The Dictator - Movie Poster

The Dictator

3.5 Andrew O'Dea

A heroic dictator risks his life to ensure that democracy will never come to the country he oppresses.

Tastelessness and absurdity run wild in "The Dictator" as no sexuality, race, gender or religion are spared the ruthlessness of the supreme leader. It's downright offensive... you know you probably shouldn't laugh, but it's so wrong that it coerces it out of you in some perversely wicked way. Unforgettably memorable moments are bolstered by a fast pace and short running time, and although the jokes are hit and miss, thankfully it's mostly the former. If you're after something outrageous, then prepare to be hilariously oppressed.


The Five-Year Engagement - Movie Poster

The Five-Year Engagement

3.5 Anthony Macali

Tom proposes to his girlfriend, Violet, but unexpected events keep delaying their marriage.

"The Five-Year Engagement" is all about hanging in for the long haul, withstand those tumultuous times and you will be rewarded. The film has much in common with the couple at its centre. There are ups and downs along with a series of funny bits that don't add up to very much. Thankfully, the characters slowly grow on you (in particular the impressive and ever-charming female lead), emotion creeps in, and the messages about relationships defy Hollywood convention and actually contain some truth. Nobody's perfect.


The Avengers - Movie Poster

The Avengers

3.5 Andrew O'Dea

A team of superheroes form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army.

"The Avengers" is one for the fanboys/girls. It suffers in parts from a few needless characters, and is held back by overly long stretches where nothing gets hit, blown up or smashed. However, once the film eventually manages to flesh out its massive host of superheroes, we are treated to what is quite simply a visceral feast of unrelenting action; the seamless CGI and 3D medium tailored brilliantly to enhance every bang and crash. Perhaps most surprising are the intermittent moments of seriously funny comedy. Far from super, but the experience is definitely nothing to be avenged.


Romantics Anonymous - Movie Poster

Romantics Anonymous

3.5 Tom Jones

What happens when a man and a woman share a common passion? They fall in love.

This film is an endearing story of a chocolatier and her boss, both of them as hopeless as they are romantic. Set against the backdrop of a chocolate factory, in the city of love, this tasteful portrayal of boy meets girl will be the topic of conversation at all nursing home water-coolers. Even the sex scene is appropriately edited for its intended audience. The real charm of this film is found in the refreshing and smart slapstick comedy. A tasty delight.


Hotel Lux - Movie Poster

Hotel Lux

3.5 Anne Murphy

Hans Zeisig, an apolitical comedian, impersonator and cabaret actor, flees with a Russian passport from Nazi-Berlin, and finds himself in Moscow staying in the legendary Hotel Lux.

Valuing humour over politics, this a comedic romp in a wartime setting. Elements of the story are grounded in fact, and the political caricatures are obviously drawn from fiction, but work well as parody. "Hotel Lux" is interesting because it centres on a part of WWII not often seen on the big screen, the relationship between Hitler and Stalin. Employing comic antics of another era, this is irreverent and entertaining... make a reservation.


Cracks in the Shell - Movie Poster

Cracks in the Shell

3.5 Anne Murphy

Josephine suffers from not being seen but she also does her best at not being noticed, even though she is an acting student.

It's an emotional journey from auditions and rehearsals to a performance. "Cracks in the Shell" is a movie full of emotional expression as the shy lead actor struggles to meet the expectations of her director. The young woman is pushed, and pushes herself, as she is almost consumed by her own conflicts, taking the plot beyond a coming of age movie and into the territory of a psychological drama. Raw, tough and relentless, it's little wonder cracks emerge


Promising the Moon - Movie Poster

Promising the Moon

3.5 Anne Murphy

A woman with Alzheimers leaves her nursing home and wartime family secrets are uncovered.

Set in Germany and Latvia this movie traverses the past and present as well as the countries themselves. Regardless of the setting, "Promising the Moon" is an emotional drama rather than a war film, a portrait of the bonds between mothers and daughters, and wives and husbands. A story of reconciling strained family relationships is related with a depth of feeling that is absorbing, while a mystery is unfolded and the past is explained in this superior and well-acted production. Promises lead to obligations.


