Mini Review - The Salt Path
The Salt Path (out May 15) marks the feature film debut for acclaimed theatre director Marianne Elliott and is a beautiful true story about a 50-something-year-old couple who, after being evicted from their home, make the impulsive decision to hike the 1,000 km South West Coast Path in England. Wonderful lead performances from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Much to reflect upon. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Final Destination: Bloodlines
Final Destination: Bloodlines (out May 15) ultimately succumbs to its history and feels like a “same old, same old” cash grab taking next-to-no chances. The characters aren’t worth caring about and their actions lack logic. I wish studios spent more time on original horror flicks instead of clinging to tired franchises which have been milked for all their worth. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Monsieur Aznavour
Monsieur Aznavour (out May 8) is a French drama based on the true story of Charles Aznavour – an acclaimed singer who was born into poverty in 1924 but would become a renowned singer with a tenor voice. Great music but not as interesting as other musicians we've seen covered in recent biopics. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Clown in a Cornfield
Clown in a Cornfield (out May 8) is a horror film that features, yes, a clown and yes, a cornfield. It's a “routine” slasher flick that provides shock value through gruesome deaths and a moderately interesting whodunit. The finale is contrived and hard-to-believe but, as strange as it sounds, the movie works best when trying to be a comedy. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - The Wedding Banquet
The Wedding Banquet (out May 8) is an English language remake of the 1993 Taiwanese romantic comedy directed by Ang Lee. It’s centred on a gay couple living in Seattle or orchestrate a sham wedding to appease grandparents back in Korea. 77-year-old Youn Yuh-jung, who won the supporting actress Oscar in 2021 for Minari, steals every scene as the inquisitive grandmother. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts* (out May 1) is a better entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to its script and performances. I can’t reveal names but it features the most interesting villain we’ve seen since Thanos. Thumbs up to American director Jake Schreier for not going overboard on action and maintaining the film’s humanity. Florence Pugh's lead turn is terrific. Grade: A-.
Mini Review - Stelios
Stelios (out May 1) tells the story of Greek singer Stelios Kazantzidis - from his rise to fame in the 1950s through to the romantic stumbles he made along the way. Likely to appeal to existing fans. For newcomers, it feels too familiar to other music biopics. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Tinā
Tinā (out May 1) was hugely successful when released in New Zealand in February and is the tale a Samoan New Zealand who, after accepting a job as a substitute teacher for a posh school, runs afoul of its conservative leaders. Uses too many cliches for my liking but the wonderful lead performance of star Anapela Polataivao is to be celebrated. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Until Dawn
Until Dawn (out Apr 24) is a horror-thriller about a group of youngsters stuck in a Groundhog Day-type situation within a haunted house. Interesting idea but the characters' actions aren't always convincing. Grade: B-.