Mini Review - The LEGO Ninjago Movie
The LEGO Ninjago Movie (out Sep 21) follows a group of young ninjas who must defeat a playful villain and protect their colourful city. I enjoyed the cool, creative world but the plot and humour seem unnecessarily complex given the target audience will be young children. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Kingsman: The Golden Circle (out Sep 21) doesn’t quite have the charm and freshness as its 2014 predecessor but it’s still entertaining. Taron Egerton continues to be a likeable, common hero but it's but it’s Oscar-winner Julianne Moore who steals the show as the over-the-top villain. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Australia Day
Australia Day (out Sep 21) was shot in Brisbane and follows a bunch of characters caught up in events that take place over a 12-hour period on Australia Day. Delving into areas of family, race, crime and revenge, the film has something to say about cultural wars in this country but will so many story lines to flesh out, that message gets a little lost. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - mother!
mother! (out Sep 14) is the story of a married couple who are visited at their remote home by a series of unexpected guests. I can see what this film is trying to do but didn't find it particularly satisfying. It'll be divisive. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - American Assassin
American Assassin (out Sep 14) is a James Bourne-style action film about secret government agency that recruits a disillusioned young man (Dylan O'Brien) for an important assignment. It's predictable, it's cliched and it's not particularly well acted. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - I Am Not Your Negro
I Am Not Your Negro (out Sep 14) is a powerful documentary that reflects on the life of African American writer James Baldwin who passed away in 1987. His beautiful words (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson) are overlaid with images that highlight the racism that existed, and still exists, in America today. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Rip Tide
Rip Tide (out Sep 14) is the tale of a young model living in the US who, in search of a much needed break, travels to her aunt's home in Australia. The film boasts some beautiful cinematography but the story feels like one cliche after another and is not as interesting as it could be. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Patty Cake$
Patty Cake$ (out Sep 14) isn't offering anything too new but it's led by a great central performance from rising Aussie star Danielle Macdonald. It's the story of a young woman trying to overcome huge obstacles, including a rotten mother, to pursue a music career. Grade: B.
