Lone Survivor
What’s it about?
Based on the true story of four Navy SEALs whose covert operation goes badly wrong in Afghanistan and they find themselves hemmed in by overwhelming Taliban numbers.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A surprisingly touching piece that depicts not only the bond between soldiers but the gruesome nature of modern warfare and the difficult choices faced. An unexpected focus on the human side of the SEALs made this war movie quite relateable and a startling twist late in the film will have you believing in humanity again – and possibly worrying for the innocents caught up in these wars.
Those expecting a mindless Mark Wahlberg action movie will be initially disappointed but later delighted despite the graphic blood and deaths.
Grudge Match
Imagine a boxing movie about Rocky vs Raging Bull. Then watch this trailer.
I’m unconvinced but seeing the preview screening shortly so watch this space for a review shortly.
Mandela
This should be fascinating. Both the story and what they choose to focus on.
12 Years A Slave
Saw this in the states recently. Good stuff!
How To Train Your Dragon 2
I LOVED the first movie. It was a delightful story and so beautifully made and one of the very few movies I believe work in 3D. So I’m a bit excited about the sequel. It’s interesting that it seems a little more grown up than the original but perhaps it’s aging with its audience. Either way I’m looking forward to it.
Mr Peabody and Sherman
Not characters I have any affinity to but the trailer looks fun and interesting. And I do love time travel…
Okay, now I’ve put it on my To Watch list.
What’s Popular
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
What’s it about?
Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and the rest of the cast of 2002’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding return for a sequel involving (who’d have thought?) ANOTHER big fat Greek wedding.
What did we think?
Amy Currie says: This film is basically a montage of the entire cast running from one event to another in a very wacky panic. They wave their arms around a lot and pull faces. Man, what a bunch of characters! Family, am I right? Oh, boy.
Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice
What’s it about?
Ideologies clash as the world’s only two public superheroes come to words then blows. But is there more afoot?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: At the end of the day you go to this movie to watch the two SuperFriends fight and/or to see Wonder Woman finally debut on the big screen. You will not be disappointed on either count. It just takes a while to get there.
For a long movie there’s not as much action as you’d expect but once it finally arrives it’s well worth the wait. The first half of the film suffers from a heck of lot of sub-plots, exposition and lingering shots of Superman as a messianic figure. The conflicting ideas of Superman being above the law, an alien and a hero to all are reasonably well explored and exploited even if Jessie Esienberg’s xenophobic Lex Luthor is more psychotic Joker than measured intellect. Affleck does well as an older, jaded Batman though his propensity to use guns and kill people sits oddly, while Gal Gadot would have stolen the show if she’d been used more.
DC is obviously playing movie catch up and trying to pack so much set-up into the front half of this film detracts from what should have been a quality gritty superhero film that lacked the whimsical one-liners of the Marvel universe. Still it was enjoyable and ends with the promise of so much more. Avoid spoilers and see it early.
Star Trek Horizon
What’s it about?
Earth’s coalition of planets is at war with the Romulans. But something is wrong – a weapon of immense power that shouldn’t exist is about to change the galaxy.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: For years people have bemoaned the impending death of amateur theatre. Cry no more, for YouTube is the new amateur theatre paradise. As with the local rep, the acting is variable, some casting is dubious, but the passion is never in question. And because the budget is minuscule, there is innovation aplenty (blurring the background to alleviate set design issues is a very nice touch).
The effects, premise & script are all quite good – it’s better than some professional films out there. Open YouTube on your TV and have a Star Trek fan fiction movie night at home!
10 Cloverfield Lane
What’s it about:
After waking up in a cellar after a car accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is told that the surface of the Earth isn’t habitable. However, her trust in her saviour, Howard (John Goodman), is shaken when circumstances take a turn for the worst.
What did we think:
Nick Bleeker says: An utterly thrilling and claustrophobic debut from Trachtenberg who keeps everything extremely precise and in-check. Goodman takes the film by the scruff of the neck and drops an MVP-level performance. I recommend you go into this cold for an infinitely more satisfying experience.
Editor's Choice
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
What’s it about?
Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and the rest of the cast of 2002’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding return for a sequel involving (who’d have thought?) ANOTHER big fat Greek wedding.
What did we think?
Amy Currie says: This film is basically a montage of the entire cast running from one event to another in a very wacky panic. They wave their arms around a lot and pull faces. Man, what a bunch of characters! Family, am I right? Oh, boy.
Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice
What’s it about?
Ideologies clash as the world’s only two public superheroes come to words then blows. But is there more afoot?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: At the end of the day you go to this movie to watch the two SuperFriends fight and/or to see Wonder Woman finally debut on the big screen. You will not be disappointed on either count. It just takes a while to get there.
For a long movie there’s not as much action as you’d expect but once it finally arrives it’s well worth the wait. The first half of the film suffers from a heck of lot of sub-plots, exposition and lingering shots of Superman as a messianic figure. The conflicting ideas of Superman being above the law, an alien and a hero to all are reasonably well explored and exploited even if Jessie Esienberg’s xenophobic Lex Luthor is more psychotic Joker than measured intellect. Affleck does well as an older, jaded Batman though his propensity to use guns and kill people sits oddly, while Gal Gadot would have stolen the show if she’d been used more.
DC is obviously playing movie catch up and trying to pack so much set-up into the front half of this film detracts from what should have been a quality gritty superhero film that lacked the whimsical one-liners of the Marvel universe. Still it was enjoyable and ends with the promise of so much more. Avoid spoilers and see it early.
Star Trek Horizon
What’s it about?
Earth’s coalition of planets is at war with the Romulans. But something is wrong – a weapon of immense power that shouldn’t exist is about to change the galaxy.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: For years people have bemoaned the impending death of amateur theatre. Cry no more, for YouTube is the new amateur theatre paradise. As with the local rep, the acting is variable, some casting is dubious, but the passion is never in question. And because the budget is minuscule, there is innovation aplenty (blurring the background to alleviate set design issues is a very nice touch).
The effects, premise & script are all quite good – it’s better than some professional films out there. Open YouTube on your TV and have a Star Trek fan fiction movie night at home!
10 Cloverfield Lane
What’s it about:
After waking up in a cellar after a car accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is told that the surface of the Earth isn’t habitable. However, her trust in her saviour, Howard (John Goodman), is shaken when circumstances take a turn for the worst.
What did we think:
Nick Bleeker says: An utterly thrilling and claustrophobic debut from Trachtenberg who keeps everything extremely precise and in-check. Goodman takes the film by the scruff of the neck and drops an MVP-level performance. I recommend you go into this cold for an infinitely more satisfying experience.