The River Wild

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(1994)

Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller

Director: Curtis Hanson

Writer: Denis O'Neill

Producers: David Foster, Raymond Hartwick, Ilona Herzberg, Denis O'Neill, Lawrence Turman

Synopsis: Meryl Streep headlines this fast-paced adventure as Gail, a whitewater rafting guide. For a vacation, Gail is accompanying her son Roarke (Joseph Mazzello) and workaholic husband Tom (David Strathairn) on a river trip. Gail and Tom are experiencing marital troubles and contemplating divorce, but their problems take a back seat when they encounter some menacing rafters led by Wade (Kevin Bacon). -- (Written by IMDb Editors)

Cast:

• Meryl Streep
• Kevin Bacon
• David Strathairn
• John C. Reilly

IMDb - The River Wild

Oz the Great and Powerful

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(2013)

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy

Director: Sam Raimi

Writers: Mitchell Kapner, David Lindsay-Abaire, L. Frank Baum

Producers: Debbi Bossi, Grant Curtis, Joshua Donen, K.C. Hodenfield, W. Mark McNair, Palak Patel, Joe Roth, Philip Steuer, Tamara Watts Kent

Synopsis: Disney's fantastical adventure "Oz The Great and Powerful," directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he's hit the jackpot-fame and fortune are his for the taking-that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone's been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity-and even a bit of wizardry-Oscar transforms himself not only into the great wizard but into a better man as well. When small-time magician Oscar Diggs (James Franco) pulls one flimflam too many, he finds himself hurled into the fantastical Land of Oz where he must somehow transform himself into the great wizard-and just maybe into a better man as well. -- (Written by Walt Disney Pictures)

Cast:

• James Franco
• Mila Kunis
• Rachel Weisz
• Michelle Williams
• Zach Braff

IMDb - Oz the Great and Powerful

Wreck-It Ralph

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(2012)

Genre: Animation/Adventure/Comedy

Director: Rich Moore

Writers: Rich Moore, Phil Johnston, Jim Reardon, Jennifer Lee

Producers: Monica Lago-Kaytis, John Lasseter, Clark Spencer

 

 Nominee

Synopsis: Ralph (John C. Reilly) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer), the "good guy" star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero's Duty. But it's the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it's too late? -- (Written by Disney)

Cast:

• John C. Reilly
• Jack McBrayer
• Jane Lynch
• Sarah Silverman

IMDb - Wreck-It Ralph

Life of Pi

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(2012)

Genre: Adventure/Drama

Director: Ang Lee

Writers: David Magee, Yann Martel

Producers: Kevin Richard Buxbaum, William M. Connor, Dean Georgaris, Ang Lee, David Lee, Michael J. Malone, Gil Netter, Tabrez Noorani, Jesse Prupas, Pravesh Sahni, David Womark

    

Nominee

Synopsis: Director Ang Lee creates a groundbreaking movie event about a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with another survivor...a fearsome Bengal tiger. -- (Written by 20th Century Fox)     

Cast:

• Suraj Sharma
• Irfan Khan

IMDb - Life of Pi

ParaNorman

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(2012)

Genre: Animation/Adventure/Fantasy

Directors: Chris Butler, Sam Fell

Writer: Chris Butler

Producers: Matthew Fried, Travis Knight, Arianne Sutner, Carl Beyer

 

Nominee

Synopsis: The new 3D stop-motion comedy thriller from animation company LAIKA, reteaming the company with Focus Features after the groundbreaking Academy Award-nominated Coraline. ParaNorman is, following Coraline, the company's second stop-motion animated feature to be made in 3D. In ParaNorman, a small town comes under siege by zombies. Who can it call? Only misunderstood local boy Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he'll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst, of all, grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits. -- (Written by Focus Features)

Cast:

• Kodi Smit-McPhee
• Anna Kendrick
• Casey Affleck
• Christopher Mintz-Plasse
• Leslie Mann
• John Goodman
• Jeff Garlin

IMDb - ParaNorman

The Amazing Spider-Man

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(2012)

Genre: Action/Adventure

Director: Marc Webb

Writers: James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, Steve Kloves, Stan Lee, Steve Ditko

