Black Swan

Tonight I have been to see Black Swan.

In this sensual and psychological thriller, a tortured New York ballerina explores her dark side as she competes to win the coveted lead role as the Black Swan.

Rivalry behind the scenes is the theme of this chilling ballet drama set in New York. With an obsessive former ballerina for a mother, Nina (Natalie Portman) is almost suffocated in her commitment to her own dancing at a ballet company. But when artistic director Leroy (Vincent Cassel) wants a new prima ballerina for an upcoming production of Swan Lake, rivalry raises its ugly head. Nina finds herself competing with fellow dancer Lily (Mila Kunis) for Leroy's attentions. As Nina and Lily form an unusual bond, Nina starts to embrace her dark side - but will it eventually destroy her dreams? A brooding drama and an intimate portrait of a woman pushing herself to the limits from the always-intense director Darren Aronofsky.

True Grit

Tonight I have been to see True Grit.

The Academy-Award-winning Coen brothers return to directorial form in this gritty Western starring Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges and Josh Brolin.

Following the murder of her beloved father, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross hires the grizzled Marshall Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to hunt down the killer - the infamous 'gun for hire' Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Only a man with 'true grit' can bring a lawless man like Chaney to justice and the Marshall may be a slave to the bottle, but he has killed many outlaws before and appears to be just the man for the job. But once on they're on the road, the Marshall's destructive behaviour begins to test Mattie's faith, that is until they're joined by Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Matt Damon), who it seems has an agenda of his own. With a stellar cast producing stunning performances, this sees the Coen brothers hitting new cinematic highs. 

3D - Gnomeo & Juliet

Tonight I have been to see Gnomeo & Juliet

The tale of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers is the inspiration behind this brilliant new animated film, now in mind-blowing 3D.

Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) are two garden gnomes who are madly in love with one another. But they are from opposing gnome clans and their love is divided by a massive feud - and a huge fence! You see, red gnomes and blue gnomes have been enemies forever - so long, in fact, it's hard to remember why - and these guys simply cannot see eye-to-eye. But this doesn't stop Gnomeo and Juliet continuing their romance in secret, with the assistance of a few helpful (and some not-so-helpful) friends. Cut to lawn-mower races and full-scale battles as these two tribes go to war - they may be small (and made of plastic), but they mean business! With a troupe of famous actors voicing these diminutive characters, this brilliant animation racks up a laugh-a-minute. 

Paul

Tonight I have been to see Paul.

Two best pals - Graeme (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost) are travelling across the USA on the ultimate pilgrimage: to visit the world's premiere sci-fi convention. While casually driving through America's famed Area 51 in their rented RV, a freak accident leads to an encounter with Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen) - a visiting extra-terrestrial who is AWOL from the secret military base. In the spirit of all things alien, Paul is desperate to go home and begs Graeme and Clive to help him get there. With Federal Agents - including the dogged Special Agent Lorenzo Zoil (Jason Bateman) - hot on their trail and the inadvertently kidnapped Ruth (Kristen Wiig) by their side, will our two accidental heroes manage to save the day? And can they do so without getting themselves shot in the process? Let's hope so! 

The Fighter

Tonight I have been to see The Fighter.

Dickie Eckland (Christian Bale) used to be a contender, but these days he's just a washed-up boxer, sullied by drug addiction. His younger half-brother, Mickey (Mark Wahlberg) has become the family hope in the ring and it's Dickie's job to pass on everything he knows. That is until Mickey loses the last in a long line of fights. Fed up with feeling humiliated, he decides to hang up his gloves, but pretty barmaid Charlene (Amy Adams) persuades him otherwise, giving him the courage he needs to step away from his destructive family and make a break for victory on his own. Can his family give him the space he needs to flourish, or can they reconcile themselves to work together and make him even stronger? With stellar performances from an impressive cast, you'll enjoy finding out.

Just Go With It

This afternoon I have been to see Just Go With It.

Danny Maccabee (Adam Sandler) is a plastic surgeon who pretends he's unhappily married to pick up women. That is until he meets the beautiful Palmer (Brooklyn Decker) - a young schoolteacher with whom he thinks he could have a future. Unfortunately she finds his fake wedding band and calls everything off. Desperate, he seeks the advice of his colleague, Katherine (Jennifer Aniston), who suggests he talk his way out of it by telling Palmer he's getting divorced, which he does, only for her to insist on hearing it from his ex. Now comes the big favour - Danny begs Katherine to pose as his estranged wife. Everything is going well, until Katherine accidentally mentions her kids... As one lie evolves into another, only a fated trip to Hawaii can decide the outcome of this twisted love triangle.

Easy A

Tonight I have been to see Easy A.

A clean-cut student finds a little white lie enhances her social standing in this smart high school comedy.

Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) is sick and tired of being a non-entity at high school. But she soon finds her good girl reputation disappearing when she pretends to sleep with her gay best friend, Brandon (Dan Byrd) at a party. Olive is inspired by the classic novel 'The Scarlet Letter', where a woman is found guilty of adultery and forced to wear a scarlet 'A' on her clothes. Olive does the same and finds herself with a reputation for being the most promiscuous girl on campus. But not everyone is so pleased about Olive's newly-found popularity. Opposition appears in the form of a jealous fellow student, the ultra-uptight conservative Marianne (Amanda Bynes) who launches a campaign to have Olive expelled from school. Look out for Penn Badgley from 'Gossip Girl' as Olive's love interest, Woodchuck Todd.