Coming up on Film Four as one of the late night movies this week is a low budget indie movie by the creators of American Pie. ‘Chuck and Buck’ is a rather disturbing and strangely sensitive film about a twenty something year old guy who has the mental age of an eleven year old.

After his mother’s death Buck remembers his childhood friend Chuck and sets off to find him in LA where he is working as a music executive. Met with the harsh reality that his friend no longer wants him around, a confused and deranged Buck begins to stalk Chuck and trys every trick in the book to get their ‘friendship’ back, becoming a presence in Chuck’s life that just won’t go away.

This is not a film for those of a sensitive nature; it’s perfect for film critics who will be able to see through the darker sides of the story and for anyone who loves movies that dare to be different. The film delves briefly into homosexuality and unrequited love as well as mental and psychical abuse.

Strange as it may seem though it does have a certain charm about it that is maybe down to Buck’s rather naïve and immature nature, and although he is clearly disturbed, we begin to learn why, and the extent of these two childhood pals odd friendship.

The acting in this movie is brilliant, Mike White plays the role of Buck with such an innocent yet disturbing edge that you cannot help but keep watching to find out what happens next and how things work out for these two clearly emotionally disturbed young men.

Chuck and Buck can be seen on Sunday 26th November on Film Four, and you can probably catch a repeat some time on Film4’s crazy repeat schedule.

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Full cast list for Chuck and Buck: Adam Storms Parker, Annette Murphy, Barry G. Thomas, Beth Colt, Caleb Wilson, Chris Weitz, Chuy Chᶥz, Damon Huss, Dana Baratta, Doug Keiffer, Erin Espinoza, Ezra Pugh, Gino Buccola, Giovanni Gieco, Glory Simon, Jaime Hook, James Mooney, Jesse Lee Thomas, Jonathan Brown, Josephina J. Rocha, Jules Bruff, Linda Lichter, Lupe Ontiveros, Marc Hyman, Mary Wigmore, Maya Rudolph, Megan McCaw, Meredith Tucker, Mike White, Miranda Thompson, Nathaniel Olderman, Pamela Gordon, Paul Gellman, Paul Sand, Paul Weitz, Ron Yerxa, Ruthie Bram, T.J. Wilkins, Tony Maxwell, Vince Duffy, Yehuda Maayan, Zak Penn.

Austin Powers, starring Mike Myers, Liz Hurley and Seth Green, was one of the most popular comedies of the 1990’s. The completely slapstick comedy and utterly ridiculous storylines only added to its appeal with fans of all ages as these quirky new characters and villains were unleashed onto the public.

The main star of the film is obviously Austin Powers himself, played by Mike Myers he is an ‘International man of mystery’ who despite his gaudy looks and terrible dress sense seems to be able to attract any woman he wants. He is brought back from the 1960’s to the 1990’s in order to battle against his arch nemesis ‘Dr Evil’ (also played by Myers) who wants to take over the world.

The whole film is a spoof of various different ‘Bond’ films and fans of the movies will have fun trying to spot the homage in each scene. Austin Powers is not only genuinely funny, but it was responsible for creating a whole range of catchphrases in the 90’s when it was released such as ‘Oh Behave!’ ‘Zip It’ and ‘Yeahhhh Baby!’

Mike Myers plays a variety of the lead characters himself with great supporting actors such as Robert Wagner and Seth Green having regular parts. There are dozens of memorable scenes in the film but I particularly like the way Seth Green playing Scott Evil suggests that rather than assume that Austin Powers will be killed behind a closed door in a pool filled with ill-tempered mutated sea bass, that they should just kill him immediately with a gun he has in his bedroom.? I also like Rob Lowe’s cameo, where they mourn the death of one of Doctor Evil’s henchmen.

Liz Hurley also stars, but possibly suffers from being Myers’ comic foil - he does get all the best lines, and she has to be all serious.

