattan as they try to capture them.

I kind of wasn’t sure what this would be like from the adverts, it looked ok but yeah it could have gone either way, so I didn’t really have much expectations for it. I was actually quite presently surprised by it, it wasn’t just all cops shooting it out, there was a plot to it and well it kept the pace up throughout, that said though the story was quite predicable. Yep it’s a good cops vs robbers film if you like that type of thing.

Rating: ***

Pacific Rim (DVD – 12) – what’s it about? Mechs vs Monsters! This is basically the humans trying to survive and destroy the Kaiju who come through a rift at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

I thought I’d give this a re-watch as I haven’t seen it in a bit, I think this is my third watching it now lol. It’s still a good action flick, it’s got some story which is ok but it mainly focuses on the action side of things. Yep it just shines through from the old monster and/or mech movies/animes. Yeah if you like to watch monsters battling it out and some big ass fight scenes then this will definitely be right up your street and worth a look.

Rating: ****

Movies: Jurassic Park (DVD - PG) & Allegiant (DVD - 12A)

Jurassic Park (DVD - PG) – what’s it about? A guy sets up a theme park with real dinosaurs and needs to get the approval of two experts before the park can be opened.

I haven’t seen this for ages and I mean since I had it on VHS as a kid – it was one of my top films that I watched over and over. So as I found it cheap in the shop I thought what the hell I’d give it a re-watch. Yeah some of the effects of the dinosaurs are a bit dated now but it’s still a good film, it’s got a good story but I did ask myself “why are you sitting eating ice cream whilst they are all in danger, go help them you bastards!” Anyway yeah it’s got some amusing bits in it, some action and suspense to boot. Yeah it’s one of those classics that’s worth a re-watch even for the amusement factor.

Rating: ****

Allegiant (DVD - 12A) – what’s it about? The third film in the Divergent series where Tris and the gang meet with the orchestrators of Chicago and must save their city.

After watching the first two recently I thought I’d re-watch this one to finish seeing the series all close together. It was still a good film, it continued on in the same teen sci-fi movie type vein so if you liked the others then this one is definitely worth a watch. Yeah it had enough action in it, but I did feel like the storyline was a little bit meh but it was still enjoyable. It is definitely one where you have to have seen all the series for it to make sense. I am also not sure on the comparison the books have to these movies as I haven’t read them.

Rating: ***

Movies: Coyote Ugly (DVD – 12) & Insurgent (DVD – 12A)

Coyote Ugly (DVD – 12) – what’s it about? A young girl moves to the city to try to make it as a musician and ends up working in a wild bar.

I hadn’t seen this one in a while and it popped into my head and I thought I want to re-watch it. It’s one of those nice stories about romance and friendship, it’s not all sicky all the time as its more about all the characters than just all romance. It’s a chick flick – you know one where you curl up on the sofa with your girlie mates and eat ice cream or something like that. Yep even though its girlie it’s a good one, and is worth a watch or rewatch.

Rating: ****

Insurgent (DVD – 12A) – what’s it about? The sequel to Divergent where Tris and the Dauntless gang must stop Jeanine’s evil plan.

So after watching Divergent last week, this time it’s the sequels turn. I have to say watching this at home I did get a little bored compared to when I saw this at the cinema, but I think I was just meh. That said it’s a good continuation to the story about the sci-fi-dystopian world, and it does get going enough with the story and then it does get engrossing. Yeah it’s a nice teen story with a bit of action so if you like that type of thing, it’s worth a watch.

Rating: ***

Movies: Terminator: Dark Fate (15), The Addams Family (PG), Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (U), Doctor Sleep (15), UFO (2018) (DVD – 12), Hocus Pocus (DVD – PG), Matilda (DVD – PG) & Divergent (DVD – 12A)

Terminator: Dark Fate (15) – what’s it about? A Terminator is sent back to destroy the future leader of the resistance.

I thought I’d give this one a go as I’ve seen all the other Terminator films and watched the TV series and I do love the universe. I wasn’t sure though if this would be any good, but it was a good reboot movie. It kept me engrossed for most the time, it had enough action as well as a good story even though it was pretty much a rehash. I wouldn’t expect this to be amazing but its worth a look if you like Terminator stuff.

Rating: ***

The Addams Family (PG) – what’s it about? A new housing development pops up next to the Addam’s mansion.

