REVIEW: THE LONE RANGER

3/5

Wild, Wild, Depp.

149 Minutes. Starring: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson, Ruth Wilson, Barry Pepper & Helena Bonham Carter. Director: Gore Verbinski.

OK Kemosabe, forget everything you've heard. So what's supposed to be the biggest flop of 2013 is a terrible movie right? Other critics wrong! With the Summer blockbuster season coming to a close it's only fitting it's given one last wild ride by the man and director, two horseman show that owned the Summer season of cinema for the last decade with the thrilling and buckwild 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' franchise. Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski are back in the saddle together to give cinema-goers it's oldest, most traditional favourite American story a modern twist. As we take a look at the man behind 'The Lone Ranger' mask we see a cowboys and indians tale that's worth your watch. Sure this isn't a classic update of a western like 'True Grit', 'Tombstone' or all those Clint Eastwood pictures...but you best believe it's no 'Wild, Wild West'. Take this with a pinch of 'Cowboys & Aliens' as one of the Summers more fun and entertaining pictures, earning it's place next to the darker 'Star Trek', 'Fast & Furious', 'Iron Man', 'Man Of Steel' and 'Wolverine' franchises. Like 'Despicable Me' this ones for the kids and before they go back to school, they get to live the dream of being a cowboy for real on the big screen.

But just who is the Lone Ranger? Behind the mask and the awesome ranger suit you'll find the arm and hammer talent of Armie Hammer. The man who made us see double while playing twins in 'The Social Network' and could have seen an Oscar for his role alongside Leo DiCaprio in the Eastwood directed biopic of 'J. Edgar' and of course who could forget...erm 'Mirror, Mirror'. On reflection here however, Armie is the out for justice, fairest of them all to play the iconic lawman. With the 26 year olds mature and character growing, developing perfomance it's clear to see co-headling his first big picture that this stars future and new franchise are in safe gun-totting hands. Hammer nails it even alongside everyone's favourite sideshow draw turned feature presentation. Who else to play the iconic Tonto but Johnny Depp? The man with many hats yet again helps make up a classic character into his own. You can put this outfitted style into the classic Depp museum alongside the best of the rest. Some have seen this as a 'minstrel show' like performance, but Depp brings the diligent respect as well as the hilarious humour. The king of the one word or visual gag brings more rib-tickles here to this railroad and keeps everything on track. The director/actor combo that brought you Jack Sparrow have done it again. Tonto Unchained!

From the old west train running through the production logo beginning, Disney have started another hit for the Mickey Mouse generation. Verbinski's vision brings us a big picture that is framed like a 90's great (think 'The Mummy' etc, when movies where fun instead of dark). All guns blazing for one wild ride and with some great cinematography from the grand deserts and canyons of Utah to the traditional look, sound and of course score of a classic western like 'The Lone Ranger'. The film opens with a dark uncomplete Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco with a balloon floating away from the outstretched arm of a kid riding a ferris wheel with his mother. It's these type of moments that make this film look and feel like it's done the right way. Attach that to some epic, scintillating, puncuated set-pieces from four legs to iron ones and you've got some great action scenes with horses, trains and automatics. This film may be long but, it's thrilling, tense and most of all fun. There's more jokes here to add the light relief to not only this picture but the darkest Summer in Hollywood record. Don't believe me...check the names. As good as the depths of many Hollywood, science-fiction blockbusters and franchises have been this year it's refreshing to have something light and friendly that doesn't take itself too seriously. After all the Summer season is for the children. Critics may be calling time on this and Depp but just like 'The Tourist' they fail to see through the Hollywood blood lust for just darkness. Just like 'The Tourist' is not an action, but a classic crime caper adenture fit for the Cary Grant 50's, 'The Lone Ranger' will one day serve as the perfect Sunday afternoon matinee movie...which there is a big-albeit motherly-market for.

