Mini Reviews
Mini Review - A Gun In Each Hand
A Gun In Each Hand (out Jul 4) is a German comedy/drama broken up into 6 short stories and follows a group of guys who have one thing in common - relationship problems. It wins points for style but there are some long, drawn out conversations that make parts of the film feel like a chore. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - We Steal Secrets: The Story Of Wikileaks
We Steal Secrets: The Story Of Wikileaks (out Jul 4) is a documentary that is aptly described through its title. It strays from its path a few times but for the most part, this is an even handed look at the actions of Julian Assange, Bradley Manning and the U.S. Government. Who will you sympathise with? Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Man Of Steel
Man Of Steel (out Jun 27) isn't good enough. I liked the overlap of the current day story with Superman's past. The cast isn't too bad either. That's it in terms of positives. There are inconsistencies in the story, laughable plot developments and the ending degenerates into a seen-it-all-before, CGI-laden action fest. Disappointing. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Epic
Epic (out Jun 27) can't live up to its title. It's an animated feature about a secret world of tiny creatures who live amongst us. It looks nice but you can't help but think more needed to go into the story. Not that exciting. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Look Of Love
The Look Of Love (out Jun 27) recounts the true story of Paul Raymond and how he became Britain's richest man. Unfortunately, it feels like a "tick the box" exercise in terms of narrative. We zip through the key events in his life. It's a nice central performance from Steve Coogan but it's a shame his character isn't all that interesting. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - In The House
In The House (out Jun 27) is the tale of a 16-year-old literature student who submitting pieces to his teacher that detail his dark obsession with the family of a fellow classmate. This is an interesting, creative, puzzling French film that is best described as a black comedy. It will keep you thinking. It will think you guessing. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Satellite Boy
Satellite Boy (out now) comes with good intentions but it's an uninspiring story about a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy who roams the Australian outback in a quest to save his family's drive-in cinema. The subplots don't connect very well and there are some puzzling scenes that offer little value. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - World War Z
World War Z (out Jun 20) is a great zombie flick that offers a well balanced mix of action, drama and suspense. The zombies are freaky, the situations are perilous and Brad Pitt is a good fit as the film's strong yet reluctant hero. Do see this. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Monsters University
Monsters University (out Jun 20) is a cute prequel to the 2001 hit. We follow Mike and Sully as they try to prove that they belong in the School of Scaring. Whilst it contains the same "don't give up on the underdog" themes that we often see in family films, it's still fun to watch. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Despicable Me 2
Despicable Me 2 (out Jun 20) could have used a more detailed, captivating storyline but it's still an easy-to-enjoy follow up to the 2010 original. Steve Carell again steals the show with his humorous portrayal of the sarcastic Gru. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Internship
The Internship (out now) will suck the life out of you. It's a 2-hour advertisement for Google that revolves around two middle-aged morons who apply for an internship and then start impressing people with their team spirit. The IT jokes are dumb, the crude humour doesn't fit and every element of the story feels false. Grade: C-.