The Jungle Book

What’s it about?
An orphaned child is raised in the jungle by animals but not all have a fondness for him and in the face of a threat from a savage tiger, Mowgli is to be returned to the man village.

What did we think?
The second of Disney’s live-action remakes of classic cartoons, The Jungle Book is surprisingly true to the original. It’s got extra grit and is less childish but manages to recreate the charm that will put a smile on your face regardless of your age. There are a few scary moments for the younger audience members but they are thankfully brief and easily forgotten in the face of impressive effects and performances, most notably the show-stealing Baloo voiced by Bill Murray. Neel Sethi is impressive as Mowgli especially considering he didn’t share a scene with a human the entire movie. Genuine fun for the entire family. 

Brand New Testament

What’s it about?
God is real. And living in Brussels. And he’s a bit of a dick. So his ten-year-old daughter moves out into the real world where she follows in the footsteps of her older brother (JC) and seeks out some apostles.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: This quirky and somewhat blasphemous Belgian-French movie is a dark little comedy that playfully dances around a lot of questions without answering many and that only adds to its appeal. It’s a lesson Hollywood could learn. The endearing star is balanced out against a range of characters in the randomly chosen apostles each with their own unusual subplot. You’re never quite sure where the stories are going but it’s such a fun irreverent journey you reallydon’t care: you’re just enjoying the ride. The casual – and accepted – surrealism only adds to the odd theme and sense of mirth. If you like the sound of the plot, you’ll enjoy the pic.

Zootopia

What’s it about?
The modern metropolis of Zootopia is a city where animals of all kinds coexist in peace and harmony. A young rabbit realises her dream of becoming the first bunny on the police force but has to battle judgement and stereotyping all while trying to solve a missing person’s case. She enlists (forcibly) the aid of a con artist fox and the natural enemies are pushed closer and closer together.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Zootopia is simply a delight. From the incredible animation which showcases not only an intricate city of wondrous detail but also entire worlds of imagination. All held together by an engaging and clever story. Yes it’s predictable – hey it’s still a kids’ movie – but there’s enough for adults to get lost in as well. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman are outstanding as the rabbit and fox detective duo which touches on politics and race tensions in a very subtle manner. Just great hearty fun.

 

Eye in the Sky

What’s it about:
A drone-led terrorist capture mission in Kenya takes an unexpected turn, throwing up an intriguing ethical dilemma for all those involved. In one of his last roles, Alan Rickman plays a typically cynical general, with Captain Phillips’ Barked Abdi in a pivotal on-the-ground role.

What did we think: 
Angela Young says: This extraordinarily-gripping thriller keeps you guessing and mulling all the way, as you see through the eyes of the frankly bizarre world of modern remote warfare, tiny beetle drones and all. Superb performances from a global cast and an excellent script combine to make this a winner that’ll leave your cogs turning long after you leave the cinema.

It’s got Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman in it. That should tell you all you need to know.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

What’s it about?
Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and the rest of the cast of 2002’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding return for a sequel involving (who’d have thought?) ANOTHER big fat Greek wedding.

What did we think?
Amy Currie says: This film is basically a montage of the entire cast running from one event to another in a very wacky panic. They wave their arms around a lot and pull faces. Man, what a bunch of characters! Family, am I right? Oh, boy.

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice

What’s it about?
Ideologies clash as the world’s only two public superheroes come to words then blows. But is there more afoot?

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: At the end of the day you go to this movie to watch the two SuperFriends fight and/or to see Wonder Woman finally debut on the big screen. You will not be disappointed on either count. It just takes a while to get there.

For a long movie there’s not as much action as you’d expect but once it finally arrives it’s well worth the wait. The first half of the film suffers from a heck of lot of sub-plots, exposition and lingering shots of Superman as a messianic figure. The conflicting ideas of Superman being above the law, an alien and a hero to all are reasonably well explored and exploited even if Jessie Esienberg’s xenophobic Lex Luthor is more psychotic Joker than measured intellect. Affleck does well as an older, jaded Batman though his propensity to use guns and kill people sits oddly, while Gal Gadot would have stolen the show if she’d been used more.

DC is obviously playing movie catch up and trying to pack so much set-up into the front half of this film detracts from what should have been a quality gritty superhero film that lacked the whimsical one-liners of the Marvel universe.  Still it was enjoyable and ends with the promise of so much more. Avoid spoilers and see it early.

What’s Popular

Downsizing

What’s it about?
A couple decide to embrace mankind’s newest invention to combat overpopulation – a shrinking process that will see them not only become small but insanely rich.

What did we think?
The producers and marketers of this film should be locked up for fraud. The trailer was fresh, original, entertaining and exciting: exactly everything the film is not. In actuality, it is a depressing story that meanders morbidly around while wasting its truly talented cast. The second half of the movie doesn’t even utilise the whole shrinking premise; it’s wasted beyond some early laughs.

 

 

 

 

Coco

What’s it about?
A boy growing up in a family who hate music, dreams of becoming a musician. On the day of the dead he decides to pursue his dream with unforeseen consequences.

