Mini Reviews
Mini Review - RBG
RBG (out Jul 26) is an insightful documentary that takes us inside of the world of 85-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsburg - a Supreme Court justice in the United States who has developed a cult-like following with young lawyers and progressive libertarians. There's so much material to cover but directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen do a fantastic job in bringing it together. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Funny Cow
Funny Cow (out Jul 26) is the tale of female comedian struggling to break into a male-dominated workplace during the 1970s and 1980s. She's an interesting character but there wasn't enough material to hold my attention for the duration. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Equalizer 2
The Equalizer 2 (out Jul 19) is a follow up to the 2014 original sees Denzel Washington reprise his role as a vigilante who is steps in to help good people when being hurt by bad people. The film is trying to be a little different from its predecessor but it's a long, slow drama with many dull subplots (such as one involving an old man). Grade: C.
Mini Review - Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (out Jul 19) is a letdown (and I was a big fan of the original). The narrative is choppy with unnecessary detours thrown in as an excuse to sing particular ABBA songs. There are a few highlights but this is a rare movie where the supporting characters (such a Greek customs officer) are more interesting than the leads. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - See You Up There
See You Up There (out Jul 19) is a moving French drama set in the aftermath of World War I about a disfigured man and his new best friend who try to forge a new life for themselves. With a few laughs and a few unexpected twists, this certainly puts a different spin on traditional war movies. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Gospel According to Andre
The Gospel According to André (out Jul 12) is a disappointing documentary that may appeal to fans of fashion guru André Leon Talley but does little to engage a wider audience. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Overboard
Overboard (out Jul 12) is a remake of the 1987 original but given the sinister nature to the whole scenario, it's hard to go along with much of the comedy. It's the story of a woman who pretends to be married to a wealthy guy with amnesia as part of an elaborate practical joke. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Skyscraper
Skyscraper (out Jul 12) has a formulaic story (complete with inept villains) but the action sequences are outstanding! Maybe it's because I'm petrified of heights but my hands were sweating during some sequences. Moves at a quick pace too. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Back to Burgundy
Back to Burgundy (out Jul 5) is a wonderful drama from French director Cédric Klapisch. It's the tale of three siblings who inherent their father's vineyard and must decide whether to sell or carry on the family legacy. It's a nicely balanced film that takes into account multiple perspectives while also exploring the wine making process. Grade: A.
Mini Review - Ant-Man and the Wasp
Ant-Man and the Wasp (out Jul 5) is too chaotic in terms of sub-plots (and there's a dud villain) but the action scenes still deliver. We’ve got two heroes who can change their size, a villain who can walk through anything, and a remote control that can shrink cars. It’s a recipe for some cool, fun, creative action pieces. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation
Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation (out Jun 28) is slight in terms of story but they're a still a fun bunch of characters and kids should lap this up. Grade: B-.