Cowboys & Aliens

Director: Jon Favreau

Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Clancy Brown, Abigale Spencer, Noah Ringer

Distributed By: Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Studios/Paramount Pictures

Release Date: July 2011

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One of the most unique movies I've seen, this really mixes it up! I love the old style Cowboy era and this feels very reminiscent of movies in that genre.
What's interesting about this film is the very up to date Sci-Fi element.
The Cowboys in question just take it all in their stride and Daniel Craig in particular means business!
He's well suited to this type of role and does a lot without needing to say much! Harrison Ford is also very good in his gruff leader type role and Olivia Wilde is great as one of the few females fighting alongside the men.
With a few surprises along the way this is a very enjoyable Sci-Fi movie with a twist!
~~Nikki~~

Magic Mike

Director: Steven Soderbergh
 
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Cody Horn, Matt Bomer, Oliver Munn, Joe Manganiello, Matthew McConaughey

Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures/FilmNation Entertainment

Release Date: June 2012

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This was really good fun!
The male cast all prove how much they were prepared to give to these characters as not only are they all very easy on the eyes but the choreography throughout is amazing!
It's quite refreshing to see a movie about a strip club from the male point of view and Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer both give strong performances.
This film is funny and lighthearted but also has some serious moments that adds weight to the story and the music is excellent and extra credit goes to Matthew McConaughey for bringing such enthusiasm to his character whilst also writing and performing some of the songs!
~~Nikki~~

Fright Night

Director: Craig Gillespie

Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette

Distributed By: DreamWorks Studios/Touchstone Pictures

Release Date: August 2011

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This is a really good movie!
Colin Farrell looks like he's having a great time feasting on the population of Nevada and David Tennant is very good as Peter Vincent and has some great lines and I especially enjoy his love/hate relationship with Sandra Vergara!
Anton Yelchin and Imogen Poots are both likable as the teens that discover their neighbours secret and Christopher Mintz-Plasse adds some very awkward teen moments to proceedings.
The make-up and effects are really good throughout and there are lots of funny moments.
A really enjoyable addition to the Vampire genre that I'll keep close to my heart!
~~Nikki~~

Heat

Director: Michael Mann
 
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Ashley Judd, Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman
 
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
 
Release Date: December 1995

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This movie is really outstanding!
Not only does it feature two of cinemas finest actors in Al Pacino and Robert De Niro but is also an intelligently written thriller that keeps you guessing right till the end.
The film has an impressive cast and all do well in each role but it's Al Pacino and Robert De Niro that make this compelling viewing and you get the impression that the two characters would be best friends were they on the same side and the respect they have for each other plays out until the last scene and makes the film extremely powerful.
There's plenty of stand out scenes and I particularly enjoy when the two leads meet for the first time. The street shootout is intense and incredibly well filmed and the ending is satisfying and very well performed. An exceptional movie!!
~~Nikki~~

Dante's Peak

Director: Roger Donaldson

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton, Charles Hallahan, Elizabeth Hoffman, Jamie Renée Smith, Jeremy Foley, Grant Heslov

Distributed By: Universal Pictures

Release Date: February 1997

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This movie is still impressive and atmospheric.
Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton are both very likable in their respective roles and the town and scenery is really beautiful.
The star of this film is of course the volcano itself and as things start to take a turn for the worse for the town and its occupants the action really picks up the pace.
The effects are excellent throughout and the cast all do well as they endure plenty of intense moments along the way.
Still very enjoyable, this film grabs hold and shows us the volatile side of nature!
~~Nikki~~

Henry V

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Emma Thompson, Judi Dench, Alec McCowen, Brian Blessed, Christian Bale 

Distributed By: Curzon Film Distributors/The Samuel Goldwyn Company
 
Release Date: October 1989

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A truly wonderful adaptation of William Shakespeare's historic play, Kenneth Branagh who also directs this movie brings passion, bravery, sadness and humour to Henry as he battles the French in the famous Battle of Agincourt.
It's Filled with a galaxy of wonderful actors and there are so many performances to enjoy, from Judi Dench as Mistress Quickly, Robbie Coltrane as Falstaff, Brian Blessed as the Duke of Exeter, Ian Holm as Fluellen to Emma Thompson's delightful turn as Princess Katherine and Derek Jacobi also brings depth as he narrates Henry's journey.
The battle scenes are remarkably realistic and I love the small moments throughout notably when Henry disguises himself to mix with his troops and the lovely sequence as he declares his love for Katherine.
Powerful and moving, this is lovingly crafted in every way and deserves its place amongst the best of Shakespeare's work put on film.
~~Nikki~~