I loved the Addams family movies and the TV series and when I saw this advertised, I thought to myself I need to check it out, so I did. This was pretty funny, it definitely had its moments and really captured the family too, as well as the “normal” society around them. Yeah this is a good one for all the family, there’s not really any hidden adult humour in it but its still funny. If you like the quirky and spookiness of the Addams family, then you’ll probably like this one.

Rating: ****

Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (U) – what’s it about? Shaun finds an alien and has to help them get back home.

I liked the Wallace and Gromit movies and Shaun the Sheep, they are always amusing and a little quirky. Even though this doesn’t have any speech in it as such, it’s still a great little movie, of course though it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea because of this. It’s definitely one that the little ones will love and be laughing at all the way through, but as an adult if you liked the previous movies then this is more of the same – it’s cute and amusing.

Rating: ***

Doctor Sleep (15) – what’s it about? The continuation on from the Shinning where Dan must team up with a young girl to end a cults reign of terror.

I have to admit I can find some of the Stephen King movie adaptations really drawn out and slow and just longer than they need to be but I was impressed by this one. They really kept up the pace all the way through and everything included was relevant to the bigger story, it was just done generally really well. It was pretty good to see the sequel to this, but I have to say I wasn’t scared at all during this, not even one jump. Yep it’s a good mild horror which is worth checking out, that’s if you want to find out what happens to Dan after all these years.

Rating: ***

UFO (2018) (DVD – 12) – what’s it about? After a UFO sighting in the US a student tries to solve the signals sent by the aliens.

I saw this in the shop for cheap and thought I would give it a go as I like a good alien film, this was a little different where it was a student trying to solve the riddle of the visitations. The story is ok, but I did find myself getting a little bored with it at first, as it just didn’t seem to go anywhere fast but then it got pretty good so I’m in a mixed opinion about this one. I think it’s probably about a 2 ½ stars movie, and one you have to commit to watch all the way through. I think if you are a UFO and alien enthusiast then you may like this but if not probably don’t bother.

Rating: **

Hocus Pocus (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? A group of kids must survive Halloween night after waking three witches.

As it was Halloween, I thought I’d continue on my tradition of watching this one, and every time I see it, I forgot how much I love it. Its really got it all really, it’s got some humour in it, a good and compelling story and some interesting characters. Even though it’s pretty old now it’s not too dated either so that’s a plus. Yeah this is one to re-watch and maybe share with your family if you haven’t already, it’s just one of those timeless gems really.

Rating: ****

Matilda (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? Matilda is sent to school and helps the children to stop the horrible headmistress.

This is just a fun kids film really; I saw it over a year ago on TV but managed to pick the DVD up cheap as I wanted to add it to my collection. I truly think it’s one of those that kids will love but also adults will find amusing too…well I did anyway. This is just generally an all-round good family movie, the story is ok, the characters are good and well it’s just fun really.

Rating: ****

Divergent (DVD – 12A) – what’s it about? Tris comes of age and has to join a faction, but in this process, she discovers some things about herself.

I decided to give this one another go as I got all the movies on DVD, so this is the first re-review for it, and I have to say I’m really looking forward to seeing them all close together to help enhance the story. Anyway, yes this is a good film, sadly I haven’t read the books to compare though, but the movie itself is pretty neat. It’s got a good story and enough action that kept me engrossed all the way through. I think this is definitely one the teen audience would love but also its good for adults too. I’d say this is more 3 ½ stars movie.

Rating: ***

Movies: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (PG), Zombieland: Double Tap (15) & Batman & Robin (DVD – PG)

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (PG) – what’s it about? The sequel film about the Disney villain, where Maleficent discovers her own kind who battle against the humans.

I really liked the first one of this so thought I would check this out, I have to say I was not disappointed with this at all. It was as good as the first one and is definitely worth checking out of you like the Maleficent character or alternative take on the Disney fairy-tale. It’s got it all, love story, cuteness, action and a good story. Yep its one of the better films I’ve seen as of late.

Rating: ****

Zombieland: Double Tap (15) – what’s it about? The sequel where the guys go to try to find Little Rock, where they must survive against a new strain of zombies.

I quite liked the first one of this, it had its moments and the adverts looked pretty entertaining so I thought I’d give this one another bash. I quite like zombie stuff but I do prefer zombie comedy as its just well silly and amusing really. This was pretty entertaining, it gave me a giggle in a few parts, it was more of the same as the previous one so if you’ve seen that then you know what to expect. Yep if you like a dose of zombies and humour then maybe check this one out.

