Bedtime Stories Cinema Review

Adam Sandler and Disney join forces and make an unusual team to bring us this fabulous family film Bedtime Stories about…well…bedtime stories.

Hotel handyman Skeeter Bronson (Sandler) is left in charge of his niece and nephew while his sister Wendy (Courtney Cox) is out of town for a job interview. In an attempt to bond with the children, Skeeter gets into the routine of telling them stories every night before bed, just like his Dad used to do when he was a kid.

Skeeter soon realises that when his niece and nephew add their own twists to the stories, something magical happens and the tales come true the next day. Skeeter tries desperately to manoeuvre the stories so they come true and fulfil his dreams but, it doesn’t always quite work out that way.

Bedtime Stories is a great, fun film with lots of comedy throughout. Skeeter and his friend and colleague Mickey (Russell Brand) are great characters and bring plenty of laughs to the plot but, perhaps it is Bugsy the very cute, if a little strange, guinea pig who steals the show.

Bedtime Stories is a must see film this winter and is great for some light entertainment Disney and Sandler style.

Inkheart Cinema Review

Mo Folchart (Brendan Fraser) is a silvertongue; when he reads aloud his words bring the story out of the world in the book and into his. His ‘talent’ doesn’t come without consequences though as villains escape from a rare book called Inkheart and turn his world upside down.

Mo stops reading aloud and tries to keep his abilities secret and bring his daughter Meggie (Eliza Bennett) up in a normal life but, 10 years after their escape, the Inkheart Villains return and look set to ruin everything. Meggie discovers the truth about her family in the process and has to work with her father, her aunt Elinor (Helen Mirren) and Inkheart’s mis-understood hero, Dustfinger (Paul Bettany) to put a stop to the escaped villain’s evil plans.

Inkheart is a bizarre film but, it is entertaining enough none-the-less. It seems a bit stretched out in parts and harsher cuts may have added a bit more excitement. The story line is appealing, if a little cheesy, and the characters are interesting so, all-in-all it’s a good watch and makes a good family film.

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost to star in Tintin

According to Ain't It Cool News, funny men Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have been cast as the Thomson and Thompson twins for Steven Speilberg's film adaptation of the classic 'Tintin' comics.

Having Pegg and Frost on board takes the total cast number up to three as they join Andy Serkis who will be playing Captain Haddock.

Thomas Sangster was originally set for the title role as Tintin but, had to pass up the opportunity because of scheduling conflicts so, the search for Tintin continues. The slot is bound to be filled soon as production is rumoured to start in a months time.

Sony and Paramount will be co-financing the Speilberg and Peter Jackson trilogy after it was passed on by Universal Studios.

The first installment is due to hit cinemas in 2010.

BBC audiences raise huge amounts of money for charity

BBC audiences have raised £113million for charitable causes which will help to transform the lives of people across the UK and overseas.

BBC charity appeals reported these funds raised in the year 2007/08.

The money was raised through a range of appeals including BBC Children in Need, the BBC Performing Arts Fund, BBC Radio 4 Appeals, the BBC Wildlife Fund and BBC Local Radio appeals.

The money will benefit a diverse range of areas including disadvantaged children, environmental and health causes.

Mark Thompson, Director-General of the BBC, said: "Last year, the BBC's charitable appeals raised over a hundred million pounds.

"These figures are enormously impressive, and a testament to the unique relationship between the BBC and its audiences – and the great work of the charities involved.

"Of course it is not just about the money raised, but about the difference it will make to so many people's lives. That is an achievement of which everyone – the BBC; the charities; and all who contributed – can be justly proud."

Charity Appeals are an important part of the BBC's remit as a public service broadcaster, informing the public about the wide range of work done by charities, encouraging donations and giving charities the opportunity to raise awareness of the work they do.

BBC audiences are continuing to give generously to appeals.

Since the beginning of the current financial year, a record-breaking £20,991,216 has been donated so far to the Children in Need appeal, which will change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.