FILM: Jack Reacher (dir: Christopher McQuarrie, 2012)

"I'm not a hero.  I'm a drifter with nothing to lose."

It really does not matter that Cruise is notably shorter and less blond than the novel's eponymous hero, as he takes on the character of the man and gives a polished, detailed and engaging performance throughout.  The eclectic cast delivers a number of terrific performances: David Oyelowo, Richard Jenkins,
Robert Duvall, Jai Courtney and even Werner Herzog are all fine,  and Rosamund Pike proves to be an excellent foil for Cruise in their many dialogue-heavy scenes as the lawyer unwittingly drawn into a bigger picture. The story unfolds in a well-constructed way that joins the dots and provides few surprises, but the quick-fire dialogue and interesting characters maintain the momentum.  The action and violence is used sparingly but very effectively, and wry humour at often unexpected moments is very enjoyable - the attack on Reacher by two goons in a tiny bathroom is possibly one of the funniest scenes this year. Cinematography is terrific, and director McQuarrie marshals all the elements to great effect.  Jack Reacher is a hugely entertaining movie and a great introduction to the character on screen, whose future return would be very welcome on this evidence.

FILM: Parental Guidance (dir: Andy Fickman, 2012)

"There's no cure for dumb."

Parental Guidance makes a late bid for the 'weakest comedy of 2012' award, yet it does not even come close to the true horror that was Jack and Jill.  The central conceit is so contrived it would make the average rom-com blush and therefore the characters and set-up do not ring true, and the actors - especially the adults - flail helplessly for the most part with largely lacklustre dialogue and underwhelmingly predictable situations.  It is good to see actors like Tomei, Crystal and Midler back on the big screen, but not like this.  Interest flags long before the end of this made-for-TV-movie-level material.

FILM: The Life Of Pi 3D (dir: Ang Lee, 2012)

"It moved with the slow, massive confidence of a continent."

Sometimes, it seems that all it takes is for a film-maker to get to the heart of a story to make it work on film, and after a decade The Life Of Pi certainly found its cinematic home with Ang Lee. It is in many ways typical Ang Lee: seemingly slight but profound, classic old-school storytelling with complete control and confidence, and now and again an unexpected visual conceit to take your breath away. All the elements work together so well, it is mounted ambitiously, CGI work competes with Hollywood's best (the only quibble being the orang utan which needed a bit more work), and Suraj Sharma in his first role as the teenage Pi is hugely engaging.  The Life Of Pi is accomplished, entrancing and at its conclusion immensely satisfying.

FILM: The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey 3D IMAX (dir: Peter Jackson, 2012)

"Plans change."

This Tolkien remix is grand mythical storytelling, if somewhat leisurely and wayward at times in its need to turn the book into (now) a trilogy of films.  Technically it is simply stunning - sound and visuals are quite sublime.  New Zealand again proves to be a huge asset, but perhaps this time casting is even more crucial and successful than the Rings films, with both old (returning characters and actors are a delight, especially Gollum) and new - the band of dwarfs is spot on, convincing and entertaining, and Martin Freeman does quite superb work as Bilbo.  The script has more lighter touches and humour than the Rings trilogy, but the film is still quite dark and visceral.  Peter Jackson's visual imagination and creative control as director is self-evident and unquestionable here.  As for the 48fps debate: it does take a bit of adjusting to, the image is astonishingly clear (James Cameron's notion that 'the window pane is removed' is correct) in interior/studio-shot scenes, but some exteriors appear over-bright or too high-contrast.  Motion blur is definitely still evident in 3D, however.  It will be interesting to see how story and structure play out over the two remaining films, but An Unexpected Journey is hugely enjoyable and supremely well-made. 

FILM: Nativity 2 - Danger In The Manger (dir: Debbie Isitt, 2012)

"Babies don't need helmets - they bounce!"

Bear with it.  It just goes to show what you can get away with when you mix cute kids, Christmas and a very well-chosen soundtrack.  The opening third of this sequel is sadly alarming, a weak retread of the first movie that is just about a cut above children's TV.  However, just as the original movie required an increasing suspension of disbelief,  with gleeful abandon Nativity 2 throws narrative logic right out of the window and becomes a lot more entertaining once the 'road trip' element to the Song For Christmas competition begins.  David Tennant is good value here, the kids are fun, a strong Brit supporting cast works well - Jessica Hynes does another fun caricature (here a Welsh singing diva) - and whilst the film feels like it goes on for a very long time, it is never less than pleasantly entertaining, and it packs in a surprising number of songs that do not grate too much.  Predictable, sentimental, quite enjoyable - yes, it's Christmas!

FILM: Skyfall IMAX (dir: Sam Mendes, 2012)

"Less of a random killing machine, more of a personal statement."

They got it right - the 50th anniversary 007 movie is a near-perfect meeting of classic Bond (and there are some lovely fan-pleasing moments) with modern audience expectations.  Skyfall is a cool, crisp, cleanly-executed production, very much rooted in the present and placing the characters in contemporary settings and situations.  The relatively simple narrative is bolstered by a very sharp script and two knockout performances by Craig and Dench - by making the stakes personal, both actors are able to give the characters more depth and openness than Quantum Of Solace could ever allow. Supporting cast is strong, especially Naomie Harris as agent Eve and Ben Whishaw as a spot-on 21st Century Q.  The settings are used to their fullest: London is grey,cold and wet with melancholy, whilst Shanghai provides a neon-drenched night-time backdrop to just one of the terrific set-pieces, all of which are executed superbly.  Editing, scripting and cinematography are all placed in successful, experienced hands, and Sam Mendes proves that more than a great action director is required in order to make a truly great action film.  Mendes clearly is an actors' director which is truly evident here, although at times his trademark pacing proves a little too controlled.  Javier Bardem makes his mark as a memorable Bond villain from the first time he appears and speaks (over an hour into the film!), providing a genuine threat to Bond, M and the wider picture.  The ending makes a delightful job of setting up the future of the franchise, but Skyfall is to be commended not only for being a fitting tribute to the last 50 years but also as a fine film in its own right.

FILM: Rise Of The Guardians 3D (dir: Peter Ramsey, 2012)

"I hope you like carrots."

Rise Of The Guardians is not turning out to be the holiday season blockbuster that Dreamworks hoped for, and the film itself is pleasant enough but not without problems.  There are many delightful ideas on offer - both conceptual and visual - but the inconsistencies in haphazard tone and plotting make it difficult to engage with the film fully.  (Indeed, if you want to go plothole-ing, this film is a gift).  The main voice cast is good, although Chris Pine sounds a little too old for Jack Frost as presented on screen, and Jude Law makes for a slightly soft villain.  The elves seemed to be set up in the trailer as this film's equivalent of Despicable Me's wonderful minions, yet they have very little to do across the running time.  Overall, Rise Of The Guardians is passable but uneven entertainment.