Mini Review - A Most Violent Year

A Most Violent Year (out Feb 26) is "light on" in terms of story but the great performances make it a drama worth watching. Set in New York 1981, it tells the tale of a businessman (Oscar Isaac) who finds himself the target of the police, his competitors, and some unknown gangsters. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - Jupiter Ascending

Jupiter Ascending (out Feb 19) is an ambitious but ultimately unsatisfying sci-fi drama about an alien race looking to "harvest" the Earth. It's the cast that bugged me the most. None of them are particularly convincing. Special effects get the thumbs up. Grade: C.

Mini Review - Project Almanac

Project Almanac (out Feb 26) is a time travel film shot using the "found footage" approach that is aimed squarely at teenagers. There's not much for older audiences. Aside from the last 20 minutes or so, this is a film with zero tension. Things finally start to get dramatic in the later stages but it's too late and too predictable. Grade: C+.

Mini Review - Rosewater

Rosewater (out Feb 19) is a Jon Stewart directed drama about an Iranian-born journalist covering the 2009 Iranian election protests. He was arrested by the authorities, accused of being an American spy, and placed in solitary confinement. It's a little rough around the edges but a great look at the risks that many journalists face in bringing us important news. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - The Interview

The Interview (out Feb 12) is trash. It's the much publicised comedy that stars Seth Rogen and James Franco as two journalists who head to North Korea to assassinate Kim Jong-un. It's the kind of film that has 10 missed opportunities for every 1 good joke. Grade: C.

Mini Review - Citizenfour

Citizenfour (out Feb 19) is something quite special. It's a riveting documentary that takes us inside the world of Edward Snowden as he blew the whistle on the National Security Authority's secret surveillance activities in 2013. The actions of the NSA will shock. The approach of Snowden will intrigue. Grade: A.

Mini Review - Fifty Shades Of Grey

Fifty Shades Of Grey (out Feb 12) is intriguing. Not only does it feature several sex scenes, it goes a step further and takes inside the world of S&M. It's just a shame the two leading characters aren't particularly interesting. He keeps pushing for control. She keeps pushing back. Was hoping for a bit more inside the two hour running time. Grade: B-.

Matt's Weekly 612ABC Podcast