Mini Reviews
Mini Review - The Zero Theorem
The Zero Theorem (out now) is the story of a guy waiting for a phone call while trying to solve an impossible mathematical formula. Confused? Don't worry. You'll be just as confused as you leave the theatre. I admire Terry Gilliam as a filmmaker but I was scratching my head far too often in this instance. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - X-Men: Days Of Future Past
X-Men: Days Of Future Past (out May 22) paints a bleak view of the future where robots have annihilated the planet. The solution is time travel. Wolverine heads back to the 1970s where he will try to “end the war before it begins”. Director Bryan Singer has created an entertaining action flick with a predictable, yet still engaging, premise. Has the right number of characters too. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Godzilla
Godzilla (out May 15) didn't win me over with its human characters... but once you realise they don't matter, you can admire everything else. In a similar vein to last year’s Pacific Rim, this is an epic “monster movie”. The visual effects are impressive and so too is the cinematography of Seamus McGarvey. Story could have used a bit more logic. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Broken Circle Breakdown
The Broken Circle Breakdown (out May 15) is a Belgian feature about a couple trying to cope after discovering their 6-year-old daughter has cancer. There are a several powerful scenes but the film's non-chronological structure made the story difficult to access. The ending is also a head scratcher. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Child's Pose
Child's Pose (out May 15) is the story of a mother trying to reconnect with her middle aged son following a tragic accident. She's a tough character to get your head around… and that’s part of this film’s appeal. Winner of the top prize at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival, this is an involving piece of cinema. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - A Castle In Italy
A Castle In Italy (out May 15) is a disjointed, irritating Italian drama centred on a family with psychological issues. I didn't like any character. I didn't understand any character. A strange film. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Chef
Chef (out May 8) is the story of chef who loses his job after being savaged by a critic... and then reinvents himself by operating a hip food van. There are some odd family dynamics but this is still a sensational feel good flick. Great food, great story, great conversation. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Belle
Belle (out May 8) is set in the late 18th century and chronicles the true story of a Negro born into wealth (as opposed to slavery) who is struggling to find her place in the world. I realise it's a watered down version of events but I'm a sucker for period piece films and found myself caught up in the story. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Healing
Healing (out May 8) is the tale a prisoner in a rural correctional facility who forms a bond with an injured falcon. The film's metaphoric themes feel a little too forced but this is still a moving story that looks at the importance of rehabilitation and forgiveness. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Bad Neighbours
Bad Neighbours (out May 8) follows a newly married couple who are trying to stop a a rambunctious college fraternity who have moved in next door. The logistics of several jokes don't work... but they're funny anyway. Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne and Zac Efron all get a chance at some great one-liners. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Fading Gigolo
Fading Gigolo (out now) is the story of a florist who, inspired by an old friend, takes on a part-job as a gigolo. The film keeps switching between comedy and drama. It's tough to keep up. The story is moderately interesting but many of the comedic elements (such as Liev Schreiber's character) that don't hit the mark. Grade: B-.