Horrible Bosses 2 - 3 stars

Director: Sean Anders

Cast: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Chris Pine, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Christoph Waltz

You would be entirely forgiven for thinking that a sequel to the original Horrible Bosses from 2011 was simply not required but with that you would forget one thing, the original was hugely popular with audiences. Jennifer Aniston's turn as a sex crazed dentist, Kevin Spacey as the worst boss in existence and Colin Farrell playing completely against type gave this run of the mill comedy a bit of an edge and a good box office return. It only made sense to make a sequel, really you just needed a woeful plot and a great cast with some hilarious script highs and you were on a winning streak. That's pretty much what you get here with Horrible Bosses 2.

When we last left Nick, Kurt and Dale, they had managed to get their horrible bosses out of their lives. Insisting that they never again want to work for someone else, they decide to set up their own company with a new product they can manufacture, they just need a distributor. Following a TV appearance, they are picked by a company owned by Christoph Waltz's Burt and his overly attractive son, Chris Pine as Rex. However when the deal falls through, the trio decide the best way to get their revenge is to kidnap the son. Of course, they don't follow through with it but Rex decides to get in on the action and teach his father a lesson.

To be entirely honest, the plot for Horrible Bosses 2 is neither here nor there, it's not even that important, it just exists as a platform to allow some cinema comedy geniuses to play out their work. Although technically that shouldn't work, the fact that such big stars and great talent have been recruited here really stands to it. This will once again be a hit with audiences no matter what the critics say.

Bateman, Sudeikis and Day stand out in hilarious performances as the three former workers who are trying desperately to better themselves. The problem is you can see exactly why they are not running their own company from the opening scene. However, the real stars are once again the support cast. Chris Pine is hilarious as the abandoned son, Jennifer Aniston brings all the brilliant comic timing to the big screen once again and what could anyone say about Kevin Spacey that hasn't already been said? The man is one of the greatest actors of our generation.

This is a stupid comedy, nonsensical at times with next to no need for a plot but somehow it all works. There seems to have been a loose script but it's not really adhered to at the best of times as you may notice from the outtakes.

This is not exactly the most intelligent comedy in the world but it is a lot of fun and so you will have to forgive it its failings.

 

Paddington - 4 stars

Director: Paul King

Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman

It can be incredibly difficult to take a really iconic character and re-work it for the big screen, especially someone as well known and iconic as Paddington Bear. Paddington first made his appearance way back in 1958 when Michael Bond wrote a story about a lone teddy bear that he spotted in Paddington station. By 1972, the first Paddington bear was on the market and ever since that day, he has been seen in many guises over the years, in books, TV and some animated films. However, Paddington is a bear for many age groups so if he went back to the big screen, could various audiences be won over? Well, they would have a tough time not being won over by this particular Paddington.

The story begins in darkest Peru when an explorer discovered a species of bear that were actually quite intelligent and so before he made his way back to London, he taught them what he could and promised they could stay in London whenever they saw fit. Fast forward to many years later and those same bears are now uncle and aunt to a charming young bear. However, following an earthquake, they are forced to leave their home and the young bear embarks on a trip to London in order to find the explorer or a new family. He is soon taken into care by the Browns, a well meaning family who promise to help find him a proper home. Yet when Paddingtons life is put in danger, the family decide that they really cannot be without him.

Despite skepticism following rave reviews, it has to be acknowledged that Paddington absolutely delivers. On top of a brilliant cast who are just simply some of the best talent working in the UK at the moment, the film has real heart, the director really cares about this bear and that really reflects throughout the family.

Mostly, the film is just clean and brilliant fun. The script is great and there are at least four laugh out loud moments, even for the adults. Children will certainly be more than entertained and you can expect Paddington will feature on quite a few Christmas lists.

However, the strongest message from the film is the need to belong, the need for a family and love and the need to stay true to yourself. Paddington is so isolated for the majority of the film, it's hard to see how he will belong in London but with a family who love and accept him, he thrives.

There's nothing not to like, even Nicole Kidman is great here. A simply brilliant family film.