Mini Reviews
Paranormal Activity 4 (out now) is simply not good enough. You can't keep making the same movie over and over. There are even fewer thrills this time. It's more drawn out than an episode of The Bold & The Beautiful. I'm happy for the series to continue... but can something at least happen next time! Grade: C.
Argo (out Oct 25) and is based on the true story of how the CIA helped rescue 6 American diplomats trapped in Iran during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The use of dramatic licence in the finale is too obvious but aside, Argo is a solid dramatic thriller that is informative, entertaining and gripping. Bryan Cranston and Alan Arkin the pick of the performances. Grade: A-.
Savages (out Oct 18) is a tale about two guys who run a successful marijuana business in LA but find themselves up against a Mexican cartel who want a piece of their turf. It's slow to start, features a strong middle section but is ruined by a dumb ending. Grade: B-.
To Rome With Love (out Oct 18) made me feel sad. Woody Allen is one of my favourite filmmakers (especially given last year's Midnight In Paris) but this mix of romantic stories set in Rome is a complete mess. The characters aren't funny and the blend of fantasy and reality does not work. Grade: C+.
Safety Not Guaranteed (out Oct 18) follows a group of journalists who go in search of the person who wrote an advertisement in a newspaper promising time travel. The film doesn't quite have enough material to go the full 90 minutes but for the most part, this is an entertaining, off-beat comedy. It will keep you smiling and keep you guessing. Grade: B+.
Killing Them Softly (out now) is the story of a hit man chasing three guys who orchestrated the heist of a mob-run poker game. I admire the style and craftsmanship of director Andrew Dominik (Chopper) but I have to admit that I didn't find the characters all that interesting. Grade: B.
Lawless (out Oct 11) has as an over-the-top villain and a few unexplored subplots but for the most part, this is a good film. It's the interesting story of three brothers who ran an illegal moonshine business in the U.S. back in the early 1930s. The production values are terrific and the graphic violence gives it a heavy dose of realism. Grade: B+.
The Words (out Oct 11) is a curious film in that it's about a writer who has written a book about a writer who has stolen a book. Jeremy Irons is great and it's nice to see Bradley Cooper in a non-comedic role but the preachy, hard-to-believe screenplay stops this film from becoming something more memorable. Grade: B-.
Shadow Dancer (out Oct 11) is set in the 1990s and tells the story of an IRA member who has been captured by MI5 and is threatened with imprisonment unless she acts as an information collecting "mole" within the IRA. It's a gritty drama that takes a while to get going but comes together for a gripping finale. Grade: B+.
Dangerous Liaisons (out now) is a Chinese adaptation of the novel by Frenchman Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (which was also made into a famous American movie in 1988). I enjoyed this juicy tale of seduction and betrayal but the ending did feel rushed. Grade: B+.
Mental (out Oct 4) sees star Toni Collette and director PJ Hogan reunite for the first time since Muriel's Wedding. It's not for everyone but I enjoyed this dark, hilarious look at a family struggling with mental illness issues. Its strongest attribute is its array of great female performances. Grade: B+.
