For a dysfunctional American family, a bonding trip to the Irish countryside is about to go very, very wrong as locals of the aptly named Plague Town have a sinister agenda. The forest is filled with packs of giggling, deformed children who enjoy playing sadistically depraved games. The night fills with joyous laughter and screams of agony. Sounds like one of our parties.

Making his directorial debut, native Nottingham boy David Gregory co-founded the Exploited label and has produced and directed more than 130 ‘making-of’ documentaries surrounding cult horror films.

Plague Town has already received several of the best reviews for a horror film this year and this special screening in the atmospheric Broadway is guaranteed to be a real treat.

Find out more information about Plague Town at www.plaguetown.com and loads more about the Broadway Theatre at www.broadway.org.uk

Well you’ll witness both in Kick-Ass. Oh, and believe it or not, the film’s sparked some controversy. But despite initial impression, this action comedy brought to you by Layer Cake’s Matthew Vaughn is more than meets the eye.

Who hasn’t idly thought about what super powers you would have? Well, Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) takes this fantasy to the extreme and re-invents himself as a powerless real life superhero called ‘Kick-Ass’. During his transformation he meets other superheroes, namely ‘Big Daddy’, played by Nicolas Cage, together with his foul mouthed eleven year old daughter and sidekick Mindey, A.K.A. ‘Hit Girl’ (Chloe Moretz). For personal reasons these more ruthless heroes are dedicated to murdering a major mobster, where Lizewski finds himself way over his head.

Although the superhero wannabe concept may sound a bit tacky, it’s actually quite intriguing. Following Lizewski’s journey of self transformation is both hilarious and unpredictably shocking. His claim to fame sparks from a brawl among street thugs which becomes sharply poignant. The comic book geek at the heart of this comedy switches to a boy distressed by our society as demonstrated by his adrenaline fuelled speech as he screams his frustration against crime. Although these vigilantes are extreme they’re portrayed as an alternative to justice in real life.

Kick-Ass shouldn’t be taken seriously. The films juxtaposition of light-heartedness together with sudden moral comments makes it gripping and entertaining. It’s tongue-in-cheek, stupidly clever and at times pretty dark. It’s as if the film accepts itself as bizarre whilst acknowledging it’s OTT attitude and controversial manner, which will divide opinions. Expect stylish scenes of bold, snappy camera work including a quirky Call of Duty-esque, action sequence from Hit-Girl’s point of view. The title alone screams high cult status and is sure to have a collective fan base for years to come.

4/5 Stars

The latest story to be re peddled is that of the ‘sharp-fingered nonce’ (thank you Dave Baldwin for that beautiful description) Freddy Krueger and the poor teenagers of Elm Street. But all cynicism aside  the trailer looks rather niffty, have a look just below and let us know what you think.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IzzKnOee78

‘I never want to disappoint Tim Burton’ says Depp, who claims to work day and night inventing the greatest personalities for his characters. Well, his recreated Mad Hatter will disappoint no-one. Bonham Carter as the evil, but really quite funny, Red Queen is also superb and both performances bring warmth to their characters’ intriguing appearances. Matt Lucas as Tweedledum and Tweedledee offers some mild gags, but the praise must go to the fantastic voice-overs of Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat and Alan Rickman as the Blue Caterpillar.

Although Burton has kept Lewis Caroll’s famous story incredibly simple, Depp says it’s more of a sequel to the classic tale. After ten years of absence, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns to Wonderland where the Red Queen has abolished all beauty. Alice travels through Burton’s classically accurate yet magically refurbished Wonderland, guarded by the Red Queen’s Stayne – Knave of Hearts (Crispin Glover) and her weird playing card soldier things.

However, the praise ends here. The film’s reliance on its routine of weird characters after weird characters and strange scenery after strange scenery is too straightforward to make this feature length tale entertaining. It’s hard not to compare to Avatar but extract Cameron’s world and we’re still left with an uncomplicated yet captivating story with strong motives. This is where Alice in Wonderland falls flat.

