Zoolander 2
What’s it about?
After a devastating accident, soon after the conclusion of the last film, Derek Zoolander went into hiding from society. But when Billy Zane delivers an invitation for him to be in the biggest fashion show in the world, Zoolander decides to get his life back together, with a little help from his old friend, Hansel.
What did we think?
Francesca Percy says: The key to enjoying this film is to lower your expectations – it had little to no chance of matching the genius of the first film. It is, however, a nice homage. There are enough genuine laugh out loud moments to keep you engaged, some fun cameos and enough of a plot to tie it all together. But let’s all hope they don’t do Zoolander 3.
Deadpool
What’s it about?
A wise-cracking former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, leading him to adopt the alter ego Deadpool.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: For a non-family friendly movie, Deadpool is surprisingly gleeful. Sure yes, there’s lots of gruesome violence and full frontal nudity but the laughs are nearly non-stop. Fans of the comic Deadpool will love the irreverent and self-referential Wade Wilson who alternates between breaking the fourth wall and breaking faces in what could be the most faithful comic book adaptation yet.
It’s not a perfect film – for a character determined to subvert the paradigm the movie is surprisingly formulaic, there’s no love at all for the representation of Colossus and the talented Morena Baccarin morphs from a fascinating independent character to a damsel in distress – but the unrelenting humour and action more than compensates.
Make sure you pay attention from the very start and read every word of the opening credits.
Risen
What’s it about?
A body has been stolen from the morgue. Tribune Clavius is the hard-boiled Italian detective put on the case. A left-wing revolutionary faction is the prime suspect, but the truth will have Clavius questioning everything he ever knew about life … and the afterlife.
What did we think?
Dan says: Imagine Sergeant Smith from The Bill was cast back in time and tasked to find the disappeared body of Jesus Christ. A police procedural into one of the most unbelievable get-a-ways of all time. The tone of the film flip-flops as much as the accents, but Joseph Fiennes grounds it and keeps it on track.
Room
What’s it about?
Based on Emma Donoghue’s best-selling book, this is the story of a Joseph Fritzl-style kidnapping, with a 24-year-old (Brie Larson) trapped inside a pervert’s shed with the five-year-old son she conceived with her captor. We learn about the world of Room through a child’s eyes, and follow them as they make to escape.
What did we think?
Angela Young says: Donoghue’s book is an absolute corker (should have won the Booker in my not so humble opinion) and, thanks to her scripting of the film, this is a corker too. Jacob Tremblay is a dream as the adorable Jack, whose bond with the only person in his whole world, Ma, is palpable. Ambitiously covering a period beyond the book, this beautifully understated film (minus any Hollywood hyperbole and dramatic bullshit) nails it. Take some tissues and enjoy the ride as Jack and his Ma encounter the real world, with all the confusion and heartbreak that entails.
The Dark Knight Movie Review
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The Hateful Eight
A gritty and bloody western. but is three hours too long?
What’s Popular
Wonder
What’s it about?
A young boy born with facial genetic defects finally goes to a mainstream school where he and his family face a gamut of reaction.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Thankfully this wasn’t as tear-inducing as the trailer suggested though it does tug at the heart strings. Wonderfully this isn’t just about Auggie – the boy whose face inspires heartbreaking reactions. It focuses heavily on family and new friends and their actions and motivations. What could have been a semi-light feel-good flick actually becomes something much more with some interesting explorations of human reactions and the reasons behind it. The whys of how we treat each other are possibly even more important than the actual treatment.
This is a story younger people should be made to see.
Unfortunately an unnecessarily saccharine moment at the end threatens to sugarcoat things but it nonetheless remains a movie that will inspire thought and conversation about the very real failings and strengths of human beings.
iPhone Case Review
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iPad Pro 2 Review
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Murder On The Orient Express
What’s it about?
A murder on a train leaves thirteen suspects for a world-class detective to sift through.
What did we think?
Elise Donaldson says: While not a masterpiece, this remake of a classic is still a delightful concoction of drama, passion, intrigue, a splash of neurosis wrapped with a wicked wit.
The all-star cast is top-notch (particularly Johnny Depp as the sleazy crook Ratchett), the CGI effects are breathtaking, the costumes are perfectly styled as is detective Poirot’s amusing moustache. The comedic jabs between characters was an absolute pleasure (and the undoubted highlight). My only criticism would be the uninspiring music score which just didn’t add to the suspense. But the twists and interplay meant it never got boring. So if you’re after a lavish whodunit which will keep you guessing and will deliver a few surprising laughs along the way, then straighten your tie, align your eggs and get yourself a ticket on the Orient Express.
Editor's Choice
Wonder
What’s it about?
A young boy born with facial genetic defects finally goes to a mainstream school where he and his family face a gamut of reaction.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Thankfully this wasn’t as tear-inducing as the trailer suggested though it does tug at the heart strings. Wonderfully this isn’t just about Auggie – the boy whose face inspires heartbreaking reactions. It focuses heavily on family and new friends and their actions and motivations. What could have been a semi-light feel-good flick actually becomes something much more with some interesting explorations of human reactions and the reasons behind it. The whys of how we treat each other are possibly even more important than the actual treatment.
This is a story younger people should be made to see.
Unfortunately an unnecessarily saccharine moment at the end threatens to sugarcoat things but it nonetheless remains a movie that will inspire thought and conversation about the very real failings and strengths of human beings.
iPhone Case Review
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iPad Pro 2 Review
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Murder On The Orient Express
What’s it about?
A murder on a train leaves thirteen suspects for a world-class detective to sift through.
What did we think?
Elise Donaldson says: While not a masterpiece, this remake of a classic is still a delightful concoction of drama, passion, intrigue, a splash of neurosis wrapped with a wicked wit.
The all-star cast is top-notch (particularly Johnny Depp as the sleazy crook Ratchett), the CGI effects are breathtaking, the costumes are perfectly styled as is detective Poirot’s amusing moustache. The comedic jabs between characters was an absolute pleasure (and the undoubted highlight). My only criticism would be the uninspiring music score which just didn’t add to the suspense. But the twists and interplay meant it never got boring. So if you’re after a lavish whodunit which will keep you guessing and will deliver a few surprising laughs along the way, then straighten your tie, align your eggs and get yourself a ticket on the Orient Express.