The TV Addict 

Wall-E was fantastic. The story is simple and straightforward with plenty of satisfying references to Sci-Fi culture. Wall-E is definitely Pixar’s most lovable creation yet. His charm is infectious, both to other characters in the film and to the audience. Pixar has outdone themselves in the departments of character design and detailed animation. Yet Wall-E is not, in my opinion, their best film. It is wonderful but its messages are too didactic to be subtly layered. The film lays the environmental angle on quite thick, in a way that is not troubling, but perhaps too on-the-nose. Pixar has produced more complex and multi-demential narratives.

Yet, Wall-E is still a triumph. This simple story is more than perfect for children and compelling enough for adults. Regardless, Wall-E and his compatriots will melt your heart and, that is what matters most. With all the above stated I agree with a 4/4 or 5/5 rating. Perhaps there will be better films this summer, but this is the best so far.

To call Wanted a brainless summer film is hitting quite off the mark. I have to confess, I am a fan of Timur Bekmambetov’s Nightwatch and Daywatch. I was more than thrilled to find out that the principle actor from the series, Konstantin Khabensky, has a small but important role in Wanted. The film looks and feels like Bekmambetov’s other films, minus the vampires. Much of his trademark imagery makes its way into this film, even the flies (See Nightwatch and Daywatch). The film is entertaining and packs a few twists that prompted a theatre full of people to gasp out loud. Lots of violence, action and superb imagery make Wanted a surefire summer blockbuster hit.