Toy Story 3(D)****

"Move over, Mr Pricklepants!"

Toy Story 3 has an unexpected dark twist, with a whole bundle of new toys that come to life and a very familiar soundtrack throughout. I'll be honest, the 3D experience did not make much difference to the effect of the film, nothing really jumped out to the point that you thought you could touch it, it just sort of emphasised how animated everything was. Would you believe it's been over ten years since Toy Story 2?

Considering the last film of most trilogies is believed to be the worst, this proved to be a worthy exception. Colourful as ever, and with a heart-tugging narrative as Andy prepares to leave home without the toys, I think even Vinnie Jones would well up. However, do not be fooled by Lotso's strawberry scent and Ken's sweet charms, like I said, this film had a dark twist and I probably should have seen it coming. It lulls you, and the toys into a sense of security.

The director has been very creative with this film, the toys are so varied and make the film fresh and new, it's almost convinced me that my toys come to life too. The toys are accidentally taken to a daycare known as Sunnyside, as opposed to the attic where Andy truly wanted to put them and they find themselves pretty much being bullied into a corner by the rest of their toy 'friends'. Not only are they being rejected by the new toys, but the strain on Woody to keep his old friends definitely increases as he has to persuade them Andy really did want them in the attic.

The audience become much more acquainted with Andy, as well as a couple of new human characters such as the very likeable little girl Bonnie and all of her toys who turn out to be a hell of a lot nicer than the daycare lot. There are moments of comedy, some that only us adults will understand and that is what I enjoy about children's films such as Toy Story and Shrek, in that it caters for all ages. A couple of my favourite moments were Buzz turning Spanish and Barbie finally meeting Ken, it's simple humour but will make you giggle a lot. The use of new locations and obstacles for such small objects to conquer makes this film different from the last two, it's a new narrative altogether and finishes with a beautiful ending with the possibility of another film to follow.

My conclusion to this is relatively similar to Shrek 4, it is worth the watch but only if you've bothered to see the previous two and have kept up with the story. It's nice and short compared to most films out at the moment, so definitely try and see it this summer.

Inception*****

"You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling."

Inception slips into the filing cabinet of 'films that get you thinking' and if there had to be a sub category it would be 'unique' or 'moving'. Forget all the claims that it's complex and needs more than your average amount of attention, because the narrative is easy to grasp, it's the dreams within a dream that will get you fidgeting a little in your seat to keep up. I have never seen nor am aware of a film that explores this theme of dreams, I mean you have films with flashbacks occurring at the same time as the current narrative, but this is different. It echoes the importance and dangers of memories, and allows you to appreciate just how simple the structure of our world is.

The dark side of this film is once again influenced by the directing of Christopher Nolan, who made Gotham City appear a softer version of hell in The Dark Knight. There are plenty of gun fights, fist fights, and stabbings in Inception, and I certainly admire any film that has a deeper layer that it manages to hide from it's viewers throughout the release of it's trailers. You could try and predict what happens in this film, but I highly doubt you would get more than fifty percent. You may become fearful at how much information you have to take in just in the first couple of scenes, but the story is unravelled slowly, difficult terms described and you will become hooked on knowing Dom Cobb's (Leonardo DiCaprio) big secret.

The architectural genius behind the dreams is Ariadne, played by Ellen Page who has come a long way since her Juno days. Whilst everything seems so difficult to come to terms with, this character is the one you will probably look to for an explanation, and don't worry, she does enough digging in Cobb's life to give you the answers. But back to architecture, and words can't physically depict how astonishing and realistic the cinematography is. It's as though it could be possible to have the street underneath your feet as your sky at the same time. As a regular student, Ariadne becomes almost addicted to the dream worlds she creates, and without any persuasion becomes a valuable member of the team until the very end.

Other faces you may recognise are Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who starred as the main character in 500 Days of Summer, a very different role, and Tom Hardy who has starred in Bronson and RocknRolla. Marion Cotillard who plays Cobb's wife Mal may have stunning looks but has a fearsome temper behind those big eyes. As soon as you think you are watching an emotional situation, it is as though your mind has tricked you and it soon becomes violent and psychologically thrilling. The reason I felt grateful for what I have in life will hopefully effect you too by the end of the film as we are dragged through a variety of emotions but swiftly brought back down to rest our feet upon the ground.

The fighting, explosions and slow motion were all elements I adored because they felt so unique and frustrating. Never have I been in such suspense watching a van fall from a bridge into a river which took about half an hour in real time. The visual technique of this film is more impressive than the 3D experience itself. If it was possible to see this in 3D I would have sat there with a dropped jaw for two hours, but honestly the CGI is remarkable and so finely detailed.

It was worth the hype, and if you're worried it's too complicated, don't be. When I said I wasn't eager to see it again, I was lying. When's the next showing?!

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse***

"Bella, would you please stop trying to take your clothes off?"

