Mini Review - The House with a Clock in Its Walls
The House with a Clock in Its Walls (out Sep 20) has a likeable performance from youngster Owen Vaccaro but it's a strange, jumped story that never fully comes to life. It's the tale of a boy and his uncle who try to solve a supernatural-style mystery. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - I Am Paul Walker
I Am Paul Walker (out Sep 20) is a lovingly made documentary about the life of the late actor but it feels too much like a puff piece. Certain parts are repetitive (Paul loved to go "off the grid") and it's narrow in terms of the interviewees (just a lot of friends and family). Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Smallfoot
Smallfoot (out Sep 20) is based on a great concept - what if there are a bunch of yetis who live in harmony but have their lives upended when they stumble across a "Smallfoot" human? The messages in animated features tend to get repetitive but this feels fresh with its exploration of power, truth, control and “fake news”. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Johnny English Strikes Again
Johnny English Strikes Again (out Sep 20) sees Rowan Atkinson reprise his role as a hapless MI7 agent who is called upon to save the day after a massive cyber attack is made against the UK. It's just a series of set pieces that offer next-to-no laughs. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Ladies in Black
Ladies in Black (out Sep 20) is set in Sydney, 1959 and follows a group of women who work at a David Jones style department store. This is a fun, easy-to-like comedy/drama about good things happening to good people. Julia Ormond and 17-year-old Angourie Rice are the pick of the terrific ensemble cast. One of the best Aussie movies of the year. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - The Predator
The Predator (out Sep 13) is the 6th film in this long running franchise and whilst there are a few laughs (it doesn't take itself too seriously), it’s not offering much in terms of thrills and originality. We’ve seen this movie before and, based on the climax, we’re likely to see it again. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - A Simple Favour
A Simple Favour (out Sep 13) is from director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) and is the story of a blogger (Anna Kendrick) who investigates the disappearance of her new best friend (Blake Lively). There are some great characters here (even the small ones such as the insurance assessor) but in trying to continually outsmart the audience, the story doesn't always add up. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (out Sep 13) is a fun family flick that will appeal to kids but also has a surprisingly large number of jokes for adults. It's the tale of some young superheroes who are tired of living in the shadows of their older counterparts and want to make a big screen movie to showcase their achievements. Grade: B.
