Mini Review - Toy Story 5
Toy Story 5 (out Jun 18) is to be celebrated because it takes a big swing… and hits a homerun to the deepest part of the ballpark. The narrative is original, there are lots of new toys, the focal character has changed, and the messages are appropriate. It’s doing everything you wouldn’t expect and yet it succeeds regardless. Grade: A.
Mini Review - The Musicians
The Musicians (out Jun 18) is a French comedy about four string players, who had never met previously, who come together for a special performance organised by the daughter of a deceased music lover. The drama and bickering were too repetitive and contrived for me. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Leviticus
Leviticus (out Jun 18) is a terrific Australian horror film about two gay teenagers, from an uber-conservative community, who find their lives are in jeopardy after their parents subject them to a form of supernatural "conversion therapy". An interesting concept bolstered by a superb lead performance from Joe Bird. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Disclosure Day
Disclosure Day (out Jun 11) is a mixed bag. Legendary director Steven Spielberg is trying to make a simple, family-friendly action movie (complete with aliens and car chases) while delving into deep themes and asking us to reflect on our own society. It’s a bold effort but in blending it all together, Disclosure Day comes up slightly short. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Primavera
Primavera (out Jun 11) is an Italian drama, blending reality and fiction, which follows a gifted violinist at a Catholic orphanage who refines her talents under Antonio Vivaldi. I like the period of history being explored but the storyline needed more energy. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Tuner
Tuner (out Jun 11) is a very good heist movie about a young piano tuner who, given his hypersensitive hearing, starts making a living as a safe cracker. Loved 29-year-old English actor Leo Woodall in the lead role and the sense of quiet nonchalance he brings to the character. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Trifole
Trifole (out Jun 11) is an Italian drama about a 28-year-old woman who must care for her truffle-loving grandfather who doesn't have long left to live. Was okay with the first half but it goes down weird paths in the later stages. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Scary Movie (2026)
Scary Movie (out Jun 4) is aptly timed given 2025 was one of the best years in history for original horror movies. Many of them are spoofed here. I chuckled a few times but for the most part, the jokes are forced and predictable. Grade: C+.