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 - Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights (out Feb 12) is a loose adaptation of Emily Brontë's 19th Century novel with Aussies Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi playing the two star-crossed lovers. It's watchable but the characters aren't as interesting, nor the dialogue as sharp, compared to my favourite piece flicks (e.g. 1995's Sense & Sensibility). Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Crime 101
Crime 101 (out Feb 12) has been compared to Michael Mann's Heat and I can understand why. It's not as good (few films could be) but it's still a serviceable action-thriller with stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry playing three interesting characters. You're never quite sure how it'll end... which is a good thing. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Melania
Melania (out Jan 30) is a laughable dull documentary which follows the U.S. First Lady in the 20 days prior to Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration. It asks no tough questions (e.g. what does she think of her husband's policies), makes weird creative decisions (the "old school" camera look), and shows key people (Barron Trump) without ever speaking to them. Why couldn't it dig deeper? Grade: C-.
Mini Review - Little Wonder Bear
Little Wonder Bear (out Feb 12) is a Peruvian-made animated feature about a talking bear who goes on an adventure to find his missing brother and help save the planet. Dubbed into English for its Australian release, I feel like something has been lost in translation as characters rush their dialogue. Grade: C.
Mini Review - Shelter
Shelter (out Feb 5) is a cliche-laden action thriller. Jason Statham plays a man living a deliberately solitary life but secretive government agents will soon come after him. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - The Strangers: Chapter 3
The Strangers: Chapter 3 (out Feb 5) is a pathetic conclusion to the horror trilogy. The characters' actions make no sense and the dialogue is appalling. Grade: C-.
Mini Review - Is This Thing On?
Is This Thing On? (out Feb 5) is directed by Bradley Cooper and is based on the true story of a man, recently separated from his wife, who rediscovers his zest for life after stumbling into a bar and performing stand-up comedy. It digs a little deeper than the average romantic comedy with nice lead performances from Will Arnett and Laura Dern. Grade: B.