If that isn't enough than the supporting cast reads like the Wanted poster of a Hollywood roll call. From the rising talent of Ruth Wilson to the veteran great Tom Wilkinson. The man who was born for Westerns-or maybe for the Wayne era-Barry Pepper put his spurs back on for a captain role that just clicks, while the usual slick William Fichtner looks truly sick as a disformed disgruntled villain. The man who ignited season 2 of 'Prison Break' and the first couple of minutes of 'The Dark Knight' (what a blunderbuss entrance of a cameo) was just born to play the bad boy. Even Helena Bonham Carter is in a Johnny Depp picture that doesn't have anything to do with Tim Burton. The woman who is having another incredible year from 'Les Mis' to Liz Taylor, steps it up here with a great American accent and an ivory pistol. This is one strong cast and those wishing Johnny Depp would just take off the mask and play "normal characters" (did you not see 'Public Enemies' or 'The Tourist'?), need to see just how deep this platinum chracter actor can take it. And to those calling for Depp's featherd head in playing a Native American may need to check his roots. As the man said he's trying "right the wrongs of the past", and with a respectful and real performance in a film that isn't half as downbeat as those writing it off...it's a start. Today the west has won. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: THE WOLVERINE

3.5/5

X-Men: Tokyo Drift.

126 Minutes. Starring: Hugh Jackman, Haruhiko Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee, Svetlana Khodchenkova & Famke Janssen. Director: James Mangold.

With Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk and the rest of The Avengers ruling everything-even Batman and the rest of D.C.-let's not forget the other superheroes to Marvel at. Stan Lee and his academy have more under their cape with the X-Men, whose own film series has been running longer than the most recent reboots, charging into it's second decade and thirteenth year. Lucky for some Professor Xavier's marvellous mutants have gained a lot of comic-book adaptation popularity due to their leather turncoat, sometime Avenger (let's make it happen studios and Spidey) with long nails. The same hero with the Australian accent and some of his finest acting performances under and behind his pants only belt (see 'Dark Knight' Nolan's 'The Prestige' the Oscar winning and his singing, scene stealing in 'Les Mis' and the dark, Zodiac like forthcoming 'Prisoners').  That's right Hugh Jackman is back as everyone's favourite X, 'The Wolverine' with avengance in this lone wolfs Black Rain'.

Sure the critics may have their claws out for this one after his fun and exciting 'Origins' story wasn't considered as 'First Class' as the other prequels, but here Jackman's wolf howls back at all that. Besides the Deadpool, Gambit, Black Eyed Pea, star-studded last Wolverine flick was among the most entertaining X-Men films, but for those who weren't in the mood this sequel to the original trilogy takes itself much more seriously. It's deeper, darker and low-budget. So what you've got is a film that has more story to read into then 'popcorn' to eat. Sure the original head-ripping idea of making this an R rated action affair (or making two separate versions, a little like 'A Good Day To Die Hard') may have been cast off, but thanks to a great assemble of actors and action this is probably the most realistic 'X-Men' film to date in a modern superhero genre which makes things a little bit more real-world (as real as a man in a bat suit, a guy with a red cape and bad disguise and a guy with metal fingers fighting evil is) as everyone is awaiting the Fassbender/Gandalf, McAvoy/Captain Picard, time travelling mash-up of 'Days Of Future Past'.

Right now however Logan's run takes him to Tokyo, as this X-Men marks the spot in Japan, back to the origins of this classic characters cell pages. On celluloid the only thing lost in translation, is a night fight under the epic, evocative neon lights of this incredible city. Everything else is in place perfectly. From tremendous temples to soaring cityscapes, the lavish landscape of this movie is matched by it's scintillating set pieces. From death tolls adding at funerals to bullet train battles shot perfectly, this film has more in the clip then everyone thought. Some may have not been excited by the trailer, but from snow showdowns to claw hand-to-hand combat with swords and (speaking of which) one of the best fights you have and will ever see in a comic-book, superhero film, the film that everyone began to forget is reminding you how much you loved this character, franchise and story. If this is a warm up for the formidable, forthcoming mega ensemble X-Men film then it doesn't get much hotter than this. Sure great 'Iron Man', 'Star Trek', 'Man Of Steel', 'Pacific Rim' films that exceeded expectations may have made this a crowded blockbuster circuit, but in a Summer where the mainstream films haven't disappointed in the slightest, 'The Wolverine' may surprisingly be the most impressive.

