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

TED

When 8 year old John Bennett wishes for his teddy-bear and best friend to be real one Christmas Eve he has no idea that his wish will come true, nor that his best friend will still be with him 25 years down the line and making his entire life, a nightmare.

When his long time girlfriend gives John an ultimatum of getting rid of "Ted" he asks his best friend to move out, but finds it very difficult to move on with his life.  When "Ted" is kidnapped by a lunatic stalker, its left up to "John" and girlfriend "Lori" to save the day and try to return to the "normal" life the three of them have enjoyed for so long.

Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis team up for the first time in a film, whose trailers promised filth and superb comedy from the start and delivered this in full. Throw in  a foul mouthed Teddy-bear played by Seth Mcfarlane (The voice of Peter Griffin in Family Guy) and you have the ingredients for a truly enjoyable comedy romp, which although frightfully funny, also delivers a very decent message.

The combination of Wahlberg as "John" and Kunis as "Lori" is a wonderful pairing, bringing some true romantic chemistry to the film, while, although some might think Seth Mcfarlane uses the exact same voice that made him face to portray "Ted", this character is different, and possibly quite a bit more enjoyable than his "Family Guy" delivery.

Mark Wahlberg, returns to the big screen for the first time since his very decent showing in "Contraband", bringing a more light-hearted character, which many male members of the audience could identify with. His portrayal of "John" is decent and convincing and you find yourself feeling rather sorry for him, despite him getting himself into a lot of his own messes.

Mila Kunis once again delivers a great showing as the largely ignored "Lori". She also comes back to the big screen after a short absence, with her first showing since "Friends with Benefits" alongside Justin Timberlake. Although her character is not particularly likeable, she still does a good job and continues to build a rather decent movie career. It should be interesting to see where she goes in the next few years as she seeks out more challenging roles.

Little known, Jessica Barth does well as "Tami-Lynn", the romantic interest for "Ted". This stunning actress has spent most of her time on TV, but hopefully this will be her stepping stone into films, as she shows good potential. Also keep an eye out for Patrick Stewart, Norah Jones and the one and only "Flash Gordon", acting legend, Sam J Jones.

Ted is an enjoyable comedic romp, with just the right amount of romantic good feeling thrown in. The humour is adult and most certainly not for those who are easily shocked, but this is a must for all of those who enjoy the likes of "Family Guy", "South Park" and "American Dad". It certainly is worth a go, and well worth the time you spend watching this one.

7/10

Dark Shadows

A vampire returns to the his family home after being imprisoned by an evil witch for 200 years. Now he has to restore the family name and fight the evil woman who enslaved him.

Tim Burton returns to our screens for the first time since Alice in Wonderland, introducing the character of Barnabus Collins, a tormented vampire, who has been locked in a coffin for the past 196 years. When an ill fated construction crew digs up his chained chamber, he is loosed on the world, his only intention to restore his family name to its former greatness.

He discovers that the evil witch who cursed him has also destroyed the family fishing business and that their stately home is in a state of disrepair. Not only does he have to fight off this evil temptress, but also figure out how to live life in 1971, along with adjusting to the oddball family, some five generations removed from the last time he was mortal. When the town of Collinsport is turned against his clan by the evil woman, he has to use all of the wiles to not only save his family, but also hold onto the love of his life who he thought he had lost forever.

Once again Tim Burton combines his directing talents with the wonderful pairing of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, but sadly this joyous combination seem, in this instance not to have come off. For a film, that one went into with so many high expectations, I walked from the cinema, feeling rather let down and somewhat cheated by Dark Shadows

Don't get me wrong, the film is decent, the script is good, the effects are spectacular, but I still could not help feeling rather let down. The funniest parts of the film had all been played to death in the trailer and the rest of the script was found wanting.

Johnny Depp, was his usual superb self, giving a very decent showing, and in this role, finally did not remind me of Captain Jack Sparrow, an issue he has had in his last few outings. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a wonderful showing as "Elizabeth Collins Stoddard" in her first film since "New Years Eve" in 2011. She gives a convincing performance, giving the film some much needed emotion. Helena Bonham Carter does well as alcoholic psychiatrist "Doctor Julia Hoffman", giving a good few laughs along with her wishes to be immortal, but she seems to play the same role over and over again.

Paris born Eva Green goes blonde in this one, playing the role of evil witch "Angelique Bouchard", bringing a bit of tension to the film with a very decent character, while Chloe Grace Moretz, continues the growth in her stellar career, moving on from Oscar nominated "Hugo" to the role of rebellious "Carolyn Stoddard". It is fascinating to watch her acting progression and see how far she has come since the foul mouthed "Hitgirl" in "Kick Ass". Long may her career continue, and audiences can look forward to her doing more serious roles in coming outings.

Jackie Earle Haley, probably gives the performance of the film, with his portrayal of "Willie Loomis", the heavy drinking, but loyal, curator and odd job man to the Collins family, who will put his life on the line to protect his employers. Young Gulliver McGrath is the hidden gem in this film, moving on from his role in "Hugo" to give a showing far beyond his years as the troubled "David Collins". Be sure and keep an eye out for this young man in the next few years as he is sure to come up on the radar.

The film was a let down for a Tim Burton movie, leaving me wanting a lot more, but the concept was exciting and Depps' dry delivery of funny lines was enjoyable as always. The film is worth a watch, but is nothing very special at all. Enjoy it for the acting and the wonderful cameo by rock superstar Alice Cooper!

6.5/10