Greetings film goers, it's time to take a peek at what's new at the cinema this weekend and since there is only one new title being released this week I am going to provide you with a bonus review of a wonderful new film I think everyone should check out. Without further ado...

Photo: Contributed - Fox

     Ice Age: Continental Drift

Scrat's nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he's been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences - a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

     My Take

I saw the original Ice Age movie when it was released ten years ago and I thought it was just ok. Sure, it was cute and funny in parts, but I just found myself comparing it to the brilliant works of Pixar at the time and I was underwhelmed by the whole thing. I never bothered to see the subsequent sequels and now the fourth film in the popular franchise is out.

The target audience for this is obviously young children and I'm sure it will make for a fine family outing this weekend. The producers have assembled an all-star cast of voice talents for this one that includes John Leguizamo, Ray Romano, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Jennifer Lopez, Jeremy Renner, Wanda Sykes, Simon Pegg, Partick Stewart and Peter Dinklage.

There's not much point in criticizing a film like this or pointing out the fact that it's only getting 45% on Rotten Tomatoes right now since kids are easily entertained and parents are happy as long as the kids are happy. That's why Hollywood doesn't need to be overly creative anymore, they already know they've got your movie going dollars sewn up. It's like taking candy from a baby.

     Bonus Movie Review: Moonrise Kingdom

Now here is the film I'm hoping people will seek out and spend their hard earned dollars on this week.

Moonrise Kingdom is a creative gem of a picture that is without a doubt one of my favourite films of the year so far. This is an enchanting and whimsical tale brimming with pathos and dealing with the true nature of first love and all of the awkwardness surrounding it.

The film is set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965. Sam and Suzy, two twelve-year-olds who have fallen in love, have made a secret pact to run away together into the wilderness in order to embark on an adventure. As the local authorities frantically search for them, a vicious hurricane is brewing which throws the small community into all manners of chaos. The cast of Moonrise Kingdom is an absolute delight. Young actors Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward do a fabulous job portraying Sam and Suzy as kindred spirits who see something in one another that no one else does. Playing Suzy's parents are Bill Murray and Frances McDormand. Bruce Willis gives a wonderfully understated performance as Captain Sharp, the town's chief law enforcement officer. Edward Norton is hilarious as the chain-smoking Khaki Scout Master Ward, who is befuddled that fellow scout Sam would want to fly the coup. The film also features great supporting turns by Tilda Swinton, Bob Balaban, Jason Schwartzman and Harvey Keitel.

Wes Anderson is one of the most unique and creative directors working in Hollywood today. He has a very eccentric and specific style that won't necessarily appeal to mainstream audiences, but I happen to be in love with his films. He has a meticulous eye for detail and his set designs for Moonrise Kingdom showcase that brilliantly. I loved the look and feel of this film. He co-wrote the script with Roman Coppola (son of Francis Ford) and he imbues it with so much wry and deadpan humour that I was smiling throughout. His quirky brand of comedy is not for those that go for overly broad, slapstick schtick like the 3 Stooges. It is far more intellectual than that. As absurd as some of the situations are in the film, it is still an emotionally poignant story that perfectly encapsulates the awkward nature of burgeoning first love and the need for acceptance. This is a wonderfully beautiful film that warmed the cockles of my heart. I just wanted to give it a big hug afterwards.

If you gravitate towards films of an eclectic nature then I urge you to support Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.

I give it a really solid 9 out of 10.

     Six Degrees of Chuck Norris

John Leguizamo from Ice Age was in Die Hard 2 (1990) with Bruce Willis, who is in the upcoming film The Expendables 2 (2012) with Chuck Norris.

Ray Romano from Ice Age was in The Grand (2007) with Dennis Farina, who was in Code of Silence (1985) with Chuck Norris.

Dennis Leary from Ice Age was in Lakeboat (2000) with Robert Forster, who was in The Delta Force (1986) with Chuck Norris.

     Chuck Norris Fun Fact:

For years scientists have been storing samples of Chuck Norris' flatulence, just in case there is another Ice Age.