Clay Liford’s charming and deceptively modest coming-of-age comedy is set within the world of fan fiction, used by awkward teen Neil (Michael Johnston) as a vessel for his own self discovery. His love of slash – writing stories about fictional characters’ sexual relations – attracts the attention of Julia (Hannah Marks), who pushes him to publish his work online. Continue reading “EIFF 2016 Review: Slash (2016)”
The compelling performances delivered by Peter Mullan and Jack Lowden as Tom Morris and his son Tommy, respectively, are the main draw of this tender tribute of two golfing legends that helped shape the sport to what it is today. It’s directed by Jason Connery from a script by Pamela Marin and Kevin Cook that’s decidedly watery when it comes to dramatics. Continue reading “EIFF 2016 Review: Tommy’s Honour (2016)”
Taika Waititi directs this charming coming-of-age comedy set in the lush New Zealand outback, where tearaway kid Ricky (Julian Dennison) has fled with foster uncle Hector (Sam Neill) on the lamb from the law, who are hot on their tail after dubious circumstances and an unfortunate death. Continue reading “EIFF 2016 Review: Hunt For The Wilderpeople (2016)”
George Clooney stars as a financial TV host held hostage live on air in this silly, yet undeniably thrilling slab of popcorn entertainment. The hostage taker is Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell), an irate investor who lost thousands as a result of a tip made by Lee (Clooney). Jodie Foster, who returns to the directors chair five years after The Beaver, is efficient behind the camera; the pace is taut and tension kept high. Continue reading “Review: Money Monster (2016)”
The leftovers of a picnicking couple spark war between two rival ant colonies in this wonderfully curious French adventure based on a successful TV series. A delectable hybrid of real landscapes and animated characters, simple pleasures abound as a ladybug is caught in the crossfire of a tiny, yet savage battle that takes place in an idyllic valley – all over a container of sugar cubes. Continue reading “Review: Minuscule: Valley Of The Lost Ants”
Zac Efron, Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen reprise their roles for this, a tired and unnecessary sequel to Bad Neighbours that rehashes its plot, with a sorority as the noisy neighbours instead of a fraternity.. In order to ensure their house sells, Mac (Rogen) and Kelly (Byrne) turn to old enemy Teddy (Efron) for help. Continue reading “Review: Bad Neighbours 2 (2016)”
The superhero team-up to end all, Captain America: Civil War is a heady, often exhausting combination of satisfying, fan servicing set pieces and underdeveloped political debates. After more destruction and casualties come as a result of another attempt to save the world, Captain America et al. – Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) to mention a few others – are urged to take accountability and sign away their independence. Continue reading “Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)”
In this, a so-called “spiritual successor” to Dazed & Confused, Richard Linklater skips forward to the 80s, cutting a languid and loose mediation on college life through the eyes of Jake (Blake Jenner), a freshman keen to celebrate his newfound freedom. In the three-day run up to classes starting, the frats – all part of the baseball team – party, lust after the opposite sex and test one another’s masculinity through silly contests and intellect. Continue reading “Review: Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)”
Plot surrenders to anarchic wit in this entertaining, if quickly forgettable animated evolution of the popular slingshot app that became a worldwide craze upon its initial release. The bare bones of it is that Red (Jason Sudeikis), an outcast bird with anger issues, is appointed leader when fiendish pigs dupe them into friendship, only to make a run for it with all the unhatched eggs. Continue reading “Review: The Angry Birds Movie (2016)”
It’s without surprise that Meryl Streep shines as Florence Foster Jenkins in Stephen Frears’ pleasantly amusing biopic of the tone-deaf socialite who fulfilled her wish of singing – if you can it call it that – in front of thousands at the Carnegie Hall. This is a biopic that favours frothy entertainment over tragic drama, thus the darker aspects of Jenkins’ life, such as her battle with syphilis, are never dwelled upon. Continue reading “Review: Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)”
Empty Screens 