Mini Review - The Breaker Upperers
The Breaker Upperers (out Jul 26) is a dark, dark comedy (out Jul 26) and many scenes will leave you with the conflicting emotions of laughter and shock. It's the story of two middle aged women who make a living by helping customers break up with their partners. Stars Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek deliver the jokes with precision and it’s hard to believe they can keep a straight face. James Rolleston is also terrific in creating a truly moronic character. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - RBG
RBG (out Jul 26) is an insightful documentary that takes us inside of the world of 85-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsburg - a Supreme Court justice in the United States who has developed a cult-like following with young lawyers and progressive libertarians. There's so much material to cover but directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen do a fantastic job in bringing it together. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Funny Cow
Funny Cow (out Jul 26) is the tale of female comedian struggling to break into a male-dominated workplace during the 1970s and 1980s. She's an interesting character but there wasn't enough material to hold my attention for the duration. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Equalizer 2
The Equalizer 2 (out Jul 19) is a follow up to the 2014 original sees Denzel Washington reprise his role as a vigilante who is steps in to help good people when being hurt by bad people. The film is trying to be a little different from its predecessor but it's a long, slow drama with many dull subplots (such as one involving an old man). Grade: C.
Mini Review - Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (out Jul 19) is a letdown (and I was a big fan of the original). The narrative is choppy with unnecessary detours thrown in as an excuse to sing particular ABBA songs. There are a few highlights but this is a rare movie where the supporting characters (such a Greek customs officer) are more interesting than the leads. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - See You Up There
See You Up There (out Jul 19) is a moving French drama set in the aftermath of World War I about a disfigured man and his new best friend who try to forge a new life for themselves. With a few laughs and a few unexpected twists, this certainly puts a different spin on traditional war movies. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Gospel According to Andre
The Gospel According to André (out Jul 12) is a disappointing documentary that may appeal to fans of fashion guru André Leon Talley but does little to engage a wider audience. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Overboard
Overboard (out Jul 12) is a remake of the 1987 original but given the sinister nature to the whole scenario, it's hard to go along with much of the comedy. It's the story of a woman who pretends to be married to a wealthy guy with amnesia as part of an elaborate practical joke. Grade: C.
