Alice in Wonderland

Going to the cinema is always a special occasion. The sweet smell of popcorn, the pitch black room and the bright light of the big screen! It doesn't really matter if the film that you go to see isn't very good; it's the experience that counts!

Of course, the experience is all the better if the film makes you think 'WOW!' which I was fortunate enough to think after seeing Alice in Wonderland earlier this year.

I hadn't really known what to expect when I first took my seat in the cinema. The Alice in Wonderland that I knew was the childish Disney version. The lights dimmed out and I began to watch, becoming part of the story.

Alice (played by Mia Wasikowska) an 18 year old girl living in a world where girls spend all day drinking tea and sewing, is a dreamer. She has already been to Wonderland once as a young child but her memories have been clouded over as the years pass by.

Alice's father has recently passed away, leaving herself and her mother with little money so she is going to be married-off. When William purposes to Alice, she doesn't know what to do! To give herself some time to think, Alice wanders into the wood. She spots a hare and, curious, she follows it. In the process, Alice ends up falling down a deep hole in the ground which leads her to Wonderland!!!

Wonderland is a magical place, full of great mystery and beauty. But a dark shadow hangs over the land! The Red Queen - Helena Bonham Carter- is cruel and wicked; she takes pleasure in mocking other people. It is Alice's duty to defeat the Jabberwocky and give the White Queen - Anne Hathaway- her rightful thrown back. Alice makes lots of new friends on her quest, including: The Mad Hatter, played by Johnny Depp.

In the end, Alice kills the Jabberwocky and Wonderland is back in the hands of the White Queen. Alice is given the choice of staying in Wonderland forever but she knows that there are things she needs to do in her own world first, so she says goodbye to her mysterious companions and goes home.

When Alice gets back to England she knows what she wants to do; be an explorer and see the world!

Alice in Wonderland is definitely a feel good film. It is very visual so you're eyes always have something to look at! Tim Burton directed this film and I think that he did a really good job of it! I will be buying the DVD when it comes out later in the year!

Written by Lorna from Ulverston, winner of the wotson4u review competition.

Mamma Mia

It's conquered the musical world, the theatrical world, and now it's coming to the film world! There's no escaping it, Mamma Mia is about to not so much hit, as redefine the big screens. Sure to plague our lives with tantalising tunes, certain to constantly oppress any activity in your brain; shutting down individual thoughts; reducing levels of consciousness; slowing creeping in to brainwash you into yet another Abba crony. I exaggerate, but is it possible to have just too much Mamma Mia? Yet the legacy of the raucous sing-and-dance stars is still going strong, many decades later. The real question is, however: have they managed to pull it off again?

They've certainly captured the media attention, as well as all the big names, albeit lamb to the slaughter style. This is bound to sabotage your career as an actor, yet there's no denying that seeing Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan jiving away to old-time Abba is not going to have you off your seat and joining in the fun. On the other hand, seeing all of these hopelessly joyful souls, living the dream in sunny paradise, could cause reality to hurtle back to you quicker than a freight train.

The scene is set with a silent beauty, gliding trance like towards a post box, with three solemn letters in her hand. Accompanied by 'I have a dream', this scene is certainly atmospheric and questions instantly arise, unsurprisingly as this is a crucial part in the plot. What blossoms from this is another matter. More cheese than an Italian restaurant, more colour and texture than a mardi gras, and more out-and-out, uncontrollable, exaggerated hysteria than, well, an abba concert. Hitherto, abba has never been less; this is what the people evidently want. Expressions of your true inner self, accompanied by heart felt ballads and hundreds of empowered women, singing and dancing to the end of the universe and back, are what makes this film. Sophie wants to get married, there's only one trouble: she doesn't know who she is. Problem? This is a musical, of course it is! Solution: surreptitiously inviting three of her mother's past lovers, not her best plan. Fighting to keep their presence a secret soon turns into a mammoth task, only a minx like Sophie could manage it, but not for long! When their existence is discovered sparks start to fly and the fun begins! It ends in a wedding; who gets married…?

