Elysium (2013)

In the future, an exclusive world will be the ultimate destination; but only those brave enough will ever make it there...

In the distant future, the super rich have created a world for themselves in nearby space, called Elysium, where there is never any illness, violence or sadness. The rest of the people on earth are left to fend for themselves with little access to medical care and living in slum conditions.

When "Max" is struck down by radiation poisoning after an accident at work, he knows his only way to survive is to access the medical scanners only present on Elysium. He has to bypass the security fields and make his way to the promised land without being shot down in the process. When he robs and murders an important man in his quest to reach Elysium, he comes face to face with a force who has sworn to protect the elitist way life, no matter the results...

South African director, Neill Blomkamp, returns to the big screen for the first time since his epic debut in "District 9" with a film which feels remarkably similar, but covers a far different terrain. His style is courageous and daring, but very entertaining no less, but the film could almost be a big brother to his first effort. It will be good to see what his next film does, as he needs a change of scenery.

Matt Damon takes the lead role as "Max" a former child of the street, whose lifes goal it is to reach Elysium. His portrayal is gritty, yet surprisingly sensitive and he does well in a challenging role. It is a good outing to follow his recent showing in "Behind the Candelabra", but the role did not come close to testing his talents.

Jodie Foster returns to the big screen for the first time since her stunning role in "Carnage" of 2011, with a decent showing as Head of Elysium security "Delacourt". She gives a stylish performance, with the only detracting factor being that her accent seems to be all over the place. She starts off French, the moves to English, American and in one scene even takes on a South African twang. Despite that it is good to see her back on the screen in this convincing role.

The star of "District 9" Sharlto Copley, plays almost the exact same character as the one which shot him to stardom, but this time seems a bit darker, and if anything, a LOT more crazy in his portrayal of "Kruger". His performance is superb, and along with Brandon Auret and Josh Blacker they make very motley crew of South African mercenaries. This is a good showing from Copley, but it would be very interesting to see this actor do a non military role.

Alice Braga gives a quite good showing as "Frey", this Brazilian actress showing that she is not only beautiful, but also rather adept in a number of different genres. She shows a far more caring side to her talents as a doctor and a mother in this one, and I look forward to seeing her next movie performance.

William Fichtner can seemingly not stop making good films. Following up his great role as "Butch Cavendish" in "The Lone Ranger", with another stunning performance as businessman "John Carlyle". He takes care of the dirty business, about which the citizens of "Elysium" do not want to know. This is a challenging role, which he manages with ease.

The film is decent stand alone effort, but with an almost identical setting and a few of the same actors, it is bound to draw comparisons to "District 9". It is enjoyable, but does drag a little in the middle. There is a fair amount of violence and bad language, so probably not one for the entire family, but a good way to spend an evening.

6/10

The Conjuring (2013)

An evil spirit latches onto a young family and its up to a pair to Ghost Hunters to try and save their lives...

When the Perron family move into their new home with their five daughters, they have no idea of the history which comes with the house. Soon they are being terrorized by an evil spirit and they have no option but to turn to a pair of professional Ghost Hunters. The Warrens, are recognized by the Catholic Church for their skills in finding and removing evil, but even they have trouble in coming to terms with what is inside the Perron house. If they can keep control over their own emotions they may be able to stop the presence which seeks to destroy both their and the Perron families, lives.

In what seems to be a glut of "based on true events films", Malaysian director James Wan (He of "Saw" and "Insidious" fame), brings us the next film which is meant to make us cling to our seats and watch the screen through our cool drink bottles as he tries to scare us. In this he does quite a decent job as the movie certainly will make you jump a few times, and even elicited the odd screech of fright from the audience. On the back of that, it does drag in places, and is a little predictable, but all in all is a quite good film.

Vera Farminga and Patrick Wilson play "Ed" and "Lorraine Warren", she a psychic and he a demonologist, who go around college campuses discussing their "trade" with whoever will listen.  Both give decent performances, but you come away from the film, not really convinced by their characters. Some of her "experiences" are far from believable, but the couple does keep the film chugging along.

Lili Taylor, spends most of her time on TV screens, in the likes of "Hemlock Grove" and "Blood Ties", but makes a good step onto the big screen as "Carolyn Perron". Her transformation from courageous home maker and mother to five daughters, into possessed maniac with a blood lust for killing children is impressive. She may well have found her niche in horror and should be interesting to see how her next few showings pan out. Ron Livingston completes his seventh project for 2013 with his role as "Roger", but never really brings anything to the party and is almost forgettable in this one.

