Mini Review - The Wedding Ringer

The Wedding Ringer (out Jan 22) is the story of a guy with no friends who hires someone to be the best man at his wedding. This wasn't good. It's hard to fit much humour into such a narrow premise. It all makes no sense really. Grade: C.

Mini Review - Wild

Wild (out Jan 22) follows a 26-year-old woman named Cheryl Strayed embarked on a 1,800km trek through California and Oregon in the United States. The film is at its most interesting when it delves into Stayed’s past and explores her relationship with her mother and ex-husband. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - American Sniper

American Sniper (out Jan 22) is about Chris Kyle – a Navy SEAL who was credited with more than 160 enemy kills during the recent Iraq War. It’s a film that doesn’t really know what it wants to be. Is it a patriotic tribute to an American hero? Is it an unrealistic action-thriller? Or is it a relationship drama about a troubled couple? Don’t get me started on the ending. Grade: C+.

Mini Review - Birdman

Birdman (out Jan 15) is one of this year's major Oscar contenders and follows an actor (Michael Keaton) trying to reboot his sagging career. It's funny, it's got some great performances, and it's been creatively shot (as if it's all one take). I wasn't quite sold on all of its messages though. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - Paper Planes

Paper Planes (out Jan 15) follows an 11-year-old kid who has a crack at the Australian Paper Plane Championships. It’s a super-cheesy film that doesn’t always make a lot of sense… but its heart is in the right place. Also nice to see a family film made here in Australia. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Unbroken

Unbroken (out Jan 15) tells the true story of Louis Zamperini - an American soldier who was imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II. Most war dramas feature epic gun fights or heroic rescues. This is about something quite different – the power of human endurance. Directed by Angelina Jolie and starring British newcomer Jack O'Connell, Unbroken is tough to watch but also hugely inspiring. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - Dumb & Dumber To

Dumb & Dumber To (out Jan 8) is a sequel to the popular 1994 comedy. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels play two fools with single digit IQs who find themselves caught up in another bizarre caper. It's silly, harmless fun... but there aren't enough good jokes (or subplots) to drag this out beyond the opening 30 minutes. Grade: C.

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