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

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

FRIENDSHIP

Lonely outsider Craig (Tim Robinson) is trapped in a dwindling marriage to Tami (Kate Mara) and is bored with his monotonous existence. When he befriends his charismatic, confident neighbour, Austin (Paul Rudd), a popular news weatherman, the two quickly hit it off and Craig quickly becomes infatuated. Aspiring to be like his new best friend, Craig’s blossoming bro-mance gives him purpose and broadens his horizons. Feeling like he’s found his place, Craig leans into his friendship with Austin until he has a strange outburst that isn’t well received at a casual drinks night with some of Austin’s friends. As their relationship deteriorates and Austin eventually cuts him off, Craig spirals into obsession, desperately attempting to reconnect with his former friend by any means necessary. This film isn’t humorous in the conventional sense and you’ll find yourself laughing at it in discomfort most of the time. Despite this, there are a few hilarious moments, particularly one involving a toad. Craig’s behavior is cringeworthy and his desperate need to be liked is sad to witness. Robinson is superb as Craig and his character undergoes the only real development of the movie. The supporting cast are excellent and pull everything together. With steady pacing, there’s enough momentum to maintain viewer interest, with a few plot surprises along the way. By the finale you’ll feel sorry for Craig but also frustrated at his inability to take responsibility for his actions. An awkward, cringy dark comedy that will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.

SCORE:

Alex and Michelle’s Score 7/10

Kelly and Duncan’s Score 6/10

Saraj’s Score 5/10

Tony’s Score 7.5/10

Michelle and Fiona’s Score 8/10

TRAIN WRECK: THE REAL PROJECT X

In 2012, Merthe Weusthuis announced her upcoming 16th birthday party as a public event on Facebook. Before long thousands of strangers RSVP’d and the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Realising the chaos was escalating, Merthe removed the event, but aggrieved partygoers reposted it on copycat pages, causing it to go viral. As a result, over 350,000 people RSVP’d to attend. On the night of the now-canceled party, more than 3,000 intoxicated teens gathered and rioted in the streets, setting vehicles on fire, looting shops, and attacking police. Dubbed ‘Project X Haren’ (after the Dutch town where Merthe lived) the astonishing lack of remorse shown by the two main perpetrators who shared details of the party reveals a disturbing disconnect from empathy and responsibility. In true ‘Train wreck’ style, this 48 minute documentary is concise quick to the point while offering a good mix of archival footage and current interviews.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

NONNAS

Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn) dreams of opening an Italian restaurant in honour of his beloved mother after her passing. To bring this vision to life, he hires four nonnas (played by Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, and Talia Shire) as chefs, with the goal of creating home-cooked meals that make diners feel loved and cared for. At first the nonnas don’t get along, but over time they learn to resolve their differences and embrace each other’s individuality to work together as a team. The restaurant faces a difficult start but eventually Joe is able to turn things around. Based on the true story of Joe’s life and his Staten Island restaurant, Enoteca Maria, which is still in operation today, this film is perfect Sunday afternoon viewing. Homely and warm with a strong cast and sweet premise.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7.5/10

M*RDERBOT

The plot of ‘M*rderbot’ revolves around self-aware, rogue cyborg security unit (referred to as a SecUnit and played by Alexander Skarsgard), who is addicted to watching space themed soap operas and who hacks its own programming to gain free will. It must hide its independence while protecting a team of galactic scientists led by Dr Mensah (Noma Dumezweni) who are on a mission to survey a distant planet. Along the way the SecUnit not only keeps them safe against all odds, and despite its programming, but also begins to develop genuine friendships, build emotional connections, and find its own humanity. Sounds promising, but the execution of this series is sufferable. The acting is stilted and I didn’t care for any of the characters as they came across as inauthentic and poorly cast. Overall the story doesn’t go anywhere, there are ridiculous sub plots (especially the ménage à trois tangent) and an attempted emotional ending comes across as bland. I was only thankful for the 25 minute episode durations.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 3.5/10

