Mini Reviews
Four Lions (out now) is a British movie about a group of Muslims living in London who want to become suicide bombers. No, this is not a drama. It's a comedy! I understand the subject matter will be too delicate for some but I enjoyed the film's dark humour. These guys are complete morons but so too are the police who pursue them. It's like an episode of Keystone Kops. Grade: B+.
Boy (out Aug 26) topped the box-office in New Zealand for an incredible 4 weeks and is now getting an Oz release. It's about an 11 y/o who lives with his grandmother but has his world flipped upside down when his father reappears after a long absence. This has a nice mix of comedy (in the early stages) and drama (in the later stages). A real crowd pleaser. Grade: A-.
The Killer Inside Me (out Aug 26) is about a mild-mannered police officer from a small Texas town. Oh, and he's also a murdering psychopath. I saw this film in London back in June and the 3 things I remember are (1) it's unnecessarily violent, (2) the characters don't think logically, (3) it's got a dumb ending. It may have a strong cast but this isn't the commercial thriller that many will expect. Grade: C+.
Everlasting Moments (out now) is a Swedish film set in the 20th Century which centres on a married woman and her developing love for photography. It's slow to start but the second half is strong. The rocky relationship shared between husband and wife is nicely explored. It's an interesting period of history too. Grade: B+.
The Expendables (out now) should have been better. If you're uniting today's action stars with those from the 1980s in a huge blockbuster, a more interesting script was required. The action scenes aren't that great either - the CGI (particularly in the killing scenes) was too obvious. I do agree with the descrption used by many others - it's Sex & The City for guys. Grade: C+.
Salt (out Aug 19) is a fast-paced action film starring Angelina Jolie has a CIA agent on the run from her colleagues after being named as a possible Russian spy. Can she prove her innocence? This has been well directed by Aussie Phillip Noyce (I like the short running time) but I had trouble with (1) the motives of certain characters and (2) how Angelina could beat up so many people. To each their own. Grade: B-.
Cairo Time (out Aug 19) is a nice drama about a woman (Patricia Clarkson) in her 50s who travels to Cairo to meet up with her husband (who has been working for the UN in Gaza). While waiting for him to arrive, she starts exploring the city and strikes up a new friendship. It's a little slow to start (film focuses too much on the city than the characters) but it develops into a poignant love story. Grade: B+.
Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (out Aug 12) is a fantastic new comedy about a young guy who, to win the heart of a girl, must defeat her 7 evil exes. This is cute, funny and creative. Director Edgar Wright (Shaun Of The Dead) has pulled off a big ask - crafting an original rom-com. Michael Cera is perfect in the lead role. Plenty of legitimate laugh out loud moments. I loved this. Grade: A.
The Ghost Writer (out Aug 12) is about a ghost writer (funny that) who is writing the autobiography for an ex British Prime Minister and becomes caught up in a nasty cover-up. This is a smart, well-written thriller from director Roman Polanski. There are a few weaknesses in the plot but the strong performances elevate this beyond normal Hollywood fare. Grade: A-.
Step Up 3D (out Aug 5) has worse dialogue than an episode of Home & Away. Whatever you do, please don't see this film for its plot. You'll have too much trouble finding it. However, you DO need to see this film if you love street dance. There are some terrific dance scenes features great choreography and excellent use of the 3D format. This was better than I was expecting. Grade: B.
Centurion (out now) is set in 117AD and is about a group of Roman soldiers fighting the Picts in Northern Britain. It's a fairly "random" film. I didn't know which side I was supposed to be cheering for. The violence is also overdone. Yes, it may be realistic but what purpose does it serve showing us so many brutally graphic killings? Needed more story. Grade: C+.