In a superhero by the scores year of saturated sequels and rehashed reboots including the popular 'Hangover', 'Fast & Furious' and 'Despicable Me' series', the film that finishes the season perfectly is as sharp as the blade of a sword. Sure you get the background of the story, the Wolverine is offered to become mortal again...whether he likes it or not, but there's more to the story than that bub. That's thanks to a great cast, including the formidable female sister act of Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima and some recognizable faces. Including Hiroyuki Sanada (who sped up 'Rush Hour 3'), Brian Tee (who drifted through Tokyo with 'Fast & Furious') and the wise wisdom of Haruhiko Yamanouchi. Will Yun Lee also shoots straight, getting his Hawkeye on, while Svetlana Khodchenkova's viper villain is slick, sick and looking like something out of a Spiderman movie. Speaking of which let's hope Peter Parker and Logan have the rights to make the next Avengers assembling because Hugh Jackman has still got it (and then some) as Wolverine, from his hilariously insulting one-liners to his 'hard to believe he's approaching middle-age' physique. With darker depths, shades of Jean Grey and maybe some glimpses to futures past this Wolverine film doesn't just scratch at what the fans want...it claws away at it.

From becoming a satisfying sequel to those who thought the prequel peculiar (the scars are healed here) to those who wanted the true origins of an original X-Men movie to the perfect, beautiful old/new, future/past backdrop of Tokyo. Funny and serious, the lighter tones help hold down the darker elements and themes that outweigh this picture. Prepare for the entertainment levels to take on a whole new mutation with the excitement of this adventure. From the action of the first kick of martial arts to the last samurai. This blade deserves his trinity. Marvel proves yet again in this superhero battle with their vast, cast of characters they are strong as Adamantium and better than D.C. The Detective Comics will just have to take fight solace in the fact that they have the better villains (even if they are all in Batman).  Now the only thing left to settle is The Avengers vs X-Men (no offence to the Fantastic Four). After their classic assemble the pressure is on 'The Avengers 2' now, whereas X-Men's 'Days Of Future Past' will either be epic and mega or messy and all over the place. With Jackman's Logan's Wolverine standing in front it's looking good...for him at least. He has his place with The Avengers too...if only Fox will let him and his mutant friends out the trap. Let's hope Mickey Mouse can make this happen for the ultimate fan fantasia. This is all in the future however, today this has passed as a slice and cut above the rest. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: PACIFIC RIM

4/5

Monsters vs Iron Men.

132 Minutes. Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day & Ron Perlman. Director: Guillermo del Toro.

If your childlike, science-fiction dreams ever wondered what it would be like if Godzilla like creatures duked it out with Transformer like robots then look no further than the powerful punch of 'Pacific Rim'. Visionary 'Pans Labyrinth' director Guillermo del Toro enters the bold blockbuster circuit with possibly the best of the year in a sensational Summer season of mainstream popcorn movies that have focussed on the spectatcular Sci-Fi side of the out of this world budgets and effects. Even 'Star Trek' and the 'Man Of Steel' can't take it quite out of the planet like this. It doesn't get bigger and better than this. This is a whole different type of animal uncaged for the monster movie screens. You thought you had seen the best movie this year? You thought you'd seen it all? Surprise this is the biggest bazinga of the big bang theory year of geeked out, grand classics. This is the new cool. This is the new way to make modern cinema great again.

Del Toro's, mainstream but indie feeling style can't be mimiced. The man who most recentely has had a hand helping write Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' for the big-screen is the new lord of the monster fight club. These IMAX epic, graphic and grandiose battles between man/machine against alien/monster makes everything else look like 'Rock Em, Sock Em' robots, quite frankly the big scale special effects of extra terrestrial and man made machines has never been done this brilliantly. Set to the neon beauty of a Hong Kong backdrop, nothing shines brighter than the magnificent monsters and the marvellous machines. Sharper than a blade, the Snipes vampire hunter director offers something even your 3D glasses won't be able to take. Every frame captures every nuance of each fight perfectly, from the depths of the ocean, to the tops of the skyscrapers (and you thought Superman wrecked the city?!). This Pacific labyrinth raises the bar, not just for action, science-fiction, special effects and blockbuster movies...it raises the bar for everything.

