Mini Reviews
Terminator: Salvation (out Jun 4) is a mixed bag. The action sequences have been well shot and whilst overloaded with special effects, they still look cool on the big screen. In contrast, the storyline is weak and confusing. There are worse ways to spend two hours but this film won't be remembered as fondly as previous Terminator flicks. Grade: B-.
Is Anybody There? (out Jun 4) is an English drama about a young boy stuck living in an old folks home (because his parents run the place). He befriends an ageing magician (Michael Caine) and learns some valuable life lessons. It's a crowd pleaser but a few tears may be shed. Not enough character development for me. Grade: B-.
Katyn (out now) is a Polish film which recounts the horrific events that led to the assassination of 22,000 Polish prisoners of war during World War II. Who was responsible - the Germans or the Russians? I think I'm jaded from all the WII flicks released so far this year. Katyn is well made but didn't leave a huge emotional impact. Grade: B.
Adventureland (out now) is a coming-of-age comedy/drama from the director of Superbad. It’s about a college grad who takes a summer job at a dodgy amusement to earn much needed cash. It’s not “laugh out loud” funny. It’s more a chance to reminisce about the 1980s and the self-discoveries we make when moving beyond our teenage years. A nice film. Grade: B+.
Quiet Chaos (out now) is a peculiar Italian film about a successful businessman who deals with the death of his wife in a strange way. He effectively gives up his job and sits in a park all day outside his daughter's school. It's different and I liked it. Grade: B+.
What Just Happened (out now) is an "ok" comedy from director Barry Levinson about a movie producer (Robert DeNiro) trying to deal with his ex wife, a crazy actor, and a film which is about to flop. I like how it portrays the nutty Hollywood lifestyle but we've seen this kind of movie before and this isn't busting with humour. Grade: B.
I Love You, Man (out Jun 4) is one of the best comedies of 2009. It's funny, it's insightful and it's sentimental. All the characters are entertaining but Paul Rudd stands out in the lead. He's a nice guy trying to make some new male friends but he can't help but come across awkwardly. I squirmed but I loved it, man. Grade: A-.
Lesbian Vampire Killers (out May 21) is a UK comedy that isn't as juicy and exciting as the title suggests. It reminded me of Shaun Of The Dead - the major difference being that this spoofs vampire movies instead of zombie movies. Shaun Of The Dead is a much better film but this still has some laughs. Grade: B-.
Angels & Demons (out now) is a thriller lacking in suspense. Perhaps I felt this way because I've read the book and had highish expectations. I've no issue with the casting and Ron Howard's direction but for large pieces of this flick, I felt like it was "going through the motions". Grade: B-.
Night At The Museum 2 (out May 21) has an above-average premise for a sequel. It provides an opportunity to expand the locale and the characters. I loved the Oscar The Grouch cameo. It gets too wordy at times (kids may become bored) but there was enough action to satisfy. Amy Adams the pick of the cast. Grade: B+.
Gomorrah (out May 14) is an Italian mobster film which exposes the real-life activities of the Camorrah - a long running crime organisation based in Naples. It's gritty and it's confronting. There's also a substantial body count. Grade: A-.