All in all ‘Austin Powers’ is a film that is worth watching and rewatching. It was recently shown on Film Four and is a perfect film to spend a couple of hours relaxing and laughing at blatant childish humour. Don’t forget to catch it when it is next showing. Those who haven’t already seen this film will be pleasantly surprised and those who have will relish the opportunity to watch it again!

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Full Cast list for Austin Powers International Man of Mystery: Afifi Alaouie, Anastasia Sakelaris, Barbara Ann Moore, Ben Scott, Brazil Joseph Grisaffi III, Brian George, Bruno Campolo, Burt Bacharach, Carlton Lee Russell, Carrie Fisher, Charles Napier, Chekesha Van Putten, Cheri Oteri, Cheryl Bartel, Christian Slater, Cindy Margolis, Clint Howard, Cynthia Lamontagne, Daniel Weaver, Donna W. Scott, Douglas Aarniokoski, Elizabeth Hurley, Elwood Edwards, Elya Baskin, Erik Liberman, Fabiana Udenio, Gwenda Perez, Hannah Kozak, Heather Marie Marsden, Jim McMullan, Joann Richter, Joe Son, John Michael, John-Clay Scott, Kaye Wade, Kira Burt, Lana Antonova, Larry Thomas, Laura Payne-Gabriel, Lea Sullivan, Lois Chiles, Mark Bringleson, Matthew Sweet, Michael McDonald, Michael York, Mike Judge, Mike Myers, Mimi Rogers, Mindy Sterling, Monet Mazur, Neil Mullarkey, Patricia Tallman, Patrick Bristow, Paul Dillon, Rob Lowe, Robert Wagner, Robin Gammell, Sarah Christine Smith, Seth Green, Sterling Wolfe, Steve Monroe, Stuart D. Johnson, Susanna Hoffs, Ted Kairys, Tom Arnold, Tyde Kierny, Vince Melocchi, Will Ferrell.

ITV really have an uphill struggle at the moment:

• advertising revenues declining
• losing market share as their crucial viewers watch other TV channels
• sacrificing their brand value as viewers start to understand the manipulative and negative qualities of programmes like The Mint
• big share in ITV recently bought by BSkyB and to quote Richard Branson’s spokesman Will Whitehorn, Sky had made it clear it does not intend to be a passive investor

So just to heap another dollop of bad news for people who previously enjoyed ITV’s programming they have seen fit to partner I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here! with online bookmaker Paddy Power. Am I alone in thinking that commercial gambling is wrong?? That it preys on the intellectual weakness of people who often can’t afford to squander their money?

Someone somewhere has been given responsibility for the ITV brand and has systematically tarnished it by associating it with gambling.

I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here! isn’t all bad though, it’s that time of year again when 12 relatively well known media people (I don’t think we can really call many of them Celebrities this year!) head off into the Australian rainforest for the sixth series of the hit reality TV show.

Already having attracted a record number of viewers this year it’s safe to say that we, the British public have become completely engrossed in the show as usual, and let’s face it there have already been some classic comedy moments on the show after only the first week.

Hosts Ant and Dec make the show even funnier by constantly having a dig at the celebs and saying what the general public are actually thinking.

The main highlight of the show has to be when the public get to phone in and vote for the celebrity that they would like to take on the famous ‘Bush Tucker Trial’ of the day. This usually involves such disgusting things as eating live bugs, being put into claustrophobic situations with creepy crawlies, snakes and spiders and generally being forced to face your worst fears live on air!

The best Bush Tucker Trial of all time award has to go to recent celebrity Dean Gaffney who was recently a newcomer to the camp and had a live trial set up for him.

Blissfully unaware, and thinking he was just going to walk straight into the rainforest and join everyone else poor Dean had to endure his first trial. While we all found his blatantly terrified face possibly some of the best live TV in years! I didn’t find it funny - I shared his terror but couldn’t stop watching and I have to say I think this fascination with watching people being terrified is ghoulish and faintly reminiscent of the old ladies who knitted under the gallows every week. Having said that though, I still keep watching it, hmm… the evil within?

