The Lego Movie (3D) (2014, Dirs. Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Australia/USA/Denmark) (Cert: U/PG) ****

Starring: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell

Emmett (Pratt) is a construction worker in a land made entirely of Lego. Happy about literally everything, Emmett's good-natured but not very forward-thinking and no-one is more surprised when he is discovered to be the fabled Master Builder except for a tough-talking action heroine named Wyldstyle (Banks). With Wyldstyle a mystical figure known as Vitruvius (Freeman) and a few other companions, Emmett must be the hero and save the Lego people from the megalomaniacal Lord (and President) Business (Ferrell).

There's no doubt about the fact that The Lego Movie is at least in part a marketing exercise for Lego. Those plastic toy bricks from Denmark are the be all and end all of this picture but something else can't be denied about The Lego Movie. To put it simply, The Lego Movie is an amazing film that combines stunningly inventive animation and some of the greatest verbal and visual gags that you'll probably see all year.

Given that this is about a range of toys, the film has played up towards the kids market but it's clear that the filmmakers had more than just a slight inclination in appealing to adults. Given that Lego have tied themselves into numerous other franchises, the pop-culture gags come thick, fast and usually brilliantly (the brief take on Star Wars being a personal highlight alongside Will Arnett as a buffoonish Batman) andnthe humour seems on-spot considering that the in the film-makers' backgrounds are Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009) and the (admittedly, more adult) TV show Robot Chicken. Meanwhile, the animation (done mostly by computers in lieu of actual Lego) is a sight to behold, from dissipating clouds of smoke to a tumultuous seascape whilst the 3D, to its credit, brings an interesting dimension, once or twice in the film.

The performances are gleefully over-the-top in many places but Chris Pratt provides just the right level of gleeful optimism to make it work over the occasionally rather predictable plot (except for an initially baffling twist in setting towards the end). Mum and dad may get a little more out of the film's wisecracks than the kids will, but The Lego Movie is still a sure-fire crowd-pleaser for any age.

Next time, we take another look at a childhood favourite as Ty Burrell and Max Charles are father and son, dog and boy and going through time in Mr. Peabody And Sherman.

That Awkward Moment (2014, Dir. Tom Gormican, USA) (Cert: 15/R) **

Starring: Zac Efron, Imogen Poots, Miles Teller

Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) has just left his wife (Jessica Lucas) and so his single friends Jason (Efron) and Daniel (Teller) make a pledge to not get into any serious relationships whilst Mikey is unattached. The plan quickly falls apart once Jason develops feelings for the intellectual Ellie (Poots) and Daniel starts seeing his friend Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis) and Mikey has an affair with his ex-wife. Will the three (especially Jason) be able to maintain their relationships and their friendship?

Perhaps there is no better word to describe That Awkward Moment than the second word in its title. The screenplay for That Awkward Moment has sort of been drifting in the ether for several years, having the reputation of a potentially good film that had yet to be realised. Unfortunately, what has made it to the screen seems to be a plot that has no idea of to whom it belongs.

Our three male leads fit the bill as the leads in your typical low-brow "bro" comedy (Miles Teller having starred in the almost perfect example, 21 & Over (2013)) but also live lives in New York penthouse apartments and the film is peppered with references for Boyz N The Hood (1991) and The Story Of O; a strange disparity that whilst not out of the realms of reality makes for a jarring clash.

The adolescent nature of the humour means that it's a rather acquired taste that will leave people frustrated when the humour just doesn't fall completely flat and the dramatic elements clearly try to be more stirring than they are. The film also, controversially, addressees marriage and parenthood as bad things, tacitly portraying them as the end of any kind of fun or youthfulness. The nature of the three central relationships is still fairly balanced and dealt with in an even pace pace, and whilst no-one delivers a stunning performance, the actors seem to be making the most of the rather sketchy and inconsistent material, but the central problem is that of a film lacking in a firm sense of what it is or wants to accomplish.

Next time, we're in the world of Lego, where Chris Pratt discovers that he may not be just a normal faceless construction worker but a Messianic hero in The Lego Movie.

