Directed by: Brad Anderson
Starring: Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Evie Thompson, Morris Chestnut
Sassi’s Star Rating: 2.5 / 5

Apparently there are 188 million 911 calls a year, but imagine if this one was personal? Veteran emergency operator Jordan Turner (Berry) receives a call that changes her world. This movie focuses on the real life issues when being a 911 operator. Most of us probably just think of it as a job, but this really highlights the stress and responsibility of the role. We’d like to think that they all have happy endings, but life isn’t like a movie.

Berry has a call go wrong and the road to recovery is rough, in fact, it’s off the frontline and back into training the newbies. On her training round, she engages with one of the operators when suddenly a call comes through with an eerie similarity to her traumatic experience just 6 months earlier. Can she overcome this experience to help the kidnapped teenager Casey Welson (Breslin) escape from this monster?

I can’t believe our Little Miss Sunshine, Breslin, is all grown up! She’s gorgeous and very believable in this role. She accurately depicts the terror of any young girl in this particular situation and plays the role with gusto. She’s definitely one to watch in the future, I think she will be on our screens for a very long time.

It’s a different role for Halle Berry, rocking a Whitney Houston 80’s hairstyle and exploring the complexity of a thriller is a bit of a departure from her usual film choices, but she is branching out all the time.

The crazed madman on the loose with a teenager in tow provesd to keep us on our toes. This sets up this thriller with a lot of anticipation and some heart clutching scenes. I may have screamed a few times whilst thoroughly enjoying it, of course. Some of the scenes are a little formulaic and unbelievable in that I was thinking, “No, don’t go there alone! Who goes there alone?” and “Check that the guy can’t see you! Oh no! He can see you!” It’s all part of the process though huh? It makes if fun.

911 What is your emergency? The Call is in cinemas now.

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Directed by: JJ Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin, Karl Urban
Sassi’s Star Rating: 5 / 5

Ladies, you read that right. 5/5! I LOVED this film. It was fantastic. I do have a liking for science fiction, but this was a little more special. J. J. Abrams had mentioned he had tried something new in this film and he was right! If you get the chance, then go 3D for this one, it’s got a little more than your usual 3D film with the use of new filming techniques on the big screen. It may have been new to Abrams but he certainly pulled through with this one. The effects are brilliant and extremely life like, more than any 3D I have seen in the last few years.

Our hero Captain Kirk (Pine) is back on the Enterprise after his last successful mission with his trusty Spock (Quinto) at his side. The crew are in search of new worlds when they unexpectedly return with Captain Kirk nearly off the brig yet again. Trouble seems to follow him around and whilst the fans know that one day he must get better, it’s a chance to see what mistakes he makes as a officer moving up the ranks. William Shatner has definitely created a formidable character over the years and Chris Pine does a good job of shaping up as the younger version.

But we can’t just have fun without some good vs evil in the centre of it all. Khan (Cumberbatch) is introduced as a tough competitor working against Star Fleet. His abilities are of high importance and our favourite doctor (Urban) also known as Bones gets a look in this film as well. Khan seems to possess something of interest to all and a web of intrigue is built around this mysterious character. The most difficult part of any Star Trek initiative is understanding that the plot line must match all the thousands of stories out there in time… and space! How do you keep up? Abrams gives it all he’s got!

What ensues is an absolute masterpiece of action! I am talking brilliantly filmed flying scenes interspersed with explosions, complex flight manoeuvres and a story line that just kept the audience from the very first moment to move at warp speed. The only time I took my eyes from the screen was to look at my friend and smile with excitement. We both felt the same way throughout and it was exhilarating. I’m not sure whether it was the 3D aspect or the fast moving pace of it all, but I tell you, I am hooked. Abrams is doing the next Star Trek and Star Wars VII – I will be there in the front row for these babies if this movie is anything to go by!

Superb casting also helps with a familiar nod from Leonard Nimoy as well as the young ones proving to be every bit worth the entry price. Unlike the Star Trek series, both the first Star Trek and this one have bumped it up in the humour stakes, which is fantastic for old and new fans alike. Spock’s Vulcan traits are so well developed and make for a lot of punch lines in the film that come with ease and definitely enhance the experience. I would have to say that he was my stand out favourite in the film for so many reasons.