Silver Streak

Director: Arthur Hiller

Starring: Gene Wilder, Jill Clayburgh, Richard Pryor, Patrick McGoohan

Distributed By: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: December 1976

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This is still a fun movie even after all this time!
Gene Wilder is really great and I love that he always looks so shocked when he finds himself off the train...again, but so easily finds the means to get back on!
Things get funny once Richard Pryor shows up and you really get a sense of the chemistry both actors have even in their first movie together.
It's nice to see a laid back funny movie like this that doesn't take itself too seriously and boy would I love to have been on a train with the two of them! Great ending sequence too.
~~Nikki~~

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Austin, Andy Serkis, Bernard Hill, Miranda Otto, Karl Urban, David Wenham, John Noble, Jonathon Rhys-Davies, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Marton Csokas, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Ian Holm

Distributed By: New Line Cinema

Release Date: December 2003

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The Return of the King is quite simply movie perfection and is my favourite in the trilogy.
I love that Andy Serkis has a chance to be seen as Smeagol remembers how the ring came to him.
Miranda Otto's Eowyn shines as she completely falls for Aragorn and then steps up and plays a vital role in the battle at Gondor.
Gollum's treachery is deliciously deceitful as he plays up to Frodo and helps to push Sam away and then leads Frodo to Shelob's lair which is one of the most impressive scenes on film.
I'm also really glad that they fleshed out Arwen's role for this last part and her fate being tied to the ring makes Aragorn's choices even more difficult. Every character is faced with challenges and there's so much to enjoy.
The contrast between Theoden and Denethor is brilliant and John Noble totally nails Denethor's descent into madness!
Elijah Wood gives his heart and soul to Frodo and it's so wonderful to follow him on this journey, but of course the background hero of this movie is "Samwise the brave". Sean Astin gives Sam courage, bravery and loyalty and I love seeing each member of the fellowship being so true to each other.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is, in my view one of the best movie franchises ever made and I can't imagine my life without these movies!
A true labour of love for Peter Jackson, his team and cast, they have given the world hours of cinematic enjoyment that I for one will never tire of.
A truly magical film, one ring really does rule them all!
~~Nikki~~

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, Bernard Hill, Miranda Otto, Karl Urban, Jonathon Rhys-Davies, Hugo Weaving, Sean Austin, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, David Wenham, Brad Dourif, Christopher Lee, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd

Distributed By: New Line Cinema

Release Date: December 2002

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 The Two Towers is remarkable, the fellowship has divided and each group have their own stories to tell as they all meet new acquaintances along the way.
There are some wonderful performances throughout and I especially love Bernard Hill as Theoden, Miranda Otto as Eowyn and Brad Dourif as Wormtongue.
Gandalf's re-appearance and Theoden's transformation are both beautiful scenes and the battle of Helm's Deep is completely awe inspiring!
I love that the film spends time throughout with each group of the fellowship especially as we get to learn more about each character. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, in particular are a joy to watch as they lead Rohan into battle, but for me, it's the scenes with Frodo, Sam and Gollum that make this movie truly unforgettable!
Peter Jackson's use of motion capture for Gollum is pure genius and Andy Serkis brings such emotion especially during Gollum/Smeagol's various monologues, which are beautiful scenes and Frodo's sympathy towards him leads us into the next part of their journey and once again hints at what's to come.
The Two Towers is a beautiful movie that ensures that the third instalment is worth the wait!
~~Nikki~~

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Bean, Jonathon Rhys-Davies, Hugo Weaving, Sean Austin, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Ian Holm