Rating: ***

Batman & Robin (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? Batman and Robin team up to tackle Freeze and Poison Ivy.

I thought I’d finish off watching this series of Batman movies, because you know its Batman and he’s awesome and I hadn’t seen this one for a long time. I remember Freeze quite a lot but couldn’t remember much of Ivy in it, and well as an adult I can totally relate to her, I get where she’s coming from…get rid of the humans and save the planet…ok maybe that’s a little harsh but you know. Anyway, this one is pretty good, as with the sidekicks involved adds more too it, and its filled with the normal Batman story and action to boot. Yep it’s worth a re-watch if you haven’t seen it in a bit.

Rating: ***

Movies: Abominable (U), Gemini Man (12A) & GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra (DVD – 12)

Abominable (U) – what’s it about? A yeti is captured by an evil corporation and this is the story of a group of friends helping him find his way home.

I wasn’t sure if this would be ok or not, it was one of those I just went to see it to pass the time and it was worth it as its pretty cute. That said though it is very much for the younger audience and probably too kiddy for most older teens. It’s not like some of the other cartoons that have hidden humour that the older generation will get, so don’t expect that. It is though a really nice film, it’s a heart-warming story about a group of friends bonding and going on a journey together, it’s just a loveable easy watch really…though I’m not sure how they all didn’t die from hypothermia.

Rating: ***

Gemini Man (12A) – what’s it about? When Henry is set to retire the agency send a hitman after him to tie up loose ends.

I originally thought this starred Will Smith and his son, but nope it’s just Will Smith and Will Smith. It’s a good mindless action film really, its very similar to some of his other films, it has a little bit of humour and storyline but its mainly a leave your brain at the door and watch film. The only thing I would say is as it’s the two of them some of the cgi is really over the top cgi and it just takes the mind away from the movie and you just notice it. I know they were trying to make his younger one a bit of a super soldier, but it was just done really badly. Yeah its ok if you like a good action flick really as long as you don’t think too much.

Rating: ****

GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra (DVD – 12) – what’s it about? Two new recruits join the Joes and together the team must stop an evil company from using some big ass weapons.

I decided to re-watch this one as I hadn’t seen it for a long while and I forgot how cheesy it was. It’s a good watch, probably aimed at the younger/teen boy audience more than anyone else. It’s got a bit of a story to it and is a lot of fighting and action really. The characters are very average though, and just really cheesy and stereotypical, you know the bad guys are all in black and the bad woman is in tight fitting black pvc, and the good guys are all American fit and the lady has her cleavage out and make-up on even though she’s supposed to be all military. Yeah its just really hammy really just like the cartoon, so as long as you take it for what it is then its an amusing watch and will probably keep you entertained, it did me anyway.

Rating: ***

Movies: Joker (15), Ghostbusters (1984) (DVD – PG) & Batman Forever (DVD – PG)

Joker (15) – what’s it about? The origin story of Batman’s most well-known enemy – the Joker.

A film based on the DC comic book universe, this one focuses on the villain the Joker and how he came to be the baddie we all know so well. It is a really dark film so don’t expect this at all to be happy and amusing, it is filled with negativity and bad shit that leads to insanity. It really does hash out the Jokers story and changed my perspective on the character, he used to just be a bad guy but now I see him as a poor guy that suffered so much shit and I can understand why he turned out the way he did, I feel sorry for him now. Yeah if you want to watch something with an intense story that really throws you deep into the DC universe then definitely look this one up.

Rating: ****

Ghostbusters (1984) (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? A team of supernatural investigators set up a firm to tackle New York’s ghost problem.

They were doing a special screening at the cinema for the 35^th anniversary of this so I thought I’d go and re-watch it as I hadn’t seen it for a couple of years and its always way better seeing something on the big screen rather than the tv. I forgot how funny this film was, it was really amusing, the graphics have aged a bit now but then again it is getting on a bit as a film, but it still holds its own as the story is good and the characters are just great characters. Yeah if you haven’t seen this for a while it’s definitely worth a re-watch just for the lol factor.

Rating: ****

Batman Forever (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? Batman must take down the Riddler and Two-Face who are terrorising Gotham.

I decided to give this a re-watch as I haven’t seen it in a while, its amazing how films have changed over the years, its like bam chuck in two villains in one film and add Robin too, yeah its quite full up this one. I sadly remembered there being more to it though, I could have sworn that it gave more backstory for the villains but I’m probably remembering that from the other countless Bat stuff I’ve seen/read over the years. Again as above if you haven’t seen this for a while then its worth looking at for a bit of light hearted comic book action, you just have to keep in mind it is getting on a little bit now.