Girls, I know, you’re thinking I am crazy to love this film so much, but go see it with your man because you will love it. It has a bit of everything thrown in along with some truly amazing cinematography. There’s more than you think in this movie and whilst I would love to tell you why, you’ll just have to get along and see it for yourself!

Get Scottie to beam you in to see Star Trek in cinemas now.

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Monique

Created by: Bevan Lee
Starring: Noni Hazlehurst, Marta Dusseldorp, Deborah Kennedy, Brett Climo, David Berry, Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood, Abbey Earl, Aldo Mignone, Craig Hall and Frankie J Holden
Sassi’s Star Rating: 3.5 / 5

Refreshingly Australian, this TV show will appeal to those of us wanting to see the Aussie bushland and a bit of Downton Abbey-ness thrown in. Admittedly, it’s 1953, so not that old, but it has the old fashioned values and a bit of ‘properness’ about it. Creator, Lee, is well known in the industry for Packed to the Rafters, Winners and Losers and Always Greener. This is another hit!

Sarah (Dusseldorp) has moved into Doris’ (Kennedy) boarding house. Immediately there is some conjecture over her history and passage. She’s left her home due to issues that are yet to be revealed. There is a lot of ‘insisting’ at the dinner table with questions about her house and history.

The boarding nurses are happy to have a newcomer and like the banter at the dinner table however, Elizabeth (Hazelhurst) is frustrated that Sarah is still the topic of conversation. She is warned to be cautious and not raise suspicion and we are still kept in the dark about what this suspicion could be. It makes for a nice hook to keep us interested.

Doris is set to be the troublesome character in the show already snooping around and trying to extricate information from absolutely everyone, at the same time, making inappropriate judgements.

Young love is abound between two who should raise some serious issues in the town. Gino (Mignone) is chasing the lovely Anna (Earl) and she seems to be at peace with this but it’s a secret they must keep for now.

Class structures and first impressions are very important to all in this local community and definitely sets it up for lots of intrigue in future episodes. The local community talent quest is befitting and extraordinarily Aussie and quaint at the same time. All the proceeds from the CWA event are going to the local hospital, which will be one of the main focuses of the show, having many nurses and doctors in the cast.

It’s lovely to see familiar faces on the screen and some gorgeous new ones entering Australian TV scene. It’s good to support our talent and see them in our stunning native backdrop. Mystery, intrigue and secrets abound, this Aussie drama is sure to please.

Will they find a place to call home? Premiering Sunday on Channel 7 at 8.30pm.

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Directed by: Cal Brunker
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Ricky Gerbais, Rob Corddry, Sofia Vergara, William Shatner, George Lopez, Jane Lynch
Sassi’s Star Rating: 3.5 / 5

Cal Brunker, Director/Writer, is the Director and this ‘aint his first film. He’s worked on Ice Age, Despicable Me and Jonah Hex in differing roles. So this is a big one for him and a successful one at that.

Scorch Supernova (Fraser) is an astronaut. That’s right. What could be better than an astronaut? Certainly not Gary Supernova (Corddry) Scorch’s not so famous, nerdy brother who works in Mission Control. Gary and Scorch couldn’t be more different yet they work as a team on a daily basis finding new planets and scouring the ends of space. Scorch is the fun uncle to Gary’s son on planet Baab. He is adored and admired by all and a superstar in his own right. They don’t agree on anything and that’s what sets up the storyline.

An SOS is sent from an alien planet that is notorious for being incredibly dangerous with a track record of having no aliens return from missions. It’s planet Earth and the duo are asked to respond. Gary, the ever-careful reflector, wants to work on a plan and Scorch, the diehard enthusiast is ready to go! With the two of them at opposite ends of the scale, it’s a recipe for disaster. Not only their skills will be tested but their relationship as brothers will be stretched to the limit.

Who knew Earth would be considered dangerous by aliens? It’s a fabulous look from their point of view about what might scare them about us. Kids will enjoy the alien aspect and space travel and, of course, the drama and intrigue. There’s lots of fun parts that the kids will love and the ever-present adult laughs will keep you all going as a family.

