Film: The Switch (2010)

Thank goodness, a rom-com that deviates off the track beaten by the thousand or so other films with the same story. This film oozes sweetness in the form of Thomas Robinson who is brilliant as the neurotic son of Jennifer Aniston's Kassie, a 40 year old woman who has decided to have a child via a sperm donor. Here's where the 'switch' is involved. Kassie best friend Wally makes the drucken decision of switching the sperm of her desired donor with his own. Let the fun begin!
With a comedy cast including the ironic Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis as Kassie's ditsy friends the laughs in this film are subtley understated.
Jennifer Aniston looks fantastic for her age and is perfect in this role of a strong female lead. She and Jason Bateman have a great dialogue and rapport. Their performances are engrossing and have a lot of depth.
If you are tired of the same old rom-com, this film despite retaining the rom-com trend is definately one to watch.

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0889573/

http://www.miramax.com/theswitch/

Film: The Last Airbender (2010)

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" was my favourite cartoon as a kid. Unfortunately, despite the skill of M. Night Shyamalan the film falls short of the mark. The story of the film is the plot from the first series of the cartoon and is set to be made into a trilogy. There are definitely touches of the directors' genius particularly in the filming of the martial arts, and the visual effects which are impressive and not over used. The sets were beautiful and once the adventure started it was engrossing and enjoyable.
However, the use of the 'Star wars' style word scroll at the beginning was not good, particularly as it was also read aloud by one of the characters who occasionally narrates. This really worked for the cartoon but I found it annoying, as if I was being spoon-fed the story instead of shown. Lines lifted directly from the cartoon also did not work in the hands of actors and the comedic moments were often passed over with barely any emphasis. The scriptwriter seemed to forget those who had originally watched the cartoon would now be 16/17/18 years old and the excessive use of the word 'bender' on its own was bound to cause ridicule.
Ironically it was the exiled Prince Zuko, played by the brilliant Dev Patel, and his Uncle Iroh (Shaun Toub), who captured my compassion and interest. I warmed to the other characters over the course of the film but would suggest that unless you were a fan of the cartoon or are around 10 years old this film is probably not for you.
Although I was not blown away, the original story is unique and holds a special place in my heart so to say that i didn't enjoy it would be a lie but I will not be adding it into my top ten.

Related Links:

Film Website: http://www.thelastairbendermovie.com/last-airbender-movie.html

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0938283/

http://www.thelastairbendermovie.com/

Film: Knight & Day (2010)

Well, you may not be able to see where the pun title comes from but this rom-com is definately a gem. Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise sparkle with chemistry and in their individual roles, both brilliant at comedy and action.

Despite his age and his characters odd behaviour, Tom Cruise fills the role of heart-throb perfectly and Cameron Diaz's slightly naive, action girl is just as great as ever.

This is the type of film that the critics pan forgetting that the main point of a film is that it is enjoyable not that it ticks a load of boxes. You can expect great laughs and fun but a completely wild story. The action sequences are superb and there is even a mysterious aspect to this adventure and of course, the scriptwriter's device of drugging the main characters to get around any slight plot difficulties .

Related Links:

Film Website: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox/knightandday/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013743/

http://www.foxmovies.com/

Film: Inception (2010)

Inception is a masterpeice. The element of time and sanity has been fully explored by many physocological thrillers but Inception deals with the mystery of dreams. You will be lost in the complexity of the story and fast paced action. The amazing cast brings this exceptional story to life and the beautiful cinematic sequences are no less than we expect from star director Christopher Nolan.
The acting talent includes Ellen Page (whose character is poignantly named Ariadne after the daughter of King Minos in Greek legends - she gave the ball of string to Theseus before he entered the Minotaur's Labyrinth), Joseph Gorden-Levitt (Arthur), Tom Hardy (Eames) and Leonardo di Caprio (Dom), who shines in his portrayal of a guilt-ridden dream theif.
Inception intertwines two main story lines. One is the mystery of Dom Cobb's wife, the second is the question: what is inception? This sensational concept and the dream within dreams creates a suspence that is held throughout the film.
This completely absorbing action-thriller is the best film of the summer and a must see, but please don't think that this film is for serious viewers only, there are laughs with great comic timing from the cast and it is extremely fun viewing...Expect to be blown away, and a little afraid to fall asleep afterwards...

