Mini Review - Wilson
Wilson (out May 25) is a confusing film that tries to blend comedy and drama in a manner that doesn't work. It's about a socially awkward man who tries to rekindle his relationship with his ex-wife and track down his adopted daughter. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Priates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (out May 25) is an improvement on the last film but this franchise is still looking tired. The story is mildly interesting and makes good use of fresh characters but Johnny Depp delivers the same repetitive performance. The film is far more entertaining when he's off screen. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Neruda
Neruda (out May 25) is set in the late 1940s and takes us inside the world of acclaimed poet/politician Pablo Neruda. The movie is part biography, part fantasy - a tribute to Neruda's own poems. Those unfamiliar with his work may be confused but others will admire it as an original biopic. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Sense of an Ending
The Sense of an Ending (out May 25) is about a cranky old man (Jim Broadbent) who receives a strange letter which revives memories of his college years. There's early intrigue but the ending doesn't offer the "pay off" you might expect. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Don't Tell
Don't Tell (out May 18) is an Australian drama that looks at a court case that took place in 2001 and the cover-up of the sexual abuse of children in a Toowoomba school. The dialogue is a little clunky (particularly showing the side of the defence) but the performances are superb and this is a Spotlight-style story that needs to be told. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - John Wick 2
John Wick: Chapter 2 (out May 18) is as good as the original... if not more so. The action scenes are stylish and well-choreographed. The laughs also provide a nice contrast with the gory violence. It's hard to imagine anyone that's a better fit for such material than Keanu Reeves. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (out May 18) is an awful supernatural drama that reminds me of rubbish such as Clash of the Titans. Arthur endlessly whines for an hour about not wanting to be a hero (despite everyone around him being slaughtered) and then magically decides to "man up" in the closing scenes. A bizarre film. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Viceroy's House
Viceroy's House (out May 18) is an historical drama that looks at the debate that took place behind closed doors in 1947 that led to the separation of India and Pakistan. It's a balanced film that examines numerous points of view. A romantic subplot weakens the film. Grade: B.
