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-.
Mini Review - Supergirl
Supergirl (out Jun 25) is a great break for Australian actress Milly Alcock (she's the best thing in it) but she's not supported by anyone else. The script is the biggest letdown. Part is an origin story with flashbacks to her upbringing, and part is a seen-it-all-before tale of a hero risking the lives of everyone to save someone they love… in this case a dog (giving off John Wick vibes). Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Minions & Monsters
Minions & Monsters (out Jun 25) is pitched at both children and adults. The first half is more for the older crowd as the writers drop references to as many classic movies as possible. The second half should satisfy youngsters as it evolves into a colourful action-fest with the feisty Minions trying to outsmart the cool-looking monsters. Grade: B+.