LATEST REVIEWS BY THE POPCORN PANEL
No-holds-barred reviews of movies, TV shows, and streaming services by film and TV connoisseur Alex Cearns. 

UNKNOWN NUMBER: THE HIGH SCHOOL CATFISH

This documentary hit my radar after Shayne Jansen posted some questions about it on Instagram and wow … it’s intense! Four years ago, in the small town of Beal City, Michigan, thirteen-year-old Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend of the same age, Owen, started receiving a barrage of text messages. Over time the messages became increasingly explicit and aggressive, and continued for nearly two years. The sender knew private details about the victims locations and activities and the relentless contact began to seriously impact their lives. Lauryn and Owen’s parents worked tirelessly to identify the source of the hate, working with Beal City School and local police until the FBI was eventually brought in. When they finally apprehended the perpetrator, the entire community was shocked by who it was … and you will be too. This is one of the most blindsiding docos I’ve ever watched and by the end, my jaw was on the floor. Gripping, reprehensible, and unfathomable.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

THE ASSESSMENT

Set in a future dystopian society ravaged by climate change, the government now enforces strict controls over reproduction. When Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) decide to become parents, they must undergo an intense seven-day live-in assessment conducted by Virginia (Alicia Vikander) to determine their suitability. What begins as a hopeful experience for the couple quickly turns into a psychological nightmare, testing their relationship and pushing their moral boundaries. Virginia’s behavior grows increasingly strange and questionable, as she erratically switches between the persona of a mature adult and a child. The performances are persuasive, with Olsen and Patel’s characters gradually breaking down emotionally as the parenting tests progress. The story is hard going though, with the ending offering little resolve. Intense, emotional and depressing. 

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

CAPTURING THEIR KILLER: THE GIRLS ON HIGH BRIDGE

This three-part series explores the tragic February 2017 murders of 13 year old Abi Williams and 14 year old Libby German in Delphi, Indiana. The best friends set out on a day hike, but when they didn’t return at their scheduled time, a search was launched. Sadly their bodies were discovered the following day near the Monon High Bridge Trail. Abi captured phone and video footage of a man who was following them, who became the prime suspect known as the “bridge guy.” Interviews with key people involved in the case, including the victims’ family members and friends, shows how the murders shattered the close-knit community, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. Parts of this series give rise to wild-goose-chase theories which don’t deserve a mention – especially since irrefutable evidence saw local man Richard Allen convicted of the murders. He eventually confessed to the crimes and was sentenced to 130 years in prison. Riveting and heartbreaking, but should’ve focussed less on Richard’s wife protesting his innocence.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.9/10

HIJACK

During a flight from Dubai to London, corporate business negotiator Sam Nelson (Idris Elba) uses his skills to try and save everyone on board when the plane is taken over by hijackers. Simultaneous storylines focus on the authorities attempting to de-escalate the situation and understand the motives behind the hijacking. This fictional series unfolds in real time with each of its seven episodes taking place during the course of the seven-hour plane journey – an engaging concept if it can hold viewer interest. Sadly, in this case, it can’t. The cast and visual production hold this series up against its far fetched plot and technically inaccurate content. The disappointing and confusing ending wasn’t the payoff I expected for making it that far. More filler than thriller.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

THE INSTITUTE

When twelve year old genius Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman) is abducted from his home, he wakes up in a sinister building called ‘The Institute’. He soon learns that it’s a prison-like facility where children with telekinesis and telepathy are held, run by the neurotic and evil Ms. Sigsby (poorly portrayed by Mary-Louise Parker). The Institute’s goal is to study and exploit the children’s unique powers, subjecting them to cruel, and sometimes fatal, experiments. The children must combine their abilities and find a way to escape before it’s too late. Meanwhile, local night knocker Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes) crosses paths with Luke and seeks to expose the Institute’s horrifying agenda. Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, this adaptation fails to do the source material justice. The writing is weak and its eight episodes drag on. Some of the performances are so mediocre (mainly from the adult cast members) that even die-hard Stephen King fans will switch off. Sub par. Stick with the book.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

EDDINGTON

Ari Aster’s latest offering is set in the fictional New Mexico town of Eddington, population 2500, during the COVID semi-lockdown of May 2020. It’s a time of heightened political and social division. Local mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) supports a major tech company building a data centre nearby. He gets into a power struggle over his position with Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) who opposes the mask mandate and is obsessed with usurping Garcia. Meanwhile Cross’s reclusive wife Louise (Emma Stone) becomes engrossed in online conspiracy theories. Stone feels under-utilised in the role. When locals begin participating in black lives matter protests, chaos arrives and the plot spirals off into several different directions. Phoenix gets the most screen time and this is his maturest role yet. He portrays Cross superbly in his literal “falling down” era, where things keep going from bad to worse. Sharp and loud music assaults your ears when the action gets tense, cleverly contrasting with the quiet, barren landscape of Eddington. The first hour is slow to build and at one point I wondered if the end would ever come. When it finally did, my brain hurt from processing all of the elements that unfolded. This is a film you’ll either love or hate – but either way, it’s unlike anything you’ll expect.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

THE TRUTH ABOUT JUSSE SMOLLETT

This true crime doco revisits the highly publicised 2019 incident where actor Jussie Smollett claimed he was attacked by two masked men in Chicago. Viewed as a hate crime, the case sparked a lengthy investigation and years-long legal battle, fueled by intense media coverage. Interviews with Smollett, brothers Akimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo (who allege Smollett hired them to stage the attack) and senior figures from the Chicago police department explore inconsistencies within the case. Multiple perspectives are presented, including the common view that the incident was a hoax and the more sinister theory of a conspiracy within the justice system. Ultimately viewers are left to decide who’s telling the truth, but when the credits rolled, I still didn’t know who to believe. What a mess!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

NIGHT ALWAYS COMES

Based on Willy Vlautin’s novel of the same name, this drama follows Lynette (Vanessa Kirby), a struggling woman in Portland. Living in a humble rental home with her brother Kenny (Zack Gottsagen), who has a Down syndrome, and her mother Doreen (Jennifer Jason Leigh), Lynette races against gentrification to buy the house before rising property values price her out. When Doreen impulsively and selfishly spends their savings on a new car, Lynette must raise the $25,000 deposit she needs in one night. She turns to her contacts in the city’s seedy fringe area for help, engaging in reckless activities to gather the money and forcing her to face painful memories from her past. Despite strong performances by Kirby and Leigh in portraying their dysfunctional mother / daughter relationship, the plot is frustrating and I got bored seeing Lynette make the same mistakes over and over again. The ending left too many questions unanswered. Bleak and tedious.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

