California crumbles in San Andreas, an overblown, preposterous and only intermittently entertaining disaster film that benefits considerably from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s proven screen presence. In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake along the San Andreas Fault, rescue pilot (Johnson) and his estranged wife (Carla Gugino) reunite to save their daughter (Alexandra Daddario), who’s trapped in the middle of San Fransisco. Continue reading “Review: San Andreas (2015)”
Neatly timed to coincide with currently under way Cannes Film Festival, Moomins On The Riviera – based on Tove Jansson’s beloved creations – takes the eccentric hippo-like creatures on vacation for a sweetly soft fantasy. Swapping the idyllic familiarity of Moomin Valley for the South of France, the Moomins – save Moominpappa and Snorkmaiden, who are swept up by the attention put upon them – attempt to fit into the celebrity-obsession lifestyle, creating mayhem wherever they turn. Continue reading “Review: Moomins On The Riviera (2014)”
Tomorrowland in part rekindles Disney’s family-aimed fare, only to tumble when a clunky, talkative narrative stops the peppy fun in its tracks. Bright-eyed teen Casey (Britt Robertson) discovers a pin amongst her possessions that, when touched, transports her to a futuristic utopia. Her intrigue leads her to the doorstep of the curmudgeonly Frank (George Clooney), who reluctantly consents to take her there in person. Continue reading “Review: Tomorrowland (2015)”
A horror film that uncovers the true fears of millennials, Unfriended breathes ample new life into the tired found footage device to deliver a film that’s both engaging and scary. An online chat room between five friends – Blaire (Shelley Henning), Mitch (Moses Storm), Jess (Renee Olstead), Adam (Will Peltz) and Ken (Jacob Wysocki) – is infiltrated by a tormenter claiming to be a recent teen suicide victim. Continue reading “Review: Unfriended (2015)”
Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy’s The Tribe – one of the most discussed films so far this year – is a brutal, audacious and phenomenal drama that features no dialogue or subtitles. Set in a decrepit boarding school for deaf teens, the film unravels as new student Sergey (Grigoriy Fesenko) endeavours to integrate a new culture. The narrative, which observes a steady rise through the ranks, is easy enough to follow, even if it is uncomfortable every step of the way. Continue reading “Review: The Tribe (2014)”
Stuck in development turmoil for years, Mad Max: Fury Road – the fourth in the franchise – returns us to George Miller’s one-of-a-kind post-apocalyptic badlands for a full-throttle, action-packed whirlwind of elite madness. Haunted by his past and left wandering the harsh desert alone, Max (Tom Hardy) is unwittingly swept up in a desperate attempt to flee the tyrannical clutches of Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) lead by Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). Continue reading “Review: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)”
The future Queen-to-be ditches the monotony of daily routine and parties the night away in breezy but ultimately forgettable period drama A Royal Night Out. Lead by a who’s-who of predominantly British acting talent, the film lends a wistful, warm-hearted eye to the V.E. Day celebrations, when Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret (played wonderfully by Sarah Gadon and relative newcomer Bel Powley, respectively) leave the confines of Buckingham Palace to party the night away. Continue reading “Review: A Royal Night Out (2015)”
After the first not only soared into the hearts and mind of many, but also became a certified box office success, Pitch Perfect 2 shrugs off sequel pressures to come out on top. The Barden Bellas have found success in the world of competitive a cappella, until a wardrobe malfunction sends them crashing out. Their only chance of redemption is to do the unthinkable and win at the World A Cappella Competition. Continue reading “Review: Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)”
Jon Stewart steps away from his role as host of the satirical news program The Daily Show to direct Rosewater, a fact-based drama of moderate interest and skill. Iranian-born reporter Maziar Bahari (Gael García Bernal) returns to his homeland to cover an election, only to be imprisoned and interrogated for 118 days on suspicion of being a foreign spy. Continue reading “Review: Rosewater (2014)”
French writer and director Céline Sciamma has seen her talent evolve with each new feature and her third, the marvellous and superbly anchored Girlhood, is no different. Enslaved by her troubled home life and lack of prospects, sixteen year old Marieme (Karidja Touré) absorbs herself into a girl gang. As she finds her place within the clique, her outlook, attitudes and dress sense change Continue reading “Review: Girlhood (2014)”
Empty Screens 