Coco
What’s it about?
A boy growing up in a family who hate music, dreams of becoming a musician. On the day of the dead he decides to pursue his dream with unforeseen consequences.
What did we think?
PIXAR’s ability to manipulate our emotions continues unfettered with a delightful tale that will bring a lump to the throat and maybe even tears to the eye. At its heart COCO is a tale about family and you’d have to be devoid of emotion to not get swept away during this journey of exploration. The characters are rich, the humour sly and the music wonderful.
It does focus on dead family members – indeed our hero spends most of the movie visiting the land of the dead where he interacts with ancestors he annually honours and therefore knows. As such younger audience members may have questions about dying but its handled subtly and tastefully.
Intelligent and full of heart, COCO is a must-see for anyone who loves family, music or the genre.
Pitch Perfect 3
What’s it about?
The now-separated Bellas reunite to perform one last show for the troops which results in a montage-y European adventure, cartoonish espionage and lots of Rebel Wilson being Rebel Wilson.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: The poster says “Last Call, Pitches” but the Bellas probably should have gone home a few rounds ago judging by this over-the-top, silly sequel. Like a night out that’s lasted a bit too long, there are some funny moments but really it just feels unnecessary. Never stick around til the bar closes.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
What’s it about?
Jedi – Sith / Rebellion – Empire / Resistance – First Order / Good – Evil / Vader – Luke / Rey – Kylo … everything is black and white, right?
Not anymore. Not when “The First Order Strikes Back” and the final trilogy in the Skywalker saga hits the darker, middle episode.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: Sure there’s some darker material here (dark for a family movie) but there’s also comedy (a little too jovial for my taste, but it’s aimed at a younger audience), with the added bonus of some terrific social commentary on capitalism and war profiteering to make the kids think about how the world works.
Where The Last Jedi improves on Episode VII is that it’s captured the original movie’s soul: a super-fun, high-octane fantasy space opera with effects to make your jaw drop, heart-pumping action sequences, and a couple of tear-jerking moments.
The kids are dysfunctional and jaded about the universe and their place in it, the parents bicker and try to find meaning, while the passionate go to extremes.
It’s classic Star Wars and bodes well for the Rian trilogy recently greenlit by Disney.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
What’s it about?
The original board game that sucked Alan Parrish into the wilderness has evolved to a video cartridge to capture the imaginations of a new generation. Four kids from different social circles get trapped in the game and must play through its levels to survive and escape.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: Guys, it’s actually pretty damn good. Jumanji next gen manages to pay homage to the original film without crapping on its legacy, and advance the game’s abilities staying true to video gaming conventions in really cute ways. The first two thirds of the film were missing some of the emotional heart of its predecessor, instead relying on hyper-quippy dialogue. But I forgave it, since there was enough heart shoehorned in the last third to make up for it. A genuinely surprising, enjoyable film.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
What’s it about?
Seven months after her daughter’s brutal murder, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) rents a trio of disused billboards to express her anger at the case remaining unsolved.
What did we think?
Amy Currie says: Three Billboards is an instant classic packed with dark humour, unexpected character arcs and some damn good acting. See it as soon as you can.
Darkest Hour
What’s it about?
Handed the poison chalice of leading a country facing imminent invasion by the undefeatable Nazis, the man responsible for the catastrophe at Gallipoli fights on all fronts: denigrators within his own government, Nazi forces amassing in France, and his own inner demons.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: A stirring portrayal of the first days of Winston Churchill rule in WWII, this is no dry history lesson: the script energetically spotlights the politics and perils of leadership and the immense influence of rhetoric. Gary Oldman’s acting masterclass (in his overdue Oscar-winning role) is equally supported by a quality cast (Ben Mendelsohn’s portrayal of King George VI is particularly noteworthy); the uneasy, claustrophobic atmosphere created by Wright’s clever direction, shot-framing and editing; and the niggling social commentary on the little people being toyed with by the power brokers from above.
If a movie is this finely crafted does it matter if its Oscar-bait?