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

Beyond the Reef (out Dec 1) is a rarity - an Australian documentary targeted at teenagers. An energetic host takes us on an educational, visual and culinary journey across the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, It is not offering any great revelations but it knows its audience. Easy to like. Grade: B.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (out Nov 24) is a fun, easy-to-enjoy sequel to the 2019 original. Detective Benoit Blanc is invited to a murder mystery party but things get weird when an actual murder takes place. Grade: B+.

Bones and All (out Nov 24) reunites the Call Me by Your name team of actor Timothée Chalamet and director Luca Guadagnino. If you're looking for something odd and original, this is for you - a romantic drama about two young cannibals. Exploring themes such as identity, loneliness and love, it’s an unusual but beautifully told tale. Lots to reflect upon. Grade: A-.

Strange World (out Nov 24) is an animated feature about a group of makeshift explorers who go on a journey to discover why a precious plant is dying. I like positively-themed family films but this goes over-the-top with its messaging as opposed to being a more fun, heartfelt, character-driven adventure. Grade: B-.

Margrete: Queen of the North (out Nov 24) is a 15th Century Scandinavian tale about a respected Queen trying to unite the territories, fend off a German attack, and respond to a face from the past. There are (slightly) annoying gaps in the story but this is still a very interesting story with added moral quandaries. Grade: B+.

The Menu (out Nov 24) is a great movie to debate and dissect with friends. It's a dark comedy centred on a world-famous chef (Ralph Fiennes) who, on this fateful evening, serves up a degustation that his 12 customers will never forget. This is the is the cinematic equivalent of a “hot mess”. It’s engrossing and hilarious while also being chaotic and disjointed. Grade: B+.

Seriously Red (out Nov 24) is a curious Aussie film about a boisterous young woman who "discovers herself" in becoming a Dolly Parton impersonator. It's bolstered by fun performances (the mum is a scene stealer) and inspired direction. Explores an interesting world! Grade: B+.

On the Line (out Nov 17) stars Mel Gibson as a late-night radio announcer who must deal with a ticked-off talkback caller who claims to have kidnapped his wife and daughter. I’m the first to admit this doesn’t always make sense… but French writer-director Romuald Boulanger did enough to keep me engaged and interested in the characters’ fate. A trashy, entertaining action-thriller with a discussion-worthy finale! Grade: B.

Mistletoe Ranch (out Nov 17) is a cheesy, simplistic, predictable romantic drama about childhood sweethearts, who haven't seen each other in years, who come together for a Christmas celebration. The dialogue isn't great. Grade: C.

Greenhouse by Joost (out Nov 17) is a documentary about an environmental campaigner who attempts to build a "no-waste eco-house" in Melbourne's Federation Square. It feels padded (lots of cooking scenes) and might have made a better short subject doco. Still interesting. Grade: B.

She Said (out Nov 17) can't quite match the brilliance of the Oscar winning Spotlight but this real-life tale of two New York Times journalists bringing the Harvey Weinstein allegations to light makes for compelling viewing. Hard not to be moved by scenes where abused women finally open up after years/decades of silence. Also of interest is the power of non-disclosure agreements. Grade: A-.