The Amazing Spiderman
What’s it about?
Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father’s former partner.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: My dad summed it up with: “the only thing I got out of that movie was sore eyes from the glasses”.
The plot has more holes than a spiderweb, Peter isn’t as likeable as previous incarnations and it feels as if the director was chosen merely because his surname is Webb. Not even strong performances from Emma Stone, Martin Sheen and Sally Field can save a film that only teens unfamiliar with the character will like.
Katy Perry: Part Of Me
What’s it about?
It’s officially described as a documentary that chronicles Katy Perry’s life on and off-stage.
What did we think?
While I’m not sure it counts as a movie, this PR-based-image-piece-masquerading-as-a-documentary actually wasn’t too bad a watch.
It might be easy to bag but it’s really only meant for current fans and , most importantly, they will actually get a lot out of not only the behind-the-scenes stuff but the music and concert.
TED
What’s it about?
As the result of a childhood wish, John Bennett’s teddy bear, Ted, came to life and has been by John’s side ever since – a friendship that’s tested when Lori, John’s girlfriend of four years, wants more from their relationship.
What did we think?
Today we present a multiple choice review to reflect individual demographics.
If you like (tick all that apply):
[ ] The 80s
[ ] Family Guy
[ ] Political Incorrectness
[ ] Puerile humour
[ ] A little crudity
[ ] Flash Gordon
[ ] pop-culture references
[ ] a cute but foul-mouthed main character
0-1 ticks: Ted is not the movie you seek. Move along.
2-3 ticks: You’ll get a chuckle or two out of Ted but it might not be for you.
4-5 ticks: Ted is an enjoyable movie that provides both laughs and fuzzies (warm fuzzies that is).
6+ ticks: Ted is frickin’ hilarious.
Personally, as a geek-child of the 80s with a dislike for Political Correctness I roared with laughter throughout. There’s probably a bit too much 80s love for younger people but there’ll still be enough for most people to appreciate and enjoy.
The Three Stooges
What’s it about?
While trying to save their childhood orphanage, Moe, Larry, and Curly inadvertently stumble into a murder plot and wind up starring in a reality TV show.
What did we think?
I have never understood the appeal of slapstick and this puerile offering has only strengthened my distaste. With incredibly weak writing, infantile humour and extended Jersey Shore character appearances, what’s not to dislike?
Not even seeing Snooky being poked in the eye made it pleasurable. Indeed by the end of the film I felt as if I’d been poked myself.
Brave
What’s it about?
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Can she undo a beastly curse?
What did we think?
For a movie featuring archery, it’s ironic that Brave doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a little predictable and oddly two-dimensional – very strange for a PIXAR offering. The characters are rich, the scenery is stunning but the story just lacks depth and any lasting connection.
I’m not sure whether it’s because the movie has had so many problems with re-writes and re-workings or Disney interfered to make it a ‘safe’ movie, but Brave is a solid movie without the usual PIXAR magic.
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.
What’s Popular
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.
The Imitation Game
What’s it about?
The true story of how mathematics won the second World War. A socially inept mathematical genius called Alan Turing is employed by a government agency to break the German cryptographic systems.
What we thought
Dan says: This is the story of one of the greatest of human achievements. Along with Babbage and Lovelace, Turing is one of the parents of the modern age. While the dramatisations sometimes inch into the realm of misinformation any man, woman and child whose life benefits from the invention of the computer owes it to themselves to watch this exciting story.
If they don’t owe it to themselves, they at least owe it to Alan Turing.
Oh god, I can’t stop crying.
Editor's Choice
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.
The Imitation Game
What’s it about?
The true story of how mathematics won the second World War. A socially inept mathematical genius called Alan Turing is employed by a government agency to break the German cryptographic systems.
What we thought
Dan says: This is the story of one of the greatest of human achievements. Along with Babbage and Lovelace, Turing is one of the parents of the modern age. While the dramatisations sometimes inch into the realm of misinformation any man, woman and child whose life benefits from the invention of the computer owes it to themselves to watch this exciting story.
If they don’t owe it to themselves, they at least owe it to Alan Turing.
Oh god, I can’t stop crying.