• A champion surfer loses her left arm in a terrifying shark attack, but summons the determination to make an incredible comeback in this inspirational sports drama based on an incredible true story. A lifelong surfer who always felt at home in the sea, Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) honed her surfing skills in Kauai, and went on to compete in numerous surfing competitions. Then, one fateful Halloween morning, the wave-riding teen was taking part in a national surf competition when a 14-foot-long tiger shark emerged from the depths and changed her life in the blink of an eye. By the time Bethany reached shore, her left arm was almost completely gone. But just when it started to look like she would never ride a surfboard again, young Bethany used her faith and determination to reclaim the title of champion while being cheered on by her supportive parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt), and Sara (Carrie Underwood), the kind-hearted leader of a local youth group. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• A misfit macaw named Blu (voice of Jesse Eisenberg) heads to Rio de Janeiro, embarks on a magnificent journey, and makes some loyal new friends in this animated adventure for the entire family. Domesticated from the time he was just a hatchling, Blu traded a life in the clouds for a contented existence in Moose Lake with his doting owner, Linda (Leslie Mann). They live under the impression that Blu is the last of his kind, but upon receiving word that a female macaw named Jewel (Anne Hathaway) has been discovered in Rio de Janeiro, Linda and Blu set their sights on South America on a mission to replenish the species. Shortly after their arrival in the Brazilian capitol, however, the two rare birds fall victim to a gang of greedy animal smugglers intent on making a mint by selling Blu and Jewel to the highest bidder. But the headstrong Jewel isn’t about to be locked in a cage and put on display, so when the opportunity arises she stages a daring escape with the help of some wisecracking local birds, and takes her new friend Blu along for the ride. With the bumbling birdnappers fast closing in, Blu realizes that…
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• A handsome veterinary student falls for a married circus performer in this romantic drama adapted from author Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel, and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend). When Jacob (Robert Pattinson) meets Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), it’s love at first sight — their shared affections for an extraordinary elephant stirring profound feelings of compassion within both of them. Theirs is a love that could span lifetimes, though the wrath of Marlena’s dangerously domineering husband, August (Christoph Waltz), threatens to spell tragedy for all involved. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• In a world ravaged by wars between humans and vampires, a renegade priest fights to rescue his niece from the legions of bloodsuckers who seek to transform the young girl into one of them. A battle-weary veteran of the last vampire war, warrior Priest (Paul Bettany) now resides in a heavily fortified city where the ruling Church is a greater menace than any creature of the night. When a pack of vampires abduct Priest’s niece (Lily Collins), the vengeful holy man breaks his vows and promises to save the young innocent from a fate worse than death. He can’t do it alone, but with a powerful warrior Priestess (Maggie Q) and his niece’s boyfriend, a sharp-shooting sheriff (Cam Gigandet), on his side, Priest may have a fighting chance. Stephen Moyer, Karl Urban, and Brad Dourif co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• Angela Bassett and Paula Patton headline this comedy about two vastly divergent African-American families who clash during a lavish weekend wedding at Martha’s Vineyard. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• There’s a scene midway through Fast Five where Dom Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, and Brian O’Conner, played by Paul Walker, need a fast car and they need one now, so they go to the side of town where the street racers hang out and challenge a guy to a drag. Dom and Brian win — but director Justin Lin doesn’t even bother to show us the race. Five films into the Fast and the Furious series, the producers apparently remember that the first movie had something to do with street racing, but ten years later that’s not the point anymore. Fast Five isn’t about racing, but about guys chasing one another, folks shooting guns left and right, and action scenes that are cut so fast and frantic it doesn’t even matter who is beating up who anymore. From the start, this has been a string of movies made for adrenaline junkies, but Fast Five doesn’t offer much of a buzz — it’s just a maintenance dose that will keep you from crashing out without offering much thrill.Fast Five picks up literally where 2009’s Fast and Furious left off — Dom has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, and Brian…
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• When her five grown-up children fail to answer her call for a family gathering, exacerbated mother Shirley calls on outspoken force of nature Madea to see that everyone comes together to discuss some rather important issues in this filmed stage play written and directed by Tyler Perry. With everyone finally assembled thanks to Madea’s tenacity, Shirley addresses some important family secrets, reveals that she’s in the midst of a financial crisis, and engages her sons and daughters in a serious talk about drugs. Through it all, Madea makes it a point to emphasize the importance of faith in helping her family weather the rough waters ahead, and stay true to their values. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• Director Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow team with co-writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo for this comedy about a devoted maid of honor whose life falls into ruin as she plans her best friend’s dream wedding. Upon hearing the news that Lillian (Maya Rudolph) has gotten engaged, ecstatic Annie (Wiig) leaps at the chance to plan the perfect wedding. With the big day rapidly approaching, Annie struggles to put her romantic and financial woes aside in order to give her dearest friend a day of memories that will last a lifetime. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• Exiled to Earth after his arrogance fans the flames of an ancient conflict, The Mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) of Asgard discovers the meaning of humility when a powerful old foe dispatches a destructive force to crush humanity. Only when the banished prince has defeated an opponent capable of crushing him in battle will he learn what it takes to be a true leader. Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgård, and Tadanobu Asano co-star in a comic-book adventure from acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• Luke Greenfield’s Something Borrowed stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Rachel, a 30-year-old lawyer always able to put aside what she wants for the betterment of her BFF since childhood, Darcy (Kate Hudson), a sexy extrovert who never met a party or a drink she didn’t like. Darcy is marrying Dex (Colin Egglesfield), Rachel’s study partner from law-school, and the guy she’s had a massive crush on since they took their first Torts class together. When Dex and Rachel finally hook up just months before the wedding, he realizes he might be marrying the wrong woman, but pressures from his parents corner him into going through with his duties, even if it’s not what his heart wants. Meanwhile, Rachel’s other best friend, Ethan (John Krasinski), does his best to convince her to make a big play for Dex before it’s too late. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
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Original: Movies.com Top 10 Box Office

