Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
What’s it about?
A nine-year-old amateur inventor, Francophile, and pacifist searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
What did we think?
An example of Hollywood greenlighting a concept without caring if the actual writing and details are any good. They were obviously banking on the star power and emotion to attract rather than specifics and quality. Don’t bother.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (US)
What’s it about?
A journalist is hired by a wealthy magnate to solve his niece’s murder 36 years prior.
What did we think?
Stew says: After the great Swedish film, an english remake of this material is largely redundant for those who can read. However a superb cast, atmosphere and visuals by one of the finest directors currently working make this one of the best english remakes I’ve seen. A darker and moodier take on this cult book. Definitely worth a look.
Sherlock Holmes 2
Full title: Sherlock Holmes: The Game Of Shadows
What’s it about?
Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces once more in an attempt to bring down their fiercest adversary, the genius Professor Moriarty.
What did we think?
Anthony says: This largely irreverent film pays little respect to the original literary piece. Instead of a deep, complex psychological web, we get served up stunts and fight scenes aimed to appeal to the masses with little respect to the original character. In other words, it’s quite similar to the first one of this modern movie franchise. Not bad but it’s unlikely you’ll want to watch it a second time. For me? Meh.
Moneyball
What’s it about?
A baseball general manager who, faced with budgetary constraints, turns to a new statistical model of recruiting rather than the traditional scouting methods. Can he compete with the super-rich clubs on a shoe-string budget?
What did we think?
Moneyball is a enthralling baseball movie that’s barely about baseball. It’s an incredible true story of challenging the establishment and tradition and Brad Pitt (who bears an eery resemblance to Robert Redford here) is amazing. Wonderfully scripted (Aaron Sorkin) and acted, this is one of the movies of the year!
Immortals
What’s it about?
A ruthless King leads a giant army across the lands to release the mythical Titans from their bonds so they can destroy the gods. A mortal mentored by Zeus himself is the god’s and mankind’s last hope.
What did we think?
Not even nice special effects can save this bastardisation of greek mythology. The poor quality storyline fails to engage and it’s hard to care too much about most of the characters. If you just want a series of fight scenes interspersed with some cliched writing then this is fine. If you prefer quality storytelling with your mythology then look elsewhere.
In Time
What’s it about?
Imagine a society where no one ages beyond 25, except for those rich enough to buy time. Add a rebel from the ghetto who is falsely accused of murdering a wealthy man for his time, and goes on the run with a beautiful hostage.
What did we think?
Anthony says: Fascinating premise that starts well but trails off until an ending that defies logic and economic reality. Lots of eye candy and, depending on your friends, it may invoke some interesting discussions on financial and social disparity but it somehow disappoints.
What’s Popular
Fury
What’s it about?
It’s April 1945 in Germany and Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier leads his crew and tank (named Fury) behind enemy lines. Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman) a clerk who’s been in the army eight weeks is assigned to Fury as their assistant driver as they move through Germany protecting key Allied strongholds.
What did we think?
Casey says: Graphic, confronting, revolting, and touching all at the same time, Fury shows the worst and the best of the people thrust unwillingly into war. I started watching this thinking it would be entertainment – a touching story of good triumphing over evil… with cool explosions. Instead I left the cinema thinking about what war has the capacity to do to people… aaaaaand marveling at the awesome explosions and disappearing heads.
Kill The Messenger
What’s it about?
Jeremy Renner stars in the true story of a journalist who stumbled into the shady world of the CIA’s drug dealings in Venezuela during the Cold War. Investigating the story could be the opportunity of a lifetime but it risks cutting that lifetime short.
What did we think?
Dan says: This true story tells the horrifying reality of the grey areas in which the CIA has dealt in the past. For a film with such a shocking story to tell it seems to struggle to capture that tone. It feels like a shorter story stretched thin and long. Like drinking two big glasses of lite milk instead of one of full cream, I was getting all the goodness of the contents but it never seemed satisfying and by the end I was feeling decidedly bloated.
Before I Go To Sleep
What’s it about?
Christine (Nicole Kidman) suffers from Guy Pearce syndrome a condition that results in her memory being erased whenever she sleeps. Whom can she trust when she can’t trust herself?
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: It’s Memento: Suburban Edition! Before I Go To Sleep is both a well-paced whodunnit and a sensitive depiction of living with severe illness. A few ridiculous bits of exposition are tempered by top-notch performances, especially by Colin Firth and a few genuinely nifty twists. For a film about memory loss, it’s pretty memorable. Sadly, even at a cracking 97 minutes, it’s still 10 minutes too long. When will writers learn that loose ends don’t all need to be bloody tied up?
The Judge
What’s it about?
Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The first half of this movie is an overwhelming collection of cliches and stereotypes and it’s only the amazing performances of the truly impressive cast that keeps you on the hook. But somehow the second half of the movie actually manages to go a bit deeper, interspersing enough humour and pathos to leave you with a surprisingly satisfying ending.
Editor's Choice
Fury
What’s it about?
It’s April 1945 in Germany and Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier leads his crew and tank (named Fury) behind enemy lines. Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman) a clerk who’s been in the army eight weeks is assigned to Fury as their assistant driver as they move through Germany protecting key Allied strongholds.
What did we think?
Casey says: Graphic, confronting, revolting, and touching all at the same time, Fury shows the worst and the best of the people thrust unwillingly into war. I started watching this thinking it would be entertainment – a touching story of good triumphing over evil… with cool explosions. Instead I left the cinema thinking about what war has the capacity to do to people… aaaaaand marveling at the awesome explosions and disappearing heads.
Kill The Messenger
What’s it about?
Jeremy Renner stars in the true story of a journalist who stumbled into the shady world of the CIA’s drug dealings in Venezuela during the Cold War. Investigating the story could be the opportunity of a lifetime but it risks cutting that lifetime short.
What did we think?
Dan says: This true story tells the horrifying reality of the grey areas in which the CIA has dealt in the past. For a film with such a shocking story to tell it seems to struggle to capture that tone. It feels like a shorter story stretched thin and long. Like drinking two big glasses of lite milk instead of one of full cream, I was getting all the goodness of the contents but it never seemed satisfying and by the end I was feeling decidedly bloated.
Before I Go To Sleep
What’s it about?
Christine (Nicole Kidman) suffers from Guy Pearce syndrome a condition that results in her memory being erased whenever she sleeps. Whom can she trust when she can’t trust herself?
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: It’s Memento: Suburban Edition! Before I Go To Sleep is both a well-paced whodunnit and a sensitive depiction of living with severe illness. A few ridiculous bits of exposition are tempered by top-notch performances, especially by Colin Firth and a few genuinely nifty twists. For a film about memory loss, it’s pretty memorable. Sadly, even at a cracking 97 minutes, it’s still 10 minutes too long. When will writers learn that loose ends don’t all need to be bloody tied up?
The Judge
What’s it about?
Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The first half of this movie is an overwhelming collection of cliches and stereotypes and it’s only the amazing performances of the truly impressive cast that keeps you on the hook. But somehow the second half of the movie actually manages to go a bit deeper, interspersing enough humour and pathos to leave you with a surprisingly satisfying ending.