Sleek and slick on the surface but shallow underneath, Focus muddles through on the back of its appealing co-stars and brisk pace. Nicky (Will Smith), a proficient con artist, succumbs to the charms of new recruit Jess (Margot Robbie). But when he breaks it off and leaves her heartbroken, Jess re-enters his life at the worst possible time. Continue reading “Review: Focus (2015)”
From the studio responsible for Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit, Arthur Christmas is a festive delight through and through. Santa (Jim Broadbent) is coming to the end of his service, with his eldest son (Hugh Laurie) in line to take the reigns. But when a present fails to be delivered, it’s only Arthur (James McAvoy) who seems to care, taking it unto himself to ensure no child is left out. Continue reading “Review: Arthur Christmas (2011)”
In a welcome change of direction, Tim Burton downplays his typically outlandish style for Big Eyes, a sunny and well mounted, yet disappointingly thin 1960s biopic. Wannabe artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) up sticks and moves to San Fransisco, where she soon falls for Walter (Christoph Waltz). But when Walter starts to pass off her paintings as his own, making thousands in the process, things soon turn sour. Continue reading “Review: Big Eyes (2014)”
There was an effortless charm to Night At The Museum that made it more than passable family fare. Two films later and the franchise is now passed its sell-by date and, as a result, Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb is mostly predictable swill. When the tablet that brings the exhibits in New York City to life runs out of steam, Larry (Ben Stiller) has to venture over to London with some familiar faces in tow – Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Octavious (Steve Coogan) and Jedediah (Owen Wilson) – to set things right. Continue reading “Review: Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb (2014)”
Christopher Smith, the director behind Severance and Triangle, is the unlikely source of Get Santa, a fairly satisfying, if unremarkable, festive fable. Fresh out of prison, Steve (Rafe Spall) attempts to put his shady past behind him and reconnect with his son. But when Santa (Jim Broadbent) turns unexpectedly asking for help, Steve finds himself back on the run, in a desperate bid to save Christmas. Continue reading “Review: Get Santa (2014)”
Bill Murray is by far the stand-out performer in St. Vincent, infusing Theodore Melfi’s schmaltzy and predictable comedy drama with some much-needed spunk. Bullied-kid-next-door Olivier (Jaeden Lieberher) develops an unlikely bond with curmudgeon old man Vincent (Murray) when he reluctantly concedes to babysit for struggling single mother Maggie (Melissa McCarthy). Continue reading “Review: St. Vincent (2014)”
Spun-off from DreamWorks Animation’s money-making Madagascar franchise, Penguins Of Madagascar is a fast-paced, pun-a-minute riot, even if it lacks any semblance of depth. Anarchic super spies Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), Private (Christopher Knights) and Rico (Conrad Vernon) are forced to team up with The North Wind, an undercover task force, to defeat the dastardly Dr. Octavious Brine (John Malkovich). Continue reading “Review: Penguins Of Madagascar (2014)”
Peter Jackson’s thirteen year crusade into Middle Earth – traversing two trilogies and six films – draws to a feeble, unfit end with The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies. Roused from his slumber, Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) wreaks fiery havoc upon Laketown, leaving his vast wealth undefended. Bilbo (Martin Freeman), Thorin (Richard Armitage) and his company of dwarves stake their claim, unaware of the opposing forces descending upon The Lonely Mountain. Continue reading “Review: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (2014)”
Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis reunite for Horrible Bosses 2, a predictably bland and entirely unnecessary sequel to the 2011 comedy. While that film suceeded in at least aprtially delivering on its amusing premise, its follow-up does not. Fed up of being used and abused by their employers, Nick (Bateman), Kurt (Sudeikis) and Dale (Day) start their own business. But when their first product is stolen by investor Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz), they concoct a plan to kidnap his son and ransom him back for the lost money. Continue reading “Review: Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)”
After the action-heavy drive of the previous instalments, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 is decidedly sober and contemplative in comparison, but no less thrilling. Bunkered down in District 13 after being saved from the Quarter Quell, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) reluctantly concedes to become the face of the rebel uprising. Her reluctance quickly turns to intensity, however, as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) continues his tight dictatorship, using Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) as bait. Continue reading “Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)”
Empty Screens 