• A woman’s life unravels as she helps the bride, her lifelong friend, prepare for the wedding.
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• Thor is sent to Earth as punishment for reigniting an anciet war on the realm of Asgard and must battle the evil forces that invade the planet.
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• A single thirty-year-old woman explores the meaning of friendship, true love and ethics while having an affair with her best friend’s fiance.
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Original: Movies.com Top 10 Box Office

• Red (Hayden Panettiere) and Wolf are asked to investigate the disappearance of Hansel and Gretel.
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• A domesticated macaw (Jesse Eisenberg) goes on an adventure with the bird of his dreams.
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• Competitive surfer Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) loses an arm in a shark attack.
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• A single thirty-year-old woman explores the meaning of friendship, true love and ethics while having an affair with her best friend’s fiance.
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• An orphaned veterinary student joins a traveling circus.
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• Worlds collide when two diverse families attend a wedding in Martha’s Vineyard.
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• Intersecting stories unfold as high-school seniors prepare for their prom.
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• Brian O’Conner and Dom Torretto join forces to confront a corrupt businessman who wants them dead.
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• Thor is sent to Earth as punishment for reigniting an anciet war on the realm of Asgard and must battle the evil forces that invade the planet.
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• Madea (Tyler Perry) takes charge when her niece (Loretta Devine) receives a distressing diagnosis.
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Original: Movies.com Top 10 Box Office

