Mini Reviews
Catfish (out Jan 27) has been described as "the other Facebook movie" and is like going on a new rollercoaster for the first time. You have a rough idea what you're in for but there are going to be a few moments to catch you off guard. This film only works if you know nothing about it before you see it. If you follow that piece of advice (and don't spoil it for others), you're in for an enthralling ride. Grade: A-.
Another Year (out Jan 27) is more brilliance from director Mike Leigh (Secrets & Lies, Happy-Go-Lucky). It revolves around a happily married couple in their 60s who find that all their friends around them are falling apart. Leigh has a great knack for capturing the "human condition" and he does so again here. It's capped off by a unforgettably annoying and/or touching performance from Lesley Manville. Grade: A.
The Fighter (out Jan 20) is a story we've seen before - that of a washed up boxer who resurrects his career. It's still a strong film though. You get to know all the characters very well and the boxing scenes are suspensful. There are also some excellent performances - Whalberg, Adams, Bale and Leo. Grade: A-.
Yogi Bear (out now) is even worse than it looks. Grade: C-.
Burlesque (out now) is about a wanna-be performer who moves to Hollywood and gets a big break in a burlesque club. I don't think I've seen a musical with a more unadventurous plot. No chances, no suprises. The cast are decent though and it's nice to see them having some fun with the material. Once is enough for this film. Grade: B-.
Black Swan (out Jan 20) has been lauded as a near-masterpiece by many critics. I'm not convinced. It's about a ballet dancer who tries to discover her "darker" self in an effort to perfect the role of the Swan Queen in her company's performance of Swan Lake. I usually love director Darren Aronofsky but I think he overemphasises the film's themes and I wasn't sure about the horror elements. Grade: B+.
The Dilemma (out now) is about a guy who finds out his best friend's wife has been cheating on him. I can't believe this was directed by Ron Howard. Why would he choose such a straight-forward project? There's one great moment (at a 40th anniversary party) but aside from that, this film takes itself way too seriously. Grade: C+.
Unstoppable (out now) is "inspired" by a true story and is about two brave guys (Denzel Washington & Chris Pine) who try to stop a runaway train. Director Tony Scott is not known for his subtlety. The film scores 0% on the believability scale and to make matters worse, everything is spelt out as if we're all 6 year olds. Ah, but is it fun, adrenalin pumping action? Yep! That's why I didn't mind it. Grade: B.
Morning Glory (out Jan 6) is a comedy about a young television producer named Becky (Rachel McAdams) trying to improve the ratings of her station’s breakfast program. It’s a nuthouse behind the scenes – something I’m told which reflects reality. I'm usually a Grinch when it comes to rom-coms but Rachel McAdams makes this worthwhile. She's terrific. Grade: B+.
Tangled (out Jan 6) is a milestone for Disney as it represents their 50th animated film. It is also their most expensive. It’s hard to believe this cost a phenomenal $260m. That’s a lot of money for a movie with no big name stars and no live action! The story is that of Princess Rapunzel and how she spent her life trapped in a tower. I liked the film but I don’t think it’s up there with Disney’s best. Grade: B+.
Gulliver's Travels (out now) is about a wanna-be travel writer who goes on a trip through the Bermuda Triangle and wakes up on an island filled with tiny people. There's nothing in this movie for adults. The good news is that kids may like the silly, easy to follow story. Grade: B-.
