FILM: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (dir: John Madden, 2012)

"How many husbands have you had?"
"Including my own?"

Stereotypes ahoy in this Slumdog extra-light for the 'mature' cinemagoer.  The superb cast of fine British actors play effortlessly, giving surprising heft to the mix of characters whose individual plot-lines are occasionally prodded into life and ultimately weave together effectively if not altogether unexpectedly by the end, and Dev Patel again proves to be a strong screen presence for the younger viewers.  Whereas Danny Boyle's film played out in a tougher, younger India with lots of flashy style, this much gentler affair - and gentle is the key word to describe the film - revels in the subtlety of the acting and developing relationships, particularly notable with Maggie Smith and her 'untouchable' maid.  There are some good one-liners scattered throughout the film, the score is delightful, and whilst its meandering and languid style does flag at times, Madden's film is generally well-delivered and solidly entertaining.

FILM: Ghost Rider - Spirit Of Vengeance 3D (dirs: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, 2012)

"Oh, I get it - you're the Devil's baby-mama!"

Neveldine and Taylor thankfully manage to transfer a fair bit of their Crank stylings to the 12A market with this sequel/re-boot, creating visual interest throughout, especially by using some fine Eastern locations, shooting in 3D with little regard for how 3D is traditionally shot and making it work.  Nic Cage's unique brand of manic edge is on the right side of watchable here, and the story is inevitably simplistic and preposterous, rendering the weak dialogue almost purposeless.  Nevertheless, the action set-pieces and the effects are sound, and the film's sheer guts and energy (on the big 3D screen) make up for the deficiencies to a large extent.

FILM: The Woman In Black (dir: James Watkins, 2012)

REVIEW No. 250!

"What the hell's going on?"
"Complete nonsense!"

Susan Hill's old-fashioned supernatural potboiler is a good fit for the Hammer brand but it makes a less successful transition from novel to film than it did to the stage.  In spite of excellent design and location/studio settings, if you know the basic material and have any sense of horror conventions, this film will do little to engage; however, if you are under 12 years old - as evidenced by those present in the cinema audience - it will be an exciting thrill-ride.  The period setting is often undermined by modern techniques, as the jumps are all provided by sudden flash insert shots, J-horror-styled children, Paranormal Activity's empty doorways and very loud stings, rather than building and relying on an increasing sense of dread.  Radcliffe does very good work consistently, but like the gutless and sentimental ending, the film as a whole feels like something of a cop-out.

FILM: The Muppets (dir: James Bobin, 2012)

"What is this?  1978?"

Jason Segel's labour of love to bring back The Muppets has resulted in this smart, utterly daft and very enjoyable movie.  It treads those fine lines between contemporary and old-fashioned, self-awareness and innocence, and irony and simplicity really effectively, making it an unashamed pleasure for both young and old alike.  Park any cynicism at the door, for this movie is resolutely positive and upbeat - even the sideswipes at remakes, comebacks, musicals and tribute bands are made with good-natured humour.   The songs are strong, Jason Segel and Amy Adams deliver admirably straight-faced performances, the new Muppet (whose journey the film follows) is a likable everyman, and The Muppets are still irresistible (even though some might not sound exactly the same as they used to), making the movie a well-made, respectful and fun reunion of old favourites.   

FILM: Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3D (dir: George Lucas, 1999/2012)

"Greed can be a powerful ally."

Distanced from the weight of expectation and the crushing disappointment on its release back in 1999, the first of the prequel trilogy first and foremost looks terrific back on the big screen where it belongs.  The 3D makeover is mostly well done, which is fortunate as that is the main reason for the latest re-release, and whilst it becomes patently obvious that digital effects have moved on considerably over recent years, there is still plenty of superb effects work to admire, notably in the beautiful space-set scenes.  Viewing the film today, the strengths are clear and the set pieces - notably the pod race and the Darth Maul showdown - work very well.  A lot of plot is covered surprisingly nimbly at times, but lots of dialogue remains dull.   Jar Jar Binks - a children's comedy creation, lest we forget - can be seen to be a remarkable leap forward in using a fully-CG character, and is neither as offensive or as weak as Jake Lloyd's Anakin performance.  What George Lucas absolutely nails here is the look and style of those 1930s serials that inspired him, which was less evident in the other two prequels.   Let us hope that this film does enough box-office to warrant the annual release of the remaining (3D) films, and it gives pause for thought that other franchises could do the same - Harry Potter 3D? 

DVD: Hostel Part III (dir: Scott Spiegel, 2012)

"This place is evil incarnate!"
"Maybe so...but not when you're winning."

The first Hostel was unpleasantly good, the sequel dire, and this belated direct-to-DVD third entry is a very mixed bag indeed.  It plays like a TV pilot for Hostel: The Series with a muddy transfer and little that is cinematic.  Performances are generally earnest, and there are a couple of narrative twists pulled off effectively.  Whilst the move from Eastern Europe to Las Vegas robs the victims of a sense of hopeless isolation, it does create a sense that horror can exist literally just around the corner and provides a different locale for the same old torture-porn tropes.  Where Part III does score is the final demented twenty minutes, and a coda which positions the franchise for a really different and potentially interesting setting for a fourth outing.  The DVD also features a dangerously enthusiastic director's commentary. 

FILM: Journey 2 - The Mysterious Island 3D (dir: Brad Peyton, 2012)

"That's completely insane!"
"Exactly."

Journey 2 is an efficient, fast-paced and utterly daft crowd-pleaser aimed at the very young end of the market, for which it works very well.  This film uses full-on and pin-sharp live-action 3D, with a script that gambols along merrily and recklessly like a puppy aiming to please, and enough PG-flavoured moments of peril and Disney/Walden family-moralising to maintain some dramatic interest.  Effects are large scale and generally well executed - the money is up there on the screen throughout - and Dwayne Johnson is in relentless charm and likeability mode.  Overall, Journey 2 is enjoyable in a mild, pleasant and undemanding way.  And where else are you likely to see Michael Caine and The Rock riding giant bumble-bees, or the ex-wrestler suddenly delivering a rendition of What A Wonderful World with mini-ukulele as accompaniment?

FILM: Jack and Jill (dir: Dennis Dugan, 2012)

"This must never be seen....by anyone...."

Adam Sandler's brand of juvenile comedy is an acquired taste at the best of times, but this leftover from the US holiday season set around Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year is very hard work to sit through. Adam Sandler in drag is no Dustin Hoffman or even Robin Williams (but thankfully one step above Martin Lawrence), and it is a shame that Sandler gives a good performance as the brother but is a car-crash as the twin sister.  Katie Holmes does little with nothing, the kids are acceptable (especially the little boy who sellotapes random items to himself), only a small portion of the gags - mostly  physical ones - are funny (and at times some are quite crass and offensive), and the narrative has about as much traction as a runaway bus on ice.  Stars pointlessly cameo, but Al Pacino's presence is beyond comprehension in this bewilderingly weak film. 

FILM: Chronicle (dir: Josh Trank, 2012)

"Classy!"

Chronicle more than lives up to its terrific trailer, which only hinted at the superb entertainment offered by this film from start to finish.  It is driven by three immensely energetic, fresh and amiable lead performances, a tight screenplay and remarkably assured direction throughout.  The shift to an increasingly darker tone is handled very well, drama and humour are very effectively balanced, and - punching far above its budget - delivers a powerful climax.  It is ultimately a slight and simple movie, but Chronicle is hugely entertaining and very enjoyable.