In a bizarre twist, William Shatner has added his name to this film as the bad guy, on Earth. After much space travel in Star Trek, he appears in this film as the greedy profiteer and lying cad on the Internet dating scene, General Shanker.

The school holidays are coming up, so this is a great one to take the whole family along to enjoy some of the most famous actors offering their voices up for animation. It’s big business these days and we are all eating it up.

Escape from your couch at home, get the kids and see it in cinemas now.

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Directed by: Malcolm D Lee
Starring: Simon Rex, Ashley Tisdale, Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen, Terry Crews,
Sassi’s Star Rating: 2 / 5

The Scary Movie franchise has gone Police Academy on us. It’s the same format, which is fun, but something is missing. It’s tried to pop in a few references there but it doesn’t cut it the way the others do (admittedly, there have been 4 of them already).

If you’re a diehard fan, then you will love more of the same but I was a little disappointed that the two headliners Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan were only present for a very short time. Like a really short time! However, I did like their performances and felt that they were quite the pair to take the mickey.

That said, Rex and Tisdale as the gorgeous couple under the spell of the paranormal did a good job with the material they had. It follows their journey in their somewhat haunted house with loads of references to our other favourite movies and Ben Cornish as our favourite Leonardo Di Caprio from Inception is a really good choice. I searched everywhere to see if these guys were related and they turned up as number 17 and 18 on IMDBs list of look-alikes. Check it out and I am sure you’ll find some others in there that you thought were the one person!

Make sure you stay until the credits of this movie because the bloopers are truly the funniest part of the film! You can tell they had fun and that a lot of it was left on the cutting room floor, I wonder if they chose the best bits in the end?

Scary Movie is scarily unfunny, but the diehard fans might disagree. In cinemas now.

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Directed/Written by: Seth Gordon
Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, John Cho, Amanda Peet
Sassi’s Star Rating: 2.5 / 5

Melissa McCarthy is just everywhere right now and I am happy about it. She is hilarious in Bridesmaids and an absolute cracker in This is 40, so I was excited to see her headline her own movie with another of my favourite actors. Jason Bateman has been in my life since Valerie’s Family, that’s right, showing my age and he is still so comical and fun on the big screen.

These two crack-ups appear as, well, the same person really. Sandy Patterson (Bateman) is just a regular guy in a regular job, trying to look after his wife (Peet) and two adorable girls. He has another on the way and funds are tight. Identity thief Sandy Patterson (McCarthy) is the exact opposite of the original. She is flashy, showy, has no scruples and spends every cent she has, which is actually not even hers in the first place. It’s a win-win situation for her and ultimately a lose-lose situation for the original Sandy. Confused yet?

If you’re looking for a credible film with a storyline that is completely believable, then leave the cinema straight away. This is not for you. However, if you’re looking for something a bit wacky, out there and fun to watch, then grab the drink next to you, even if it isn’t yours, gulp away and enjoy. Got to get into the spirit right?

The real Sandy’s job is on the line and needs to get the fake Sandy to admit her involvement in the fraudulent behaviour in order to confirm his innocence. What ensues is a range of events that are pretty unexpected and I reckon a few great ad-libbing scenes in there too. I was desperately waiting for an outtake reel as I think these guys would have had so much fun making this one. Watch for a Modern Family favourite, Eric Stonestreet appearing as Big Chuck. He made me laugh and was a great choice for the film.

It’s got a bit of everything, including the moral to the story and some teary bits that are nicely played but, once again, buyer beware, it’s not going to be the best movie you see, but it certainly won’t be the worst! If you liked Bridesmaids, The Hangover and Guilt Trip, then this will be just your thing.

Check out who is who, in cinemas now.

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Directed/Written by: Danny Boyle
Starring: James McEvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel, Danny Sapani
Sassi’s Star Rating: 3 / 5

James McEvoy plays Simon, an Art auctioneer that gets involved with some heavyweights that are interested in stealing some pretty expensive art. An all round heist is on the cards, but unfortunately Simon sustains an injury to the head in the botched robbery.