John Brotherton grows a mustache and gives a very decent performance as "Officer Brad" in this film, reminding me a lot of "Deputy Dewey" out of the "Scream" franchise, and even managed to bring the odd laugh with his antics. It would be interesting to see him in a more serious role next time.

The undoubted star of the show is the young Joey King, whose career continues to go from strength to strength in the role of "Christine".  The fourteen year old, who we saw recently in "White House Down" and "Oz The Great and Powerful" is a true joy to behold in this film, despite having a far smaller part than she deserves. It is hugely encouraging to see a youngster with this much talent and viewers should look forward to each and every project in which she is involved.  A truly inspirational performance in a film which made it hard to do so. Another talent to keep an eye out for is the much younger Kyla Deaver, whose showing as "April" shows she also has a big career ahead of her.

The film is one of those which will make you jump and laugh nervously afterwards, but does not go as far as to truly frighten the audience. As a story it is decent and worthwhile of your time, but for hardened horror fans will be a bit of a joke. For those not too familiar with the genre, it is a good stand alone film and left itself open for possible sequels.

6/10

The Lone Ranger (2013)

The story of a masked man and his Indian companion as they look to find themselves in the early days of the Wild West.

The retelling of the classic tale of the Lone Ranger and his trusted side kick Tonto, all told to a little boy through the ancient memories of the great warrior. When John Reid returns to his small home town of Colby to practice law, little does he know he will be drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue that will make him question everything for which he stands.

Together with his "Magical" steed "Silver" and his trusty companion "Tonto", he will risk life and limb to avenge the murder of his brother and bring down the bloodthirsty gang leader "Butch Cavendish".

Legendary Director Gore Verbinsky, the genius behind the "Pirates of the Caribbean" and most recently "Rango", now turns his attention to a rather more well known story, bringing to the big screen "The Lone Ranger" and his companion "Tonto". He does a fairly decent job on this film; one which could have gone either way with his audience over the age of 35 who remember the classic series.

Johnny Depp does a great job in the role of both the Aged and Youthful, "Tonto", bringing a comedic element to the film which keeps it rolling nicely, with a laugh here and there as the action continues unabated. Once more Depp moves slightly further away from his iconic "Captain Jack Sparrow", but never strays too far from the core character which has elevated his star to the very top of his profession. His portrayal of "Tonto" is enjoyable and he makes the character a lot more fun that one might have expected.

Armie Hammer returns to the big screen for the first time since donning his tights as "Prince Alcott" in "Mirror Mirror", this time taking a far more serious role as "John Reid" and "The Lone Ranger". He gives a decent performance, showing a good amount of versatility which may leave the audience wondering what is next for this talented actor. His vengeful, yet contained portrayal of the much loved law man is worth the admission fee alone, but you do wonder if he could have brought a bit more manliness which the role demanded?

William Fitchner seems to be at the very peak of his career, rolling out one film after the next. Hot on the heels of his showing as "John Carlyle" in Elysium with Jodie Foster and Matt Damon, he plays a far more darker character in the form of the ruthless killer "Butch Cavendish". Fitchner brings style and panache to a difficult character, combining the "Devil May Care" attitude along with the cold and calculating ruthlessness of a career criminal. He truly is the highlight of the film for me and his sinister portrayal mixes well with the comedy from Depp and Hammer.

British veteran Tom Wilkinson is excellent as "Latham Cole", the ruthless railway company boss, who will stop at nothing to achieve the goals which he has set for his transport conglomerate. Helena Bonham Carter once again gives a great performance as the Madam "Red Harrington", her ivory leg and dark cynicism, always good for a few laughs. Ruth Wilson does well as the love interest "Rebecca Reid" and this should prove a useful step in moving her from a TV career and onto the big time.

The film, as a standalone piece,  is a good bit of cinema, but for those of us who grew up with the original series, it seems to pale slightly.  The action is good, but is fine for all of the family, while the story carries on at a decent pace, but will never really have you on the edge of your seat. The combination of Depp and Hammer is a good one and would be interesting to see again. Worth a watch.

6/10

Kick Ass 2 (2013)

Three years after Kick Ass first jumped onto our screens, he is back and this time looking to join a team....

Crime fighting super hero Kick Ass has now reached high school and decides to take his heroic escapades to the next level, by joining a team.

