Tom Cruise resumes his role as action star in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, a fun but patchy fifth instalment in the spy series. When the IMF is denounced by the CIA in light of recent events, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) must resort to fundamental smarts – and the help of old friends and potential new allies – in order to stop deadly network The Syndicate in its tracks. Continue reading “Review: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)”
The loveable yellow critters from the Despicable Me franchise are spun-off into their own adventure in Minions, a cutesy rush of colour and slapstick that ultimately disappoints. In a time pre-Gru, the Minions have become despondent, struggling to matter without an evil henchman to serve. Stuart, Bob and Kevin mission to find one is rewarded when they cross paths with female supervillian Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock). Continue reading “Review: Minions (2015)”
Marvel’s latest outing Ant-Man, which sees their smallest superhero receive the big screen adventure treatment, is an entertaining, yet notably modest affair. Ex-con Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is recruited by biochemist Hank Pym (Michael Dougas) to stage the perfect heist, all with the help of a suit that’s tiny in size but substantial in power. Continue reading “Review: Ant-Man (2015)”
A long-standing relationship is put under severe pressure by past revelations in 45 Years, writer-director Andrew Haigh’s tragic, yet masterful follow-up to the acclaimed Weekend. Days before their forty fifth wedding anniversary celebrations are due to take place, Geoff (Tom Courteney) receives an unexpected letter that drags up suppressed feelings, leaving Kate (Charlotte Rampling) out in the cold as feelings of envy and exile steadily consume her. Continue reading “EIFF15 Review: 45 Years (2015)”
Reminiscent of the screwball farces that thrived in the 1930s and 40s, She’s Funny That Way – Peter Bogdanovich’s first feature in thirteen years – is a strained but entertaining hoopla. Arnold (Owen Wilson), a theatre director, runs into difficulty when he casts Isabella (Imogen Poots), a hooker-turned-actress, opposite his wife (Kathryn Hahn) and her ex-lover (Rhys Ifans) in his new play. Continue reading “Review: She’s Funny That Way (2014)”
Returning after a year long absence, Pixar hit a home run with Inside Out, an enormously insightful and entertaining animation chock full of heart, humour and verve. Riley finds her life turned upside down when she moves to San Fransisco. Her emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust – do their best to see her through, which is easier said than done. Continue reading “EIFF15 Review: Inside Out (2015)”
Jurassic World – the third sequel to Steven Spielberg’s seminal classic in which John Hammond’s vision has entered the real world – entertains in fits and starts, but fails to produce real thrill and emotion. A decade open and the park’s initial interest has waned, spurring scientists to rear a new mixed-breed dinosaur. But when it mounts its own escape, chaos sets in, which sends buttoned-up manager Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) – raptor trainer Owen (Chris Pratt) in tow – into the wild to save her two nephews. Continue reading “Review: Jurassic World (2015)”
Insidious: Chapter 3 takes the successful, micro-budget horror franchise back to its beginnings with a lacklustre and extraneous prequel. 17-year-old Quinn (Stefanie Scott) is desperate to contact her dead mother, but when psychic Elise (Lin Shaye) refuses to help, she unleashes a nasty supernatural entity that can only be vanquished by a trip into The Further. Continue reading “Review: Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)”
Bridesmaids, The Heat and now Spy, Paul Feig’s rapid ascent to comedy maestro is cemented by this laugh-a-minute and extremely well cast, if padded, action-comedy. Dried up CIA desk analyst Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is sent out into the field to stop deadly arms dealer Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne) in her tracks when the identities of all active operatives are exposed. Spy is a hearty and spirited send-up of the most infamous espionage films that also embraces – and reforms – the well-worn framework. The script, however, flounders in its unrefined state, causing the film to drag every now and then. But the humour consistently hits the mark; the cast heartily rising to the challenge and producing many stand out moments and hysterical one-liners. Jason Statham, Allison Janney and especially Byrne emerge as the closest matches to McCarthy, who’s a fireball of energy and ingenuity. Spy might drop the ball on the odd occasion, but for the most part it’s top drawer comical brilliance. Continue reading “Review: Spy (2015)”
The rom-com has had a rough time in recent years, but Man Up – toplined by the intensely charming Lake Bell – proves there’s fire in the old belly yet. Unlucky in love, Nancy (Bell) inadvertently steals a date with Jack (Simon Pegg) when she’s mistaken as his blind date. The two embark upon a wild day in London that brings out the best and worst in them. Continue reading “Review: Man Up (2015)”
Empty Screens 