Welcome to the Film Pie! Brisbane based film critic Matt Toomey has reviewed thousands of movies since 1996. See what's out now, or browse the review archive.

Mini Reviews

Mini Review - The Skin I Live In

The Skin I Live In (out Dec 26) is from Spanish director Pedro Almodovar and stars Antonio Banderas as a plastic surgeon who has developed a new type of synthetic skin. That's about all I feel comfortable revealing. The less you know the better. Just trust me when I say it's one of the year's best films. Grade: A.

Mini Review - The Adventures Of Tintin

The Adventures Of Tintin (out Dec 26) is an unexpected highlight in what has been a disappointing year for animated features. Shot using motion capture, this film stands out with its high quality animation and a strong, action-packed story. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - Melancholia

Melancholia (out now) is hmmm, yeah, um, ah, yeah. The first half is about a lavish wedding spoiled by a "fruit loop" bride. The second half focuses on a planet that is on a collision course with Earth. The performances are great and there are some impressive visuals but I struggled with the story. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Tower Heist

Tower Heist (out Dec 26) starts well. I particularly enjoyed the set up - a group of employees in a lavish apartment building try to rob a wealthy resident after he loses their retirement savings in dodgy investments. The cast is strong too! Was expecting a better conclusion however. Ends up being silly as opposed to creative. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Albert Nobbs

Albert Nobbs (out Dec 26) stars Glenn Close as a woman who dressed as a man in 19th Century Ireland to conceal her sexual orientation. Directed by Rodrigo Garcia (In Treatment), this is one amazing character study. Close portrays Nobbs as a person who has completely lost her identity and social skills after having suppressed her urges for so long. Grade: A.

Mini Review - Dolphin Tale

Dolphin Tale (out now) is based on a true story and sees a young, shy boy try to help a dolphin recover from a nasty injury. A few elements of the story are silly (e.g. the rogue toy helicopter) but for the most part, this is a warm-hearted, feel-good family drama. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (out Dec 15) is the best action film I've seen all year. The script won’t take home any awards but you won’t care once you’ve seen the unrelenting action sequences. My eyes were glued to the screen and my heart rate definitely increased! The film’s signature moment sees Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - The Women On The 6th Floor

The Women On The 6th Floor (out Dec 15) is a light French drama about a wealthy guy who befriends a tight-nit group of maids who live on the floor above. I wasn't convinced by the ending but it's a nice, charming story. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - New Years Eve

New Years Eve (out now) has been made in the Valentine's Day mould - a plethora of overlapping stories centred around a single day in New York City. Perhaps it was because I was recently in New York but I didn't mind this film (despite a trashing from most critics). It starts nicely and has some sweet moments. Unfortunately, the ending is a let down. Grade: B-.

Mini Review - Attack The Block

Attack The Block (out now) is a cool film with a great sense of humour. A group of rebellious British teenagers (with a penchant for thieving and drug dealing) suddenly find themselves battling an alien invasion. Grade: B+.

Mini Review - We Have A Pope

We Have A Pope (out now) is an odd comedy/drama (don't know which) about a newly elected Pope who has suddenly developed self-esteem issues and doesn't think he's up to the job. I expected a lot more from this story and don't know what I was supposed to take away from it as the credits started to roll. Grade: C+.
  1. Mini Review - Puss In Boots
  2. Mini Review - Jack & Jill
  3. Mini Review - Restless
  4. Mini Review - Bill Cunningham New York