The cast is iron-strong too. Charlie Hunnam comes back from the apocalypse of 'Children Of Men' and shows he has the metal to be our hope to save the world. Strinking the line between a Channing Tatum and Sam Worthington-as he plays avatar to piloting the ultimate terminator-Hunnam shows he is the next male lead in waiting. He'll be manning more top roles soon. Still he can't do it alone and the rising star of Rinko Kikuchi (who was bold and brillaint in 'Babel') co-pilots this machine alongside our male lead. Behind every strong man is a woman and here this combo provide the perfect marriage of human and machine, as these robots can only be controlled by two who are mentally in tune with each other as the right and left hemispheres of these metal creatures brains. From the fights to the emotional battles these two are perfectly in sync with each other as this blockbuster films delves into depths and methaphors of teamwork, togetherness and love. Built off memories and experiences flashback to the past and you will see the greatest child-actor performance you may have just ever seen in the mature and magnificent Mana Ashida. The emotional depth displayed here by Agnes in the Japanese version of 'Despicable Me' shows that we have a star in the making for decades.

Theres's more great support from Charlie Day who goes from 'Horrible Bosses' to mad scientist, with his pudding bowl haircut, high trouser, walking stick partner making this all look like a Laurel & Hardy affair. Also what would a Del Toro film be without 'Hellboy' himself? Ron Perlman shines in all his extravagence, suited and booted with signature style alongside his favourite director once again for a charismatic bigger than a cameo performance. Still with all these great cast members it's 'Luther' who comes out of the darkness and shines brightest in this light of day. The man of the moment who has been rumored to be everything from the next James Bond to Doctor Who is the British intelligence of Idris Elba. He's come along way from the sensational, small-screen, drug-lord underworld of 'The Wire'. The actor/singers trademark gravelly voice may need some throat tablets after this one. Shouting his way to the cancelling of the apocalypse this man delivers a soaring speech that could inspire every goosebump and tear duct in the house. Hairs will stand on end as Elba brings hope and faith to a despaired and dark situation. It's clear to hear he's been watching Bill Pullman in 'Independence Day' for this July 4th movie moment. Tooooday this star won't go quietly into the night.

As the Kaijus and Jaeger's muscle up a new cult classic flexes it's way on screen and fights it's way to the top of a crowded blockbuster season like the zombies in 'World War Z'  or the Marvel and DC superheroes. This is everyones perfect comic book fantasy brought to the celluoid of cinema. From the bleak gray destruction of the Golden Gate Bridge (it's just a target for every Hollywood disaster flick) in San Fransisco to the humanoid machines with real human nature heart and hope, this film deals with all sorts of themes and transcends modern mainstream films that lack thought or a provocation of more than just death and destruction. Out of the darkness and with the risk of colonization, Guillermo goes nuclear and sheds more light then just the neon effervescent effects of his bold and beautiful battle royales. Attacking every sense you just have to see and get a taste of what everyones heard about and touched on since the first time the metal siren, scintillating trailer debuted. This doesn't deliver on the hype and the buzz...it goes beyond it. The blockbuster Summer season may almost be over, but what a way to finish it. You can settle the debate and competition now 'Pacific Rim is here. It's over, even Iron Man needs to bolt up now. With oceans of talent and effects, everything else rims out and doesn't come close. The fight for the top is over and the real iron men of steel and the most orginal and impressive aliens you've ever seen have won. Now they've won this battle, in 'Pacific Rim' who will win the war? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: DESPICABLE ME 2

4/5

2 In A Minion.

98 Minutes. Featuring The Voices Of: Steve Carell, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Steve Coogan & Ken Jeong. Director: Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud.

How much fun can you have in a cinema? How about a minion? Let's yellow face it no matter how many special effect, out of this world blockbusters come out this year, there's no fun quite like watching a  computer generated family comedy. Fun for all ages, it may just look like the kids are laughing their heads off, but you can see their parents trying to hide those shaked-head grins behind the popcorn and all the condiments too. Following the super success of the first film of our evil genius, 'Despicable Me 2' lands in the middle of this heavey blockbuster season looking to attract more film goers and fans then any other mainstream success story. With enough power to stand on Supermans cape and kill off Brad Pitt's zombie film, Steve Carell's villian turned good is back baby!

