DVD releases
4/5
Just when it seemed that no-one could challenge the computer-animated might of Pixar, directors Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon deliver an out-of-this-world adventure which proves heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Fast-paced and peppered with cute visual gags, this is a blast from eye-popping start to uproarious finish.
Admittedly, it borrows heavily from Pixar's The Incredibles, with further nods to Godzilla and countless B-movies, but this has bags of invention and a smattering of heartfelt emotion to bring a tear to the eye.
The opening delivers one wow moment after the next as the camera drifts through space towards Earth, as a UFO hurtles towards California.
The object – a green, glowing meteorite – lands on fun-loving Susan Murphy (voiced by Reece Witherspoon) on her wedding day. Before the groom can say "I do'', Susan grows to 49ft tall.
Wedding guests flee and Susan is held hostage by the military in a secret government compound where she learns that other so-called monsters have suffered a similar fate.
Fellow captives include brilliant inventor, Dr Cockroach PhD (Hugh Laurie), half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link indestructible gelatinous mass B.O.B. and a 350ft grub called Insectosaurus.
When evil alien Gallaxhar dispatches a giant robot to retrieve the meteorite, the US President reluctantly issues an order to free the monsters and set them upon the invader from another planet.
Monsters Vs Aliens shoots for the moon and soars, melding colourful visuals and a script laden with belly laughs to appeal to young and old alike.
Obsessed (12)
3/5
THIS generic thriller plunders merrily from Fatal Attraction and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.
Businessman Derek Charles (Idris Elba) and beautiful wife Sharon (Beyonce Knowles) move into their new home after he lands a big promotion at work.
But trouble comes a-slinking into the building in the form of temp secretary Lisa (Ali Larter) in her killer heels.
She quickly sets her sights on Derek and refuses to take no for an answer.
Larter has the sense not to wildly overplay demented home-wrecker role, leaving the histrionics to Beyonce, who snarls to police: "You better do something about this woman, or I will!'' A protracted cat fight ensues.
Drag Me To Hell (15)
3/5
Evil Dead director Sam Raimi returns to tongue-in-cheek horror with this cartoonish gore-fest, which features a pair of flying eyeballs.
Alison Lohman plays heroine in peril Christine Brown, a promotion-chasing bank employee who refuses a loan to the enigmatic Mrs Ganush (Lorna Raver).
Mrs Ganush retaliates by attacking Christine, cursing her with the Lamia, a demon that will claim the young woman's soul three days hence. So Christine solicits spiritual guidance from psychic Rham Jas (Dileep Rao) to break the curse.
Le Donk And Scor-zay-zee (15)
3/5
Shane Meadows's mockumentary follows a musical incompetent and his infinitely more talented protege as they embark on a quest to land a support slot at an Arctic Monkeys gig.
En route to the feel-good finale, shot live last summer in front of an unsuspecting crowd at Old Trafford cricket ground, the pair overcome insecurities, jealousy and the small matter of a heavily-pregnant wife about to go into labour.
Dishevelled roadie Le Donk (Paddy Considine) welcomes a camera crew led by director Meadows (playing himself) into his council home to shadow him and lodger Dean (Dean Palinczuk), aka rapper Scor-zay-zee, as they head for the bright lights of Lancashire.
With cameras capturing every hilarious twist of fate, the unlikely lads chance their luck.
Love Aaj Kal (12)
4/5
Imtiaz Ali's love story weaves parallel storylines set in mid-1960s Delhi and Calcutta and modern London and San Francisco, contrasting the social pressures imposed upon the characters as they search for happiness.
In the past, Veer Singh (Rishi Kapoor) glimpses the love of his life, Harleen (Neetu Singh), and is instantly smitten, pledging himself to her in this life and the next. Though she may be hundreds of miles away, Veer is unperturbed, embarking on a marathon train journey just for a glimpse of her flawless face.
In the present day, Jai (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Deepika Padukone) are blissfully happy in London, pursuing their professional and personal dreams with a carefree attitude.
Wherever life takes them, they follow, especially Jai, who scoffs at the idea of fairytale romance. So when their paths begin to diverge, Jai and Meera allow the relationship to take the strain.
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