Holiday Season Cinema Going Round-Up

Here are some of the films I checked out over the course of the holiday season....


Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Directed By Guy Ritchie

Certainly not as bad as I thought it might have been, Guy Ritchie's take on the most famous detective is certainly entertaining, although I felt its summation was a little rushed and unbelievable.

Avatar (2009)(Imax 3D)
Directed By James Cameron

I went to Sydney for New Years and had the pleasure of seeing Avatar on the world's largest Imax screen in Darling Harbor! The film is a visual feast with many amazing and breathtaking scenes. The CGI is amazing, it is just a shame that the story is not up to par.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Directed By Wes Anderson

Quite possibly my favourite animated film of last year (with perhaps the possible exception of Ponyo), but I am hoping this manages to take the Oscar.... but I have a sneaking suspicion Up will probably win.

Nine (2009)
Directed By Rob Marshall

A disjointed musical with almost completely forgettable songs, which is a shame really as it seemed to have a great idea, just poorly executed.

Up In The Air (2009)
Directed By Jason Reitman
A competent and well thought out drama with just enough humor about its subject matter. Well written and perfectly cast. George Clooney in one of his best roles to date.

The Wolfman (2010)
Directed By Joe Johnston
A fairly good reboot, beautifully filmed, well acted, but a tad too long. The story could certainly have been improved upon, but it was nice to see it kept in the Gothic era.

The Blind Side (2009)
Directed By John Lee Hancock

I only watched this because of its award nomination, and I am still not sure how it got it. It is overly long, glosses over what would have been "real" drama and is not at all a stand out feature film, let alone one that deserves to be in the same category as the other 9 (not that I think Avatar should really be in the top 10 either)

The Lovely Bones (2009)
Directed By Peter Jackson

The worst thing about this film is how good it could have been. With un-necessary visual effects that detract so completely from the story, this book adaption deserved way more than it received.