Mini Reviews
Mini Review - The Killing of Two Lovers
The Killing of Two Lovers (out Sep 16) is an intense, simply-told drama about a husband and wife undertaking a trial separation and the impact it has on them and their four children. With long takes, striking cinematography (e.g. camera kept at a distance), and a powerful climax, this film leaves an impression. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Palazzo Di Cozzo
Palazzo Di Cozzo (out Sep 16) is an Australian documentary about successful Victorian furniture salesman Franco Cozzo. Not sure there’s enough material to justify a full-length feature but I like what is has to say about changing times and dying businesses. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Die in a Gunfight
Die in a Gunfight (out Sep 16) is a lame, exaggerated, narration-heavy, modern day knock off of Romeo and Juliet. Forget this and revisit Baz Lurhmann’s masterpiece with Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes from 25 years ago. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon
Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon (out Sep 16) is a trippy animated film about a teenage girl from the Amazon who goes on a journey to save her community from an environmental disaster. Worthy themes mixed with simplistic dialogue and an odd villain. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Pig
Pig (out Sep 16) is a pleasant surprise. It's the story of a man who, after spending more than a decade living as a hermit in an Oregon forest, returns to civilization on a vengeance mission after goons steal his prized pet pig. There’s a fair bit to unpick here and first-time director Michael Samoski provides a nice balance of intrigue and dramatic action. Nicolas Cage terrific in the lead role. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Ride the Eagle
Ride the Eagle (out Sep 9) has an interesting concept - a man inherits an house from his late mother... but only if he agrees to complete a series of tasks left by her. Unfortunately, the characters are dull and the laughs, for the most part, don't hit the mark. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Summer of Soul
Summer of Soul (out Sep 2) is a terrific documentary that shows previously unseen footage of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (featuring amazing music) while also delving into the mood of African Americans at the time. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (out Sep 2) is the latest in the Marvel universe and is about a master of Kung Fu who must take on his villainous father to save the world. This is decent. There are well choreographed action pieces (e.g. a scene on the scaffolding of a high-rise building) and some humorous banter between the characters. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Streamline
Streamline (out Sep 2) is a Queensland-made coming-of-age tale about a 15-year-old swimming prodigy who, triggered by a family event, heads down a path of self-destruction. Character development is light on and the swimming scenes are hammy... but the strong lead performance of star Levi Miller makes you invest in this story and its redemptive themes. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Eiffel
Eiffel (out Sep 2) chronicles the tale of Gustave Eiffel and the many people he had to overcome to see his famed Parisian tower constructed between 1886 and 1889. It’s a good idea for a movie (I enjoyed it as a history lesson) but the fictitious romantic stuff was not convincing. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Don't Breathe 2
Don't Breathe 2 (out Aug 26) isn't as good as its 2016 predecessor. It's the tale of a blind man, a young girl, and some goons who are chasing them. Grade: B-.