SORRY, BABY

Neurodivergent English scholar Agnes (played by talented writer and director Eva Victor) is traumatically assaulted. As she tries to move forward, the complexities of processing what happened soon begin to affect her. The plot is divided into five chapters, each covering a different year to show the passing of time. While the pacing is slow, it matches the way Agnes moves through life. There’s no backstory for her character, nor any mention of her family – her only significant support comes from her best friend Lydie (Naomi Ackie) who has relocated to New York and is married with a new baby. The constantly overcast, gloomy weather emphasises how stuck Agnes feels and the unchanging confines of her small world. Heavy moments are skilfully balanced with light humour, never undermining the seriousness of the subject matter. The performances are superb, with an excellent cast, especially Kelly McCormack as Natasha, Agnes’s neurotic and validation-seeking associate who provides much of the comic relief. There’s also an adorable bonding scene between Agnes and a stray kitten, who she names Olga, showing the healing power of animal companionship. Sombre, realistic and relatable.

SCORE:

Alex and Cath’s Score 7.5/10

Chris’s Score 7/10

Vicki’s Score 3/10

Wendy’s Score 6.5/10

Elaine’s Score 6/10

Duncan’s Score 8.5/10

Ann’s Score 8/10

THE NAKED GUN

I’ll admit to rolling my eyes when I heard a new Naked Gun movie was coming soon and I had it on my review list purely out of obligation. I expected the worst but was pleasantly surprised. Liam Neeson has big shoes to fill as Frank Drebin Jr, taking over from Leslie Nielsen (RIP), and he handles the role with deadpan confidence. The jokes come thick and fast and while they don’t all land, quite a few made me laugh out loud. It’s very pun-ny (pun intended) and over the top from start to finish. Pamela Anderson speaks in a breathless whisper as Beth Davenport, sister of a m*rder victim, and sings up a storm in a hilarious jazz club scene. She has wonderful chemistry with Neeson which has allegedly spilled over into real life and her recent resurgence back into the limelight is an absolute treat. This is a film purely made to entertain and it has a simple plot that mainly serves as a backdrop for the comedy to unfold. At just 85 minutes long, it’s an easy watch that ends before it becomes too much of the same. Filled with slapstick, stereotypes, and silliness, this reboot is a worthy successor to the original movies.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Vicki’s Score 8/10

Marree’s Score 9/10

WOLF MAN

Blake (Christopher Abbott), Charlotte (Julia Garner) and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) set off for Blake’s childhood home in Oregon after his father’s death. Blake hopes the visit will help him repair his strained marriage, reconnect with his family and deal with his past. A creature attacks them when they arrive at the property and Blake is bitten. He begins to physically transform into a werewolf and fights to maintain his humanity while struggling to control his violent urges. Scenes viewed from his perspective as he changes add to the tension. Fearing for her life, Charlotte must decide whether to help Blake or let him succumb to his fate. The emotional stakes run high as she’s forced to discover the lengths she’ll take to protect Ginger. While the attempt to capture the werewolf metamorphosis using prosthetic makeup rather than CGI is commendable, it often looked B-grade. Additionally, the absence of any full moon transitions goes against traditional werewolf mythology. By the end I felt that the supernatural element served as a metaphor for Blake’s childhood trauma. A few jump scares with a predictable plot.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.9/10

KANGAROO ISLAND

Lou Wells (Rebecca Breeds) is a struggling Hollywood actress who’s hit rock bottom. With her life an absolute mess, she reluctantly accepts a plane ticket from her estranged father, Rory (Erik Thomson), to return to Kangaroo Island, a place she hasn’t visited in years. Her arrival dredges up past trauma with her sister Freya (Adelaide Clemens) and forces them to confront their unresolved conflicts. Phenomenal acting from the entire cast and a realistic storyline builds the tension in this family drama. There’s love, loss and a plethora of dynamics to unpack but it never gets bogged down with sentimentality … and right when you think it might, tinges of humour lighten the mood. Filmed against the stunning quintessentially Australian backdrop of Kangaroo Island, its rugged beauty is a powerful element, mirroring the characters’ emotional states and adding to the film’s atmosphere. As someone who has joyfully visited Kangaroo Island many times, I got a kick out of seeing the true-to-life inclusion of beaches, places and local businesses. Compelling, brilliant and home-grown.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.5/10

Megan’s Score 9.5/10

De-Ann’s Score 8/10

Angela’s Score 7/10

FIGHT OR FLIGHT

Fasten your seat belts and sit back but don’t relax as this high-altitude fight-fest takes off. When mercenary Lucas Reyes (Josh Harnett) is assigned to capture a fugitive known as The Ghost during a commercial flight, he unknowingly steps into a deadly game of survival. There’s a $10 million bounty on The Ghost’s head, plus a hitman contract out to eliminate him. Reyes must slice, dice, and ice dozens of assassins, while trying to keep The Ghost alive. He’s a reluctant hero, struggling with addiction issues and his past transgressions. It’s a humorous and violent ride that’s not for the squeamish (chainsaw, anyone?), with lots of blood spilled and multiple people dying in innovative ways. Harnett sure can move at 47 years old! Unfortunately the plot is shaky and hits frequent turbulence, with nonsensical elements that try to be too tricky. If you can ignore these you’ll be entertained by this ‘Bullet Train’ on a plane.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Saraj’s Score 6/10

FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES

While at college, student Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) experiences recurring a nightmare of a past tragedy – the collapse of a building called the Skyview Tower, which her grandmother Iris, had foreseen and prevented in 1968. When Stefani returns home, she learns her grandmother’s actions created an inescapable debt to Death for members of her family. This triggers a series of elaborate accidents leading to over-the-top, gruesome deaths created with visceral realism. Amidst the carnage, this movie is well-crafted and gripping, making it hard to look away. The final, jaw-dropping scene is one I won’t forget in a hurry and it poses the age old question“ Can we fight fate?” If you’re a fan of the FD franchise or enjoy fast-paced horror, you’ll love this.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

