Mini Reviews
Coco Avant Chanel (out now) is a biopic which looks at the early life of the acclaimed fashion designer. It was slow to start but I liked how it explored Coco’s insecurities and the odd relationship that she shared with two men. The costumes are brilliant. Grade: A-.
Hannah Montana: The Movie (out now) makes no sense whatsoever. If I had a friend who lived a secret life as one of the world's most high profile entertainers, I think I'd know. If you can get past this plot hole (and I did a few times) then it's an ok film to watch with some well-directed musical numbers. Grade: B-.
Bastardy (out now) is an Aussie documentary about Jack Charles. Charles is an actor who has appeared in many plays, television shows and movies. He has also spent many years in jail for burglary and drug use. It didn't blow me away but I found it curiously interesting. Grade: B+.
Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (out Jul 1) sees Manny, Ellie, Diego go on a journey into a lost underworld to rescue Sid from a giant dinosaur. They befriend a weasel named Buck (well voiced by Simon Pegg) who helps out along the way. It's a fun adventure that the kids should lap up. Grade: B.
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (out now) is a flat, tiring experience. It just goes on forever. The characters are dull and about all I can remember is watching 20,000 explosions, 500 helicopter fly-overs and 80 slow motion running sequences. Did they even write a script? Grade: C+.
Disgrace (out now) is an Australian film set in South Africa. It’s about a 53-year-old college professor who must confront himself and the reality of life is South Africa after his daughter his raped by 3 men. It’s a good film but heavy going at times. Grade: B+.
Noodle (out now) is a suspensful, feel-good flick from Israel about a flight attendant who is left to care for a small Chinese boy after his mother is deported by immigration. Can she find a way to reunite him with his mother? Nice. Grade: B+.
Year One (out Jun 18) might have been funny in the year 10,000 B.C. but not today. It's a feeble comedy starring Jack Black and Michael Cera that has 10 flat jokes for every good one. They just try too hard. Grade: C+.
The Proposal (out Jun 18) is the death of cinema. It stars Sandra Bullock as an overbearing boss who forces her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her to avoid being deported. Every scene felt fake and the end result is yet another superficial, unrealistic romantic comedy. Kill me. Grade: C-.
Shall We Kiss? (out now) is a slow paced French romantic comedy about a friendship which transforms into a relationship after sharing an innocent kiss. I walked out after 50 minutes due to boredom. My time is more valuable than this. Grade: C.
Land Of The Lost (out now) is exactly where this film belongs. It's a silly mix of science fiction and dirty comedy. Is it meant for kids or adults? I'm not sure. It stars Will Ferrell as a scientist who travels back in time to an alternate universe and must find a way home. Avoid. Grade: C.
