Mini Review - Kiss of the Spider Woman
Kiss of the Spider Woman (out Oct 30) is part drama, part musical and centred on two men in an Argentinean prison who connect through the power of storytelling. Writer-director Bill Condon struggles with the material. We rush between scenes and it's hard to believe the transformation of these two characters. Tonatiuh is the only shining light with his charismatic performance. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Prime Minister
Prime Minister (out Nov 6) is a documentary looking at Jacinda Ardern's leadership of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023. It comes across as a one-sided autobiography, but the behind-the-scenes footage provides great insight into the heavy burden of the role. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Good Fortune
Good Fortune (out Oct 30) may not work as a profound, message-driven piece but if looking for easy laughs, you’ll have a good time. It stars Keanu Reeves (the pick of the cast) as an angel who lets a struggling homeless man (Aziz Ansari) switch places with a successful millionaire (Seth Rogen) to show life isn't always greener on the other side. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Journey Home, David Gulpilil
Journey Home, David Gulpilil (out Oct 30) is a short, nicely-told documentary which pays homage to the late Australian actor by following the detailed, complicated plans for his burial in 2022. A fitting tribute that offers insight into Indigenous culture. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Bugonia
Bugonia (out Oct 30) is about two conspiracy theorists who kidnap a pharmaceutical company CEO on the belief she is an alien. I liked the back-and-forth between the characters, but it's a contrived screenplay. The more you think about it, the less sense if makes. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Shell
Shell (out Oct 30) suffers from bad timing. The premise is so similar to The Substance that it's hard to watch it without making comparisons. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Deeper
Deeper (out Oct 30) is a documentary about a group of divers who push boundaries in exploring an underwater cave in New Zealand. It's not changing the world, but it highlights the desire explorers have to set lofty, often-dangerous goals and stop at nothing to achieve them. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Shelby Oaks
Shelby Oaks (out Oct 23) starts with a promising idea (ghost chasers who go missing) but limps home with a weak finale. Not bad for low-budget horror but hard to stand out in a year where there's been so many great films within the genre. Grade: B-.