The Hundred-Foot Journey
What’s it about?
Forced to flee their homeland, an Indian family moves to France with the hope of educating the locals on their traditional cuisine. The owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant a mere hundred feet across the road (Helen Miren) isn’t too happy.
What did we think?
Elizabeth says: Forget chicken soup for the soul: this is chicken tikka. A tome on cross-cultural tolerance and acceptance as well as being a feast for the eyes, this is a food lover’s paradise. Gorgeously shot, the tale of gastronomic whiz kid Hasan will linger on the palate after the meal is over… if you like that sort of thing. If not, it could be a little too sweet for you.
Guardians Of The Galaxy
What’s it about?
A thief, assassin, prisoner and a pair of bounty hunters form a bunch of misfits and attract the attention of an intergalactic terrorist.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Guardians of the Galaxy doesn’t take itself too seriously so neither should you. More comedy than sci-fi, it is little more than a fun romp with cool fight scenes. Despite the lack of true gravitas, the only real criticism I can offer (and it’s a minor quibble) is that the characters all compete for the cool witty one-liners and the lack of a real straight man (or woman, racoon or tree) probably dilutes the overall impression. Still it was highly entertaining and I’m already planning a second viewing.
It’s really a 3.5 star movie that scored extra points for great music and one of the most bizarre and unexpected cameos in the post-credits bonus scene. But it’s just soooo much fun.
Hector and the search for happiness
Simon Pegg! But if you’re expecting a clever comedy then look again. This looks like an intelligent commentary on life philosophies. Awesome.
Deliver Us from Evil
What’s it about?
A New York police officer (Eric Bana) investigates a series of crimes joining forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rites of exorcism, to combat weird occurrences.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt: An interesting thriller that turned out to be less horror and more of a gritty detective piece with supernatural themes. Slightly discordant pacing actually added to the atmosphere and kept you on your toes. Director Scott Derrickson teases the story out well never quite giving you everything you want and the attention he draws to victims gives it a pathos not often seen in this genre.
The dark gritty feel of the city is always evident and the shadowy promise of evil lurking ever present. A better than average flick that true horror fans will appreciate.
Final Girl
<3 Abigail Breslin
Expendables 3
You want some good mindless action fun? Well it’s hard to go past the Expendables franchise. And number three looks just as much fun! Who are they adding this time? Antonio Banderas and Harrison Ford for starters. Throw in Mel Gibson and we can almost overlook Bruce Willis’ absence.
This looks rollicking.
What’s Popular
Arrival
What’s it about?
Aliens make contact with earth and Amy Adams is the only person who can speak their language
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: An incredibly tense and engrossing film, Arrival subverts the traditional sci-fi blockbuster with a gorgeous mix of cinematography, direction, and really solid narrative. Add Amy Adams’ absolutely stunning performance and you have one of the best movies of 2016.
Nocturnal Animals
What’s it about?
An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.
What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: My high expectations for Tom Ford’s second foray into feature films were not disappointed – this stunning thriller creates a world that is both brutal and visually beautiful, telling a story within a story that you won’t expect, and having you on the edge of your seat right to the last frame. An unsettling, violent and stylish film with emotional, powerhouse performances.
Doctor Strange
What’s it about?
A former surgeon with damaged handsnamed Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor co-star in this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A highly polished affair featuring possibly the most impressive visual effects we’ve seen in the MCU so far, Dr Strange ticks most of the boxes. The performances are top shelf, the often difficult transition of magic onto the big screen is well-handled and Marvel’s penchant for ever-present humour is of course still on show. The storyline is a bit too simplistic for my taste but that’s the danger of an origin story combined with a need to dumb down complex concepts. Still, Doctor Strange is a worthy addition to the ever burgeoning MCU and will entertain for a few hours.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
What’s it about?
Tom Cruise returns as Lee Child’s enigmatic action hero. In an action movie. With lots of action.
What did we think?
The second Jack Reacher film is a slick affair with quality production, scenes and acting. It’s hard to fault specifically but its largely by-the-numbers feel leaves little impression beyond the moment. Adding emotional constipation to an action hero is hardly a huge step but Cruise handles it well while Cobie Smulders basically reprises her SHIELD role and does a good job. Youngster Danika Yarosh also entertains but the pieces somehow just don’t come together.
To be fair it’s a fun action movie that will pass the time and popcorn, but despite the polish this film just doesn’t Reach (see what I did there?) great heights.
Editor's Choice
Arrival
What’s it about?
Aliens make contact with earth and Amy Adams is the only person who can speak their language
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: An incredibly tense and engrossing film, Arrival subverts the traditional sci-fi blockbuster with a gorgeous mix of cinematography, direction, and really solid narrative. Add Amy Adams’ absolutely stunning performance and you have one of the best movies of 2016.
Nocturnal Animals
What’s it about?
An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.
What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: My high expectations for Tom Ford’s second foray into feature films were not disappointed – this stunning thriller creates a world that is both brutal and visually beautiful, telling a story within a story that you won’t expect, and having you on the edge of your seat right to the last frame. An unsettling, violent and stylish film with emotional, powerhouse performances.
Doctor Strange
What’s it about?
A former surgeon with damaged handsnamed Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor co-star in this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A highly polished affair featuring possibly the most impressive visual effects we’ve seen in the MCU so far, Dr Strange ticks most of the boxes. The performances are top shelf, the often difficult transition of magic onto the big screen is well-handled and Marvel’s penchant for ever-present humour is of course still on show. The storyline is a bit too simplistic for my taste but that’s the danger of an origin story combined with a need to dumb down complex concepts. Still, Doctor Strange is a worthy addition to the ever burgeoning MCU and will entertain for a few hours.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
What’s it about?
Tom Cruise returns as Lee Child’s enigmatic action hero. In an action movie. With lots of action.
What did we think?
The second Jack Reacher film is a slick affair with quality production, scenes and acting. It’s hard to fault specifically but its largely by-the-numbers feel leaves little impression beyond the moment. Adding emotional constipation to an action hero is hardly a huge step but Cruise handles it well while Cobie Smulders basically reprises her SHIELD role and does a good job. Youngster Danika Yarosh also entertains but the pieces somehow just don’t come together.
To be fair it’s a fun action movie that will pass the time and popcorn, but despite the polish this film just doesn’t Reach (see what I did there?) great heights.