These Final Hours
What’s it about?
In the titular final hours of Earth, as a fiery asteroid crashes into our doomed planet and the Mayans look set for a belated last laugh, an initially flaky young man attempts to help a lost girl find her father before the blast reaches Australia.
What did we think?
Alex says: It’s not often an apocalypse film doesn’t slot into the sci-fi genre but writer/director Zak Hilditch keeps the focus very much on human drama as James (Nathan Phillips) navigates the chaotic streets of suburban Perth with young Rose (Angourie Rice). Hilditch and the cast sustain the tension most of the way and create a hopeless, anarchic environment where most citizens turn to hedonistic partying, descend into insanity or take their own lives. There’s no Hollywood mission to avert the disaster and David Field’s world-weary, unseen car-radio announcer, who keeps us informed of the impending destruction, is a nice touch.
The ending didn’t sit quite right for me but I shan’t give anything away. It’s nonetheless a competent local effort and well worth a look.
Lucy
What’s it about?
An ordinary woman (Scarlett Johansson) accidentally becomes the drug mule for a Korean drug lord dealing a new substance. She unintentionally gets the drug in her system and experiences super-human effects.
What did we think?
Angela says: It’s like all the deleted scenes from The Fifth Element, Limitless, and Kill Bill were put in a hat and pulled out at random. Throw in some clips of wildlife, Korean drug dealers, and Morgan Freeman discussing evolution and that pretty much sums it up. This movie entertains some thought-provoking concepts but, alas, executes them poorly. It’s a botched attempt at social commentary laced with lost action scenes and weak acting. While exploring the intricacies of the human brain and the world at large should make for an interesting story, this one misses the mark.
A Most Wanted Man
What’s it about?
A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg seeking his father’s ill-gotten fortune, where he gets caught in the international war on terror. The story follows Günther Bachmann (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who heads up an anti-terrorism unit working in Hamburg to stop acts of terror before they happen.
What did we think?
Casey says: Anton Corbijn’s background in still photography for lots of famous bands has clearly influenced the visual aspect of this film. Coupled with the mastery of Andrew Bovell (make no mistake, it’s nothing like his earlier effort Strictly Ballroom), John le Carre’s story and characters suck you in. The tension in this film is delivered subtly, before you know it you are on the edge of you seat. Anton, John, Andrew and Phillip all in one place made this reviewer a very happy camper. A Most Wanted Man is PSH’s last completed film and truly cements why Hollywood will feel his loss for generations to come.
Honeymoon
I do love me a good scary movie. Creepy scary is even better.
Fifty Shades Of Grey
I’m underwhelmed to be honest. But don’t even start me on the book…
Predestination
Oooh. This looks interesting though I’m concerned they’ve given away too much in the trailer.
What’s Popular
Arrival
What’s it about?
Aliens make contact with earth and Amy Adams is the only person who can speak their language
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: An incredibly tense and engrossing film, Arrival subverts the traditional sci-fi blockbuster with a gorgeous mix of cinematography, direction, and really solid narrative. Add Amy Adams’ absolutely stunning performance and you have one of the best movies of 2016.
Nocturnal Animals
What’s it about?
An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.
What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: My high expectations for Tom Ford’s second foray into feature films were not disappointed – this stunning thriller creates a world that is both brutal and visually beautiful, telling a story within a story that you won’t expect, and having you on the edge of your seat right to the last frame. An unsettling, violent and stylish film with emotional, powerhouse performances.
Doctor Strange
What’s it about?
A former surgeon with damaged handsnamed Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor co-star in this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A highly polished affair featuring possibly the most impressive visual effects we’ve seen in the MCU so far, Dr Strange ticks most of the boxes. The performances are top shelf, the often difficult transition of magic onto the big screen is well-handled and Marvel’s penchant for ever-present humour is of course still on show. The storyline is a bit too simplistic for my taste but that’s the danger of an origin story combined with a need to dumb down complex concepts. Still, Doctor Strange is a worthy addition to the ever burgeoning MCU and will entertain for a few hours.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
What’s it about?
Tom Cruise returns as Lee Child’s enigmatic action hero. In an action movie. With lots of action.
What did we think?
The second Jack Reacher film is a slick affair with quality production, scenes and acting. It’s hard to fault specifically but its largely by-the-numbers feel leaves little impression beyond the moment. Adding emotional constipation to an action hero is hardly a huge step but Cruise handles it well while Cobie Smulders basically reprises her SHIELD role and does a good job. Youngster Danika Yarosh also entertains but the pieces somehow just don’t come together.
To be fair it’s a fun action movie that will pass the time and popcorn, but despite the polish this film just doesn’t Reach (see what I did there?) great heights.
Editor's Choice
Arrival
What’s it about?
Aliens make contact with earth and Amy Adams is the only person who can speak their language
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: An incredibly tense and engrossing film, Arrival subverts the traditional sci-fi blockbuster with a gorgeous mix of cinematography, direction, and really solid narrative. Add Amy Adams’ absolutely stunning performance and you have one of the best movies of 2016.
Nocturnal Animals
What’s it about?
An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.
What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: My high expectations for Tom Ford’s second foray into feature films were not disappointed – this stunning thriller creates a world that is both brutal and visually beautiful, telling a story within a story that you won’t expect, and having you on the edge of your seat right to the last frame. An unsettling, violent and stylish film with emotional, powerhouse performances.
Doctor Strange
What’s it about?
A former surgeon with damaged handsnamed Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor co-star in this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A highly polished affair featuring possibly the most impressive visual effects we’ve seen in the MCU so far, Dr Strange ticks most of the boxes. The performances are top shelf, the often difficult transition of magic onto the big screen is well-handled and Marvel’s penchant for ever-present humour is of course still on show. The storyline is a bit too simplistic for my taste but that’s the danger of an origin story combined with a need to dumb down complex concepts. Still, Doctor Strange is a worthy addition to the ever burgeoning MCU and will entertain for a few hours.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
What’s it about?
Tom Cruise returns as Lee Child’s enigmatic action hero. In an action movie. With lots of action.
What did we think?
The second Jack Reacher film is a slick affair with quality production, scenes and acting. It’s hard to fault specifically but its largely by-the-numbers feel leaves little impression beyond the moment. Adding emotional constipation to an action hero is hardly a huge step but Cruise handles it well while Cobie Smulders basically reprises her SHIELD role and does a good job. Youngster Danika Yarosh also entertains but the pieces somehow just don’t come together.
To be fair it’s a fun action movie that will pass the time and popcorn, but despite the polish this film just doesn’t Reach (see what I did there?) great heights.