WAR OF THE WORLDS

Will Radford (Ice Cube), a brash data analyst for the Department of Homeland Security, uses a mass surveillance program to monitor potential threats, and often crossing ethical boundaries to keep an eye on his own family. When meteors strike Earth and crack open to reveal large machines, Will and NASA scientist Sandra Salas (Eva Longoria) realise it’s an alien invasion. The story unfolds through multiple computer screens, sharing online calls, surveillance footage, and social media posts. This is meant to create a sense of urgency and place the audience inside the action but instead it’s a confusing and unrealistic jumble of tech nonsense. Everything about this film is disappointing – the plot, the acting, the characters, the special effects, the blatant product placement and mostly, the fact that it was even produced. It’s a fresh take we could have done without and a stain on the legacy of the original 1938 radio series. Such a mess!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 0/10

FIT FOR TV – THE REALITY OF THE BIGGEST LOSER

This three-part documentary offers an in-depth look behind the scenes of the popular reality show ‘The Biggest Loser.’ Through interviews with former contestants, trainers, and producers, it raises important questions about the sustainability of the show’s extreme methods and their lasting impact on participants’ physical and mental health. It also sheds a light on the unethical, and at times dangerous, practices used to force contestants to lose weight. Eye opening and problematic.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

AMY BRADLEY IS MISSING

This true crime documentary series revisits the mysterious disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley, a 23 year old American who vanished from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in March 1998. It explores various theories, including foul play and the possibility that she fell overboard, while also delving into her family’s ongoing search for answers. Interviews with Amy’s parents, brother, friends, law enforcement officials, and individuals claiming to have seen her alive since her disappearance, aim to shed new light on the case and perhaps reach someone who has vital information. With the FBI investigation still open, the three episodes promote more speculation about her fate than definitive answers. Her devastated family remains hopeful for her return, refusing to accept any other outcome – they still haven’t unpacked her bags from that fateful trip 27 years ago. As one of Amy’s friends profoundly asks “Is it better to have hope, or to have closure?” I personally believe she fell overboard and drowned, but the evidence for all possible scenarios is inconclusive. Emotional, compelling, and unfathomable.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

SAY NOTHING

Based on the book of the same name, ‘Say Nothing’ explores the Troubles in Northern Ireland and opens with the 1972 abduction of Jean McConville, a widowed mother of ten, by the IRA. This event serves as a central point for delving into the IRA’s activities, the human cost of the conflict, the allure of radical politics, and the long-lasting consequences of violence and silence. The story follows the lives of various IRA members, including the Price sisters Dolours and Marian (Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe), known for their radicalism and involvement in a series of London bombings, and Brendan Hughes (Anthony Boyle) a charismatic military strategist. It also features Gerry Adams (Josh Finan) a prominent political figure who has consistently (but questionably) denied direct involvement with the IRA. As the characters age, they begin to realise the lasting impact of the acts they committed and seek justice against those in command. The performances are masterful, particularly Petticrew’s, which made me forget I was watching an actor and drew me deeply into Dolours world. A gripping, harrowing and complex drama that examines the choices made by its key figures and the long road to reconciliation.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

SMOKE

Taron Egerton stars as Dave Gudsen, an arson investigator for the fire brigade and an aspiring novelist. He’s partnered with detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett) to pursue two serial arsonists operating in the fictional USA city of Umberland. As Gudsen and Calderone dig deeper into their investigations, they uncover secrets and lies, and begin questioning their trust in each other. Inspired by true events discussed on the ‘Firebug’ podcast, this crime drama explores the dark world of arson and its psychological toll on those involved. It starts with a metaphorical slow burn and didn’t grab my attention until the very end of episode two. The series loses its way several times, with some scenes feeling absurd, but I got too far in to not see it through until the end. There are multiple injustices that go unpunished and cavernous plot holes, with the slight saving grace being the unexpected reveal in the finale – it was a clever twist that answered a few questions. Gritty, creepy and prolonged, it didn’t light my fire.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

NOBODY 2

Here’s what I look for in an action movie: nonstop stunts, plenty of fight scenes with fluid choreography, an easy-to-follow plot, a touch of gore, unique k*lls, a fast-paced storyline, decent acting, a psychopathic bad guy (or gal!), a few laughs and a thumping soundtrack. ‘Nobody2’ delivers on all of these points. What a ride! Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) is back in this sequel. He’s still a lethal assassin trying to pay off a gambling debt, but he’s also a father who simply wants to take his family on a holiday to the Plummerville theme park he visited as a kid. Hutch’s favourite saying goes, “Wherever you go, there you are” and trouble soon finds him while he’s away. He’s forced to fight for his life – and the lives of his wife and two kids. The villain, Lendina (Sharon Stone) is vicious, potty-mouthed, and ruthless. Stone looked to have so much fun playing that role. The cast also includes Christopher Lloyd as Hutch’s father, Connie Nielsen as his wife, and Colin Hanks (who’s the spitting image of his dad Tom) as a crooked cop. Enjoyed seeing an unassuming middle-aged man in his 50’s kicking butt and making it look realistic. The high volume inclusion of Celine Dion’s ‘The power of love’ during the final showdown was magnificent. A thoroughly entertaining, adrenaline-fueled adventure. Loved it!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 10/10

RELAY

Ash (Oscar winner Riz Ahmed) is a fixer who brokers deals between whistleblowers and corrupt corporations. He uses a message relay service to remain anonymous while facilitating these deals and never has face-to-face contact with his clients. He breaks his own rules when he is contacted by Sarah (Lily James), a biotech scientist, who discovers secrets about a product her company plans to release. She seeks Ash’s help to return incriminating documents and to ensure her safety. As Ash tries to protect Sarah from a team of corporate mercenaries (with Sam Worthington as the lead thug), he navigates a complex system of communication to evade identification. Pitched as a thriller, the film has very little action and is slow to progress. It felt like at least 90 minutes of the run time was dedicated to watching Ash take new burner phones out of their packaging and swapping out SIM cards. There’s a plot twist ten minutes before the end that I didn’t predict, though on reflection there are several red flags that give it away and a few cinema goes guessed it in advance. The closing scene is when the suspense finally arrives but it’s conveniently over all too soon. Ahmed and Lily do their best with the material, though Ahmed’s role mostly involves silent acting with little backstory aside from being a recovering alcoholic. The implied attraction their characters have for each other has little basis given their limited interactions and it seems a damsel in distress is enough for Ash to disregard all of his standard procedures and risk everything. A strong concept that needed more padding to stay interesting.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Saraj’s Score 7/10

