Mini Review - Assassin's Plan
Assassin's Plan (out Oct 24) is a drama-thriller about a top-notch hitman (Michael Keaton) battling a form of dementia who must do one final job to help his estranged family. Yeah, it's contrived but Keaton, who also serves as director, elevates the material with his gritty performance. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Lee
Lee (out Oct 24) is a dramatic biopic which tells the story of Lee Miller (played by Kate Winslet), a photojournalist who risked her life capturing the events of World War II. It plays out as you might expect and a few supporting characters don’t have a lot to do but in the same vein as Civil War earlier in the year, it’s a fitting tribute to the work of war photographers. Grade: B.
Mini Review - From Hilde, with Love
From Hilde, with Love (out Oct 17) is based on the true story of Hilde Coppi, a 30-something-year-old German woman who was arrested and imprisoned by the Nazis in 1942 for being part of the Soviet-sympathising “Red Orchestra” group. I don't think we get a complete picture of Coppi (needed more info in the flashback scenes) but the prison scenes are compelling. The friendship with a female security guard is the most interesting subplot. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Like My Brother
Like My Brother (out Oct 17) is an Australian documentary that follows a group of young Indigenous women from the Northern Territory's Tiwi Islands who want to be recruited by an AFLW team. It's a reminder about the power of sport to inspire and bring people together. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Memoir of a Snail
Memoir of a Snail (out Oct 17) is a stop motion animated feature from Oscar winning Aussie Adam Elliot (Harvie Krumpet). It's a VERY dark comedy about a young girl enduring a troubled life. For those with an offbeat sense of humour, Memoir of a Snail is to be admired for its nuttiness and randomness. One of the best Australian films this year. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - The Apprentice
The Apprentice (out Oct 10) is a moderately interesting release that provides a curious snapshot of Donald Trump's background and the corruption which permeated New York City in the 1970s and 1980s. Sebastian Stan does a decent job playing Trump (he doesn't overplay the role) but the more interesting character is lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong) who becomes Trump's ruthless mentor. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (out Oct 10) is a documentary that covers the life of the late actor - from stepping into the shoes of the caped hero... through to his life as quadriplegic. With access to insightful interviews and old home movie footage, this is interesting from start to finish. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Ghostlight
Ghostlight (out Oct 10) is a well-intentioned but contrived drama about a father dealing with grief who finds comfort after joining a small theatre group. Nice performances but the metaphors (Romeo & Juliet v. real life) are laid on thickly. Grade: B-.