It pains me to admit it but I have to give a nod of respect to David Gest. Maybe he went on a desensitising course before setting off, but he handled monstrous spiders sitting on his head with aplomb!

The camp is soon to be spilt in two, with both teams competing against each other so this could make for very interesting viewing, don’t miss it!

Participants in this I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here! are:

• David Gest
• Lauren Booth
• Matt Willis
• Jason Donovan
• Myleene Klass
• Faith Brown
• Phina Oruche
• Toby Anstis
• Jan Leeming
• Scott Henshall
• Dean Gaffney
• Malandra Burrows

One of Adam Sandler’s finest films will be shown on Film4 this week. This cult Adam Sandler film revolves around the life of a failed Ice Hockey player and general no hoper Happy Gilmore who finds himself resorting to taking up golf to try and save his grandmother’s house from being repossessed. His only chance of earning enough money to help Grandma out is to enter one of the biggest and best golf tournaments around and quickly become a pro in order to win the huge cash prize fund at the end.

Up against some stiff competition in the form of his rival ‘Shooter McGavin’, Happy finds himself a one handed ex golf champion ‘Chubs’ who will endeavour to help him in his quest to save Grandma’s house and prevent her from spending the rest of her life in a cruelly managed nursing home.

This completely crazy storyline may sound too stupid to actually be funny, but trust me, if anyone can make a comedy out of playing golf, it’s Adam Sandler! We soon warm to the hilarious random outbursts of rage from Happy Gilmore and you will find yourself unable to resist raising a smile at the rivalry between him and ‘Shooter’ as they have some of the most ridiculous slanging matches known to man.

The comedy timing throughout the film is perfect and the whole film is a great example of Sandler’s early comedy work. Arguably the best film of his career ‘Happy Gilmore’ is classic slapstick comedy at its finest and with the introduction of some brilliant characters such as Grandma, Shooter and Chubs I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Look out for ‘Happy Gilmore’ on Tuesday 21st November on Film Four. Not to be missed!

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Full cast list for Happy Gilmore: Adam Sandler, Allen Covert, Andrew Johnston, Ben Stiller, Betty Linde, Bob Barker, Brent Chapman, Brett Armstrong, Carl Weathers, Carrie Fleming, Charles L. Brame, Christopher McDonald, Dave Cameron, David Kaye, Dee Jay Jackson, Dennis Dugan, Donald MacMillan, Douglas Newell, Edward Lieberman, Ellie Harvie, Fat Jack, Frances Bay, Frank L. Frazier, Fred Perron, Helen Honeywell, Helena Yea, Ian Boothby, James Crescenzo, Jared Van Snellenberg, Jessica Gunn, Joe Flaherty, Joe Sakic, John B. Destry, John Shaw, Julie Bowen, Ken Camroux, Kevin Nealon, Kim Restell, Lee Trevino, Lisanne Collett, Lou Kliman, Louis O’Donoghue, Mark Lye, Michelle Holdsworth, Nancy McClure, Paul Raskin, Peter Kelamis, Phillip Beer, Rich Elwood, Richard Kiel, Robert Smigel, Simon Webb, Stephen Dimopoulos, Stephen Tibbetts, Ted Deekan, Verne Lundquist, Will Sasso, William Samples, Zachary Webb.

Desperate Housewives is a popular US TV show that seems to be making quite a name for its self. With an ever increasing fan base and regular viewers tuning in at every opportunity this is one show that certainly can’t be ignored.

Set in ‘Wisteria Lane’ a wealthy and well to do neighbourhood we soon come to realise that many of the residents in this sleepy street may be harbouring dark secrets that would shock their fellow neighbours beyond belief, maybe the truth will eventually out, or maybe the rest of the residents are too caught up in their own personal dramas to even notice. The narrator of Desperate Housewives is a friend of the female characters who committed suicide, and this gives the programme a decidedly ethereal twist.

