Mini Reviews
Mini Review - The 100 Year-Old-Man Who...
The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared (out Aug 21) is about a 100-year-old man who climbs out a window and disappears. This a surprisingly dark comedy that offers a warped view of history. First half more interesting than the second. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Inbetweeners 2
The Inbetweeners 2 (out Aug 21) sees us reunited with teenagers Will, Simon, Jay and Neil as they go on a 4-week Australian holiday. The film pushes the envelope a lot further than I expected. It's shocking, filthy, controversial, and politically incorrect. As long as you're not easily offended, I'd highly recommend seeing the film in a packed cinema. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Deepsea Challenge
Deepsea Challenge (out Aug 21) is a documentary that follows James Cameron’s attempts to build a submersible and travel to the deepest part of our ocean, the Mariana Trench. The film is a bit too Cameron-centric but it's still an appealing documentary that shines the spotlight, both physically and metaphorically, on a very dark place. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Expendables 3
The Expendables 3 (out Aug 14) sees Sylvester Stallone and his growing team of action heroes try to stop a villainous Mel Gibson and his own henchman (who are all incapable of shooting straight). There's not much to the script and the fight sequences have been poorly edited. Disappointing. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Begin Again
Begin Again (out Aug 14) doesn't feel as authentic as director John Carney's last major film (Once) but it's still a satisfying tale about a struggling record producer (Mark Ruffalo) who teams up to budding song writer (Keira Knightley) to create something fresh. Enjoyed the split narrative in the opening hour. Nice supporting cast too. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Postman Pat: The Movie
Postman Pat: The Movie (out Aug 14) is a family-friendly adventure that sees the beloved postman try to win a Britain's Got Talent style reality show. It's pitched at young kids (obviously) and they shouldn't have trouble with the easy-to-follow story. Gets a little silly in the later stages. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Selfish Giant
The Selfish Giant (out Aug 7) is the story of a not-so-bright 13-year-old who turns to a life of petty crime to earn some cash. Nominated for best British film at the BAFTAs and featuring some super performances, this is indeed a moving tale. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Hundred-Foot Journey
The Hundred-Foot Journey (out Aug 14) is the story of two restaurant owners - one French and one Indian - who battle for the ascendency in their small town. It's a film that’s screaming out “FEEL GOOD! FEEL GOOD!” but it needed to do a lot more to convince me. The father/son subplot works well but the romantic stuff is confusing. Oh, and why did the Indian restaurant never have any customers??? Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Guardians Of The Galaxy
Guardians Of The Galaxy (out Aug 7) is at its best when it’s trying to be funny. It makes great use of its 1960s/70s soundtrack and there are plenty of pop culture references. Not everything works through. The dramatic elements don’t resonate, the villains aren’t anything special and the script feels too “busy”. The public are going nuts for this film but I'd describe it as "good, not great." Grade: B.
Mini Review - Snowpiercer
Snowpiercer (out Aug 7) is a futuristic film set on a train. A group of passengers, stuck in the back carriages for 18 years, attempt to overthrow the driver and take control. The premise is hard to swallow (I felt like I needed more backstory) but there are some cool, stylish action sequences that more than compensate. Grade: B.
Mini Review - A Most Wanted Man
A Most Wanted Man (out Jul 31) is a cracking spy thriller that stars an overweight, chain-smoking Philip Seymour Hoffman in his final leading role. It doesn't succumb to silly Hollywood twists. Like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, it's a sharp, intelligent, insightful film that shows how difficult life can be as top spy. Grade: A.