Mini Review - Ad Astra
Ad Astra (out Sep 19) is a space mystery starring Brad Pitt. I like the editing, the cinematography and the music. Director James Gray knows how to build intrigue. Unfortunately, it's lacking in terms of story. It's trying to sell a deep, profound message but I struggled to buy into it. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Halston
Halston (out Sep 19) is a documentary about the acclaimed fashion designer but is more about the up-and-down nature of his business activities than his actual designs. Interesting but repetitive. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Dora and the Lost City of Gold (out Sep 19) will entertain younger audiences. Taking Dora’s simplistic story and turning it into a live-action movie would have been a tricky assignment but the creators have taken a few chances (such as making Dora a 16-year-old) and been rewarded for their efforts. Isabela Moner deserves praise for her lead performance. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Good Boys
Good Boys (out Sep 19) follows three 12-year-old kids who go on a series of misadventures as they prepare for their first "kissing party". The storyline doesn't flow as smoothly as it should (parts feel like unrelated skits) but these cute, foul-mouthed characters will win audiences over. It’s hard not to be amused as they misinterpret words and try to act older than they are. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Angry Birds Movie 2
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (out Sep 12) is targeted squarely at young kids. It follows our beloved birds and pigs who team up to defeat a new enemy. It's simple, colourful and easy to follow. That said, it doesn't offer much in terms of emotion or character development. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey (out Sep 12) is the latest movie spin-off from a successful TV show. Set in 1927, this two hour movie is structured a visit from King George V and Queen Mary who are spending roughly 24 hours at the famed residence. The cast is superb and it’s no surprise to see 84-year-old Maggie Smith as the standout in a role that won her three Emmy Awards. The film captures the era and is jolly good fun. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Freaks
Freaks (out Sep 12) is a futuristic sci-fi flick about a father (Emile Hirsch) who is shielding his 7-year-old daughter (Lexy Kolker) from the dangers of the world. Writer-directors Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky withhold key information and while it builds early intrigue, I'm not sure the finale is worth it. Grade: B.
Mini Review - It Chapter Two
It Chapter Two (out Sep 5) is far from perfect but it's still great to see a horror film that delves into deeper issues (friendship, bullying, trauma, adulthood) as opposed to just providing easy scares. It picks up the story 27 years after the original flick (released in 2017) and follows these self-described "losers" as they confront their past... and oh yeah, the sinister clown. Grade: B.