Distributed By: New Line Cinema

Release Date: December 2001

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There are many movies that I love and enjoy every time I see them, but few are the sort that change everything; that give you a moment in time that brings the world of cinema right into your heart. For me, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was my moment!
To this day I am in awe of these films so lovingly crafted by Peter Jackson and his passionate team. The Fellowship of the Ring sets the standard as every actor proves their worth. The casting of Elijah Wood as Frodo and Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn are strokes of genius as they carry the emotional weight of the movie. Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Christopher Lee as Saruman bring true depth of character and Liv Tyler as Arwen brings such beautiful femininity to a mainly all male cast. The whole look of the movie is superb; The Shire is so exact that each scene feels like a page of the books and every new location is more breathtaking.
The fleeting glimpses of Gollum lend an air of expectation and all the CGI scenes are outstanding and still impress after all this time. The meeting with the Balrog in particular though a short scene is one of the most remembered and is truly impressive.
A beautiful beginning to one of the most adventurous and compelling journeys on screen, this movie leaves you wanting more as we follow a small hobbit with the fate of the world in his hands and is a movie that I will cherish for years to come...
~~Nikki~~

Happy Feet Two

Director: George Miller

 

Starring: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Pink, Sofia Vergara, Hugo Weaving, Common, Richard Carter, Magda Szubanski, Anthony LaPaglia

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

 

Release Date: November 2011

 

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I was a little bit sceptical with this as I loved the first film so much but this is a really good sequel.

Mumble is back and is now a father himself and his cute young son Erik is very shy and not at all comfortable with his father's expressive talents.

My favourites The Amigos and Lovelace are back but we also have some new characters which really made me laugh. Every scene with the Krill adventurers Will and Bill wonderfully voiced by Brad Pitt and Matt Damon are really funny and Erik surprised me with his own heart song! The animation is just as beautiful as in the first movie and the various songs are lovely.

The Happy Feet movies are great fun and will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart! Plus I have a renewed respect for Krill!
~~Nikki~~

Snow White A Tale Of Terror

Director: Michael Cohn

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Sam Neill, Monica Keena, Gil Bellows, David Conrad

Distributed By: Gramercy Pictures

Release Date: August 1997

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If you like your fairytales to be as dark as they were originally intended this movie will not disappoint!
Even the beginning is fairly horrific as we see how snow white is brought into the world! For anyone who is familiar with the Grimm Brothers' tale this is a very good adaptation.
Sigourney Weaver is truly wonderful as she brings jealousy and rage to her wicked stepmother role whilst Monica Keena gives snow white innocence, strength and courage as she meets some quite unfriendly strangers along the way. I really did enjoy this and a lot of that was due to scenes that left me pretty speechless!
Gloriously dark and menacing this version of Snow White is one that will stay with you and just might make you think twice when someone offers you a fruit basket...
~~Nikki~~

Avatar

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, Giovanni Ribisi

Distributed by: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: December 2009

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This has to be one of the best movies of all time! Even the opening scene shows that this is something special. Seeing it in 3D in the cinema was one of those experiences that I'll never forget and even on a smaller screen without 3D this movie is awe inspiring.
A true labour of love for James Cameron, everything he worked hard to achieve pays off. The casting is perfect, Sam Worthington is very likable as Jake and Zoe Saldana brings respect and strength to Neytiri. Sigourney Weaver is great as tough talking Grace and Stephen Lang makes me love to hate his hard as nails Col. Quaritch!
The use of motion capture makes everything about Pandora totally believable and when watching this I too, like Jake, want to remain in Pandora and forget everything else, which is ultimately what great movies are all about!
Jake's first night in the forest is one of the most beautiful scenes ever put on film and is breathtaking every time I see it!
A truly remarkable movie, Avatar is groundbreaking, magnificent and about pure escapism. Perfection!
~~Nikki~~

Puss In Boots

Director: Chris Miller
 
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, Amy Sedaris
 
Distributed By: Paramount Pictures
 
Release Date: October 2011

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 Puss in Boots quickly became my favourite character in the Shrek movies and he's a star in his own spin-off!
Antonio Banderas brings charisma to Puss as he reunites with Humpty Dumpty wonderfully voiced by Zach Galifianakis, whilst Salma Hayek brings street smarts to Kitty Softpaws who intrigues our hero!
The animation is wonderful throughout and the story brings forth more fairy tale characters for us to enjoy.
The thing I love about this movie is that for me, Humpty almost steals it from Puss, some of his mannerisms and facial expressions are hilarious and make this a movie that I'll happily watch whenever I want to brighten my day!
~~Nikki~~

Titanic

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton, Suzy Amis, Kathy Bates, Danny Nucci, David Warner, Jason Barry, Victor Garber, Bernard Hill