Here's to Gru. Quite possibly the best thing Carell has done...even with his American take on 'The Office' and his cult, classic character of Brick in 'Anchorman' whose legend continues this Christmas. Incredible he, with his trademark comic-timing and an accented voice he is perfect as everyones favourite bad guy who has swapped the freeze-rays and moon stealing for jam, jellies and fatherhood. That's right after adopting the adorable girls of Margo, Edith and Agnes our mastermind is enjoying the quiet life. He was won over-like we where-in the first film as soon as he read that sock puppet story about the three cats (they really need to release that). Now between dressing up as fairy princesses and trying to fend off some desperate housewives, Gru still has a lot on his plate. Still it's all worth it...the Unicorn loving Agnes may just be the cutest kid and character...EVER.

Gru is still a wanted man however. You can't commit all those crimes and get away with it. Kidnapped by the AVL (Anti-Villian-League), Gru works with the good guys to track down a villian who is hell-bent on taking over the world with mutant killing machines. Getting his James Bond on Double-Gru-7 teams up with Kristen Wiig who returns, but plays a new character here in Agent Lucy Wilde, who proves to be a popular new character like Miss Hattie in the first film. As Gru spys hard as a cupcake salesman in a towns mall he must try and get the better of the bad guys and one boy whose taken the eye of his oldest. Father time has never been funnier.

It's the minions that steal the show however, as oddly hilarious and weirdly wonderful as they are. With no need for translation these favourite army of characters keep getting bigger and better. The planned Minion spin-off film can't come quick enough. Be-ba-doo! From putting out fires to dancing the YMCA these little guys are the biggest and best thing in CGI Kids films right now...even the 'Toy Story' alienes have to give it up for these cute characters...OOOOOH! The rest of the cast are an army of talent too. Russell Brand's awesome, unrecongizable voice is back as Dr. Nefario, while Steve Coogan also joins the party with a different voice of his own. As does the hilarious Ken Jeong who is on one hell of a morning after, following 'The Hangover'.

How good does this all sound set to the backdrop of Pharrell Williams 'Fun, Fun, Fun' soundtrack? With Robin Thicke's (he had a great song in the first film) number one 'Blurred Lines' and his Daft Punk collaborating contributions 'The Neptunes' star is back on every other song in the charts like it was 2001 again. After his cult success following his contributions to the first films soundtrack, the producing N.E.R.D. is given the musical reigns yet again for the second films top score. Not only is his 'Despicable Me' theme perfect, but the happy-go-lucky tunes he's making really hit the high-notes for some of the best records he's made in his entire career...and this is a man who has worked with everyone from Justin Timberlake to Jay-Z as well as having success with his own songs and side-projects. Everything is set up here right for a perfect sequel and who knows maybe a trilogy. The minion spin-off looks set to run circles around eveything as this popular franchise and it's cult characters look to keep turing and working. Roll out the yellow carpet. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: WORLD WAR Z

3.5/5

Holy Pitt.

116 Minutes. Starring Brad Pitt, Ded Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Ian Bryce & David Morse. Director: Marc Forster.

Zombie films...aren't you just sick to death of them? It must be the apocalypse. Unless Woody Harrelson's playing a banjo I'm not listening. Sure 'I Am Legend' was a classic but those zombie-like mutants where actually vampires. It's all getting a little confusing and crowded. This dawn of the dead has reached dusk for the last of us...or has it?! Thanks to the cult 2006 novel by Max Brooks, we have a fresh, new and original coffin dodger tale in 'World War Z' and thanks to Brad Pitt's zombie (and apparently scissor) survival guide we have a great film too in a Summer season of Sci-Fi blockbusters that keep that genre hungry for more like a million zombie's chasing the worlds biggest Hollywood star like teenage girls in the 90's.

