Mini Review - Moana (2026)
Moana (out Jul 9) is a live-action reboot of the popular 2016 animated feature. I'm not sure we needed it... but if willing to assess it independently of its predecessor, it’s a fun family adventure. There's an engaging hero, an easy-to-follow adventure, and a suitable blend of drama and comedy. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Evil Dead Burn
Evil Dead Burn (out Jul 9) is the sixth entry in the franchise. I enjoyed the choices of French director Sébastien Vaniček when it comes to sound and cinematography, but the script is dull. The kind of tale where characters are too obvious in making dumb decisions to prolong the narrative. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Romería
Romería (out Jul 9) is an interesting drama from Golden Bear winning director Carla Simón and is the story of an 18-year-old woman who, having been adopted as a child, travels to the Spanish city of Vigo to meet members of her biological family for the first time. Great setting with a worthy premise. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Saccharine
Saccharine (out Jul 9) is an Australian horror film reminiscent of The Substance. A young medical student tries a bizarre weight loss treatment but in doing so, hallucinates about a recently deceased individual. Won't blow you away but a decent outing from director Natalie Erika James. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Invite
The Invite (out Jul 9) is one of the year's best comedies. Reminding me of the works of Woody Allen and Larry David, it’s to be celebrated for its script above all else. Set largely in a single location with just 4 actors, it's about two couples at a dinner party which spins in wild directions. Grade: A.
Mini Review - Jackass: Best and Last
Jackass: Best and Last (out Jul 2) is pitched as the fifth and final instalment in the long running film franchise which began on MTV back in 2000. With lots of flashbacks to past gags, it's lacking original material. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Silent Friend
Silent Friend (out Jul 2) is from Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi. It consists of three short stories, interwoven across 147 minutes, which contrast how much humanity has changed over the past century versus nature itself. I'd have preferred more interesting yarns but can admire this for its ambition and having us ruminate on nature and society. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Good Boy
Good Boy (out Jul 2) is from Polish director Jan Komasa and is a quirky tale about a family who kidnap a drug addict and, against his will, attempt to rehabilitate him. I wasn’t sold on the climax, but it’ll be enjoyed by those accepting Hollywood-style entertainment over realism. Grade: B-.