Viewers are constantly kept on the edge of their seats when Desperate Housewives works its way up to a big storyline. The fact that the producers give nothing away is perhaps what makes this show so addictive, you are almost forced to tune in as the storylines grow more and more bizarre and engrossing by the minute. Just when you think you have it all figured out there’s another twist just round the corner to put a whole new slant on things. The storylines cover everything from cheating wives, sexual fetishes, murderous secrets and much more.

The stars of the show are all very glamorous and seem to enjoy playing their individual roles. Two of the main women on the set who seem to attract the most attention are the gorgeous Eva Longoria (Gabby) and Terri Hatcher (Susan) both pictured above. The show has been a great comeback in Terri Hatcher’s career and has put her right back on the map where she belongs. Hopefully Desperate Housewives will continue to bring us new and exciting storylines for many more series to come as its popularity seems to know no bounds! Catch the show for yourselves, its well worth a watch. But be warned, you’ll end up being hooked.

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The complete cast list for Desperate Housewives: Adrian Pasdar, Albert Garcia, Alejandro Patino, Alfre Woodard, Alicia Brandt, Andrea Bowen, Anthony Azizi, Betty Murphy, Bob Gunton, Bob Newhart, Brenda Strong, Brent Kinsman, Brett Cullen, Brian Carpenter, Brian Kerwin, Bruce Jarchow, Carlease Burke, Carol Mansell, Charlie Babcock, Cheyenne Wilbur, Christine Clayburg, Christine Estabrook, Coco d’Este, Cody Kasch, Conor O’Farrell, Currie Graham, Dagney Kerr, Dakin Matthews, David Fabrizio, David Pevsner, Dawn Ashley Cook, Dennis Depew, Derrick Brady, Doug Savant, Dougald Park, Dougray Scott, Eddie McClintock, Edward Edwards, Elizabeth Storm, Emily Christine, Ernie Hudson, Eva Longoria, Felice Heather Monteith, Felicity Huffman, Garrett Warren, Gina Fricchione, Gregg Daniel, Gwendoline Yeo, Harriet Sansom Harris, Harry S. Murphy, Heather Stephens, Howard S. Miller, James Denton, James Shanklin, Jay Harrington, Jeff Doucette, Jennifer Lyons, Jesse Metcalfe, Jill Brennan, Joely Fisher, John Callahan, John Kapelos, John Lacy, John Mariano, John Newton, Jolie Jenkins, Jordan Timsit, Josh Henderson, Joy Bisco, Joy Lauren, Joyce Van Patten, Julie White, Juliette Goglia, Kamal Marayati, Kathryn Harrold, Kathryn Joosten, Kiersten Warren, Kurt Fuller, Kyle MacLachlan, Laurie Metcalf, Lee Tergesen, Lesley Ann Warren, Lucille Soong, Lulu, Lupe Ontiveros, Marcia Cross, Mark Arnold, Mark Brady, Mark L. Taylor, Mark Moses, Marla Sokoloff, Matt Roth, Mehcad Brooks, Melanie Chartoff, Melinda McGraw, Melinda Page Hamilton, Michael Bofshever, Michael Durrell, Michael Ironside, Mitch Silpa, Nashawn Kearse, Nichole Hiltz, Nick Chinlund, Nicollette Sheridan, Nigel Gibbs, Nike Doukas, Page Kennedy, Pat Crawford Brown, Paul Dooley, Paul Rae, Rachel Fox, Rachel G. Fox, Randy Spire, Ricardo Chavira, Richard Burgi, Richard Jenik, Richard Roundtree, Rick Fitts, Roger Bart, Roz Witt, Ryan Carnes, Sam Lloyd, Scott Allan Campbell, Scott Atkinson, Shane Kinsman, Shannon O’Hurley, Sharon Lawrence, Shawn Doyle, Shawn Pyfrom, Shirley Knight, Stacey Travis, Steven Culp, Tanner Maguire, Teri Hatcher, Terry Bozeman, Tim Monsion, Trisha Simmons, Valerie Mahaffey, Wendy Worthington, William Atherton, Zane Huett.

