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 Box

The Box (out now) is "an enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in mystery". I don't know if I loved it or I hated it. There's definitely stuff wrong with it but it's so intriguing, so puzzling. It's reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Will require multiple viewings... for those who didn't walk out the first time. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Into The Shadows

Into The Shadows (out now) is an Aussie doco which looks at the problems with our film industry. It has a say on everything from financing through to distribution. There are a lot of good interviews but it didn't leave me with many realistic solutions. Definitely worth seeing if you are a budding actor or filmmaker. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - Genova

Genova (out Nov 5) is a drama about a man who moves to Italy with his two daughters following the death of their mother. I have respect for director Michael Winterbottom but this was incredibly boring. Does anything happen? It's just a tourist video for the city of Genova. Grade: C+.

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+.
  1. Mini Review - In Search Of Beethoven
  2. Mini Review - Departures
  3. Mini Review - An Education
  4. Mini Review - The Final Destination