Related Links:

Film Website:http://wwws.warnerbros.co.uk/inception/mainsite/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/

http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/

Book: Going Postal By Terry Pratchett

Possibly the best author of modern childrens fiction, Terry Pratchett's Discworld series is completely absorbing. Pratchett's wit and character quirks bring the stories alive and quickly spin a yarn of a world like no other!
In 'Going Postal' we are introduced to the character comically named Moist von Lipwig - a con-artist on death row. The cities tyrant, Vetinari, subtly controls the ensuing mischeif and drama, when Moist is given a choice: death or to become the new Postmaster? Its a tough choice as the postal service has been reduced to a crumbling building containing thousands of decade late letters due to the clacks service -electronic messages-, and then there are the deaths to consider. The past few Postmasters barely lasted a month each... but perhaps it takes a criminal to make an honourable business thrive. And of course there is always Adora Belle Dearheart to add the extra interest factor...
This story is facinatingly woven into a complex tale of the lives of intermingling characters in an imaginary world that is brought to life with humour and a certain eccentricity which is hard not to love. Oh, and remember the minor characters because once you are addicted to the discworld you will begin to notice them popping up in other tales too. It is all incredibly exciting!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219817/

http://sky1.sky.com/going-postal-about

http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/

Film:Wild Target (2010)

Wild Target is the product of five of the best comedic actors of today. Bill Nighy's character Victor Maynard, the imfamous assasin sparkles in the leading role, after being unable to kill the con-artist and head-strong Rose (Emily Blunt) he assigns himself to protect her, and Rupert Grint flexes his comedic muscles as Tony, a young man literally crashing into trouble with this miss-matched pair. The trio is supported by luxurious villian Rupert Everett and assain rival Martin Freeman.
The story is a unique combination of action and gun-sequences, intersplised with comedy excellence. This film provides laughs, scares, jumps and twists -so just hold onto your seat and enjoy the ride!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1235189/

http://www.wildtargetmovie.com/#/?section=home

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810043847/info

Film: Toy Story 3 (2010)

You will enter the cinema, no doubt, with the childish thrill only a story of this calibur can create. If after watching all the adverts a short cartoon (Day and Night) begins to play - do NOT panic, you are in the right screening (probably). This innovative little peice is mesmerising...
Nothing of course to the main event! If you are of my age (late teens) then watching Toy Story will take you back to the days when it was the best film around - in recent years with the explosion of 3D cinema, animated films that were once the technological pinnical of film making are now second class. However, nothing can take away the magic of the stories and characters introduced in 'Toy Story 1'. Your eyes may tingle with tears of nostalgia as the film begins, but hold them back, save them for the final flourish when you will cry tears not only for Andy, Woody, Buzz and the gang but for your own toys. Like Special Duck, Humphrey the Camel and Muffin the Rabbit who fell by the wayside as you ran, tumbled, tripped and skipped through childhood.
This finale in the toys adventures completes the triology to perfection, retaining the fun, comedy, pace and sensational turmoil of adventure for the characters, captured at their very best for their final curtain call!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/

http://disney.go.com/toystory/

http://www.disney.co.uk/toy-story/#characters

Film: The Notebook (2004)

One of the best and most beautiful romance stories ever written, Nick Cassevetes, director, portrays the characters perfectly and sentiment oozes from every scene in this film. Rachel mcAdams and the gorgeous Ryan Gosling are perfect in their roles.
Equally lovely is the telling of the story in a style reminisent of the 'Titanic' in which the old lady recalls her love story. An old man reads this story from a notebook to an elderly lady in a care home. The story has not been made cliched or overly lovey-dovey but maintains the emotive deep compassion between the two characters right to the end. I defy you not to cry... Forget teenage vampire romances, chick flicks and romcoms this is the love story that little girls dream of (although perhaps without the tragedy...)