With the help of a group of like minded crime busters, he goes to work cleaning up the city, but will have to deal with the evil intentions of his Arch nemesis, "Red Mist", who is hell bent on revenge after the slaying of his crime-lord father.

Both sides will form armies and fight to the death as the deranged "Red Mist" does everything in his extensive array of powers to avenge his fathers' demise. A world of change awaits Kick Ass, as he comes to terms with the reality of the dangers involved with the costume he has chosen to wear.

The second in the highly successful series, returns the popular Kick Ass and Hit Girl to our screens, once more trying to rid the worlds of the criminal element. A good attempt to revive the glory of the first smash hit, but one which falls sorely short in entertainment value. The characters have to come to terms with teenage angst and a few more reality checks, which leaves a distinct lack of comedy in this second incantation.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson reprises the role which rocketed him to fame in 2010 giving a decent showing as both "Dave Lizewski" and the inimitable crime fighter "Kick Ass", but there is something missing from the loveable teen of the first film, a darker, more serious side seems to have taken hold of the character and for me, not one for the better.  In his first outing since "Anna Karenina" he gives a good performance, but the character and the way it is written lets him down. Keep an eye on this talented actor and look for him to take on more serious roles in the coming years.

Chloe Grace Moretz first burst into our collective consciousness as "Hit Girl" a foul-mouthed pre-teen, expertly trained by her rather deranged "Big Daddy" to be the ultimate killing machine. We have seen her sparkle in the likes of "Hugo" and "Dark Shadows" since then, showing the acting talent which has already made her a super star, but her high school version of "Hit Girl" is not one that will be long remembered. The role was perfectly suited to an 11 year old girl in 2010, but now as a moody and troubled teen does not hold the same fascination as before. A truly talented actress, but not her best outing as both "Hit Girl" and "Mindie Macreedy"

Christopher Mintz-Plasse is the one shining light in this one; moving from his character of "Red Mist" to the vengeful and power mad, "MotherF*cker". He is hell bent on avenging his father, who was killed by "Kick Ass" with a bazooka. His portrayal of the truly deranged character brings some much needed comic relief to the film, as he appoints himself the worlds' first super villain. His building of a gang of super criminals is entertaining and also a little sick, but makes for a few, much needed high points in the film.

Young Claudia Lee, who makes her big screen debut in this one as the arch high school nemesis of "Hit Girl", does a sterling job as "Brooke" and I think we can expect big things from this talented 17 year old.

Clark Duke, known to the world for his roles in "The Office" and "Robot Chicken", gives a very decent performance as "Marty" as well as the deceptive crime fighter "Battle Guy". His natural comedic talent shines through in this role and adds a lot of much needed substance to this film. Legendary funny man Jim Carrey, returns to the big screen for the first time since "Mr Poppers' Penguins" , with a great, if far too short, showing as "Colonel Stars and Stripes". His borderline lunacy and dedication to the cause are commendable and he is a shining light in a movie which would otherwise have been short of appealing features.

The film fails to deliver in the wake of high expectations, falling a bit flat and is not the finest piece of cinema you will see this year. The established characters are tired and possibly a bit too old in this one. The lack of comedy is noticeable and in places the film is down right depressing. I was expecting something a lot more light hearted and was disappointed.

Not an alltogether bad film, but I was expecting a lot more...

5/10

The Impossible (2013)

The true story of a young family, torn apart by the tsunami which hit Thailand in 2004.

Based on a the harrowing yet triumphant story of courage and survival of a Spanish family who were victims of the tsunami which hit South East Asia on Boxing day of 2004. The adventure follows the lives of five members of the "Bennet" family, torn asunder by the might of the unexpected waves and how they come to terms with not only the thought of losing each other, but risking their very lives in order to find the people they value most.

Director Juan Antonio Bayona switches to English for the first time in his nine film career and delivers one of the finest films of 2012/13. His retelling of the harrowing ordeals faced by so many tourists and locals in Thailand on Boxing day 2004 and the days which followed is horrific, but alarmingly real, and gives the average audience member a true sense of what it must have been like to experience this ultimate natural phenomenon. His direction is superb and it is truly disappointing that he was not giving more award nominations for this fantastic film. There are sure to be many good things to come from this talented Spaniard in the future.

