Adrian Mateljan

Adrian’s rating: 6
Tilt: +1 Scrat
First watched: 4th July 2009 (Cinema, VUE Reading, 2D)

The third installment in the Ice Age series of animated films, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, was disappointing. The animation was good, but the film was uninspiring. The plot felt like it was just there to support the gags and action, of which the good ones were few and far between - and most were in the previews. Lou enjoyed it more, but then I am immune to Simon Pegg’s dulcet tones…

The only plus - the sub plot between Scrat and Scratte.

Adrian’s rating: 8
Tilt: +1 Transformers
First watched: 21st June 2009 (VUE, Reading)

Explosions, slick, explosions, polished, explosions, fun, explosions, large battling, transforming robots - did I mention the explosions?

Watched “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” with Paul (and Louisa of course!). Lots of fun and we will be adding this to our DVD collection (eventually).

Adrian’s rating: 7
Tilt: +1 Marvel
Last watched: 20th May 2009 (DVD, Owned)

The third installment in the Blade trilogy, “Blade Trinity” is fun, but doesn’t really add anything really original or stand out.

Adrian’s rating: 7
Last Watched: 17th May 2009 (DVD, Owned)

“Night at the Museum” features an original concept combined with a fun implementation that is only let down somewhat by the plot and some childish antics. Still, it is nice to see Robin Williams on screen and, for the most part, Ben Stiller doesn’t grate.

Adrian’s rating: 7
First watched: 17th May 2009 (DVD, Owned)

“Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” - Cute with a good cast (who can resist Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman - even if not in their best roles). Almost pulls off magical - but not quite. Much better than I was expecting however given the reviews.

Adrian’s rating: 9
Tilt: +1 Star Trek
First watched: 15th May 2009 (Cinema, Vue Reading)

The new “Star Trek” film is a great portrayal of where it all began, including all your favourite characters and tributes to the series. If anything, the only let down was the rather simplistic plot - but then, one could argue that that is also a tribute… Lou and I will be adding this to our DVD collection. I may even bump this up to a 10 on another watching.

Adrian’s rating: 8
Tilt: +1 X-Men, Wolverine
First watched: 10th May 2009 (Cinema, Vue Reading)

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” was a lot of fun to watch. Don’t expect a masterpiece of cinematography or plot or anything, but it was certainly better than I had hoped for. Will be adding to my DVD collection at some point.

Adrian’s rating: 7 (Once only)
First watched: 2nd May 2009 (DVD, Blockbuster)

“The Last Starfighter” - Effects are dated (it was 1984) but otherwise enjoyable. I don’t feel the need to watch it again though. Apparently there is talk of a sequel, which might change my mind.

Adrian’s rating: 8
First watched: 2nd May 2009 (VUE, Reading)

“Coraline” - Excellent animation, especially the facial expressions. A weird and wacky experience that might just grow on me some more.

Adrian’s rating: 6
First watched: Monday 20th April 2009 (Blockbuster, DVD)

“The Tale Of Despereaux“. Great cast (including Dustin Hoffman, William H. Macy and Christopher Lloyd), great animation and great characters (love the concept of Hovis). Plot let it down for me. Too many characters and ideas, not enough exploration of any of them.