Mini Reviews
Adventureland (out now) is a coming-of-age comedy/drama from the director of Superbad. It’s about a college grad who takes a summer job at a dodgy amusement to earn much needed cash. It’s not “laugh out loud” funny. It’s more a chance to reminisce about the 1980s and the self-discoveries we make when moving beyond our teenage years. A nice film. Grade: B+.
Quiet Chaos (out now) is a peculiar Italian film about a successful businessman who deals with the death of his wife in a strange way. He effectively gives up his job and sits in a park all day outside his daughter's school. It's different and I liked it. Grade: B+.
What Just Happened (out now) is an "ok" comedy from director Barry Levinson about a movie producer (Robert DeNiro) trying to deal with his ex wife, a crazy actor, and a film which is about to flop. I like how it portrays the nutty Hollywood lifestyle but we've seen this kind of movie before and this isn't busting with humour. Grade: B.
I Love You, Man (out Jun 4) is one of the best comedies of 2009. It's funny, it's insightful and it's sentimental. All the characters are entertaining but Paul Rudd stands out in the lead. He's a nice guy trying to make some new male friends but he can't help but come across awkwardly. I squirmed but I loved it, man. Grade: A-.
Lesbian Vampire Killers (out May 21) is a UK comedy that isn't as juicy and exciting as the title suggests. It reminded me of Shaun Of The Dead - the major difference being that this spoofs vampire movies instead of zombie movies. Shaun Of The Dead is a much better film but this still has some laughs. Grade: B-.
Angels & Demons (out now) is a thriller lacking in suspense. Perhaps I felt this way because I've read the book and had highish expectations. I've no issue with the casting and Ron Howard's direction but for large pieces of this flick, I felt like it was "going through the motions". Grade: B-.
Night At The Museum 2 (out May 21) has an above-average premise for a sequel. It provides an opportunity to expand the locale and the characters. I loved the Oscar The Grouch cameo. It gets too wordy at times (kids may become bored) but there was enough action to satisfy. Amy Adams the pick of the cast. Grade: B+.
Gomorrah (out May 14) is an Italian mobster film which exposes the real-life activities of the Camorrah - a long running crime organisation based in Naples. It's gritty and it's confronting. There's also a substantial body count. Grade: A-.
Observe & Report (out May 14) is a much darker comedy than you might expect. It stars Seth Rogen as a mall security guard who is trying to prove himself to a girl (Anna Faris) by apprehending a serial "flasher". Seth's character is one messed up guy and he makes you feel uncomfortable in some scenes. Bold, but not for everyone. Grade: B+.
Prey (out now) is the worst film of the year so far and one of the worst Australian films I have ever seen. It's a horror film starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte. I saw it Saturday night at 9pm at the Palace Barracks. I was the only poor soul in the cinema. How the hell did this ever get a cinema release? It doesn't even deserve to be seen on DVD. Grade: C-.
Samson & Delilah (out now) has been hailed by many critics as the best Australian film in years. I can now agree. It's a subtle, beautifully told love story about two troubled Aboriginal teenagers living in remote Australia. Let's hope it is well received at the Cannes Film Festival in a few weeks. Grade: A.