• There’s a scene midway through Fast Five where Dom Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, and Brian O’Conner, played by Paul Walker, need a fast car and they need one now, so they go to the side of town where the street racers hang out and challenge a guy to a drag. Dom and Brian win — but director Justin Lin doesn’t even bother to show us the race. Five films into the Fast and the Furious series, the producers apparently remember that the first movie had something to do with street racing, but ten years later that’s not the point anymore. Fast Five isn’t about racing, but about guys chasing one another, folks shooting guns left and right, and action scenes that are cut so fast and frantic it doesn’t even matter who is beating up who anymore. From the start, this has been a string of movies made for adrenaline junkies, but Fast Five doesn’t offer much of a buzz — it’s just a maintenance dose that will keep you from crashing out without offering much thrill.Fast Five picks up literally where 2009’s Fast and Furious left off — Dom has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, and Brian…
  #
• Exiled to Earth after his arrogance fans the flames of an ancient conflict, The Mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) of Asgard discovers the meaning of humility when a powerful old foe dispatches a destructive force to crush humanity. Only when the banished prince has defeated an opponent capable of crushing him in battle will he learn what it takes to be a true leader. Anthony Hopkins}, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard, and Tadanobu Asano co-star in a comic-book adventure from acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• When her five grown-up children fail to answer her call for a family gathering, exacerbated mother Shirley calls on outspoken force of nature Madea to see that everyone comes together to discuss some rather important issues in this filmed stage play written and directed by Tyler Perry. With everyone finally assembled thanks to Madea’s tenacity, Shirley addresses some important family secrets, reveals that she’s in the midst of a financial crisis, and engages her sons and daughters in a serious talk about drugs. Through it all, Madea makes it a point to emphasize the importance of faith in helping her family weather the rough waters ahead, and stay true to their values. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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Original: Movies.com Top 10 Box Office

