WEEKEND PIC: March 28 - 30 2008

Your Guide to the Weekend Viewing

1. THE WATER HORSE (fantasy adventure with Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, Emily Watson and Brian Cox) Rated * * * (out of 4): This 'Free Willy'-type tale about the 'origin' of Loch Ness monster Nessie should delight kids under 10. For the older folks, it is still a passable flick for the family. (Reviewed below)

2. GONE BABY GONE (mystery thriller with Casey Affleck, Amy Ryan, Morgan Freeman dna Ed Harris) Rated * * * 1/2 (3.5 stars): A mentally and emotionally provoking movie by first-time director Ben Affleck. The missing girl tale will grab us and take us through a rollercoaster ride of intensed emotions. (Reviewed below).

3. SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (fantasy thriller with Freddie Highmore (right), Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker and David Strathairn) Rating * * * (3 stars): Just like the Chronicles of Narnia, this one takes us to the fantasy realm of goblins, hobgoblins, trolls, and an ogre. More 'meaty' than "The Golden Compass" although not as stylish.

4. AWAKE (drama with Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, Terrence Howard, Lena Olin and Christopher McDonald) Rated * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This tale about being awake while under the knife offers nightmarish terror but it soon deviates into Hitchcock territory with its twist about a conspiracy.

5. BE KIND REWIND (comedy with Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow, Melonie Diaz) Rating * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This comedy about some video store guys reshooting their own version of blockbuster movies is rather funny. However, its appeal is limited to movie fans and those who can stand Jack Black.

6. 27 DRESSES (romantic comedy with Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Edward Burns and Malin Akerman) Rating * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): A very predictable romantic comedy about a 'serial bridesmaid' (Heigl) who finally realises her loved one only to lose him to her sister. Good show by Heigl too.

7. AN EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS (costume drama with Leon Lai, Donnie Yen and Kelly Chen) Rating * * (2 stars): It looks like a homage to the old Shaw flicks but soon turns corny and terribly uninspired. And it is no use blaming it all on Kelly Chen's acting!

8. Dr SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO (fantasy comedy with voices of Jim Carrey, Steve Carrell and Carol Burnett) Rating * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): A kiddie treat just like "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", this fantasy tale about Horton the elephant (Carrey) may be rather tedious for adults. The animation is great though.