Guardians Of The Galaxy
What’s it about?
A thief, assassin, prisoner and a pair of bounty hunters form a bunch of misfits and attract the attention of an intergalactic terrorist.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Guardians of the Galaxy doesn’t take itself too seriously so neither should you. More comedy than sci-fi, it is little more than a fun romp with cool fight scenes. Despite the lack of true gravitas, the only real criticism I can offer (and it’s a minor quibble) is that the characters all compete for the cool witty one-liners and the lack of a real straight man (or woman, racoon or tree) probably dilutes the overall impression. Still it was highly entertaining and I’m already planning a second viewing.
It’s really a 3.5 star movie that scored extra points for great music and one of the most bizarre and unexpected cameos in the post-credits bonus scene. But it’s just soooo much fun.
Hector and the search for happiness
Simon Pegg! But if you’re expecting a clever comedy then look again. This looks like an intelligent commentary on life philosophies. Awesome.
Deliver Us from Evil
What’s it about?
A New York police officer (Eric Bana) investigates a series of crimes joining forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rites of exorcism, to combat weird occurrences.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt: An interesting thriller that turned out to be less horror and more of a gritty detective piece with supernatural themes. Slightly discordant pacing actually added to the atmosphere and kept you on your toes. Director Scott Derrickson teases the story out well never quite giving you everything you want and the attention he draws to victims gives it a pathos not often seen in this genre.
The dark gritty feel of the city is always evident and the shadowy promise of evil lurking ever present. A better than average flick that true horror fans will appreciate.
Final Girl
<3 Abigail Breslin
Expendables 3
You want some good mindless action fun? Well it’s hard to go past the Expendables franchise. And number three looks just as much fun! Who are they adding this time? Antonio Banderas and Harrison Ford for starters. Throw in Mel Gibson and we can almost overlook Bruce Willis’ absence.
This looks rollicking.
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.
What’s Popular
Why him?
What’s it about?
Wholesome Stanford student Stephanie (Zoey Deutch) has a new eccentric (and utterly loaded) boyfriend (James Franco), and super-close Daddy (Bryan Cranston) is struggling to come to terms with the latest development in his little girl’s life.
What did we think?
Angela Young says: I went in with very low expectations, and was actually pleasantly surprised by this crass comedy. The basis for the story has been done to death, sure, but it’s been given a 2016 edge, and the performances, even from Franco, are really good. Special nod to little brother Scotty (played by Griffin Gluck) who is a scream, and to Keegan-Michael Key’s outrageous but loveable Gustave. Watch out, too, for some class lines from Megan Mullally as mum Barb. It’s a frankly hilarious script, as long as you don’t mind the f-word. And I don’t. I love it. Not something to watch with your own ma and pa, though, I’d wager.
Moana
What’s it about?
A Polynesian princess yearns for the open sea and when her island begins to die she embraces the opportunity to seek out the help of the demigod Maui and insist that he return the heart of the world.
What we thought
Dan says:
The stories of ancient tribal cultures tend to get lost in the flash and glitz of 21st century storytelling but Disney have a lot of skill redrafting ‘olde tales’. Moana is exceptional cinema. Lavish scenes, vibrant heartfelt characters and joyous songs combine in that Disney style to share the tales of another whole new world.
Like all of the Disney products there is a sprinkling of shoehorned emotional moments that could have hit the cutting room floor but in total it’s entirely satisfying. I’m still humming the songs and counting down the days until it opens and I can see it again.
Allied
What’s it about?
A Canadian airman working for the British forces in World War 2 meets a beautiful hero from the french resistance. The pair go deep undercover to assassinate a german target but end up storming the beaches of each other’s hearts.
What we thought
Dan Beeston says: A lot has been made of Brad Pitt’s separation from his wife, and rumours have abounded that Pitt had a secret dalliance with his on screen partner Marion Cotillard. Put those rumours to bed by watching just how little chemistry these characters have together. Every escalation in their relationship seems forced and unnatural. Some would say that we’re still feeling the tragic effects of World War 2. This film makes me agree.
