X-Men Apocalypse
What’s it about?
The X-Men must reunite to face a nearly immortal and super powerful mutant who plans to bring on the apocalypse.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: At one point one of the characters in the film comments that the third movie is never as good. It’s as if director Brian Singer was signalling his surrender. Certainly this instalment doesn’t fail because of it’s lack of ambition; it’s just that there’s very little new or even exciting. The same aspirational tone of Xavier having the same argument with grief-stricken Magneto? Check. Cameos for the fanboys? Check. Impressive fx? Check. Unveiling new fan favourites of the ensemble? Check (though we hardly explore them at all). A cliched story hinging on hoping for the better? Check.
It’s what it’s missing that lets it down. A coherent, flowing story for a start, and while movies don’t automatically need a twist this one sure needed something. The clever layers that set the previous movies in the franchise apart are well and truly missing.
Perhaps the expanding cast and easter egg nods to comic book fans will be enough for some but in my opinion this could be the apocalypse for the mutant franchise. To be fair there’s a degree of comic book movie fatigue around at the moment but it doesn’t change the fact this flick is simply not fresh or even very smart.
Green Room
What’s it about?
Teen angst, neo-nazis and punk rock. What could go wrong?
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: “Pretentious twaddle” was all I thought for the first half hour: a meandering tale following a punk band that’s rejected the internet because music is “in the now”. Then they get a paying gig. Character backstory is over. Now everyone is going to die by bite, blade or bullet cartridge.
Patrick Stewart is the creepiest neo-nazi you’re going to see in a long, long time.
The Boss
What’s It About?
When rich CEO and motivational speaker Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) goes down for insider trading, all her assets are frozen. She vows to get back on top, using a little girl’s brownie selling business to do it.
What Did We Think?
Elizabeth says: A diabolically awful movie, somewhat saved by the fact that Tyler Labine is so damn likeable and Melissa McCarthy is one fucking funny woman to watch.
Eddie The Eagle
What’s it about?
The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who had to overcome a biased system and a lack of talent before charming the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
What did we think?
Despite the abundance of cliches this movie is full of heart. Helped along by the charismatic Hugh Jackman and an incredible performance from Taron Egerton, Eddie The Eagle is that rare beast whose warmth and sheer entertainment value overcome the lack of charisma of the lead character. In fact, if it hadn’t been a true story you would dismiss it as unbelievable schmaltz. As it is you’ll find yourself both cringing and cheering for Britain’s most unathletic Olympic representative who reminded us that the Olympics is just as much about participation as it is about winning.
You’ll find your spirits soaring along with Eddie. Probably the feel-good flick of the year.
Allegiant Part 1
What’s it about?
The third instalment of the Divergent series sees our hero Tris escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them. Gods, I’m bored just writing that.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The first book/film was flawed but had enough interesting ideas to keep you engaged and wondering. Sadly by the third in this series it’s just incredibly tired and old. There’s nothing new or shocking in this predictable and two-dimensional story. There are quote a number of good action scenes but with a paper-thin plot not really holding it together? I’ll save my allegiance for movies with actual storylines.
Kung Fu Panda 3
What’s it about?
Po discovers not only his long-lost father but an entire village of pandas. In karmic payback he has to train the lazy and clumsy brethren for an upcoming battle.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Full of frenetic energy and colour, the third Kung Fu Panda instalment won’t disappoint the younger audience but adults will struggle with the fact that we’ve seen it all before. With no real character development since the first movie, KF3 is just the same characters doing the same things in a different setting with new action figures… I mean friends. Nothing inherently wrong but just feels a bit tired. Kids will love it though: Kung Fu Panda – now with more pandas!
What’s Popular
New Console Arrives
Add-in an optional excerpt to describe your review. Lorem Ipsum is the standard dummy text.
Paddington 2
What’s it about?
Aunt Lucy is turning 100 and Paddington has his eye on the perfect present: a meticulously beautiful pop-up book of London … but so has a thief with a taste for the theatrical.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: With the classic Paddington stories montaged out of the way in the first movie, a cohesive tale can now be told, making a much more enjoyable experience. So enjoyable, I can safely say that Paddington 2 is, paws down, the best movie of 2017.
