The debut of writer and director Rachel Tunnard is a heartfelt crisis comedy starring Jodie Whittaker as Anna, a soon-to-be-thirty half twin who’s mourning the death of her brother while living in her mother’s shed and shirking responsibility. Tunnard’s writing comes from a place of raw honesty, which makes the issues tackled – that of bereavement and identity crossroads – all the more affecting. Continue reading “EIFF 2016 Review: Adult Life Skills (2016)”
This experimental take on Shakespeare’s famous tale of desire and betrayal from writer, director and star Angus Macfadyen is a deconstruction too far – one that alienates, rather than intrigues audiences. Set almost exclusively within the confines of a limousine as it drives around an abandoned city, confusion arrives early as the familiar story becomes unfamiliar, losing much of its impact – and sense – from the undefined setting and disordered approach. Continue reading “EIFF 2016 Review: Macbeth Unhinged (2016)”
As a slightly modified fictional version of himself, Brian Cox does stellar work in what’s an amiable character study about an ageing actor with Parkinson’s disease who’s difficult to deal with. That is, however, until Dorotyya (newcomer Coco Konig), a Hungarian carer with acting ambitions of her own, finds a way into his heart. Continue reading “EIFF 2016 Review: The Carer (2016)”
Finding Dory, a similar-but-worthy sequel to one of Pixar’s most beloved films, is as entertaining as it is soul-stirring, complete with a stellar voice cast and mesmeric oceanic visuals. One year on from helping reunite Marlin (Albert Brooks) with his son, Dory (Ellen DeGeneres in a role she has made her own) starts to experience moments of her childhood through fragmented flashbacks that send her on an adventure across the seas to California in the hopes of not only finding her parents, but herself too. Continue reading “EIFF 2016 Review: Finding Dory (2016)”
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)”
Empty Screens 