Mini Reviews
Mini Review - Risen
Risen (out Feb 18) tells the story of Jesus Christ's resurrection and is told through the eyes of a Russian soldier. I'm describing this as CSI: Jerusalem. It's more of a crime-thriller as the solider tries to hunt Jesus's location and see if the rumours are true. I don't think it adds much to what Catholics would already believe. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - How To Be Single
How To Be Single (out Feb 18) struggles to find the balance between its numerous subplots but it's nice to watch a romantic comedy where the ending doesn't feel like a forgone conclusion. In the same vein as Sex & The City, it's about 4 different women trying to find love in New York City. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Ride Along 2
Ride Along 2 (out Feb 18) is a tiring, poorly written follow up to the 2014 original. They're not even trying to do anything different. Kevin Hart tries to be the most irritating person alive. Ice Cube acts like he always wants to punch him. Hard to drag out into 100 minutes. Grade: C.
Mini Review - 45 Years
45 Years (out Feb 18) is a British film that follows a week in the lives of a married couple who are preparing for their 45th wedding anniversary. I didn't connect with the narrative as strongly as others but it's hard to fault the two lead performances from Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Trumbo
Trumbo (out Feb 18) tells the true story of Dalton Trumbo, an acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter who was blacklisted in the late 1940s for being a Communist sympathiser. It’s repetitive but Trumbo is a moderately interesting character study. He had both good and bad qualities. Bryan Cranston embodies the leading character well. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Deadpool
Deadpool (out Feb 11) has come along like a breath of fresh air. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen from the Marvel franchise before. It’s rude, it’s crude, and it’s politically incorrect. In the leading role, Ryan Reynolds is the master of insult delivery. It doesn’t matter if you’re his friend or his enemy, he’s going to be sending a few barbs your way. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Zoolander 2
Zoolander 2 (out Feb 11) is dreadful. It's a shame because the original was so entertaining. The characters are trying far too hard to make these jokes work. Even the surprise cameos feel uninspired. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Brooklyn
Brooklyn (out Feb 11) is set in 1952 and follows a young Irish woman (Saoirse Ronan) who immigrates to the United States. Battling homesickness, she meets an Italian guy determined to win her affections. This is a sweet, moving, gorgeously-shot tale that has the perfect balance of comedy and sentimentality. The characters are honest and genuine too. Will there be a better film this year? I don't think so. Grade: A+.
Mini Review - The Choice
The Choice (out Feb 4) is a dreary romantic drama based on a Nicholas Sparks novel. It's hard to say too much without giving away plot details but it's about two unlikely people who fall in love and have to overcome adversity. It's the kind of movie where everything feels forced. Grade: C-.
Mini Review - Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs (out Feb 4) is structured as a three act play. It follows Jobs as he prepares for the public launch of three products - one in 1984, 1988 and 1998. By taking this approach, writer Aaron Sorkin has created something that feels staged and unrealistic. It’s as if every key person in Steve Jobs’ life wants to complain in the half-hour leading up to each launch. The good performances can't quite compensate. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Anomalisa
Anomalisa (out Feb 4) is a rarity - a stop-motion animated feature pitched at adults. It's no surprise that it's come from the creative mind of Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich). The film follows a depressed writer travelling to Cincinnati for a public speaking event. It's a great conversation generator and I’m still reflecting on its style and themes. Grade: A.