English born Naomi Watts, gives what is quite easily the best performance of her career in this film, and is more than deserving of her Best Actress Oscar nomination, the second of her career, after getting the nod in 2004 for "21 Grams". Her role as "Maria" is inspiring and spectacular and gives you a true, heartfelt idea of what it was like to go through this tragedy. Her range of emotions is fantastic and the raw determination that her character shows throughout is remarkably inspirational. One of the finest performances I have seen in a long time, and in with a very good chance of walking away with an Oscar.

Ewan McGregor gives a very decent performance as "Henry", playing his emotional role well and bringing a lot of the more tender moments to this moving film. He continues in the fine vein, which have seen him deliver, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and "Haywire" in the past year. His interaction with his family is convincing and he plays an integral part in making this film as good as it is.

The most pleasant surprise in this great film is the performance given by the sixteen year old Tom Holland in the role of "Lucas". This youngster gives a showing, you would expect of actors with more than 20 years experience, drawing on all of his extensive talent to ride out triumphantly on the emotional roller-coaster that is this movie. One can only hope that this is just the start of his career and that the various "best young actor" and "best newcomer" awards will continue to rain down on him. He is an exciting talent and I cannot wait for his next feature film. His role is a real treat for each member of the audience.

Samuel Joslin and and Oaklee Pendergast also give stirring performances as the young "Simon" and "Thomas", adding to the emotional angst that keeps the film at fever pitch throughout. Expect big things from both of these talented youngsters in the next five to ten years.

This film is brutal in its intensity, and incredibly real. There are many times throughout the 114 minutes of this epic, where you really do feel as if you are going through this disaster with those who suffered it first hand. The cinematography is fantastic, the setting is brilliant and the realism, often makes you want to turn away from the sheer force that is mother nature. Make sure you watch this one from start to finish.

For me, the best film I have seen in 2013

8.5/10

Lincoln (2012)

The story of the 16th President of the United States, his attempt to abolish slavery and end the American Civil War.

In 1865 President Abraham Lincoln tabled and passed an amendment through the Senate; Amendment 13, which he not only hoped would abolish slavery in the Southern States, but as a result end the four year old, American Civil War.

With the aid of his Republican colleagues in the house he needs to find the 20 extra Democratic votes in order to get a 2/3 majority and pass the controversial bill. While trying to achieve this he has to deal with a troublesome wife, headstrong son who insists on enlisting and fellow politicians intent on seeing his measures fail.

Director Steven Spielberg once again throws his hat into the Oscars ring, for the second year running, continuing in the historical magic of "War Horse" in 2012, with the inspired telling of this world changing story. In the process he picks up his 7th Best Director nomination, some 35 years after his first nod for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". The film is beautifully shot, superbly set and well managed, slightly softening some of the horrific scenes which inevitably took place during that time.

Daniel Day-Lewis takes on the monumental task of portraying one of the greatest men in American history with relative ease and not a small amount of prosthetics. He does a superb job playing "Lincoln", bringing a man, long dead, back to life and making this a very enjoyable film. In the process he picks up his FIFTH Oscar nomination for Actor in a leading role, some 23 years after his first for "My Left Foot" and five years since his last win for "There will be Blood". He does a very decent job as the great leader, stern and straight laced when needed, but also a loving father and devoted husband in quieter times.

Sally Field is by far the highlight of this film, giving one of the finest peformances of her career as the slightly mad, but immensely strong "Mary Todd Lincoln", for which she receives her third Oscar nomination. Its 33 years since her first and 28 years since her last win. It is interesting to note, that every time Field has been nominated for the Golden Statue, she has won, something to remember. The audience will find it easy to feel sorry for this downtrodden woman who seems to be behind the scenes, but may well have all of the power.

Tommy Lee Jones, gives a performance for which there are very few words one can find to describe. Brilliant; inspired; genius, hardly do this talented actor justice as he takes on one of the best roles of his illustrious career, in the portrayal of "Thadeus Stevens". He is well rewarded with his fourth Oscar nomination, his first since 2008, and he is sure to be very close to winning in late February.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues with his meteoric rise, with his first outing since "Looper" with the difficult role of the petulant "Robert Lincoln". His portrayal is enjoyable and convincing, but the audience will struggle to see him as anything more than a spoiled and head strong young man. A very decent performance.

Some other noteworthy performances come from the likes of Hal Holbrook, James Spader and the very talented David Strathairn who is awesome as "William Seward". His performance is memorable and shows what a pivotal role in history.

