Reviews

It's source material a historical novel bearing the title 'The Wettest County In The World', the marketing team behind 'Lawless' wisely repackaged the film with a sleeker, provocative moniker. Surely underselling what is, in reality, a more highbrow gangster flick, will appeal to the masses and convince the Shia LaBeouf fans to turn out for more of his popcorn action? Or reassure Tom Hardy's following that this is another opportunity for him to showcase how versatile he is? The irony, however, is that the most prominent fault with the film is that it strives too hard to present itself for the prestige of award season recognition.

Providing a fascinating insight into the Prohibition era of the United States, 'Lawless' is an authentic period piece, realistic in its depiction of the time even down to its brutally graphic violence. LaBeouf and Hardy play against each other extremely well, their personalities reflected well in their characters. Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska balance the testosterone to round out a strong ensemble cast. With so much opportunity for a number of rowdy shootouts that would better reflect the superb chemistry between the leading males, it is almost a shame that the film is so restrained; while it certainly earns its artistic merits, the film could have a greater job of living up to its (new) name.

Fans of 'The Inbetweeners' and its delightfully crude antics will not be disappointed by the feature length; an extended episode that only takes advantage of the added scope for character arcs, and nothing more. But was any less expected?

A completely new setting, the holiday resort of Magaluf, has allowed the writers a breath of fresh air after the stale third season; a mixed bag of episodes that abandoned the long- running relationship subplots and muscled the enjoyably frustrating female characters out of the story as the supposedly conclusive finale approached. Recognising this mistake, the movie revisits Simon's agonising unrequited love fro Carly and, in the somewhat disappointing absence of Emily Attack (Charlotte), each of the leading men are given a female counterpart. While this bloats the cast with additions no one cared for, it balances the film and distributes screen time equally among the ever eager Pussy Patrol.

Where the ailing television series failed to give us a fitting send off for the most notable group of British fictional characters since Harry Potter and friends, 'The Inbetweeners Movie' has enough emotion and sense of conclusion to redeem that.

Giving itself a particular niche with Kevin James' brand of humour and its sporting subject matter, 'Here Comes The Boom' barely manages to transcend its limitations, delivering a surprisingly heart warming, raucous comedy.

Thinly plotted and uninspired, the film submits itself to cliché so readily as if in acknowledgement that the target audience really could care less. Ignoring its own predictability then, the film instead strives to amuse, and while it's far from mature or intelligent, the intended viewers of the movie will be thoroughly entertained.

James is an eager front man and the supporting cast, though an eccentric mix, often garner the best response. For all the accolades I can give it, the film could never be good enough for Salma Hayek, who is made to look like an Oscar contender in comparison.

UFC and Kevin James fans are most likely to gain amusement from 'Here Comes The Boom', though, as this viewer can attest, the uninitiated might also benefit.

With a premise in a similar vein to 'Zack And Miri Make A Porno', which also starred a dim- witted Seth Rogen, 'For A Good Time, Call' is a crude, daring comedy that never crosses the line simply because it doesn't have one.

Resorting to phone sex to help pay the bills in their city apartment, Lauren and Katie - two completely opposite personalities - bond despite a teenage feud still lingering. While Ari Graynor has the better role to play, Lauren Miller manages to prove she shares a sense of lowbrow humour with her husband (Rogen), who cameos in one of the film's most memorable scenes. Justin Long's flamboyant character is used to the right extent; the film never outstays its welcome in any aspect, its brisk running time only slowing for a more serious third act, a missed attempt at giving the film emotional weight where, given its no- holds barred hilarity, feels somewhat unnecessary.

Refreshing and relevant, 'For A Good Time, Call' is a chick flick for both genders; a sugary depiction of sisterhood flirting with a risqué exploration of what men enjoy about it.