Mamma Mia! (2008)

Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd



Certificate: PG

Starring: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Christina Baranski, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper



In a Nutshell
Based on the hit West End musical, Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and her single mum, Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep). After reading through her mums old diary, Sophie discovers that she is the result of one of her mum’s three summer romances, and from this point is eager to find out who her father is; Harry (Colin Firth), Sam (Pierce Brosnan) or Bill (Stellan Skarsgard). Meanwhile, Donna’s two best friends Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters) come to stay on the picturesque Greek island where the Sheridan’s have their quaint hotel which is gradually falling apart, and where Sophie will soon be marrying her fiance, Sky (Dominic Cooper). When the three potential fathers arrive on the island, Sophie makes out to them that it was her mother who invited them. But, when Donna notices their presence she is baffled as to why they are and tries to get rid of them in every way possible.

What’s wrong with it?
Despite the all-star cast which made me expect the best for this film, I was surprised to find myself cringing throughout most of it. Meryl Streep’s acting is of a poor standard in contrast to many of her previous films, apart from when it comes to her solo performance for ‘The Winner Takes it All’, where some emotion really shines through. Pierce Brosnan’s singing is painful to listen to, and even Julie Walters disappoints.

What’s right with it?
This chart-topping musical is a feel good film which makes you want to get up and dance in your seat while singing along to the songs. There are elements of tasteful humour within the film, but the majority of it is just plain cheesey.

Sex Drive (2009)

Directed by: Sean Anders



Certificate: 15

Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden, Seth Green, Alice Greczyn, Katrina Bowden




In a Nutshell
The film tells the story of Ian Lafferty (Josh Zuckerman), an 18 year old virgin who is desperate to lose his virginity before he moves away to college. As a last chance, he turns to the internet where he begins to get friendly with ‘MsTasty’ by pretending he’s a confident, strong American football player. He eventually scores a date with her… in Knoxville. Ian steals his intolerable brother Rex’s (James Marsden) vintage sports car after deciding to set out to meet the girl of his dreams on a road trip. Ian’s best friends, Lance (Clark Duke) and Felicia (Amanda Crew) join him for the 500 mile journey. Although this hilarious teen comedy has several laugh out loud moments, it also has a romantic outcome which most will probably find predictable, but nonetheless a heart-warming, feel good film, filled with comedy and disaster.

What's wrong with it?
Some people may just feel like they're watching the same old American teen comedy, with the daft, occasionally slapstick humour. However, i think that this modern teen movie is definitely one to watch for the laughter and the romantic storyline.

What's right with it?
The storyline consists of hilarious comedy, romance and tension, making the film far from boring. Rather than a typical American teen film, Sex Drive ties in a sweet, romantic storyline as well as a typical geeky-boy-goes-after-popular-girl interest. There is a lot of laugh-out-loud humour, and Seth Green particularly gives out a fantastic performance as the Amish farmer, Ezekiel.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)

Directed by: Mark Herman



Certificate: 12A

Starring: Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga, Jack Scanlon, Rupert Friend, Amber Beattie




In a Nutshell
Set in World War II, this gripping film shows a story of life through the eyes of Bruno, the eight year old son of a Nazi commandant at a concentration camp. The film portrays the innocence and naivity of a child’s mind during the Holocaust. Bruno (Asa Butterfield) befriends a young boy behind the electric fence of what he can only assume is a local farm. The film displays a true feeling of how Jews were treated, with devostating consequences. The Boy in the striped pyjamas, who goes by the name of Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), becomes Bruno’s best friend, but their secret friendship soon gets the better of Bruno’s youthful mind.

What’s wrong with it?
Some may find the visits that Bruno makes to see Shmuel quite repetetive, but I found that they all keep you interested in what’s going to happen next. The ending was quite sudden, but equally it was shocking and frighteningly realistic.

Whats right with it?
The childrens’ acting is very believable in this dramatic film, and Butterfield and Scanlon really make you feel sympathy towards their very different characters for different reasons. David Thewlis, who plays Bruno’s father, the Nazi commandent, also plays a very realistic part, and you almost feel frightened of him and on edge whenever he’s in a scene.