Welcome to the Film Pie! Brisbane based film critic Matt Toomey has reviewed thousands of movies since 1996. See what's out now, or browse the review archive.

Mini Reviews

The Snowman (out Oct 19) follows a flawed Norwegian police detective investigating the disappearance of several women in Oslo. This screenplay has problems. Some subplots add zero value (e.g. one involving J.K. Simmons) and the lead character (played by Michael Fassbender) seems to change his mindset every 2 minutes. Disappointing. Grade: C.

Home Again (out Oct 19) is a slightly unorthodox rom-com about a 40-year-old single mum who lets three young guys move into her guest house while they finish a screenplay for their film. The film struggles when it tries to create tension between the characters but aside, it's a likeable debut feature from the daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Nancy Meyers. Grade: B+.

The Limehouse Golem (out Oct 19) follows a 19th Century detective (Bill Nighy) who is investigating a number of gruesome deaths. It's not as interesting as it sounds. There are several flashbacks that add very little in terms of value. Grade: C+.

Blue (out Oct 12) is a short, facts-based documentary that looks at the deterioration of life in the world's oceans and the part we must all play in ensuring their long-term survival. Grade: B+.

Happy Death Day (out Oct 12) is a horror-thriller with a Groundhog Day style premise. A college student is murdered but she keeps reliving the day again and again, seemingly unable to change the outcome. The film doesn't make enough of its cool concept. The characters and day itself aren't as interesting as they could be. Grade: B-.

The Mountain Between Us (out Oct 12) stars Idris Elba and Kate Winslet as two strangers who survive a small plane crash and must find a way to get help. There's some interesting conversation between the pair as they discuss strategy but all the good work is undone by a farcical finale that resembles a Nicholas Sparks novel. Grade: C+.

The Only Living Boy in New York (out Oct 12) is inspired by the likes of The Graduate and Manhattan and follows a twenty-something-year-old writer and his efforts to find romance in New York City while escaping from his controlling family. There's some juicy dialogue on offer but the story is too contrived to take seriously. Grade: B-.

Good Time (out Oct 12) is a simple, gritty crime thriller about two not-so-bright brothers who rob $65,000 from a bank. The heist sets in motion a series of events that they struggle to contain. It taps into the darker elements of human nature and the things people will do to protect themselves and their family. Grade: B+.

Blade Runner 2049 (out Oct 5) is a sequel to the 1982 original and offers a chilling view of our future. The striking cinematography from Roger Deakins and the jarring music score from Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch help bring this intriguing, futuristic world to life. The less you know going in, the better. Grade: A-.

Final Portrait (out Oct 5) is a Stanley Tucci directed drama about the Swiss painter Alberto Giacometti and his friendship with an American writer. There's a lot of chatter and a lot of painting but to be blunt, I didn't find either character to be interesting enough to justify the film. Grade: B-.

Song to Song (out Oct 5) is the latest from reclusive director Terrence Malick and is a love story with Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender and Rooney Mara. Narrative is non-existent and it’s hard to learn anything about these characters through Malick’s fractured, filtered lens. I could have sat in the cinema foyer for two hours, watched a mix of people walk past, and actually learned more about life. Grade: C.