I Am Eleven
What’s it about?
A documentary that looks at an age that is sometimes one of the happiest times of our lives. From India to Morocco, Bangkok to Amsterdam, from the Upper East Side of New York to Gen’s hometown of Melbourne, I AM ELEVEN takes us to 15 countries exploring the world today through the eyes of today’s eleven-year-olds.
What did we think?
Anthony says: Simply wonderful. It’s a must-see if you love or have an interest in any of the following: children, the future, sociology, psychology, communications, growing up, reminiscing, love and/or life.
It’s emotional, entertaining, interesting and enthralling. With a limited release you might very well miss it but I hope you don’t.
Bernie
What’s it about?
In small-town Texas, the local mortician strikes up a friendship with a wealthy widow, though when he kills her, he goes to great lengths to create the illusion that she’s alive.
What did we think?
Cindy says: Like the title character, this film is short and sweet, and a little bit dull, and leaves me in two minds. Appearing as a cross between a mockumentary and a midday movie, the big-name stars (Jack Black, Matthew McConaughy and Shirley MacLaine) seem a little out of place among an outstanding cast of unknowns featured as the townsfolk of Carthage, Texas. These unknowns totally steal the show as they narrate the plight of their small-town hero. Based on a true story, this is a comic murder mystery with not a lot of shock, but plenty of “awww”.
The Bourne Legacy
What’s it about?
An expansion of the universe from Robert Ludlum’s novels, centered on a new hero whose stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films.
What did we think?
The Bourne Legacy is an oddly flat addition to the franchise. It has an interesting enough story and indeed the first act is set during the first Bourne movie. But even that provides some jarring moments and simply makes you wish you’d re-watched the original before you sat down.
The characters are likeable and Jeremy Renner and Ed Norton put in very good performances, but the action sequences are a little lacking especially when compared to the outrageously frenetic fight scenes we’ve previously seen. Unfair comparison? Possibly but it is quite a contrast.
It’s good enough to warrant a continuation of the series – and doesn’t rule out a return of Damon – but it’s simply entertaining without reaching any great heights.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
What’s it about?
Liz says: Apparently vampires nearly took over the US, but for the superior axe-wielding abilities of one bad-ass action-hero president, Abraham Lincoln. Who knew?
What did we think?
Ben says: Even in the US Civil War era, American politics was full of horrific bloodsuckers. Honest Abe hacks up the undead in this silly Saturday-night schlocker of camp acting, balletic bloodletting and ubiquitous “This is Sparta!” digital slo-mo. Not likely to be seen on the History Channel, then.
I enjoyed the absurdity of it all but wished it took itself even less seriously. The healthy dollop of beheadings definitely helped.
The Dark Knight Rises
What’s it about?
It’s been eight years since Batman was last sighted but will he return when his beloved city is once again threatened? This time on an unprecedented scale? Well duh.
What did we think?
A triumphant – though somewhat bleak – return of the caped crusader, Dark Knight Rises is a gripping roller coaster ride full of action, explosions and metaphors. And it’s simply stunning in its scope.
That’s not to say there aren’t problems – a few sideplots are painfully predictable, the pacing is awkward to say the least , the last act is bloated and the sound editing guy should be shot – but the passion and the characterisations simply mean you don’t care. Anne Hathaway’s Selina Kyle is pretty true to the comics and adds an interesting dimension to a wonderfully convoluted plot.
Nolanverse fans will love the end of the trilogy. Believe the hype – it’s everything you want from a gritty superhero film.
Hysteria
What’s it about?
A whimsical look at how Dr Mortimer Granville devised the invention of the first vibrator in the name of medical science.
What did we think?
It’s true doctors used to diagnose Hysteria as a catch-all for women in the 19th century and true that sometimes manual manipulation of the vulva was prescribed as a treatment, so why not make a romantic comedy about it? 0_o Hysteria takes liberties with history but never pretends to be anything but playful so it’s easy to forgive especially in the light of the performances of Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rupert Everett.
Despite my dislike of anachronistic events on film, I quite enjoyed this titillating comedy that managed both laughter and solid characterisations.
What’s Popular
Into The Woods
What’s it about?
Several of your favourite fairytale characters find their happy ever after, before everything gets sent to hell in a handbasket once they realise that fairytale endings aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
What did we think?
Susan Hetherington says: At times laugh-out-loud funny at others “where’s-my-tissue” sad, this is a grown-ups fairytale with a strong message about being careful what you wish for and whether happily ever after is possible with someone you have known for 2.5 seconds.
Fans of the stage show may shed a tear that the adaptation has dropped the second double act between the Charming prince brothers (Agony, the over-the-top duet which included just about every cinematic cliché was the funniest point in the film) but overall it was a very satisfying translation from stage to screen. It would be nice to think Into the Woods the film will springboard composer Stephen Sondheim into the musical theatre limelight alongside the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It probably won’t. In fact the 15 minute opening overture will probably be enough to ensure some never again give a musical a try. But anyone who can see past that will see an intelligent tale that’s been well told and extremely well acted. They will almost certainly also have the Into the Woods earworm in their head for some time to come.
Birdman
What’s it about?
