80s Movies: Big (1988)

Big is another genuinely iconic 80s movie - there are quite a few of those out there. It's perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, because to be honest, the young ones probably wish they had the money and the control of their lives that Josh Baskin (a breakthrough role for the young David Moscow) has as a grown-up, and the older ones probably wish they could revisit their childhood and bring back some of the innocence that Tom Hanks (Sleepless in Seattle, Cast Away) brings to the character.

Robert Loggia is a star as Baskin's boss MacMillan, Elizabeth Perkins is adorable as love interest Susan Lawrence, Mercedes Ruehl puts in an under-appreciated performance as Baskin's mum and, of course, Jared Rushton as best friend Billy Kopeke helps to make the whole thing believable and serves as a visual reminder that Hanks's character is, after all, only 13.

Howard Shore - The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - The Score

I don't claim to be the biggest Twilight fan, but I am a fan of Howard Shore, so the chance to review The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - The Score came as a welcome opportunity. Although this is a fantasy film, it's good to hear Shore exercise his considerable talents in some more real-world compositions than were possible in his epic orchestral arrangements for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The result is a soundtrack that sounds as good out of context as it does in the movie itself.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings soundtracks who are looking for more of the same can expect to recognise maybe half of the tracks - not because they're too similar to the LOTR music, but because they have much of the same dynamism and ominous, booming bass motifs. Once again, Shore's compositions prove perfect for the fantasy film genre.