Reviews by Maria Realf

Order by: Date, A–Z

• 
  Great Expectations (2012)

  Review preview for Great Expectations

  Mike Newell’s take does not disappoint, with sumptuous cinematography and an impressive British cast.

  An adaptation of the Dickens classic about an orphaned boy who comes into a fortune.
• 
  Bridesmaids (2011)

  Review preview for Bridesmaids

  Don’t be tempted to dismiss it as another fluffy chick flick – this is a film with balls, bite and plenty to appeal to both sexes.

  Despite her best attempts to be a model member of the bridal party, an unlucky-in-love singleton finds herself rapidly becoming the ’maid of dishonour’.
• 
  The Hangover: Part II (2011)

  Review preview for The Hangover: Part II

  If this is just more of the same, is that really such a terrible thing?

  After their bachelor party went hilariously wrong, this time the Wolfpack find themselves heading to a wedding in Thailand...
• 
  Red Riding Hood (2011)

  Review preview for Red Riding Hood

  By halfway through you're beginning to wish the wolf would just eat the entire village.

  The director of Twilight returns with this dark take on the legendary tale.
• 
  Hereafter (2011)

  Review preview for Hereafter

  While Hereafter is at times thought-provoking in its own way, it lacks the sense of friction and urgency that have made his previous works such must-watch masterpieces.

  Interweaving stories about three characters touched by death in different ways.
• 
  The A-Team (2010)

  Review preview for The A-Team

  All brawn and very little brains.

  War veterans try to clear their name with the military after being framed for a crime they didn't commit
• 
  Clash Of The Titans (2010)

  Review preview for Clash Of The Titans

  If you’re looking for big-budget, popcorn entertainment, then Titans certainly won’t disappoint.

  Let the battle between men and the ancient gods begin...
• 
  Night At The Museum 2 (2009)

  Review preview for Night At The Museum 2

  The film’s biggest strength is its imaginative special effects.

  Colourful sequel sees the world’s largest museum complex spring to life.
• 
  Tormented (2009)

  Review preview for Tormented

  While this premise could have worked well, it doesn’t – mainly because you couldn’t care less what happens to the whole horrible bunch.

  A bullied teen gets his own back from beyond the grave.
• 
  X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

  Review preview for X-Men Origins: Wolverine

  Despite the strong cast and some slick fight scenes, one thing the film does lack is a grand-scale battle between rival groups of mutants.

  An exploration of the origins of X-men mutant Wolverine.
• 
  Blindness (2008)

  Review preview for Blindness

  A bold piece of film-making that's daring, dramatic and different - even if it won't be to everyone's taste.

  Chaos reigns as an epidemic of blindness starts to spread with alarming speed.
• 
  What Just Happened? (2008)

  Review preview for What Just Happened?

  It’s the cinematic equivalent of Morris dancing: there’s lots going on, it’s entertaining enough – but you’re not entirely sure what the point is.

  A desperate film producer tries to stop his latest project (and himself) from going into meltdown.
• 
  Assault On Precinct 13 (1976)

  Review preview for Assault On Precinct 13

  Brilliantly claustrophobic and eerily entertaining.

  A police precinct comes under attack from a merciless street gang.
• 
  The Duchess (2008)

  Review preview for The Duchess

  Ultimately, the film suffers from the same problem as the marriage it depicts: a lack of sizzling passion.

  The true story of an aristocrat who came into conflict with the political and moral system of her day.
• 
  The NeverEnding Story (1984)

  Review preview for The NeverEnding Story

  This movie has such heart and soul that it remains a true children’s classic.

  Enchanting fantasy adventure about a magical land under threat.
• 
  Get Smart (2008)

  Review preview for Get Smart

  Get Smart contains just enough laugh-out-loud moments to merit the price of a cinema ticket.

  That would be the old resurect- the-nostalgic- 60s-TV Show trick.
• 
  The Edge Of Love (2008)

  Review preview for The Edge Of Love

  While the real Dylan Thomas was undoubtedly fascinating, it’s a shame the same cannot be said for this film.

  Wartime drama about two women who form an unlikely friendship, united by their feelings for poet Dylan Thomas.
• 
  Street Kings (2008)

  Review preview for Street Kings

  Sadly this doesn’t live up to this promise, although it remains a reasonably enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, action thriller.

  A lone cop goes up against a corrupt system.