Mini Review - Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (out Jul 30) continues the successful franchise which Tom Holland remains a perfect fit for the title role. This doesn't want to be a simple, action-heavy film with Spider-Man defeating more bad guys. The opening half is a cool mystery (who's the villain, what's happening to Spidey's DNA) and the second half is an emotive drama as our vulnerable hero grapples with tricky scenarios where it's hard to discern right from wrong. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Blue Trail
The Blue Trail (out Jul 30) is a Brazilian film set in a semi-dystopian world and follows a 77-year-old woman who flees town and goes on a series of misadventures after the government attempts to place her in a "colony" for old folk. I liked the lead performance and the film's general weirdness, but the story was a little too slight for me. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Tenor: My Name is Pati
Tenor: My Name is Pati (out Jul 23) is a well-intentioned documentary for those who like seeing good things happen to good people. It's heavily centred on a man born in Samoa who overcomes many obstacles to become a world-renowned opera singer. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - The Wizard of the Kremlin
The Wizard of the Kremlin (out Jul 23) is a dramady which fictionalises the rise to power of Vladimir Putin in Russia and the PR spin doctor who helped get him there. I don't think it's overly insightful (a lot of repetitive material) and it's far too long. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Colours of Time
Colours of Time (out Jul 23) is whimsical fantasy that may not always make sense... but it slowly and successfully lured me in. It's centred on four strangers sifting through a French house which hasn't been touched since 1944 and trying to piece together details of the previous owner's life. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - The Odyssey
The Odyssey (out Jul 16) is yet another “experience” from Christopher Nolan you won’t soon forget. The production values are as good as anything you can imagine - the editing (especially), sets, costumes, music, sound, visuals, cast, everything. The only slight limitation is the hurried nature of several subplots given the dense source material. It's heavy going (feels like every character is depressed for the whole movie) but lots to reflect on! Grade: A.
Mini Review - Animal Farm
Animal Farm (out Jul 16) is directed by Andy Serkis and is an animated interpretation of George Orwell's 1944 novel (which I love). I'd have preferred a darker version - this effort is a bit too light and kid-friendly. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Moana (2026)
Moana (out Jul 9) is a live-action reboot of the popular 2016 animated feature. I'm not sure we needed it... but if willing to assess it independently of its predecessor, it’s a fun family adventure. There's an engaging hero, an easy-to-follow adventure, and a suitable blend of drama and comedy. Grade: B.