MR BURTON

CONTAINS SPOILERS! This biography is set in the Welsh town Port Talbot during the 1940’s. It offers insight into the humble beginnings of young Richard Jenkins, also known as Richard Burton (Harry Lawtey), and his friendship with adoptive father Phillip Burton (Toby Jones), who helped propel him to fame. The son of an alcoholic coal miner, Richard is taken under the wing of his English teacher, playwright, and theatre actor Phillip, who recognises his acting talent. He nurtures Richard’s dream of becoming an actor by offering him acting lessons and lodging. Although Phillip always has with Richard’s best interests at heart, Richard soon becomes enraged over petty gossip about their relationship, which ultimately leads to their estrangement. Lawtey and Jones deliver outstanding performances, each conveying a wide range of emotions and bringing their characters convincingly to life. The transformation of Richard from a larrikin schoolboy to a confident performer is powerfully portrayed by Lawtey. The cinematography, sets, costumes, and lighting are all beautiful, adding to the film’s charm. My small picks: a trim of 30 minutes would’ve refined the story; there’s an 8 year leap in the last fifteen minutes which lacked explanation other than to quickly further the narrative; and brief CGI glimpses of Port Talbot weren’t convincing. An enjoyable and revealing look into the story behind the most celebrated movie star from Wales.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Kelly’s Score 8/10

WEAPONS

One morning at 2:17am, seventeen children from the same Maybrook Elementary School classroom inexplicably run from their homes and out into the darkened streets. No one knows why or where they went. Only one student from the class remains and the suspicion of the whole town quickly falls on new teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner). Distraught father Archer Graf (Joshua Brolin), whose son Matthew has disappeared, is determined to uncover the truth about what happened to the children. I won’t reveal too much about this movie’s dark and unhinged plot, as it’s more impactful when you’re unaware of where the story is about to take you. I will share that it will hold you in tension, with the experiences of several main characters cleverly told through point-of-view vignettes that highlight interconnected events and interactions. The suspense is amplified by the skillful use of sound and camera work, which give clues that something is about to happen – yet each time it does you’ll still jump. Gory moments are few in number, but are highly graphic. Several comedic elements prevent the film from becoming overly terrifying but be warned – not everything will fully make sense at the end and you’ll have questions. Overall, it’s like an old fairy tale with a modern twist. Keep your eyes peeled for the cleverly crafted scenes that subtly nod to other horror influences.

SCORE:

Amanda and Corrine’s Score 8.5/10

Alex, Saraj, Matt, Sheryl, and Craig’s Score 8/10

Duncan and Vicki’s Score 6/10

Tony and Cath’s Score 5/10

FREAKIER FRIDAY

Twenty-two years after the original, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their roles as the mother-daughter duo Tess and Anna Coleman in this engaging sequel. Anna is set to marry handsome Brit Eric (Manny Jacinto) much to the dismay of his daughter Lily (Sophia Hammons) who longs to return to the UK. As an added conflict, Lily’s school rival is Anna’s daughter, and soon to be step-sister, Harper (Julia Butters). After an amateur reading from a chaotic, business diverse psychic named Madame Jen (Vanessa Bayer), Tess and Anna wake up to discover they’ve somehow swapped bodies with teenagers Lily and Harper. Chaos ensues as the two older characters, who are actually the younger ones, try to prevent Anna and Eric’s upcoming wedding. The story explores relatable blended-family dynamics and offers valuable lessons for all of the main players. Curtis and Lohan share a natural on-screen chemistry and clearly love working together – stick around for the credits to catch a collection of happy bloopers. Curtis is an absolute treasure as an actress, and her ability to deliver humour through her facial expressions, exaggerated physical actions, and comedic timing makes her performance endlessly entertaining. It’s also wonderful to see Lohan shining bright after years of legal issues, battles with addiction, and career setbacks. Funnier than I expected, this film is filled with witty quips and fast one liners. It capitalises on the nostalgia of ‘Freaky Friday’ while introducing new characters and situations to keep the story fresh. With plenty of laughs, it’s light, playful and enjoyable.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

This made for Apple TV movie has some recognisable stars (John Kranski, Natalie Portman and Stanley Tucci) but that’s where the appeal ends. It follows the story of estranged siblings Luke and Charlotte Purdue (Kranski and Portman) who embark on a globe-trotting quest to find the mythical fountain of youth. Their journey is driven by clues hidden in six famous paintings and is funded by terminally ill billionaire, Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson.) Directed by Guy Ritchie, the film boasts a rumoured $180 million production budget, ensuring no expense was spared on the typical Ritchie-style car chases, fight scenes, and visual effects … but disappointingly it feels very unoriginal, drawing heavily on elements from other adventure films like Indiana Jones and The Mummy. The ending is so dull that you’ll stare at the screen in disbelief and regret the 125 minutes you’ve just wasted. Thankfully this intended franchise starter has probably sabotaged any hope of a sequel. It will go down as Ritchie’s worst work to date. Lame and forgettable.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3/10

Amanda’s Score 4.5/10

INSIDE

Warren Murfett (Guy Pearce) is a hardened prisoner nearing parole. A gambling addict who’s in debt to prison thugs, he manipulates younger inmate Mel Blight (newcomer Vincent Miller) into targeting unhinged paedophile and child k*ller Mark Shepherd (Cosmo Jarvis), who has a $50,000 bounty on his head. Raw in its emotional intensity, Pearce credibly portrays a man caught between hope and despair who desperately wants to reconnect with his adult son. His versatility as an actor establishes him as one of the finest of our generation. Miller is also gifted in his debut as the quiet, repentant Blight. This is a gritty, bleak film featuring complex characters who have committed heinous acts, locked up in a despairing environment.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

SALLY

Physicist Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space in 1983. This documentary explores her groundbreaking achievements as an astronaut, her battles against sexism, and reveals details about her personal life for the first time. It discusses her 27 year relationship with female partner Tam O’Shaughnessy, which remained a secret until Ride’s passing in 2012 at the age of 61. The film also celebrates her pioneering and inspiring work in science education through her organisation ‘Sally Ride Science.’ It’s despairing to see the way Sally was treated by some of her male counterparts, while she worked tirelessly to prove her worth and capabilities – something which many women still experience today. I was also saddened that she felt compelled to hide her true self from her employer and the public, fearing judgement and retribution. She gave Tam her blessing to disclose their partnership just before her death and Tam eventually received the acknowledged she deserved.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7.5/10