Lost is the cult American TV series that the whole world is raving about. I must admit that at first I didn’t quite see the appeal of the show, and kind of lost track of it after a confusing first episode. It was only after borrowing the first season from a friend on DVD and watching it all the way through that I truly appreciated the brilliance of the show, and like many others became completely hooked.

For those who haven’t had a chance to watch Lost for themselves it follows the lives of a group of plane crash survivors stranded on a desert island. We delve deep into each character’s back story as well as their time on the island and soon begin to learn that everything may not be quite as ordinary as it seems in this peaceful looking place, and getting rescued is going to be a lot harder than any of them could have ever imagined. I think this is the key to what draws you in to the series, because you learn more and more about the characters as the series progresses, the more you watch Lost, the more you can’t bear to miss the next episode.

We have a good group of strong main characters including the following:

• Kate - The feisty female of the group who we soon learn is harbouring a dark secret.
• Jack - The Doctor, a man of morals whose medical skills definitely come in handy over the course of each series.
• Sawyer - The ‘Bad Boy’ of the bunch who although starts off as a completely annoying character soon begins to grow on you.
• John Locke - A man whose back story gets more and more intriguing as we watch.
• Sayid - Has several important roles in the story due to his intensive background as a former Iraqi Republican guard and torture expert. He’s not a bad guy though really!
• Claire - The pregnant member of the group whose baby soon becomes a target of ‘The Others’.
• Charlie - Former rock star and drug addict, desperately trying to find his role on the island.

Of course, there are many more lead characters but to name them all would take forever. The show is drawing in record amounts of viewers across the world and it’s hardly surprising as I would easily say that Lost is one of the best TV shows I have ever watched. Viewers will be hooked as the battle between the islanders and the mysterious ‘Others’ rages on, but will we ever get definitive answers? Tune in to find out!

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Full cast list for the TV series Lost: Aaron Gold, Adetokumboh M’Cormack, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Andrea Gabriel, April Grace, Ariston Green, Beth Broderick, Billy Ray Gallion, Brett Cullen, Brittany Perrineau, Brooke Anderson, Byron Chung, Christian Bowman, Clancy Brown, Craig Robert Young, Cynthia Watros, Daniel A. Ortiz, Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Roebuck, David Ely, Dominic Monaghan, Dustin Watchman, Elizabeth Mitchell, Emilie de Ravin, Evangeline Lilly, Faith Fay, Francois Chau, Fredric Lehne, Geoff Heise, Glenn Cannon, Greg Grunberg, Harold Perrineau, Henry Ian Cusick, Ian Somerhalder, John Terry, Jonathan Dixon, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Julie Bowen, Julie Ow, Katey Sagal, Kevin Tighe, Kiele Sanchez, Kim Dickens, Kimberley Joseph, L. Scott Caldwell, Lawrence Jones, Lillian Hurst, Lindsey Ginter, Lynnanne Zager, M.C. Gainey, Madison, Maggie Grace, Malcolm David Kelley, Mark Dillen Stitham, Matt Moore, Matthew Fox, Meilinda Soerjoko, Michael Adamshick, Michael Bowen, Michael Emerson, Michelle Arthur, Michelle Rodriguez, Mira Furlan, Naveen Andrews, Neil Hopkins, Nick Jameson, Paula Malcomson, Rachel Ticotin, Robert Frederick, Rodrigo Santoro, Ron Bottitta, Ruz Rusden, Sam Anderson, Suzanne Turner, Tamara Taylor, Tania Raymonde, Terry O’Quinn, Tomiko Lee, Tony Lee, Wendy Braun, William Mapother, Yoon-jin Kim.