The Square (2013, Dir. Jehani Noujaim, Egypt/USA) (Cert: 15/Not Rated) ***

Starring: Ahmed Hassan, Khalid Abdalla, Magdy Ashour

In 2010, a series of revolutions erupted across the Islamic world aimed at various dictators who ruled over their countries. In Egypt, a major revolution to usurp President Hosni Murbarak is captured through the eyes and experiences of several people active within the revolution with different ideas and views on the future of Egypt.

One of the most interesting elements of documentary cinema is the occasions in which something remarkable is captured almost purely by chance. The Square is not just one of these moments but rather a succession, in the heat of one of the most tumultuous revolutions during the "Arab Spring". The film provides a ground-level view of the revolution and riots which presents not only a unique opportunity but also a raw intensity to sequences which pack an emotional punch.

However, with this immediacy there are other problems. Give. That this is covering an event that is still somewhat underway, the film lacks any satisfying sense of conclusion as if the story is half-done. Some of the sequences such as Ahmed Hassan's opening narration and the recurring sequence of a mural being painted distract from the more lively scenes of conflict. A mixed bag over all, but there Is more good than bad.

Next time, Zak Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller play three friends who vow to not enter a relationship before a recently-divorced Jordan. However, things don't go to plan in That Awkward Moment.

Lone Survivor (2013, Dir. Peter Berg, USA) (Cert: 15/R) ***

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Taylor Kitsch

In the war on the Taliban, the opportunity has arisen to take out Ahmat Shah (Yousuf Azami) a high-ranking member of the Taliban. An operation goes underway but when four soldiers are discovered by chance, a gruelling firefight leads to a fight for survival.

Based on the true story of Marcus Luttell (and Luttrell's book about the ordeal), Lone Survivor is an uneven film that falters as much as it succeeds. Opening with sweeping grandeur (the single shot of a helicopter flying towards camera is incredible), the film finds it difficult to maintain any tension or momentum. This problem largely resolves itself however when the film goes into grittier territory.

A large part of why the film's action sequences work better than he rest f the film is down to the greater sense of physicality. Our main characters go through the ringer and you feel every bit of their pain aided by the great sound design whilst the cat and mouse element that sets up the main crux of the film adds tension. Whilst the film does have some moments to illicit emotion and also raises some moral questions however, there's a sense that the film never truly lives up to be as good as it can be; and instead largely settles for being not bad but mediocre.

Next time, The Square. An in-depth and personal documentary of the recent political unrest in Egypt.

SNEAK PREVIEW: Dallas Buyers Club (2013, Dir. Jean-Marc Vallée, USA) (Cert: 15/R) ****

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto

Ron Woodroof (McConaughey) is a homophobic electrician and bull-rider from Dallas, Texas. After he mysteriously collapses one night, Roy discovers he has tested HIV Positive, with his condition quickly developing into AIDS. Ron discovers experimental treatments from across national borders to help stall the disease and decides to sell them on to other people. However, the FDA and the medical community, backing a more dangerous drug, make life difficult for Ron and his associates.

Taken from the true story of Ron Woodroof, in execution Dallas Buyers Club seems to take comparable points from a couple of films. It has the LGBT social/historical perspective of Milk (2008) whilst also the notion of a businessman who, through pragmatism, becomes a hero like in Schindler's List (1993). Dallas Buyers Club however, does carve out something of a unique identity and is an engaging watch. 

The centrepiece to the film is its performance which come to the fore rather than the period setting, Matthew McConaughey steps a little outside of his comfort zone (still the ol' southern country boy, but deliberately lacking a little of his usual slickness and looks) but more than holds his own, whilst Jared Leto's performance as Rayon, Roy's cross-dressing business partner is a moving portrayal of transvestism, calling comparisons with Chris Sarandon's brilliant turn in Dog Day Afternoon (1975).

A film very much trapped in its own period, whilst not visually bludgeoning the audience with obvious indicators of the 80's, the film has a slightly tentative grasp of the AIDS crisis, focusing mostly on the search for suitable medication. Whilst there are themes related to the rampant homophobia in the air as well as the hysterical misconceptions of HIV and AIDS at that point in time, it's a story element that could've been looked into further. Also, the film over-uses some motifs, especially a frequent high-pitched sustained tone when Roy begins to suffer the effects of his illness. Still, for all that the film has faults and flaws, Dallas Buyers Club has more going for it than it has against it. Those with an eye for a good drama could do worse than checking this out.

