Welcome to the Film Pie! Brisbane based film critic Matt Toomey has reviewed thousands of movies since 1996. See what's out now, or browse the review archive.

Mini Reviews

Mini Review - The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus

The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus (out now) is Heath Ledger's final film - an off-beat tale about 1,000 year old storyteller (Christopher Plummer) who offers a chance at lifelong hapiness to those game enough to step through his magic mirror. It's strange but it held my attention. Another visually stylish film from director Terry Gilliam (Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas). Grade: B+.

Mini Review - The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee

The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee (out now) is a quality flick about a middle aged woman whose life seems to revolve around pleasing others. Will it be this way forever? It's a question she now asks herself. We've seen these midlife crisis movies before but this one is a little different. Robin Wright Penn is a great in the leading role with a subtle, moving performance. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - This Is It

This Is It (out now) takes us behind the scenes in the lead up to Michael Jackson's final concerts. It's more of a celebration of Jackson than a tribute piece. You can hear him perform his greatest songs one last time and see him interact with the cast and crew. I was reluctant about this movie but the end result is really good. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - Capitalism: A Love Story

Capitalism: A Love Story (out Nov 5) isn't Michael Moore's best documentary but it will still open your eyes to the incredible greed that exists within the world. Some of it is quite shocking. Is anyone listening though and can Moore make a difference? That also makes for an interesting discussion. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - Saw VI

Saw VI (out now) is just as bad as Police Academy 6: City Under Siege. Grade: C.

Mini Review - Call + Response

Call + Response (out now) is a combination of a documentary and a music video. It highlights the issue of human trafficking and shows how bands are trying to promote the issue in the public eye through song. I got the message loud and clear but the music aspects were a little dull. Grade: B.

Mini Review - All About Steve

All About Steve (out now) is excruciating. Just when you think Sandra Bullock has hit rock bottom, alas, she just keeps on digging. Of 97 critics surveyed at Rotten Tomatoes, only 6 gave it a positive review. So it's not just me and my Sandra bashing. The film stinks - and that's a fact. Grade: C-.

Mini Review - Paper Heart

Paper Heart (out Oct 22) is a mix of reality and fantasy. Actress Charlyne Yi sets out to make a documentary about love... and finds it in the process with actor Michael Cera (Juno). I thought the interviews with the randoms were good but didn't like Charlyne Yi at all - such an annoying person. What kind of doco is she trying to make here? Grade: C+.

Mini Review - In Search Of Beethoven

In Search Of Beethoven (out Oct 22) is a 2.5 hour documentary about the iconic German composer. I liked it general but did struggle to keep up with the detailed commentary on piano playing and classical music. It's one for fans of Beethoven but I don't know if it's going to have much appeal to others. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - Departures

Departures (out now) is an uplifting tear-jerker about an unemployed cellist who finds work in a funeral home. He helps prepare the dead for whatever lies beyond. This Japanese film won the Oscar for best foreign language film earlier in the year and now I know why. Softly directed and deeply moving. Just incredible. Grade: A.

Mini Review - An Education

An Education (out Oct 22) is a beautiful coming of age story. It's about a conservative girl (Carey Mulligan) in her final year of school who is swept off her feet by a much older guy (Peter Sarsgaard). He opens her eyes to an exciting world outside her comfort zone. You'll go through every emotion and the performances and direction are superb. This is why I love movies. Grade: A.
  1. Mini Review - The Final Destination
  2. Mini Review - Astro Boy
  3. Mini Review - Whatever Works
  4. Mini Review - Couples Retreat