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
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.
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!
Editor's Choice
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.
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!