A memory technician becomes obsessed with a nightclub singer. Somewhat laboured SF noir, indebted to Blade Runner, Chinatown, and – er – Who Framed Roger Rabbit, saddled with po-faced script and narration. Some visual stuff works (there’s one genuine moment of wonder) but the central mystery and its importance is bungled.
Here’s the trailer.
Larry, his son, and their museum friends go to London to return a magical talisman. Third time out and there are signs of franchise fatigue setting in: the new additions work best (Dan Stevens and a cameoing Hugh Jackman). Series fans won’t be disappointed, though it’s the same film as twice before in essence.
Here’s the trailer.
A school superintendent and their deputy are revealed, in part by a student investigation, to be embezzling from the school system. Smart black comedy-drama, based on a true story. Underplayed throughout, with fine performances from seasoned hands, and a sense that maybe the right lessons are still to be learned by some.
A presidential hopeful’s nomination campaign is derailed by his philandering. Smart observational true-life political drama clearly in love with the likes of All The President’s Men. While it doesn’t quite grapple with its protagonist’s weaknesses, the film is nevertheless professional, skilful and well-crafted throughout. Recommended.
A musical about showman PT Barnum. That rarest of things these days – an original live-action movie musical. You’ll either love it or hate it, that’s for sure. Good-looking and well made, but goes for the simple and easy trick every time. Eyes and teeth!
A brilliant ex-hacker is coerced into a heist being orchestrated by a paramilitary group. Glossy but dumb-as-rocks tech thriller with the usual hacking visual cliches and an eye on spectacle (Bullet-time explosions! Nudity! A bus in midair!) over logic.
A prequel of sorts to JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. And not a very good one either. Some interesting production design, but that’s about it. A poor script, misjudged performances, and evidence of a post-production salvage attempt. A disappointment.
2029. An aging Logan and a dying Xavier commit to one last stand. Overlong and clunky in parts, this is nevertheless an elegiac and fittingly serious send-off, riffing on time-worn western and road movie themes.
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