What’s it about?
As the result of a childhood wish, John Bennett’s teddy bear, Ted, came to life and has been by John’s side ever since – a friendship that’s tested when Lori, John’s girlfriend of four years, wants more from their relationship.

What did we think?
Today we present a multiple choice review to reflect individual demographics.

If you like (tick all that apply):
[  ] The 80s
[  ] Family Guy
[  ] Political Incorrectness
[  ] Puerile humour
[  ] A little crudity
[  ] Flash Gordon
[  ] pop-culture references
[  ] a cute but foul-mouthed main character

0-1 ticks: Ted is not the movie you seek. Move along.
2-3 ticks: You’ll get a chuckle or two out of Ted but it might not be for you.
4-5 ticks: Ted is an enjoyable movie that provides both laughs and fuzzies (warm fuzzies that is).
6+ ticks: Ted is frickin’ hilarious.

Personally, as a geek-child of the 80s with a dislike for Political Correctness I roared with laughter throughout. There’s probably a bit too much 80s love for younger people but there’ll still be enough for most people to appreciate and enjoy.

What’s it about?
While trying to save their childhood orphanage, Moe, Larry, and Curly inadvertently stumble into a murder plot and wind up starring in a reality TV show.

What did we think?
I have never understood the appeal of slapstick and this puerile offering has only strengthened my distaste. With incredibly weak writing, infantile humour and extended Jersey Shore character appearances, what’s not to dislike?

Not even seeing Snooky being poked in the eye made it pleasurable. Indeed by the end of the film I felt as if I’d been poked myself.

What’s it about?
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Can she undo a beastly curse?

What did we think?
For a movie featuring archery, it’s ironic that Brave doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a little predictable and oddly two-dimensional – very strange for a PIXAR offering. The characters are rich, the scenery is stunning but the story just lacks depth and any lasting connection.

I’m not sure whether it’s because the movie has had so many problems with re-writes and re-workings or Disney interfered to make it a ‘safe’ movie, but Brave is a solid movie without the usual PIXAR magic.

What’s it about?
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

What did we think?
Far better than you expect it to be, though not as good as it could have been. Obviously curtailed from stepping into the darkness and mayhem it so longs for in order to maximise audiences, Snow White nonetheless manages to engage on a more adult level than most popcorn flicks.

What’s it about?

After being married to the slightly off-kilter King of Denmark, the Queen finds solace in her relationship (and subsequent romance) with the royal physician. Their enlightened ideals create swift policy change and bring about a revolution in Danish political history, until their affair is discovered and severe consequences result.

What did we think?

Not quite the bodice-ripping, passionate tale that its title might suggest, the film does manage to effectively convey the historical implications of the events in the film. It adheres a bit too strictly to period-piece conventions and doesn’t do much to invest reason to care about the relationship between the lovers. Historical accuracy is given priority over the romantic swoon factor, which makes everything feel somewhat dry. Only Mikkel Folsgaard as the mad King injects a bit of humour and liveliness into the proceedings.

What’s it about?
While in his teens, Donny fathered a son, Todd, and raised him as a single parent up until Todd’s 18th birthday. Now, after not seeing each other for years, Todd’s world comes crashing down when Donny resurfaces just before Todd’s wedding.

What did we think?
The world is a dumber place for having this movie in it. Even diehard Adam Sandler fans will struggle to find anything redeeming in a movie that starts with the statutory rape of a 13-year-old and works up to puerile adolescent humour.

Tasteless at best, I don’t think there’s actually a redeeming quality in the entire 114 extremely painful minutes.

What’s it about?
It’s 1987 on the Sunset Strip. A small-town girl meets a city boy and they both pursue their Hollywood dreams. Based on the mega-hit stage musical.

What did we think?
Liz says: I’m a musical lover who’s seen Rock of Ages on stage four times. My plus-one was a musical theatre cynic, whose only exposure of ROA was through the flick’s publicity trail. But we both love the glam-rock ’80s music scene and came to the same conclusion: the movie hit some marks and missed others.

It awkwardly straddles the line between comedy and drama, with some numbers that had me rocking out of my seat, and some that left me wanting more. But Tom Cruise, as rocker Stacee Jaxx, was a revelation. And I generally dislike Cruise, so that’s saying something.

It wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t bad either. It was movie limbo. But it’s certainly not the stage show.

What’s it about?
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

What did we think?
In space no one can hear you scream but here on earth they’ll hear the Alien fanboys squeal with glee. It’s been 26 years since we had a quality instalment of the Aliens franchise and Ridley Scott’s suspenseful prequel delivers an intelligent and visually appealing piece that leaves both the heart and mind racing.

Obviously a lot of love went into writing and making it and although a few reveals will spark some controversy, they’re relatively minor in the face of a wonderful sci-fi spectacle.

STEW SAYS: Much like Blade Runner upon initial release, this is a film sure to be better understood and adored with the passage of time. Logic and character ‘flaws’ are all genre tropes and reviewers that don’t understand that don’t deserve to be reviewing.

What’s it about?
Two best friends decide to have a child together so they can avoid the emotional toll kids have on relationships.

What did we think?
Liz says: My love affair with Jennifer Westfeldt’s writing and directing continues. The dialogue is witty and honest, and anyone who can make the words “fuck the shit out of me” sound like the most romantic phrase you’ve ever heard is all right by me.

I wanted to give it 3.5 out of 5 but the damn online scoring system won’t let me.

What’s it about?
A former army sniper with a shady past finds himself in the infamous El Pueblito prison (an environment where prisoners openly carried guns and traded drugs amongst other things). Standing out like a sore thumb he scrambles to survive not only the inmates but professionals on the outside chasing him as well.

What did we think?
A reasonably depressing movie featuring a mostly unlikable main character, Get The Gringo is difficult to get into. Early pacing means that not even the interesting historical accuracy of the prison keeps your attention for too long and you’re left to hold onto Mel Gibson’s strong performance with rapidly dwindling hope.

Thankfully the last act provides the fun action we’re looking for and almost makes up for the earlier discomfort. Gritty and worth the wait if your patience holds up.