Transformers: Age of Extinction FIRST LOOK
The new Transformers trailer HOT OFF THE PRESS direct from the Super Bowl trailer!
Exciting stuff. And shiny.
Grudge Match
What’s it about?
Sylvester Stallone (aka Rocky) and Robert De Niro (aka Raging Bull) play two arch enemies – both former world boxing champions – who end up agreeing to a rematch 30 years after their previous bout. And way past their prime.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Teenage me would have frothed at the mouth at the prospect of Rocky vs Raging Bull but adult me thought it would be cringeworthy, stupid and ruining beloved memories with old actors. But as much as I expected to hate it I found myself laughing and enjoying it. It’s certainly not a great movie (and in fact barely good) but it is actually entertaining despite the heavy reliance on cliche. Wait for the DVD but it is worth a look if you like boxing movies.
Last Vegas
What’s it about?
Four school yard chums reconnect in their twilight years. They aim to celebrate the bachelor party of the last of their band to get hitched. They each have their own burdens to shrug off, but before they do, they’ll need to dehumanise some surgically enhanced women.
What did we think?
Dan says: Hollywood loads four of their best into the chamber and fires ageist and misogynistic bullets into the corpse of the “Dude Adventure” story. What were they thinking? I mean, Morgan Freeman was in Shawshank Redemption for Christ’s sake.
The film ties together like a jigsaw puzzle with numbered pieces. I could tell you most of the stories ten minutes in. But just when you think it’s irredeemable, Robert De Niro and Kirk Douglas show you just why they’ve been in the business for so long and manage to inject maybe not heart, but at least some still-warm blood into this hollow cadaver. Your parents will love it.
Maleficent
Angelina Jolie as the evil Maleficent? Perfect. Magnificent even. This new sneak peek trailer is bound to make anyone excited for the release of this revamped classic fairy tale. Lana Del Ray accompanies the eeriness with her re-imagined cover of the tune “Once Upon a Dream”. The extra touch of the Maleficent’s dark castle behind the Disney logo is clever as well. Let’s hope the movie will live up to my new found expectations.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
What’s it about?
Recent high school graduates and best friends Jesse and Hector face the same demonic forces that terrorise the protagonists of the previous Paranormal Activity films in this Latino spin-off of the “found footage” horror franchise.
What did we think?
Marnie says: Another day, another demon. There are a couple of scary moments in The Marked Ones, which is presented as a “cousin” rather than a direct sequel, but overall it is too formulaic to be effective. Though focusing on Latin-American characters, the film bypasses the opportunity to expound on Catholicism’s approach to demonic possession, which could have been gripping. Fans will appreciate details about the series’ established characters but The Marked Ones lacks the satisfying shock of the unfamiliar that made its predecessors successful, and the dissatisfying ending so transparently sets the scene for yet another instalment that the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth.
The Wolf of Wall Street
What’s it about?
The spectacular rise and fall of unscrupulous, hard-partying New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio). Based on Belfort’s memoir of the same name.
What did we think?
Belfort, his partner in white-collar crime (a brilliantly tubby-again Jonah Hill) and their boys club are utterly repulsive yet simultaneously make you feel like you need to get more, amid their constant daze of yachts, drugs and hookers.
The film doesn’t pull its punches on the more sinister, unhinged aspects of Belfort’s life either, as reality – and the law – starts to catch up with him. So many great performances round out this often uproarious picture, especially Australia’s Margot Robbie and a brief, hilarious turn from Matthew McConaughey. Desensitise your moral compass before viewing.
What’s Popular
The Jungle Book
What’s it about?
An orphaned child is raised in the jungle by animals but not all have a fondness for him and in the face of a threat from a savage tiger, Mowgli is to be returned to the man village.
What did we think?
The second of Disney’s live-action remakes of classic cartoons, The Jungle Book is surprisingly true to the original. It’s got extra grit and is less childish but manages to recreate the charm that will put a smile on your face regardless of your age. There are a few scary moments for the younger audience members but they are thankfully brief and easily forgotten in the face of impressive effects and performances, most notably the show-stealing Baloo voiced by Bill Murray. Neel Sethi is impressive as Mowgli especially considering he didn’t share a scene with a human the entire movie. Genuine fun for the entire family.
Brand New Testament
What’s it about?
God is real. And living in Brussels. And he’s a bit of a dick. So his ten-year-old daughter moves out into the real world where she follows in the footsteps of her older brother (JC) and seeks out some apostles.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: This quirky and somewhat blasphemous Belgian-French movie is a dark little comedy that playfully dances around a lot of questions without answering many and that only adds to its appeal. It’s a lesson Hollywood could learn. The endearing star is balanced out against a range of characters in the randomly chosen apostles each with their own unusual subplot. You’re never quite sure where the stories are going but it’s such a fun irreverent journey you reallydon’t care: you’re just enjoying the ride. The casual – and accepted – surrealism only adds to the odd theme and sense of mirth. If you like the sound of the plot, you’ll enjoy the pic.