Burton’s re-created Wonderland maybe more enchanting than Cameron’s Pandora, however once you become immune to the basic reliance on visual surprises,  some scenes are, well, a bit boring. This is until the final dramatic showdown, climaxing with Alice pitted against the Jabberwocky (Christopher Lee).

Let’s not forget, this is a children’s tale and this Disney infused version still flourishes for kids. Burton wouldn’t dare change the story in more drastic ways, but narrative has been sacrificed for the spectacle which has little stamina. Fantastic performances all round with some warming and intriguing scenes. But you’ll soon drift off to your own Wonderland.

3/5 Stars.

Set in Los Angeles on November 30, 1962, a month after the Cuban missile crisis, A Single Manis the story of George Falconer (Colin Firth), a middle-aged British college professor who has struggled to find meaning in his life since the sudden death eight months earlier of his longtime partner, Jim (Matthew Goode).

A single day is depicted in the film. Narrated from the point of view George. He dwells on his past, shown in flashbacks, and his seemingly empty future, as he prepares for his planned suicide that evening. But I promise you its all not all bleak and like I said Tom Ford is behind the wheel making each scene absolutely stunning.

A Single Man will be hitting a cinema screen near you this Friday (12th February)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eafJ4jvf-sY

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L-HIQ5n0KM

What could be better then a night of films and vodka?

‘Not much’ is the answer you are looking for.

Super- premium Ketel One vodka has come together with Future Shorts to make a beautiful partnership and present The Spirit of Film, a celebratory evening of the skills and craftsmanship of short film- making.

Future Shorts allow film makers to showcase their work and is recognised by the industry as a cutting- edge short film label. Ketel One vodka is produced by the Nolet family in Schiedam, Holland, who have been distilling fine spirits for 10 generations.

The evening will be held at FACT in Liverpool- one of the UK’s leading picture houses- and you will be treated to an hour of short films, followed by an intermission in which you will be able to quench both your thirst for knowledge and thirst for the strong stuff. You will be taught a masterclass by the jedi’s of the vodka world and then there is the opportunity for a Q&A session with the films’ directors. The evening ends with tuition from top class bar tenders on how to create the ultimate Ketel One vodka martini. Make mine a double…

The Spirit of Film takes place on Thursday 29th April and runs from 6pm to 10pm. Tickets cost £5 for earlybirds and £7.50 thereafter. To buy tickets online click here.

FACT
88 Wood Street
Liverpool
L1 4DQ
0151 707 4444

By Jess King

All the ladies have been desperate to return to the city of fashion and fun, since the first feature length of Sex and the City, grossing $412.6 million worldwide. Yes, Sex and the City 2 arrives on the 28^th May and posters are promising more glitz and glamour. (Click here for poster) Looking her best yet, SJP said whilst shooting ‘we’re working hard to live up to any expectations’. Alice Eve will play Charlotte’s 20 year old nanny causing tension between the girls and expect the return of Mr Big played by Chris Noth. If this isn’t enough, the third and possibly final instalment is due to start shooting soon.

Moving out of New York and across to Italy, Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel and Anjelica Huston star in When in Rome, hitting theatres around 23^rd April. A trip to Rome finds Beth (Bell) pursued by aggressive suitors after stealing coins from a love fountain. Will the following events improve Beth’s forever unlucky love life? Previous films from the director Mark Steven Johnson include, hmmm, Ghost Rider and Daredevil. Let’s hope his talent shines brighter in his new venture of soppy love stories. Expect a pleasing, light hearted adventure with hopefully not too much ass kicking.

Pretty Woman lovers listen up, for it’s Director Garry Marshall, brings the laughter and the tears with Valentine’s Day. It’s ensemble features Jamie Foxx, Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway and Ashton Kutcher. Not quite up to the standard of Love Actually’s cast but Valentine’s Day could be it’s worthy successor. Intertwining sub plots of 10 people’s lives may provide that compelling edge of intelligent linking which made Love Actually more than just a chick flick. The story takes place in a short space of time over one Valentines Day. This being the source of tension, ‘which creates it’s own excitement’ says Roberts. You’ve guessed it, to be released in time for the 14^th Feb.

