Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
Another Apatow-esque comedy where attractive people goof around, do drugs and learn lessons. Also, spoilers: Zac Efron takes his shirt off.
Defusing Post-War Politics in Land of Mine
This Danish drama about the challenges of post-war reconstruction offers plenty of suspense (and a few too many clichés).
Between The Rock and a Hart Face: Central Intelligence
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a great movie star in search of a great movie. Central Intelligence isn’t quite it, but it is a lot of fun watching The Rock show off his goofy side. Shame about the spy stuff.
The BFG (2016)
A perfectly serviceable film with excellent farting, but held back by nauseating 3D, a changed ending, and as scary as a cupcake.
Sing Street (2016)
Great casting, eccentric support characters, indie charm, and a strong sense of nostalgia: another hit musical from John Carney.
Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie (2015)
A flagrantly mercenary reboot that offers spectacular animation but insipid ideas.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Exactly as bad as expected.
Melon Monsters and Nice Guys: The Strained Sexual Politics of Motto To-Love-Ru
Those who’ve followed this site for a while will have noticed that all the coverage of contemporary cinema is periodically punctuated by reviews of fanservice anime. In my first such review – of Ikkitousen’s third season – I made a serious attempt to grapple with the politics of a genre operating in the vein of…
Tale of Tales (2015)
As its name suggests, Tale of Tales is an anthology film, retelling three Italian fairytales through the lens of high fantasy (and a splash of Game-of-Thrones-esque sexuality). Despite a rave reception after opening last year’s Cannes, it has little to offer beyond impressively baroque aesthetics and a few standout performances. The three stories – of…
Palio (2015)
I love a good underdog sports story. Oh, it’s a familiar narrative, but there’s something in the time-honoured tale of overcoming the odds and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat that can’t help but resonate with me. Palio then, which pits plucky newcomer Giovanni Atzeni against veteran champion – and mentor – Luigi “Gigi”…
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