Mini Review - Foxcatcher

Foxcatcher (out Jan 29) tells the true story of a multi-millionaire who somehow became an Olympic wrestling coach (despite having no experience). While I was intrigued by the utterly bizarre tale... the lack of explanation regarding characters' actions left me wanting more. Grade: B-.

Mini Review - The Theory Of Everything

The Theory Of Everything (out Jan 29) encompasses the life of the renowned British cosmologist Stephen Hawking. Instead of concentrating on his many scientific achievements, the screenplay focuses on the relationship with his wife, Jane. Both Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones give terrific performances. At its heart, the film shows there are many ways to make a relationship work. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - The Wedding Ringer

The Wedding Ringer (out Jan 22) is the story of a guy with no friends who hires someone to be the best man at his wedding. This wasn't good. It's hard to fit much humour into such a narrow premise. It all makes no sense really. Grade: C.

Mini Review - Wild

Wild (out Jan 22) follows a 26-year-old woman named Cheryl Strayed embarked on a 1,800km trek through California and Oregon in the United States. The film is at its most interesting when it delves into Stayed’s past and explores her relationship with her mother and ex-husband. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - American Sniper

American Sniper (out Jan 22) is about Chris Kyle – a Navy SEAL who was credited with more than 160 enemy kills during the recent Iraq War. It’s a film that doesn’t really know what it wants to be. Is it a patriotic tribute to an American hero? Is it an unrealistic action-thriller? Or is it a relationship drama about a troubled couple? Don’t get me started on the ending. Grade: C+.

Mini Review - Birdman

Birdman (out Jan 15) is one of this year's major Oscar contenders and follows an actor (Michael Keaton) trying to reboot his sagging career. It's funny, it's got some great performances, and it's been creatively shot (as if it's all one take). I wasn't quite sold on all of its messages though. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - Unbroken

Unbroken (out Jan 15) tells the true story of Louis Zamperini - an American soldier who was imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II. Most war dramas feature epic gun fights or heroic rescues. This is about something quite different – the power of human endurance. Directed by Angelina Jolie and starring British newcomer Jack O'Connell, Unbroken is tough to watch but also hugely inspiring. Grade: A-.

Matt's Weekly 612ABC Podcast