Meryl Streep flourishes and excels in her character as Dancing-Queen-Donna. She's the spirit and life of the film; at the centre of every party; her intense allure waves a mystical grip over any man in a fifty mile radius- explaining the confusion about Sophie's father! An outgoing OAP, fighting a ceaseless battle against a decrepit hotel; Donna and the Dynamos (best friends Rosie and Tanya) prove that any woman, no matter how doddery or grey haired, can find love, or at least a one night stand with a man half your age! Meryl Streep's sterling performance is possibly the most uplifting thing in this film, along with the obsolete dungarees that are only banished when she dons herself in a demure dress for the wedding. Nonetheless, the film would be nothing without the music, which brings us to the soundtrack.

You get what you pay for with the sound track, and nothing more. No wait- you get Abba! From Dancing queen to Waterloo, all of the hits from past ages are shamelessly used draw in the fans and boost box office figures. Impressively, or perhaps tragically (depending on your viewpoint), all of the routines are performed by actors themselves. Whereas the likes of sprightly Amanda Seyfried and vivacious Dominic Cooper (scatty bride and groom to be) thrive in the roles of their singing and dancing characters, the older voices seemed to be facing an eternal struggle. The music is the real deal; it definitely gets the authenticity stamp!

However much you may flaw the acting, you cannot fault the directing. This film is undisputedly redeemed by the creative filming and imaginative camera angles. The song 'the winner takes it all' is definitely enhanced by the inspired filming, but without being tacky, or detracting focus from the acting and singing. The scene is set with a dramatic over the shoulder shot, focusing on Donna, yet introducing the other character into the scene. What then follows is an ingenious mixture of close ups, medium shots and medium long shots, all giving an accurate picture of the idyllic surroundings and escalating the pure emotion, by flawlessly depicting the body language and facial expressions. This effortlessly generates a scene so close to perfection that a whale could not spout more water then the audience did during this song. The scene climaxes with a spectacular high angle shot, panning as Donna runs up to the church in despair. The intensity immediately dips to a near whisper as the scene is ended with medium long shot, panning to a close up, to show the sentiment on Donna's face, the lost passion, in a shot so pure and simple, you think that no act could possibly top the true sensation shown. Nonetheless, we are immediately thrown into a thrilling pinnacle, sending tingles down your spine and a huge smile on your face. Can it get any better than this?

I went into this film cynical and wretched, dreading a whole two hours of Mamma mia. But, I have to admit, I have been converted. I did not think my principles; my whole outlook on life could be changed so easily. This film managed it. The raw emotion and true commitment shown by these actors and actresses, to boost an already out of this world storyline, results in something that will warm your heart and make your life worth living. So it lives on, Abba is hear to stay, and I couldn't be happier! This film put a spring in my steps and a twinkle in my eyes. I LOVE it!

Written by Mari from Kendal, winner of the wotson4u review competition.

Paranormal Activity - SPOILER ALERT!

There was just so much publicity about Paranormal Activity being "Frightening…freaky and terrifying", being the ultimate horror fan I just had to see it. My verdict? Truly disappointing.

The plot of the film is a young couple, Katie and Micah, who experience paranormal activities inside their home. The movie is shown through a video camera, which Micah sets up to record what happens through the day and night. And basically; that's it. For the rest if the movie, its doors slamming, lights flashing and the occasional fire. And to top it all off, I didn't even see the "better" ending.

