Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
What’s it about?
Based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, the film follows his life from birth through to repeal of Apartheid and his being the first democratically elected president of South Africa.
What did we think?
Casey says: This film revealed to me how ignorant of Apartheid I really am, doing so in a way that left me wanting to educate myself more on this horrific period in human history. A beautifully constructed experience that simultaneously highlights all that is good, and the potential for evil within the human condition.
I have nothing more to say on this film other than go see it.
Zombeavers
Are we running out of movie ideas? Most definitely not… according to the creators of Zombeavers.
I don’t think I can say much more about this. The trailer kind of speaks for itself.
Robocop
What’s it about?
Set in 2028, a Detroit cop is critically injured but given cybernetic enhancements by a giant corporation looking to proft from an automated police force.
What did we think?
Take away most of the body, heart and soul and you have a cyborg Robocop. Sadly you also have this movie. There’s certainly some refreshing ideas in this updating of a classic 80s flick but they’re punctuated with some poorly thought-out scripting and errors of logic. An amazing cast, good special effects but this remake still somehow falls flat. There’s a recurring Wizard of Oz reference to the Tin Man lacking heart but what the updated Robocop movie actually lacks is a brain.
Labor Day
What’s it about?
Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry are forced into offering a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Labor Day is an odd slow-burning movie that doesn’t quite deliver. While it was refreshing to watch a slow-paced movie try to develop characters it never quite managed to gel and the events felt unrealistic. Yet it was interesting enough it left you longing for that extra insight and feeling. I left wanting to read the book as what the movie PROMISES and hints at is more intriguing than what was actually delivered on-screen. Save it for DVD. Maybe.
Wolf Creek 2
Mick Taylor is back! He’s brutal, maniacal and crazy… and is ready to scare away any tourist who dares to visit our Australian outback. Will Wolf Creek 2 be just as good as the first?
Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier
Wow. I haven’t been this excited about a super hero movie in… well a loooong time.
What’s Popular
The Boss
What’s It About?
When rich CEO and motivational speaker Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) goes down for insider trading, all her assets are frozen. She vows to get back on top, using a little girl’s brownie selling business to do it.
What Did We Think?
Elizabeth says: A diabolically awful movie, somewhat saved by the fact that Tyler Labine is so damn likeable and Melissa McCarthy is one fucking funny woman to watch.
Eddie The Eagle
What’s it about?
The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who had to overcome a biased system and a lack of talent before charming the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
What did we think?
Despite the abundance of cliches this movie is full of heart. Helped along by the charismatic Hugh Jackman and an incredible performance from Taron Egerton, Eddie The Eagle is that rare beast whose warmth and sheer entertainment value overcome the lack of charisma of the lead character. In fact, if it hadn’t been a true story you would dismiss it as unbelievable schmaltz. As it is you’ll find yourself both cringing and cheering for Britain’s most unathletic Olympic representative who reminded us that the Olympics is just as much about participation as it is about winning.
You’ll find your spirits soaring along with Eddie. Probably the feel-good flick of the year.
Allegiant Part 1
What’s it about?
The third instalment of the Divergent series sees our hero Tris escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them. Gods, I’m bored just writing that.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The first book/film was flawed but had enough interesting ideas to keep you engaged and wondering. Sadly by the third in this series it’s just incredibly tired and old. There’s nothing new or shocking in this predictable and two-dimensional story. There are quote a number of good action scenes but with a paper-thin plot not really holding it together? I’ll save my allegiance for movies with actual storylines.
Kung Fu Panda 3
What’s it about?
Po discovers not only his long-lost father but an entire village of pandas. In karmic payback he has to train the lazy and clumsy brethren for an upcoming battle.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Full of frenetic energy and colour, the third Kung Fu Panda instalment won’t disappoint the younger audience but adults will struggle with the fact that we’ve seen it all before. With no real character development since the first movie, KF3 is just the same characters doing the same things in a different setting with new action figures… I mean friends. Nothing inherently wrong but just feels a bit tired. Kids will love it though: Kung Fu Panda – now with more pandas!
Editor's Choice
The Boss
What’s It About?
When rich CEO and motivational speaker Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) goes down for insider trading, all her assets are frozen. She vows to get back on top, using a little girl’s brownie selling business to do it.
What Did We Think?
Elizabeth says: A diabolically awful movie, somewhat saved by the fact that Tyler Labine is so damn likeable and Melissa McCarthy is one fucking funny woman to watch.
Eddie The Eagle
What’s it about?
The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who had to overcome a biased system and a lack of talent before charming the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
What did we think?
Despite the abundance of cliches this movie is full of heart. Helped along by the charismatic Hugh Jackman and an incredible performance from Taron Egerton, Eddie The Eagle is that rare beast whose warmth and sheer entertainment value overcome the lack of charisma of the lead character. In fact, if it hadn’t been a true story you would dismiss it as unbelievable schmaltz. As it is you’ll find yourself both cringing and cheering for Britain’s most unathletic Olympic representative who reminded us that the Olympics is just as much about participation as it is about winning.
You’ll find your spirits soaring along with Eddie. Probably the feel-good flick of the year.
Allegiant Part 1
What’s it about?
The third instalment of the Divergent series sees our hero Tris escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them. Gods, I’m bored just writing that.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The first book/film was flawed but had enough interesting ideas to keep you engaged and wondering. Sadly by the third in this series it’s just incredibly tired and old. There’s nothing new or shocking in this predictable and two-dimensional story. There are quote a number of good action scenes but with a paper-thin plot not really holding it together? I’ll save my allegiance for movies with actual storylines.
Kung Fu Panda 3
What’s it about?
Po discovers not only his long-lost father but an entire village of pandas. In karmic payback he has to train the lazy and clumsy brethren for an upcoming battle.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Full of frenetic energy and colour, the third Kung Fu Panda instalment won’t disappoint the younger audience but adults will struggle with the fact that we’ve seen it all before. With no real character development since the first movie, KF3 is just the same characters doing the same things in a different setting with new action figures… I mean friends. Nothing inherently wrong but just feels a bit tired. Kids will love it though: Kung Fu Panda – now with more pandas!