Mini Review - The Smashing Machine
The Smashing Machine (out Oct 2) may earn Dwayne Johnson a first Oscar nomination in that he's doing something different, he’s playing a real-life person, and he’s wearing a lot of prosthetics. That said, this biopic of wrestling pioneer Mark Kerr never gets out of first gear. There's a bunch of interesting subplots but, in jumping all over the place, the film struggles to finish any of them. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Him
Him (out Oct 2) is a horror film about a young quarterback put through a rigorous boot camp run by a soon-to-be-retired great. I liked the themes, the production design, and the cinematography but the writers struggle to weave the many plot points together into a clear, credible narrative. Still worth a look-see. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Strangers: Chapter 2
The Strangers: Chapter 2 (out Sep 25) continues the three-part horror franchise kicked off in 2024. Some quality chase sequences but in terms of advancing the plot, the film is lacking. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues
Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues (out Sep 25) is a long-awaited sequel to the mockumentary film which became a cult hit after its 1984 release. The original will always be the movie people remember more fondly but, just like a classic TV reunion special, this serves as an enjoyable companion piece. The story is thin but it’s just nice to see the actors reuniting and tapping into the iconic characters which launched their careers forty years ago. Grade: B.
Mini Review - One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another (out Sep 25) is the latest from director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) and is an hilarious misadventure reminiscent of a Coen Brothers movie. The characters have distinctive quirks, the story is batshit crazy, and humour is spread throughout. The expansive cast, headlined by Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, all tap into their comedic talents. Wild, random entertainment! Grade: A-.
Mini Review - A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (out Sep 18) is something the characters experience but I'm not sure audiences will feel the same way. It's a weird romantic film where our two protagonists re-evaluate their current lives after experiencing fantasy flashbacks. I struggled to understand what purpose the flashbacks served nor why these two people were such a perfect fit for each other. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - The Bad Guys 2
The Bad Guys 2 (out Sep 18) is a step-up on the 2022 original and is an excellent animated, family adventure with a story that engages from start to finish. All the characters get a chance to shine with fun subplots and the voice work is fantastic. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Kangaroo
Kangaroo (out Sep 18) is an Aussie family film about a washed-up TV weatherman who rediscovers himself while looking after orphaned kangaroos in the outback. I liked the supporting cast (Rachel House is MVP) but the film focuses on the wrong person. The redemptive arc provided to the weatherman is laden with cliches. The more interesting, complex character is a teenage girl played by Lily Whiteley. Needed more of her! Grade: C.