I discovered that Paranormal Activity has three endings. The "first original" version is where Katie, after standing for quite a considerable amount of hours, begins walking downstairs. Micah, waking up and realising she's gone, heads down stairs too, leaving the camera on its tripod. There's a lot of screams, which suddenly stop dead. We can hear heavy footsteps up the stairs, when suddenly Micah's body is hurled into the camera, knocking it on its side. Katie, covered in blood, slowly walks into view. Crouching over Micah's body, she flashes a smile at the camera, suddenly flows herself at it, does a "devilish?" face, and it's cut to black. I personally would have loved to see that ending! But apparently nobody did, as Paramount decided it was "too scary" (hello, it's a horror film; we kinda want it to be scary!) and made several changes, including two new endings. yay..

The ending I saw was, being honest, incredibly dull. Katie walks down stairs, screams, Micah runs after her, her screams stop. And so do his. Katie walks back upstairs, sits and rocks for a day and a half, the police come, and shoot her. The end.

The alternative ending is similar to the one above. She walks back upstairs holding the knife she killed Micah with, walks towards to camera sinister-like, and slits her own throat. This ending is offered as an alternative on the DVD.

I, quite frankly, am disappointed with Paramount. Yes, the film was predictable, and yes, the film got a little boring. But if it had ended with that one little scare at the end, I may have walked away and thought "yeah, it was alright. The ending made me jump" but no, I walked away thinking I'd just wasted 90 minutes of my life, and unless there's a sudden ending-change, I don't recommend this movie to anyone.

Written by Siobhan from Egremont, winnder of the wotson4u review competition.

Toy Story 3

Let's admit it - 3 or 53 years old, you have been dying to see this movie. Well, I am here to tell you that it will not disappoint. As good as the first and second instalments (which some sequels aren't; think Pocahontas 2) with all the classic traits we love in a Toy Story film - 'great escapes' from Woody and the gang, heart-warming moments between the toys and Andy, and of course the music of Randy Newman. (Okay, I went a bit far with that last one).

There are new toys to love (and hate?) including budding thespian Mr Pricklepants and 'Lotso', the ancient strawberry-scented teddy bear, and old favourites such as the 'oooooooooh'-ing aliens and Hamm, the piggy bank/evil villain.

Woody and Friends are heartbroken; Andy is all grown-up and off to college which means they are being left behind. Well, he doesn't want to be bullied out on the first day, does he? So, to escape the confines of the attic, the toys conduct one of their master 'Oceans Eleven' style plans to be donated to a local playgroup, Sunnyside, ran by Lotso the 'Lots-o Huggin' Bear'. At first it seems to them a place of wonder; they will be played with every day! However, when Woody and the gang are banished to the infant 'Caterpillar' room, and overhear a strange meeting between the other toys, they begin to realise that Sunnyside is not as 'sunny' as it appears.

With actual laugh-out-loud moments ('Mr Potato Head' becoming 'Mr Tortilla-Wrap Head') and other moments that reduce many members of the audience to tears (ahem, me), this film has everything we love best about Disney, Pixar, and Woody and the gang.

(P.S. Look out for Buzz Lightyear's return to Mr Crazy Spaceman!)

Written by Jodie from Carlisle

Avatar

James Cameron's much hyped Avatar finally hit the cinemas last week and has been shown in 2D, 3D and an IMAX 3D release.

Avatar focuses on a large conflict on a moon called Pandora. Humans seek to exploit the Moon's stock of a precious mineral called Unobtanium. Humans are unable to survive the atmosphere in Pandora so a team of human researchers developed a system where a person can control a hybrid of a human and a Na'vi.

The main character Jake Sully's first mission is to escort Dr. Augustine and Norm through the jungle, the group is attacked by a large creature and Jake gets seperated. Jake attracts a female Na'vi called Neytiri who rescues him from the night and the dangerous creatures.

Back in the real world Jake's Colonel orders him to convince the Na'vis to abandon their Hometree so a large supply of Unobtainium can be harvested. As Jake learns the ways of the Na'vis and as his relationship with Neytiri blossoms he gets torn between his mission and his loyalty to the Na'vis.

