Mini Reviews
Mini Review - Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (out Jul 10) held me right through to the action finale. It's a strong, thought-provoking action release (i.e. the opposite of the latest Transformers). You’d be hard pressed to find another film so far in 2014 that asks more of the special effects artists. Director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) deserves a big wrap. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - The Lunchbox
The Lunchbox (out Jul 10) is an enlightening, feel-good Indian drama about two people who connect when a home-made lunch is mistakenly delivered to the wrong person. We're treated to the sights and sounds of India – from the busy, chaotic streets to the quiet, regimented workplaces. It’s just a shame we can’t smell the food! Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Calvary
Calvary (out Jul 3) is the story of an Irish priest (Brendon Gleeson) who is told in the confessional booth that he will be murdered in one week's time. What follows isn't a "whodunit" thriller. Rather, it's a dark black comedy that sees the priest put to the test by his odd parishioners. This is a wonderfully uncomfortable film and you’ll have to work hard to get inside the head of each character. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Rio 2
Rio 2 (out Jul 3) is a family-friendly animation with some familiar themes - a blue macaw from Brazil must try to save his family when villainous loggers threaten to destroy their forest. Not all that original but it'll be easy for kids to follow (with a few timely soccer references thrown in). Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys (out Jul 3) takes the ridiculously successful Broadway musical and tries to turn into something more dramatic (with less music). Seems like an odd choice. While it lacks pizzazz, the strong performances from the cast (particularly John Lloyd Young and Vincent Piazza) help draw you into the story. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Volcano
The Volcano (out now) is a torturous French comedy about a divorced couple forced to go on a 2,000km road trip to get to their daughter's wedding in Greece. You couldn't find two more irritating, insensitive characters. Their actions are moronic. Really found it hard to laugh. Grade: C-.
Mini Review - Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent (out now) is a French drama that begins in 1957 and chronicles the life of one of the world's leading fashion designers. I was not hugely interested in the fashion (not my thing) but the unusual dynamic between his partner - who served as both lover and business manager - is interesting to follow. Pierre Niney very good in the lead role. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Last Impresario
The Last Impresario (out Jun 26) is a documentary that takes us inside the world of Michael White - a Scottish film and theatre producer who loved to take chances and loved to party. It feels a little too much like a "back patting" exercise in places but there are some nice interviews and it provides insight into life in the 60s and 70s. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Transformers: Age Of Extinction
Transformers: Age Of Extinction (out Jun 26) is all so tiringly unoriginal. It provides action with zero tension. It’s also surprising how little story there is given the 165 minute running time. Aside from the stellar efforts from the visual effects team, it feels like an amalgamation of action clichés. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Gabrielle
Gabrielle (out now) is a French romantic drama about a young, music-loving woman with Williams syndrome who discovers love for the first time. I wasn't fully convinced by the finale but it's a sweet, complex journey that takes us through the full gamut of emotions. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Two Faces Of January
The Two Faces Of January (out Jun 19) is based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr Ripley) and is a seductive thriller set in 1960s Greece that revolves around a murder. Characters' motivations are sketchy and that's part of this film's charm. We’ve all got a bit of good in us. We’ve all got a bit of bad in us. Grade: B+.