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4/5
|
A Year in a Field
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
For all the majesty of big budget nature documentaries, spending A Year In A Field has yielded wonders for this modest but moving documentary that makes its point without slapping you round the face with messages.
Posted Sep 22, 2023
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3/5
|
Expend4bles
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
a serviceable action film that will likely satisfy those in search of violence and explosions.
Posted Sep 22, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Dumb Money
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Ultimately, Dumb Money has too many moving parts to be truly gripping. However, as a flashy dramatisation of a curious moment in modern history, it delivers.
Posted Sep 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
The Nettle Dress
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
The Nettle Dress is a great example of how even the most unusual subject matter can be made fascinating with a little bit of patience.
Posted Sep 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
El Conde
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
El Conde’s surreal nature sometimes hampers the social commentary. However, it does continue the laudable cinema tradition of laughing in the face of horror.
Posted Sep 21, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Rally Road Racers
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Rally Road Racers is nothing special, but will plug the gap while the kids wait for the next big Disney juggernaut.
Posted Sep 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
A Life on the Farm
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
A touching tribute to a true original
Posted Sep 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Strange Way of Life
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
The limited time means this feels like a one act play rather than a substantial feature, but to be left wanting more is not always a bad thing.
Posted Sep 21, 2023
|
|
5/5
|
Past Lives
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
A quietly devastating drama, Past Lives might be one of the early contenders for next year’s Oscars, and is certainly one of the best films you’ll see all year. Watch it before the awards season chatter begins.
Posted Sep 09, 2023
|
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4/5
|
Maigret
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Delivers an emotional punch that isn’t always present in murder mysteries.
Posted Aug 31, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
The First Slam Dunk
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
The First Slam Dunk will appeal to those with Hoop Dreams, or fans of the source material; a flawed but affectionate journey.
Posted Aug 31, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
The Equalizer 3
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Ending on a note that suggests the franchise is finally done, The Equalizer sticks the landing with a familiar but satisfying end.
Posted Aug 31, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Theater Camp
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
A slight film with a big heart, Theatre Camp is best enjoyed by those who recite showtunes from memory. However, even neutrals will get to the credits with some admiration.
Posted Aug 24, 2023
|
|
2/5
|
Mob Land
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
A facsimile of much better movies, Mob Land has an idea of the type of story it wants to tell but not the tools to execute it.
Posted Aug 24, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Scrapper
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
There are some sharp tongued exchanges, before the third act unveils something sweeter. More light-hearted than other films of this type, Scrapper makes up for a lack of edge with a great cast and sincere sentiment.
Posted Aug 24, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Lie with Me
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Jérémy Gillet and Julien De Saint Jean sizzle with chemistry as the young lovers, with their fight between passion and shame providing Lie With Me’s finer moments.
Posted Aug 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
The Blackening
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
While many horror satires are simply too silly to hold much value, The Blackening is a thoughtful look at the conventions of a genre while still managing to be entertaining and funny.
Posted Aug 21, 2023
|
|
|
Strays
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Strays is an entertaining romp that may not have much more to offer than its elicit premise, but makes the most of its starry cast.
Posted Aug 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
L'immensità
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Like all memoirs of childhood, L’immensita wanders, seeking to fit the messiness of real life into cinematic form. However, Crialese leaves you feeling a real sense of knowing these characters, and in turn feeling closer to the struggles they represent.
Posted Aug 21, 2023
|
|
2/5
|
Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Gran Turismo should be applauded for taking a game with no story and making a serviceable film (many others have failed in this endeavour). However, it’s difficult to recommend it to anyone other than those who spend hours on the digital track.
Posted Aug 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Joy Ride
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Layered writing and game performances make Joy Ride a memorable romp that will have you wiping away tears of laughter before feeling a lump in your throat. It’s a great portrayal of the messiness of life, friendship, and family.
Posted Aug 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Revoir Paris
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
In Paris Memories Alice Winocour and Virginie Efira offer a thoughtful meditation on tragedy, saying volumes through very modest means.
Posted Aug 03, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Mavka: The Forest Song
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
In a genre dominated by intellectual property and sequels, Mavka is a graceful callback to the heyday of standalone stories told well. In the crowded summer holiday line-up, this independent gem deserves to be discovered.
Posted Jul 27, 2023
|
|
2/5
|
The Beanie Bubble
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Without a moral, or a message, the storytelling is as soft as the cuddly Beanie Babies themselves.
Posted Jul 27, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Talk to Me
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
a modern take on possession horror that introduces exciting talents in front of and behind the camera.