Don't you hate it when films never live up to the books? I do. Despite the fact I read through the Twilight saga in two weeks after receiving Stephenie Meyer's wondrous but overly advertised work, I still found Eclipse to be the worst film yet. I think this is because I wanted more, this film did not live up to my expectations, I could see the changes, it was like Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince all over again, too much emphasis on the sexual tension.

If anything, I should not be complaining about the way this was portrayed in Eclipse, as it matches the book perfectly as Jacob strives so desperately to win Bella over. However, what I didn't like about this film is the way the competition between Edward and Jacob as two appealing men in the real world has been dragged in the film. It stunned me when Taylor Lautner turned to Robert Pattinson and stated "I am hotter than you". It triggered a few giggles from the audience, but personally all my face could express was "Oh no, he just didn't..."

This third chapter has not lost the longing stares, but it has ditched the hesitation and frustration between Bella and Edward, although this is not necessarily for the best, as it made me feel almost embarrassed to be watching such an intimate scene with the camera practically touching their noses. One thing I will agree on with director David Slade is that you can sense that these actors are genuinely showing their love for each other, probably because of their relationship in real life. As he said in Look magazine last week, let's hope they stay together, otherwise we'll probably end up back in that science lab with awkward glances. There are plenty of serious conversations, and at times it can feel a bit elongated, other times you may feel like you want to give Bella a good kick, depending what 'team' you're on of course.

The detail from the books on particular vampire's pasts was pleasing; reflected in flashbacks the stories of Jasper and Rosalie were shown superbly, and it meant that you could connect with these two characters more than before. There were also some new characters, such as Victoria's puppet Riley (Xavier Samuel) who could quite possibly give Pattinson and Lautner a bit of a challenge when it comes to screaming teenage girls. We also get to see Leah Clearwater (Julia Jones) and Embry and Quil.

For what limited action there was in the film, it was illustrated brilliantly. We are treated with more visuals of the wolves in action, even mutating from human to wolf, as well as the first scenes of vampires being destroyed. One thing is for sure, if you like your blood, gore and vampires burning in the sunlight, you will hate how the vampires die in Eclipse. Similar to the previous two Twilight films, it does feel as though we are building up to a climax, like a balloon holding all the action waiting to pop. The introduction of new vampires is possibly the only reason this film was worth the watch, and the way wolves and vampires come together to protect Bella.

I have read in August's Empire that the last instalment will be filmed in two parts and personally I don't think there is enough to keep audience's gripped to two films worth of narrative. Unlike the last Harry Potter, where there is a lot to take in, if Breaking Dawn consists of two films with Bella going through pregnancy I dread to think what merchandise they will produce next. All I can conclude is that if you've seen the previous two, you might as well watch Eclipse, and if you're a Twihard fan then I probably can't hold you back.

Shrek Forever After (3D)**

So, do you know the Muffin Man?

At long last, the Shrek journey has come to a complete end, and what an adventure it has been. From needing tic tacs for stinky breath, to falling 'Accidentally in Love' and taking on the throne, Shrek has never ceased to entertain, well, the younger generation at least.

I think one of the elements from the Shrek films that will stay with us forever is the soundtrack. Smash Mouth got us singing All Star in 2001, to Funkytown by Lipps Inc. in 2004. This last chapter of the story did not falter on it's soundtrack either, it was perfectly suited to grip every emotion, and even I shed a tear towards the end of this film. Which is more than I can say for Shrek the Third, when I was crying tears of pain. I think the point I'll be climaxing to here is the fact Shrek the Third shouldn't have existed. It was pointless, boring and a lot of people I've spoken to never bothered seeing it, yet have seen Shrek Forever After.

The narrative gained some strength back in this last film, it made sense that this terror could have happened to Far Far Away, and that Puss had become obese and Donkey a little worse for wear. The film focuses on Shrek's need to be who he used to be, a menacing ogre with a quiet life, and it just so turns out Rumpelstiltskin can give him that life back. What Shrek doesn't know is what he's risking for just this one day of what he wants, as he returns to a ruined Far Far Away where no one remembers who he is.

What I like most about these films is the fact the actors have stuck through and through to provide us with our lovestruck, frustrated, fearsome friends. However, I think what ruined this continuity of good quality with the Shrek films is the change in director. I think we can all agree Andrew Adamson did a brilliant job with Shrek and Shrek 2, but there is a obvious change when Chris Miller directed Shrek the Third despite him being quite involved in the Madagascar films.

The Shrek films have been animation at it's best; it's vibrant, with a variety of animals and well known fairytale faces, and everyone loves fairy tales. You can really connect with the characters, you want to be Donkey's sidekick, you want to kick Prince Charming out of the way, maybe some of you want to be the princess. For me the one character that made this last film worth the watch was Donkey. I think Eddie Murphy has managed to be comical from start to finish, and what adds humour to this film is Shrek and Donkey basically meeting for the first time all over again, despite it being a little heartbreaking. There are a few new characters which makes the film refreshing and not too repetitive, but don't worry, all the old ones are in there too. The only trouble with these films is that you know it will be a happy ending, making it a little less exciting for us adults, but a whirlwind adventure for the kids.