• Jake Gyllenhaal headlines this sci-fi time-travel thriller directed by Moon’s Duncan Jones from a script by Ben Ripley and Billy Ray. A bomb explodes on a Chicago train, derailing the locomotive and killing hundreds. In an attempt to identify the bomber and prevent another, larger attack on downtown Chicago, Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) agrees to take part in a clandestine government experiment dubbed “Source Code,” which allows him to enter the body of a male passenger during the eight minutes before the man is killed. But during his first trip back, Capt. Stevens fails to gather enough clues to prevent the second attack. With time quickly running out, he repeats the mission ad nauseam in a desperate race to head off one of the most deadly terrorist attacks ever to take place on American soil. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• A group of teenagers find their lives intersecting and their futures taking shape as they prepare for the most pivotal event of their high school careers. At first Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden) is infuriated at a classmate (Thomas McDonell) who nearly destroys her plans for prom. But the closer the big day gets, the more she realizes that he may be the perfect date. Meanwhile, secretive seniors Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) and Mei (Yin Chang) wrestle with their consciences over how to make the most of their big night as the rest of their classmates attempt to reconcile their explosive anticipation with their growing uncertainty over how the dance will ultimately pan out. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• Saw franchise veterans James Wan and Leigh Whannell team with Paranormal Activity writer/director Oren Peli to give the familiar haunted house story an exciting new twist with this tale of a family that moves into an old house and begins to suspect they are under siege from otherworldly forces when their young son inexplicably falls into a deep coma. As devoted parents Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai (Rose Byrne) struggle in vain to uncover the root cause of their son’s condition, the stress of the situation gradually begins to take its toll on their once-strong relationship. Later, when darkness falls and specters appear to reach out for them from the shadows, the frightened parents realize they’re dealing with powers beyond human comprehension. Barbara Hershey and Lin Shaye co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• A handsome veterinary student falls for a married circus performer in this romantic drama adapted from author Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel, and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend). When Jacob (Robert Pattinson) meets Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), it’s love at first sight — their shared affections for an extraordinary elephant stirring profound feelings of compassion within both of them. Theirs is a love that could span lifetimes, though the wrath of Marlena’s dangerously domineering husband, August (Christoph Waltz), threatens to spell tragedy for all involved. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• Unexpectedly summoned back home in the middle of her training with the mysterious Sisters of the Hood, Red teams up with the Wolf to investigate the disappearance of Hansel and Gretel in this animated sequel featuring the voices of Hayden Panettiere, Joan Cusack, Martin Short, and Glenn Close. Happily Ever After Agency head Nicky Flippers is determined to ensure that no harm comes to young Hansel and Gretel, and as the search gets under way the whole gang decides to lend a helping hand. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• When her five grown-up children fail to answer her call for a family gathering, exacerbated mother Shirley calls on outspoken force of nature Madea to see that everyone comes together to discuss some rather important issues in this filmed stage play written and directed by Tyler Perry. With everyone finally assembled thanks to Madea’s tenacity, Shirley addresses some important family secrets, reveals that she’s in the midst of a financial crisis, and engages her sons and daughters in a serious talk about drugs. Through it all, Madea makes it a point to emphasize the importance of faith in helping her family weather the rough waters ahead, and stay true to their values. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• Jobless slacker Fred (James Marsden) discovers that hares make horrible houseguests after injuring the Easter Bunny (Russell Brand) and agreeing to nurse the little hopper back to health in this animated comedy from the writers of Despicable Me, and director Tim Hill (Rocko’s Modern Life, SpongeBob SquarePants). For the past 4,000 years, the Easter Bunny has brought joy and candy to kids all across the globe; however, the time has come for a new Easter Bunny to take over the tradition. But while EB is the next in line to receive the official title, he couldn’t care less about becoming the official bearer of chocolate eggs and jellybeans. Escaping to Hollywood in a bid to find fame and fortune, EB hops in front of an oncoming car driven by Fred, who agrees to give him a place to recover until he’s healthy enough to hop along home. Now, the harder Fred struggles to stop his furry new companion from sending his life into a tailspin, the more satisfaction he begins to get out of his newfound responsibility. With a little luck and a whole lot of patience, Fred just might become the man who saved Easter for everyone. ~ Jason Buchanan,…
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• A misfit macaw named Blu (voice of Jesse Eisenberg) heads to Rio de Janeiro, embarks on a magnificent journey, and makes some loyal new friends in this animated adventure for the entire family. Domesticated from the time he was just a hatchling, Blu traded a life in the clouds for a contented existence in Moose Lake with his doting owner, Linda (Leslie Mann). They live under the impression that Blu is the last of his kind, but upon receiving word that a female macaw named Jewel (Anne Hathaway) has been discovered in Rio de Janeiro, Linda and Blu set their sights on South America on a mission to replenish the species. Shortly after their arrival in the Brazilian capitol, however, the two rare birds fall victim to a gang of greedy animal smugglers intent on making a mint by selling Blu and Jewel to the highest bidder. But the headstrong Jewel isn’t about to be locked in a cage and put on display, so when the opportunity arises she stages a daring escape with the help of some wisecracking local birds, and takes her new friend Blu along for the ride. With the bumbling birdnappers fast closing in, Blu realizes that…
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• Director Justin Lin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious) returns to the helm for this adrenaline-charged sequel reuniting series stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker for their biggest thrill ride yet. With the police in hot pursuit and wanted fugitive Dom (Diesel) in tow, Brian (Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) make their way to Rio, and realize they’ve run out of luck. In order to earn their freedom, they’ll have to pull off their biggest job yet. After assembling a crack team of the top racers in Brazil, the gang prepares to confront the crooked businessman who seeks to silence them forever. Meanwhile, unstoppable federal agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) has assembled his own team, an intimidating group of top cops whose sole mission is to capture Dom, Brian, and Mia by whatever means possible. But as the race heats up, Hobbs loses his ability to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Now, in order to prevent the lawless trio from being turned into roadkill before he can arrest them, Luke puts his pedal to the metal, and begins to rely more on his killer instinct than his police training. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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• A champion surfer loses her left arm in a terrifying shark attack, but summons the determination to make an incredible comeback in this inspirational sports drama based on an incredible true story. A lifelong surfer who always felt at home in the sea, Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) honed her surfing skills in Kauai, and went on to compete in numerous surfing competitions. Then, one fateful Halloween morning, the wave-riding teen was taking part in a national surf competition when a 14-foot-long tiger shark emerged from the depths and changed her life in the blink of an eye. By the time Bethany reached shore, her left arm was almost completely gone. But just when it started to look like she would never ride a surfboard again, young Bethany used her faith and determination to reclaim the title of champion while being cheered on by her supportive parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt), and Sara (Carrie Underwood), the kind-hearted leader of a local youth group. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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Original: Movies.com Top 10 Box Office