“But it’s not a serious movie!” I hear the purists scream. Let me explain: it doesn’t have to be. The charm and happiness it creates from classic slapstick and a heart-warming narrative ensures it is hilarious, uplifting and utterly delightful.
All The Money In The World
What’s it about?
Despite having “all the money in the world”, JP Getty (Kevin Spacey Christopher Plummer) refuses to pay a ransom when his grandson is kidnapped.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: When editing someone out of a film and still insisting you can stick to your release date, you better make damn sure you do a good job of it. And what a job director Ridley Scott, Plummer and the cast have done, rallying to erase Spacey post #MeToo scandal. Plummer’s performance, shot in just 10 days, is masterful (and with a much larger part than I assumed). Controversy aside, Scott has created a film that remains gripping, even if you know the history behind this “based on true events” tale. I dare you to try and stop yourself muttering “you motherf–ker” every time the penny-pinching Getty sinks lower than you think he could possibly ever go.
Replacing Spacey was the best decision Scott ever made, as having someone with compromised moral character play this asshole would have been film-killing.
The Greatest Showman
What’s it about?
A flash look of the life of legendary showman and salesman PT Barnham told in the style of a larger-than-life musical (of course).
What did we think?
Visually sumptuous, The Greatest Showman embraces chasing dreams, love and acceptance and anyone with joy in their heart will be swept away.
A stellar cast put in incredible performances and the soundtrack is both truly stunning and catchy. Audiences unfamiliar with the musical device of having periods of time pass during songs may feel the story is rushed and light, but with so much to tell the choice is a strong – albeit unusual – one.
Similarly, the promotion of aspiration over historical narrative provides a feel-good story. It’s not perfect and certainly different but there’s just so much to love about this musical spectacular that it’s easy to overlook the flaws. It’s fitting that a film about Barnham is more style than substance. After all, sometimes the entertainment is more important than the art.
Editor's Choice
New Console Arrives
Add-in an optional excerpt to describe your review. Lorem Ipsum is the standard dummy text.
Paddington 2
What’s it about?
Aunt Lucy is turning 100 and Paddington has his eye on the perfect present: a meticulously beautiful pop-up book of London … but so has a thief with a taste for the theatrical.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: With the classic Paddington stories montaged out of the way in the first movie, a cohesive tale can now be told, making a much more enjoyable experience. So enjoyable, I can safely say that Paddington 2 is, paws down, the best movie of 2017.
“But it’s not a serious movie!” I hear the purists scream. Let me explain: it doesn’t have to be. The charm and happiness it creates from classic slapstick and a heart-warming narrative ensures it is hilarious, uplifting and utterly delightful.
All The Money In The World
What’s it about?
Despite having “all the money in the world”, JP Getty (Kevin Spacey Christopher Plummer) refuses to pay a ransom when his grandson is kidnapped.
What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: When editing someone out of a film and still insisting you can stick to your release date, you better make damn sure you do a good job of it. And what a job director Ridley Scott, Plummer and the cast have done, rallying to erase Spacey post #MeToo scandal. Plummer’s performance, shot in just 10 days, is masterful (and with a much larger part than I assumed). Controversy aside, Scott has created a film that remains gripping, even if you know the history behind this “based on true events” tale. I dare you to try and stop yourself muttering “you motherf–ker” every time the penny-pinching Getty sinks lower than you think he could possibly ever go.
Replacing Spacey was the best decision Scott ever made, as having someone with compromised moral character play this asshole would have been film-killing.
The Greatest Showman
What’s it about?
A flash look of the life of legendary showman and salesman PT Barnham told in the style of a larger-than-life musical (of course).
What did we think?
Visually sumptuous, The Greatest Showman embraces chasing dreams, love and acceptance and anyone with joy in their heart will be swept away.
A stellar cast put in incredible performances and the soundtrack is both truly stunning and catchy. Audiences unfamiliar with the musical device of having periods of time pass during songs may feel the story is rushed and light, but with so much to tell the choice is a strong – albeit unusual – one.
Similarly, the promotion of aspiration over historical narrative provides a feel-good story. It’s not perfect and certainly different but there’s just so much to love about this musical spectacular that it’s easy to overlook the flaws. It’s fitting that a film about Barnham is more style than substance. After all, sometimes the entertainment is more important than the art.