Rango
Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Timothy Olyphant
Format: BD, DVD
The movie: In a year where many of the animation studios are releasing sequels (Cars 2, Kung Fu Panda 2) or retellings (Gnomeo & Juliet), it's more than refreshing and lovely to see a terrific original movie like Rango. Reminiscent of classic Western films, Johnny Depp voices the titular charmeleon who arrives at a new town and accidentally becomes sheriff. An impressive cast - including Isla Fisher (an iguana), Abigail Breslin (a cactus mouse), Bill Nighy (a rattlesnake) and Justified's Timothy Olyphant - as well as some exceptionally smart writing makes Rango arguably the best animated picture so far this year.
Watch Abigail Breslin talk about Rango below:
The Lincoln Lawyer
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe, William H Macy, Marisa Tomei
Format: BD, DVD
The movie: Based on Michael Connelly's novel, The Lincoln Lawyer is an engaging and charming courtroom flick led by Matthew McConaughey in a surprisingly dramatic role. The usually comedic actor is lawyer Mickey Haller, whose latest slimy client he's defending may or may not have committed the crime of beating and attempting to rape a prostitute. As well as a great leading performance from McConaughey, Phillippe is also solid as the callous defendant, determined to do what it takes to walk away free. The movie is not groundbreaking by any stretch, but there are more than enough thrills to appease those looking for a good drama.
Watch the trailer for The Lincoln Lawyer below:
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
Starring: Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Jaden Smith
Format: BD, DVD
The movie: Canadian popstar Justin Bieber makes his silver screen debut in his documentary concert film. Never Say Never follows Bieber in the build-up to his massive performance in Madison Square Garden in New York, while also having a retrospective look at his childhood and how he became the worldwide sensation he is today. The home release lacks the 3D that made the concert sequences extra captivating in the cinema - wouldn't it have been great if it felt like Bieber was right in your living room? - but Beliebers will surely have no regrets picking it up.
Watch the trailer for Justin Bieber: Never Say Never below:
Oranges and Sunshine
Starring: Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Emily Watson, Tara Morice
Format: DVD
The movie: We round off this week with Oranges and Sunshine, an affecting low-budget film that is elevated by its restrained subtlety and excellent turns by Hugo Weaving, Emily Watson and David Wenham. The drama focuses on Nottingham social worker Margaret Humphreys (Emily Watson) and her discovery of a hard-hitting scandal which involved thousands of poor children in the UK being forcibly relocated to Australia - many of whom suffered from hard labour and physical abuse. Based on true events and with an affecting subject matter, Oranges and Sunshine is a must-watch for anyone looking for something more serious and stirring compared to this week's other offerings.
Watch Oranges and Sunshine director Jim Loach discuss the movie with Digital Spy below:
Also out today: The Eagle (BD, DVD), Chocolat (BD)
