March 1, 2020
Ian’s nervous; lacks confidence; gets stressed.
He’s heard tell his late dad was the best.
Conjuring skills: a bit shoddy …
(Oops! Only half a body)
Brothers bond on an exciting adventure quest.
December 11, 2019
Hitler Youth: training JoJo to be a recruited addition.
Terrific work from Waitiiti, in the great comic tradition
Of this technique: to lampoon
Hitler (playing a huge buffoon).
Davis/Yates scenes: touching (re: friendship’s recognition).
December 2, 2019
So it’s the plastics v the ghouls:
Each thinks the other are fools.
Some fun here; good cast;
But could’ve used a blast
Of more darkness and kooky tools.
November 25, 2019
Thrombey patriarch carks it (on birthday night)
In this fun whodunnit that’s a sheer delight.
Ensemble cast: so terrific.
Great direction. Wit: prolific.
… And costume design that’s a gorgeous sight.
November 9, 2019
Here we have London, looking so gorgeous at night.
Kate meets a handsome stranger who often takes flight.
Her choices cause mum alarm.
Despite the leads’ great charm,
And some lovely moments, it all feels a bit slight.
October 5, 2019
Destiny, Ramona and co riding high (a money train) …
But the GFC puts that to a stop. Here comes pain.
Then creative chemistry skills
Restart the paying of bills.
Terrific performance from Lopez: a powerhouse hurricane.
August 16, 2019
Cliff is insecure Rick’s buddy and stunt double:
Taking the actor’s hits, slams and falls into rubble …
In a period piece (riveting)
In its expert pivoting
Between nostalgia, comedy, and truly ugly dark trouble.
June 18, 2019
Here’s struggling Brit singer-songwriter Jack.
Momentary drama, and his head cops a crack.
He steals those songs that send shivers.
The film never really film delivers
On the clever premise. The execution’s out of whack.
June 9, 2019
Javed’s hating his life, and feels completely at a loss,
Then a revelation: he discovers The Boss.
Now: a teen born to run.
Some moments of musical fun,
And a journey, after barriers to cross.
May 31, 2019
A proposal. Then there’s a wedding to be arranged …
But Paolo and his mum are estranged.
Antonio’s not even out!
(His Mayor Papa has clout)
A wacky journey before rings can be exchanged.
May 11, 2019
Josephine’s near the top of the con artist list.
When Penny muzzles in, she’s pissed.
They have no chemistry. It feels a dud
When jokes fall flat with a thud.
Talent wasted and opportunities missed.
May 1, 2019
Skilled lawyer Lauren’s offered a career big spot.
Same day: boyfriend Ned proposes they tie the knot.
Oh no: Mum’s taken flight!
Tapsell's work: a delight
In this joyous film (with many a stunting nature shot).
December 14, 2018
Magnificent film. Intriguing machinations of the palace.
Visually stunning, with wonderful characters (many callous).
Their plotting is viscous
And wickedly delicious.
An utterly mesmerising world of drama, scheming and malice.
December 13, 2018
What a remarkable work: Burnham’s feature debut.
Empathy enwraps the rawness, as we see right into
Kayla’s soul (insecurity & awkward anxiety
While navigating: growth; expectations of society).
Fisher’s deeply moving, sensitive work here rings so true.
December 12, 2018
A beautiful performance from Ali as a man with abhorrent prejudices to face,
Despite a script that’s disappointingly simplistic with regards to issues of race.
(And I just can’t believe
Shirley’d be so clueless/naive
RE: the contemporary popular music culture that he doesn’t embrace).
December 7, 2018
Lovely lead performances. Overall highlight: witty, clever princess stuff.
It’s a kids’ film unafraid to have an undying message that’s tough
(Being co-dependent and possessive
Can makes a friendship oppressive).
Won’t age well (‘today’ references: too specific; not generic enough).
September 11, 2018
One plus: the animals are expertly rendered.
But sadly the tale of adult CR (who’d surrendered
To a life with joys that are few)
And the re-introduction of his youth’s crew
Is overall quite drab, bland & sluggish. Not recommended.
August 10, 2018
Professor Rachel’s attending a wedding in the home town
Of her partner Nick (not expecting the scornful frown
Of his mother and assorted fam).
Abundant laughs and OTT glam
In this delightful film. Great leads’ chemistry, plus many a clown.
June 13, 2018
Yes, the ridiculous premise requires disbelief suspension,
But there’s laughs re: Duncan giving over-the-top attention
To Tucker’s short, faded career.
Hawke’s clearly having fun here.
A slight, but enjoyable tale (with themes of reinvention).
June 10, 2018
Clients: too cowardly to do the dropping,
So Mel & Jen plan to come stopping
By to provide a unique service
(Client fraternising makes Jen nervous).
Hilarious scenes as jilted lovers endure a copping.