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