Mini Reviews
Paris-Manhattan (out Dec 13) has many references to the great Woody Allen but it lacks the wit and charm that was evident in Allen's best works. This romantic comedy set in Paris is more silly than entertaining but I admit there are still a few nice moments. Grade: B-.
Rise Of The Guardians (out Dec 13) has a plot that's a little more convoluted than I'd expect from a children's flick but I'm still a fan and the quality of animation is superb. It centres on Jack Frost's efforts to stop the villainous Pitch Black from destroying the faith of children across the globe. Grade: B+.
Here Comes The Boom (out now) is the story of a lazy teacher (Kevin James) who is suddenly motivated to become a wrestler to raise funds for his school's music program. The film struggles to hold its premise together and the laughs are few and far between. As a supporting player, Salma Hayek is wasted. Grade: C+.
Celeste & Jesse Forever (out now) follows the ups and downs of a separated couple who are intent on remaining friends. The majority of critics have enjoyed this but I found it excruciating. It's like reading book with chapters missing. There's no subtlety with any of the characters. I hated them all. Grade: C-.
Fun Size (out now) offers nothing that we haven't already seen before and is a safe, bland comedy that follows a teenage girl's quest to locate her younger brother who has become lost on Halloween. As the latest entry into the teen comedy genre, this is very forgettable. Grade: C.
Pitch Perfect (out Dec 6) is a fun, entertaining comedy about a group of college students facing off in a singing competition. What makes the film work is the huge assortment of well-written characters. The right amount of time is given to each individual and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The soundtrack is also terrific. Grade: A-.
Step Up To The Plate (out now) is an unusually poor documentary about a talented French chef trying to live up to his successful father's expectations. The subjects seem too self aware of the cameras and so many scenes feel trivial as opposed to informative. Grade: C.
Red Dawn (out now) has a similar plot to Tomorrow, When The War Began (a group of teenagers saving their parents/friends from an invading Asian army) but it's not nearly as good. The dialogue is poor and the story becomes harder to believe with each scene. Grade: C+.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (out now) loses a small part in being translated from book to screen but it's still a moving story that explores the world of a insecure teenager and his efforts to fit in during his first year at high school. Rarely has this subject matter been covered so deeply, so beautifully. Grade: A-.
Robot & Frank is set in the near future and is about an elderly man suffering from dementia who is given a robot by his son to help cook and the clean the house. The robot ends up being used for a rather different purpose and this warm-hearted comedy is boosted by a great central performance from Frank Langella. Grade: B+.
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel (out Nov 22) is a documentary which covers the life of the long-time fashion editor for Harpers Bazaar. Her openness and passion for the craft will leave you impressed. Grade: B+.
