Mini Review - The Accountant 2
The Accountant 2 (out Apr 24) is a rare example where the sequel is an improvement on the original. It’s far from perfect but it’s a sufficiently engaging action-thriller that works because of interesting villains and the humorous interaction between lead actors Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Warfare
Warfare (out Apr 17) is a powerful war film based on the experiences of a U.S. Navy SEAL on a particular mission in November 2006 as part of the Iraq War. The piercing scream of a wounded solider is forever imprinted in my brain. I could feel his pain! Grade: A.
Mini Review - Sinners
Sinners (out Apr 17) is a horror-thriller set in 1932 Mississippi. Two brothers (both played by Michael B. Jordan) start a jazz club but opening night turns deadly in unspeakable ways. Liked the cast and the direction of Ryan Coogler (Black Panther). An interesting spin on the genre. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Correspondent
The Correspondent (out Apr 17) is a strong drama based on the story of Australian journalist Peter Greste who was locked up in an Egyptian prison in December 2013. The performances are terrific and the production values are credible. Moves at a brisk pace and has a lot to say. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Drop
Drop (out Apr 17) is a thriller about a single mum on a first date who receives AirDrop messages which threaten her family's welfare. The finale is clumsy but the lead-up is interesting. It’s a fresh approach on the whodunit genre as we watch our hero think through the situation, manage her stress levels, and outsmart her adversary. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The Penguin Lessons
The Penguin Lessons (out Apr 17) is a weird, awkwardly-told drama. Based on the true story of an English teacher who uses a pet penguin to inspire his students, it doesn't translate well for the big screen. A subplot involving a kidnapped girl is clumsily handled. Grade: C.
Mini Review - The Amateur
The Amateur (out Apr 10) is about a top-notch CIA cryptographer (Rami Malek) who, with zero experience, becomes a terrorist-hunting field operative when his wife his murdered. This is the kind of movie where characters, depending on what is needed to prolong the narrative, are either incredibly smart or incredibly dumb. Lacks credibility. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Small Things Like These
Small Things Like These (out Apr 10) is set in Ireland, 1985 and is centred on a softly spoken man (Cillian Murphy) who faces a moral quandary when he learns of happenings inside a local Catholic convent. The film is a stirring character study and an important history lesson. Grade: A-.