Snow White and the Huntsman
What’s it about?
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.
What did we think?
Far better than you expect it to be, though not as good as it could have been. Obviously curtailed from stepping into the darkness and mayhem it so longs for in order to maximise audiences, Snow White nonetheless manages to engage on a more adult level than most popcorn flicks.
A Royal Affair
What’s it about?
After being married to the slightly off-kilter King of Denmark, the Queen finds solace in her relationship (and subsequent romance) with the royal physician. Their enlightened ideals create swift policy change and bring about a revolution in Danish political history, until their affair is discovered and severe consequences result.
What did we think?
Not quite the bodice-ripping, passionate tale that its title might suggest, the film does manage to effectively convey the historical implications of the events in the film. It adheres a bit too strictly to period-piece conventions and doesn’t do much to invest reason to care about the relationship between the lovers. Historical accuracy is given priority over the romantic swoon factor, which makes everything feel somewhat dry. Only Mikkel Folsgaard as the mad King injects a bit of humour and liveliness into the proceedings.
That’s My Boy
What’s it about?
While in his teens, Donny fathered a son, Todd, and raised him as a single parent up until Todd’s 18th birthday. Now, after not seeing each other for years, Todd’s world comes crashing down when Donny resurfaces just before Todd’s wedding.
What did we think?
The world is a dumber place for having this movie in it. Even diehard Adam Sandler fans will struggle to find anything redeeming in a movie that starts with the statutory rape of a 13-year-old and works up to puerile adolescent humour.
Tasteless at best, I don’t think there’s actually a redeeming quality in the entire 114 extremely painful minutes.
Rock of Ages
What’s it about?
It’s 1987 on the Sunset Strip. A small-town girl meets a city boy and they both pursue their Hollywood dreams. Based on the mega-hit stage musical.
What did we think?
Liz says: I’m a musical lover who’s seen Rock of Ages on stage four times. My plus-one was a musical theatre cynic, whose only exposure of ROA was through the flick’s publicity trail. But we both love the glam-rock ’80s music scene and came to the same conclusion: the movie hit some marks and missed others.
It awkwardly straddles the line between comedy and drama, with some numbers that had me rocking out of my seat, and some that left me wanting more. But Tom Cruise, as rocker Stacee Jaxx, was a revelation. And I generally dislike Cruise, so that’s saying something.
It wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t bad either. It was movie limbo. But it’s certainly not the stage show.
Prometheus
What’s it about?
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
What did we think?
In space no one can hear you scream but here on earth they’ll hear the Alien fanboys squeal with glee. It’s been 26 years since we had a quality instalment of the Aliens franchise and Ridley Scott’s suspenseful prequel delivers an intelligent and visually appealing piece that leaves both the heart and mind racing.
Obviously a lot of love went into writing and making it and although a few reveals will spark some controversy, they’re relatively minor in the face of a wonderful sci-fi spectacle.
STEW SAYS: Much like Blade Runner upon initial release, this is a film sure to be better understood and adored with the passage of time. Logic and character ‘flaws’ are all genre tropes and reviewers that don’t understand that don’t deserve to be reviewing.
Friends with Kids
What’s it about?
Two best friends decide to have a child together so they can avoid the emotional toll kids have on relationships.
What did we think?
Liz says: My love affair with Jennifer Westfeldt’s writing and directing continues. The dialogue is witty and honest, and anyone who can make the words “fuck the shit out of me” sound like the most romantic phrase you’ve ever heard is all right by me.
I wanted to give it 3.5 out of 5 but the damn online scoring system won’t let me.
What’s Popular
Paddington
What’s it about?
A young talking bear from darkest Peru is taken in by a slightly dysfunctional London family. Based on Michael Bond’s children books.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Enchanting and earnest, Paddington might be the finest children’s book film adaptation of all time. It will certainly become one of the great family films.
Paddington is a loveable and well-meaning scamp who delights and will entertain everyone regardless of age. You will love this bear whether you grew up reading the stories or not. But rest assured if you did you’ll see references to most of them that will warm the heart. Even adults will melt and they have the added bonus of the subtext on immigration hysteria. Nicole Kidman surprises with a perfect over-the-top villain and Peter Capaldi is brilliant in his brief role. Stop reading this review and go see it.
The Water Diviner
What’s it about?
A low level psychic (Russel Crowe) journeys from Australia to find the remains of his sons destroyed in the Great War. He finds the enchanted world of the former Ottoman Empire has been cut into pieces by the politics of men.
What did we think?
Dan says: I am not a fan of Rusty at all but the guy sure can act. The story that he pushes along is beautifully shot and a joy to behold. It paints the faceless enemy as exactly what they are, more of us. Proud, angry and frightened.
