The First Grader

This is one of those movies where you start crying just from seeing the trailer. While touching, it's not sappy, however. In fact it's poignantly sad in some parts.

This is the true story of an 84-year old ex-freedom fighter in Kenya, who, after hearing that education is open to all citizens, decides to go to school. Of course an old man amongst first graders is rather odd for some people, so Charles must battle prejudice in order to fulfil his dream of being able to read. This is simply a wonderful representation of a man who refused to fail, and his determination will bring you tears. Take the tissues!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

One Day

While the overriding theme of this film is love, it is less about romance and more about two friends navigating their way through life.

We meet Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) on their final day of college, and we see them again every year on the same day. We see them grow, along with fashion and technology, and meander as they search for meaning and question their obvious love for each other, all the while living very separate lives.

What's refreshing about the film is its avoidance of the usual cheesy clichés of other love stories. It's fresher and wittier than your average and for that deserves a thumbs-up.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Colombiana

I'm so bored of movies that are shamelessly rehashed every couple of years. Here's yet another one about a woman who witnesses her parents' death when she's a kid and grows up to be an assassin intent on seeking revenge. Come on! I guess this is one for those action junkies who like a woman (this time it's the svelte Zoe Saldana) with a gun thrown in for extra entertainment value. Never gets old, does it, guys?

Rating 2 outta 5.

Final Destination 5 (3D)

Considering it's now on it's 5th installment, there is nothing 'final' about 'Final Destination' - but the 3D aspect does wet the appetite a bit!

When a group of co-workers survive a suspension bridge collapse thanks to a man's premonition of the disaster a race against time and death begins...because they were never supposed to be alive. But how do you cheat Death itself?

The franchise's formula is standard, the cast nothing to rave about but the effects are top notch and
if it's some hearting racing, blood splattering action you looking for - look no further. Prepare your stomach though!

Bad Teacher

Maybe a bit over-the-top but if you need a good giggle, this is definitly the movie of the evening.

Cameron Diaz is the self-involved teacher whose aim in life is to find her next rich husband. She couldn't care less about her students and believes that films are the new books when it comes to educating. So when a nerdy but rich substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake) comes to the school, she's keen to reel him in. The only problem is that she reckons her boobs are too small, so needs to raise some cash for an augmentation. And so the shenanigans begin.

This is a frivolous, silly movie but definitely worth watching if you're in a frivolous and silly mood.

Rating: 3 outta 5.