Amanda’s Score 5/10

SMURFS

Evil wizard brothers Razamel and Gargamel kidnap Papa Smurf (John Goodman), holding him hostage in Razamel’s castle. Several Smurfs, including Smurfette (Rihanna) and No Name (James Corden), seek the help of Papa’s brother Ken (Nick Offerman) to rescue him. Along the way No Name discovers his true purpose and the Smurfs unite with the adorable and zany Snooterpoots to save the world from the wicked wizards. I particularly enjoyed the live-action animation crossovers, set in Paris and the Australian outback, as well as the different realms visited by Smurfette, No Name, and Gargamel – plasticine world and 8-bit video game land were brilliant. My favorite character was Mama Poot (voiced by Natasha Leone) with her brash tone and fearless recklessness. Devoid of adult innuendo, this movie is primarily made for kids and those who are young at heart. A fun and frolicking triumph of good over evil. You’ll leave feeling anything but blue.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Kyleigh's Score 6/10

Emilee's Score 6/10

Lenny's Score (age 4) 13/10

SUPERMAN

David Corenswet takes the helm as Superman in the latest DC offering. He faces off against arch enemy Lex Luthor (Nicolas Hoult), who has assembled an army of metahumans and developed multiple portals leading to pocket universes. With the safety of Metropolis at stake, Superman takes several beatings and loses a battle for the first time. Along the way Superman is aided by his love interest and Daily Planet colleague, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), as well as The Justice Gang, which includes Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific (Ed Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced). With many mentions of Superman being an alien, he uncovers unsettling information about his birth parents and begins to understand the true meaning of family. The story features multiple subplots and moves around as quickly as the action sequences, epic stunts and big battles do. Thanks to a $225 million budget, the production quality is high with expensive sets and decent special effects. The plot however is average. A standout for me was Krypto, the CGI dog, affectionately described by director and writer James Gunn as a “not-so-good-good-boy” and modeled after his own dog, Ozu. The song ’Punk Rocker’ by Teddybears (featuring Iggy Pop) closes out the film – a fitting choice given its David Bowie-esque vibe, the artist nicknamed ‘Starman’ after releasing a song of the same name about a kind-hearted extraterrestrial who comes to Earth to deliver a message of hope and inspiration. Milly Alcock makes a brief cameo as Supergirl in a role that will be explored more in ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ due for release in 2026. Wait for the credits to watch a sweet bonus scene. Poised to be a box office hit.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

THE DIVINE SARAH BERNHARDT

An audacious personality with theatrical prowess, French actress Sarah Bernhardt (portrayed by Sandrine Kiberlain) commanded the stage in the late 19th century, starring in over 190 plays. Considered to be the first celebrity, her diverse fan base included young female workers, artisans, wealthy socialites, politicians, and the general public across Europe, North America, and Australia. This biopic focuses on two pivotal moments in Sarah’s life: the lead-up to ‘Sarah Bernhardt Day’ in 1896 and her leg amputation in 1915. As she reminisces about an affair with her greatest love, actor Lucien Guitry (Laurent Lafitte), her scandalous lifestyle, filled with promiscuity and lively parties, comes to light. A trailblazer but also a textbook narcissist, Sarah was attention-seeking, a shameless self-promoter, and could be vicious, especially toward her long-suffering servant Pitou (Laurent Stocker). She doesn’t come across as particularly likeable, and the motives of her inner circle were questionable, given that she was a source of endless cash, alcohol, and s*x. She demanded unwavering devotion from those around her, especially from Lucien, and had a history of self-harm for attention, something she first attempted as a child to gain her mother’s love. Known for candid and shocking statements, she regularly challenged reporters who questioned her acting abilities and criticised her performances. The film’s costumes are grand, and the sets are lavish, particularly her home which is filled with colourful artworks, eclectic sculptures, and a large collection of animals, including multiple dogs, two horses, a donkey, a hawk, an Andean wildcat, and a boa constrictor. The film moves backwards and forwards in time and it’s not always clear which era is playing out. Overall the story is engaging but feels like it only scratches the surface of Sarah’s 78-year life. French with English subtitles.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Kelly's Score 7/10

