AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS.
Director: Michael Anderson
Starring: David Niven, Cantinflas, Robert Morley, Noel Coward
Out now on DVD
Cert: U
Rating: 5 OUT OF 5
David Niven is perfect in the role of Phileas Fogg, an eccentric Victorian gent and member of the Reform Club. Cantinflas is his humorous manservant, and Shirley MacLaine is Princess Aouda, his love. These characters travel together on an ambitious journey around the world. Along the way they are followed by Mr Fix, a suspicious detective. But with so much adventure and many mishaps along the way, the question is, “Will Mr Fogg complete his journey around the world in time?”
As the winner of five awards, including best musical score and best screenplay, at the 29th Academy Awards in 1956, this proves what a great film this is. I think it’s a timeless classic.
Matthew Usher, 11, Shirehampton Primary School, Bristol
Filmclub, an educational charity supported by Lovefilm, sets up after-school clubs where children meet to watch, discuss and review thought-provoking films. Each week members of Filmclub will review everything from new releases to classic and world cinema. Free to state schools. Find out more at www.filmclub.orgregister
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
Director: Lewis Milestone
Starring: Louis Wolheim, Lew Ayres, John Wray
Out now on DVD
Cert: PG
Rating: 5 OUT OF 5
I am not usually keen on war films - some are too patriotic, some are too bravery-orientated, and some are just boring. All Quite on the Western Front is none of these. It is a beautiful Hollywood epic on the brutality of war that is hard to forget.
The opening scenes show a teacher telling his pupils to join the army and fight for Germany. The rest is an epic tale that is still remembered today. There are many emotional moments and the final scene with the butterfly will always stay with me. The film is a masterpiece - I give it top marks.
Yann Atzmon, 11, Anson Primary School, Cricklewood, north-west London
ON THE WATERFRONT
Director: Elia Kazan
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb
Out now on DVD
Cert: PG
Rating: 4 OUT OF 5
On the Waterfront is a fantastic movie. It takes you through a range of emotions, and drives you to a state of nervous anxiety that has you gripped - all the time wondering what’s going to happen next.
It’s about a man who works loading things into carts but is a sort of 1954 gangster. But the top gangsters are getting out of control. A gripping story of who will win and who will lose ensues.
This movie is so realistic and touching that you feel like you can’t take your eyes off the screen.
Daniel Murray, 12, Stillness Junior School, Forest Hill, south-east London
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
Out on DVD 11 April
Cert: PG
Rating: 5 OUT OF 5
As a fan of the Harry Potter films, I was very excited to be asked by Filmclub to attend the film premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. My friends were really jealous, so I couldn’t wait to tell them that the film did not disappoint.
The story follows Harry and friends as they go on the run from the evil Voldemort and his followers. Voldemort is gaining power and more people are turning to his dark side, including the Ministry of Magic. The only way Harry can defeat Voldemort is to find his Horcruxes - objects in which he’s hidden bits of his soul to achieve immortality. But as Harry is tracking down the Horcruxes, he uncovers the tale of the Deathly Hallows - objects that when put together, make up Death. To the horror of the three friends, the Deathly Hallows could give Voldemort the power he seeks - and so the battle to defeat Voldemort begins.
All the hype is justified, as this film is fantastic. The story is gripping. You are constantly trying to figure out the twists and turns and the scary scenes really add to the excitement - they are perfectly played to make you jump. The effects are jaw-dropping, especially a broomstick chase at the start. There are slow parts, as, for much of the film, Hermione, Ron and Harry are in hiding in a forest in the middle of nowhere. But the contrast in pace just makes the action sequences even more exciting. It the ending is a bit cliched, it does give a great place for the final part of the series to pick up the story. Compared with the other films in the series, this is the best so far. And the scariest. Bring on Part 2.
Ben Angus, 13, Boswells School, Chelmsford, Essex.
