Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010)

Film of 2012 #18
Some Spoilers

Finally got a chance to see the Owl film as it was called because who can pronounce the name of where the owls stay. So going into this film I thought that it was literally a journey movie about the main characters heading off to find the legendary owls of Ga'hoole, but this is not all it is about. There is a good vs evil story line, a betrayal that is really obvious and in fighting between family members which was really dark from where the film started. Overall for a kids film this was very dark you do not see anything through the animation but it is quite clear that there are several deaths and while it is life you do see the Owls eating what they normally eat, Mice. So not necessarily one for the very little kids, if you have small children I would watch it first before letting them see it. 

Now the animation was magnificent and I am sure that some of the scenes would have been exceptional in 3D but overall I did not think that I missed very much considering it was a 2D version that I saw. I think that this was a film from New Zeland or Australia as I did not recognise any of the actors voices and there was certainly a few with the Antipodean twang. It was good not to have any famous people involved as their voices did not pull you from the piece. Overall though I did not really buy into the set up, which sounds strange as it is a film about owls but in comparison I believed the world that Cars created with inanimate items coming to life. 

Overall I am glad I saw this film but would not recommend it unless you have a want to see it, 3 stars from me and I will not be rushing out to see it again. If you have seen it and disagree with what I have said then please let me know as I am really unsure what the population at large thought of this with or without seeing it. 

The Smurfs (2011) Trailer

The little blue Smurfs get the big screen make-over, the Belgian cartoon is the latest 80's program to b ere--imagined on the big screen. Having seen the trailer for this I have to say that it looks good, really they can make any film and idea appear to be a good thing and the CGI looks good, however I do not think this is a film for me.

There seems to be the idea that the Smurfs end up in New York City and they have to find away home, this is a bit like the story of Enchanted which was a good film in itself and I am sure that the film will appeal to the target audience which is obviously children.

I do not think that I will end up seeing this film, however I think that on DVD I will probably give it a watch I have certainly given time to films that are more than likely a lot worse than this appears to be. I will perhaps wait to see what the reaction of the critics is.

UK release date - 10th August 2011

Despicable Me (2010)

DVD - 10th April 2011

I got this DVD for my birthday after going to see the film in the cinema when it came out. Since I saw the first trailer for this film I knew I would love it, it is really pitched at my level which says a lot about my mental age. I enjoyed this film on DVD just as much as I did in the cinema.

Steve Carell and Russell Brand star in this film as the voices of Gru and Dr Nefario and i am not a fan of either of them, don't dislike them just do not look forward to their films. However in this they are bot fantastic, Dr Nefario is so different to Russell Brand you do not know it is him, so do not let the stars put you off seeing this film.

The laughs keep coming and the bad guy turned good story has been fairly well used recently but the minions and Steve Carell's portrayal of Gru with the girls bringing their own charm this is a must see film in my opinion.

This gets my 5 star seal of awesome it is great film for all the family and should be enjoyed on a regular basis.

Tangled (2010)

In-Flight Movie on Demand 19th March 2011.

The newest Disney film for me to watch was highly anticipated as I have to say that I do like a good animated film and Disney know what they are doing in that regard. Now you could say that this is a kids film and you would be correct, however at heart i am big kid.

I always enjoy what can be done with animated films and have to say that the retelling of "Rapunzel" was excellent. The story nfolds with the usual slap stick comedy for kids and a cool running gag through-out the film. The poster and trailer mis-lead slightly on where all the characters sit but this is a small gripe.

Going to give the film 4 stars as it is a really enjoyable film with lots for the kids and parents, but it is not an instant classic and will not be re-watched countless times as other disney classics are.