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/notebook/

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/newline/the_notebook/

Book: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

This is my favourite book without a doubt. I was captivated by the time I had read the name of the first chapter 'The Cemetery of Forgotten Books'.
The novel tells the tale of another book called 'The Shadow of the Wind' and a boy named Daniel who upon reading the book is drawn to the mystery of the author, Julian Carax. Upon searching for more of Carax's books Daniel can find none. The only clue left behind them is a man who has named himself Lain Coubert after a character from one of the books who happens to be the devil. Daniel enters dangerous situations and trails the mystery in the search of the elusive author.
There is romance and tension in this spine tingling thriller. This book is all about the chase and the search, which sews together a beautiful texture of characters and unpeels the lies of a post - spanish civil war society.

Related Links:

http://www.carlosruizzafon.co.uk/shadowofthewind.html

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&q=the+shadow+of+the+Wind&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17962991993306742753&sa=X&ei=3EUpTv-fIpOo8AO4qvD8Cw&ved=0CHUQ8wIwCg

Film: Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

This film, with Dev Patel from 'Skins' taking the lead, is truely unique in its subject matter. The story immediately captures the interest of the audience and the careful switching between the present and memories of the past are skillfully interwoven. This is guided story telling at its best and the suspence of what the future may hold is built until the last possible moment.
The plot although with elements of tragedy, betrayal and romance is at heart a clear and popular tale - a character, set apart from others achieves greatness unexpectedly. The fantasticly compelling directors style is clearly visible and adds depth and intrigue to the film.
So, a slumdog given the chance to appear on the indian "Who wants to be a millionaire?" captures so much more than the screen - this is a film of pure genius!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/

http://www.slumdogmillionairemovie.co.uk/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slumdog_millionaire/

Film: Marley and Me (2008)

Made from the book (with the same title) and starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston who bring warmth and depth, as well as the laughs to american columist John Grogan and his wife Jennifer.
Marley and Me is the heartwarming biography of John Grogan spanning the years of the life of Marley, the Grogans energetic and destructive golden labrador. The book is fantastically written and the film is one of the few movies that has, for me, captured the essence of the book it is made from. The classic comedy moments provided by the real star of the film, Marley, and interjected with emotive scenes as the Grogans marriage is tested and they experience the highs and lows of life.
Knowing from the beginning that the film will start with the arrival of the puppy and end when Marley has gone does not make the blow any easier. The final few scenes will melt the coldest of hearts and will require waterproof mascara and tissues!
Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0822832/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/marley_and_me/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marley-Me-Life-Worlds-Worst/dp/0340922095

Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

For my first book review I have chosen 'Pride and Prejudice' - how could I not when my blog is names after it. Pride and Prejudice was originally titled First Impressions before publishers changed it after the success of Sense and Sensibility.
Many of you will have seen the film or the TV series' that have been made and will therefore know the story and the delights of Mr Darcy. I was, before reading the novel for GCSE, fully prepared to loath the experience, but to my delight I loved it. If you have not read an Austen book it is quite easy to assume that it is written in the stuffy and proper manner of, for example, Charles Dickens (who although great is not known for writing succinctly).
I was releived but also stunned to find Jane Austen's style very contemporary and fascinating. She is witty and her wide variety of funny and engaging characters makes the story a joy to read.

Related Links:

http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pridprej.html

http://www.austen.com/pride/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/

Film: The Duchess (2008)

Starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes (in a role scarier than even Lord Voldemort), The Duchess is based on the true story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. This film is shot so as to show, not only the richly extravagant sets of period dramas and the glamour of Georgiana's character both in and out of the public eyes, but it also provides an intimate view of her life. The story reveals heartbreak and effortless emotion on the part of Keira Knightley and the story unfolds at a fast but not rushed pace. This film provides a unique strong female lead wrapped in turmoil that is engaging and thought provoking. Highly enjoyable but may not leave the viewer feeling happy.
Warning* There are a few sexual scenes during this film and maybe uncomfortable if viewed with parents!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0864761/

http://www.theduchessmovie.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Duchess_(film)

Film: Yes Man (2008)

Starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Daschanel this film presents a story packed full of fun as one man is set the challenge of saying 'Yes' to everything. Although never to be a classic, this film contains moments from the ludicrous to the (almost) heartwarming! Jim Carrey shines as the leading role, Carl, bringing his energetic enthusiasm to the role, complemented by Zooey Deschanel's charm, this comedy is perfect for a stay at home, feel good film, full of brilliant characters and a lot of sniggers.

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068680/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/yes_man/

http://wwws.warnerbros.co.uk/yesman/