Hell Or High Water (2016)

There’s a theory that there are no original stories left, only new ways to tell them. That’s definitely the case for Hell or High Water, an attempt to subvert the well worn cops-and-robbers story that almost succeeds.

Snowden (2016)

“Traitor, or hero?” is the question posed by Snowden’s poster, though Oliver Stone’s retelling of its titular character’s story is so firmly in the Hero camp that you wonder why they bothered asking at all.

Triple 9 (2016)

Modern day cops and robbers tales are all about blurring the lines between criminal and authority, which makes it a perfect fit for John Hillcoat, well known for his fascination with villians and anti-heroes. It’s a pity then that Hillcoat shortchanges himself with Triple 9, squeezing a three-hour story into a two-hour movie, and sacrificing…

Spotlight (2015)

Real life doesn’t fit a movie narrative – real life rarely accommodates twists, dramatic speeches, or neat climaxes. In Spotlight, an excellent return to form for writer-director Tom McCarthy, a true story is presented exactly as it (presumably) happened, for better …and sometimes for worse. Spotlight follows four journalists (Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton,…

The 5th Wave (2016)

The first chapter in a book-to-film young adult franchise has to balance telling a complete story with setting the stage for future entries. The 5th Wave is the latest to attempt that challenge, but it never finds its footing – the story is plodding, anti-climactic, and never gives any sense of the world needed for emotional investment…

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)

Scorch Trials picks up literally where its predecessor left off, as Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and friends are ferried into a large complex, where supposedly anti-WCKD Aiden Gillen is transporting kids to safety. It doesn’t take long for the wheels to come off though, and Thomas and friends head out into the desert, searching for answers.…