For this issue, I'm going to do some short reviews of recent movies I've been to see.

Starting with the most recent: Sherlock Holmes. Dyed-in-the-wool Holmes book fans will no doubt be outraged at this fresh new take on Sherlock's persona, but I think the liberties taken are within the spirit of the source material. It's more actiony than you might imagine a Holmes film to be but there are still the little elements of logic and deduction that you expect from him. Robert Downey Jr. turns in a good performance as the lead, and Rachel McAdams isn't too shabby as Irene Adler. The only real problem with it is the location of the ending scene - yes, it's very nice and dramatic and stuff but it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense. Still, with that said, this is definitely worth seeing. If nothing else, it'll wash the taste of "Alvin & The Chipmunks 2: The Squakquel" out of your mouth.

Avatar. James Cameron's new most expensive movie ever (reportedly $300million at last count). He unashamedly admits that it's just a vehicle to promote his new effects company, but what effects they are! I think this is one of the first movies I've seen where I knew the stuff on screen was CG but it was good enough that my brain decided it didn't care. If your local cinema is showing this in 3D, definitely go to the 3D showing - if you've not had the opportunity to experience modern 3D technology it will blow you away. I think the complaint I've heard most often about Avatar is that the plot is full of cliches. This is certainly true, but what was the last military if you've not experienced modern 3D, Avatar will blow you awaySF movie you can actually remember? For me it's Starship Troopers, and that was quite a long time ago, so it's a genre that's somewhat underrepresented in my opinion. Definitely worth checking out.

The Box. What a disappointment this turned out to be. The trailer looked intriguing, setting up an interesting sounding psychological thriller type plot, but then when the actual movie came around it was spoiled by the latter half. It's like the non-Special Edition version of The Abyss - totally weaksauce and full of water-using aliens. And at least The Abyss had a reason for including water-using aliens... in The Box there's no good reason at all. Give this one a miss.

St. Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold. If you didn't like the first of the modern St. Trinian's films, stop right here, because you won't like this either. If you haven't seen the first film, rent it and see what you think, and it will also introduce you to the characters and the particular St. Trinian's brand of nonsensicalness. This film is very silly (especially so when you get to the ending) but fun all the same, and if you liked the first movie you'll like this one. Go and see it if you need cheering up.

Law Abiding Citizen. While at first glance the title might lack punch, it's definitely one of the more shocking brutal action movies I've seen recently. If you faint at the sight of blood, stay away from this one. If, on the other hand, you'd like to see 300 Guy as a hardworking husband turned sadistic revenge murderer when his wife and child are killed, check it out.