The Boss Baby
Animated | 2017

Tim is perfectly fine being an only child, thank you very much. His parents work hard as the marketing managers at Puppy Co, makers of the cutest puppies in the world, but they somehow always have time for Tim. That’s until one day, Tim’s baby brother arrives – a baby dressed in a suit, with a briefcase by his side. Suddenly, Tim’s not the centre of his parents’ universe any more. But when Tim learns that the evil CEO of Puppy Co is hatching a plan to put Baby Corps, the celestial factory where babies are made, out of business, he must team up with The Boss Baby to save the day. 

1) Did you like it?

I really wanted to – after all, this is a Dreamworks film: the people who brought us classics like Shrek and Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon. Which is why it bugs me to say – no, I really didn’t like this film.

2) Why?

I know, right? A cute baby! In a suit! Voiced by Alec Baldwin! What’s not to like? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is “pretty much everything else”. This whole film is constructed on a really flimsy premise, with a bizarre plot that feels like it was pulled from thin air to justify making a movie with Alec Baldwin as a suit-wearing baby.

The thing with The Boss Baby is that it's just too weird. That's not to say that kids' films can't be surreal - look at Up, for example...if you can get though the first ten minutes without passing out due to feels-related dehydration. The Boss Baby is rife with plotholes and oddly jarring moments that don't feel as if they were fully thought through - like the scene where Tim is about to catapult his baby brother from a second storey window. Kinda disturbing, from an adult perspective. But there’s not that much here for kids, either, because a lot of the film’s humour centres around parodies of films that kids won’t have seen. So yeah - I'm not quite sure who this film is for, but it's not for me.

3) You’ll enjoy this movie if…

The one thing The Boss Baby does have going for it? It’s a cute story about sibling rivalry that just might help kids come to term with the arrival of a newborn brother or sister.

4) This movie made me think about…

Way too much, unfortunately. For instance: Tim’s parents are the marketing managers at Puppy Co, but they don’t own a dog?

5) Overall rating:

The Lego Batman Movie
Animated | 2017

From the team who brought you The Lego Movie comes a new film starring everyone's favourite sarcastic superhero: Lego Batman. The Joker has hatched a maniacal plan to flood the streets of Gotham City with all the meanest, baddest villains of all time...and it just might work! If Batman is going to save the day this time, he’s going to need to get used to something he’s not going to like: teamwork.

1) Did you like it?

As someone who really loved The Lego Movie, this film had me a little worried. You know what they say about sequels, right? They’re never as good as the original film? And the thing is, The Lego Batman Movie isn’t quite as good as its predecessor, but it definitely comes very close. And, as far as I’m concerned, a film that’s almost as good as an excellent film is still pretty amazing!

2) Why?

Just like the first Lego Movie, this film is ridiculously fun. It's got great characters, hilarious jokes, non-stop action and a cute story. You could say everything about this film is…well, awesome! I won't ramble on - just watch it!

3) You’ll enjoy this movie if…

The Lego Batman Movie is packed with genuine, laugh-a-minute humour that’s perfectly suited to adults and kids alike. It’s got something for everyone.

4) This movie made me think about…

I have to be honest, this movie was so much fun, I didn’t do that much in the way of thinking – I just sat back and enjoyed the film. Which is exactly what I wanted!

5) Overall rating:

Sing
2016 | G | Animated

In a city full of animals, Buster Moon, an optimistic koala, hosts a singing competition in a last-ditch attempt to save his beloved, but crumbling old theatre. From hundreds of auditions, five finalists are selected – a gorilla trying to break free from his dad’s life as a crime lord, an overworked mother of 25 piglets, a punk-rock porcupine, a mouse with giant ego and a shy, young elephant with a severe case of stage fright. Who will win – and how will they react when they find out Buster doesn’t actually have the prize money he promised?

Continue reading →

Beings with supernatural powers join together to fight against supernatural villains. This team of supernatural beings include John Constantine, Zatanna and Jason Blood also known as the demon Etrigan.