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-.
Mini Review - Hellboy: The Crooked Man
Hellboy: The Crooked Man (out Oct 10) offers a violent, comedic reboot of the franchise. Set in a creepy, remote community which "has the stink", Hellboy becomes entangled in a mystery involving witches and other demonic beings. The story didn't win me over. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Joker: Folie à Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux (out Oct 3) is set two years after the events of 2019’s Joker and follows Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) court room trial and his romantic relationship with an obsessed fan (Lady Gaga). Has some interesting ideas with a splash of creativity (musical numbers) but the narrative is light. Court room scenes drag, and lawyer scenes become repetitive. Grade: B-.