Chris’s Score 9/10

Maree’s Score 9/10

Sharon’s Score 6.5/10

Helena’s Score 5/10

Liz’s Score 6/10

Tania’s Score 8/10

TRAIN WRECK: THE POOP CRUISE

In February 2013, the Carnival ‘Triumph’ cruise ship set sail on a four-day round-trip from Galveston, Texas, to Cozumel, Mexico. Marketed as a luxury cruise, it promised a relaxing escape for its passengers. Three days into the journey, a fire broke out in the engine room, disabling the ship’s electricity and propulsion systems. With 4,000 passengers and crew onboard, the Triumph began to drift aimlessly. As toilets stopped functioning and air conditioning failed, the situation quickly escalated. When a tugboat arrived and pulled the vessel sideways, it caused it to list, resulting in raw sewage spilling across the guest rooms and sloshing throughout the ship. In a shortsighted attempt to appease passengers, the crew opened the bar and gave out free drinks, which soon led to brawls and chaos among those onboard. A media frenzy ensued and eventually the passages were finally able to disembark, seven days after they departed. This 55 minute documentary vividly depicts the unsanitary ordeal and will make you grateful you weren’t aboard the Triumph in February 2013, while possibly putting you off a cruise for life. Interviews with passengers and crew reveal that the Carnival’s contingency plans were inadequate, maintenance on the ship’s diesel generator was overdue by 12 months, and the fine print of their terms of carriage stated that the company made no guarantees regarding the ship’s safety, seaworthiness, or sanitary conditions. The ship has since been renamed Carnival ‘Sunrise’ and remains in operation to this day. This is not a drill – it really happened. Nasty and yuck!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

M3GAN 2.0

This sequel takes place two years after AI doll M3GAN (Jenna Davis) was shut down following a murd*rous rampage. She is reactivated by her creator Gemma (Allison Williams) in order to stop Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), a humanoid being used as a weapon. There are numerous robot vs robot fight scenes and frequent sarcastic barbs – though sharing most of the latter in the trailer meant that the laughs were long gone in the cinema. In contrast to the first film, M3GANS TikTok dance is cringey and definitely isn’t going viral this time. Some elements of the plot are illogical and despite being marketed as a horror / thriller / comedy, it doesn’t fit into any of those categories. It lacks suspense and scary moments and would be better labelled as action / sci-fi. Some viewers may see this mis-classification as a bait and switch. Amelia’s relentless pursuit of her targets reminded me of the Terminator, but with a 2025 glow-up and a less menacing demeanour. Mildly entertaining but mostly over the top.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5/10

Amanda’s Score 6.5/10

THE RESIDENCE

When the president’s head butler is found de*d in the White House during a state dinner, renowned detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) is called in to solve the crime. Unconventional and quirky, she shuns traditional investigative techniques, and begins her investigation by quarantining the world leaders attending the event, plus Kylie Minogue (playing herself) who was providing the evenings entertainment. Reluctantly assisted by FBI special agent Edwin Park (Randall Park), Cordelia faces resistance from misogynistic politicians who she consistently takes down with her sharp wit. Her unorthodox methods and eye for detail enable her to spot clues others overlook and to sniff out a lie from a mile away. This 8 part series starts out strong and Cordelia is fun to watch with her quips and humour, but before too long it becomes convoluted and drags. We binged the first few episodes then took months to finish the rest. It seems this pattern tracks amongst viewers as the show is not being renewed for a second season due to a ratings dip half way through the season. Costing between Netflix 12 to 15 million dollars an episode, it seems this expense could not be justified against a waning audience. Had potential!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

TRAIN WRECK: THE CULT OF AMERICAN APPAREL

When the U.S. brand American Apparel (AA) launched in 1989, it quickly became a hot commodity. Founded by Dov Charney, the company promoted its products as “ethically made – sweatshop free.” With its distinct vibe and provocative advertising, Dov built his empire around simple clothing basics, manufacturing everything in the United States and claiming to pay workers above minimum wage. With stores operating in 11 countries, working for AA was considered to be the pinnacle of retail. Soon Dov’s true colours were exposed and his success was marred by serious allegation of abuse, inappropriate relationships with employees, and sexual misconduct, leading to several lawsuits. Many staff members were traumatised by their experiences. A government investigation uncovered that 1,500 factory workers had falsified documents and were residing illegally in the country. In 2014 Dov was removed as CEO by the board and AA filed for bankruptcy the following year. The brand was later purchased by a Canadian company in 2017. Today, all physical stores are closed and only online shopping remains. A tale of how bad behaviour and flouting the rules caused a fashion failure.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

THE WOLVES ALWAYS COME AT NIGHT

This documentary, interspersed with some fictional scenes, offers a glimpse into the struggles faced by Mongolian goat shepherd Davaasuren Dagvasuren, his wife Otgonzaya Dashzeveg, and their four children. Each day they tend to their animals with care and dedication, while finding peace and freedom in life’s simple pleasures. Their land is becoming increasingly barren due to climate change and when an unrelenting dust storm wipes out their goat flock, they are forced to relocate their yurt to the outskirts of a nearby town. There they navigate a new way of life. Dagvasuren takes a job in earthmoving but is conflicted between the need to earn an income and digging up untouched land. With director Gabrielle Brady at the helm, the panoramic cinematography is mesmerising and the story unfolds gradually, reflecting the calm personalities of Dagvasuren and Otgonzaya. Though they yearn to return to wide-open spaces, they know that for now they must stay where they are. While the drawn out pacing won’t be for everyone, this poignant and quiet reflection narrowly avoids falling into depressing territory.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 7/10