Part way through his mission bulldozers come in and start to destroy the Hometree, he then convinces the Colonel to give him one more hour to convince the Na'vis to move. He is unsuccessful and the Colonel launches an attack on the Na'vis resulting in numerous casulties and the Na'vis losing Jake's trust.

Jake then manages to regain trust with the Na'vi and assembles an army ready to take on the humans. The battle is epic and there are many losses on both sides, the battle culmulates with a battle between Jake's avatar and the Colonel. The Colonel exposes the real Jake to the atmosphere in Pandora, Jake's wife acts quickly and shoots the Colonel with a bow and arrow and quickly puts an oxygen mask on Jake, this scene merges the real Jake in the avatar world.

The film ends with the defeated humans leaving Pandore whilst Jake and his friends are allowed to stay.

Avatar is a long film, almost 3 hours. The CGI is excellent with real world elements and the Avatar world blended together seamlessly. In 3D the scenery has a real sense of depth as opposed to a lot of 3D films where the emphasis is objects flying towards the viewer.

Sadly the story is a bit flimsy and the film's attempts of having messages and meanings come across as weak, the romance storyline is very poor too.

The film looks great but there is more to a good film than good visual effects.

5 out of 10

A Christmas Carol 3D

Disney re-tell the classic Dickens Christmas Carol in 3d, bringing in voice actors such as Gary Oldman, Jim Carrey and Colin Firth.

The film follows the story of the book and doesn't stray too far away from it.

Contrary to what I expected the film is quite a grim and dark affair, there are ghosts, skeletons and corpses. Some of the sequences in 3D are genuinely creepy, suprising for a film only rated PG. But there are some light hearted moments especially those when Ebeneezer gets visited by the ghost of Christmas past. Overall though the film does have a very dark tone especially when compared to other re-tellings of A Christmas Carol.

On the plus side it did look fantastic in high definition 3D and the CGI was amazing, some of the best I have seen, but the lack of christmas cheer did disappoint me.

5 out of 10

Toy Story in 3D

After the most recent Disney films been released in 3d, the classic Toy Story gets a 3d makeover. Presented in high definition 3d the film has never looked so good.

Although Toy Story is not as 3d oriented as a film that was intended to be shown in 3d such as Final Destination, Pixar have done a great job of making the film 3d especially on shots of scenery as you can really see the depth and there are also a few sequences involving objects jumping out of the screen. It is worth seeing and I am hoping that Toy Story 2 gets the 3d treatment as well

7 out of 10

500 Days of Summer- Rated 15

Presented in a non linear narrative and with several animation sequences it is clear from the start that this is not your average romcom.

Tom Hanson works as a greeting card editor and a new assistant in the company starts (played by Zooey Deschanel) called Summer. Tom and Summer discover from the start that they both have the same tastes in music and that they have a lot in common, Tom soon becomes attracted to Summer. Following a drunken karaoke night a co-worker lets slip that Tom is attracted to her. They both gradually become closer but unfortunatly Summer does not believe in true love and that she doesn't want a boyfriend. But they do start dating.

The film goes back and forth in time showing them as a couple then showing them apart depending on which of the 500 days it is.

On day 290 they split up, Tom does not handle the break up well and Summer leaves her job. A few months later Summer and Tom end up bumping in to each other at a wedding, they dance together and Tom seems to think that there is a chance they could get back together. Summer then invites him to a party, at the party he notices that she is wearing an engagement ring, he has realised that the party is to celebrate her engagement and he leaves. Tom then goes on a downward spiral of alcohol and depression.

The film ends where Tom meets Summer at his favourite spot. Tom then later attends a job interview and meets a girl called Autumn who is also attending an interview for the same job. They then go on a coffee date.

It is a very stylish different romcom to the norm and as such people will either love it or hate it. The animation, the narrative style and even the indie soundtrack are not usually found in a romantic comedy. I enjoyed it and I think if you enjoyed slightly offbeat films such as Juno or Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist then you will enjoy this.

