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.
Premature
Have you ever wondered what Groundhog Day would look like as a B Grade High School US comedy?
Then wonder no more!
(I have to admit I actually will see this – time travel/repeating days are on my Must See Movie List)
Hercules
What’s it about?
After his legendary labours, Hercules and his band of friends work as mercenaries to save enough gold to forget the past. Along the way they train a bunch of greeks who wear red and yellow Iron Man armour.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Despite a lacklustre and seemingly cliched trailer, Hercules is actually a surprisingly fun action romp. It doesn’t reach any real heights but what is there will keep you entertained. Ratner’s decision to start the movie AFTER the mythological labours really works especially considering the rather intelligent sub-plot of spin doctoring. The fight scenes are well done and Dwayne Johnson does well after a slow warm-up but what really makes the movie is the strength of the supporting cast with Rufus Sewell, John Hurt and Rebecka Ferguson impressing. Not excellent but a whole lot of quality small parts combine to make a fun movie.
What’s Popular
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders
What’s it about?
Holy nostalgic cash-in! Adam West’s Batman returns in all his camp glory! Facing more villainous villainy than Aunt Harriet can begin to imagine!
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: If you love 60s Batman, this will wipe away the pain of having to endure the histrionic horror of Batman V Superman forever. With three original cast; winks to the classic beyond-bad staging techniques; decent impressions of Penguin & Joker; and a storyline as lame as the originals; it’s a blast that matches, and occasionally exceeds expectations. It’s brave, bold, stupid fun.
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.
Editor's Choice
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders
What’s it about?
Holy nostalgic cash-in! Adam West’s Batman returns in all his camp glory! Facing more villainous villainy than Aunt Harriet can begin to imagine!
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: If you love 60s Batman, this will wipe away the pain of having to endure the histrionic horror of Batman V Superman forever. With three original cast; winks to the classic beyond-bad staging techniques; decent impressions of Penguin & Joker; and a storyline as lame as the originals; it’s a blast that matches, and occasionally exceeds expectations. It’s brave, bold, stupid fun.
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.