Finally, after meeting both sets of parents, prepare for the sequel Little Fockers (working title). Yes, there’s a newborn with the inevitable heated anticipation between the Byrnes and Focker families. You may think what the ‘fock’ when we tell you rumours are circling doubting Dustin Hoffman’s reappearance as Greg’s (Ben Stiller’s) father. But don’t worry, Harvey Keitel is ingeniously cast as a contractor employed by Greg. Let’s just hope the crew stick to the simplicity that made the previous outings meet all expectations. Charlie Hopkins

With an emphasis on human struggle and environmentalism, CRUDE guides us through the infamous $27-billion court case and examines the media whirlwind surrounding it.

Featuring hard-hitting interviews and damning first-hand footage, you might expect this to be a single-minded affair. But Berlinger takes on the complex issue from multiple angles, presenting a balanced argument in the process.

You can keep up to date with what is happening at FACT by joining their Facebook group www.facebook.com/PicturehouseDOCS

Tickets are available from www.picturehouses.co.uk, on 0871 704 2063, or in person from the box office.

Picturehouse at FACT run the state of the art cinemas at FACT and offer a diverse programming mix of quality mainstream, art-house and independent film. Picturehouse at FACT has the best licensed screens in Liverpool, allowing customers to take their drinks into the film with them.

For more information / images please contact:

Chris Peters, General Manager, Picturehouse at FACT, 0151 707 4469 chris.peters@picturehouses.co.uk

The noughties is in the past but which films will make history? Sixty Nine presents the greatest top 10 mainstream films of the last decade that have made it to the big screen. Franchises have turned darker, horror has seen the rise and fall of ‘torture-porn’, comedies have made marks on the industry and new technology has enabled the unbelievable. So which have stood out? With so many great titles to choose from, here goes….    

10. Children of Men (2006, Alfonso Cuarόn)

Dark and gritty visuals create a cold, eerie atmosphere of a dystopian vision set in 2027, in a collapsed war prone society, where humans can no longer procreate. Filmed in a newsreel documentary style with creative long single-shot techniques, Children of Men has its own identity. Clive Owen plays Theo Faron, a run down ex political activist, protecting the first woman to become pregnant in years. Filled with moving morals and spine tingling visual thrills, it shows how new life can bring hope and peace in mans darkest hour.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A55xTYXMpI

9. Lost in Translation (2003, Sofia Coppola)

Sofia Coppola, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, grabbed an Oscar for best screenplay and a best picture nomination. Ultimately commenting on misdirection in life from situations induced by character Bob Harris (Bill Murray); a famous actor literally lost in translation in Tokyo. The great soundtrack puts us in a trance while we study intriguing characters including Harris and love interest played by Scarlett Johansson. Compelling, moving, funny and beautifully enriched with creative metaphors.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNn-2CTXzAw

8. Adaptation (2002, Spike Jonze)

When asked to adapt a non-fiction book, ‘The Orchid Thief’, into a Hollywood screenplay, writer Charlie Kauffman (Nicolas Cage) finds it an impossible task leading to strange consequences. Packed with metaphors, baffling revelations and a touching love story from the great minds of Spike Jonze and (real) writer Charlie Kauffman. An ingenious, intelligent work of art. Bizarre but one of the most intriguing films from the last ten years.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HtZ2M4e_AM

7. Shaun of the Dead (2004, Edgar Wright)

This parody to George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead series, written by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, was destined to reach a high cult status. The very first romantic comedy with zombies is the ultimate genre lampoon. A well thought out spoof, lovable characters and moments of comic genius makes this hard not to love. Shaun of the Dead was well received overseas and big fans include Quentin Tarantino, Peter Jackson and most importantly George A. Romero.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfDUv3ZjH2k

6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003, Peter Jackson)

The Return of the King brought home 11 out of the 17 Oscars won by Peter Jackson’s trilogy. With two films building up the hype for the grand finale, there is certainly no anti climax for the closure of J.R.R. Tolkien’s franchise. Lord of the Rings led to visual signs of influence, including big swooping panoramic shots with little static camera work. A delighted Mr Jackson claimed ‘It’s what should happen in cinema – cinema should grow and expand as people figure out new ways of shooting movies.’

