Mini Review - How to Rob a Bank
How to Rob a Bank (out Nov 12) is a Robin Hood-style tale about masked social media influences who have amassed a huge following by robbing bank across the United States and posting online. Very little about this makes sense. It needed to be more of an action comedy as opposed to pushing heavier themes in the final act. Best part is John C. Reilly as a chill FBI agent. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Ebenezer
Ebenezer (out Nov 12) is fine... but it could also use more spark, originality and humour. Screenwriter Nathaniel Halpern struggles to extricate anything new Charles Dickens' famous novel and so we’re largely going through the motions. There are strengths though and I’ll highlight the great production values – sets, costumes, make-up. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - You Can See Everything
You Can See Everything (out Nov 12) could become the first documentary to be nominated for best picture in the 99-year history of the Academy Awards. It delves into the psyche of Elizabeth Holmes who, after becoming the youngest self-made billionaire in the United States, was convicted of fraud and imprisoned for a decade. Breaking so many documentary rules, there’s layer upon layer to dissect. Combining originality and complexity, it's unforgettable. Grade: A+.
Mini Review - I Love Boosters
I Love Boosters (out Nov 12) is a wonderful, mind-bending comedy from director Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) about a group of women who make a living by shoplifting clothes from high-end fashion stores. Featuring some of the best production and costume design we've seen all year, this is insane and funny. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Godzilla Minus Zero
Godzilla Minus Zero (out Nov 5) is a sequel to the 2023 release and while it's little sluggish in the middle section, I was a big fan of the action-packed finale and its themes around United States and Japanese relations. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Wild Horse Nine
Wild Horse Nine (out Nov 5) is the year's best film. It's a DARK comedy which follows two CIA agents who have travelled to Easter Island in 1973. Stars John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell have perfect comedic chemistry. Writer-director Martin McDonagh fills the film with one-liners (so many great insults) and slower-build jokes (the reveals are perfect), but he also gives these characters heart. Grade: A+.
Mini Review - Wicker
Wicker (out Nov 5) is original and funny. Set in an unspecified era, it's about a middle-aged spinster who turns the small town on its head by marrying a kind-hearted man... made from wicker. You can laugh at its insanity (the lovemaking scenes are a highlight) but also appreciate its messages. We only get one life and so we’re better to surround ourselves with good, caring people instead of those driven by ego and negativity. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Crawlers
Crawlers (out Oct 29) is a trashy, B-grade thriller about an apartment building overrun by deadly spiders. It'll be off putting to arachnophobes... and also those looking for a decent script. Grade: C.