Gnomeo and Juliet

Is it wrong to fall in love with a computer generated gnome? I'm hoping not. We all know this most beautiful of stories, so I'm not going to give a synopsis. Except to say that this is predominantly a kid's film, so there are no vials of poison or daggers at the end. It is a wholly British movie, with a veritable who's who of famous voices, including, bizarrely but wonderfully, the very American Dolly Parton. I won't list them because it's fun to pick them out. Miss Montague and Mr Capulet live in their semi-detached houses and have an ongoing feud, which filters down to their garden, the gnomes and various accessories that dwell there. It is set in Stratford upon Avon, (where else?) and some very witty links to Shakespeare's other plays are interweaved which is great fun if you're familiar with his works (and if you're not, why not?). Gnomeo even ends up in conversation with The Bard himself, well his statue, which is great fun and was actually rather moving. Gnomeo is voiced by the multi layered, multi talented, multi gorgeous, James McAvoy. Juliet is voiced by the great Emily Blunt. There are lots of fun moments, lawn mower races and really sweet characters, without it being to 'pop culture' which lessens the risk of it becoming tired or old fashioned. The graphics are superb and the brilliantly executed sound effects really add to the feeling of the movie. Accompanying this delighful film is a toe tapping soundtrack from Elton John with some of his most beloved songs reworked to fit the storyline. It's a lovely movie that will be sure to delight lovers of Shakespeare and children alike. GNOMEO AND JULIET: It is the east, and McAvoy is the sun 7/10.

The Adjustment Bureau

"No of course not, what a ridiculous thing to ask", Sorry just answering the question "Can Matt Damon appear in too many movies this year?" I think maybe this film might suffer from misleading publicity. I wasn't too sure what it was about, from the promos it appeared to be a sci-fi, but it's a love story first and foremost. David Norris (Matt Damon) is running for Senate. He's young and ambitious, but always seems to fall at the last hurdle by disgracing himself slightly. It's whilst practising his loser's speech in the men's toilets that he meets Elise, a dancer (Emily Blunt). They are immediately attracted but there are higher forces, the adjustment bureau, who are trying to keep them apart. The adjustment bureau are well dressed men in hats, who try and keep everyone in the world path's on track. David is destined to become President, but being with Elise will confound all that. David stumbles upon this realisation, but with the help of Harry, a member of the bureau, manages to keep one step ahead, until they bring in the big guns, in the form of Thompson (Terence Stamp). Will their love overcome what a higher power has preordained? There is a lot to like about this film. Firstly, the chemistry between Damon and Blunt is nothing short of electrifying. I sincerely hope that someone picks up on this and offers them another chance to spar with each other. Their partnering is reminiscent of the old movies, which in fact were far more real and fun than modern day romances. The story and characters are really imaginative and give a modern twist on an old, if loved story. The Bureau have access to all areas by opening regular doors which gives short cuts to places, but only with their hats on. All the actors are great. It's the ending that lets this story down really. It just sort of fizzles out. David tries so hard to outrun The Bureau, and you expect a much more climactic ending, instead it's a sort of, 'blimey we've run out of time, better wrap it all up neatly' sort of ending. Never the less, it's a good film and worth a look, a little reminiscent of City of Angels/Wings of Desire. The Adjustment Bureau: You can leave your hat on, Matt. 7/10.

Wild Target

This film is a remake of a French film 'Cible emouvante'. As sometimes happens in these cases, a little is lost in translation. It's the story of Rose (Emily Blunt) who has swindled a dashing 'business man' Rupert Everett with a fake painting. Rupert then sets the best of the best solitary assassin Victor Maynard (Bill Nighy) to dispose of Rose. Through a series of cock ups, Victor fails to follow the job through, and so the mayhem begins. Victor ends up becoming mesmerised by Rose, and a hapless Rupert Grint (Tony) gets pulled along for the ride. Chastised by his ruthless overbearing Mother (brilliant Eileen Atkins), hounded by the second best assassin in Britain (a fabulously fake tanned Martin Freeman) the three become embroiled in an adventure that makes them all realise the true meaning of life. The film has some really charming and funny moments. Emily Blunt is a lovely actress, but I don't quite believe her as the wild Rose. Bill Nighy is also an English stalwart, but he only ever really plays, well, Bill Nighy. Uptight and unemotional, speaking through closed lips and stiff limbed. Rupert Grint is great as the permanently stoned, sport loving spy apprentice Tony. Rupert Everett tends to steal the show a little as the handsome completely amoral businessman Ferguson. There are some quite dark moments which don't really tally well with the light 'four weddings' feel of the film. The scenes are almost comic book England, very beautiful but so cliched, even down to the stolen Mini Cooper. It's worth a look, but the ending is quite disconcerting. Children that kill animals are just not even vaguely amusing, people maybe, but not animals.
Wild Target: Just misses the mark. 6/10.