‘10 Things I Hate about You’ was probably one of the more successful ‘Teen Comedies’ of 1999 and was recently shown on Film Four. The story of the film is actually loosely based on the Shakespeare play ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ but set in a modern day high school.

It took only a little while for it to sink in that I was watching Shakespeare - this film is a little bit heavy handed in that sense, and you would have to not have ever seen Shakespeare performed if you were to fail to spot this aspect of the film. Anyone who has read the taming of the shrew will be able to tell you that the similarities between the play itself and the film are actually pretty spot on in places and the story really flows well and keeps your attention throughout, which is a fine testament to the skill of the Bard.

The basic plotline of the movie is that new kid at high school ‘Cameron James’ finds himself falling for ‘Bianca Stratford’ one of the most beautiful and popular girls in his class, he wants to invite her out on a date, but soon comes to realise that her over protective father has invented a seemingly crazy set of rules whereby Bianca is forbidden to start dating until her elder sister Kat does.

His reasoning behind this being that Kat’s angry, and bitter nature prevents her from actually gaining a boyfriend any time soon so Bianca will also remain without a boyfriend for as long as possible, keeping both daughters focused on their school work and not the opposite sex. This all seems well and good until the arrival of ‘Bad boy’ student Patrick Verona who may just be the one who is able to get past Kat’s tough exterior and find the real girl underneath.

10 Things I hate about you is a funny, intelligent and often moving teen film starring some of the best young American actors and actresses who have since gone on to receive even more exposure in the last few years. Highly recommended as a film for both teenagers and adults as a great example of a successful remake of a classic novel.

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Full Cast list for 10 Things I Hate About You: Aaron Therol, Aidan Kennedy, Alice Evans, Alisa Mackay, Allison Janney, Amber Matthews, Andrew Keegan, Ari Karczag, Benjamin Laurance, Bianca Kajlich, Brian Hood, Brian Mashburn, Bridget O’Neill, Cameron Fraser, Carlos Lacamara, Daniel Kountz, Daryl Mitchell, David Krumholtz, David Leisure, Demegio Kimbrough, Dennis Mosley, Eric Riedmann, Gabrielle Union, Gil Junger, Greg Jackson, Heath Ledger, Heather Taylor, J.R. Johnson, Jelani Quinn, Jesse Dyer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Joshua Thorpe, Joster Inglis, Julia Stiles, Kay Hanley, Kyle Cease, Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller, Laura Kenny, Michael Eisenstein, Monique Powell, Nick Brown, Nick Vukelic, Quinn Maixner, Susan May Pratt, Tarance Houston, Tim Bennett, Todd Butler, Travis Muller, Wendy Gottlieb.

Heartbreakers is a romantic comedy starring Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt as a mother and daughter con artists ensemble. Their favourite money making trick being for Max (Sigourney Weaver) to seduce a man and marry them, and for her daughter Page to then seduce them into infidelity resulting in a court case costing them millions, which of course Max and Page then divide up between them. A cunning plan indeed, and everything seems to be working out great for them until Page breaks the cardinal rule of the con and falls in love with one of the targets.

Heartbreakers is a great fun comedy that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. It does exactly what it says on the tin and doesn’t make any false promises. You will be laughing out load at some of the scenes and marvelling at the two women’s ingenious nature when they perform some of their classic cons. It’s not a deep emotional movie, or one that you have to completely concentrate on either, it is simply a good old fashioned romantic comedy with two great leading ladies.

Jennifer Love Hewitt is fantastic as the younger and more attractive ‘Page’ who uses her charms and good looks to manipulate men into falling at her feet, whilst she has obviously learnt all of her tricks from her mother Maxine, played by the ever talented Sigourney Weaver. The two of them together in a film is a partnership you may never have thought would work in a million years, but somehow it really does. Weaver and Hewitt bounce off of eachother with some great one liners and an instant Mother/Daughter like chemistry making them totally believable and likeable characters. Also, I will always spare the time to watch a film starring Gene Hackman because he always gives a convincing and enjoyable performance. All in all Heartbreakers is a great fun film for a quiet night in. Don’t miss it!

