Twister (1996)

I wasn't particularly a fan of this disaster flick when it was released 30 years ago, but it's only increased in '90s kitsch value for me. A meteorologist takes her soon-to-be ex-husband out on an inadvertent tornado hunt, as she attempts to deploy a new-fangled device within its vortex to further her scientific research. If you're a fan of seeing wind blowing shit, this'll be right up your alley. It's charming specifically because of the chemistry between Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton (R.I.P.), who bicker and argue all the way up to its very predictable conclusion. Don't think about it too hard and you'll find something to enjoy in it.

3 displaced flying cows out of 5

CAST AWAY [2000]

Robert Zemeckis directs Tom Hanks and a volleyball in the desert island drama Cast Away.  

Most of the credit has to go to Hanks for being able to emotionally carry the entire film all on his own, with next to no score music to cue the emotions until the final 20 minutes.  It's beautifully shot with an astounding sound design, while never really becoming the special effects bonanza most Zemeckis films tend to be.  It lags here and there but the story about fear, hope and the will to survive packs a powerful punch by the time it wraps up.  

3½ angel wings out of 5

THE SESSIONS [2012]

Director Ben Ewin's The Sessions tells the story of Mark O'Brien's struggle to lose his virginity as he's paralyzed from the neck down due to polio.

The always fantastic John Hawkes takes the role of O'Brien and soars with it, while being restricted to only performing using only his face.  Helen Hunt brings a comfortable warmth to her performance with a gentle touch that I'm sure many would find difficult to portray the way she does.  Even the though the film brings some great soft-hearted laughs and tears, it's still pretty light on depth and dramatic arcs.  It's purely a performance driven film that is thoughtful and life re-assuring but doesn't pack the punch it could have.

3 cats on the iron lung out of 5

SOUL SURFER [2011]

I was prepared for melodramatic sap in Soul Surfer but not the Christian morals shoved down my throat.

Based on the true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost an arm in a shark attack and her struggle to go back to what she loved.  The film depicts a world where all the pretty blond girls are good & the dark haired ones are bad and if you have faith in God everything will be all right. What a crock of horseshit.

Apart from AnnaSophia Robb's inspiring performance and composer Marco Beltrami's ability to tone down the melodrama with his uniquely simplistic score, this film should be avoided if you're not a braindead zombie.

2 one-armed push-ups out of 5