JURASSIC PARK

The seventh instalment of the ‘Jurassic’ franchise is set in the present day and public interest in dinosaurs has waned. They’ve now fallen out of fashion and only survive in the wild in a small, remote region near the equator. Scarlett Johansson stars as Zora, a skilled mercenary leading a team tasked with extracting fluid samples from the largest land, air, and sea dinosaurs – creatures that could potentially prevent heart disease in millions of people. Their client is a pharmaceutical company which begins to raise ethical issues for ScarJo and her dino wrangling friends. Returning to the island based roots of the original film was a smart move, as the story’s tension is intensified by having the protagonist’s trapped in an area dominated solely by beasts. This instalment is definitely more engaging than the previous one, ‘Jurassic World: Dominion.’ It’s not perfect – there are barely mentioned back stories, some slower moments of dialogue, and the CGI featuring humans in natural environments occasionally feels a bit clunky – but the dinosaurs are realistic. Fan faves like t-rex, velociraptor, and dilophosaurus are joined by some new mutations, including a cute aquilops called Delores. There’s loads of action and the film will bring people to the cinema and make a tonne of cash. Watch it for the nostalgia, the entertainment, and to catch the fun Easter eggs scattered throughout.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

F1

Former Formula One driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) is recruited to the APXGP F1 team by owner Ruben (Xavier Bardem). It’s been 30 years since Sonny last raced in F1 and he quickly finds himself at odds with egotistical rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), who believes Sonny is too old to compete. Tensions escalate as the two drivers clash, under the added stress of the team being sold off if they don’t work together to secure a victory. The supporting cast, including Kim Boden and Kerry Condon, delivers stellar performances. With seven-time world F1 champion Lewis Hamilton on board as a producer, the crew were granted unprecedented access to the world of F1. Filming took place during breaks between nine real Grand Prix races around the world, and the fictional APXGP team was given its own garage between Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes. The film features cameos and background appearances from F1 stars and celebrities, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The production quality is exceptional, with polished cinematography – costing 300 million dollars to make, no expense was spared and it shows in every frame. Multiple cameras mounted inside several race cars give the closest perspective of being behind the wheel most of us will ever have. A pumping soundtrack complements the high-octane action. While the story has more heart than believability, this adrenaline-fueled ride will keep you on the edge of your seat. Entertaining and exhilarating from start to finish.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

Amanda’s Score 9.5/10

Kelly’s Score 8.5/10

Steve’s Score 7/10

Lachie’s Score 8.5/10

Rosie’s Score 8/10

Shaz’s Score 10/10

Mick’s Score 9/10

Simon’s Score 8/10

Saraj’s Score 9/10

A NICE INDIAN BOY

When shy Indian doctor Naveen (Karan Soni) falls for caucasian photographer Jay (Jonathon Groff), he finds himself torn between his burgeoning relationship and being completely honest with his family. They are aware of his sexu*lity but don’t discuss it openly. While the theme of being gay out and risking rejection isn’t new, this film is still a joyful, colourful rom-com filled with warmth and heart. Zarna Garg as Naveen’s stoic and loyal mother Megha delivers the most humorous moments with impeccable comedic timing. The entire cast is a delight, and the story offers meaningful lessons about acceptance, true love, and overcoming differences. Feel good with a touch of Bollywood spirit.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

PREDATOR KILLER OF KILLERS

This animated sci-fi feature is divided into four interconnected chapters: ‘The Shield’ set in Scandinavia in 841 AD, ‘The Sword’ set in Japan in 1609 AD, ‘The Bullet’ set in North Africa in 1942 and ‘The Battle’. The first three stories follows a protagonist – Viking warrior Ursa, Samurai Kenji, and American fighter pilot John J. Torres – who confront the predators of their respective eras in graphic battles. The final chapter reveals that Ursa, Kenji, and Torres have been captured by the predators and held in suspended animation. They are awakened and forced to fight each other to the de*th by the ultimate predator, the Grendel King, in an epic survival showdown involving multiple predators. As a huge predator fan, with predator being my absolute favourite film alien, I loved depiction of the Grendel King and the brilliant visuals. Light on dialogue but heavy on non stop action this is a graphic and engrossing production with an ending that hints at a possible sequel. Loved it!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

