Godzilla
I’m not a fan of remakes and I have been singly unconvinced about a good US remake of the classic monster movie. But I got to see some extra extended preview footage recently and I’m actually now really intrigued. Not quite excited but it’s much better than my previous feeling of ‘meh’.
They Came Together
I’m not convinced this is actually a movie. It feels like a parody of a romantic comedy trailer. These few minutes made me laugh but despite so many of my favourite actors being present I’m struggling to see how this could be funny over 90 minutes.
But to complete it here’s the obligatory happy frolic.
Bad Neighbours
What’s it about?
A couple with a newborn are forced to suck it up when a fraternity moves in next door. The family man (Seth Rogan) squares off against the frat guy (Zac Efron).
What did we think?
It’s often juvenile, not subtle and oddly paced – and yet Bad Neighbours sort of works. Maybe it’s the improv feel or the fact that Efron, Rogan and Rose Byrne are all very good. Or maybe it’s just Efron’s topless scene.
There are things people will hate. There are gross bits. There are the obligatory penis/dildo/phallic jokes. It’s not a classic but it will probably make you laugh. In the US it’s simply called Neighbors – I’m assuming it’s been renamed in Australia to avoid comparisons with the TV show. Rest assured there’s no danger anyone will confuse this for Ramsey Street. If nothing else, yay for the Zac six-pack.
Fading Gigolo
What’s it about?
A guy that gets talked into becoming a professional male escort by his cash-strapped friend.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The plot sounded dubious and the inclusion of Woody Allen left me extra concerned but I walked out of Fading Gigolo pleasantly surprised. It’s a light but intelligent comedy that I actually found delightfully charming.
John Turturro (Transformers) wrote, directed and stars in a pic whose star power reflects the strength of a quirky but interesting script. Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara play almost predatory females who are looking for attention and a selfish satisfaction that makes their interactions with Virgil fascinating. Not only what they want from him, but also the way they treat him. And then we meet a quiet widow who I think we all fall in love with a bit including our hero but can he have her? Especially given her devotion to the Jewish faith.
One of the criticisms of this film is that Turturro is not an attractive man, especially odd given the profession he’s supposed to portray but I think that actualy adds to this film. It’s about his quiet confidence and his attentiveness to the women’s needs, rather than a cheeky smile and six packs. He’s an unlikely but likable hero.
Warm-fuzzy feelings and no, not THOSE kind – there’s actually very little in the way of nudity and sex scenes. But see it anyway. 😉
Malificent
Okay so it looks like Disney ripping off the concept of Wicked but man Angelina Jolie (an actor of whom I’m NOT usually fond) really looks to bring it. I’m curious.
Apparently Jolie also insisted upon the canonical ‘horns’ despite the studio execs being concerned they would diminish the star’s attractiveness and pulling power. Good for her.
A Million Ways To Die In The West
I normally HATE anachronistic moments in movies but perhaps I can suspend that rule for this comedy. Because it looks bloody funny. I’m already laughing.
What’s Popular
Suicide Squad
What’s it about?
Set after the events of Batman V Superman, a task force of bad guys is assembled and blackmailed into saving the world from other bad guys, vigilante style.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: It’s not that Suicide Squad is bad. It’s just not… anything. It’s a long, plot-less fight scene, with too many people to pay attention to, moving too fast to actually lock on to anything. Simply put? It’s frenetically boring. Where’s all the fun from the trailer? Characters get loads of screen time but aren’t explored in much depth (Captain Boomerang is an extended punchline, Harley Quinn is a sexy extended punchline, Diablo is the meta-human equivalent of a Bic lighter). Not very much happens except baddies fight baddies to avoid “goodies” (who are kinda baddies) from blowing their heads up. I can’t help but think think DC have done this whole thing backwards; in trying to do an Avengers-style movie, they forgot that all the Avengers had solo movies to establish their characters before they got thrown in together to defeat the big bad. The Suicide Squad aren’t given the same opportunity and as a result we’re still kind of clueless about who they are. Even Jared Leto’s much-hyped Joker doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Meh. Just meh.
Star Trek: Beyond
What’s it about?
Several seasons into their “five-year mission”, the crew of the Enterprise, led by the cocksure yet jaded James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) and his emotionally detached scientific officer Spock (Zachary Quinto), heed a distress call from uncharted space. It’s a trap! Oh, wrong franchise.
