Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
What’s it about?
Alexander has more terrible days than most, especially compared to the rest of his ‘perfect’ family. Wishing on his birthday that they could experience the sort of day that he normally has, Liar Liar-style, they do.
What did we think?
Rob O’Connor says: Surprisingly amusing! This live-action Disney family film is loosely based on a popular children’s book, so our expectations were low – happily they were exceeded. While so many of these films feature idiot parents, bratty kids and a story aimed at selling Happy Meals, Alexander avoids all that, delivering a nice message about families sticking together.
The jokes were well spread over our posse (9yo, 13yo and parents) and there were enough quality laughs for all for a pass mark. The cast, which include Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner, are dependable but not stretched. The film is good, single-view, inoffensive, forgettable family fun for 7 year olds and up. That’s definitely better than most films in this genre.
Let’s Be Cops
What’s it about?
Two friends dress up as policeman and get carried away when they get mistaken for the real thing.
What did we think?
What do you get when you have a cop movie without cops? This. With a simple premise, Let’s Be Cops is really a one-joke wonder trading off the popularity of TV’s New Girl. And for fans of the show that’s probably gong to be enough. Nick and Coach…. er… I mean Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans are likable (and rather similar to their small screen characters) but there’s just not enough in the script for anyone.
For non-New Girl fans, the first half of the movie is sort of okay but it just runs out of direction and laughs. After awhile it feels like you’re the one doing time. Don’t do the crime kids.
The Drop
What it’s about?
Set in the working-class streets of Brooklyn, Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) is an unassuming bartender working at his cousin’s bar that operates as a “drop” taking illegal cash deposits from the Mafia.
What do we think?
Andrew Stewart says: This is a movie that builds slowly, storing small pieces of intense energy away until the pressure gets too much and it explodes all over the screen in the most satisfying way. The ending is gripping and is a fitting crescendo to the complex character development carefully crafted throughout. Both Hardy and the late James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) make this mobster thriller worth seeing.
The Mule
What’s it about?
In 1983, a meek Australian footballer (Angus Sampson) is detained by local law enforcement for seven days, until he passes the heroin he is smuggling in his stomach.
What did we think?
Dominic Barlow says: For the first 45 minutes, the film is a dark comedy with a hapless, loveable hero under serious pressure. After that, things go from strangely funny to just strange, because we spend roughly as much time in the affairs of the no-good cops and crooks around him. There’s some nice period touches, with high-panted outfits and TVs tuned to the America’s Cup, to create a muddy feel of middle-class Australia. It’s also stacked with fine performances from the likes of Hugo Weaving, John Noble and Noni Hazelhurst. On the whole, though, it’s a grubby crime caper that doesn’t have much humour, and not much intrigue either.
Interstellar
What’s it about?
With humanity facing a ticking clock on earth, a band of scientists launch a mission to space to find a way to expand into the universe.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: During Interstellar I occasionally found myself reminded of the strong emotional impact that 2001: A Space Odyssey had on me as a child which was wonderful. It took me awhile (luckily we had almost three hours) to realise that while it was emotive it was actually a little light on substance. Sure there are some interesting themes and thought provoking concepts (despite some highly theoretical science) but Interstellar’s greatest failing is its obvious US target demographic.
With WAY too much exposition and Nolan’s inexplicable and incessant need to wrap every little end up neatly, what starts out as a majestic movie capturing both the wonder and terror of being in space sadly finishes feeling like a cliched film from just about any genre. Is it good? Yes. Are the effects impressive? Hell yes. Will you enjoy it? Probably. Will you rush out to see it a second time? Doubtful.
Love Rosie
What’s it about?
Rosie and Alex have been best friends since they were 5, so they couldn’t possibly be right for one another…or could they? When it comes to love, life and making the right choices, these two are their own worst enemies.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Tender, earnest and sweet, Love Rosie is proof that when it comes to romantic comedies the UK always do it so much better. Even though it’s hardly perfect it still manages to portray more humanity than the average Hollywood formula. Love Rosie’s strength is not the predictable destination but of the almost whimsical journey it takes to get there.
Sam Clafin will inevitably be compared to Hugh Grant (he has many of the mannerisms down pat) but his chemistry with the talented Lily Collins only adds an extra later to a film that true romantics will not be able to get enough of. It certainly has some weaknesses but the characters and pacing gloss over the cracks and you’ll find your heartstrings tugged regardless.
What’s Popular
Trainspotting 2
What’s it about?
Twenty years after Mark Renton stole the stash of cash from his friends, he returns home but exactly what awaits him?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’s easy to argue this cult classic didn’t need a sequel but it’s a surprising relief that this follow up stays true to the characters and story. Not as dark as the original, Trainspotting 2 goes for a bit more humour and focuses more on the quirky relationships between the dysfunctional group. Good characterisation, entertaining and faithful stories and quality homage references will leave any fan of the original content though it’s probably unlikely to be a classic itself. Director Danny Boyle uses an impressive soundtrack featuring Iggy Pop, Blondie, Queen, Run DMC and jarring, almost experimental, camera angles to highlight the emotion and anguish particularly of Ewan Bremner’s Spud who almost steals the show during his withdrawal periods. Wonderful to see Ewan McGregor, Johnny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle on the big screen together again as Boyle slyly and ironically explores nostalgia in a light that is anything but flattering.
The Great Wall
What’s it about?