The film treats the delicate story of Gallipoli with a great deal of respect though the third act gets a little bit “Indiana Jonesy”. There are some CGI issues and Rusty’s “Batman voice” can be a tad grating but ultimately this is a measured and heart-warming film with something for everyone. (Except kids. It’s a bit gruesome in parts)
Exodus: Gods and Kings
What’s it about?
Egyptian prince Moses (Christian Bale) learns of his heritage with the enslaved Hebrews and leads them to rebel against his former brother, Pharoah Ramses II (Joel Edgerton).
What did we think?
Dominic Barlow says: Ridley Scott, director of Gladiator, attempts to bring both scope and realism to a dull myth that mostly happens outside the characters’ control, and unfortunately doesn’t do enough to change that. There are amazing sets and CGI galore, most appreciated when the plagues of hornets and red river-water sweep through Egypt, but the central conflict of the two brothers is flat and uninteresting. Everyone besides Bale either hams it up (Edgerton, Ben Mendelsohn as a mincing viceroy) or barely registers at all (Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver), making the film unsatisfying even at two-and-a-half hours.
Serena
What’s it about?
Serena (Jennifer Lawrence) is a beautiful but damaged women living in Depression-era South Carolina, swept up in a whirlwind romance by logging company owner George (Bradley Cooper). She will go to any lengths to protect her new-found life and happiness.
What did we think?
Alice Barbery says: It’s worth the price of admission just to watch Jennifer’s performance as Serena. This is a sensual film managing to manoeuvre through a complex plot with engaging style. All sins are paid for in this story and while the characters are flawed they remain sympathetic. In the end there are always consequences for actions, and these ensure audience is satisfied with all outcomes. You’ll leave feeling haunted by such an intimately shared depth of love, grief, desperation and ambition.
Editor's Choice
Paddington
What’s it about?
A young talking bear from darkest Peru is taken in by a slightly dysfunctional London family. Based on Michael Bond’s children books.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Enchanting and earnest, Paddington might be the finest children’s book film adaptation of all time. It will certainly become one of the great family films.
Paddington is a loveable and well-meaning scamp who delights and will entertain everyone regardless of age. You will love this bear whether you grew up reading the stories or not. But rest assured if you did you’ll see references to most of them that will warm the heart. Even adults will melt and they have the added bonus of the subtext on immigration hysteria. Nicole Kidman surprises with a perfect over-the-top villain and Peter Capaldi is brilliant in his brief role. Stop reading this review and go see it.
The Water Diviner
What’s it about?
A low level psychic (Russel Crowe) journeys from Australia to find the remains of his sons destroyed in the Great War. He finds the enchanted world of the former Ottoman Empire has been cut into pieces by the politics of men.
What did we think?
Dan says: I am not a fan of Rusty at all but the guy sure can act. The story that he pushes along is beautifully shot and a joy to behold. It paints the faceless enemy as exactly what they are, more of us. Proud, angry and frightened.
The film treats the delicate story of Gallipoli with a great deal of respect though the third act gets a little bit “Indiana Jonesy”. There are some CGI issues and Rusty’s “Batman voice” can be a tad grating but ultimately this is a measured and heart-warming film with something for everyone. (Except kids. It’s a bit gruesome in parts)
Exodus: Gods and Kings
What’s it about?
Egyptian prince Moses (Christian Bale) learns of his heritage with the enslaved Hebrews and leads them to rebel against his former brother, Pharoah Ramses II (Joel Edgerton).
What did we think?
Dominic Barlow says: Ridley Scott, director of Gladiator, attempts to bring both scope and realism to a dull myth that mostly happens outside the characters’ control, and unfortunately doesn’t do enough to change that. There are amazing sets and CGI galore, most appreciated when the plagues of hornets and red river-water sweep through Egypt, but the central conflict of the two brothers is flat and uninteresting. Everyone besides Bale either hams it up (Edgerton, Ben Mendelsohn as a mincing viceroy) or barely registers at all (Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver), making the film unsatisfying even at two-and-a-half hours.
Serena
What’s it about?
Serena (Jennifer Lawrence) is a beautiful but damaged women living in Depression-era South Carolina, swept up in a whirlwind romance by logging company owner George (Bradley Cooper). She will go to any lengths to protect her new-found life and happiness.
What did we think?
Alice Barbery says: It’s worth the price of admission just to watch Jennifer’s performance as Serena. This is a sensual film managing to manoeuvre through a complex plot with engaging style. All sins are paid for in this story and while the characters are flawed they remain sympathetic. In the end there are always consequences for actions, and these ensure audience is satisfied with all outcomes. You’ll leave feeling haunted by such an intimately shared depth of love, grief, desperation and ambition.