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 - Bandslam

Bandslam (out Aug 13) is a teen movie about a nerdy, music loving guy who moves to a new school and becomes the manager of band. He also finds himself falling for two different girls - one an ex-cheerleader and the other a quiet rebel. I didn't think this was anything too special but it does a few things differently from your normal teenager flick and it has my respect for that. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Tyson

Tyson (out now) is bascially a 90 minute interview with Mike Tyson with clips from his career thrown in. It was great to see this flawed man be so open about his career and his mistakes. However, I'd have preferred to hear the thoughts from others involved in Tyson's career (e.g. Don King) to provide a different perspective. Grade: B.

Mini Review - The September Issue

The September Issue (out Aug 20) is a documentary about Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, and her diligence in putting the huge September 2007 issue together. I was looking forward to this but unfortunately, it doesn't dig very deep. Anna's offsider, Grace Coddington, is far more interesting... and creative for that matter. Grade: B-.

Mini Review - Two Lovers

Two Lovers (out now) is a romantic drama about a troubled guy (Joaquin Phoenix) who suddenly finds himself with two girlfriends - one who he is pursuing (Gwyneth Paltrow) and one who is pursuing him (Vinessa Shaw). Who will he end up with? Yeah, it's ok. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Coraline

Coraline (out now) is a darker that your average kid's flick... and that's a good thing. It's the story of a girl who finds a secret doorway in her home that leads to a parrallel universe. Her parents are much nicer in this world but can she live here forever? Great animation, great story. Grade: A-.

Mini Review - Subdivision

Subdivision (out Aug 20) is a fair dinkum Aussie film centering on a young builder (Ash Bradnam) living in Hervey Bay and his attempts to prove his worth to his tough father (Gary Sweet).  The character development is underdone but the film has a nice balance of comedy and drama.  Get off your ass and support Australia cinema!  Grade: B+.

Mini Review - G.I. Joe: The Rise Of The Cobra

G.I. Joe: The Rise Of The Cobra (out now) is, without a doubt, the worst film of 2009. Nothing more can be said. Grade: Pointless.

Mini Review - The Ugly Truth

The Ugly Truth (out Aug 6) is a little racier than I thought but it's still a formulaic romantic comedy designed to make women feel better about the male race. Is this film realistic? Not in the slightest. Grade: C+.

Mini Review - Beautiful Kate

Beautiful Kate (out Aug 6) is another Australian film - there have been a lot of them lately. Maybe I wasn't in the mood but I couldn't "get into" this flick. It's a depressing tale about a family dredging up their long buried secrets. I've seen this type of movie too many times before. Grade: C+.

Mini Review - Cedar Boys

Cedar Boys (out now) is an Aussie film which centres on three young Lebanese guys living in Sydney who become drug dealers... with nasty consequences. It's rough around the edges but not too bad. Grade: B.

Mini Review - Balibo

Balibo (out Aug 13) is an Australian film about the disappearance of five journalists in East Timor in 1975. A fellow colleague (Anthony LaPaglia) goes in to investigate but winds up in just as much danger. It leaves a few too many questions unanswered but it builds to a powerful finale that will leave the audience in a hushed state. Grade: A-.
  1. Mini Review - My Sister's Keeper
  2. Mini Review - Red Cliff
  3. Mini Review - Drag Me To Hell
  4. Mini Review - My Friends My Loves