Mini Reviews
GasLand (out Nov 18) is an eye-opening documentary about the process whereby natural gas is extracted from the ground in the United States. Do we really know the risks? Should we be alarmed by the fact that residents can set their tap water on fire? There's plenty to think about here and it's sure to generate discussion (particularly in political circles). Grade: A-.
Wild Target (out now) is second "hitman" film being released this week (The American is the other). This one is a comedy however. Our protagonist, Bill Nighy, falls in love with his target, Emily Blunt, and can't go through with it. It's funny for a while but it doesn't take many chances in the second half. Ending is somewhat of a fizzer. I love Nighy though so won't be too harsh. Grade: B.
The American (out Nov 11) is about a hitman (George Clooney) now laying low in Italy following a job that didn't quite go to plan. The film has been stylishly shot by director Anton Corbjin but I found the story hard to believe and I didn't have much interest in the lead character. Grade: B-.
The Loved Ones (out now) is an Aussie horror film about a high school girl, who with the help of her father, kidnaps the boy of her dreams. This movie is poorly executed. There are a few squeamish moments but it's ultimately a 30 minute idea dragged out into 84 minutes. The subplots give new meaning to the word "unnecessary". Grade: C+.
Saw 3D (out now) was sick stuff. To think that you can't show porn in a mainstream theatre and yet you can show that. Go figure? Grade: C.
Red (out now) is about a group of retired CIA agents who find themselves being hunted down by an mysterious assassins. Why are they being attacked? Who's behind it all? This is my kind of action film in that it doesn't take itself too seriously. More than a few laughs. It's the cast (especially Helen Mirren and John Malkovich) that give it a real kick. Grade: B+.
Made In Dagenham (out Oct 28) is a warm-hearted drama with plenty of nice laughs thrown in. Set in 1968, it centres on a group of women working for the Ford plant in London who are fighting for equal pay. Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) highlights her diversity as an actress with another great performance. Grade: A-.
Life As We Know It (out now) wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. I actually liked parts of it. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel worked well off each other. Some nice banter. There are a few dumb moments (e.g. the child care worker) but I'm giving this a mild thumbs up. Shhh, tell no one. Grade: B.
The Social Network (out Oct 28) has been hyped as one of the best films of the year... and I can't help but agree. It's fantastic. I enjoyed learning how Facebook was created but much more interesting is the way in which Mark Zuckerberg is portrayed. Is he a sociopath or is he just misunderstood? Much to think about. Grade: A.
Paranormal Activity 2 (out now) has a few "jump out of your seat" moments but when you break it down, it's a simple rehash of the original. Not as scary as I'd hoped. I still like the style however. You can help but feel a slight shiver down your spine while watching the grainy images on screen with no soundtrack. Grade: B-.
Let Me In (out now) is a remake of the Swedish film Let The Right One In (released in Australia early in 2009). It didn't leave as big an impact (maybe because I've seen the original) but this is still a well-told story. It focuses on a young boy who befriends a girl who has just moved into his apartment complex. She holds a very big secret. Grade: B+.