Animal Kingdom is a great Australian film about a family of criminals. The film immediately messes with the viewer’s expectations by introducing the criminal family in their home environment. They live in a seemingly normal suburban house and appear to be a close family who even share a family breakfast around a table. The only giveaway that anything is amiss here are the great wads of cash being counted and distributed at the table and the mention of a missing sibling hiding out from the police.

The film’s lead character is J (James Fracheville) who moves in with his Grandma and her sons after his mother dies of a heroin overdose.  Although his calm reaction to his mother’s death suggests he has not led an idyllic care free life, he appears naive and innocent around his arm robbing uncles. He knows they are criminals as they have no qualms about talking about their line of business around him, but he shows no interest in joining them in their activities.

Another important character in the film is Barry, one of J’s Uncles. His unexpected death early on comes as a complete shock, as he had looked like he was going to be a lead player in the fim. This creates tension as the audience now know they can no longer trust the judgements they  have made prior to this point. The shooting changes the atmosphere of the film, and the nice family setting becomes tense and miserable, as the family cope with their grief and consider revenge and what their next act should be.

The film is full of understated performances. J is a difficult character to make out and doesn’t give anything away. His limited responses to questions and his inability to say “no” to anything he is asked to do imply at first that he might be slightly stupid. However, he has managed to get himself a beautiful smart girlfriend who is clearly taken with him, so this hints that he is not as he appears to be. His quietness and timidness lead the viewer to expect him to act in a certain way and when he doesn’t conform to our expectations, this creates surprise and uncertainty. It also begs the question, will he conform to his family’s expectations or will he surprise them too?

What I found most interesting in the film is that although almost all the characters in the family are criminals, they still don’t strike you as bad people. Armed robberies are their career choice, but aside from that, they appear relatively normal and relatable. The only exception to this is Pope (Ben Mendelsohn), who from the off appears dangerous and unhinged. When Pope is in the room, the atmosphere is tense and uncomfortable as nobody knows he is going to act; when he is not around, the family seem relatively calm and at ease. Since Pope is the eldest of the men in the family, he is the one in charge of making the big decisions, and the rest either follow his lead or incur his wrath.

The most disturbing figure in the film is Grandma Cody.  Although she is a doting mother and does not participate in the armed robberies herself, she is clearly the gel that holds the family together and it is implied in her behaviour and her full acceptance of their criminal lifestyle, that she may be the driving force behind the family’s life of crime. Her sons come to her for guidance and approval and she overloads them with affection and advises them what to do. When a family member acts against her advice though and put the rest of  “the pack” in danger, she shows her true colours and reveals the lengths she will go to to keep her family together and out of jail.

Guy Pearce’s cop character gives a good description of the film  in one of his speeches as he descibes how an animal kingdom is full of strong and weak characters, with the strong surviving and the weak being defeated. He sees J as being a weak character who can only survive if he gets behind a strong person, in either the shape of the police or his family.

It is clear from the start that this film is not going to have a happy ending as J is torn between two opposing sides, neither of which appeal to him.  It is not revealed until the last minute though exactly how this film will end, as the leader of the animal kingdom emerges triumphant after a final bout of bloodshed. Animal Kingdom is fully deserving of the widespread critical acclaim it has received. No doubt if it had been an American movie, it would have received an oscar nod in the best movie category.

Dir: David Michod

Starring: Guy Pearce, Joel Edgerton, James Fracheville, Jacki Weaver