The film is very enjoyable, but might be 20 minutes too long. It drags only very occasionally and pays great respect to some very difficult topics. If you are easily offended by scenes of violence and war, then this may not be for you, but saying that, the cinematography and story telling is superb and you would be doing yourself a disservice to not see this film.

7/10

Flight (2012)

An airline pilot saves many people when his plane crashes, but the subsequent investigation reveals the real story...

When a packed passenger airliner falls apart at 30,000 feet it is assumed that everybody on board would die, but through quick thinking and years of experience Captain "Whip" Whitaker is able to land it safely. Afterwards he is thrown into an investigation of professional negligence and the real truth about his errant lifestyle is bound to come out.

Legendary director Robert Zemeckis, best known for his inspired work on "Back to the Future" and its blockbusting sequels, returns to the chair for the first time since "A Christmas Carol" in 2009 to bring a truly special film to the big screen. Touching on the very emotive topics of alcoholism and drug addiction with a great amount of feeling and showing both sides of the coin in a rather tragic, yet somehow triumphant story.

Denzel Washington takes the lead in this terrific film, and is excellent value for his amazing, SIXTH Oscar nomination, two of which he has converted to golden statues. It is 11 years since this immensely talented actor received the nod for the ultimate prize in his industry, but with his portrayal as "Whip Whitaker", a man trying and failing to hold his life together despite being completely off the rails, he finally returns to the limelight. His performance as a lifetime drunk and drug user is at times, hard to watch, but always convincing and very entertaining, bringing the necessary gravity to a role which deeply deserves it.

John Goodman, seems to be popping up all over the place in the past twelve months with outings in "Argo" and "The Trouble with the Curve", but surpasses all of these with his wonderful portrayal of the rather unorthodox "Harling Mays". A lifetime friend to the lead character, but also his drug dealer and unofficial saviour, "Mays" could also be blamed for the troubled place where "Whitaker" finds himself. Goodman may not be on screen for much of the film, but his performance is truly awesome and his comedic style holds the film together when it threatens to unravel.

Don Cheadle returns to feature films for his first outing since the dark comedy, "The Guard" in 2011 with a tremendous showing as high powered lawyer "Hugh Lang". He really seems to take to this role with gusto and shows the amazing amount of wheeling and dealing which is done behind the scenes by legal wranglers. A very enjoyable experience watching this talented and versatile actor in this film!

Bruce Greenwood, better known for his work on tv, comes back to the big screen with great showing as "Charlie Anderson", trying to keep his friendship with "Whitaker" together despite the pilot trying his very best to throw it away. He joins Washington for the third time in their careers, having worked alongside him on "St Elsewhere" in the 80's and then "Deja Vu" in 1996. His performance is dedicated and believable and the audience cannot help but feel sorry for his character and his seemingly fruitless efforts to save the career and life of his friend.

Kelly Reilly does a wonderful job as "Nicole", giving a great performance as this troubled young woman who does her best to keep her life together while trying to aid the self destructive "Whitaker". It would be good to see more of this talented actress in the future. Also keep an eye out for the beautiful Nadine Valezquez who makes a good break from her TV career as "Katerina Marquez". Her time on screen is short lived, but is entertaining.

The film is well paced and enjoyable, with Washington giving a superb performance in the lead. He is well deserving of his best actor Oscar nomination and seems decent money to win his third award. The film is a very serious one, with the odd light hearted moment, but does pay the correct amount of respect to various issues which plague modern society. This one is a very good watch and will keep the audience engaged throughout the 138 minutes running time.

This move is well worth your admission fee and is entertaining from start to end.

7.5/10

Django Unchained (2012)

A German bounty hunter frees a slave in the deep South and takes him on a long trip to Mississippi in order to find the wife of the former slave and set her free.

When "Doctor King Schultz" frees a former runaway slave "Django" in the most unorthodox fashion, he starts an adventure which will take them both a long way in the search of the former slaves wife, Broomhilda.

Along the way they will run foul of slave traders, fighting men and a butler with a massive chip on his shoulder, as they strive to pull off one of the most ambitious plans of the 1850's. Throw in the early makings of the Klu Klux Klan and you have the perfect setting for an epic.

Famed Director Quentin Tarantino returns to the big screen for the first time since the Inspired 2009 Inglorious Basterds, not only directing, but also writing this brilliant film and having the undeniable talent to mold a world class cast into something truly special. Tarantino excels in this movie, bringing all of his class and usual panache to the screen, but this time with something extra. He pays homage to the famous Spaghetti Western legends "Bud Spencer" and "Terrence Hill" a number of times, tipping his hat to the men who cemented western comedy in the 70's.