Dallas Buyers Club will go on wide release in the UK on the 7th of February.

Next time, another real-life drama as a mission in he Afghan foothills turns into a deadly game of personal survival. Mark Wahlberg stars in Lone Survivor.

RE-RELEASE: The General (1926, Dirs. Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton, USA) (Cert: U/Unrated) ****

Starring: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Kavender

Upon the outbreak of the American Civil War, train engineer Johnnie Grey (Keaton) wants to sign up and fight for The Confederacy. Rejected on the grounds that his work as an engineer is too valuable, Johnnie rushes to save the day when his beloved Annabel (Mack) and his train, The General, are taken as part of a Union plot.

Whilst he probably doesn't have the name recognition of his contemporary Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton was an extraordinary comic performer a master of timing, physicality and expression. Whilst not a hit upon its release in 1926, The General is now regarded as one of Keaton's best and most famous works.

The thing that initially stands out with this re-release is its pristine visual quality, with little of the residual specks and scratches you may expect from of a film of this age. The remarkable visual aspect allows for some admirable landscape shots and Buster Keaton's expressive abilities as a performer to take centre stage in a series of very amusing set-pieces that showcase a truly daring performer. Made in the days when stunt work was in its infancy, Keaton performed his own physical feats (the most famous probably being him dislodging stray debris from the track just before the train he's sitting on almost runs over them) made all the more remarkable being that everything was played out for real, with little to no safety measures.

To a modern audience, the film may seem at times a little strange. Specifically the notion of cheering on a soldier for The Confederacy; the army that fought for the protection of slavery yet this is hardly addressed (thankfully) and is far less disturbing to modern sensibilities than the likes of the pro-Klan film Birth Of A Nation (1915). Also, at a slim 75 minutes, the film plays more like a succession of incidents rather than as a cohesive story. That being said, it is deserving of its stature as a classic and is a master class in comic performance. 

(Note: The trailer is from before this remastered release)

Grudge match (2013, Dir. Peter Segel, USA) (Cert: 12a/PG-13) ***

Starring: Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone, Kim Basinger

Years ago, Billy "The Kid" McDonnen and Henry "Razor" Sharp (Stallone) were two rivals at the peak of professional boxing. Fighting eachother In two legendary bouts, both retired before a final tie-breaking match could take place. Now entering old age, the two get into a fight whilst helping to make a boxing video game. When the video of the tussle goes viral, the two are coaxed to finally settle the score in the ring.

Grudge Match has one obvious conceit. Putting on a match between two of cinema's most famous boxers. In one corner, Rocky Balboa from the Rocky series (1976 - 2006) and in the other, Robert De Niro's portrayal of real-life boxer, Jake "Raging Bull" La Motta from Raging Bull (1980). As such, Grudge Match takes more from Rocky's idealistic underdog sensibilities rather than the far darker and more dramatic Raging Bull (though there are the odd moments where the visuals belie a Raging Bull influence). However, despite the stylistic comparisons. grudge Match is not even the same league as the initial Rocky movie or Raging Bull.

As a drama, Grudge Match is fairly paint-by-numbers and is fairly predictable. This is altered with a couple of second act plot twists that alter the trajectory of our leads (Stallone's twist worst, De Niro's tries but never fully pays off). As comedy the film also falls pretty flat, although the gags in the film's end credits better anything in the main story arc of the film.

The casting boasts some good names. Robert De Niro and supporting player Alan Arkin always deliver enough to justify their stellar status and Stallone is a greater asset as a performer than he's often made out to be, however Kevin Hart's turn as an ambitious promoter falls mostly dead with the exception of a few glimmers that show promise. Ultimately, the film provides a decent pay-off an a surprisingly well-executed (albeit slightly too brief) match, but it's a case of too little too late and whilst Grudge Match isn't a "bad" film, per se, given the lineage that spawned this film, it unsurprisingly doesn't live up to their reputations.

Next time, Buster Keaton must drive his train and bring his beloved across American Civil War borders in a re-release of the 1926 classic, The General.