Frankenweenie (Tim Burton, 2012)

I was not expecting to like this film as much as I did. Frankenweenie is a feature-length version of one of the first films Burton ever made – a short film of the same name. So this film really feels like it’s back to pure Burton basics – a black and white, stop-motion gothic horror with dark humour and just plain weirdness.

Pride and Prejudice (Joe Wright, 2005)

Unlike many of the females in my demographic, I have never really been drawn to Jane Austen’s novels, so not surprisingly, I wasn’t expecting to love this film, however, I did enjoy it. It is a light movie that is perfect to escape and engross yourself in, and you just can’t help but get caught up in the story.

In terms of characters, I found the mother and some of the younger daughters quite frustrating with their awkward and shameless desperation and promotion. Keira Knightley (as Elizabeth) seemed quite bland in this role but I think it somehow suited her. She is better matched to feature in romantic dramas over movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean. Just like the majority of the target demographic to whom this movie is tailored, my favourite character was Mr Darcy. A dreamy, mysterious individual, Mr Darcy initially finds Elizabeth “barely tolerable” and I found the fact that she becomes the love of his life difficult to accept. However, I guess that is part of the attraction of this film – the hope and romance it instils for audiences. Just like Elizabeth, I warmed up to the character of Mr Darcy, who was very well played by Matthew Macfadyen.

White Zombie (Victor Halperin, 1932)

Often touted as the first zombie film ever made, White Zombie highlights how the world of cinema and its audiences have significantly changed over the years. As a horror film, White Zombie doesn’t have the same effect on moviegoers as it would have when it was first screened 80 years ago. While it may have lost some of its darkness and suspense, it nevertheless still retains its quirky plot, which seems to be a common feature of many older black and white films. A young couple, Madeline and Neil, get married at Monsieur Beaumont’s plantation before Beaumont tries to persuade Madeline to run away with him. After his efforts are futile, Beaumont turns to witch doctor, Legendre, to help him using his powers. Things don’t go as Beaumont plans and he tries to reverse Legendre’s spell while Neil searches for his wife.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams (Werner Herzog, 2010)

This awe-inspiring documentary effectively showcases the possibilities of 3D film. Directed, written and narrated by German filmmaker Werner Herzog, Cave of Forgotten Dreams centres on the discovery and study of the Chauvet Cave in southern France. The cave, which was discovered in 1994, is home to what is now believed to be the earliest known cave paintings and various traces of early civilisation.

The fact that the subject of the film is such a monumental discovery already provides a lot of the film’s allure. Herzog with his film crew, along with scientists and archaeologists take us through the cave, providing both facts and insights about its previous inhabitants. I was astounded by the cave paintings – many of which are so life-like and perfect – really challenging the notion of a “primitive” people whose drawings are basic and stick figure-like. The paintings in the Chauvet Cave show complexity, attention to detail and artistic ability – as one of the scientists states, the paintings look so fresh that they had to be verified of their authenticity.

Prometheus (Ridley Scott, 2012)

A good thrilling movie with great special effects that make up for what it might lack in plot. There were a lot of squeamish moments, especially one involving Dr Elizabeth Shaw. The suspense and adrenaline was so extreme during this scene that as soon as the action was resolved, the audience in the cinema around me started gasping and laughing in shock at what had been witnessed on screen. For me, this was one of the most fascinating yet disturbing moments of the film and one which demonstrates exactly where Ridley Scott’s mastery lies.