These Final Hours
What’s it about?
In the titular final hours of Earth, as a fiery asteroid crashes into our doomed planet and the Mayans look set for a belated last laugh, an initially flaky young man attempts to help a lost girl find her father before the blast reaches Australia.
What did we think?
Alex says: It’s not often an apocalypse film doesn’t slot into the sci-fi genre but writer/director Zak Hilditch keeps the focus very much on human drama as James (Nathan Phillips) navigates the chaotic streets of suburban Perth with young Rose (Angourie Rice). Hilditch and the cast sustain the tension most of the way and create a hopeless, anarchic environment where most citizens turn to hedonistic partying, descend into insanity or take their own lives. There’s no Hollywood mission to avert the disaster and David Field’s world-weary, unseen car-radio announcer, who keeps us informed of the impending destruction, is a nice touch.
The ending didn’t sit quite right for me but I shan’t give anything away. It’s nonetheless a competent local effort and well worth a look.
Lucy
What’s it about?
An ordinary woman (Scarlett Johansson) accidentally becomes the drug mule for a Korean drug lord dealing a new substance. She unintentionally gets the drug in her system and experiences super-human effects.
What did we think?
Angela says: It’s like all the deleted scenes from The Fifth Element, Limitless, and Kill Bill were put in a hat and pulled out at random. Throw in some clips of wildlife, Korean drug dealers, and Morgan Freeman discussing evolution and that pretty much sums it up. This movie entertains some thought-provoking concepts but, alas, executes them poorly. It’s a botched attempt at social commentary laced with lost action scenes and weak acting. While exploring the intricacies of the human brain and the world at large should make for an interesting story, this one misses the mark.
A Most Wanted Man
What’s it about?
A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg seeking his father’s ill-gotten fortune, where he gets caught in the international war on terror. The story follows Günther Bachmann (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who heads up an anti-terrorism unit working in Hamburg to stop acts of terror before they happen.
What did we think?
Casey says: Anton Corbijn’s background in still photography for lots of famous bands has clearly influenced the visual aspect of this film. Coupled with the mastery of Andrew Bovell (make no mistake, it’s nothing like his earlier effort Strictly Ballroom), John le Carre’s story and characters suck you in. The tension in this film is delivered subtly, before you know it you are on the edge of you seat. Anton, John, Andrew and Phillip all in one place made this reviewer a very happy camper. A Most Wanted Man is PSH’s last completed film and truly cements why Hollywood will feel his loss for generations to come.
Honeymoon
I do love me a good scary movie. Creepy scary is even better.
Fifty Shades Of Grey
I’m underwhelmed to be honest. But don’t even start me on the book…
Predestination
Oooh. This looks interesting though I’m concerned they’ve given away too much in the trailer.
What’s Popular
Hell or High Water
What’s it about?
Two brothers stage a few gnarly bank robberies to try and save their farm while keeping a cunning Texas ranger at bay.
What Did We Think?
Nick Bleeker says: Bolstered by terrific performances from Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water sets its scenes beautifully, capturing the dry isolation of the west and the characters within that world, it’s just a shame the plot is paper-thin.
Deepwater Horizon
What’s it about?
The night in 2010 when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, causing the worst oil spill in US history.
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: While initially hamstrung by technical jargon and setup, the film goes from zero to a billion in the space of five minutes as the second act begins. The resulting destruction is an incredible spectacle that is grim, bloody, and ultimately, deeply saddening.
The Girl on the Train
What it’s about?
People learn to regret living by train lines.
What did we think?
Sarah Taviani says: I’ve read the book. I knew how the story would unfold. But half an hour in, it became clear the moral grey areas were off limits. Rachel’s more repugnant actions were omitted, and the development of other characters suffered as a result.
Emily Blunt does well with her portrayal of Rachel and Danny Elfman’s score was spot-on, but in the end, the film felt like a thought-provoking study of alcoholism rather than a thrilling mystery.
Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
What’s it about?
Imagine if Tim Burton made an X-Men movie.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A delightful flight of fancy that will tickle both the heart and imagination, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children is a welcome breath of fresh air. We’ve had a glut of children’s books becoming franchises but this one has the right mix of intelligence and whimsy that will leave people of all ages wanting more. Masterful performances from an all-star cast make it hard to single out individuals but special mention should be made of Eva Green whose sudden jerky movements mimic the peregrine flacon she transforms into wonderfully.
The few faults – the climax isn’t as big as one would hope and the concept of time is a bit ‘wibbly wobbly’ – are minor and easily overlooked once you lose yourself in a world of hidden secrets and incredible powers. It’s very understated for Tim Burton who seems more focused on the story than excessive quirk, but any movie that makes you want to immediately buy the books is doing something right.
Editor's Choice
Hell or High Water
What’s it about?
Two brothers stage a few gnarly bank robberies to try and save their farm while keeping a cunning Texas ranger at bay.
What Did We Think?
Nick Bleeker says: Bolstered by terrific performances from Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water sets its scenes beautifully, capturing the dry isolation of the west and the characters within that world, it’s just a shame the plot is paper-thin.
Deepwater Horizon
What’s it about?
The night in 2010 when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, causing the worst oil spill in US history.
What did we think?
Nick Bleeker says: While initially hamstrung by technical jargon and setup, the film goes from zero to a billion in the space of five minutes as the second act begins. The resulting destruction is an incredible spectacle that is grim, bloody, and ultimately, deeply saddening.
The Girl on the Train
What it’s about?
People learn to regret living by train lines.
What did we think?
Sarah Taviani says: I’ve read the book. I knew how the story would unfold. But half an hour in, it became clear the moral grey areas were off limits. Rachel’s more repugnant actions were omitted, and the development of other characters suffered as a result.
Emily Blunt does well with her portrayal of Rachel and Danny Elfman’s score was spot-on, but in the end, the film felt like a thought-provoking study of alcoholism rather than a thrilling mystery.
Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
What’s it about?
Imagine if Tim Burton made an X-Men movie.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: A delightful flight of fancy that will tickle both the heart and imagination, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children is a welcome breath of fresh air. We’ve had a glut of children’s books becoming franchises but this one has the right mix of intelligence and whimsy that will leave people of all ages wanting more. Masterful performances from an all-star cast make it hard to single out individuals but special mention should be made of Eva Green whose sudden jerky movements mimic the peregrine flacon she transforms into wonderfully.
The few faults – the climax isn’t as big as one would hope and the concept of time is a bit ‘wibbly wobbly’ – are minor and easily overlooked once you lose yourself in a world of hidden secrets and incredible powers. It’s very understated for Tim Burton who seems more focused on the story than excessive quirk, but any movie that makes you want to immediately buy the books is doing something right.