What did we think?
PIXAR’s ability to manipulate our emotions continues unfettered with a delightful tale that will bring a lump to the throat and maybe even tears to the eye. At its heart COCO is a tale about family and you’d have to be devoid of emotion to not get swept away during this journey of exploration. The characters are rich, the humour sly and the music wonderful.

It does focus on dead family members – indeed our hero spends most of the movie visiting the land of the dead where he interacts with ancestors he annually honours and therefore knows. As such younger audience members may have questions about dying but its handled subtly and tastefully.

Intelligent and full of heart, COCO is a must-see for anyone who loves family, music or the genre.

 

 

 

 

Pitch Perfect 3

What’s it about?

The now-separated Bellas reunite to perform one last show for the troops which results in a montage-y European adventure, cartoonish espionage and lots of Rebel Wilson being Rebel Wilson.

What did we think?

Elizabeth Best says: The poster says “Last Call, Pitches” but the Bellas probably should have gone home a few rounds ago judging by this over-the-top, silly sequel. Like a night out that’s lasted a bit too long, there are some funny moments but really it just feels unnecessary. Never stick around til the bar closes.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

What’s it about?
Jedi – Sith / Rebellion – Empire / Resistance – First Order / Good – Evil / Vader – Luke / Rey – Kylo … everything is black and white, right?

Not anymore. Not when “The First Order Strikes Back” and the final trilogy in the Skywalker saga hits the darker, middle episode.

What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: Sure there’s some darker material here (dark for a family movie) but there’s also comedy (a little too jovial for my taste, but it’s aimed at a younger audience), with the added bonus of some terrific social commentary on capitalism and war profiteering to make the kids think about how the world works.

Where The Last Jedi improves on Episode VII is that it’s captured the original movie’s soul: a super-fun, high-octane fantasy space opera with effects to make your jaw drop, heart-pumping action sequences, and a couple of tear-jerking moments.

The kids are dysfunctional and jaded about the universe and their place in it, the parents bicker and try to find meaning, while the passionate go to extremes.

It’s classic Star Wars and bodes well for the Rian trilogy recently greenlit by Disney.

Editor's Choice

Downsizing

What’s it about?
A couple decide to embrace mankind’s newest invention to combat overpopulation – a shrinking process that will see them not only become small but insanely rich.

What did we think?
The producers and marketers of this film should be locked up for fraud. The trailer was fresh, original, entertaining and exciting: exactly everything the film is not. In actuality, it is a depressing story that meanders morbidly around while wasting its truly talented cast. The second half of the movie doesn’t even utilise the whole shrinking premise; it’s wasted beyond some early laughs.

 

 

 

 

Coco

What’s it about?
A boy growing up in a family who hate music, dreams of becoming a musician. On the day of the dead he decides to pursue his dream with unforeseen consequences.

What did we think?
PIXAR’s ability to manipulate our emotions continues unfettered with a delightful tale that will bring a lump to the throat and maybe even tears to the eye. At its heart COCO is a tale about family and you’d have to be devoid of emotion to not get swept away during this journey of exploration. The characters are rich, the humour sly and the music wonderful.

It does focus on dead family members – indeed our hero spends most of the movie visiting the land of the dead where he interacts with ancestors he annually honours and therefore knows. As such younger audience members may have questions about dying but its handled subtly and tastefully.

Intelligent and full of heart, COCO is a must-see for anyone who loves family, music or the genre.

 

 

 

 

Pitch Perfect 3

What’s it about?

The now-separated Bellas reunite to perform one last show for the troops which results in a montage-y European adventure, cartoonish espionage and lots of Rebel Wilson being Rebel Wilson.

What did we think?

Elizabeth Best says: The poster says “Last Call, Pitches” but the Bellas probably should have gone home a few rounds ago judging by this over-the-top, silly sequel. Like a night out that’s lasted a bit too long, there are some funny moments but really it just feels unnecessary. Never stick around til the bar closes.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

What’s it about?
Jedi – Sith / Rebellion – Empire / Resistance – First Order / Good – Evil / Vader – Luke / Rey – Kylo … everything is black and white, right?

Not anymore. Not when “The First Order Strikes Back” and the final trilogy in the Skywalker saga hits the darker, middle episode.

What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: Sure there’s some darker material here (dark for a family movie) but there’s also comedy (a little too jovial for my taste, but it’s aimed at a younger audience), with the added bonus of some terrific social commentary on capitalism and war profiteering to make the kids think about how the world works.

Where The Last Jedi improves on Episode VII is that it’s captured the original movie’s soul: a super-fun, high-octane fantasy space opera with effects to make your jaw drop, heart-pumping action sequences, and a couple of tear-jerking moments.

The kids are dysfunctional and jaded about the universe and their place in it, the parents bicker and try to find meaning, while the passionate go to extremes.

It’s classic Star Wars and bodes well for the Rian trilogy recently greenlit by Disney.

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