Green Room
- By Stephen Scott
- 9 years ago
What’s it about?
Teen angst, neo-nazis and punk rock. What could go wrong?
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: “Pretentious twaddle” was all I thought for the first half hour: a meandering tale following a punk band that’s rejected the internet because music is “in the now”. Then they get a paying gig. Character backstory is over. Now everyone is going to die by bite, blade or bullet cartridge.
Patrick Stewart is the creepiest neo-nazi you’re going to see in a long, long time.
The Boss
- By Elizabeth Best
- 9 years ago
What’s It About?
When rich CEO and motivational speaker Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) goes down for insider trading, all her assets are frozen. She vows to get back on top, using a little girl’s brownie selling business to do it.
What Did We Think?
Elizabeth says: A diabolically awful movie, somewhat saved by the fact that Tyler Labine is so damn likeable and Melissa McCarthy is one fucking funny woman to watch.
Eddie The Eagle
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 9 years ago
What’s it about?
The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who had to overcome a biased system and a lack of talent before charming the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
What did we think?
Despite the abundance of cliches this movie is full of heart. Helped along by the charismatic Hugh Jackman and an incredible performance from Taron Egerton, Eddie The Eagle is that rare beast whose warmth and sheer entertainment value overcome the lack of charisma of the lead character. In fact, if it hadn’t been a true story you would dismiss it as unbelievable schmaltz. As it is you’ll find yourself both cringing and cheering for Britain’s most unathletic Olympic representative who reminded us that the Olympics is just as much about participation as it is about winning.
You’ll find your spirits soaring along with Eddie. Probably the feel-good flick of the year.
Allegiant Part 1
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 9 years ago
What’s it about?
The third instalment of the Divergent series sees our hero Tris escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them. Gods, I’m bored just writing that.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The first book/film was flawed but had enough interesting ideas to keep you engaged and wondering. Sadly by the third in this series it’s just incredibly tired and old. There’s nothing new or shocking in this predictable and two-dimensional story. There are quote a number of good action scenes but with a paper-thin plot not really holding it together? I’ll save my allegiance for movies with actual storylines.
Kung Fu Panda 3
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 9 years ago
What’s it about?
Po discovers not only his long-lost father but an entire village of pandas. In karmic payback he has to train the lazy and clumsy brethren for an upcoming battle.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Full of frenetic energy and colour, the third Kung Fu Panda instalment won’t disappoint the younger audience but adults will struggle with the fact that we’ve seen it all before. With no real character development since the first movie, KF3 is just the same characters doing the same things in a different setting with new action figures… I mean friends. Nothing inherently wrong but just feels a bit tired. Kids will love it though: Kung Fu Panda – now with more pandas!
The Jungle Book
- By Anthony Sherratt
- 9 years ago
What’s it about?
An orphaned child is raised in the jungle by animals but not all have a fondness for him and in the face of a threat from a savage tiger, Mowgli is to be returned to the man village.
What did we think?
The second of Disney’s live-action remakes of classic cartoons, The Jungle Book is surprisingly true to the original. It’s got extra grit and is less childish but manages to recreate the charm that will put a smile on your face regardless of your age. There are a few scary moments for the younger audience members but they are thankfully brief and easily forgotten in the face of impressive effects and performances, most notably the show-stealing Baloo voiced by Bill Murray. Neel Sethi is impressive as Mowgli especially considering he didn’t share a scene with a human the entire movie. Genuine fun for the entire family.