Mini Reviews
Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance (out now) wasn't previewed for Brisbane critics and now I know why. Nicolas Cage is back (along with some terrible dialogue) and tries to save the world from oblivion by protecting an important young boy from the hands of the devil himself. This is not good. Not good at all. Grade: C.
21 Jump Street (out now) isn't too bad at all. There aren't many similarities with the 80s television series... but I think that's a good thing. It's not afraid to poke fun at itself and both Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum earn laughs. I'd only wish the plot (particularly towards the end) was stronger. Grade: B.
The Rum Diary (out Mar 15) is based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson and follows a American journalist who has moved to Puerto Rico and accepted a position with a struggling newspaper. The performances are great but I expected more from the story. For the most part, it’s just plodding along with the occasional dash of humour. Grade: B-.
Margin Call (out Mar 15) looks at 24 hours in the life of a major investment bank that is on the brink of collapse. Thankfully, the film does not demonise these characters - it portrays them as level-headed human beings who must decide whether to put their own interests ahead of others. The dialogue is superb and writer-director J.C. Chandor deserved his Oscar nomination for best original screenplay. Grade: A.
John Carter (out now) is not the adventure I'd hope it would be. I warmed to star Taylor Kitsch (who sounds a lot like Clint Eastwood) but the story was confusing. It is set on Mars and no one seems to like each other... but I'm not sure what they were all fighting about. Grade: C+.
Coriolanus (out Mar 8) is a great story. Ralph Fiennes (with his nose back after the Harry Potter franchise) and Vanessa Redgrave are terrific. Sadly, the film's impact is lessened by the choice to use Shakespearean dialect in a modern day setting. Grade: B.
Headhunters (out Mar 8) is a Norwegian thriller about an art thief who tries to get his hands on a $100m painting before the authorities catch on to his identity. It's moderately entertaining but the twists are a little silly. Grade: B.
The Devil Inside (out now) wasn't good. How many films about exorcisms have been made in the past year? It takes too long to get started and it's not remotely scary or creepy. The fake-documentary format adds nothing either. Grade: C+.
Buck (out now) doesn't contain any great revelations but it's still a moderately interesting documentary about "horse whisperer" Buck Brannaman and how he learned from his difficult upbringing and became an expert in helping troubled horses. Grade: B.
Project X (out Mar 1) begs the question - could a film have less plot and character development? It's just a giant party shot like a home movie. From the 30 minute mark, you'll see nothing more than (1) short slow-mo music montages, and (2) tits & ass shots. I can see this making money... but many will be horribly offended. Has no chance with the female demographic. Grade: C.
A Separation (out Mar 1) won the Oscar for best foreign language film and now I know why. An outsider could see these characters as deeply flawed. That’s not the reality however. Writer-director Asghar Farhadi slips us into their shoes and we appreciate each of their perspectives. Life is rarely clear-cut and you can’t always rely on a textbook when faced when a tough ethical dilemma. Do see this movie. Grade: A.
