Mini Reviews
Mini Review - The Croods
The Croods (out Mar 28) is the latest from DreamWorks - a prehistoric animated flick about a family trying to escape earthquakes and adversaries. The themes are nothing new (see last year's Ice Age 4, Brave) but there are some nice Flintstones-like gags along with a quality cast. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Return To Nim's Island
Return To Nim's Island (out Mar 28) is like one of those kids shows that airs on commercial TV at 4pm in the afternoon. I realise I don't belong in the target demographic... but this is pretty ordinary. Young Nim (played by Bindi Irwin) teams up with a new friend to save her island from poachers and developers. Grade: C+.
MIni Review - The Loneliest Planet
The Loneliest Planet (out now) is a curious one. The lack of a clear narrative adds intrigue. Picture a Terrence Malick made travel documentary. Stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Hani Furstenberg trek across the mountains of Georgia and through the film, you'll asking the question - is something going to happen? Grade: B.
Mini Review - Hyde Park On Hudson
Hyde Park On Hudson (out Mar 28) is based on actual events - a weekend in 1939 when the King & Queen of England travelled to the United States to sure up support from President Roosevelt before WWII. This is an unfulfilling movie. It's an insignificant story told the perspective of a boring individual (Roosevelt's mistress) and provides little insight into the characters. Grade: C.
Mini Review - A Good Day To Die Hard
A Good Day To Die Hard (out Mar 21) has plenty of action but it's void of plot, suspense, comedy, dialogue and excitement. When you compare this to the original Die Hard, it's easy to see the deficiencies. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Barbara
Barbara (out now) creates a compelling story in a period of history I find fascinating - East Germany in the 1980s. The lead character is a doctor looking to flee the country but when she realises such an action will affect the lives of those close to her, it becomes a tougher choice. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Jack The Giant Slayer
Jack The Giant Slayer (out Mar 21) takes the Jack & The Beanstalk fairy tale and turns it into a fun, easy-to-watch adventure. The dialogue is cheesy but there are decent special effects and a few surprise deaths. In the leading role, Nicholas Hoult creates a likeable hero. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Performance
Performance (out now) revolves around a successful string quartet battling a number of personal issues in the lead up to their next concert. It's a nice cast but I wasn't particularly enthused by these characters. Felt like the film was "plodding along" for large chunks. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Mama
Mama (out now) is pretty damn freaky. It's a horror film that comes with an interesting premise, creepy ghoul and some nice cinematography. Not all of it works but this puts a slightly different spin on the genre with horror enthusiasts should enjoy. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (out Mar 14) is an easy comedy about a magician trying to revive his struggling career. This is the kind of film that creates laughs by having characters who look funny and speak funny. I only wish the dialogue itself was funny. That said, I did enjoy the final scene. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Goddess
Goddess (out Mar 14) is an Australian comedy/musical about a Tasmanian woman who finds stardom by putting a 24 hour webcam in her kitchen. It’s a shame the screenplay implies a low level of intelligence on the part of the audience. So much of the story rings false. The one major highlight was Magda Szubanski's musical number. Grade: C+.