Rating: ***

Movies: Ready or Not (18), The Goldfinch (15), How to Train Your Dragon (DVD – PG) & Looper (DVD – 15)

Ready or Not (18) – what’s it about? After marrying into a wealthy family Grace must survive a terrifying night playing Hide or Seek.

Well I wasn’t sure on this one, I thought it might be really gross or scary because the age rating. It wasn’t that gross at all, yeah you see some great violence, but you don’t see massive close ups of the gore. It wasn’t really a scary film either, there are a few bits that get the heart pumping but nothing really scary I’d say. I think I laughed more than anything else with this, which is why I’m giving it four stars, because it was a pretty fun watch. Yep if you want to watch a bit of violence and have a laugh this will be the one for you.

Rating: ****

The Goldfinch (15) – what’s it about? A boy is caught in an attack and this is the story as his life unfolds after the tragic events.

I really wasn’t quite sure what this would be about as I hadn’t read the book and from the adverts it looked like there could be a time travel twist or something in it, I can whole-heartedly say that this is not about that at all. It is exactly what the description says it’s about, it’s more of a drama and about the boys life so you may be disappointed if you’ve gone by the adverts. That said though this is a pretty good movie with a good story line, it kept me engrossed throughout as even though it was long it wasn’t dull, that said though it probably could be about 30 mins shorter than it was. Yeah its pretty good, I can imagine it would be popular with more a middle aged audience.

Rating: ***

How to Train Your Dragon (DVD – PG) – what’s it about? Hiccup lives in a Viking village which is plagued by dragons, and he forms a bond with one.

So I’m sure most people have seen this by now, and I just thought I would give it a re-watch as I hadn’t seen it for a little while. It didn’t disappoint me, even watching it for either the second or third time, it’s just an all-round good movie. It’s just fun and a nice cartoon, it has it all, a bit of story, a love story, action, heroics, humour, its basically the full shebang, its one of those I think most people will like no matter their age. If you haven’t seen this then I’m really not sure where you have been, maybe living in a Viking village, who knows. Yep its worth a watch or a re-watch if you liked it.

Rating: ****

Looper (DVD – 15) – what’s it about? Joe is a Looper – a hired gun from the past, where bounties are sent back for him to kill, as the gang decides to end his life, he and his future self must battle to survive.

I saw this quite a few years back and I thought that I would give it a re-watch as I could remember the premise of the movie but not the entire story. It’s one of those movies that features the not so distant future and then on from there, so it shows both sides of life, so it gives it a little more interest than it being just set in one timeline. I wouldn’t say this is sci-fi just a little futuristic but believable at that, it’s one of those that has a storyline but has some good action to boot. It’s really a typical Bruce Willis type movie, so you know the type of thing really from all his previous films and if you liked them you’ll probably like this one too.

Rating: ***

Movies: IT Chapter 2 (15), Hustlers (15), Wreck It Ralph (DVD - PG), Ad Astra (12A), Batman Returns (DVD - 15), Alien Covenant (DVD - 15), Rambo Last Blood (18), The Kitchen (15), Rio (DVD - U) & Predator (DVD - 18)

IT Chapter 2 (15) – what’s it about? 27 years on and the gang reunite to stop Pennywise’s evil ways for good.

So after the IT remake, Pennywise finally returns for the conclusion of the story, in reality though we’ve waited a long while to get a sequel to IT. I had really high hopes that this would be creepy as hell and pretty messed up but sadly I was left quite disappointed. Don’t get me wrong it is an OK movie but no way what I was hoping for, it just seemed long and drawn out and I didn’t even get scared or jump once, which was a shame. Yeah it’s worth a watch just to close the chapter but I wouldn’t get your hopes up too much.

Rating: ***

Hustlers (15) – what’s it about? Based on true events about a group of exotic dances that con some wealthy men.

Ok so this is a bit raunchy – well the first party anyway, as it starts off with the dances doing their thing at the club so a lot of skimpy outfits and pole dancing. Once the plot gets going this turns into a really interesting film, and I got quite drawn into it. I can’t really say much as I don’t want to give it away but yeah they had a real good hustle going on and well done to them to pulling it off. But with all these films you don’t know how much is flashed up for the big screen and how much is real, but it made a good movie. Yeah if you want to watch something that gets you a little hot under the collar then check this out.