THE LIFE OF CHUCK

Adapted from one of Stephen King’s novellas in his book ‘If It Bleeds’ this film recounts the life of Charles “Chuck” Krantz. Benjamin Pajak portrays young Chuck, Jacob Tremblay is teen Chuck, and Tom Hiddleston is adult Chuck. Director and screenwriter Mike Flanagan masterfully transforms King’s source material into a compelling watch, with meaningful dialogue and gentle storytelling. Told in reverse across three acts, the plot highlights pivotal moments in Chuck’s life and presents themes we can all relate to as mortal human beings, without getting bogged down in sadness or sentiment. The act two dance scene is cinematic magic, offering a delightful glimpse into who Chuck is at heart. Beautifully filmed with an exceptional cast (including Mark Hamill and Chiwetel Ejiofor), the message that we are all the masters of our own universe lingers long after viewing. Captivating, introspective and emotional.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Duncan’s Score 8/10

Tony’s Score 9/10

A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE

This confronting documentary explores the death of Jason Corbett, who was killed during a dispute with his wife Molly and her father Thomas. It begins by telling the couple’s story, starting with their meeting in Ireland and their subsequent move to North Carolina and highlights the stark contrast between the seemingly idyllic life they appeared to build and the tragic events that led to Jason’s death. Was it a case of self-defence or was he murdered? Both sides of the case are uniquely examined through crime scene images and interviews, including perspectives from Jason’s children, Jack and Sarah, as well as Molly and Thomas. Their views are presented in a way that allows viewers to form their own opinions about what really happened. Despite this it’s clear that Jack and Sarah are also victims of this tragedy and will carry the consequences of it for the rest of their lives. Justice only half served.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

THE HUNTING WIVES

I almost skipped this show, mistaking it for a literal reality series about wives who hunt. Based on the novel of the same name, it’s actually a mini-series centered around a wealthy group of East Texas housewives, living the high life off their husbands’ money. With pastimes of gossip and guns, they are mesmerisingly beautiful people who are deeply flawed when it comes to values, ethics and honesty. When newcomer Sophie O’Neil (Brittany Snow) arrives in town, lead socialite Margo Banks (Malin Akerman) becomes enamoured with her and sees her as a conquest. She begins her usual pattern of seduction to try to win her over … and into her bed. A debouch, alcohol fuelled night at Margo’s with Sophie and two teenage boys sets off a cataclysmic chain of events that exposes closely held secrets and leads to several twists you won’t see coming. Stand out Akerman plays the character of Margo with risqué confidence and an authentic, melodious Texan draw. There’s no definitive resolution for some of the storylines unless you consider summary justice to be a satisfactory ending and a couple of dodgy wigs make an appearance (one of my absolute bug bears), which is disappointing for a show with a decent production budget. Still it’s an eye-opening soirée of deceit, affairs and m*rder.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

CRITICAL: BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH

With a major trauma occurring in London every 60 minutes, this six part documentary offers a gripping look into the National Health Service’s trauma response system, one of the most advanced in the world. The series follows real-life cases, from initial emergency calls right through to the operating table, as medical teams work to stabilise and treat the severely injured. It emphasises the high-stakes nature of trauma care, where every second counts and life-altering decisions must be made quickly. While the concept of a fly-on-the-wall medical show isn’t new, this one stands apart in the way it delves into the emotional and personal toll on trauma surgeons, paramedics, emergency responders, patients and their families. Innovative, graphic and not for the squeamish. 


SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

BRIDE HARD

Maid of mayhem! Rebel Wilson kicks butt and takes the bouquet in this action packed comedy. She plays Sam, a secret agent, who springs into action when the wedding of her childhood best friend Betsy (Anna Camp) is raided by cartel members. Kurt (Stephen Dorff) and his cronies take the entire wedding party hostage and demand access to the family safe which contains gold bouillon. Sam is the only one who isn’t caught, and she plots to save the day. Wilson plays to type and does it well. Loved that she used her Aussie accent and didn’t try to be American. It’s about girl power to the extreme, with strong themes of friendship and loyalty. Funnier than I thought it would be with enough witty one liners, sarcastic barbs and comedic situations to foster a few laughs out loud. Zany, ridiculous and an absolute chick flick.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Saraj’s Score 6/10

PATIENCE

Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis) works for Yorkshire Police in the records section. She’s meticulous in her duties and has a talent for identifying anomalies in cases, a skill enhanced by her autism. When Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) recognises her innate ability to piece evidence together, she takes Patience on as an analyst, much to the frustration of her partner, Detective Sergeant Jane Hunter (Nathan Welsh). Together, the trio tackles strange and unexplained homicides, and DI Metcalf offers Patience the space to grow and feel valued. Before long she is viewed as an essential member of the team. Purvis’s portrayal of Patience is authentic, accurately depicting the experiences of someone on the spectrum. The series sensitively explores how she navigates life as a neurodiverse young woman. Patience’s personal and professional relationships develop organically, emphasising her growing sense of acceptance and confidence. The cases investigated become more far fetched as the episodes progress but overall this series is engaging and bingeable.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.9/10

Amanda’s Score 9/10

DEEP COVER

Three amateur stand-up comedians from the same improv class can’t believe their luck when they’re hired by a London police officer to go undercover and investigate an illegal cigarette racket. Marlon (Orlando Bloom) is the muscle who takes his method acting to the extreme, Kat (Bryce Dallas Howard) is the brains of the group, while Hugh (Nick Mohammed) is their bumbling, confidence-lacking sidekick. They soon find themselves involved with dangerous underworld criminals who deal in narcotics and have to navigate all sorts of dire situations to survive – giving rise to most of the comedy. The plot is light-hearted, serving as a backdrop for over-the-top acting, a few jokes, and some decent action scenes, though the accomplished cast feels like overkill. It’s a silly, chaotic film that doesn’t take itself seriously.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Amanda’s Score 6.5/10

