Mini Review - Solo Mio
Solo Mio (out Feb 26) is a little contrived but it's still a sweet, big-hearted movie about an American man who travels to Italy to get married but his fiancée leaves him at the altar. It's nice to see star Kevin James in a role that is more than just silly comedy. There's nuance to the character and he's really likeable. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Testament of Ann Lee
The Testament of Ann Lee (out Feb 26) is not to be missed. The film is centred on Ann Lee, the woman who founded the Shakers movement, but it’s more than a simple history lesson. Instead of explaining everything through narration and dialogue, it provides a hypnotic, rhythmic experience where music, song and dance is used to capture the spirit of these characters and pull you into its world. Grade: A.
Mini Review - Sirāt
Sirāt (out Feb 26) is a provides an experience with a capital E. You won't see many movies like it. Centred on a father looking for his lost daughter in a Moroccan desert, it's wildly unpredictable. The production values are brilliant - from the music, sound and cinematography, through the performances of the largely non-professional actors. Grade: A.
Mini Review - EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (out Feb 19) is a simple, nicely assembled documentary about the famed singer. I don't think it's telling us anything new but, using on-stage and behind-the-scenes footage, it's a worthy homage which celebrates his talent and popularity. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Fackham Hall
Fackham Hall (out Feb 19) is a below-average comedy which spoofs the likes of Gosford Park and Downton Abbey. It's largely toilet humour and dad jokes for the 97-minute running time. Needed more wit and ideas! Grade: C.
Mini Review - Jimpa
Jimpa (out Feb 19) is an underwhelming Australian drama about a nonbinary 16-year-old who travels with her mum to Amsterdam to visit her academic grandfather. It's a great cast with Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, but comes across as over-scripted. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Pillion
Pillion (out Feb 19) is a funny, provocative, enlightening “romance” you won’t soon forget. It's the British tale of two gay men who enter a relationship of dominance and submission. It marks the first feature film of writer-director Harry Lighton and he keeps you intently interested in the power games between the two leads. Grade: A.
Mini Review - Whistle
Whistle (out Feb 12) is cut from the same cloth as the Final Destination franchise. A group of high schoolers discover an ancient whistle and, upon blowing it, Death comes after them. It's a very standard horror-thriller with characters making dumb choices to prolong the increasingly stupid narrative. Grade: C.