Mini Review - Holy Cannoli
Holy Cannoli (out Oct 22) is an Italian romantic comedy about a dessert-loving real estate agent who falls in love. I'm torn on this one. I enjoyed it's amusing spin on religion and its many contradictions... but I grew tired of the one-dimensional characters and the dessert stuff. Grade: B.
Mini Review - La bola negra
La bola negra (out Oct 15) is likely to find its way onto many 10 lists this year… my own included. It's a beautiful, ambitious epic spanning multiple locations and timeframes. It revolves around the stories of three gay men battling internal demons (and I'm greatly oversimplifying to avoid spoilers). The music and production design add more weight to the film’s artistic brilliance. Grade: A.
Mini Review - The History of Concrete
The History of Concrete (out Oct 9) feels like the documentary equivalent of a Seinfeld episode in the sense that it's not really about anything in particular... but it's still very funny. Filmmaker John Wilson delves into an array of unconnected topics including romance movies, struggling musicians, affordable housing, and yes, concrete. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - NAZA
NAZA (out Oct 15) is a jolting documentary and features secretive interviews with Israeli intelligence officers as they talk about their tactics in the country's war against Hamas. The visuals are superbly constructed (you'll know what I mean once you've seen the film) and it'll send a chill down your spine listening to folk talk about death and destruction with zero emotion. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Whalefall
Whalefall (out Oct 15) is the tale of a young scuba diver who is swallowed by a whale and has 40 minutes to find a way out before his oxygen expires. This makes no sense, but I liked it regardless. Star Austin Abrams deserves an award for the most grunting in a movie this year. The practical effects will make audiences squeamish, and I didn't mind the interwoven back story. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Street Fighter
Street Fighter (out Oct 15) is trying to put a colourful, funny, homoerotic spin on the video game from which it's based. This reboot marks an improvement on the 1994 version, but the humour doesn't always land (based on reactions ay my preview screening) and the story needed more oomph. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility (out Oct 15) is a wonderful adaptation of Jane Austen's famed work. Those who have read the book or seen the Oscar-nominated 1995 movie will know what to expect… but it doesn’t make this film any less entertaining or delightful. Will put a smile on your face! Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Jebediah: Are We Ok?
Jebediah: Are We Ok? (out Oct 15) is a documentary that chronicles the behind-the-scenes dramas of the Perth-based band over the past three decades. It's very open with its depiction of drugs, alcohol, mental health, and work-life balance. I knew nothing about them previously but found it interesting. Grade: B+.