Mini Reviews
Beginners (out Aug 25) tries to takes the familiar themes of life, love and loss and bundle them up in an offbeat romantic drama. It centres on a guy with a fear of commitment who finds his perspective on life changes following the death of his father (who announced he was gay at the age of 75). It deserves points for originality but I wasn't blown away. Grade: B.
The Guard (out Aug 25) features one of the most memorable performances of 2011 - Brendan Gleeson as Sergeant Gerry Boyle. He's a policeman from a small Irish town who is helping the FBI to stop a major drug shipment. The accents are tough to follow at times but this is a fantastic black comedy. Sergeant Boyle will keep you on your toes all the way through. Grade: A-.
Conan The Barbarian (out now) isn't too bad for a mindless action film. The story is easy to follow and there are plenty of solid battle sequences (although it unnecessarily uses more fake blood than a horror film in some parts). Grade: B.
The Help (out Sep 1) is set in Mississippi in the early 1960s and looks at the way African American maids (aka "the help") were treated by their wealthy employers. The film glosses over a few details it's still an elegantly told drama. You'd be hard pressed to find another film this year with so many quality female performances. Grade: B+.
Horrible Bosses (out Aug 25) is about 3 guys who are frustrated at work and start putting together plans to kill their bosses. This plot is all over the place but it still works as a buddy comedy. Jennifer Aniston (in a surprisingly provocative role) and Charlie Day are the pick of the cast. Grade: B+.
Friends With Benefits (out Aug 18) is nothing new sadly. Two people who recently became friends decide to have a relationship based purely on sex. We all know where it's going. Mila Kunis is decent but I didn't think much of Justin Timberlake. The dialogue is also over-thought - it doesn't feel natural. Grade: B-.
Win Win (out Aug 18) is exactly that. It's about a struggling lawyer who welcomes a troubled teenager into his family for complex reasons. The ending is too forced and there are a few unnecessary characters but I still loved this film. The story is terrific and Paul Giamatti again proves there's no one better who can play an "ordinary guy". Grade: A-.
Green Lantern (out now) is yet another superhero film and is best described as a mixed bag. I was fine with Ryan Reynolds and didn't mind the overall premise. The execution of key scenes left a lot to be desired however. Grade: B-.
Cowboys & Aliens (out Aug 18) is mildly suspenseful in parts but if you're going to mix the western and sci-fi genres, you need to have a lot more fun with it! There are simply not enough good one-liners. The overall storyline also needed work. Grade: C+.
Jane Eyre (out Aug 11) is a story that's been told many times before but I still loved this fresh adaptation. Aussie Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland) is amazing in the leading role. You will feel much empathy for her character and the way her closely-guarded heart has been tortured by a wealthy suitor. Grade: A-.
Senna (out Aug 11) is film you must see before finalising any "best of" lists for 2011. It's a well-crafted documentary that has the look and feel of a drama. It goes beyond what you might expect and provides an intimate account of Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna and his motivations to succeed. The never-before-seen footage is amazing. Grade: A.
