Mini Review - Parallel Mothers
Parallel Mothers (out Jan 27) is from acclaimed filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar and is the story of two single mothers, one 39 and the other 17 years of age, who become friends after meeting in the maternity ward of a Spanish hospital. It's not a great narrative (twists are obvious) but the film is redeemed by an interesting subplot involving an archaeological dig. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Eyes of Tammy Faye
The Eyes of Tammy Faye (out Jan 27) recounts the story of a married couple who became famous televangelists in the 1970s. It's an interesting world (folks being duped out of money under the guise of "religion") but it feels like we're only scratching the surface and these characters are scrutinised as harshly as they should. Needed an outsider's perspective (e.g. that of the authorities). Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Nightmare Alley
Nightmare Alley (out Jan 20) is a solid drama-thriller from director Guillermo del Toro about a carny-turned-successful-clairvoyant chasing a "big score" from a gullible new customer. You're never quite sure where the film is heading and the exchanges between the two leads, played by Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett, are fun to watch as they sneakily try to get the upper hand on the other. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Belle
Belle (out Jan 20) is a Japanese animated feature about a shy, introverted teenager who becomes a word famous singer on a popular social media platform that allows her to retain her anonymity through the use of an avatar. It's a slow first half (feels repetitive with the character hardly changing) but builds into something decent. Grade: B.
Mini Review - One Second
One Second (out Jan 20) is a Chinese film set in 1975 about a fugitive, an orphan, a cinema projectionist, and a valuable roll of film. The performances are overcooked (lots of exaggerated emotions) but it's an interesting story that becomes more poignant as the characters open up about their past. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Spencer
Spencer (out Jan 20) provides a fictionalised look at three days in the life of Princess Diana in December 1991. We see her as a woman not afraid to give the big "middle finger" to tradition and the British Royal Family. We also see her as a vulnerable mother with mental health issues. I liked the "sit back and observe" approach from Chilean director Pablo Larrain. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Scream
Scream (out Jan 13) strays a little too far towards an over-the-top Scary Movie style spoof, but it's good enough. It straddles the line between having characters smart enough to understand horror movie cliches... while making them dumb enough to fall into horror movie cliches. Works better as a comedy than a horror-thriller (the plot is thin). Quality cast. Grade: B.
Mini Review - King Richard
King Richard (out Jan 13) delves into the upbringing of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams with a strong focus on their coach-father, Richard. Too melodramatic in places but I like the narrow timeline, the great performances, and the discussion it will generate when it comes to parents, kids and sport. Most should enjoy this. Grade: A-.