Mini Review - Shirley
Shirley (out Jul 9) provides a glimpse into the mind of reclusive 20th Century writer Shirley Jackson (The Haunting of Hill House). Elizabeth Moss deserves praise for illustrating the title character's eccentricities but the script isn't particularly interesting. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - The Personal History of David Copperfield
The Personal History of David Copperfield (out Jul 2) is from comedy director Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and is a colourful, lively adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel. I'm not convinced it adds up to a lot but the quality cast (headlined by Dev Patel) make it as fun as possible. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Assistant
The Assistant (out Jul 2) follows a single day in the life of a newly employed female assistant (Julia Garner) at a film production company. Using dialogue only when necessary, this is a compelling character study that delves into toxic workplace culture and a flawed work-life balance. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarves
Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarves (out Jul 2) tries to put a different spin on the famed Snow White fable but with weird musical interludes and a muddled narrative, the end result is peculiar. Feels more like a simplistic afternoon kids’ cartoon than a meatier feature film. Grade: C.
Mini Review - A Son
A Son (out Jul 2) is a heavy Tunisian drama about a husband and wife who have to make difficult discussions when their young son is critically injured in a terrorist attack. There are a few lulls in the narrative but it still offers insight into the lives and customs of this North African country (seldom depicted on screen). Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Master Cheng
Master Cheng (out Jul 2) is the story of a Chinese chef and his young son who travel to Finland to visit an old friend. Landing a job in a small cafe, he opens the taste buds of the Finnish locals to the world of Asian food. It's corny and overly sentimental in places but it's still a sweet crowd pleaser that will get your stomach rumbling. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Monos
Monos (out Jul 2) is a Lord of the Flies-like tale about a band of inexperienced teenage commandos in Columbia who are asked to guard a kidnapped woman. With a credible young cast and some brutal plot twists, I enjoyed the shifting power dynamics with the group of naive youths. Great setting too. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - The Booksellers
The Booksellers (out Jul 2) is an interesting documentary about a group of experienced booksellers in New York City who reflect on their industry. It covers a broad range of topics but above all else, it highlights our affection for physical books (particularly classics) and their "value" to individual collectors and broader society. Some of the collections in the film are staggering. Grade: A-.