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Full cast list for Heartbreakers: Adam Novicki, Alan Blumenfeld, Andrew Schnurr, Andy Brewster, Anne Bancroft, Arshag Chookorian, Bernadette Birkett, Carrie Fisher, Catherine Butterfield, David Mirkin, David Sirois, Denalda Williams, Elya Baskin, Gene Hackman, Geremy Dingle, Gerry Lock, Gibran Perrone, Gonzo Raymond, Haresh Raval, Igor Serykh, Irving Ong, Jack Douglas Cooper, Jack Shearer, Jackie O’Brien, Janni Brenn, Jason Lee, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Genco, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Johnny Bolton, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Ken Magee, Kenny Levine, Kevin Nealon, Larry Williams, Lawrence Sacco, Leonid Galperin, Mark Tortorici, Miamon Miller, Michael Andrew, Michael Hitchcock, Monnae Michaell, Nora Dunn, Oleg Stefan, Patricia Belcher, Peter Spellos, Phil Hawn, Pierre Gonneau, Ray Liotta, Richard Bernard, Ricky Jay, Robert Alan Beuth, Russell Hess, Sarah Silverman, Scott Wordham, Shawn Colvin, Sigourney Weaver, Stacey Travis, Steve Mellor, Stuart Silverstein, T.J. Thyne, Terry Austin, Todd Wolfe, Tracy Gossett, Zach Galifianakis, Zane Musa.

The delightfully gothic masterpiece ‘Sleepy Hollow’ by Tim Burton was recently shown on Film Four and after watching it I felt compelled to write this review. It is not very often that a film can really capture the dark and eerie nature of a story whilst managing to make it truly captivating to the viewer, but I believe that Tim Burton may have done just this. It contains just the right mix of chilling spooky scenes and dry understated humour and isn’t afraid to make the viewers laugh as well as intrigue them.

The story itself revolves around the legend of ‘The Headless Horseman’ a terrifying figure behind a series of ghoulish murders in which the victims quite literally lose their heads! Cue Ichabod Crane a rather naive young constable who is sent to the town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate these bizarre goings on and soon finds himself drawn deep into the mystery surrounding the legend of the headless horseman and trying desperately to unravel the truth behind his grisly crimes.

A fantastic cast and great directing make ‘Sleepy Hollow’ a brilliant film that is definitely worth watching. Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane with a brilliant innocence and naivety that I have not seen him portray since his starring role in Edward Scissorhands and the hauntingly beautiful Christina Ricci was equally good and perfectly cast as Katrina Van Tassel. The movie also benefited greatly from having mega star Christopher Walken play the role of the ‘Headless Horseman’ in all his glory with one scene in particular showing just how menacing he can look.

The visual effects in this movie were stunning and each scene was a joy to watch. Sleepy Hollow is a must see film for all Tim Burton fans or for anyone that likes a good gothic thriller. Highly Recommended!

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Full cast list for Sleepy Hollow: Alun Armstrong, Bianca Nicholas, Casper Van Dien, Cassandra Farndale, Christina Ricci, Christopher Lee, Christopher Walken, Claire Skinner, Gabrielle Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Jamie Foreman, Jeffrey Jones, Jessica Oyelowo, Johnny Depp, Keeley O’Hara, Layla Alexander, Lily Phillips, Lisa Marie, Marc Pickering, Mark Spalding, Martin Landau, Michael Feast, Michael Gambon, Michael Gough, Miranda Richardson, Nic Main, Nicholas Hewetson, Orlando Seale, Paul Brightwell, Peter Guinness, Philip Martin Brown, Richard Griffiths, Robert Sella, Sam Fior, Sean Stephens, Steven Waddington, Tessa Allen-Ridge, Tony Maudsley.