John Wick
What’s it about?
Keanu Reeves plays the titular character, a widower who seeks vengeance against the Russian mobsters that have stolen his car and killed his poor sweet dog.
What did we think?
Dominic Barlow says: Behold: a pulpy retribution flick that puts THE EQUALIZER to shame. This goes through similar story beats to Denzel Washington’s killing spree, but with a fun and refreshing simplicity. A cool neon glow pulsates all throughout its visuals, and the music occasionally makes odd choices that turns the blood-soaked battles into a hypnotic ballet. Through it all, Reeves spits fire as a guy who recognises but can’t help his own barbarism, and he’s backed by a terrific supporting cast that includes Willem Dafoe and John Leguizamo. It’s a revenge fantasy for those well-adjusted enough to understand the second part of that phrase.
This Is Where I Leave You
What’s it about?
When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’s intelligent, poignant and – to be honest – a little manipulative. Thankfully the tone is more thoughtful than preachy and the quality of the cast is incredible so you can forgive the occasional heavy handedness. Had the potential to be a lot more but it does manage to touch the heart if not fully engage the mind.
Fury
What’s it about?
It’s April 1945 in Germany and Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier leads his crew and tank (named Fury) behind enemy lines. Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman) a clerk who’s been in the army eight weeks is assigned to Fury as their assistant driver as they move through Germany protecting key Allied strongholds.
What did we think?
Casey says: Graphic, confronting, revolting, and touching all at the same time, Fury shows the worst and the best of the people thrust unwillingly into war. I started watching this thinking it would be entertainment – a touching story of good triumphing over evil… with cool explosions. Instead I left the cinema thinking about what war has the capacity to do to people… aaaaaand marveling at the awesome explosions and disappearing heads.
Kill The Messenger
What’s it about?
Jeremy Renner stars in the true story of a journalist who stumbled into the shady world of the CIA’s drug dealings in Venezuela during the Cold War. Investigating the story could be the opportunity of a lifetime but it risks cutting that lifetime short.
What did we think?
Dan says: This true story tells the horrifying reality of the grey areas in which the CIA has dealt in the past. For a film with such a shocking story to tell it seems to struggle to capture that tone. It feels like a shorter story stretched thin and long. Like drinking two big glasses of lite milk instead of one of full cream, I was getting all the goodness of the contents but it never seemed satisfying and by the end I was feeling decidedly bloated.
Before I Go To Sleep
What’s it about?
Christine (Nicole Kidman) suffers from Guy Pearce syndrome a condition that results in her memory being erased whenever she sleeps. Whom can she trust when she can’t trust herself?
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: It’s Memento: Suburban Edition! Before I Go To Sleep is both a well-paced whodunnit and a sensitive depiction of living with severe illness. A few ridiculous bits of exposition are tempered by top-notch performances, especially by Colin Firth and a few genuinely nifty twists. For a film about memory loss, it’s pretty memorable. Sadly, even at a cracking 97 minutes, it’s still 10 minutes too long. When will writers learn that loose ends don’t all need to be bloody tied up?
The Judge
What’s it about?
Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The first half of this movie is an overwhelming collection of cliches and stereotypes and it’s only the amazing performances of the truly impressive cast that keeps you on the hook. But somehow the second half of the movie actually manages to go a bit deeper, interspersing enough humour and pathos to leave you with a surprisingly satisfying ending.
What’s Popular
Beauty And The Beast
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
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
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
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.
Editor's Choice
Beauty And The Beast
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
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
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
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.