Dr. Seuss' The Lorax - Movie Poster

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

3.5 Anne Murphy

Dr. Seuss' classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope.

"The Lorax" targets young audiences and captivates them with candy coloured animation, cute critters and a lively pace, all presented in 3D. Although the original story book was written 40 years ago, this is a fable for today with greed pitted against green. There's a strong moral message about the importance of caring, and thankfully the lesson is related without preaching; instead there's singing and dancing in a kid's own adventure. Spirited school holiday viewing, a magical movie starring Truffula trees.


Le Havre - Movie Poster

Le Havre

3.5 Anne Murphy

When an African boy is discovered hiding in a shipping container in the port city of Le Havre, an aging shoe shiner takes pity on the child and welcomes him into his home.

The simplicity of this movie is material to why it will be enjoyed. It is warm hearted and unpretentious. Layers of difficult socio-political issues are pared back to create a story that humanises the plight of immigrants without visas. The kindness shown to one struggling boy and the solidarity of the town’s characters in resisting the law enforcers are natural choices. Compassion and humour perfectly blended.


The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Movie Poster

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

3.5 Wendy Slevison

British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel.

This movie may well leave you dreaming of a trip to India! Set amidst the colour and vibrancy of the city of Jaipur, and featuring a delightful cast of veteran British actors, its warmth and appeal is enchanting. Yes, it may be a little contrived, but this is not a film that is trying to be clever, it is simply a charming, languidly-paced character study that is a pleasure to witness. The Marigold Hotel comes highly recommended.


The Raid - Movie Poster

The Raid

3.5 Tom Jones

A SWAT team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.

'This film contains scenes of violence' is an understatement when it comes to "The Raid". It's all violence, with a handful of scenes to remind you that there is a point to this mortal combat, even if that point is going to be forgotten as soon as the credits role. Surprisingly, the acting in these scenes is seriously impressive and actually heightens the reality and terror of the situation. But it's the fight scenes which will draw the crowd, and they are as ridiculous as they are entertaining. Finish him!


Harvest - Movie Poster

Harvest

3.5 Anne Murphy

Follows the relationship between two apprentices working on an agricultural complex south of Berlin.

A real farm setting and improvised dialogue provides "Harvest" with an almost documentary, naturalistic tone. The story is about two young men finding themselves and each other. Central to the film is a carefully observed and tentative romance in a potentially homophobic setting. The emotional tension and subsequent attraction between the two unfolds slowly. This movie enthrals its poetic depiction of emotional confusion and its surprisingly chaste approach to the developing relationship. Watch it and reap.


50/50 - Movie Poster

50/50

3.5 Andrew O'Dea

Inspired by a true story about a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis.

This is an unusual and thought provoking comedy that draws humour from the tragedy at its core. The subject is handled deftly, and there is something refreshing about the fact that the laughter, or the tears, don’t feel forced. The fact that we can still laugh with this genuine approach makes the film appealing, coupled by the two likeable leads who play so well off each other. Although parts of the story may border on predictable, there is something affectingly real and touching about the emotional ramble that takes place. 70/30 you'll like 50/50.


Declaration of War - Movie Poster

Declaration of War

3.5 Anne Murphy

When their young son is diagnosed with a brain tumor, young parents Roméo and Juliette unite in the fight for his survival.

Despite its heart wrenching content "A Declaration of War" is lively and energetic. The movie is based on the experience of the director and her co-writer; part autobiography, part love story and part challenging medical drama. A story of desperately holding to hope is imbibed with familial love and delivered without pathos, and the result is a very moving account of navigating adversity while giddy with grief for what might happen. War, this is what it's good for.


The Look - Movie Poster

The Look

3.5 Anne Murphy

A biographical study of legendary actress Charlotte Rampling.

It is interesting to imagine different actors starring in their own documentaries, and few would enchant and enthral like the central figure of "The Look". This documentary is produced in chapters, each a conversation with one of her collaborators. The result is as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic actor and a career that spans more than 40 years. Her intelligent musings about aging, love and death provide insight into a life lived on the big screen. This unconventional woman is worth a look.