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No Country For Old Men [2008]

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Kelly MacDonald, Stephen Root
directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

June 02, 2008
This film is tricky to review. For anyone else this would be a 4 star review, but this is the Coen's and somehow you just expect more. The acting is uniformly good (Bardem, Brolin and Jones getting most of the plaudits, but I felt Kelly MacDonald was the stand-out as the innocent dragged into the mess) and the premise and opening are fantastic, but...
As I said, normally I love the Coen's films and this doesn't find it's subject matter too far from their usual fare. The problem I think is two-fold. Firstly it is adapted from a crime-thriller book and for some reason this doesn't leave the Coen brothers enough scope to add their slightly bizarre and off-key humour that made films like Fargo and The Big Lebowski so iconic. Add to this the ... Read More:

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Stardust [2007]

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starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Clare Danes, Charlie Cox, Robert De Niro, Sienna Miller
directed by: Matthew Vaughn

February 25, 2008
I've had this film recommended to me far too many times to count, but have always found an excuse to put off watch it - I've got exams coming up I must revise for, I'm going out tonight and need to get ready, I don't have the money to spend on DVDs at the moment. However, I found this in Woolworths for £8 a few days back, and having no other plans to keep me occupied I decided to buy it and finally see what all the fuss was about.

The story follows Tristan (the result of a one night stand his father had with a inprisoned princess he met across the wall), who, in attempt to capture the heart of the girl he thinks he's in love with, promises to cross the wall to find a fallen star and bring it back to her before her birthday (time ... Read More:

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Atonement [2007]

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave
directed by: Joe Wright

February 04, 2008
Seriously not a film I would recommend. I spent half of it wondering when it was going to get going if you know what a mean, and the other half wishing it hadnt.

My fourteen year old daughter had pestered me to watch it I warned her truly I did but she insisted, she felt like me it was such a let down.

The acting was weak the film was poor dont punish yourself by watching it go for a run instead.

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National Treasure 2 - Book Of Secrets [2007]

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel
directed by: Jon Turteltaub

June 02, 2008
I like this sort of adventure film. There are far too few made, if you ask me. I guess most film makers think they will inevitably be compared to Indiana Jones, which is a shame.

So how does this compare to Indiana Jones? Not as good, a bit far-fetched, though I cant say why without giving bits of the plot away, but nonetheless a very entertaining romp.

Its the kind of film that eats your time away. There aren't any real dull moments, and its a shame when it has to finish.

I won't give it five stars, because it could be better, but it definately deserves 4.

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Futurama - The Beast with a Billion Backs [2008]

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Billy West, Katey Sagal
directed by: Peter Avanzino

June 30, 2008

NOWHERE NEAR AS GOOD AS THE FIRST FUTURAMA MOVIE

A FEW LAUGHS BUT NEVER REALLY GETS GOING

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Gavin And Stacey : Complete BBC Series 1 [2007]

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Ruth Jones, James Corden, Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, Rob Brydon

October 29, 2007
I have recently discovered modern British comedy, and I am a HUGE fan of comedies like Shameless, Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy's road to nowhere, Extras and The office. This comedy was recommended to me based on my opinion on Shameless, which I think is the best TV-show ever. However, "Gavin and Stacey" doesn't even get close to any of the shows mentioned. To me, it seems "stiff", very "acted" and WAAY to sweet. The character Nessa is a bit funny, and rescues it from being a complete disaster, but in general I find the rest of the cast quite boring or even repulsive. (Couldn't stand the smiley doll Stacey.)I was very disappointed.

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The Chronicles Of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe [2005]

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starring: Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Sophie Winkleman, Liam Neeson
directed by: Andrew Adamson

April 03, 2006
The credits are still rolling but I had to get this review in!

After watching the painful BBC version this is brilliant by comparison. Please don't buy the BBC one, get this instead. I can't fault it! It is just like the image of narnia in my head. Very believeable, great characters, great battle scenes. I cringed all the way through the BBC version but this was a delight to watch.

Can't wait for Prince Caspian now!

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The Water Horse - Legend Of The Deep [2007]

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Alex Etel, Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin, Brian Cox, Carl Dixon
directed by: Jay Russell

June 30, 2008
The Water Horse is based in Scotland, and more specifically, the area around Loch Ness. One day, lonely little boy Angus is searching for shells and things by the shore of the Loch, when he discovers what looks like a big egg-shaped rock. On closer investigation, he finds it is in fact an egg. Called away suddenly, he leaves the egg in his father's workshop, and races off. The next time he comes back, he discovers the egg has hatched. On hunting high and low for what came out of the egg, Angus is confronted by a strange little creature. They quickly become friends. But as the creature grows enormously each time it eats, Angus finds it very difficult to keep his not-so-little friend a secret. Soon other people are enlisted to help keep Angus' secret and protect the well-being of the ... Read More:

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St Trinian's [2007]

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Jodie Whittaker, Russell Brand
directed by: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson

April 14, 2008
Much better than I had expected and I was looking for something really special to follow on after the famous black and white originals, not to mention the absolutely awful "Wildcats of St. Trinians".
Rupert Everett was wonderful as the dedicated, horsey, Miss Camilla Fritton and as her dubious brother.
Russell Brand was great in a disappointingly small role as Flash Harry.
Colin Firth and numerous famous faces provided the zany supporting cast. A bevy of very lovely girls, and a reasonable plot, all added up to a surprising fun film.
I think I will watch it again - often!

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Wild China

Childrens Toy Shop > DVD >
starring: Wild China

June 09, 2008
As usual the BBC have excelled in this work. A very well deserved 10/10. Almost 6 hours of stunning education for less than £15. Now I must go and see China for myself.