Distributed By: Paramount Pictures/20th Century Fox

Release Date: December 1997

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I still love this movie even after all this time.
Most people are aware of the tragic events that led to the sinking of the most impressive ship ever built and the huge loss of life that went with it.
I'm so glad that some actual footage was used as this makes the film even more poignant.
I still enjoy seeing Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as Jack and Rose and I always get caught up in their sudden and brief romance. The casting is perfect throughout and I really like Billy Zane as Cal and Kathy Bates as Molly who brings humour to the first class ensemble!
Gloria Stuart brings an engaging quality to Rose's character and the ship itself is absolutely majestic and seeing its demise is heartbreaking!
A true masterpiece this movie honours the memory of the Titanic and its passengers and deserves to be held in great esteem.
~~Nikki~~

Wrath of the Titans

Director: Jonathon Liebesman
 
Starring: Sam Worthington, Rosamund Pike, Bill Nighy, Édgar Ramírez, Toby Kebbell, Danny Huston, Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson

Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures

Release Date: March 2012

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I really enjoyed this!
Sam Worthington brings fierceness to Perseus who this time round not only has to battle powerful Ares but also has to stop Kronos from destroying them all.
I'm a sucker for continuity but Rosamund Pike is an excellent choice for Andromeda and lends a good dose of strong femininity to the movie.
Édgar Ramírez was brilliant as Ares and I loved seeing Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes reprise their roles.
I saw it in 3D and thought that it worked really well and the CGI was impressive throughout and these sort of movies are always worth seeing more than once to take more of it in.
I'd happily follow Perseus on more adventures; after all there aren't many guys that can boast they have a Pegasus as a ride!
~~Nikki~~

Unstoppable

Director: Tony Scott
 
Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Lew Temple, Ethan Suplee, Kevin Dunn, T.J. Miller

Distributed By: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: November 2010

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Wow! I really enjoyed this movie!
It's packed with action as Denzel Washington and Chris Pine try to prevent disaster as a runaway train goes on the loose in Pennsylvania and they are both excellent and have great chemistry that pushes the story along.
Rosario Dawson is brilliant as Connie and I also really like Lew Temple as Ned.
There's nothing fancy about this movie and this is what makes it so good.
This is pure quality in terms of action and acting that kept me tense for over 100 minutes!
A great thriller that demands repeat viewing!
~~Nikki~~

The Woman In Black

Director: James Watkins
 
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciarán Hinds, Janet McTeer, Liz White
 
Distributed By: Momentum Pictures/CBS Films/Alliance Films
 
Release Date: February 2012

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Movies about ghostly goings on can be tricky but what I really like about this story is that the tension is there right from the start and this builds slowly but steadily throughout to a surprising ending.
The cinematography is quite beautiful and I love the setting and the fact that the dialogue is really sparse.
Daniel Radcliffe spends a great deal of the movie on his own and he carries this really well.
He is very suited to serious and somewhat sad roles and I always find myself wanting him to be happy, which just proves what an impressive actor he is, especially when considering the amount of screen time he has had as Harry Potter; it's great seeing him become other characters.
He is definitely one of Britain's most talented young actors.
This is spooky, atmospheric and captivating with every scene. It might not be the scariest movie you'll ever see, but the acting by all is superb and this is a ghost movie that I'll be watching again and again...
~~Nikki~~

Kung Fu Panda

Director: Jon Stevenson & Mark Osborne
 
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogan, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, Michael Clarke Duncan, Dan Fogler, Jackie Chan

Distributed By: Paramount Pictures

Release Date: June 2008

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I really like this movie, the animation is beautiful and the voice cast is perfect.
Jack Black really steals this and has the best lines, but it’s the way he delivers those lines that really makes this enjoyable!
A clumsy panda learning something that is about finesse and technique is very funny and Dustin Hoffman's Master Shifu really lays it down for our unlikely hero!
A beautiful score by Hans Zimmer also accompanies this movie, so sit back and enjoy!
~~Nikki~~

The Elephant Man

Director: David Lynch
 
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller

Distributed By: EMI Films/Paramount Pictures

Release Date: October 1980

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This is an incredibly moving film about the life of John Merrick who suffered extreme deformity all over his body.
The film is handled with great care and both Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt bring sensitive performances to each character and the fact that it's shot in black and white makes the Victorian setting feel very realistic.
A true classic of cinema; this is a movie that deserves to be appreciated.
~~Nikki~~