Producers: Avi Arad, Kevin Feige, Michael Grillo, Kyla Kraman, Stan Lee, Beatriz Sequeira, Matthew Tolmach, Pamela Oas Williams, Laura Ziskin

Synopsis: The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance - leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero. -- (Written by Sony)

Cast:

• Andrew Garfield
• Emma Stone
• Rhys Ifans
• Martin Sheen
• Sally Field

IMDb - The Amazing Spider-Man

Prometheus (jhunterfilmreview)

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(2012)

Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller/Adventure

Director: Ridley Scott

Writers: Jon Spaihts, Damon Lindelof

Producers: Michael Costigan, Michael Ellenberg, David Giler, Walter Hill, Mark Huffam, Teresa Kelly, Nikolas Korda, Damon Lindelof, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott

 

Nominee

Synopsis: Ridley Scott, director of Alien and Blade Runner, returns to the genre he helped define. With Prometheus, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. -- (Written by 20th Century Fox)

Cast:

• Noomi Rapace
• Michael Fassbender
• Charlize Theron
• Guy Pearce
• Idris Elba
• Logan Marshall-Green

IMDB - Prometheus

jhunterfilmreview: Upon hearing that a new Ridley Scott sci-fi film was imminent, I immediately found it difficult to control my excitement. I am a huge fan of the Alien saga - particularly Alien, Aliens and Alien: Resurrection. Then I saw the cast, and I instantly knew this would be one of, if not the most anticipated film for me this year. After conducting a little research on this exciting new motion picture, I discovered that Prometheus was to be a sci-fi/thriller and a sort of 'quasi-prequel' to the Alien saga. Furthermore, the film was to boast an amazing cast including two of my favourite female actors; Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Babycall), and Charlize Theron (Monster, Æon Flux, Young Adult). 

The film is set in the year 2089, where the protagonist Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and a team of scientists discover ancient cave paintings which match other artefacts from several unconnected ancient cultures. They interpret the pattern as a map and sort of invitation from humanity's forerunners, the 'Engineers'. Peter Weyland's (Guy Pearce - Memento, L.A. Confidential, The Hurt Locker) Weyland corporation funds the creation of the scientific vessel 'Prometheus', and the expedition to follow the map to distant moon LV-223. While the ship's crew travels in stasis, an android named David (Michael Fassbender - Shame, A Dangerous Method, Inglourious Basterds) monitors their voyage. Arriving in 2093, the crew are informed of their mission - to find the Engineers, but to avoid making contact without the permission of mission directer, Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron).

Prometheus is an extremely ambitious project which I feel may have suffered from the pulling of (and often relying on) the strings of anticipation a bit too much. Not only this, but the film's main weakness is its screenplay. Written by John Spaihts and David Lindelof, it somewhat fails to develop some key characters and aspects of the narrative, leaving a lot of its big questions unanswered.

Ok so the film is not perfect…but there are SO many amazing and jaw-dropping aspects which make it a thoroughly entertaining sci-fi flick. For one, the production design and visual effects are beyond stunning. Production designer Arthur Max led the film's design crew. His team were tasked with deconstructing the art direction and visuals of Alien, and reverse-designing them for the chronologically earlier setting of Prometheus. The film was shot using 3D cameras throughout, almost entirely on practical sets, and on location in England, Iceland, Spain and Scotland. The out-of-this-world (pun intended) 1,300 digital visual effects shots are the works of a combination of different effects studios, including Moving Picture Company and Weta Digital. Prometheus also features a number of compelling performances from its cast. Particularly Michael Fassbender as the scrupulous Weyland android, David.

If I had to pick my favourite scene, it would be without a doubt the intense surgery scene featuring Rapace. The emotional intensity that she brought to what is intentionally an absurd sci-fi scenario, felt real, gritty, grounded and horrifying. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this highly ambitious and visually stunning film. Due to its occasional scripting hiccup however, I recommend it only to those who aren't opposed to a little 'Why?' in their sci-fi.

I give this film 8 stars.