Beneath all the tabloid fame and reclusive hair stories, it's easy to forget that Brad Pitt is more than a pretty face...even though he's one year off 50 (yeah...I know right...is he a vampire?! How about another interview?!). Pitt is not only one of Hollywood's biggest stars but also it's best actors, whether his films are mainstream blockbusters or cult classics. Here the 'Oceans', 'Basterds', 'Benajamin Button', 'Jesse James', 'Troy', 'Fight Club', 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith', 'Se7en' and 'Twelve Monkeys' star strikes the fine line between both even adding a crowbar 'Moneyball' swing and strike to hit this one out the park. Here with Marc Forster's take on Brooks' book, Brad gives a big-budget popcorn movie more sustenance and substance with a well acted, mild-mannered exercise of restrained passion and bold and brave leadership, like any Hollywood leading man acting against the impossible plot odds should do. It might be strange to see Brad Pitt in a movie like this in this day and age, but it's his and this movies refusal to sell-out in a saturated genre that makes this horror film anything but horrible.

This different take on the undead brings this subject matter back alive with it's investigation into what caused these former people to run amok despite looking like lazy adolescents. This isn't just a gun blazing, escapism tale, but there are still more thrilling and scary set-pieces that give this plot of substance some action style. From Middle-East madness, to terrifying airbone action that could ground Denzel's 'Flight', this film goes everywhere from Philadelphia to Wales by way of South Korea, meeting everyone from a maddening David Morse to an uncredited, but worthy of note Matthew Fox. Nothing is lost here with a film that raises the tension along with Hollywood obsession of an undead apocalyptic future. Set to the sonic soundscape of Matt Bellamy's magnificent Muse '2nd Law' tracks, it all sounds and feels perfectly like the end of the world. As horrible and nerve shredding as that is. Technology, politics, economics, culture and the military all have a method to the madness place here in the first zombie movie that really does feel 'real-world'. Brooks and his adaptation have taken this idea to the max. This living dead social commentary is a plauge to all that is wrong with todays world with an ideal ready to get fed for anyone with a brain. Does humanity have a chance?

As thousands and thousands of crazy, graphic and incredible CGI zombies clamber all over each other to reach Pitt's position (at one great point you can't tell which running men or zombies or humans and this is what makes this film that tense and that great) it's easy to see why our star and Leonardo DiCaprio where in a bidding war for this big picture. Still as good as Leo would be this truly is Pitt's picture. With strong support our lead, charges through the way as the only hope in a world gone mad. From action smarts to scientific senses who better to lead the fight and the new world battle royale? The title works best if you pronounce it like an American, as this really does feel like the third world war. 'World War Zed' just doesnt sound right. Still in these world 'warz' nothing sounds better for a planned trilogy and video game (hey, there doing better than movies these new days) than the new team of Pitt and Forster and their army of talent in reserve. The books are something else and after this, there's no reason the films can't be that formidable either. This perfect pandemic isn't over yet and after this you'll be itching for more without the need for a cure. Don't moan and groan at these flesh eaters because this really is infectious. The dead just got resurrected. Pitt won the battle but who will win the Z war? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: MAN OF STEEL

4/5

The Steel Knight Rises.

143 Minutes: Starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne, Richard Schiff & Russell Crowe. Director: Zack Snyder. Producer: Christopher Nolan. Screenplay: David S. Goyer.

Superman returns and begins again. This isn't the Reeve series, or the George Reeves one. This isn't 'Hollywoodland' (although now legendary 'Argo' and 'The Town', actor/director Ben Affleck was offered the directors chair (he turned it down due to a lack of special effects experience)). This isn't the new adventures of 'Lois & Clark'. This is far from 'Smallville', bigger than the tattoo on Shaquille O'Neal's arm and higher charged than the last reboot. This isn't a bird...this isn't a plane. It's the 'Man Of Steel'. The new Superman for a new 'Justice League' era. Deeper, darker but still with that 'S' on the chest hope, that even though the 'Dark Knight' trilogy has ended, Batman's alley begins and rises in his place. You saw the soaring, roaring teaser before last years most anticipated film and conclusion in 'The Dark Knight Rises' and this years biggest and eagerly awaited movie doesnt disappoint either the mainstream blockbuster circut, or the hardcore superhero, cult comic-book one.

