Grand Budapest Hotel
What’s it about?
Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori) a young lobby boy and Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) the legendary concierge of The Grand Budapest Hotel go on a series of adventures, as told by the Mr Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham).
What did we think?
The colour and quirkiness of this film won me over from the get go. The cast of familiar faces (way too many to name) doesn’t distract from this film; in fact it adds to the wonderful chaos that combines to be a truly enjoyable story of one man’s now very lonely, yet complete, life. The story, cast and production design combine to create on the screen an unreal world that sucks you in and holds you there, and at just the right moments slaps you in the face to remind you that it’s all just a bit of fun.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
What’s it about?
What happens when a superhero dedicated to American ideals starts questioning the government organisation he works for?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The Captain America sequel is a rollicking comic book adventure with a nice modern twist: How does an all-american hero with 1940s ideals fit into a world of black-ops and clandestine government strategies? It’s a refreshing angle though turns out to be a little simplistic in delivery.
Thankfully there’s a barrage of action, stunts and fighting to distract you from the occasional clunkiness and predictable moments. Good character development further establishes this as not only a fun movie but a very important touchstone for future Marvel franchise flicks. Chris Evans brings out the conflict of Steve Rogers Man Out Of Time and his interaction with seemingly heartless super spy Natasha Romanov (Scarlett Johanssen) is a delight. Entertaining and one both comic lovers and casuals will appreciate.
I, Frankenstein
What’s it about?
I, Frankenstein picks up where the graphic novel by Kevin Grevioux left off, after Franky’s creator Victor is killed. The Gargoyle queen finds him, the demons are after him and all Franky wants to do is defend himself from the woes of modern day.
What did we think?
Adam says: I suppose the film should get some points for shooting in Australia and for director-writer Stuart Beattie putting up with 11 (that’s right, ELEVEN) producers. Had it not have been for the illusion of high production values and the fact that it will be popular amongst vampy teenagers looking for their next hit of comic book gore, this movie might have brought about the second death of ol’ Frankenstein. Not even the steamy “don’t worry I’ll stitch the monster up after battle” scene with Franky and blonde bombshell Terra (Yvonne Strahovski) can save the gargoyles, special effects and bad boy Bill Nighy’s excruciatingly awkward one liners. Franky needs a stein of lager, I think, and a good lie down.
Pompeii
What’s it about?
A slave-turned-invincible gladiator struggles to save his love in the shadow of an angry volcano.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: I’ll save you a lot of time and frustration and remind you the volcano erupts killing nearly everyone. And if you’re sitting watching this in a cinema it can’t come quickly enough.
Director Paul W.S. Anderson chooses an odd time to be restrained but, to be frank, nothing could have saved Pompeii.
Annie
I’m going to file this under WTF… though it doesn’t look as bad as I first thought it would.
We shall see.
300: Rise Of An Empire
What’s it about?
The Mad God King Xerxes and his giant army continue their attack on Greece as six-packed soldiers fight them. Usually in slow motion.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Breasts, blood and slow-motion violence. The latter two to excess. On paper this sequel (technically a companion piece) offers more, more, more. More blood, more gore, more effects. And yet somehow you feel shortchanged.
It could be the irritatingly repetitious effects that are impressively stylish at first but wearing after the 30th time. Or the fact the story attempts to be complex but fails.
Luckily you’re so distracted by Eva Green’s AMAZING turn as a psychotic villain bent on revenge that you will leave pretty happy. She has slashed her way into my top five movie villains of all-time with an intense performance that has you occasionally cheering for the bad guys. Rather than a third 300 film let’s have an Artemisia prequel.
It’s a mid-range bloody popcorn flick. Now can someone just explain to me why there are particles hanging in the air everywhere in Greek cities?
What’s Popular
Ice Age: Collision Course
What’s it about?
Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills.
What did we think?
We’re now five Ice Age instalments in and we’re sadly reaching the point where adults are praying for the exinction of the prehistorics. What was once, at its heart, a sweet family story is now a frenetic ADD children’s film with character numbers and guest stars put ahead of what little plot there is. The sheer number of animals – new and old – makes it difficult to keep track of but at least distracts you from the idea that a woolly mammoth can save the world from an asteroid collision.
High-quality animation helps and there’s more than enough there for the kids and during school holidays that’s all you need. I’d suggest getting your partner to take them though.
Warcraft
What’s it about?
