Adam Shankman’s romantic comedy ‘The Wedding Planner’ starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey was released in 2001 and has recently been shown on Film 4. The film follows the life of wedding planner Mary Fiore whose job and one passion in life is to take on every aspect of planning a couple’s big day and to make sure that it all runs without a hitch; Unfortunately this time Mary finds herself in a truly impossible situation when she realises that the guy that she has just fallen for (Matthew McConaughey) is the groom of her next client. Determined not to let her feelings come before her job and remain true to her ever professional nature Mary agrees to take on the wedding but needless to say, it definitely doesn’t go without its fair share of ups and downs.

Both McConaughey and Lopez act their parts very well in this film, making it an enjoyable and generally easy going film to watch. The chemistry between the two is electric from the start and you actually begin to feel sorry for the bride-to-be who is played wonderfully by Bridgette Wilson. There are a number of genuinely amusing scenes and enough romance to make the movie entertaining and heartfelt without being too slushy!

All in all I thought that The Wedding Planner was a well acted and directed film that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It isn’t quite as much of a ‘Chick Flick’ as you would imagine a film about weddings to be and it provides enough humour and charm to keep you hooked throughout. This is not a movie that is going to blow you away with its clever storyline or complex plot twists, but if you are looking for something to fill a quiet night in then The Wedding Planner is perfect. Highly recommended.

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Full cast list for The Wedding Planner: Adam Loeffler, Adele Uddo, Alex Rocco, Anthony Catala, Betsy Brockhurst, Bianca Brockl, Bobby Pappas, Bree Turner, Bridgette Wilson, Caisha Williams, Carina Dawn, Charles Kimbrough, Chelsea Hollingsworth, Chris Daher, Christopher D. Childers, Cortney Shounia, Dan Finnerty, Dee Dee Weathers, Don West, Erik Hyler, F. William Parker, Fabiana Udenio, Frances Bay, Fred Willard, Gordon Hart, Greg Lauren, Harry Danner, Hollie Beach, Huntley Ritter, Jake Gentry, James Howell, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Hechim, Joan Del Mar, Joanna Gleason, Judy Greer, Julio Macat, Justin Chambers, Karon Bihari, Kathy Najimy, Kevin Pollak, Lou Myers, Lydell M. Cheshier, Magali Amadei, Marc Shaiman, Mario Lara, Matthew McConaughey, Maurice Schwartzman, Micki Duran, Natalia Jaroszyk, Nikki Arlyn, Peter Brown, Phil Chong, Philip Pavel, Raphaela Kleiman, Rocco Vienhage, Samuel Givens, Seth Howard, Susan Mosher, Whayne Jerome-Clayton.

The original and possibly the best ‘Chainsaw massacre’ movie made was recently shown on Film 4. Directed by Tobe Hooper this gruesome and twisted film was banned in the UK for a number of years after being deemed too violent. It has since gone on to have several sequels and you can even look forward to a new film in the series ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre - The Beginning’ which is released in cinemas shortly, and is the prequel to the last sequel that was produced in 2003. Don’t get me started about prequels.

The storyline of this 1974 version is based around a family of seriously demented social misfits who live in the middle of nowhere with their chainsaw wielding leather faced son; not exactly every parents dream I hear you cry, however this family seem to have adapted to the killing sprees and torturing that ‘Leather Face’ likes to do in his spare time and even help in luring unsuspecting victims to their creepy old house. The bizarre nature of the film and creepy atmosphere all add to making this one of the most genuinely terrifying and successful horror movies of all time. The way in which it is filmed and the camera angles make ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ something of a work of cinematic genius and whether this was simply a stroke of luck by Tobe Hooper or something that had been meticulously planned is the subject of much speculation given the fact that he has not been able to replicate the success or class of this film in any of his other works.

Gunnar Hansen plays Leather Face with such menace and believability that he is genuinely horrifying to watch as he emerges into several scenes with his maniacal laughter and deadly weapon all revved up. The movie has a kind of realness to it that other horror films have not yet managed to capture and that is probably what still gives the movie its appeal so many years on.

The weird thing is though, despite being an early example of a slasher film, the actual amount of blood, gore and violence is less than in more modern films, a lot of the fear and tension that the film evokes is achieved by leaving a lot to your imagination, so in a way, the more imaginative you are, the more frightening you will find the film.

In short, if you appreciate classic horror, are willing to compromise on special effects, and feel like a shell-shocked evening of retro terror, watch ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and prepare to be shocked.

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Full cast list for the 1974 version of the Texas Chain Saw Massacre: Allen Danziger, Ed Guinn, Edwin Neal, Gunnar Hansen, Jerry Green, Jim Siedow, Joe Bill Hogan, John Dugan, John Henry Faulk, John Larroquette, Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, Perry Lorenz, Robert Courtin, Teri McMinn, William Creamer, William Vail.