That's thanks to director Zack Snyder. Even though there are production touches and typography of legend Christopher Nolan everywhere for fearful fans, this is still Snyder's flightplan. Set to a sensational script by David S. Goyer and a epic orchestra score from the one and only Hans Zimmer, Zack is back. After his dark visions of the most epic battle ever in '300' and his own classic comic-book darkness of 'Watchman' Snyder saves his best for his latest. Taking cues from his previous work and Nolan alike, Snyder balances the themes and the worlds of Krypton and Earth's Smallville to Metropolis perfectly. Weird and wonderful, the perfectly peculiar elements of this film can still wow the regulars. With all of Marvel's Avengers assembling more movie-goers and sequels then imagined it was about time that D.C. had more behind it's belt then the greatest superhero series of all time in Batman. The 'Justice League' looks ready to do battle with Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk now, even if these dark Superman and Batman's will look strange standing next to Ryan Reynolds' Green Lantern and of course that guy that talks to the fish.

If anyone can save the day however it's Henry Cavill who is THE perfect Superman. Sure this will aways be the late, great Chrisopher Reeve's role and all the series' have done so well, but this may just be the best Super film yet. With all due respect to Brandon Routh-whose great, Reeve channeling debut and film was better than people thought-this is Cavill's cape and glasses now. He's Clark Kent with a flick of the hair and new prescription in what may be the worst disguise of all time. Still, we can reveal that with a new suit and state of mind this Superman is here to stay, looking as strong as steel and even like Wolverine in some bearded scenes. A hero worthy of a trilogy that fans will want to see come faster than a speeding bullet. We haven't even talked about the girl yet, but Amy Adams investigates a new Lois Lane that finds herself perfectly in this new digital age of the Daily Planet. Speaking of which the edition of Laurence Fishburne in this matrix as Perry White is perfect and he leads a great supporting cast, which even features the likes of the great Richard Schiff and Diane Lane's moving mothering.

Still, it's the father figures that give this grandiose flying film it's gravity. Russell Crowe may be starring in all the biggest films this year...but just thank Zod he's not singing. As Superman's biological father Jor-El, he's perfect, rising to the special effects occassion of the beginnings and having a bold, Brando like presence throughout. He holds his nerve...I mean he even has time to put on his robes during an hour glass defying, life or death situation. As for Clark Kent's real dad, Jonathan Kent, the perfectly cast Kevin Costner reminds us of just what made him the legend he is today. Giving this film it's emotional weight and grounding guidance, the 'Untouchable' star shows that when he's at his best no one can mess with him. The only threat here is well...a big one in Michael Shannon's General Zod. Powerful and with his own purpose, Shannon who has been winning crowds as of late as 'The Iceman' gets even colder here as a sublime and seriously sinister villain that could even give the slimy Lex Luthor the creeps.

From an artillery of firepower to out of this world planets, the action and special-effects are like no other you'll see this year. With super-speed, break neck formidable fights you may find it hard to keep those 3D glasses on. Finally the super 'Star Trek' sequel has some competition as Superman plunges into his own darkness. Just when you thought this film couldn't get any IMAX bigger, bolder or better, the final day to night showdown between the flickering light skyscrapers of Metropolis could put even King Kong in New York to shame. Sure this may not be as classic as the first two Batman films, (and the real, enlightening religious references are spoiled by some potent product placement) but Snyder and Nolan help this Superman soar over 'The Dark Knight Rises'. With flashbacks for it's 'begins' moments and here and now, end of the world stakes the cape is not pulled over our eyes. Now could we get a Joker Card hint of a sequel?! As Cavill's Kent takes flight, this Superman has not met his Kryptonite yet. With justice to Reeve, this 'Man Of Steel' is in a league of his own. 'Step inside the booth, loosen up the tie, Superman is alive'! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: AFTER EARTH

3/5

After Son.

100 Minutes. Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Sophie Okonedo & Zoe Kravitz. Director: M. Night Shyamalan.