GRANDE MAISON PARIS

Japanese chef Obana (Takuya Kimura) strives to earn three Michelin stars for his Paris restaurant, Grande Maison Paris. Renowned for his culinary artistry and innovation, he often clashes with his staff due to his arrogance and refusal to listen to anyone’s opinion. He runs his kitchen with an iron fist, insisting on his way or the highway. Viewed as an outsider by food suppliers, he is frequently given inferior ingredients, with the best saved for the elite local chefs. When facing eviction from his restaurant, Obana is forced to reevaluate his approach. He realises that teamwork and unity are essential to achieving his dream, and comes to understand that receiving three Michelin stars is the combined goal of his whole team as well. In Japanese and French with English subtitles, this is an engaging and dramatic film, that will leave your mouth watering. A hearty serve dishing up at Luna Palace Cinemas on 10th July!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

KARATE KID: LEGENDS

Forty-one years after the release of the original ‘Karate Kid’ movie, the 2025 remake follows a similar formula: a teen boy skilled in martial arts picks up a nemesis and their rivalry culminates in a competition fight. Kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) moves from Beijing to New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen). He makes friends with pizza shop owner Victor (Joshua Jackson) and his daughter Mia (Sadie Stanley). When under-dog Li is targeted by Mia’s ex-boyfriend and local bully Conor (Aramis Knight) their conflicts escalate leading them to face off in the ‘5 Boroughs’ karate challenge. Enter the masters – Li’s Uncle, Shifu Han (Jackie Chan) and Sensei Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) who join forces and have seven days to train Li to defeat Conor. Their frequent clash of egos and humorous dynamic were my favourite parts of the film. It was nostalgic to see 71 year old Chan and 63 year old Macchio sharing the screen, with Chan showcasing that he still has the skills that made him famous, and Macchio reprising his iconic role. I loved the way the memory of Mr Miagi (played but Pat Morita in the original movies) was honoured, which was bittersweet given Morita passed away in 2011. This is an enjoyable family movie focussing on the values of loyalty, friendship and hard work. Wholesome and feel good.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 8/10

THE SHROUDS

Director David Cronenberg’s latest offering is a mixed bag. Through his company GraveTech, Karsh Relikh (Vincent Cassell) has developed innovative technology involving a body shroud that streams a live video feed from inside a grave. Accessible via an encrypted phone app, users can watch the body of a loved one decompose in real time. Karsh’s wife Rebecca (Dianne Kruger who also plays Rebeccas sister Terry) passed away from cancer four years earlier, and at the time he he eased his grief by burying her in his high-tech cemetery. When vandals damage several electronic gravesites and lock Karsh out of his own software, he enlists the help of Maury (Guy Pearce), an IT guru and his former brother-in-law, to investigate. Together they work to uncover who was behind the attack and why Karsh became a target. The film features advanced technologies (self-driving cars, AI assistants, and 3D video shrouds) that either already exist or are commercially plausible and I was glad the plot didn’t spin off into supernatural territory. This is not a comedy but the audience initially laughed along with some of the witty banter, particularly during Karsh’s awkward first date set up by his dentist, but by the end their laughter shifted towards more ridiculous moment, like scenes where Rebecca visits Karsh in his dreams with body parts missing. The plot would’ve been more cohesive if these dream sequences were cut. The female characters are one dimensional and seem to only exist for Karsh to conquest. I also guessed early on who was behind the vendetta against Karsh and found the final ten minutes to be a convoluted web of accusations. The ending was too abrupt. One of my movie club attendees said “The best thing about it was the groodle.” Indeed the groodle was cute. A clever concept that needed a tidier script.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 5.5/10

