Mini Review - Wicked: For Good
Wicked: For Good (out Nov 20) is another winner thanks to the impeccable casting of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the two lead roles. That said, outside of Elphaba and Galinda, every other character feels less relevant this time around. I don't want to diss too strongly though. The screenplay needed work but the music, the costumes, the production design… it adds up a wonderful big-screen experience. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (out Nov 13) has a great central performance from Rose Byrne but I found it to be a frustrating experience. Aside from a reminder that life is hard, what do I take away from this? It's the tale of a psychologist for whom life is spiralling out of control due to dramas, both at home and work. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Train Dreams
Train Dreams (out Nov 6) may frustrate some with its slow pacing but I found it to be a beautiful, meditative film that asks us to appreciate the richness of life. Touchingly narrated by Will Patton, it's the early 20th Century story of a ordinary man (Joel Edgerton) making a meagre living as a lumberjack in a remote part of the United States. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (out Nov 13) is the best in the trilogy... but that's not saying much. The flashy cast and flashy locations provide the “illusion” of something sexy and cool but the more you think about the narrative, the dumber it appears. There are positives though. I liked the injection of young actors and while the villain's plans are head-scratching, Rosamund Pike has fun with an over-the-top performance (and accent). Grade: C+.
Mini Review - The Running Man
The Running Man (out Nov 13) is based on the 1982 Stephen King novel which was also a 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger-helmed movie. Set in a dystopian world where contestants in a reality TV show are hunted by trained assassins, it starts promisingly but peters out with an increasingly unrealistic narrative and muddled tone. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Two Prosecutors
Two Prosecutors (out Nov 13) is an excellent drama. The slow-burn, observational approach is reminiscent of The Zone of Interest. Set in pre-World War II Russia, it's centred on a young lawyer investigating corruption within the Soviet Union's secret police force. Sticks with you! Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands (out Nov 6) succumbs to a few action cliches but it's still an engaging underdog story. Production values are outstanding, thanks to skilled sound designers, engineers, make-up artists, prosthetics teams, and visual effects specialists. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Die My Love
Die My Love (out Nov 6) is both interesting and elusive. Jennifer Lawrence stars as a young mum struggling with postnatal depression. The performances are great, but I wanted to see the character evolve in a more meaningful way, whether it be good or bad. Grade: B.