7 out of 10

The Final Destination in 3D- Rated 15

Set 10 years after the first Final Destination film Bobby has a vision of a big crash at a speedway race track. Luckily he manages to convince his friends there is danger coming but many lives are lost in a spectacular collision.

One by one Bobby has visions of the survivors dying and he tries to save his friends from death in order to breake the chain.

The film hasn't got a vastly complex plot and the film is repetitive in that each scene is a build up to an often gruesome death. The story isn't great, the character development is non existent but in terms of entertainment value it is fantastic. The 3d glasses really enhance the depth of the locations and there are plenty of objects jumping out of the screen at you!

The special effects and action sequences are very impressive and they look fantastic in high definition 3d. I couldn't imagine this film being too good in 2d.

I really enjoyed this film and I can recommend it to anyone who wants an 80minute thrill.

9 out of 10

Star Trek

I recently went to watch the new Star Trek movie at the cinema and was not really sure what to expect as Star Trek does not exactly have a reputation of being cool - however I left the cinema pleasantly surprised and wanting more of the sci-fi action thriller.

It is the eleventh Star Trek film - however this film is a prequel that tells the story of how James T Kirk came to be Captain of the Star Ship Enterprise whilst following some of the old favourite characters such as "Scotty" and "Spock" whom have to work together to fight the evil Romulan: "Nero". Nero whom is played by Eric Bana wrongly thinks that Spock destroyed his home planet, so plots to travel back in time to stop the people who would contribute to the misfortune of his people. It emerges that James T Kirk's father, was originally to live a long and happy life, watching and supporting his son progress through the Star Fleet ranks, but now dies honorably in a Romulan attack, sacrificing himself to save his crew who were fleeing the attacked ship in escape pods. In one of the pods was his pregnant wife whom gives birth to James in the escape module itself. A new, parallel-universe is born, that tells the early story of the Enterprise.

This fast-paced thriller keeps you on your toes as you switch from different star dates and alternate realities. It will satisfy both die-hard trekkies and new watchers as you laugh and gasp with the characters.

Star Trek was so much more than I had expected and I would strongly recommend it to anyone - as it has all the attributes of a great film and manages to gel them into the best Star Trek yet.

written by Alex of Windermere, aged 16. The winner of the wotson4u review competition!

The Unborn- Rated 15 (out now on dvd and bluray)

The film revolves around lead character Casey discovering that she had a twin that died who she did not know about. She starts experiencing nightmare-like visions and hallucinations.

The visions she is having is the spirit of her twin haunting her and wanting to transfer in to the real world. She meets a woman called Sofi who turns out to be her grandmother who was also haunted by a spirit of a twin. What follows is a series of supernatural events resulting in her friend, her boyfriend and her grandmother!! After an exorcism the evil spirit is drawn back from the human world.

It all sounds very far fetched and it is. The film has lots of ideas from The Grudge right down to similar action sequences and that it has a curse that gets passed around.

As modern horror films go it is one of the better ones, some of the shocks and visuals are genuinely haunting but it blatantly takes some elements from other horror films.

6 out of 10, worth renting

Terminator Salvation- Rated 12A (at cinemas now)

After the let down that was Terminator 3- Rise of the Machines, the film series continues with Terminator Salvation.

It is a lot different to previous films with the emphasis being on the war against the machines as opposed to a Terminator trying to track someone down with a side plot of John Connor trying to find Kyle Reece.

The plot is a bit weak but the visual fx are so huge you won't care! The battle scenes are epic and they last for a suprisingly long time, the pace rarely lets up and barely 10 minutes can go past without a battle or an explosion!

Several references to the first two films are made with some voice over by the original Sarah Connor, a track from a previous soundtrack and towards the end one of the Terminators bears an uncanny resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Overall it is a lot better than Rise of the Machines. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two but it is a different style of film. Fantastic special effects but a poor plot.

7 out of 10