Chris’s Score 5/10

Sharon’s Score 6.5

Cath’s Score 4/10

Vicki’s Score 4/10

Illonas Score 6/10

Glenn’s Score 7/10

ECHO VALLEY

How far will a mother go for her daughter, and does unconditional love outweigh betrayal? These two questions lie at heart of ‘Echo Valley,’ starring Julianne Moore as Kate, a grieving lesbian widower, and Sydney Sweeney as Claire, her drug-addicted daughter. Kate operates a horse agistment and riding center and is struggling financially. When Claire arrives seeking help in a desperate state, Kate sets aside her better judgment, and soon finds herself in a dangerous predicament with drug dealer Jackie (Domhnall Gleeson.) Moore’s acting talent isn’t enough to save this storyline from its absurdity. There’s one decent plot twist, then events become increasingly fanciful. Clare’s constant transgressions and Kate’s lack of boundaries are frustrating to watch. Everything is meh. Two stars from me for the fabulous Fiona Shaw as Kate’s best friend Les, and some beautiful horses.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 2/10

Amanda’s Score 4/10

THE QUIET MAID

Ana (Paula Grimaldi), a Colombian maid, works for a wealthy family of four at their Spanish holiday estate, aiming to save her wages for her sister’s university tuition. Her employers have promised to assist her with her residency papers once she completes four months of service, but Ana discovers that she actually needs to spend two years in Spain before she can submit her application. While she works tirelessly, the family relaxes and indulges in the luxuries of their lifestyle. Bored with the monotony of work and longing for some fun, Ana begins to take risks and push boundaries. The family members talk about her openly, both in her presence and behind her back, and over time, tensions escalate. This culminates in a lecherous act that leads Ana to take drastic action. Most of the film is set in and around the holiday home, with Grimaldi convincingly portraying Ana as a quiet, observant servant. Executive produced by Steven Sodengerg, this slow paced drama feels like it covers familiar under-dog territory. Has some emotional depth but offers nothing new. Spanish with English subtitles.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6/10

TITAN – THE OCEANGATE SUBMERSIBLE DISASTER

This eye-opening documentary explores the doomed submarine names Titan which imploded in 2023, instantly killing all five passengers onboard … including its developer Stockton Rush. A millionaire and the founder of Oceangate in 2009, Rush became obsessively determined to push the boundaries of deep-sea submersibles in order to visit the Titanic wreck. Over several years, he tested multiple prototypes, eventually deciding on a carbon fiber hull. Exploiting a loophole that allowed him to avoid proper classification of his vessels, Rush cut safety corners to prepare his submersibles for passenger voyages. Authorities were aware but did not intervene. During testing, multiple staff members (including senior engineers) raised serious concerns about cracking occurring in the hulls. Some resigned on principle, believing Rush was putting lives at risk, while others were dismissed for standing in the way of his dream. Rush is presented as tunnel-visioned, ego driven man who refused to compromise on the relentless pursuit of his goal. On June 18, 2023 the Titan crew lost contact with the Oceangate team and a large search and rescue operation was commenced. Four days later Titan debris was found 500m from the hull of the Titanic and it was confirmed that a catastrophic event had occurred. Shocking and unfathomable.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8/10

Amanda’s Score 7/10

28 YEARS LATER

Danny Boyle is back at the directing helm, nearly three decades since the rage virus infected most of Britain. Twelve-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams) lives on an isolated gated island with his parents, Isla and Jamie (Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Jamie takes him to the quarantined mainland to practice kil*ing zombies – creatures that have evolved into grotesque crawling, slug-like blobs and fast-moving, upright, intelligent Neanderthals. During his second visit to the mainland, with Isla in tow, Spike is determined to find a doctor who can help diagnose her health issues. Along the way they meet Swede Eric (Edvin Ryding) who is frustrated about being stranded in a foreign land filled with monsters. He delivers the film’s best lines and injects humour into some tense situations. The filming style is erratic (in a good way) with the camera placed right in the actors’ faces, immersing you in the scenes and adding to the unease. The acting is convincing and the script, written by Alex Garland (whose recent direction and writing of ‘Warfare’ was phenomenal) offers strong character development with an easy to follow plot. There’s a masterful balance between zombie action and story progression, and everything unfolds with just the right timing. The 115 minute run time flies by. Spike starts out as a scared child but evolves into a confident, independent pre-teen – with Williams effortlessly carrying the lead role. I’m not sure Ralph Finnes was well cast for his brief appearance (maybe I’m still picturing him in ‘Conclave’?) and one scene 10 minutes from the end felt rushed and disjointed compared to the rest, but they are minor picks. Overall it’s a well crafted zombie film with a solid foundation and IMHO is the best of the ‘28’ series so far. I’m looking forward to ‘28 Years Later – The Bone Temple’ scheduled for release in January 2026. Memento mori!