It wasn't a slow, agonising experience to watch this, but it's one of those films where you either push yourself to see it or you won't bother at all. The 3D experience wasn't really worth it, as only some of the scenes were in 3D, but I am genuinely sad to see the back of one of my favourite animated love stories. It had some good laughs, and showed me the true meaning of happiness. Shrek Forever After was worth the watch, but if you intend on doing a Shrek marathon next time your friends are round, maybe just skip the third one...

Wild Target*****

"Je me sens, je me suis senti, je me suis senti"

Love, love, loved it. One to see if you fancy something a bit different; it's not too in-your-face with action or romance, it's like director Jonathan Lynn took a bit of everything and sprinkled it together.

Considering Lynn hasn't directed anything since 2003 with The Fighting Temptations, which also uses this theme of change and reflection, I think Wild Target was not a bad result. Bill Nighy and Rupert Grint shine through, Nighy playing a hesitant and awkward lonely man, much like his character in Love Actually, and Grint's character is not far from little Weasley, constantly anxious but with a pinch of cockiness. Thus, we had a strong cast even if the comedy didn't always live up to it. The action that was involved was not particularly threatening, as the tension was cut quickly however there was one scene that caught me off guard. The narrative is simple, hit-man Victor Maynard (Nighy) is sent to kill Rose (Emily Blunt), however he takes a liking to her and ends up bumping into Tony (Grint) who tags along the way to escape Dixon (Martin Freeman), another hit-man slightly lower down on the ladder who is looking for Rose who sold his boss the wrong painting.

Through a series of locations in a minuscule red mini; which adds to the humour when you take in Nighy's pristine appearance, the three become a team (if not disturbingly more) and learn to live with each other's bad habits, including plastic covers over furniture, an overly clipped bonsai tree and cows looking "a lot bigger in person". A short but sweet British comedy that anyone can enjoy but one that perhaps an older generation would appreciate more (I only say this due to the amount of giggles coming from the two women sat in front of me).

Emily Blunt (The Wolfman), beautiful but sneaky, was very entertaining considering most of her work consists of period dramas. I admired her ability to act tough on the outside all the time, but by the end she is quite the opposite. The film was full of odd camera angles and uncomfortably close up shots but this made it all the more interesting to watch. The soundtrack was typically comical, with fair-ground like music for car chases to make them more amusing. For me this was a definite feel good film, I left the cinema feeling content and reflective, despite the slightly unrealistic ending.

Get Him To The Greek****

Get Him To The Greek tells the story of Aaron Green (Jonah Hill), who is sent by his boss Sergio (P.Diddy) to fly to good old London town and take the loved and talented star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) back to L.A for a very important performance at The Greek Theatre. It turns out that Snow is lonely, constantly horny and getting him to leave London proves to be near on impossible.

There is no doubt this film was entertaining, however I felt that the comedy was inconsistent; there were some really laugh out loud moments, but it turned out I was the only one laughing. This is perhaps the sort of film that will depend on your personal sense of humour. Nevertheless, the acting was fantastic and Brand has gone higher in my estimations considering my first impression was rather deflated as I watched him on 'Big Brother's Big Mouth'. The two characters worked so well together with their clashing personalities; Aaron being just your regular working guy with relationship issues, and Aldous, the crazy egotistical drugged up (sometimes) rock star looking for some meaning in life. Snow becomes nothing less than a bad influence on Aaron, who believes he's completely broken off from his long-term girlfriend Daphne, and decides to party on down with Aldous.

Writer and director Nicholas Stoller, who also directed Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008, definitely knew what he was doing when he conveyed Brand as near on insane. The film is paced very well, at no point was I sat in my chair thinking "this is dragging" or "how long left?!" because I was too busy cringing at some highly uncomfortable scenes such as the three-some Snow suggests that he, Aaron and Daphne have to get Aaron's relationship back on track. Which, I might add, does not end well and reminds me of awkward fondles in your early teens. Jonah Hill's character is much different from Superbad and Knocked Up, which really reflects his ability to lunge himself into different roles. I really enjoyed him in this film, he was still his witty side-kick self but he had some serious moments too, although he was most entertaining when reflecting the effects of being drunk and smoking too much Geoffrey.

The songs were funny, all written by Brand himself and made up for all the potentially humorous scenes Stoller and Segel threw away. Aldous Snow's ability of snapping from the cool and relaxed rock star to pretentious and outrageous is what kept me laughing, especially from fighting with his dad to making sure Aaron's stroking the furry wall. Together as a team, despite slowly hating each other they develop a genuine friendship that even I could feel sitting in the audience. We also have Sean Combs (P.Diddy) to thank for the amusement, playing what appears to be a very hormonal boss, he slowly dwindles down to Aaron's drunken level and together they become another hilarious pair.

So, if you fancy a few giggles and enjoyed previous films Hill and Brand have been in, I definitely suggest this as one of your top summer films to go and see.