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.
Sex Tape
What’s it about?
A couple make a sex tape and it accidentally gets uploaded to a bunch of synched ipads. They frantically chase the ipads.
What did we think?
Anthoney Sherratt: A sex tape is often a source of entertainment, cringe worthiness and titillation. This one certainly has all three but not in any large quantities.
There are certainly laughs here – though possibly not enough to sustain 94 minutes – but there was an odd chemistry between Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz that didn’t quite mesh. It’s a B Grade comedy about sex feels long. Some interesting commentary on sex inside marriage but nothing overly original outside of some blatant iPad promotion. Not bad but, like most sex tapes, perhaps wait for the DVD or download editions.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
What’s it about?
Smart Simeons look mad and carry guns, and chase humans who also look mad and carry guns. There are a few bad eggs… well, not bad so much as scared. Then everyone is scared of everyone and the shenanigans begin.
What did we think?
Ape vs human war is fun to watch, but as well as kick-ass explosions and lots of shooting, this story manages to subtly show what makes the characters and communities tick. Feelings and Firearms: an A-grade mix.
Jersey Boys
What’s it about?
You’ve heard of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons… But did you know they had mob connections and were mates with Joe Pesci?
What did we think?
Not heavy enough to be a mob movie, and not musical enough to be a musical. The history of the Four Seasons makes for a ripping yarn but with Clint Eastwood pumping it full of grit, it doesn’t quite reach the joyous heights of the stage show until the last scene. Back away from the musicals, Clint. And get off my lawn.
Transformers: Age Of Extinction
What’s it about?
The plot is ridiculous to explain and a waste of time. Just think Michael Bay, explosions and giant robotic fights that are never-ending and repetitive.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Quite simply the latest Transformers is an unwieldy and overly complicated plot populated by shallow, cliched characters.
I enjoyed Mark Wahlberg’s performance but so little of this movie feels necessary or important it ends up grating. At 165 minutes it’s actually about a full hour too long and the final act appears to be present only to satisfy the Chinese investors. For a 3D movie it was ridiculously two dimensional in nature but those merely seeking explosions and fights might get through it if they have enough caffiene. Or focus medication.
Yves Saint Laurent
What’s it about?
Yves Saint Laurent: the maestro at his best and worst, darling.
What did we think?
Cindy says: This film is sublime. I should have more words but I don’t. If you love cinema, if you love art, if you love storytelling, then see this film. It’s a love story, it’s a masterpiece, it’s just beautiful. No words. OK, a few words. Did I mention see this film?!?
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.