HAPPY GILMORE 2

CONTAINS SPOILERS! It’s been ten years since wacky golf legend Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) accidentally hit his wife in the head with a shanked golf ball, resulting in her death. He’s been in a deep depression ever since, drinking excessively, losing his home, and wasting all his money. When his daughter is accepted into a prestigious ballet school in Paris, Happy needs to find a way to cover her $300,000 tuition fee. Supported by his five kids, he decides to return to golf and to pursue the success he once had. I expected this to be a crude comedy on par with ‘American Pie’ but thankfully it didn’t go there. I haven’t seen the original 1996 ‘Happy Gilmore’ film and I’m not a huge Adam Sandler fan, so my expectations for this sequel were low … but I was pleasantly surprised. Despite hitting rock bottom, Gilmore has a big heart and you’ll be cheering him on as he tries, and tries again, to sort out his life. With over 50 cameos from various actors, singers, DJs, wrestling stars, athletes, Sandler’s own family members, and golf pros, this film is clever, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

COLD CASE: THE TYLENOL MURDERS

In 1982, seven people in the Chicago area died after ingesting Tylenol capsules laced with cyanide. These tragic deaths caused widespread panic, leading the public to lose trust in the medicine produced by Johnson & Johnson. Extensive recalls of Tylenol occurred and tamper-resistant packaging for over-the-counter medications was developed. Federal USA anti-tampering laws were also implemented. Although no one has been charged for the poisonings, James W. Lewis was convicted of extortion after sending a letter to Johnson & Johnson demanding $1 million to stop the attacks. He has remained the primary suspect for over forty years and granted his first media interview to these documentary filmmakers, who spent more than a year building up his trust before he agreed to speak on camera. During his interview, he gleefully proclaimed his innocence and provided reasons why he could not have been responsible. The three-part series explores multiple theories surrounding the case and features interviews with journalists, former law enforcement officers, and friends and family of the victims. With insufficient evidence available, viewers are left to draw their own conclusions about the true perpetrator.


SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

100 LITRES OF GOLD

This film tells the story of two middle aged sisters Taina (Pirjo Lonka) and Pirkko (Mari Elina Knihtilä) from the Finnish village of Sysmä, who make the strongest home-brewed beer (called sahti) in the region. It’s crafted from an ancient family recipe, passed down through generations. They are initially ripped off by everyone who takes their beer, with no one paying for it, until they are finally sick of being taken advantage of and demand the money they are owed. When their third sister Päivi asks them to supply the beer for her upcoming wedding, they set out to make 100 litres. Unfortunately Taina and Pirkko are in the grips of alcoholism, and they end up drinking most of it themselves. Their addiction spirals out of control and leads to a series of disastrous events (a sinking boat, a car accident, assaults, and thefts) as they try to find enough sahti to replace the volume they consumed, while still drinking as much beer as they can. An accident involving all three sisters 30 years prior adds to their stress and causes Taina to have constant nightmares about the incident, until a secret is revealed that changes everything. Softening the overall intensity, a rich and warm golden treatment was used for every scene, which reminded me of the colour of beer itself. The acting was top notch, particularly Pirjo and Mari who were highly convincing in their respective roles. While billed as a comedy, I found this film to be more dark than humorous – it’s a sad tale of how excess can lead to constant chaos. The ending offers a glimmer of hope that Taina and Pirkko will honour their agreement to quit drinking after Päivi’s wedding. Revealing, messy and raw.

Finnish with English subtitles.

Viewed as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

The 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe follows a familiar storyline typical of many superhero movies: Earth is threatened by an evil entity and humanity is portrayed as incapable of defending itself, relying on superheroes to save the day. In this case the villain is Galactus, a planet-devouring cosmic god (Ralph Ineson), who is aided by the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Coming to the rescue are Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm / Human Torch, and Ben Grimm / The Thing (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach) who must stop him from destroying their home planet. Their mission takes them into space, where Galactus offers a deal … he will leave Earth unharmed if they surrender their baby son. They refuse and when the citizens of New York City learn about their decision to choose their child over the entire world, public opinion turns against the Fantastic Four. Despite a production investment of over $200 million, the awkward and clunky CGI for The Thing was disappointing. It also attempted to include a love interest subplot for him (Natasha Leone as Rachel Rodman) which was half-baked and left unresolved as the story progressed. Overall the film was easy to watch but other than having a retro vibe and being set in the 1960’s it just didn’t bring anything new. It was too formulaic for my liking and lacked originality.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

UNTAMED

Eric Bana stars as Kyle Turner, a gruff lone-wolf federal agent tasked with policing Yosemite National Park. When a young woman named Lucy (Ezra Franky) falls to her death from the summit of El Capitan, injuries on her body suggest foul play. Assisted by new Park Ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), Turner is tasked with l investigating her gruesome murder. He has his own demons to battle along the way, namely his alcoholism and the death of his young son. Sam Neill plays his boss, Paul Souter, and both actors put on American accents for their roles – with Bana’s being very unconvincing. The series unfolds slowly, with multiple plot threads woven through its six episodes, making the story convoluted and difficult to follow. In the final half of the last episode, everything is too neatly resolved and conclusions are rushed through. Many of the landscape scenes look artificial and it’s easy to tell which ones were filmed on a sound stage. The herd of deer (and solitary bear) are created using CGI and their unrealistic appearance adds to the lack of visual authenticity. It could’ve been so much better! A decent premise out of the gate, that loses appeal as it progresses.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

Amanda’s Score 6.5/10

FRED AND ROSE WEST: A BRITISH HORROR STORY

Married couple Fred and Rose West were two of the United Kingdom’s most notorious serial k*llers. Between 1967 and 1987, they murdered at least 12 young women and teen girls – including Freds eight year old daughter Charmaine – in their Gloucestershire home, subsequently coined the ‘House of Horrors’. They would inflict horrific torture, including and s*xual abuse, on their victims before taking their lives. Their bodies would be dismembered in their basement and buried on the property. This documentary features archival footage and recent interviews with a former neighbour, the West’s former babysitter, journalists and the surviving West children, exposing their depraved acts from the time they first met up until their eventual incarceration. Police audio recordings from their arrests are disturbing and serve as a chilling insight into psychopathy, while demonstrating how quickly one perpetrator can turn against another. Fred West took his own life in jail before standing trial, leaving justice unfulfilled. Rose West was convicted of 10 murders and remains behind bars, serving a life sentence. These vile individuals committed the most evil acts and their crimes continue to shock and horrify today.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

THE MOUNTAIN

Astronomer and teacher Maria (Sólveig Gudmundsdottir) embarks on a solo trip to the Icelandic highlands to photograph a comet. A day later, her husband Atli (Björn Hlynur Haraldsson) and 19 year old daughter Anna (Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney) are devastated to learn that she was found dead near her cabin. Atli begins to spiral and starts excessively drinking, struggling to reconcile his wife’s death. His sorrow soon hits rock bottom after deliberately getting assaulted and fired from his electrical job. Meanwhile Anna receives some news that she doesn’t think her father can handle. Feeling the need to find meaning and closure, Atli and Anna decide to travel to Maria’s last known location to confront their grief and to fulfil her wish of photographing the comet. This melancholic, sentimental story explores the complex ways in which two people cope with loss. Its themes of family ties, love and loss are conveyed through heartfelt performances and slow storytelling – reminding us of the impact of life’s toughest challenges. Icelandic with English subtitles.