What did we think?
Ben Bissett and Elizabeth Best say: Beyond may be the title card, but this film asks us to boldly go where we’ve gone before. Set pieces that look like they’re straight from the halcyon TV series, populated by aliens that resemble demons from Buffy meld to create a film that pays fond, knowing homage to the old days of the Enterprise, stardate, oh, whenever Shatner was on the bridge. As always, Star Trek is about the relationships, most importantly that of Spock and Kirk, and the actors all deliver here. The message, that unity is stronger than division, resonates in our uncertain political times, and it’s treated with a great deal of reverence. Colossal visual effects are, as per its predecessors, off the planet (sorry) yet the most powerful image in the movie is a single photograph towards the end. Prepare to wipe a tear away, Trekkers.
The Killing Joke
What’s it about?
A recently escaped Joker targets Batman, Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Batgirl in a depraved mission to prove a point: We’re all just one bad day away from going mad.
What did we think?
Clint Skene says: True to the comics as if it was ripped from the pages itself, scenes play out more as art than straight feature. Each scene leaves you more uneasy than the last as The Joker raises the stakes of depravity with each passing second (including an incredibly upsetting song and dance number). It’s high drama, confronting themes and squeamish moments, married with an atmospheric score and amazing performances from Batman alumni Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy and Tara Strong. This is definitely another smash hit for WB Animation. The Killing Joke is a remarkable and much welcomed addition to the DC Animated universe.
Sing Street
Will you sing along?
Editor's Choice
Suicide Squad
What’s it about?
Set after the events of Batman V Superman, a task force of bad guys is assembled and blackmailed into saving the world from other bad guys, vigilante style.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: It’s not that Suicide Squad is bad. It’s just not… anything. It’s a long, plot-less fight scene, with too many people to pay attention to, moving too fast to actually lock on to anything. Simply put? It’s frenetically boring. Where’s all the fun from the trailer? Characters get loads of screen time but aren’t explored in much depth (Captain Boomerang is an extended punchline, Harley Quinn is a sexy extended punchline, Diablo is the meta-human equivalent of a Bic lighter). Not very much happens except baddies fight baddies to avoid “goodies” (who are kinda baddies) from blowing their heads up. I can’t help but think think DC have done this whole thing backwards; in trying to do an Avengers-style movie, they forgot that all the Avengers had solo movies to establish their characters before they got thrown in together to defeat the big bad. The Suicide Squad aren’t given the same opportunity and as a result we’re still kind of clueless about who they are. Even Jared Leto’s much-hyped Joker doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Meh. Just meh.
Star Trek: Beyond
What’s it about?
Several seasons into their “five-year mission”, the crew of the Enterprise, led by the cocksure yet jaded James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) and his emotionally detached scientific officer Spock (Zachary Quinto), heed a distress call from uncharted space. It’s a trap! Oh, wrong franchise.
What did we think?
Ben Bissett and Elizabeth Best say: Beyond may be the title card, but this film asks us to boldly go where we’ve gone before. Set pieces that look like they’re straight from the halcyon TV series, populated by aliens that resemble demons from Buffy meld to create a film that pays fond, knowing homage to the old days of the Enterprise, stardate, oh, whenever Shatner was on the bridge. As always, Star Trek is about the relationships, most importantly that of Spock and Kirk, and the actors all deliver here. The message, that unity is stronger than division, resonates in our uncertain political times, and it’s treated with a great deal of reverence. Colossal visual effects are, as per its predecessors, off the planet (sorry) yet the most powerful image in the movie is a single photograph towards the end. Prepare to wipe a tear away, Trekkers.
The Killing Joke
What’s it about?
A recently escaped Joker targets Batman, Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Batgirl in a depraved mission to prove a point: We’re all just one bad day away from going mad.
What did we think?
Clint Skene says: True to the comics as if it was ripped from the pages itself, scenes play out more as art than straight feature. Each scene leaves you more uneasy than the last as The Joker raises the stakes of depravity with each passing second (including an incredibly upsetting song and dance number). It’s high drama, confronting themes and squeamish moments, married with an atmospheric score and amazing performances from Batman alumni Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy and Tara Strong. This is definitely another smash hit for WB Animation. The Killing Joke is a remarkable and much welcomed addition to the DC Animated universe.
Sing Street
Will you sing along?