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Kate’s Score 8.7/10

THE BETTER SISTER

Estranged sisters Chloe (Jessica Biel) and Nicky (Elizabeth Banks) are forced to reunite after the murd*r of Chloe’s husband, Adam (Corey Stoll). Adam was previously married to Nicky and together they have a teenage son, Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan). As detectives Nan Guidry (Kim Dickens) and Matt Bowen (Bobby Naderi) investigate the case, Ethan is arrested for the crime. Meanwhile, the sisters confront their childhood traumas as family secrets are uncovered, and attempt to repair their fractured, dysfunctional relationship. As the investigation unfolds, other suspects emerge, turning the story into a true whodunnit. This series is held together by strong cinematography and compelling acting throughout from the most of the solid cast. Nicky, feeling harassed by the police, frequently trades verbal barbs with Detective Guidry, creating some of the most entertaining scenes. A trim down from 8 episodes would’ve tightened everything up and prevented the drag that occurs in the middle. Eventually the plot loses focus and the ending leaves much to be desired.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 6.5/10

Amanda’s Score 6.5/10

Tony’s Score 8/10

ELLIS PARK

Warren Ellis is a musician best known for performing as part of the Bad Seeds band with Nick Cave. In this documentary he reflects on his early life, musical influences, and relationship with ‘Ellis Park’, a namesake wildlife sanctuary in Sumatra. The brief focus on the animal centre is meaningful and inspiring. Ellis states that the story isn’t about him, “It’s about them” but that’s not what rolls out. It’s mostly about him and centres on Ellis playing the violin extensively in various settings – a town rotunda, a church, an empty theatre, his parents’ house, and even in the rescued animals enclosures. There’s little background provided about the amount Ellis paid for the animal centre land. According to Google, in 2021 Ellis and his wife (who is not named or mentioned in the doco) purchased a 5,000 square-metre plot that adjoined the ‘Sumatra Wildlife Centre’ (SWC.) It was donated to SWC to be used for animals who cannot be released. Ellis visits the sanctuary for the first time during filming (2023) and reconnects with Dutch manager Femke den Haas. In a piece to camera he makes it clear the purpose of the trip is to deliver a fist-sized cast of a piece of Nina Simone’s chewed gum, having removed the original from a piano she used 20 years earlier. His obsession with this replica “relic” makes him oblivious to the fact that it’s not something the SWC needs. I wanted to learn more about the sanctuary, its staff, how den Haas came to work there, and its history and future. I wanted to hear of Ellis’s early connection to animals, but instead I don’t even know if he had one. I wanted to know what law enforcement were doing to tackle the wildlife trafficking epidemic. I didn’t want to hear another violin solo. It feels as though a documentary idea was pitched, but Ellis needed a more content to get it across the line so the wildlife aspect was thrown in as an after thought, making it feel disjointed. 10/10 to the sanctuary team for their rescue efforts and for raising awareness about the plight of animals in Sumatra and a commendable effort on Ellis’s behalf in purchasing the land, but I question the self indulgence presented here.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 4/10

Kate’s Score 4.5/10

FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK – BALLERINA

Ballerina by name but not by nature. Ana de Armas is Eve Macarro, an assassin seeming vengeance for her father’s death a decade earlier. That’s where the linear, simple plot begins and ends. I could pick a few holes in the story and acting but where this film excels is the non-stop action. Armas k*icks a*s! She unleashes fierce feminine rage and takes down countless foes along the way. As the new John Wick protagonist, she brings fresh energy to the franchise, while Keanu Reeves cameos as the man himself. The grand finale fight scene features jaw-dropping pyrotechnics and flame thrower action, unlike anything I’ve seen in a film before. It’s spectacular. I liked this a lot more than I expected to. Adrenaline-fuelled and expl*sive.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 9/10

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

On the ancient Isle of Berk, dragons and Vikings have been enemies for centuries. When aspiring dragon slayer Hiccup (Mason Thames) befriends an injured, rare Night Fury dragon, whom he names Toothless, their relationship gradually develops into mutual trust. Hiccup soon realises that dragons can be friends rather than foes. He trains Toothless and sets about changing the perceptions of his fellow villagers, including his stubborn and fearless father, Stoick (Gerard Butler) the village chief. With live-action animation being all the rage right now, this production stands out as one of the best. The CGI is seamless and the landscapes are visually stunning. The final battle scene is truly epic. Every character feels authentic and the story offers a balanced mix of action and humour. Toothless, the star of the show, will steal your heart. A strong orchestral sound track adds to the suspense and sounds brilliant pumped through cinema speakers. This film is an overall reflection on how humans have historically treated animals, conveying a message about the importance of empathy. Exciting and fun.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