Viewed as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

TOGETHER

After a decade together, Tim and Millie (played by real-life couple Dave Franco and Allison Brie) move from the city to the countryside, where Millie takes on a role at the local school. Keen to explore their new surroundings, the pair venture into the nearby woods on a hike and when a storm hits they end up falling into a mysterious, creepy cave, where an unsettling presence lingers. Exhausted from their ordeal, they fall asleep on the cave floor. On awakening, they discover that one of their legs has fused to the other’s, forcing them to rip their own skin apart to break free. “It’s probably just mildew” Tim says, in a gross understatement of what’s actually at play. When they return home, nothing feels the same. An inexplicable, magnetic-like pull to stay together takes hold, and their bodies attempt to fuse at every chance they get. Recognising that something is terribly wrong, they try to keep their distance from each other, but their efforts only make matters worse. This body horror will have you in the edge of your seat, half intrigued and half repulsed. There’s a highly disturbing hair eating scene you won’t forget in a hurry – it made one cinema-goer audibly retch. The acting is superb with Franco and Brie conveying the horror, unease and confusion their characters feel, while infusing a few laughs along the way to lighten the tension. Expert manipulation of lighting and sound drags you into scenes, and you can’t look away, despite knowing there won’t be a good outcome. The only frustrating element was the lack of an explained scientific reason behind their coupling, but given the whole film feels like a metaphor for codependency, perhaps there isn’t one. A disturbing, visceral movie that gives new meaning to finding your “other half”.

SCORE:

Alex, Tony, Saraj, Duncan D, and Ann’s Score 7/10

Janine’s Score 8/10

Duncan S’s Score 7.5/10

Amanda, Simone, Kelly and Treacy’s Score 6.5/10

Cecile’s Score 6/10

Fiona’s Score 5/10

Jacinta 4/10

TRIFOLE (TRUFFLES)

This movie was completely different to what I expected after viewing the trailer. I assumed it was about an elderly truffle hunter foraging in the forest with his loyal dog, but it turned out to be so much more. There were unexpected surprises and plot twists that left me stunned. The story centres around Dalia (Ydalie Turk, also a co-writer along with director Gabriele Fabbro) who visits her grandfather Igor (90 year old Umberto Orsini) and his truffle dog Bibra (an actual truffle dog) in the Piedmont region of Italy. Igor’s health is declining and Dalia is seeking solace after struggling with life in the city. When she discovers that Igor is behind on mortgage payments, she hatches a plan to help him solve his financial issues. This evocative film explores the challenges of rural life and aging while taking you on an emotional roller coaster. Bibra is adorable and stole every scene she was in. The acting is impeccable and the cinematography beautifully transports viewers into the heart of Italy’s wine and truffle region. After the final scene, I felt similarly to how I did at the conclusion of ‘Warfare’, one of my favourite films of the year – severely impacted. Sincere, moving, and thought-provoking. Italian with English subtitles.

Viewed as part of the Espresso Cinema Italian film series.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Duncan's Score 8/10

JAWS 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY

It’s been 50 years since the release of the film widely regarded as the very first blockbuster movie – ‘Jaws’. A global hit, it terrified audiences and made many think twice before going into the ocean. Since sits cinema debut it’s gone on to gross over 1.5 billion dollars in today’s value. Featuring rare footage, Including clips from director Steven Spielberg’s own archives, this detailed 90 minute documentary offers an inside look at all aspects of the film, its impact on popular culture, and how it made Spielberg a household name. It also includes interviews from the cast, crew, and renowned directors such as Steven Soderbergh, James Cameron, George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, and Jordan Peele. These industry giants speak fondly of Spielberg and recognise the impact ‘Jaws’ had on their own filmmaking trajectories. Unique in its use of real Martha’s Vineyard residents as cast members and in the masterful creation of realistic-looking ‘Bruce,’ the animatronic great white shark star, this film was innovative in its production … but it was not always smooth sailing. It ran 100+ days over schedule and exceeded its budget by millions, causing Spielberg to fear the plug could be pulled on filming at any time. Thankfully, he refused to give up and led the movie to a successful conclusion. A fascinating and insightful tribute to this absolute masterpiece. Happy 50th birthday ‘Jaws’

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 9/10

SQUID GAME SEASON TWO & THREE

This will be brief, but not sweet. Season two and three of this show are unnecessary. The first season captivated viewers with its original concept, polished production, and stylised set design. In contrast these follow-ups feel like a rehash of the original, featuring the same main character and replaying the same game with minor format tweaks. They are tedious, repetitive, overloaded with dialogue, and plagued by some absurd plot threads. Splitting the storyline across both series and releasing them six months apart doesn’t help – instead everything just drags on for longer. By the end of series three I just wanted it to be over. It’s been reported that Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk reluctantly agreed to create additional seasons due to the show’s immense popularity and the financial opportunity it presented. He has thankfully stated that season three is the final instalment. Sometimes if something hits it big, it’s better to leave it at that, rather than milk it until all appeal is lost.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4/10

Amanda’s Score 5/10

THE FRIEND

When writer and academic Walter (Bill Murray) takes his own life, he leaves his treasured rescue Great Dane, Apollo, in the care of his best friend Iris (Naomi Watts.) Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, Iris struggles to connect with the grieving dog and considers taking him to a shelter. Along the way she begins to rediscover her creative spark and realises that she needs Apollo as much as he needs her. Canine actor Bing (as Apollo) delivers a perfect performance, exhibiting the realistic behaviours and emotions of a dog mourning the loss of his owner. He finds stability with Iris and becomes her trusted and loyal friend. The acting and script are faultless – each cast member brings depth to their characters and the dialogue feels meaningful and poetic. Just when I thought the film might go on for too long, it concluded. The final scene is an emotional roller coaster but also a fitting ending. It’s a big call but this is one of the best dog movies I’ve seen. It combines humour, heartbreak, and joy with rich emotion. Be sure to listen for the moment when Naomi Watts accidentally calls Bing by his real name instead of Apollo. Highly recommended for all dog lovers.