The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilisation faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonise another. If that sentence alone doesn’t excite you then stop reading here and run far away: this movie won’t be for you.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: With the vision of Lord Of The Rings but the delivery of Dungeons and Dragons the cartoon series, Warcraft doesn’t manage to hit the mainstream target. Perhaps the 5 million or so subscribers to the game will get more out of it than I, but this fantasy film – a genre I DO enjoy – feels more wearisome than exciting.
Impressive effects can’t hide the weak script that feels like it’s written by the computer game writers themselves: lots of ambiguity and open threads that don’t really get answered. Just like the open-ended game. Only for die-hards of the game.
Finding Dory
What’s it about?
The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish from Finding Nemo remembers her family and sets out to find them.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Sequels are usually a tough thing, but Finding Dory is more of a logical procession from the first film which only strengthens the story. But be warned – Finding Dory is significantly more emotional than its predecessor and don’t be surprised if a tear or two leaks out. Kids will marvel at the colours and animals while adults will feel for the absent-minded Dory. Great voice acting, heartwarming story, wonderful new characters complementing the familiar ones all wrapped together with Pixar’s usual top-notch animation. You can’t ask for more really.
Me Before You
What’s it about?
Quirky, “chatty” Lou (Emilia Clarke) is hired as a carer for a cynical, wealthy young man who feels he lost everything when he was paralysed in an accident
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: If you get a bit weepy in sad films (like me *sniff sniff*) then get ready for the deluge. If you don’t, then you’re probably not going even get as far as handing over your cash at the box office for this heartfelt sobfest… Unless you’re forced to on a date, in which case get ready for your date to look all red and splotchy when the credits roll.
Clarke is so infectiously chipper here, she’s almost like a (slightly overacting) British Jessica Day (New Girl), while Clafin smoulders as a wheelchair bound Mr Darcy type. Ultimately it’s a solid romantic drama that will punch those so inclined right in the feels, and leave everyone else wishing all the emotional stuff was over so they can get back to the latest superhero flick.
Editor's Choice
Ice Age: Collision Course
What’s it about?
Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills.
What did we think?
We’re now five Ice Age instalments in and we’re sadly reaching the point where adults are praying for the exinction of the prehistorics. What was once, at its heart, a sweet family story is now a frenetic ADD children’s film with character numbers and guest stars put ahead of what little plot there is. The sheer number of animals – new and old – makes it difficult to keep track of but at least distracts you from the idea that a woolly mammoth can save the world from an asteroid collision.
High-quality animation helps and there’s more than enough there for the kids and during school holidays that’s all you need. I’d suggest getting your partner to take them though.
Warcraft
What’s it about?
The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilisation faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonise another. If that sentence alone doesn’t excite you then stop reading here and run far away: this movie won’t be for you.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: With the vision of Lord Of The Rings but the delivery of Dungeons and Dragons the cartoon series, Warcraft doesn’t manage to hit the mainstream target. Perhaps the 5 million or so subscribers to the game will get more out of it than I, but this fantasy film – a genre I DO enjoy – feels more wearisome than exciting.
Impressive effects can’t hide the weak script that feels like it’s written by the computer game writers themselves: lots of ambiguity and open threads that don’t really get answered. Just like the open-ended game. Only for die-hards of the game.
Finding Dory
What’s it about?
The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish from Finding Nemo remembers her family and sets out to find them.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Sequels are usually a tough thing, but Finding Dory is more of a logical procession from the first film which only strengthens the story. But be warned – Finding Dory is significantly more emotional than its predecessor and don’t be surprised if a tear or two leaks out. Kids will marvel at the colours and animals while adults will feel for the absent-minded Dory. Great voice acting, heartwarming story, wonderful new characters complementing the familiar ones all wrapped together with Pixar’s usual top-notch animation. You can’t ask for more really.
Me Before You
What’s it about?
Quirky, “chatty” Lou (Emilia Clarke) is hired as a carer for a cynical, wealthy young man who feels he lost everything when he was paralysed in an accident
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: If you get a bit weepy in sad films (like me *sniff sniff*) then get ready for the deluge. If you don’t, then you’re probably not going even get as far as handing over your cash at the box office for this heartfelt sobfest… Unless you’re forced to on a date, in which case get ready for your date to look all red and splotchy when the credits roll.
Clarke is so infectiously chipper here, she’s almost like a (slightly overacting) British Jessica Day (New Girl), while Clafin smoulders as a wheelchair bound Mr Darcy type. Ultimately it’s a solid romantic drama that will punch those so inclined right in the feels, and leave everyone else wishing all the emotional stuff was over so they can get back to the latest superhero flick.