Mini Reviews
A Christmas Carol (out now) is based on the novel of Charles Dickens and tells the tale of a miserable old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Will Scrooge find redemption? This is a pretty grim animated film and may not be suitable for young children. It's well made though and looks great in 3D. Grade: B+.
Prime Mover (out Nov 12) is an Australian movie about a wanna be truckie named Thomas who is in a world of trouble. He's working too hard, spending no time with his wife and has hired goons on his tail. Will things get better for Thomas? They didn't for me while watching this. Grade: C+.
The Boys Are Back (out Nov 12) is from Scott Hicks, director of Shine and Snow Falling On Cedars (two amazing films). This isn't as good but worth a look... perhaps. It's the tale of a father (Clive Owen) who must overcome the death of his wife and find a way of reconnecting with his two sons. Grade: B.
2012 (out Nov 12) is abhorrent. If the world really did end tomorrow, I would die happily knowing that I never have to watching rubbish like this ever again. Grade: F (yes, that's an F, and there's no option to take the test again).
The Time Traveler's Wife (out Nov 5) is about a guy who "travels back in time for some reason." After 50 minutes, I thought the only thing that would have made less sense was a talking pie. Ah, but the film finds its feet and develops into a moving love story. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams are wonderful. Tears may be shed. Grade: B+.
The Box (out now) is "an enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in mystery". I don't know if I loved it or I hated it. There's definitely stuff wrong with it but it's so intriguing, so puzzling. It's reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Will require multiple viewings... for those who didn't walk out the first time. Grade: B.
Into The Shadows (out now) is an Aussie doco which looks at the problems with our film industry. It has a say on everything from financing through to distribution. There are a lot of good interviews but it didn't leave me with many realistic solutions. Definitely worth seeing if you are a budding actor or filmmaker. Grade: B+.
Genova (out Nov 5) is a drama about a man who moves to Italy with his two daughters following the death of their mother. I have respect for director Michael Winterbottom but this was incredibly boring. Does anything happen? It's just a tourist video for the city of Genova. Grade: C+.
The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus (out now) is Heath Ledger's final film - an off-beat tale about 1,000 year old storyteller (Christopher Plummer) who offers a chance at lifelong hapiness to those game enough to step through his magic mirror. It's strange but it held my attention. Another visually stylish film from director Terry Gilliam (Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas). Grade: B+.
The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee (out now) is a quality flick about a middle aged woman whose life seems to revolve around pleasing others. Will it be this way forever? It's a question she now asks herself. We've seen these midlife crisis movies before but this one is a little different. Robin Wright Penn is a great in the leading role with a subtle, moving performance. Grade: A-.
This Is It (out now) takes us behind the scenes in the lead up to Michael Jackson's final concerts. It's more of a celebration of Jackson than a tribute piece. You can hear him perform his greatest songs one last time and see him interact with the cast and crew. I was reluctant about this movie but the end result is really good. Grade: A-.