SCORE:

Alex, Christine, Tanja, Liz G, and Liz M’s Score 10/10

Kelly and Sharon’s Score 9.5/10

Duncan, Steve, Cath and Vicki’s Score 8.5/10

Tonia, Pam and Ann’s Score 8/10

Fiona, Robert, Sue Ellen and Glenn’s Score 7.5/10

Janine and Kathryn’s Score 7/10

Colleen’s Score 6/10

Michelle’s Score 5/10

TOO MUCH

With Lena Dunham serving as co-creator, executive producer, writer, and director, expectations were high for this series starring Megan Stalter. She plays Jessica Salmon, an American who moves to London on a work assignment, eager to escape the pain of a recent breakup with a man who has since found happiness with someone else. On her first night in Blighty, Jessica meets singer Felix Remen (Will Sharpe) and the two quickly begin a relationship. Consisting of ten total episodes, I could only manage to get through five of them. Jessica comes across as self-centered, refusing to take responsibility for her actions. She’s whiny and lacks any redeeming qualities. The script falls flat, there’s too much dialogue and overall the series is boring. While some cast members try to do their best with the material they’re given, even the acting is inconsistent. Some scenes didn’t flow and could’ve benefited from a reshoot, but it was as if near enough was good enough. Aimless, irritating and ultimately too much for me.

SCORE:

Alex's Score (for the 5 episodes I viewed) 4/10

THE SURVIVORS

When the body of Bronte (Shannon Berry) washes up on a beach in the fictional town of Evelyn Bay (population 1,200), her death is deemed suspicious. Her possible m*rder reopens old wounds for the residents, who were deeply affected fifteen years earlier when two young men (Finn Elliot played by Remy Kidd and Toby Gilroy played by Talon Hopper) and a teenage girl (Gabby Birch played by Eloise Rothfield) died in a lethal storm. Finn’s brother Kieran (Charlie Vickers) and their mother Verity (Robyn Malcolm) now have a fractured relationship and their estrangement widens as suspicion falls on everyone around them. Adding to the Elliott family’s mounting stress, Verity’s husband Brian (Damien Garvey) is rapidly losing his mind to Alzheimer’s. Meanwhile Gabby’s mother Trish (Catherine McClements) hasn’t had closure, as Gabby’s body has never been found. In a town where everyone’s business is known, it holds its secrets tight. With detectives working around the clock, several townsfolk are questioned over their possible motives and loose alibis. When the truth finally surfaces, in a confronting fashion, Kieran, Verity, and Trish get more answers than they anticipate. This is a quality Australian drama, beautifully filmed against Tasmania’s stunning and rugged coastline. The cinematography creates a vivid sense of place and the unpredictable weather serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional turmoil experienced by the residents of Evelyn Bay. Each cast member brings authenticity and intensity to their assigned characters and Robyn Malcolm (one of my fave Aussie actresses) is a stand out in her role as a grieving mother barely holding her life together since losing her son. Her moments of cheerfulness amid adversity, contrasted with hair-trigger outbursts, reveal how close she always is to the edge. An engaging and intense whodunnit, with a compelling story and strong performances.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE

CONTAINS SPOLIERS! Nicholas Coughlin (Finn O’Shea) has a detached relationship with his artist father, William (Pierce Brosnan.) After his mother’s passing, he follows William on a painting pilgrimage to the wild west coast of Ireland. Their plans are disrupted when a storm destroys their belongings, forcing them to reluctantly return home. Meanwhile teenager Isabel Gore is expelled from a convent school and begins dating a local lad who won’t confess his love for her. After his father traumatically dies in a house fire, Nicholas ends up at the island home of the Isabel’s parents, Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter) and Muiris (Gabrielle Byrne) to view a painting of his fathers that Muiris received as a prize for a poetry competition. He first meets Isabel the morning after her wedding and decides to stay on at the Gore’s for a few more days. No feelings are mentioned between the two but when Isabel returns to her husband on the mainland, Nicholas obsessively writes her impassioned letters which Margaret destroys behind his back, knowing her daughter married the wrong man but worrying about how a different choice will impact her life. The entire plot exists for Nicholas and Isabel to cross paths, with destiny leading them towards finding their apparent true love. But this occurs so close to the end of the film that it feels rushed and their whole relationship develops in the last ten minutes. Their chemistry also falls flat and lacks intensity – Isabel seems more connected to her husband than to Nicholas. The miraculous recovery of Isabel’s non-verbal locked-in brother Sean after a seizure is medically questionable. Highlights are the outstanding performances by the cast and the breathtaking Irish landscapes. Melancholic and poignant, with some moments of joy thanks to the Gores, the final scene provides a serendipitous ending.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.9/10

Kelly’s Score 7.5/10

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER

During a drunken 4th of July night, five friends are watching the fireworks on Reapers Bend Road, just outside the quaint beach-side town of Southport. A speeding car approaches and swerves to miss them, veering off a cliff and resulting in the male drivers death. Fearing a manslaughter charge, they decide to leave the scene without reporting what occurred. Their lives then head off in different directions, until they reconnect 12 months later when an ominous note is received that says “I know what you did last summer.” This marks the beginning of a terrifying series of murders carried out by a copycat serial k*ller dressed in a fisherman’s slicker, who begins to ruthlessly sl*ughter the friends and their associates. Help is sought from two survivors of the 1997 massacre (Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray.) OG cast member Sarah Michelle Gellar also makes a brief cameo. The pace moves quickly, with expert use of sound to heighten tension and create the persistent feeling of impending doom. When the killer’s identity is revealed it’s feels too convenient and the motive behind the murders is disproportionate to the number of h*micides committed. An extra scene during the end credits doesn’t make sense and left me confused. This slash fest pays homage to the original film by replicating much of its premise but places it in a different era with new faces. It feels like this was created for just for the Gen Zers who haven’t seen the original … and everyone else will wonder why we needed it when it’s been done before.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5.5/10

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