Mini Review - Brother's Nest
Brother's Nest (out Jun 21) is the latest collaboration between Shane and Clayton Jacobson (Kenny) and is the tale of two brothers who, motivated by money, plan an unthinkable crime. This is a dark, warped comedy. The first half is a little sluggish but the change of tone and arrival of new characters in the second half create an intense conclusion. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Leisure Seeker
The Leisure Seeker (out Jun 14) follows a long-married couple who go on one final road trip in their rundown camper van. It begins as a warmhearted comedy but the erratic, over-the-top actions by Helen Mirren in the later stages lessen the film's impact. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Upgrade
Upgrade (out Jun 14) is a surprising and interesting thriller about a man who uses cutting-edge technology to enhance his physical abilities and go in search of his wife's killer. The acting is a little sub-par in places but star Logan Marshall-Green makes for a compelling hero. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Disobedience
Disobedience (out Jun 14) is the tale of woman who travels from the US to the UK for her father's funeral and must deal with a group of argumentative people she has long despised. The film has something to say about organised religion but it's sluggish in places and slow to get to the point. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Incredibles 2
Incredibles 2 (out Jun 14) follows closely in the footsteps of its predecessor. For starters, it's a fun superhero flick that combines fast paced action with family dynamics. Further, it highlights that such heroes actually have both pros and cons. Sequels often feel inferior to the original but that’s not the case here. This is a worthy, interesting story that befits the era we live in. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Tag
Tag (out Jun 14) is about 5 adult guys playing a game of "tag". It may sound silly, far-fetched and unrealistic but this is actually based on a true story. The villain in the story is a guy who has never once been tagged (played by Jeremy Renner) but his character is a bit too weird and over-the-top. There are splashes of humour but not enough. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Ocean's Eight
Ocean's Eight (out Jun 7) is using a new Hollywood formula - take a famous movie with an all-male cast and remake it with an all-female cast. I love a good heist flick but this struggled to keep me interested. It’s lacking when it comes to villains and backstabbers and it all feels too easy as we watch events unfold. That’s not to say you won’t be entertained. The cast is fantastic with everyone doing their best to stand out and create a memorable character. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Tea with the Dames
Tea with the Dames (out Jun 7) is a documentary that brings together four of Great Britain’s greatest living actresses – Joan Plowright, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins. They discuss a broad range of topics from how they first met right up to the battles of old age. You don’t have to be familiar with all of their work to appreciate their experience and the words of wisdom they impart on the audience. Maggie Smith the MVP. Grade: B+.
