Astro Boy
Dir: David Bowers
2009
**
For every one thing I liked about David Bowers's 2009 animated and updated version of Astro Boy, there were three things I didn't. I hated the choice of voice casting, no one suited the character they were given and the story was pretty horrible when you break it down, it's like Pinocchio but without the charm (but with Child death, which no one wants from a cartoon). The animation was very nice though and you could still see its Manga roots, although only just. It's pretty forgettable though and it isn't close to being a contender among other far superior animations of the time.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Dir: David Bowers
2011
**
I caught the first one by chance, otherwise I probably wouldn't have watched it. I certainly wouldn't have watched the sequel unless I enjoyed it so here we are. Since viewing and reviewing the first film I have discovered the comics that they are based on which might have lowered my appreciation of the film somewhat. The comic is simple and funny and pretty deadpan. I don't get that level of deadpan in the movie at all, in fact it is almost a sickly-sweat opposite. It's still likable but this sequel less so. The magic of the first seems to have extinguished somewhat after the success of the first, maybe they made it too soon or maybe new director David Bowers just didn't understand it as much as Thor Freudenthal did. Maybe it's because I didn't watch it on a Airplane on my way to somewhere sunny, it is entirely possible.