Mini Reviews
Killer Elite (out Feb 23) centres on a retired mercenaries who is roped into performing one last job - killing three former SAS agents under instruction from a wealthy Oman sheikh. This is trying to be an intelligent action film (it’s based on a true story) but it fails due to poor character development (hard to keep up at times) a few too many gaps in the story. Grade: C+.
One For The Money (out now) is a dreadful action-comedy-whatever starring Katherine Heigl as an unemployed woman who takes a job as a bounty hunter and goes after an ex-cop who skipped bail... and who just so happens to be her first boyfriend. The script is all over the place and I almost fell asleep due to the lack of laughs. Grade: C-.
The Grey (out now) is a decent action-thriller about 7 guys who survive a plane crash in remote Alaska and have to find their way back to civilisation. The freezing conditions will test their fortitude... but their real worry will be a pack of vicious wolves looking for their next meal. The back story seems unnecessary but the action scenes have been nicely shot and choreographed. Grade: B+.
This Means War (out now) is terrible. Two CIA agents fall in love with the same girl and use any means necessary to win her affections. Ok, I realise rom-coms aren't my favourite genre but this story is dumb and the characters are morons. Grade: C-.
My Week With Marilyn (out Feb 16) is set in 1956 and follows a 23-year-old assistant director who becomes close with Marilyn Monroe while working on a movie. Michelle Williams gives a decent performance but that's about the only positive. The story is so repetitious! Marilyn turns up late to the set 10 times, people warn young kid about Marilyn 20 times. The end. Grade: C+.
The Vow (out now) is about a woman who is injured in a car accident and loses her recent memory. She cannot remember her husband nor her profession. The film just goes through the motions for the most part... but I liked the way it ended and it surprised me a little. Rachel McAdams is sweet as always. Grade: B.
Any Questions For Ben? (out now) is about a 27 y/o guy who starts to doubt his relaxed, party-going lifestyle when he sees those around him settling down and forging meaningful careers. The film is too blunt with its message but there's still a lot to like. Particularly enjoyed the intelligent conversations shared between the characters. Soundtrack is great too. Grade: B+.
Safe House (out Feb 9) is about a good guy trying to capture a bad guy. Other bad guys are trying to get their hands on the bad guy but thankfully, there are other good guys are helping out the good guy. But are they really good? Maybe they're just bad guys pretending to be good guys? The plot needed work but the action is solid and Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds give good performances. Grade: B-.
Man On A Ledge (out now) is about a man on a ledge (funny that). He's not there to commit suicide however. He has a rather elaborate plan. The plot has more holes than a donut shop but I still found it moderately entertaining. I hated the bad guy (Ed Harris) so much and I wanted to see the good guy (Sam Worthington) extract his revenge. Grade: B-.
Shame (out Feb 9) is one of the best films of the year. The story is fascinating in itself but it’s Steve McQueen’s careful direction that gives it a seductive, hypnotic edge. He takes us into the life of a sex addict and there’s very little respite. The lack of editing, curious camera angles and odd choice of music will leave many feeling uncomfortable. It's brilliant filmmaking. Grade: A.
Chronicle (out now) is shot "home movie" style and is a cool, creative story about three guys who encounter something alien and then develop superpowers. How should they use them? There are a few gaps in the story but it's still entertaining. Also enjoyed the relaxed dialogue. A shame it hasn't been getting more publicity. Grade: B+.