Rating: ***

Wreck It Ralph (DVD - PG) – what’s it about? Ralph’s fed up of being the bad guy and sets out to win a good guy medal.

I decided to give this a re-watch as I picked it up cheap on DVD recently and I couldn’t quite remember the whole thing. Yep this is a really good film, it will appeal to the kids for the nice little story, action and the characters and its adventure, but it really appealed to me as an 80’s child too – oh the nostalgia! As it features some characters from back in the day which will give a chuckle. Yep this is a fun for all the family type of film which I think most people will love if they like animated stuff.

Rating: ****

Ad Astra (12A) – what’s it about? An astronaut must head to space to find his father.

I thought this could be quite interesting from the adverts as I like a lot of space stuff and having something more believable rather than far out sci-fi could be interesting. IMO some of this was really good and well done, but I found it quite long and drawn out and the story was a little slow paced. I wouldn’t put it in the you must see this category but I’d say if you like more of a slower paced film and something more believable than most space stuff then this will be worth checking out.

Rating: ***

Batman Returns (DVD - 15) – what’s it about? The sequel to Batman where he tackles the Penguin and Catwoman.

After re-watching Batman recently I thought I’d watch the rest in the series, so this is part two or well Batman Returns, where funnily enough Batman returns. So this again is a bit of an older one but it is still good, it’s nice to see some of Batman’s other enemies as mainly films/TV seem to focus a lot around the Joker. I really loved Catwoman in this too, I remember as a kid thinking how cool she was, and well the Penguin has always been cool and creepy. Well if you don’t mind your movies a little dated then this is definitely worth a re-visit.

Rating: ***

Alien Covenant (DVD - 15) – what’s it about? A relocation team take a de-tour to a planet after receiving a distress call.

Well this is a bit of a continuation from Prometheus and I’d say these two are worth watching close together as they both link into each other and help hash out the Alien franchise even more. OK so I’m sure at some point you would have seen the Alien movies, if not then they are worth checking out if you like some good horror-sci-fi action. This one is pretty good and quite icky too so it doesn’t disappoint on that front, I can’t really say too much on it but yep it’s definitely worth a visit to this distant world…or not.

Rating: ****

Rambo Last Blood (18) – what’s it about? Gabriela gets abducted and Rambo must come out of retirement to try to save her.

Rambo is really getting on now, and if you have seen the older films you know this, but it is nice to have another instalment in the franchise. Though I would say this wasn’t as good as I’d hoped in the crazy cheesiness that I’d expected. The film is quite serious throughout and quite sensible, of course though towards the end the killing gets crazy funny but it takes a while to get there. Yep if you liked the Rambo movies then this is definitely worth a visit just sadly don’t expect to be wowed.

Rating: ***

The Kitchen (15) – what’s it about? A group of women whose husbands are banged up take charge of their criminal empire.

This is set in the 70s era where women aren’t really seen as any more than housewives and baby makers, so to see this group of women go out and take hold of what is a man’s empire is pretty cool – and to see their reactions as well. Yep this is a good criminal film, it’s got some good violence in it and well has quite a good storyline to boot. Yep if you like films that show the gritty underworld then this one set in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen won’t disappoint you. I think this should really be a 3 ½ stars movie.

Rating: ***

Rio (DVD - U) – what’s it about? Blu goes on an adventure to try to win the heart of the last female blue macaw.

So this is cute and colourful and I’m sure if you have young ones they will love to story and the songs in it. It’s one of those that is aimed more for the younger audience, there’s not really any teen/adult humour in it. That said though I’ve seen this a couple of times now and I really like it as it’s a really nice story and an easy going watch. I think it helps highlight about endangered species and what goes on with the exotic pet trade too, so its actually quite deep when you think about it, but watch it at its surface though and it’s a fun family film.

Rating: ****

Predator (DVD - 18) – what’s it about? Dutch and his team travel to the jungle to try to save some hostages and it turns out they are not alone.

I decided to give this one a re-watch mainly because I am currently making the Jungle Predator cosplay so of course I had to do research! This is getting on a bit now and it’s quite dated, some of the effects are pretty squiffy but that said it still manages to hold its own with the Predator design and his invisibility effect is still ok too. It’s got a good lot of violence and gore, but it does take a little while to get into the human vs alien side. The story throughout is ok, it’s filled with lots of action and it is a great old film that is worth looking at if you haven’t seen it in a while.

Rating: ****