Mini Reviews
Something Borrowed (out May 5) is great every time John Krasinski appears on screen. Sadly, the rest of this romantic comedy disappointing. I hated Kate Hudson's character. Did they have to make her so annoying? This premise would have been much more interesting if these people weren't so "black and white". Grade: C+.
Mrs Carey's Concert (out May 5) is an Australian documentary about a passionate music teacher and her efforts to get her students ready for a concert at the Sydney Opera House. A few moments are overdramatised (like when Mrs Carey loses her folder) but the film makes the most of its 90 minutes and it finishes on a moving note. Grade: B+.
Fast Five (out now) has a predictable, seen-it-before storyline but the fantastic action sequences make it worth your while. It's fun. Make sure you stay through the end credits too. It seems this series isn't quite over yet. Grade: B+.
Arthur (out Apr 21) was nice. It's got a few good laughs mixed with a dash of sentimentality. Russell Brand was surprisingly likeable in his role as a spoilt billionaire. Helen Mirren (as expected) and Greta Gerwig also charming. This was better than I expected it would be. Grade: B+.
Thor (out Apr 21) seems to be winning over most critics so far but I wasn't as impressed. The special effects are dazzling and the performances solid but I found the story cold and lacking in emotion. It felt like so many of the other "safe" comic books films we've seen of late. I wanted something more. Grade: C+.
Incendies (out Apr 21) is a film that will slowly reel you in. A brother and sister have been asked to deliver two letters written by their late mother. The end up travelling to the Middle East and what they learn will change their lives in a way they could never have imagined. This is a shocking, powerful film. Grade: A-.
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules (out now) is on a par with the original. It's sweet but nothing special. This instalment sees the wimpy Greg try to get the better of his older brother. Grade: B-.
Potiche (out Apr 21) is a sweet, charming, funny French film featuring a wonderful performance from Catherine Deneuve. It's set in the late 1970s and is about an energetic French woman who goes from being a "trophy housewife" to the CEO of a major company. This is an entertaining ride and loved its sense of humour. Grade: A-.
Brighton Rock (out now) is based on the novel by Graham Greene and focuses on a young gangster who kills a member of a rival group. It sets off a chain of events that will lead to a lot more trouble. The performances are decent (particularly Helen Mirren) but I wasn't that captivated by the story and found it hard to believe at times. Grade: B.
Scream 4 (out Apr 14) sees a copycat killer racking up a substantial body count in the small town of Woodsboro. The film begins with a humorous opening but the continual horror/remake references are uninspired and it lacks suspense when needed. Grade: C+.
Paul (out Apr 14) is about two guys from the UK who come to America for a comic book convention and end up befriending an alien trying to find his way home. It's a comedy for the most part but I think more could have been made of this subject matter. The same jokes are used over and over. Blythe Danner's small role near the end was the highlight. Grade: B-.