Snow White and the Huntsman

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(2012)

Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Director: Rupert Sanders

Writers: Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock, Hossein Amini

Producers: Laurie Boccaccio, Gloria S. Borders, Sarah Bradshaw, Helen Hayden, Sam Mercer, Palak Patel, Joe Roth

 

Nominee

Synopsis: In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Charlize Theron) out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White's beauty and power. -- (Written by Universal Pictures)

Cast:

• Charlize Theron
• Kristen Stewart
• Chris Hemsworth
• Nick Frost
• Toby Jones
• Ian McShane
• Bob Hoskins
• Sam Claflin
• Brian Gleeson
• Lily Cole

IMDb - Snow White and the Huntsman

The Book of Eli

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(2010)

Genre: Action/Adventure/Drama

Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes

Writer: Gary Whitta

Producers: Brad Arensman, Yolanda T. Cochran, Susan Downey, Ethan Erwin, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Erik Olsen, Steve Richards, Joel Silver, David Valdes, Denzel Washington, John David Washington, Steven P. Wegner

Synopsis: A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind. -- (Written by IMDb Editors)

Cast:

• Denzel Washington
• Mila Kunis
• Gary Oldman

IMDb - The Book of Eli

Arrietty

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(2010)

Genre: Animation/Adventure

Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Writers: Mary Norton, Hayao Miyazaki, Keiko Niwa

Producers: Soledad Gatti-Pascual, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki

Synopsis: Arrietty (Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to "borrow" scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty's family from the home and straight into danger. -- (Written by Disney)

Cast - UK Version:

• Saoirse Ronan
• Mark Strong
• Olivia Colman
• Tom Holland
• Phyllida Law
• Geraldine McEwan

Cast - US Version:

• Bridgit Mendler
• Will Arnett
• Amy Poehler
• David Henrie
• Carol Burnett

IMDb - Arrietty

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

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(2011)

Genre: Action/Adventure

Director: Guy Ritchie

Writers: Michele Mulroney, Kieran Mulroney, Arthur Conan Doyle

Producers: Bruce Berman, Steve Clark-Hall, Susan Downey, Ethan Erwin, Peter Eskelsen, Dan Lin, Lauren Meek, Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram

Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) has always been the smartest man in the room...until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large-Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris)-and not only is he Holmes' intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may actually give him an advantage over the renowned detective. When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, the evidence, as construed by Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan), points to suicide. But Sherlock Holmes deduces that the prince has been the victim of murder-a murder that is only one piece of a larger and much more portentous puzzle, designed by Professor Moriarty. The cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead of Holmes as he spins a web of death and destruction-all part of a greater plan that, if he succeeds, will change the course of history. -- (Written by Warner Bros.)

Cast:

• Robert Downey Jr.
• Jude Law
• Noomi Rapace
• Rachel McAdams
• Jared Harris
• Stephen Fry

IMDb - Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Hugo

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 (2011)

Genre: Adventure/Drama

Director: Martin Scorsese

Writers: John Logan, Brian Selznick

Producers: David Crockett, Babara De Fina, Christi Dembrowski, Johnny Depp, Tim Headington, Georgia Kacandes, Graham King, Charles Newirth, Martin Scorsese, Emma Tillinger Koskoff

  

Nominee

Synopsis: Throughout his extraordinary career, Academy Award-wining director Martin Scorsese has brought his unique vision and dazzling gifts to life in a series of unforgettable films. This holiday season the legendary storyteller invites you to join him on a thrilling journey to a magical world with his first-ever 3-D film, based on Brian Selznick's award-winning, imaginative New York Times best-seller, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret." Hugo is the astonishing adventure of a wily and resourceful boy whose quest to unlock a secret left to him by his father will transform Hugo and all those around him, and reveal a safe and loving place he can call home. -- (C) (Written by Paramount Pictures)

Cast:

• Asa Butterfield
• Chloë Grace Moretz
• Ben Kingsley
• Sacha Baron Cohen
• Emily Mortimer
• Christopher Lee
• Helen McCrory
• Jude Law

IMDb - Hugo

Short Review: This film is utterly beautiful, and so so entertaining. Everything about it is exquisite, and I love the French Jazz style soundtrack. This is really so many of my favourite aspects of film, in one movie. The only criticisms that I have are the following: I feel Chloë Moretz overacts in some scenes, which I was surprised at, because I respect her and the parts she has played in past films. Secondly, I feel that it was wrong to promote this film as entirely a children's movie. Simply because the majority of the film explores specific areas of film history - something that I cannot imagine a child being interested in, and enjoying. Apart from these two points, the film is perfectly amazing.