Mini Reviews
Mini Review - Bastille Day
Bastille Day (out May 12) is an action film set in France but it has a very pro-American flavour. It’s centred on a CIA agent acting well outside of his jurisdiction who is trying to apprehend a group of terrorists. The ending is too formulaic but there’s some good stuff in the lead up with Idris Elba a strong action hero. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The First Monday In May
The First Monday In May (out May 12) is a superb documentary that follows the creation of a fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the organisation of a gala ball in support of it. Director Andrew Rossi has shot some fascinating "behind the scenes" footage that makes this a compelling view from start to finish. Grade: A.
Mini Review - Bad Neighbours 2
Bad Neighbours 2 (out May 5) has its moments. The characters are all fun with Rose Byrne at her hilarious best and Chloë Grace Moretz making a great addition to the cast. It'll entertain those who enjoyed the original but the plot is much thinner this time around. Many of the conflicts are either illogical or over-thought. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Florence Foster Jenkins
Florence Foster Jenkins (out May 5) is based on the true story of the infamous singer who rose to fame in the 1940s because of her awful voice. Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant are fine but relative unknown Simon Helberg steals the show as Jenkins' nervous/giggly pianist. A lot lighter than the similar Marguerite released last month. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Mia Madre
Mia Madre (out May 5) is a French film about a director trying to finish a movie while spending time with her terminally ill mother. It's a peculiar style from director Nanni Moretti that blends comedy, drama and fantasy. I struggled to believe most of it until the final scenes where a few heartfelt moments finally seep through. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - The Man Who Knew Infinity
The Man Who Knew Infinity (out May 5) is an interesting tale on paper but Matt Brown struggles to bring that same sensation to the screen. It's the story of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician who challenged numerous theorems during the early 20th Century. It's too repetitive but both Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons are nice in the leading roles. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Mother's Day
Mother's Day (out Apr 28) is a ridiculously simplistic comedy about a group of women dealing with problems. These cliché-laden films have become tiring and despite best intentions, there's nothing remotely uplifting about them. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War (out Apr 28) feels like the first episode in a lengthy mini-series. It sets the stage, offers a few surprises, and teases audiences with a glimpse of what lies ahead. The political elements grabbed me most but there are still plenty of laughs for those looking for light hearted entertainment. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - A Month Of Sundays
A Month Of Sundays (out Apr 28) begins with an odd plot device (a wrong phone call) but once you get past that, it develops into a solid Aussie drama about two unlikely people in search of a connection. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Midnight Special
Midnight Special (out Apr 21) is an intriguing drama about a boy with unusual powers and a range of people trying to understand why. Not all of the character actions make sense but I was still intrigued from start to finish. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Marguerite
Marguerite (out Apr 21) is a French film set in the 1920s about a wealthy socialite who believes she has a beautiful singing voice. Unfortunately, no one is prepared to tell her the truth. The novelty gets a bit thin in the later stages but star Catherine Frot has created a character that is both sad and endearing. Grade: B.