Maleficent returns in a sequel that attempts some big ideas relating to violence and terrorism but crumbles a bit when it inevitably caves into being ‘just another kids movie’. All in all though, it was invigorating to see two equally ambiguous female villains go head to head.
Category: Movie reviews
Synonyms review - extremely bizarre but undeniably lovable
Berlinale winner Synonyms is a wonderfully quirky if not unquestionably complicated film that will frustrate you at times, but ultimately leave you wanting more of its running spitfire dialogue on identity and nationalism.
Gemini Man review - old Will Smith vs. young Will Smith is as lame as it sounds
Ang Lee’s Gemini Man spends too much time attempting to strike a note with sentimental family relationships rather than giving us a laugh or two. It’s a muddled attempt at a dated action movie that tries to be self-aware but never quite gets there.
Joker review - a thrilling rendition but no masterpiece
Joker is a gritty and thrilling contemporary adaptation with an awards worthy performance from Joaquin Phoenix. A disturbing and demented origin story that breaks down the iconic Batman villain and strips him raw. What we’re left with is a frail, damaged and vulnerable member of a failed society… Even so, the film doesn’t break as much ground as one might expect.
Ad Astra review - a hypnotising study on the horrors of loneliness
Ad Astra is a stylish, fascinating and meditative journey on the horrors of loneliness and depression that sticks with you even if it occasionally gets a little too Hollywood. Brad Pitt brings everything to this role - a career best performance.
IT Chapter 2 review - why it’s one of the worst horror movies of the year
It Chapter 2 focuses so much on grossing you out that it ends up achieving the complete opposite. Director Andy Muschietti must have a checklist. He’s GOT to have something like that because that’s how formulaic this ‘horror’ movie really is.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood review - Why Margaret Qualley’s ‘Pussycat’ makes the entire film
Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is an unabashedly glorious study of the washed-up actor. Both DiCaprio and Pitt are equally intriguing and lovable, but as expected, the events of the Tate murders, and Tate herself are relegated to mere background noise, and it doesn’t quite fit.
Midsommar review - an epic (and funny) technicolour trip into savage grief
Ari Aster’s sophomore is as disturbing as the remarkable Hereditary, but brings a surprising amount of humour to a tale that is otherwise about the torment of grief and our need to adhere to tradition and culture, even if it literally rips us to shreds.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters review - so bad that it’s… no it’s just bad
After the complaints that 2014’s Godzilla didn’t give the titan adequate screentime, King of the Monsters does fans justice by packing some serious monster… kaiju, but despite the sheer size of the beast, who looks like he’s been hitting the gym, it’s just not worth it.
Avengers: Endgame review - the most epic superhero movie ever made
Avengers: Endgame is a poignant, thrilling and revolutionary superhero film, and a well-deserved finale to the MCU’s Infinity War saga. It’s also a ‘greatest hits’ film showcasing everyone and everything we love about the franchise… It’s also three hours long, so plan your toilet breaks wisely.