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7YllAOqpF4

5. Batman Begins (2005, Christopher Nolan)

The Dark Knight or Batman Begins? Which one to choose? Begins revamped the comic hero on our screens. The line ‘ice to meet you’ from Mr Freeze (Schwarzenegger) in the trashy rubbish Batman & Robin was the final straw for many. Begins was the most breath taking, most innovative, most brutal and the darkest outing with our caped crusader prior to The Dark Knight. Layer upon layer of metaphors, rich morals and in-story references left us quiet after the credits. Powerful stuff.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7dapUWHykw

4. The Wrestler (2008, Darren Aronofsky)

A struggling ‘once famous’ wrestler lives in a static home, his family has no time for him and nothing really gets better. What’s the appeal? Well, Mickey Rourke’s personal life may have influenced a performance that’s captivating and powerful within an interesting story, creatively told with scenes of simplicity. A climax that’s epic in a subtle and understated way, makes this huge. It’s hard to find a review without 5 stars for this beast.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-GFxjTyV0

3. Gladiator (2000, Ridley Scott)

Ten years since this sword and sandal marathon first hit our cinemas and the ‘my name is Maximus Decimus Meridius’ speech is still spine tingling. It Scooped 5 Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. A solid cast, gripping story and breath taking action sequences in the stunning Coliseum. With a dramatic, and moving soundtrack from Hanz Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard this was boosted from blockbuster to epic.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvTT29cavKo

2. There Will Be Blood (2007, Paul Thomas Anderson)

During the oil boom in southern California, Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his son discover a rich oil field in a neglected village. Success, religion and beliefs are of great significance here; being the differences between the inhabitants and the newcomers. While these issues bring out Daniel’s true colours, we wait with unbearable anticipation for his inevitable eruption, resulting in the films bleakest moments. There is no surprise that Day-Lewis won an Oscar for this masterpiece. Dark, creepy, deeply dramatic entertainment.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml2Ae2SIXac

1. Avatar (2009, James Cameron)

There’s probably little surprise that this takes pole position. New technology, new special effects, a revolution of 3-D cinema all together with an emotionally gripping story, told by the grouchy maestro James Cameron. This has reset what we assume to be an epic. Cameron’s man vs machine concept returns but to the highest level of entertainment. There can be no doubt why this has already taken over $1.4 billion, the man who handles the biggest budgets can bring in highest returns. Cameron’s is already flirting with a sequel ‘I’ve had a storyline in mind from the start’. But for now… fancy a breathtaking new experience? Then go and see Avatar. Astonishing. (check out my full review…)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeh2KILn7O4

So, do you agree or disagree? We want to know the top 10 films which have stuck in your mind from the last 10 years. There are so many great titles out there, many have been missed, take your pick….

The Phoenix is set for another film festival but this time with a more British and sex filled twist, ‘Best of the B’s’ is a celebration of the very best of British B-movies, this is a rare opportunity to watch film from times gone by on the silver screen.

The festival runs from the 15th to the 19th January and includes these gems:

Secrets of Sex – Fri 15 Jan – Sun 17 Jan
Rag Doll + Tomorrow at 10 – Sat 16 Jan to Sun 17 Jan
The Impersonator + The Wind of Change – Mon 18 Jan – Tue 19 Jan
Bond of Fear + Jungle Street – Mon 18 Jan – Tue 19 Jan

My favourite being ‘Secrets of Sex’ not only because it has the word sex in the title, but because it has the weirdest blurb I have read so far this year, it goes something like this:

Anyone for total weirdness? Orgies, naked burglary, topless food-fights, S & M photography, queer couples, kinky girls, and a threeway involving a lizard make this barmy British B-movie a must for all seekers of the bizarre. A “dirty movie with brains” these screenings should not be missed, especially as we are screening the FULL, UNCUT version!