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

Downsizing (out Dec 26) is set in a futuristic world where people can be permanently shrunk to create a better life for themselves. This wins the award for the coolest idea with the worst execution. The economic effects are fascinating but the messages get muddled with the film going off on some strange tangents. Grade: C+.

Paddington 2 (out Dec 21) seeing the cute, polite, charming bear... sentenced to 10-years in a maximum security prison for robbery. It may sound farcical on paper but this film takes a few interesting turns and is better for it. Hugh Grant is wonderfully good as the villain and there are many laughs for adults and kids. A rare sequel that is better than the original. Grade: A-.

The Florida Project (out Dec 21) is set down the road from Disney World in Orlando, Florida but offers a very different view of life in the United States. With the attention focused on a 6-year-old girl and her unemployed mother, the themes may take time to sink in but this is a commanding character study (similar to a Mike Leigh drama) that will hopefully open eyes. Grade: A-.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (out Dec 14) is a functional action piece that will appeal to fans of the franchise. Still, it's slightly unfulfilling in that it doesn't advance the broader narrative in a huge way and saves plenty for the finale in 2 years. Weak villains but enjoyed the interaction between the two most interesting characters - Rey and Kylo Ren. Grade: B.

Ferdinand (out Dec 14) is based on the children’s book first published in 1936 and follows Ferdinand - a talking Spanish bull (voiced by John Cena) who is trying to “buck” convention and make a better life for himself. Aside from Ferdinand the Bull and Lupe the Goat, none of the characters offer much in the way of interest. Grade: B-.

Wonder Wheel (out Dec 7) is the latest from director Woody Allen. It stars Kate Winslet as a married, middle-aged woman who has an affair with a lifeguard. It's too predictable in places but when secrets come out into the open during the final act, things do get interesting. Grade: B.

The Disaster Artist (out Dec 7) is a wonderful comedy that takes us inside the making of Tommy Wiseau’s iconic film, The Room. It’s a fascinating story that will leave many in hysterics. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen The Room or not - you’ll be laughing regardless at this truth is stranger than fiction tale. Grade: A-.

Only The Brave (out Nov 30) is based on actual events and pays tribute to a group of firefighters from Arizona. It looks at their work whilst also delving into the battles of their personal lives. A bit formulaic in places but the finale packs a strong punch. Grade: B.

The Man Who Invented Christmas (out Nov 30) recounts how acclaimed author Charles Dickens came to write one of his most famous works, A Christmas Carol, in 1843. Told using a mix of fantasy scenes and flashbacks, I found the actual novel to be more interesting than this. Grade: C+.

Wonder (out Nov 30) is based on the novel by R.J. Palacio and follows a not-so-normal looking 10-year-old who battles to make friends during his first year at middle school. It’s a little simplistic in places but it’s hard to be critical of such a heart-warming film. Jacob Tremblay (Room) is great in the leading role and the supporting cast all get the chance to shine with wise words of their own. Grade: B+.

Better Watch Out (out Nov 23) is an Aussie-American thriller about a 12-year-old kid and his 17-year-old babysitter who are terrorised by a home invader. It's not ground breaking but there are a few nice twists and a worthy lead performance from rising star Levi Miller. Grade: B.