Amanda’s Score 8.5/10

Duncan’s Score 8/10

Tony’s Score 8/10

MATERIALISTS

Dakota Johnson stars as Lucy, a modern-day matchmaker who arranges dates for shallow singles with unrealistic expectations, mostly seeking partners with substantial wealth. After a client’s wedding, she begins dating Harry (Pedro Pascale) a wealthy, eligible bachelor. Meanwhile her ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans) reenters her life. Their breakup years earlier was due to his lack of financial stability … something he still doesn’t have. When one of Lucy’s matchmaking clients is assaulted on a first date, she starts to question her career and her approach to relationships. A sharp dissection of modern dating, this film explores what people are willing to trade for love and how some will settle for a superficial connection when money is involved. Pascale remains as charismatic as ever, while Johnson and Evans deliver solid performances. There are also some light and fun moments, though this is far from a romantic comedy – it steps more into drama territory. Engaging, witty, thought provoking.

SCORE:

Alex’s Score 8/10

Kelly’s Score 7/10

THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL

Jessica Lange star as Lillian Hall, a fictional Broadway star grappling with dementia. Loosely based on the life of American stage actress Marian Seldes (whose niece Elisabeth Seldes Annacone is the screenwriter) the film explores Hall’s struggles as her memory loss begins to affect her personal relationships and career. Kathy Bates delivers a no-nonsense performance as Edith, Hall’s longtime friend and assistant. Their friendship is fiery and honest, with Edith always caring for Hall’s best interests. Lange delivers a moving portrayal of Hall, expertly expressing a wide range of emotions. Her talent and versatility know no bounds and there’s a reason she’s been awarded an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy, and is widely regarded as one of the most respected and talented actors of her generation. The supporting cast (Lily Rabe as Hall’s neglected daughter Margaret, Jesse Williams as the play’s director David, and Pierce Brosnan as Hall’s neighbor Ty) are exceptional. A journey in superb storytelling that excels in all aspects.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9/10

DANGEROUS ANIMALS

Tucker (Jai Courtney) is a shark-obsessed serial killer who operates boat tours on the Gold Coast. Once his unsuspecting clients are offshore, they rarely make it back alive, becoming the main course in a gruesome shark feeding-frenzy that Tucker films for his sick amusement. When he abducts feisty free-spirited surfer Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) she fights desperately to survive and resists becoming his next victim. Courtney plays psychopathic to perfection, seamlessly blending charisma with menace – it’s impossible to look away when he’s on screen. Showing his versatility as an actor, his character of Tucker severely contrasts with the kind and gentle father he portrayed in ‘Runt.’ The panoramic cinematography featuring frequent aerial shots of Tucker’s boat against the vast ocean gives a powerful sense of isolation and heightens the suspense. I was particularly impressed with the seamless integration of CGI and real shark footage. This film could be described as ‘Silence of the lambs’ on the seas or ‘Wolf Creek’ on water, but it is unique, tense and brilliant in its own right. The best shark movie since 1975’s ‘Jaws’. Destined to become a cult classic.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 9.5/10

Saraj’s Score 9/10

WILDING

When Charlie Burrell inherited Knapp Castle and its 3,500 acres of land in West Sussex, United Kingdom, he intended to uphold the family’s farming tradition. However Charlie and his wife, Isabella Tree, soon realised that the soil was severely depleted after years of pesticide, fungicide, and overuse. They decided to remove all internal fences and embarked on an ambitious rewilding project, introducing ancient breeds of horses, pigs, and cows, as well as birds, insects, and other wildlife. Despite facing resistance from local farmers and navigating complex government bureaucracy, they transformed the landscape into a lush, safe-haven amid a dying environment. Their commitment to the land and joy in discovering the array of creatures who now call it home, is heartwarming. Narrated by Isabella, this thought-provoking documentary highlights the damage human activity inflicts on ecosystems and demonstrates how nature can flourish when left undisturbed. It is acknowledged that Burrell and Tree come from a position of financial privilege, allowing them the freedom not to work the land for income. I wish this aspect had been explored more deeply but their efforts are an inspiring example for others who can afford to regenerate and restore habitats damaged over the years. An inspiring and uplifting reality check.

SCORE:

Alex's Score 8.5/10

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