Mini Reviews
Mini Review - Interstellar
Interstellar (out Nov 6) follows a group of astronauts who slip their space shuttle through a worm hole and go in search of a new, habitable planet. It's a bold film but I struggled to get my head around many of its concepts (time travel, 5th dimensions, gravity). It's also pushing a few messages that don't really fit the narrative. A rare miss for director Christopher Nolan. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - My Mistress
My Mistress (out Nov 6) is an Aussie film about a 16-year-old who strikes up a friendship with a middle aged woman from the same neighbourhood. Turns out she's a prostitute/dominatrix! There are flashes of intrigue but for the most part, I struggled with these characters. Tough to figure out why they act the way they do. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Two Days, One Night
Two Days, One Night (out Nov 6) is a Belgian film about an employee who has a single weekend to convince her fellow workers to give up their bonuses so that she can remain at the struggling company. The film is repetitive in places but it's still worth your time for its exploration of mental illness. A passionate leading performance from Marion Cotillard. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Best Of Me
The Best Of Me (out Oct 30) is a Nicholas Sparks penned romantic drama about two childhood sweethearts who reunite after 20 years apart. There are some nice conversations shared between the two leads. A shame the film overdoes the melodrama and makes every decision so black and white. Oh, and the ending is laughable. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (out Oct 30) is the curious tale of 10-year-old boy who runs away from his family and is proclaimed a scientific genius. This is charming yet utterly bizarre film from the director of Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie). No idea who it's targeted at but I enjoyed the journey. Grade: B.
Mini Review - John Wick
John Wick (out Oct 30) stars Keanu Reeves as a hit man lured out of retirement when attacked by a group of thugs. His motive is simple - revenge. The film is violent but it's also surprisingly comedic. The subdued Reeves is a great for the leading role and the chief villain (Michael Nyqvist) is also terrific. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Kill The Messenger
Kill The Messenger (out Oct 30) is based on actual events and follows a small-town journalist (Jeremy Renner) trying to uncover a CIA conspiracy. The film heightened my interest in the subject and provides an eye-opening look at the media's inner workings. As the adage goes - "never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” Grade: B+.
Mini Review - This Is Where I Leave You
This Is Where I Leave You (out Oct 23) is the lighter version of August: Osage County in that it centres on a group of siblings forced to live under one roof for a few days following the death of their father. The conversations drag on too long and most of the jokes fall flat. A disappointing effort. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Pride
Pride (out Oct 30) is set during the 1984 UK miners’ strike and follows a group of gay & lesbian activists who help raise funds for the miners to help further their own cause. This is as a warm-hearted, feel-good comedy that embraces its 1980s setting and highlights a small piece of forgotten history. Features a great ensemble cast. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Fury
Fury (out Oct 23) is set in Germany 1945 and follows a tight-knit group of U.S. soldiers as they complete a series of missions (from within their trusty tank). A few parts feel over-dramatised, over-scripted but it's still a strong drama with Logan Lerman stealing the show in the later stages. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed
Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed (out Oct 23) is a Spanish comedy/drama about three very different people who end up traveling together as part of a road trip. It's a little odd... in both a good and bad way. Grade: B.