Rosario Dawson plays Elizabeth, a hypnotist, renowned for getting information from the far reaches of the mind who has been brought on board to find the lost art in Simon’s head. They both become involved in a plot full of intrigue and mystery as we constantly are taken from the real world to the world within their minds. It’s got some scenes reminiscent of the spectacular film Inception but nowhere near the elegance of it.

I enjoyed the thrill of it all unravelling and was impressed by McEvoy’s style, he’s always a winner. However, the storyline was a little lost in places, lots of little holes that I think needed a few plugs. Some of the plotlines didn’t quite match the outcomes and I found my self wondering ‘Really? Would that happen?’ Having said that, it’s an enjoyable film that did keep me guessing and wondering what was going on throughout.

It’s well shot and the trance concept is explored in interesting ways. The acting is top notch from McEvoy but not as impressive by the rest, perhaps that is a dialogue issue more than anything though.

For something a little different, this one is definitely a goer.

Get hypnotised in cinemas now.

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Directed by: John Moore
Starring: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch
Sassi’s Star Rating: 3 / 5

The Die Hard franchise has come up with another one for all the fans out there. Bruce Willis is back as John McClane and he is still able to kick some serious butt. He’s not looking for a fight this time, or isn’t that always the case? Poor guy, trouble just follows him. It’s some years later as he is on his way to help his somewhat lost son who seems to have gotten himself in a bit of trouble, again. Sound familiar? Perhaps the apple doesn’t fall far from this tree.

Jack McClane (Jai Courtney) is definitely a McClane and early on, we see that danger follows the whole family, well at least the boys. Dad comes to find Jack, our lovely Aussie and Inside Film Magazine’s 2012 rising talent candidate is looking pretty fine! If you’re not into the explosions, gore and crazy antics of the ‘bad guys’, then you at least have some pretty great eye candy.

Father and son meet up in Russia. Dad is there to surprise young Jack, but it seems that Jack has some surprises for dear old Dad. In fact, on that note, I am thinking that the action films for Bruce are getting a bit old, or is it him? I love Bruce, always have, and he was hilarious in the expendables but I am more inclined to like the newer styles of action heroes like the Bourne and Taken style. I really love that kick ‘em down with ease whilst wearing a suit kinda style. Haivng said that, there is something about ridiculously big explosions that is exciting.

This film has got some really fancy, explosive and incredulous scenes. What’s great is, it starts from the very beginning, so you have to strap yourself in, that’s for sure. Russia has got some nasty characters and, at the bottom of it all, there is deception abound.

It turns out that John and Jack need to work together to get through some pretty tough moments that their history may not have prepared them for. Jack isn’t happy with Dad and whilst John McClane was saving the world, it turns out he was neglecting his family. They haven’t bonded in a way that either is happy with, so why not try it under heavy gunfire and a bit of espionage, like any true family Christmas really!

Will they be able to overcome their differences to work out which bad guys are which? You’ll have to see it to believe it. It’s not the favourite of my Die Hard movies, but it’s got the same flavour and we love that.

Die hard runs in the blood! See it in cinemas now.

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Directed/Written by: Dan Mazer
Starring: Rose Byrne, Anna Faris, Simon Baker, Minnie Driver, Rafe Spall
Sassi’s Star Rating: 3 / 5

Everyone says the first year of marriage is the hardest, or at least, everyone loves telling that story to newlyweds. Why is that? It’s almost like when someone gets a chance at a once in a lifetime moment of happiness, someone else has to come in and rain on the parade!

Poor newlyweds Nat (Byrne) and Josh (Rafe) are about to embark on their first year of marriage. Although, when I say ‘poor’ newlyweds, they are attractive, have great jobs and a lovely apartment but what they don’t have is longevity. In what could be considered a whirlwind romance, they marry after just nine months of knowing each other. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that they are still in the beginnings of getting to know one another, so perhaps a tough first year it to be expected in this case. At least, that’s what Nat’s pessimistic sister (Driver), has predicted on the day of the wedding, no less.

What doesn’t help the situation is an ex-girlfriend named Chloe (Faris) who is still in the picture as a very good friend to Nat’s new husband. Unfortunately Nat didn’t know about their past relationship until it is revealed at a little friendly dinner. That dinner didn’t ended with less friendliness and sparked some mistrust in the relationship.

