Mini Reviews
Mini Review - Son Of Saul
Son Of Saul (out Feb 25) looks at the Holocaust through the eyes of a Hungarian prisoner working at Auschwitz. With its distinctive cinematography and unorthodox narrative, it is a World War II film that will leave an impression. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Noma: My Perfect Storm
Noma: My Perfect Storm (out Feb 25) is a documentary about a chef who started from small beginnings and created a world renowned restaurant in Copenhagen. It's very repetitive and it struggles to make the most of its subjects and their backstories. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (out Feb 25) depicts a true story (a departure from director Michael Day). The year is 2012, the setting is Libya, and the heroes are private military contractors from the United States. It's hard to knock the film's spirit and intent but it's very light when it comes to the "bigger picture" of the war itself. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Gods Of Egypt
Gods Of Egypt (out Feb 25) is a ridiculous, over-the-top fantasy that doesn't make a lot of sense. Characters have super powers when convenient. This may have worked better as a comedy but instead, it's trying to be a deeper, spiritual drama (with a chunk of romance thrown in). Brenton Thwaites the pick of the cast. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Hail, Caesar!
Hail, Caesar! (out Feb 25) is a goofy crime caper set against the backdrop of 1950s Hollywood. There are more than enough laughs but the premise lacks the entertaining complexity that I fondly remember from other Coen Brothers movies. Some cast members don't even require a wardrobe change (their roles are tiny) but Josh Brolin is terrific in the lead. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Concussion
Concussion (out Feb 18) is based on actual events and sees Will Smith star as a doctor trying to create awareness about the long-term brain injuries suffered by gridiron players. Parts of the film are quite clunky but it's still an important story that needs to be told. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Risen
Risen (out Feb 18) tells the story of Jesus Christ's resurrection and is told through the eyes of a Russian soldier. I'm describing this as CSI: Jerusalem. It's more of a crime-thriller as the solider tries to hunt Jesus's location and see if the rumours are true. I don't think it adds much to what Catholics would already believe. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - How To Be Single
How To Be Single (out Feb 18) struggles to find the balance between its numerous subplots but it's nice to watch a romantic comedy where the ending doesn't feel like a forgone conclusion. In the same vein as Sex & The City, it's about 4 different women trying to find love in New York City. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Ride Along 2
Ride Along 2 (out Feb 18) is a tiring, poorly written follow up to the 2014 original. They're not even trying to do anything different. Kevin Hart tries to be the most irritating person alive. Ice Cube acts like he always wants to punch him. Hard to drag out into 100 minutes. Grade: C.
Mini Review - 45 Years
45 Years (out Feb 18) is a British film that follows a week in the lives of a married couple who are preparing for their 45th wedding anniversary. I didn't connect with the narrative as strongly as others but it's hard to fault the two lead performances from Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Trumbo
Trumbo (out Feb 18) tells the true story of Dalton Trumbo, an acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter who was blacklisted in the late 1940s for being a Communist sympathiser. It’s repetitive but Trumbo is a moderately interesting character study. He had both good and bad qualities. Bryan Cranston embodies the leading character well. Grade: B.