Adapting the young adult, sci-fi/ fantasy, adventure novel to the screen is a tricky feat. If done right, as in the Harry Potter films, they can provide wonderful cinema. Too often, though, film-makers trying to adapt popular teen novels to the big screen fumble the task badly, exhibit A: The Mortal Instruments. It would be reasonable to expect that a
Read moreIn 2016, director Steven Soderbergh announced he was taking a break from filmmaking to concentrate on other projects. Thankfully, this intriguing, idiosyncratic auteur has returned to the big screen for the subdued but quirkily charming hillbilly heist comedy/ drama Logan Lucky. Set in an economically depressed part of West Virginia the film sees recently sacked construction worker and former high
Read moreAnnabelle: Creation is the competently made but tepid origin story for the sinister doll that creeped the bejeezus out of everyone in the Conjuring movies. Set in three time periods but predominantly the 1950’s, the film features a group of orphaned girls who take up residence at the dilapidated farm house inhabited by grumpy, taciturn Mr Mullins (Anthony LaPaglia) his
Read moreSet in 2007 in the last official days of the Iraq war, Doug Liman’s latest film The Wall reworks, into a reasonably tense psychological thriller, the familiar scenario of the deadly unseen sniper pinning his prey. The film sees two American snipers Allen Isaac (Aaron Taylor Johnson) and Shane Matthews (John Cena) surveilling what seems to be a regulation attack
Read moreThe Trip to Spain is the third in Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s comedy/ dramas in which they play slightly altered versions of themselves as they journey through scenic countryside reviewing up-market eateries. This time they’re imbibing the cuisine, landscape and culture of Spain as they drive from to Santander down to Malaga. Once again directed by Michael Winterbottom, this
Read moreFollowing our exploration of 90’s music last week, ‘Built For Speed’ returns to more contemporary tunes this week with new tracks from Alvvays, The Stevens, The Shins and many more. We’ll still have some classics for you including a selection of favourites from Wilco and plenty of fine Aussie music. On the movie front we take a look at hip/hop comedy
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