Posted Jul 27, 2023
|
|
5/5
|
Oppenheimer
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
After all the memes and hype, Oppenheimer proves to be the real deal. A film that will be remembered and discussed long after its cinema run, Christopher Nolan’s 12th film proves the filmmaker has no intention of slowing down.
Posted Jul 23, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Bird Box Barcelona
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Feels like a well-made bonus adventure.
Posted Jul 13, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
The bar was set high for Squaring The Circle, pairing an intriguing subject with a visionary director. It doesn’t quite live up to those expectations, but serves as an entertaining entry into a chapter of art and pop history.
Posted Jul 13, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Oklahoma!
(1999)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
it’s a pleasure to revisit an iconic production that will leave musical fans in raptures.
Posted Jul 13, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Elemental
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
There are many parts to Elemental that will entertain and divert; there’s just nothing here that’s particularly memorable.
Posted Jul 06, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
A blockbuster that’s always thrilling but never groundbreaking.
Posted Jul 06, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
The Super 8 Years
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
The Super-8 Years might not be the most focused work of Ernaux’s career, but it offers a glimpse into the kind of personal intimacy that made her so beloved. A compact and worthwhile companion to all fans of her work.
Posted Jul 05, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
While not a classic, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken swims along nicely to a wholesome conclusion. For 90 minutes of family friendly diversion, beleaguered summer holiday parents could do a lot worse.
Posted Jul 05, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Even the biggest fan would agree this should be the last chapter, and if it is then Dr Jones has left on an uneven but triumphant note.
Posted Jun 29, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Asteroid City
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
However, if you adore the Oscar winner’s cinematic eccentricities, Asteroid City will be just under two hours of heaven.
Posted Jun 26, 2023
|
|
2/5
|
No Hard Feelings
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
No Hard Feelings is a comedy looking in vain for an audience.
Posted Jun 26, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
The Boogeyman
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
A dark crowd-pleaser for lovers of mainstream chills.
Posted Jun 21, 2023
|
|
2/5
|
Fast X
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
None of these expensively assembled elements fit together as a coherent story... it's difficult to argue that a film that cost a reported $350million can justify being "so bad it's good".
Posted Jun 21, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Extraction 2
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
As a light streaming diversion, Extraction fits the bill. Everyone involved delivers expertly crafted thrills that will be forgotten until “3xtraction” inevitably drops.
Posted Jun 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
The Flash
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
The Flash is a spectacular blockbuster that wipes the slate clean for an exciting future. Not everything in the DC Universe worked, but at least it can go out with a bang.
Posted Jun 21, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
War Pony
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
War Pony’s aimlessness is both a plus and minus. But if you can tune in to the rhythms of the characters, you’ll find a thoughtful and original story from directors with promise.
Posted Jun 14, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Chevalier
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Chevalier could have delved deeper into the many facets of its subject’s life, but incredible performances and stylish direction ensure it’s an illuminating tribute to a talent suppressed by hate.
Posted Jun 14, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Rise of The Beasts sits comfortably in the middle of the two Transformers extremes: not as charming as Bumblebee, but far from the messy fairground antics of the Bay films. Mindless but fun in places, fans will be well-served.
Posted Jun 14, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Enjoyable if not revelatory, Mad About The Boy breezes through 73 years of fond and fraught memories with affection and enthusiasm.
Posted Jun 06, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Across The Spider-verse is, quite simply, one of the most entertaining comic book movies of the last few years.
Posted Jun 06, 2023
|
|
2/5
|
Hypnotic
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Don’t let the Christopher Nolan-like advertising fool you: Hypnotic is a decidedly average movie where effective thrills are let down by a shoddy script. Only those truly under Affleck’s spell need apply.
Posted May 30, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Master Gardener
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
Master Gardener is unlikely to be as fondly remembered as its immediate predecessors, but like Narvel himself it maintains the high standard expected of it.
Posted May 30, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Sisu
(2022)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
The gory action and threadbare characterisation won’t be for everyone, but Sisu does what it sets out to do. This One-Man Army spectacular is sure to become a cult hit, and a sequel wouldn’t be unwelcome either.
Posted May 30, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Beau Is Afraid
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
At just under three hours, Beau Is Afraid can be tough to stick with due to its tendency for self indulgence. That said, Aster remains a filmmaker with a singular vision, and a talent for poking at our inner most anxieties.
Posted May 23, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
(2023)
|
Victoria Luxford
|
For the millions who held the novel dear to their heart, it will be a prayer answered.
Posted May 23, 2023
|
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