Mini Review - Once My Mother

Once My Mother (out Jul 24) is an Australian documentary that follows director Sophia Turkiewicz and her attempts to piece together her elderly mother's upbringing in Poland before she passes away. The narration is a bit heavy at times but it exposes an interesting piece of history and highlights the value of passing on stories from generation to generation. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Deliver Us From Evil

Deliver Us From Evil (out Jul 24) is a standard, no frills exorcism film that doesn’t offer much in the way of scares or surprises. It may sound hard to believe but this is based on a real person and actual events. I've got my doubts though and director Scott Derrickson struggled to win me over. Grade: C+.

Mini Review - Still Life

Still Life (out Jul 24) follows a middle-aged council employee charged with the responsibility of organising funerals when a person has died with no friends or family. This is an immensely warm-hearted drama that is dripping with poignant moments. Eddie Marsan is fantastic is the leading role. There aren’t many films that have reduced me to tears but Still Life can now be added to that short list. Grade: A.

Mini Review - Reaching For The Moon

Reaching For The Moon (out now) stars Aussie Miranda Otto and tells the story of a lengthy love affair between an American poet and a Brazilian architect. There's a curious family dynamic that's worth exploring (involving a child and another woman) but I struggled to believe the romantic connection between the two leads. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Venus In Fur

Venus In Fur (out Jul 17) featuring just two actors – Mathieu Amalric as a theatre director and Emmauelle Seigner as an actress trying to convince him that she’s perfect for an upcoming role. It's a curious film where you're never quite sure what's around the corner. Scenario a little tough to buy. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Sex Tape

Sex Tape (out Jul 17) is a heavily padded comedy about a couple who accidentally upload a THREE hour sex tape onto the iPads of family, friends and work colleagues. Perhaps it’s just a poorly written script. Perhaps it’s just too hard to make a full length feature out of such a narrow premise. There just aren't enough good laughs. Grade: C+.

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