The Founder
What’s it about?
A down-on-his-luck milkshake machine salesman (Michael Keaton) comes across a hamburger joint that’s revolutionized fast food and has an idea on how to get involved in the business in a big way. A.k.a: the story of how an asshole came to claim he was the founder of McDonalds.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: I always thought Ray Kroc was the founder of good old Maccas, but it turns out I was wrong… and sort of right. Ray “won” the right to call himself founder through a lot of clever assholery and fast talking that has to be seen to be believed. Here’s hoping the “Oscar buzz” for Keaton turns out to be true, as this is a fine performance to follow his turns in other nominated films Spotlight and Birdman. For a thoroughly fascinating movie on the origins of McDonalds, the story sure left a bad taste in my mouth. So much so that I’m boycotting them… at least, until I smell someone eating a delicious cheeseburger.
Editor's Choice
Why him?
What’s it about?
Wholesome Stanford student Stephanie (Zoey Deutch) has a new eccentric (and utterly loaded) boyfriend (James Franco), and super-close Daddy (Bryan Cranston) is struggling to come to terms with the latest development in his little girl’s life.
What did we think?
Angela Young says: I went in with very low expectations, and was actually pleasantly surprised by this crass comedy. The basis for the story has been done to death, sure, but it’s been given a 2016 edge, and the performances, even from Franco, are really good. Special nod to little brother Scotty (played by Griffin Gluck) who is a scream, and to Keegan-Michael Key’s outrageous but loveable Gustave. Watch out, too, for some class lines from Megan Mullally as mum Barb. It’s a frankly hilarious script, as long as you don’t mind the f-word. And I don’t. I love it. Not something to watch with your own ma and pa, though, I’d wager.
Moana
What’s it about?
A Polynesian princess yearns for the open sea and when her island begins to die she embraces the opportunity to seek out the help of the demigod Maui and insist that he return the heart of the world.
What we thought
Dan says:
The stories of ancient tribal cultures tend to get lost in the flash and glitz of 21st century storytelling but Disney have a lot of skill redrafting ‘olde tales’. Moana is exceptional cinema. Lavish scenes, vibrant heartfelt characters and joyous songs combine in that Disney style to share the tales of another whole new world.
Like all of the Disney products there is a sprinkling of shoehorned emotional moments that could have hit the cutting room floor but in total it’s entirely satisfying. I’m still humming the songs and counting down the days until it opens and I can see it again.
Allied
What’s it about?
A Canadian airman working for the British forces in World War 2 meets a beautiful hero from the french resistance. The pair go deep undercover to assassinate a german target but end up storming the beaches of each other’s hearts.
What we thought
Dan Beeston says: A lot has been made of Brad Pitt’s separation from his wife, and rumours have abounded that Pitt had a secret dalliance with his on screen partner Marion Cotillard. Put those rumours to bed by watching just how little chemistry these characters have together. Every escalation in their relationship seems forced and unnatural. Some would say that we’re still feeling the tragic effects of World War 2. This film makes me agree.
The Founder
What’s it about?
A down-on-his-luck milkshake machine salesman (Michael Keaton) comes across a hamburger joint that’s revolutionized fast food and has an idea on how to get involved in the business in a big way. A.k.a: the story of how an asshole came to claim he was the founder of McDonalds.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: I always thought Ray Kroc was the founder of good old Maccas, but it turns out I was wrong… and sort of right. Ray “won” the right to call himself founder through a lot of clever assholery and fast talking that has to be seen to be believed. Here’s hoping the “Oscar buzz” for Keaton turns out to be true, as this is a fine performance to follow his turns in other nominated films Spotlight and Birdman. For a thoroughly fascinating movie on the origins of McDonalds, the story sure left a bad taste in my mouth. So much so that I’m boycotting them… at least, until I smell someone eating a delicious cheeseburger.