In a year where Science-Fiction movies are ruling the Hollywood blockbuster universe we have seen some out of this world movies this season. Tom Cruise took us to 'Oblivion' and 'Star Trek' delved into 'Darkness' for arguablly the best trek and film this year and we still have Brad Pitt's 'World War Z' with zombies, the 'Godzilla' meets 'Transformers' fight club of 'Pacific Rim' and countless comic-book adventures to turnover. With all this mainstream Sci-Fi going on, you know the Fresh Prince had to get involved. The man who in 1996 relaunched his career with two very different, mega-hit Sci-Fi's in one year ('Independence Day' and 'Men In Black' (whose trilogy concluded last year, with our Hollywood heaveyweights last outing)), is bringing his son along for the ride for their third collaboration and a director who is trying to get back to 'The Sixth Sense' storied signs of his early career and not the 'what is happening', airbending failures of late.

Well once his name appears at the end credits M. Night Shyamalan can be proud of this one, despite the rumors that his name was shyed away a lot as the stuggling director looks to rebuild his reputation that went-for some-from strangely wonderful ('Unbreakable') to just weirdly strange ('The Lady In The Water'). Here however with lavish landscapes and current, classic cinematography M. Night see's the light of day again, with a Sci-Fi tale that is big, bold, and beautiful but one that exercises restraint on the usual Hollywood pomp and circumstance. 'After Earth' is a story by it's star Will Smith about a spacecraft that crash lands on earth. A desserted earth in the near future where all animals have evolved to kill humans (better watch out for those Koala Bears). The only survivors from the crash our father and son, who need to rebuild their communications, both back on their home planet, and in their home-life relationship if they hope to stand a chance to survive in this jungleland. From being chased by all creatures great and small, to fighting alien life forms there's more character to this human story then just two survivors. From sensational skydives to grounding allergic reactions that look like Jaden needs to drink the same Benedryl his father did in 'Hitch', this is a voyage like no other.

Sure right now when there's a Will, there's a Jaden but don't think this is just a showboating affair for Will to parade his son off in a film. Sure this is a Jaden Smith vehicle but the young man who is growing before our eyes (as an actor too) takes the wheel in his own right, with a controlled, mature performance from the teenager. As his character navigates around the torturous terrain of this new earth with his injured father's guidance, (even Uncle Phil couldn't get him off this ship) Jaden's character and reputation develops on screen. After the father and son duo went from heartbreak to prosperity in the influential and inspiring classic 'The Pursuit Of Happyness', Will took a producers backseat as Jaden furthered his reputation with the brilliant remake of 'The Karate Kid' with legend Jackie Chan (which had a blindsiding serious scene of real, emotional acting from both the young Smith and the usual light Chan). Now together again the pair show this is more than just a family affair. This is an acting duo whose chemistry translates on screen for this Science-Fiction story that is refreshingly original. A survival of the fittest, man versus nature lesson rooted in the bond of family coming together or falling apart. Emotional and exciting-and complete with a great, groundbreaking 'fear is a choice' message-this is a story that takes you to different places than you'd think both in its landscape and in its nature.

Besides if Will really wanted to make this all about the Smith's he would have cast Jada too and had Willow whipping her hair in the background. Instead the great Sophie Okonedo plays wife and Zoe Isabella Kravitz furthers her reputation as more than just her family name. After her first class 'X-Men' apperance the daughter of the rock/'Hunger Games' (Lenny has shown he is a 'Precious' actor in his own right too) gives this film another emotional dimension and it's grounding balance. Will Smith's story really brings everything together nicely for Shyamalan to direct with a new vision. Playing a different sort of character from his usual charisma and charm too, Smith senior gives us militant, emotional restraint in a focussed fatherly role that is tough but fair and strong but sincere. It's Smith junior that truly shines however. With his current filmography right now he is a star, as well as one for many decades to come. He's inherited his dad's acting smarts...as well as those ears. Listen up for more from the new Fresh Prince however...this is his legend. Malibu, California born and raised, in the manistream movie circut is where he's going to spend most of his days. Shyamalan and the Smith family are back and Science-Fiction is here to stay in Hollywood. Now 'After Earth', what's next for the movie world? TIM DAVID HARVEY.