The Lego Batman Movie
- By Stephen Scott
- 8 years ago
What’s it about?
It’s The LEGO Movie spin-off featuring the hilarious, egotistical Batman you came to love. This time the lone vigilante is faced with a citywide invasion from the Joker’s evil army, after he refuses to reciprocate a love-hate relationship with the villain. In order to save Gotham, Batman is faced with his hardest struggle: working with others.
What did we think?
Candice says: There may not be a catchy sing-a-long to rival Everything Is Awesome, but The Lego® Batman™ Movie still hits the right notes! Theres something for everyone, with plenty of comedic Batman references and pop-culture jokes to keep the adults happy. Batman’s newest orphan recruit Robin and his long-serving butler Alfred add layers of witty, silly (and at times rude) banter between the figurine co-stars. The film gets a little heavy towards the end and may stretch the attention of some younger folk in the cinema, but they’ll quickly be won over with the musical finale.
Looking to take a little bit of The Lego® Batman™ Movie home with you? Say ‘Hey Puter’ to Siri. You’re welcome.
The Boss Baby
- By Stephen Scott
- 8 years ago
What’s it about?
A seven-year old with an overactive imagination discovers the new baby in his home (voiced by Alec Baldwin) is really a middle-manager from the place ‘where babies come from’; here to complete a spy mission and climb the corporate ladder.
What did we think?
Lisa Clifford Says: while mildly amusing, being convoluted and overly long means The Boss Baby probably won’t become a family favourite. There are genuinely funny moments, though most rely heavily on the corporate executive schtick Alec Baldwin honed on 30 Rock.
In a missed opportunity, it raises, but fails to deal with, the tricky issues for kids around feelings of jealousy and displacement when a new baby arrives, and how a parent’s love is quantified and divided between siblings.
If you miss 30 Rock and have to watch a G-rated movie, The Boss Baby will keep you entertained for about an hour*.
*Full running time is actually 97 minutes
Beauty And The Beast
- By Stephen Scott
- 8 years ago
What’s it about?
Really? We’re really going there? Fine. In a shocking twist, Beauty And The Beast Redux is actually a big-screen offshoot of Marvel’s Legion: a fever dream where David places himself in yet another musical hostage situation. But will Stockholm syndrome work for or against this powerful mutant?*
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: an epic revitalisation of the golden Hollywood musical, replete with a dastardly villain, breathtaking choreographed-from-above dance numbers, and a happy ending for all. There are winks and nods aplenty within this utterly adorable Best Picture Oscar winner for 2018 (without Silence of the Lambs it’ll be a shoe-in).
*1 It’s your fault. You asked. What a stupid question “what’s Beauty and the Beast” about. Idiot.
*2 If you haven’t watched Legion yet, get thee to FX immediately.
Loving
- By Stephen Scott
- 8 years ago
What’s it about?
1950’s Virginia: it was a simpler time, when a man could love a woman and a woman her man (so long as they had the same skin colour); and old, white, privileged men could exert their racist bigotry without fear of repercussion … until the US Supreme Court made a landmark civil rights decision and said it was OK to love the one you’re with (Loving v. Virginia).
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: 2017’s trio of harrowing reminders of segregation is a tender balance of Fences’ stark reality and Hidden Figures’ uplifting feel goodedness*. An unassuming, endearing romance, juxtaposed by ignorance and hatred; Loving confirms that love WILL conquer all, even in a court room (which takes a back seat to love story).
Postscript: Thank goodness no-one judges people anymore on who or how they love. /sarcasm
*this is now a word
Kong: Skull Island
- By Stephen Scott
- 8 years ago
What’s it about?
John Goodman and his gang of scientists uncover the secret Skull Island which just so happens to be the home of a mega ape.
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: Kong knows exactly what it is: a film about a monster ape wrecking stuff, and, as simple as that sounds, it works in the film’s favour greatly. It looks great, the action is composed great and, most importantly, the world Kong lives in feels special. Add to the fact that Samuel L. Jackson goes insane – like, totally bonkers – and I’d say that’s worth the price of admission alone.
Logan
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 8 years ago
What’s it about?
In a future where most mutants are dead, the former X-man known as Wolverine struggles with life, impending death and an unexpected addition to a grim existence.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Finally! A superhuman movie that focuses on the ‘human’ rather than the ‘super’. Gritty, emotional and realistic, Logan is a triumph of story over fight scenes, though the violence exists in brutal abundance as well. The 2016 success of Deadpool as an R-rated film has allowed director James Mangold the freedom to ensure we see Wolverine with the confronting brutality real adamantium claws would bring with them. Surprisingly thoughtful without heavy emotional manipulation, Logan will be loved by everyone with even a passing interest in the character.