Super cool or super frustrating?

What’s it about?
Two salesmen (Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson) whose careers have been torpedoed by the digital age find their way into a coveted internship at Google, where they must compete with a group of young, tech-savvy geniuses for a shot at employment.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’s rare to find an American comedy that doesn’t rely on crudity, bodily functions and adolescent physical comedy so Vaughn and Wilson’s new offering was a pleasant surprise. There are some unexpected but lovely messages flowing throughout the film but it’s really the genuine charisma of the leads that manage to take a comedy that, on paper, looks lightweight and turn into a truly warm movie. More about people than tech though there are nerd jokes and references there for us geeks too.

What’s it about?
A United Nations investigator, Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: An odd movie to review in that it was actually sort of enjoyable to watch but as soon as you start to apply scrutiny you’re left unsure exactly why. It’s intelligent (despite some gaping plotholes and devices) but it’s not quite an action movie. Nor is it quite a drama and in fact you couldn’t even call it a horror flick with the zombies mostly background fodder – something I actually enjoyed. But while that allowed focus on the human reactions to a looming apocalypse, it unintentionally highlighted the story’s inadequacies. I can’t say it’s bad as it was fun despite Pitt’s seeming boredom. But nor can I say it’s really good. And I have no idea why it’s a 3D movie.

What’s it about?
Evil-villain-turned-super-dad Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal in what is promoted as a Bond parody. Alas there aren’t double “o”s, just “oh no”s.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The clever undertones of the first movie are missing and in their place are fart jokes and other assorted immaturity. It’s not a bad movie – in fact most kids will love it – but there’s not very much there for adults other than a few late laughs. The promise of a clever parody quickly evaporates and it’s only the antics of the minions that keep it vaguely watchable for maturer audiences.

What’s it about?
Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm – determined to keep his sex life on track – turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghost-busters for help.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: If you think the Scary Movies were funny, they will keep taking your money from you.

What’s it about?
Chasing his own American dream, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) blows in to New York City at the height of the Roaring Twenties and finds himself drawn to the dazzling world of his wealthy neighbour, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio).

What did we think?
Elizabeth says: Gatsby has the Technicolor pomp and “all that Baz” we’re used to but it falls just short of the high bar that Luhrmann set with films such as Moulin Rouge! and Strictly Ballroom. Carey Mulligan, while a vision to behold, is almost too grounded in her portrayal of the flighty, fun-loving Daisy; Tobey Maguire is, well, Tobey Maguire; and there isn’t a time that Leo utters the phrase “old sport” when it isn’t jarring. On the flip side, Joel Edgerton smashes this one out of the park and Isla Fisher is a colourful little bit on the side, just as Myrtle should be. All this wrapped up in a stunning-looking, sumptuous package. It’s very enjoyable, just not quite “spectacular spectacular”.