Movies Friday 6th February '09
Friday, 6 February 2009
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett
Running Time: 166 mins
Rating: ****
Classification: 12A
Courtesy: Warner Brothers
Michael's verdict: In recent times, he's been making headlines mainly because of his wife and kids, so this is a movie to remind audiences that Brad Pitt is not merely a tabloid creation but a damn fine actor. Directed with typical brio by Fincher (who also helmed the Pittster in Se7en), and written by the guy who gave us Forrest Gump, it's the quirky tale of a man who ages backwards, thus giving Pitt plenty of scope to demonstrate his acting chops. Cate Blanchett and Julia Ormond co-star.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem
Running Time: 96 mins
Rating: ****
Classification: 15A
Courtesy: The Weinstein Company
Michael's verdict: The Woodman returns to form (finally!) for this entertaining romance in which gal-pals Scarlett Johansson (Woody's latest muse) and Rebecca Hall travel to Barcelona and find themselves charmed by the attentions of hunky sculptor, Javier Bardem, and intrigued by the presence of his slightly bonkers ex-wife, Penélope Cruz. Woody films normally don't feel this comfortable outside of New York milieu but the Catalan air clearly agrees with him.
The Secret of Moonacre
Director: Gabor Csupo
Starring: Rebecca Tim Curry, Ioan Gruffudd, Dakota Blue Richards, Natascha McElhone
Running Time: 103 mins
Rating: ***
Classification: G
Courtesy: Warner Brothers
Michael's verdict: Charming children's tale, based on the best-selling novel, with Dakota Blue Fanning in terrific form as the young orphan girl sent to live with her eccentric uncle. Before long she finds herself caught up in a world of sorcery and adventure.
Push
Push
Director: Paul McGuigan
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Camilla Bell, Chris Evans, Djimon Hounsou
Running Time: 92 mins
Rating: **
Classification: 15A
Courtesy: Icon productions