Enter Guy (Baker), an Aussie favourite! He is a fast-talking, suave businessman with eyes only for Nat! He makes it his mission to get to know her better and perhaps convince her into some romantic times. He is yet to see a wedding ring, so the gloves are off!

Imagine what happens when all four of these lovebirds are forced to be in each other’s company. Will Nat and Josh band together or be forced apart? Will they last their first year of marriage, even when everyone around them insists it is the hardest? More importantly, will Nat’s sister ever be happy?

Want to know if the first year of marriage is the hardest? Check it out in cinemas now!

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Written/Created by: Theresa Rebeck
Starring: Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Katharine McPhee, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty, Anjelica Huston, Jennifer Hudson

SMASH fans, get ready – it’s coming back. Ready to smash back onto our screens are our favourite Broadway stars vying for the coveted starring role in the Marilyn Monroe musical. If you’re like me, you have been listening to their sweet voices over the holiday break and you’ll be ready for the new installment of Season 2. My favourite, by far, has to be the ‘Listen’ vocals, just so beautiful and emotive. Gorgeous.

One thing I have loved about this show is the concept of the actors rehearsing songs, not getting them quite right, moving through the scenes and perfecting them. I also love that we get to see how they all do it in their heads. Let’s face it. We all imagine ourselves in lead roles, whatever they may be within our lives and think how we could do it better. Smash allows us into the character’s mind and we get to see how they think it should be done. If only! Imagine getting to live out your dream of being the boss or saying what you really think instead of minding your p’s and q’s. Ha!

What can we expect from season 2? I am wondering how the financial issues are going to go with Rand funding it all with her own connections, can she keep her head above water to ensure the show goes ahead? What about Derek the dirty dog director? The shock of him sleeping with everyone and sundry has broken some hearts. Poor Ivy was devastated by this revelation and his fake claim that he needed to do whatever he could to keep his top actress in line. Give me a break! I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a few ‘broken legs’ in the coming season, these girls are getting their claws out as the production nears its final stages.

What’s really going to be interesting is how Karen (Mc Phee) and Ivy (Hilty) are now on what seems like good terms, but is it real? I am wondering if they manage to keep their relationship going strong or if the chance of a lead role again may pull them apart. And if they do have an opportunity to move up, then who will be the best at this role? Will Uma Thurman be continuing as Marilyn?

Of course, it all rests on the writers of this Marilyn debacle as it is right now, what of their relationship? Everything was left on edge as they try to repair their partnership after accusations of betrayal, not only in their love lives, but their long-standing partnership.

And of course the new addition of Jennifer Hudson, now that’s some star voice power thank you very much, as Veronica Moore.

It’s really got everything with groovy tunes following the story of a tragic heroine still close to our hearts, the lovely Marilyn.

Check out this preview trailer for a sneak peek:

Guest stars this season include:

• Golden Globe and Grammy-winning actress-singer Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) will appear in a multi-episode arc as Veronica Moore, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star who impacts the lives of Karen and Ivy.
• Emmy Award-winning actor Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) will recur as Terrence Falls, the star of the musical “Liaisons,” who becomes a major thorn in the side for Ivy and other characters.
• Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order, Rent) will play Scott Nichols, the artistic director of a non-profit off-Broadway theatre.
• Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles) makes a cameo appearance.
• Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray) recurs as Margot, a Broadway producer’s assistant.
• Tony, Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Liza Minnelli will appear as herself.

Bombshell – the soundtrack

• On February 15, Sony Music Entertainment Australia is releasing the soundtrack for “Bombshell”; the musical, based on the life of Marilyn Monroe, within the Golden Globe-nominated series Smash. Bombshell will contain the cast recordings of 22 original songs, spanning both seasons of Smash.

When to watch Smash season two on SoHo

• From tonight, Smash episodes premiere Wednesdays at 7.30pm AEDT on SoHo. Then at 9.30pm on SoHo+2.
• Encore showings include Thursdays and Saturdays at 9.30pm and Sundays at 6.30pm.

Get SMASHED tonight!

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