Zootopia
What’s it about?
The modern metropolis of Zootopia is a city where animals of all kinds coexist in peace and harmony. A young rabbit realises her dream of becoming the first bunny on the police force but has to battle judgement and stereotyping all while trying to solve a missing person’s case. She enlists (forcibly) the aid of a con artist fox and the natural enemies are pushed closer and closer together.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Zootopia is simply a delight. From the incredible animation which showcases not only an intricate city of wondrous detail but also entire worlds of imagination. All held together by an engaging and clever story. Yes it’s predictable – hey it’s still a kids’ movie – but there’s enough for adults to get lost in as well. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman are outstanding as the rabbit and fox detective duo which touches on politics and race tensions in a very subtle manner. Just great hearty fun.
Eye in the Sky
What’s it about:
A drone-led terrorist capture mission in Kenya takes an unexpected turn, throwing up an intriguing ethical dilemma for all those involved. In one of his last roles, Alan Rickman plays a typically cynical general, with Captain Phillips’ Barked Abdi in a pivotal on-the-ground role.
What did we think:
Angela Young says: This extraordinarily-gripping thriller keeps you guessing and mulling all the way, as you see through the eyes of the frankly bizarre world of modern remote warfare, tiny beetle drones and all. Superb performances from a global cast and an excellent script combine to make this a winner that’ll leave your cogs turning long after you leave the cinema.
It’s got Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman in it. That should tell you all you need to know.
Editor's Choice
The Jungle Book
What’s it about?
An orphaned child is raised in the jungle by animals but not all have a fondness for him and in the face of a threat from a savage tiger, Mowgli is to be returned to the man village.
What did we think?
The second of Disney’s live-action remakes of classic cartoons, The Jungle Book is surprisingly true to the original. It’s got extra grit and is less childish but manages to recreate the charm that will put a smile on your face regardless of your age. There are a few scary moments for the younger audience members but they are thankfully brief and easily forgotten in the face of impressive effects and performances, most notably the show-stealing Baloo voiced by Bill Murray. Neel Sethi is impressive as Mowgli especially considering he didn’t share a scene with a human the entire movie. Genuine fun for the entire family.
Brand New Testament
What’s it about?
God is real. And living in Brussels. And he’s a bit of a dick. So his ten-year-old daughter moves out into the real world where she follows in the footsteps of her older brother (JC) and seeks out some apostles.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: This quirky and somewhat blasphemous Belgian-French movie is a dark little comedy that playfully dances around a lot of questions without answering many and that only adds to its appeal. It’s a lesson Hollywood could learn. The endearing star is balanced out against a range of characters in the randomly chosen apostles each with their own unusual subplot. You’re never quite sure where the stories are going but it’s such a fun irreverent journey you reallydon’t care: you’re just enjoying the ride. The casual – and accepted – surrealism only adds to the odd theme and sense of mirth. If you like the sound of the plot, you’ll enjoy the pic.
Zootopia
What’s it about?
The modern metropolis of Zootopia is a city where animals of all kinds coexist in peace and harmony. A young rabbit realises her dream of becoming the first bunny on the police force but has to battle judgement and stereotyping all while trying to solve a missing person’s case. She enlists (forcibly) the aid of a con artist fox and the natural enemies are pushed closer and closer together.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Zootopia is simply a delight. From the incredible animation which showcases not only an intricate city of wondrous detail but also entire worlds of imagination. All held together by an engaging and clever story. Yes it’s predictable – hey it’s still a kids’ movie – but there’s enough for adults to get lost in as well. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman are outstanding as the rabbit and fox detective duo which touches on politics and race tensions in a very subtle manner. Just great hearty fun.
Eye in the Sky
What’s it about:
A drone-led terrorist capture mission in Kenya takes an unexpected turn, throwing up an intriguing ethical dilemma for all those involved. In one of his last roles, Alan Rickman plays a typically cynical general, with Captain Phillips’ Barked Abdi in a pivotal on-the-ground role.
What did we think:
Angela Young says: This extraordinarily-gripping thriller keeps you guessing and mulling all the way, as you see through the eyes of the frankly bizarre world of modern remote warfare, tiny beetle drones and all. Superb performances from a global cast and an excellent script combine to make this a winner that’ll leave your cogs turning long after you leave the cinema.
It’s got Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman in it. That should tell you all you need to know.