Mini Reviews
The Pink Panther 2 (out now) is slightly better than the first film... which isn't much of an achievement. Steve Martin can be so incredibly funny. For example, at this year's Oscars. How does he end up in films as lame as this? Grade: C+.
17 Again (out Apr 9) will undoubtedly be the most popular film for teenage girls over the Easter holidays. Do I need to say why? There are several cringe-worthy moments (I say that in a good way) to offset the "been there before" feel. It has my recommendation... just don't tell anyone I said that. Grade: B+.
Mary & Max (out Apr 9) is an unconventional but very enjoyable "claymation" film from Australian Adam Elliot, the Oscar winning director of Harvie Krumpet. It contains a many nice surprises and brings Asperger's Syndrome into the spotlight. Grade: A-.
The Boat That Rocked (out Apr 9) has a lot of things that rubbed me up the wrong way (such as the endless cut away shots of people listening on the radio). That said, the spirit and sentimentality of the film won me over with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bill Nighy at their usual best. Grade: B+.
Fast & Furious (out Apr 16) is pretty good... but only during the scenes in which the actors keep their mouths shut and the car-orientated action sequences do the talking. This series is out of the gutter and back on the open road. Grade: B.
Elegy (out Apr 9) is a deeply affecting film about life, love and loss. Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz give brilliant performances. I walked out the cinema a different person... well not literally. Grade: A.
Good (out Apr 9) isn't all the title promises. A nice performance from Viggo Mortensen but it's slow moving at times. Struggles to get any momentum. Grade: B-.
Race To Witch Mountain (out Apr 9) has some confusing, over edited action sequences. The storyline isn't very adventurous but I think there's enough to satisfy the younger audiences these school holidays. Grade: B-.
Inkheart (out now) took me by surprise. A warm, not too over-the-top adventure/fantasy flick with an interesting story and a good ending. Grade: B+.
Monsters Vs. Aliens (out now) starts out slow and doesn't get much better. Seth Rogen's funny one liners are the only thing saving the dull story. Grade: C+.
Summer Hours (out Apr 2) is a beautiful French film about three siblings who have some tough decisions to make following the death of their elderly mother. It's a reflective, comforting, thought provoking piece from director Olivier Assayas. Easily the best film I've seen in weeks. Grade: A.