European mercenaries make their way to the Orient in search of the super weapon ‘black powder’. They discover a powerful army with just one purpose: defending the world against monsters. But are the true monsters… us?
No. It’s quite obviously the giant green lizard things.
What did we think?
Dan says: This is a film about ideas. The story is pretty average and the character motivations are thin on the ground. The film jumps from design idea to illustration idea and every time it’s dazzling. It’s a bit like flipping through the sketch book of that art geek from high school who would shyly tell you what she’d do if she had access to funding. Well someone got access to funding. They don’t know how to write dialogue but their visual story-telling is epic.
Hidden Figures
What’s it about?
1960’s America was a vortex of social upheaval: apartheid (segregation) was rampant; women’s equality was unimaginable; the space race was nuclear hot; and national pride, if not survival, was at stake. Against all odds, three genii stepped out from the shadows to help NASA realise an impossible dream. Three genii who happened to be black women.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: This movie should be compulsory viewing for every man, woman and child. Equality is something many pay lip service to (even today), and while other Oscar-nominated movies show the ugly face of racism via a negative tirade, Hidden Figures lifts you up with a heart-warming, truly accessible story of the little person overcoming insurmountable odds. Inspiring and hopeful.
Incidentally, I never thought I’d see the day where I’d cry watching a man smash a toilet sign off a wall with a crowbar.
Fences
What’s it about?
Life as a black man in 50’s America was hard – you had to fight for every ounce of respect. You are constantly reminded of this by Troy, garbage man and would’ve-been baseball legend (if he had’ve been white).
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: Adapted from an award winning play, Fences reminds us that before TV enslaved us, people talked to each other for entertainment. They talked & they talked & they talked & they talked. And they talked really fast. They talked about mundane things. About important things. About daily grind. About judgement. About being a black man in a white world. Really fast. A lot.
Talking fast makes Shakespeare natural sounding (a basic rule for theatre productions), and Fences feels like they filmed a theatre show then CGI’ed realistic backgrounds in to make it a movie. It’s blocky. It’s talky. It’s a play made into a film. It’s a beautifully made play made into a film with exceptional acting. But it focuses on style rather than the story. Almost as if it was made to get people nominated for award shows.
Editor's Choice
Trainspotting 2
What’s it about?
Twenty years after Mark Renton stole the stash of cash from his friends, he returns home but exactly what awaits him?
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’s easy to argue this cult classic didn’t need a sequel but it’s a surprising relief that this follow up stays true to the characters and story. Not as dark as the original, Trainspotting 2 goes for a bit more humour and focuses more on the quirky relationships between the dysfunctional group. Good characterisation, entertaining and faithful stories and quality homage references will leave any fan of the original content though it’s probably unlikely to be a classic itself. Director Danny Boyle uses an impressive soundtrack featuring Iggy Pop, Blondie, Queen, Run DMC and jarring, almost experimental, camera angles to highlight the emotion and anguish particularly of Ewan Bremner’s Spud who almost steals the show during his withdrawal periods. Wonderful to see Ewan McGregor, Johnny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle on the big screen together again as Boyle slyly and ironically explores nostalgia in a light that is anything but flattering.
The Great Wall
What’s it about?
European mercenaries make their way to the Orient in search of the super weapon ‘black powder’. They discover a powerful army with just one purpose: defending the world against monsters. But are the true monsters… us?
No. It’s quite obviously the giant green lizard things.
What did we think?
Dan says: This is a film about ideas. The story is pretty average and the character motivations are thin on the ground. The film jumps from design idea to illustration idea and every time it’s dazzling. It’s a bit like flipping through the sketch book of that art geek from high school who would shyly tell you what she’d do if she had access to funding. Well someone got access to funding. They don’t know how to write dialogue but their visual story-telling is epic.
Hidden Figures
What’s it about?
1960’s America was a vortex of social upheaval: apartheid (segregation) was rampant; women’s equality was unimaginable; the space race was nuclear hot; and national pride, if not survival, was at stake. Against all odds, three genii stepped out from the shadows to help NASA realise an impossible dream. Three genii who happened to be black women.
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: This movie should be compulsory viewing for every man, woman and child. Equality is something many pay lip service to (even today), and while other Oscar-nominated movies show the ugly face of racism via a negative tirade, Hidden Figures lifts you up with a heart-warming, truly accessible story of the little person overcoming insurmountable odds. Inspiring and hopeful.
Incidentally, I never thought I’d see the day where I’d cry watching a man smash a toilet sign off a wall with a crowbar.
Fences
What’s it about?
Life as a black man in 50’s America was hard – you had to fight for every ounce of respect. You are constantly reminded of this by Troy, garbage man and would’ve-been baseball legend (if he had’ve been white).
What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: Adapted from an award winning play, Fences reminds us that before TV enslaved us, people talked to each other for entertainment. They talked & they talked & they talked & they talked. And they talked really fast. They talked about mundane things. About important things. About daily grind. About judgement. About being a black man in a white world. Really fast. A lot.
Talking fast makes Shakespeare natural sounding (a basic rule for theatre productions), and Fences feels like they filmed a theatre show then CGI’ed realistic backgrounds in to make it a movie. It’s blocky. It’s talky. It’s a play made into a film. It’s a beautifully made play made into a film with exceptional acting. But it focuses on style rather than the story. Almost as if it was made to get people nominated for award shows.