Riggan Thomas (Michael Keaton) spent his younger years appearing as Birdman in a series of superhero films. Firmly entrenched in “washed-up has-been” territory, he decides to put on a Broadway show to try to prove himself to the world. But his play has serious problems, his cast (including Edward Norton and Naomi Watts) is dysfunctional, and his own mental state is probably not all that crash-hot either.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: If Birdman is Michael trying to prove himself following his Batman days, then boy, has he succeeded. This is a brilliantly intriguing, very black comedy and, if you listen really hard, we’re pretty sure you can hear “Oscar” being whispered in the background.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
What’s it about?
The magical tablet that makes all the museum exhibits come alive is losing its powers, so Larry (Ben Stiller) and the gang have to visit the British Museum to find answers.
What did we think?
Sophie Webb says: Super-awesome effects and silly-sausage moments from the two Wilsons – Owen and Rebel – elevate this film that’s aimed at 8-year-olds. Not being familiar with the first two in the franchise, this weary mum was pretty pleased with the easy-to-follow storyline and all-star cast, including a cameo from our own Hugh Jackman. The fight in the M.C. Escher print, Relativity, is genius, and the wee joke: wee-lly funny. Robin Williams’ final film has some unintended profound moments following his death, and fans of Ben Stiller will enjoy his usual dumbstruck expressions. Solid sign of a good flick? Miss Three wants it on DVD post-haste despite a few hide-your-eyes moments.
Big Hero 6
What’s it about?
A young orphaned (of course) robotics prodigy faces a series of personal challenges that create a superhero team (once again of course).
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Parents of sons are about to discover the intense fandom that parents of daughters have been going through these past 12 months with Frozen (minus the musical numbers). But what Big Hero 6 lacks in songs it makes up in characters, heart and sheer chutzpah.
A beautiful blend of action and humour will appeal to kids as young as 4 and to us slightly bigger kids at <age redacted>. Dripping with emotion, this film is actually more about grief than altruism but the lessons get learned along the way regardless. Albeit in a superhero costume.
I’m already counting the days until I can see it again.
Editor's Choice
Into The Woods
What’s it about?
Several of your favourite fairytale characters find their happy ever after, before everything gets sent to hell in a handbasket once they realise that fairytale endings aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
What did we think?
Susan Hetherington says: At times laugh-out-loud funny at others “where’s-my-tissue” sad, this is a grown-ups fairytale with a strong message about being careful what you wish for and whether happily ever after is possible with someone you have known for 2.5 seconds.
Fans of the stage show may shed a tear that the adaptation has dropped the second double act between the Charming prince brothers (Agony, the over-the-top duet which included just about every cinematic cliché was the funniest point in the film) but overall it was a very satisfying translation from stage to screen. It would be nice to think Into the Woods the film will springboard composer Stephen Sondheim into the musical theatre limelight alongside the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It probably won’t. In fact the 15 minute opening overture will probably be enough to ensure some never again give a musical a try. But anyone who can see past that will see an intelligent tale that’s been well told and extremely well acted. They will almost certainly also have the Into the Woods earworm in their head for some time to come.
Birdman
What’s it about?
Riggan Thomas (Michael Keaton) spent his younger years appearing as Birdman in a series of superhero films. Firmly entrenched in “washed-up has-been” territory, he decides to put on a Broadway show to try to prove himself to the world. But his play has serious problems, his cast (including Edward Norton and Naomi Watts) is dysfunctional, and his own mental state is probably not all that crash-hot either.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: If Birdman is Michael trying to prove himself following his Batman days, then boy, has he succeeded. This is a brilliantly intriguing, very black comedy and, if you listen really hard, we’re pretty sure you can hear “Oscar” being whispered in the background.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
What’s it about?
The magical tablet that makes all the museum exhibits come alive is losing its powers, so Larry (Ben Stiller) and the gang have to visit the British Museum to find answers.
What did we think?
Sophie Webb says: Super-awesome effects and silly-sausage moments from the two Wilsons – Owen and Rebel – elevate this film that’s aimed at 8-year-olds. Not being familiar with the first two in the franchise, this weary mum was pretty pleased with the easy-to-follow storyline and all-star cast, including a cameo from our own Hugh Jackman. The fight in the M.C. Escher print, Relativity, is genius, and the wee joke: wee-lly funny. Robin Williams’ final film has some unintended profound moments following his death, and fans of Ben Stiller will enjoy his usual dumbstruck expressions. Solid sign of a good flick? Miss Three wants it on DVD post-haste despite a few hide-your-eyes moments.
Big Hero 6
What’s it about?
A young orphaned (of course) robotics prodigy faces a series of personal challenges that create a superhero team (once again of course).
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Parents of sons are about to discover the intense fandom that parents of daughters have been going through these past 12 months with Frozen (minus the musical numbers). But what Big Hero 6 lacks in songs it makes up in characters, heart and sheer chutzpah.
A beautiful blend of action and humour will appeal to kids as young as 4 and to us slightly bigger kids at <age redacted>. Dripping with emotion, this film is actually more about grief than altruism but the lessons get learned along the way regardless. Albeit in a superhero costume.
I’m already counting the days until I can see it again.