Death Proof

Jan 11 2008 by Karen Price, Western Mail

(18)

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Starring: Kurt Russell, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Jordan Ladd, Vanessa Ferlito, Rose Byrne, Rosario Dawson, Tracie Thoms, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Zoe Bell.

Basic plot: Quentin Tarantino’s tribute to ’70s-era exploitation films tells the story of Julia (Poitier) and her friends Shanna (Ladd) and Arlene (Ferlito) who enjoy a drunken night at the Texas Chili Parlor where they catch the eye of Stuntman Mike (Russell). He offers a lift to Pam (Byrne) in his black Dodge Charger. “Is it safe?” she asks. “It’s better than safe,” grins Mike, “It’s death proof!” The mad driver gets into trouble when he chooses his next victims: Abernathy (Dawson), Kim (Thoms), Lee (Winstead) and Zoe (Bell), who know a thing or two about driving with intent to kill.

Comedy: Not much to laugh at really, although Russell raises a smirk with his stint as demonic Mike.

Action: This film certainly puts the pedal to the metal during its action sequences, orchestrating a gruesome car crash and a white-knuckle chase sequence. This climactic demolition derby is a sight to behold, with stuntwoman Bell perched precariously on the bonnet of a 1970 Dodge Challenger as it tries to outrun Mike’s turbo-charged steed.

Romance: This is hardly going to put you in the mood for love. If romance is what you want then rent a rom-com instead.

Don’t miss this if: You’re a fan of Tarantino and like adrenaline-pumping sequences in your movies.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

(15)

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Widower Larry Valentine (Kevin James) is a New York City fire fighter with a life insurance policy still made out in the name of his dead wife. Fearful that he could perish in the line of action and leave his children destitute, Larry concocts a hare-brained plan with his womanising friend Chuck (Adam Sandler) – to pretend to be gay partners and name Chuck as the new beneficiary. When inspector Clinton Fitzer (Steve Buscemi) from Fraud Detention & Enforcement arrives to verify the claim, the two firemen enlist the services of gay-friendly lawyer Alex McDonough (Jessica Biel) to fight their corner.

In The Hands Of The Gods

(15)

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In summer 2006, five young men from the UK freestyle circuit – all with a passion for football – decided to chase their dream of meeting Diego Maradona. Directors Gabe and Benjamin Turner accompany Sami Hall Bassam, Mike Fisher, Jeremy Lynch, Danny Robinson and Paul Wood on this extraordinary, life-changing odyssey. Having successfully blagged free flights to New York, the quintet vows to complete the 15,000-mile journey by performing footballing tricks for money on the streets. They have no food or accommodation, just a raw talent and an unerring will to succeed in the face of adversity.