Mini Review - La Cocina
La Cocina (out May 15) is a wild, black-and-white film about a group of illegal immigrants working in the kitchen of a restaurant close to Times Square in New York City. They're a great group of characters! Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Surfer
The Surfer (out May 15) is a thriller starring Nicolas Cage as a dad looking to buy beachfront property in Australia but he runs afoul of a local gang who don't want him using their beach. I like the idea but the psychological torment becomes repetitive. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Salt Path
The Salt Path (out May 15) marks the feature film debut for acclaimed theatre director Marianne Elliott and is a beautiful true story about a 50-something-year-old couple who, after being evicted from their home, make the impulsive decision to hike the 1,000 km South West Coast Path in England. Wonderful lead performances from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Much to reflect upon. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Final Destination: Bloodlines
Final Destination: Bloodlines (out May 15) ultimately succumbs to its history and feels like a “same old, same old” cash grab taking next-to-no chances. The characters aren’t worth caring about and their actions lack logic. I wish studios spent more time on original horror flicks instead of clinging to tired franchises which have been milked for all their worth. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Monsieur Aznavour
Monsieur Aznavour (out May 8) is a French drama based on the true story of Charles Aznavour – an acclaimed singer who was born into poverty in 1924 but would become a renowned singer with a tenor voice. Great music but not as interesting as other musicians we've seen covered in recent biopics. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Clown in a Cornfield
Clown in a Cornfield (out May 8) is a horror film that features, yes, a clown and yes, a cornfield. It's a “routine” slasher flick that provides shock value through gruesome deaths and a moderately interesting whodunit. The finale is contrived and hard-to-believe but, as strange as it sounds, the movie works best when trying to be a comedy. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Wedding Banquet
The Wedding Banquet (out May 8) is an English language remake of the 1993 Taiwanese romantic comedy directed by Ang Lee. It’s centred on a gay couple living in Seattle or orchestrate a sham wedding to appease grandparents back in Korea. 77-year-old Youn Yuh-jung, who won the supporting actress Oscar in 2021 for Minari, steals every scene as the inquisitive grandmother. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts* (out May 1) is a better entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to its script and performances. I can’t reveal names but it features the most interesting villain we’ve seen since Thanos. Thumbs up to American director Jake Schreier for not going overboard on action and maintaining the film’s humanity. Florence Pugh's lead turn is terrific. Grade: A-.