Burnham-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding, who was recently nominated for the national award ‘Young Film Critic of the Year’, reviews the latest crop of films showing at Burnham’s Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street this week…
The Chronicles of Narnia – Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG)
Having realised shortly before entering the Ritz that I hadn’t actually seen the last Narnia movie I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pick up the plot. But really it is quite simple; Lucy, Edmund and snooty cousin Eustace are randomly taken to Narnia to be reunited with old chum Caspian and set out on a voyage to find the seven lost Lords. Just the average everyday lark then I guess!
Firstly, can I just say this is a great film to take your kids to – they will love it! It’s the perfect film for an after school treat or the Christmas holidays. I however, from a critical and personal perspective, did not think it lived up to expectations.
It was lacking originality and I noticed it pinched ideas from a variety of other films, I found myself getting weary around the stage with the one legged dwarf type things and to be honest just didn’t think the film needed to be made. Mounds of credit must go to cousin Eustace (Will Poulter, Son of Rambow), who is quite wonderful to watch and his relationship with sword welding mouse (Simon Pegg) makes the film. So, all in all, it’s a pretty standard Narnia offering. The 3D isn’t used to its full potential and although it is quite enjoyable to watch it only gets an average 3/5 stars from me.
Burke and Hare (15)
Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis star in this gruesome dark comedy which is losely based on true events. Edinburgh 1825 and Dr Knox needs new cadavers for his anatomy lectures, so money-strapped Hare and reluctant friend Burke take on this murderous scheme to provide for wife Lucky and Burke’s ambitious love interest Ginny (Isla Fisher).
This film gets off to a great start, causing you to laugh out loud while squirming behind your popcorn! But then it all goes downhill and loses momentum as the gags get few and far between. I felt like the film could’ve been better. That said, I don’t think you will be disappointed, famous faces include Ronnie Corbett and a personal favourite Bill Bailey, who definitely add to the film. But be warned, this isn’t for those of a nervous disposition but I, a horror-a-phobic wimp, couldn’t help but chuckle at the gore.
Comedy, gore, romance – all you could want from a trip to the cinema right? Well, yes, but preferably just more consistent laughs and a bit more oomph! 3.5/ 5 stars
Read more of Molly’s regular film reviews on Burnham-On-Sea.com
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