Mini Reviews
Mini Review - Shazam!
Shazam! (out Apr 4) is the 7th film in the DC Films extended universe and it introduces a new character - a teenager who inherits superpowers from an old, tired wizard which he must use to save the world. The villain is weak and the finale is too long but there's still a lot to like. The kid's exploration of his powers is the best part of the movie. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Happy Prince
The Happy Prince (out Apr 4) dissects the final few years in the life of acclaimed playwright Oscar Wilde. Directed by, written by, and starring Rupert Everett, the film portrays Wilde as a man who was both smart and foolish. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Woman at War
Woman at War (out Apr 4) is a rich, quirky, intricate drama from Iceland. It's the tale of a strong-willed environmental activist who tries to sabotage the power supply of a local aluminium plant. The film beautifully illustrates the complexity of the world and the people who live in it. The use of music is fascinating. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Galveston
Galveston (out Apr 4) is a gritty drama about a cancer-stricken hitman (Ben Foster) who befriends a young prostitute (Elle Fanning) with a troubled past. This is an intense story with strong performances. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Pet Sematary
Pet Sematary (out Apr 4) is based on the Stephen King novel and is the tale of a family who move into a new house and find some strange things in their expansive backyard. It's trying to delve into the way we cope with grief but I didn't find it scary or original. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Where Hands Touch
Where Hands Touch (out Mar 28) is set in World War II Germany and follows a black teenage girl who falls in love with a young Nazi soldier. This is an odd film with a lot of forced, unrealistic dialogue. Hard to understand the mindset of key characters. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Dumbo
Dumbo (out Mar 28) should satisfy younger audiences but the simplistic storyline and one-note villain (played by a boring Michael Keaton) will do little to lure adults. It's the tale of a young elephant who becomes a sensation as part of a travelling circus. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Us
Us (out Mar 28) is the second feature film from writer-director Jordan Peele (after 2017's Get Out) and is the story of a family on a summer vacation in California who find themselves terrified by… themselves. The film is a hot mess - a lot of great ideas but the narrative feels over-manufactured in places to fit with a certain message/metaphor. Still see it though! Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Five Feet Apart
Five Feet Apart (out Mar 28) is the story of two teenagers, both suffering with cystic fibrosis, who are prepared to risk their lives in pursuit of love. The most interesting element is the way in which the internet and social media can be used as a positive tool for those suffering with cystic fibrosis. It's just a shame the romantic elements are so schmaltzy and melodramatic. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Inventing Tomorrow
Inventing Tomorrow (out Mar 21) is a short, simple documentary that follows a group of teenagers trying to develop technology that will help save the environment while also winning awards at the ISEF - the "science fair of science fairs". Grade: B.
Mini Review - Destroyer
Destroyer (out Mar 21) features a stunning physical transformation from Nicole Kidman. It's certainly not stereotypical look that you’d expect for a cop. She plays a tired, forlorn member of the LAPD still trying to escape the aftermath of a Palm Springs bank robbery 15 years ago. It's a little uneven in places but Kidman's strong performance makes this an intriguing tale. Grade: B+.