Jamie Foxx takes on the lead role of "Django", a talented freed man who returns for his first outing since "Motherf**cker Jones" in the dark comedy "Horrible Bosses" and may well have succeeded in following up his Oscar winning role in "Ray" with this fantastic showing, sadly he was not given the nod this year. His performance is genuine and heart felt and he takes on this difficult role with ease. A truly inspiring outing from this talented actor

Oscar winner Christopher Waltz teams up with Tarentino again FINALLY delivers the performance which we have all been waiting for. Yes, he crawls out from under the immense shadow which was cast by his "Inglorious Basterds" persona, "Hans Landa" and shows a whole new side to his talents in yet another award nominated performance as "Doctor King Schultz". His role is comedic, yet very serious and he pulls this off with his usual brilliance, fitting in seamlessly with the ideals of the great director. He is an especially shining light in this one and is a joy to behold throughout.

The talented Leonard DiCaprio was unlucky not to receive another award nomination with his fantastic portrayal of slave owner and fight fan, "Calvin Candie". His character is dark and brooding, but also shows a large amount of naivety in his dealings with Schultz and Django. His acting, as always is superb, and this role brings out some of his best in a long while, showing that this talented actor has lost none of his talent. He is a true joy to behold in this outing and continues to crank out terrific performances.

Hollywood Legend Samuel L Jackson is truly superb in his short onscreen time as "Stephen", the long time butler and general slave overseer at "CandieLand". His underhandedness and cunning as well as a massive chip on his shoulder makes his character really easy to hate. He is a real treat in this film in one of his finest performances in a distinguished career. The only shame is that he is not on screen for longer. Keep an eye out for a lovely cameo from Quentin Tarentino, despite a truly horrible attempt at an Aussie accent.

The film is awesome and action packed from start to finish, a real treat for any film lover and a must for any fans of Tarentino. The only detracting factor from this classic is that it is possibly 20 minutes too long, but does not drag at all. It is well deserving of its best film Oscar Nomination and I think the director is very unlucky not to get more nominations from this masterpiece. The subject matter of slavery is serious, but with a comedic slant, and for those easily offended, stay far away from this one.

9/10

The Sessions (2012)

A man who developed Polio at the age of six and now as an adult has to spend most of his day in a restrictive iron lung, decides he wants to experience sex for the first time. With the aid of a sex therapist, he discovers not only the ways of the world, but also faces a number of issues which have been repressed for a lifetime.

Based on a true story, this is a film of love, passion, fear and self loathing, played out on a topic which is not often broached, never mind portrayed; sex amongst the physically disabled. The tale is fascinating; tender, and in places extremely comedic, told in a fashion, which leaves the audience feeling triumphant at its close, rather than depressed.

John Hawkes, better known for his forays into TV acting in the likes of "Lost", plays the role of his life, as the almost completely immobile, "Mark O'Brein", a man, whose body has been left  needing constant care after a bout of childhood Polio. Now a successful author, "Mark" decides that despite only being able to move his head, he should lose his virginity at the age of 37. After speaking to his priest, "Father Brendan", played by former Oscar nominee William H Macey, he is given the blessing of the church, "Mark" reaches out to sex therapist "Cheryl", portrayed by Helen Hunt.

The former Oscar winner, gets her second nomination for a role which could quite easily be the finest of her career. Her portrayal of the sex therapist "Cheryl", not only calls for Hunt to be nude for large parts of the film, but also shows the true depths of her talent, as she comes to terms with some very strong emotions, which threaten to tear her life apart.

Moon Bloodgood, best known for her work on television, and a role in "Terminator Salvation", gives a superb showing as the very caring "Vera". With a performance such as this, the audience is left wondering why this Nebraskan beauty has not done more work on the big screen and hope that this outing will lead to more feature films. Keep an eye out for "Cheers" legend, Rhea Perlman who has lost none of her on screen charm in this wonderful cameo.

The film discusses some really heavy topics, but is remarkably uplifting and dealt with in a way which lets you leave the cinema with a light heart and believing in the good of life. The only let down for me, was that veteran director Ben Lewin, who also wrote the screen play, was not given more recognition during this awards season.

A truly enjoyable movie and one which should not be missed this year.

8/10