Divergent
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 11 years ago
What’s it about?
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are divided into factions based on their personality, we follow a young girl who shows signs of having all five qualities in equal abundance.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Written by a youth for youths, the original storyline – while intriguing – is excessively black and white. As such the movie is a little clumsy and heavy handed in places. However having said that it is actually quite enjoyable and good escapism. Gritty enough to keep you interested and entertained. I took a friend who hadn’t read the book and she really enjoyed it. It has action, adventure and romance so she came out of the preview buzzing. Fun but it won’t exactly stick in the memory. Well, not until the sequel next year.
The Lego Movie
- By Elizabeth Best
- 11 years ago
What’s it about?
Quite simply, LEGO! Lord Business (Will Ferrell) has taken over Lego City and effectively built a cult of instruction-abiding do-gooders. Emmett, a socially invisible, ordinary Joe-Schmo is mistaken for “the special”, a totally NOT ordinary master builder destined to lead the Lego minions to creative freedom.
What did we think?
Casey and Elizabeth say: BEST. LEGO. AD. EVER. Any movie that opens with Morgan Freeman and Will Ferrell duking it out is going to do it for us. People always say movies have something for everyone but this one really does. It’s full of Lego wonder for the kiddies and has more adult pop-culture references than you can poke a limited-edition Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon construction kit at (“Come with me if you want to not die”). Lord Business’ quest for the perfect world is admirable, but the underlying message of this film is that sometimes it’s best just to let your imagination run wild. Oh and sing Everything is Awesome.
Grand Budapest Hotel
- By Elizabeth Best
- 11 years ago
What’s it about?
Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori) a young lobby boy and Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) the legendary concierge of The Grand Budapest Hotel go on a series of adventures, as told by the Mr Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham).
What did we think?
The colour and quirkiness of this film won me over from the get go. The cast of familiar faces (way too many to name) doesn’t distract from this film; in fact it adds to the wonderful chaos that combines to be a truly enjoyable story of one man’s now very lonely, yet complete, life. The story, cast and production design combine to create on the screen an unreal world that sucks you in and holds you there, and at just the right moments slaps you in the face to remind you that it’s all just a bit of fun.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 11 years ago
What’s it about?
What happens when a superhero dedicated to American ideals starts questioning the government organisation he works for?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The Captain America sequel is a rollicking comic book adventure with a nice modern twist: How does an all-american hero with 1940s ideals fit into a world of black-ops and clandestine government strategies? It’s a refreshing angle though turns out to be a little simplistic in delivery.
Thankfully there’s a barrage of action, stunts and fighting to distract you from the occasional clunkiness and predictable moments. Good character development further establishes this as not only a fun movie but a very important touchstone for future Marvel franchise flicks. Chris Evans brings out the conflict of Steve Rogers Man Out Of Time and his interaction with seemingly heartless super spy Natasha Romanov (Scarlett Johanssen) is a delight. Entertaining and one both comic lovers and casuals will appreciate.
I, Frankenstein
- By Elizabeth Best
- 11 years ago
What’s it about?
I, Frankenstein picks up where the graphic novel by Kevin Grevioux left off, after Franky’s creator Victor is killed. The Gargoyle queen finds him, the demons are after him and all Franky wants to do is defend himself from the woes of modern day.
What did we think?
Adam says: I suppose the film should get some points for shooting in Australia and for director-writer Stuart Beattie putting up with 11 (that’s right, ELEVEN) producers. Had it not have been for the illusion of high production values and the fact that it will be popular amongst vampy teenagers looking for their next hit of comic book gore, this movie might have brought about the second death of ol’ Frankenstein. Not even the steamy “don’t worry I’ll stitch the monster up after battle” scene with Franky and blonde bombshell Terra (Yvonne Strahovski) can save the gargoyles, special effects and bad boy Bill Nighy’s excruciatingly awkward one liners. Franky needs a stein of lager, I think, and a good lie down.
Pompeii
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 11 years ago
What’s it about?
A slave-turned-invincible gladiator struggles to save his love in the shadow of an angry volcano.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: I’ll save you a lot of time and frustration and remind you the volcano erupts killing nearly everyone. And if you’re sitting watching this in a cinema it can’t come quickly enough.
Director Paul W.S. Anderson chooses an odd time to be restrained but, to be frank, nothing could have saved Pompeii.