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.
Mini Review - Evil Dead Burn
Evil Dead Burn (out Jul 9) is the sixth entry in the franchise. I enjoyed the choices of French director Sébastien Vaniček when it comes to sound and cinematography, but the script is dull. The kind of tale where characters are too obvious in making dumb decisions to prolong the narrative. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Romería
Romería (out Jul 9) is an interesting drama from Golden Bear winning director Carla Simón and is the story of an 18-year-old woman who, having been adopted as a child, travels to the Spanish city of Vigo to meet members of her biological family for the first time. Great setting with a worthy premise. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Saccharine
Saccharine (out Jul 9) is an Australian horror film reminiscent of The Substance. A young medical student tries a bizarre weight loss treatment but in doing so, hallucinates about a recently deceased individual. Won't blow you away but a decent outing from director Natalie Erika James. Grade: B.