Incredibles 2

The most incredible family are back.

It’s been over ten years since they were first introduced to the animation world, but now the infamous superhero family is back, and this time even the youngest family member is ready for a fight.

With all the characters now somewhat older, and maybe even a little wiser, the premise of this plot is beautifully executed to show the development of this lovable family as they save the world using their superhero capabilities.

Though the wait has been a long one, this film blows any expectation out of the water as it goes above and beyond to provide an action-packed plot fueled by high powered antics and great storytelling.

Disney and Pixar collaborations may not occur very often, but when they do, this film stands as a testament to just what a success they can be, both in terms of audience impact and innovative film-making.

Book Club

Just because you’re getting older, doesn’t mean the fun has to end.

Four older ladies find a new lease of life when they discover E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy; but rather than being defeated by the storyline, the ladies are determined to pursue their own quest for love.

Despite the trailer showcasing much of the Fifty Shades books, the actual film mentions very little of the books as it instead focuses upon the trials and tribulations of these four ladies as they attempt to negotiate their way through life all whilst trying to find romance and adhering to family expectations.

With a cast as brilliant as Jane Fonda, Dianna Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen, this acting is nothing short of sublime throughout, with the only real downside to this film being it’s over-predictability in terms of happy endings.

Deadpool 2

Disgustingly violent fun; everything you could possibly wish for in a Deadpool sequel.

Deadpool is back with comedic vengeance as he becomes a trainee x-man who’s unwillingness to follow the rules results in a painful loss.

With unrivaled rudeness and tremendous amounts of gore, Deadpool broke onto the Marvel scene as an unexpected surprise, but unfortunately nothing has changed since this inauguration, which leaves this sequel feeling rather undeveloped in comparison.

Though the Deadpool wit and humor still remain, the plot takes a tumble as the unusual becomes all too familiar.

If a little more had been spent on the development of the script and little less on the all too frequent CGI battles, then this film may have been in with a fighting chance of making cinematic history, but alas, that was not the case.

Life of the Party

Just when you thought your senior year at college couldn’t get any more stressful, your mum shows up.

After dedicating her whole life to parenthood and marriage, Deanna has an unpleasant shock when her husband decides to dump her after 30 years of commitment. But rather than turning her heartbreak into vengeful hatred, Deanna decides its time to put herself first for a change and returns to college to complete her archaeology degree. The only slight snag in her plan is that her daughter attends the same college.

As a lighthearted comedy, this film excels in filling cinemas with laughter from start to finish, as it draws on the inappropriateness of a mother-daughter college relationship, which results in a utterly flawless comedic goldmine.

With Melissa McCarthy as the go-getter mum, and Molly Gordon as the equally fierce daughter, this duo are able to delight audiences with their authentic on-screen relationship, which is only made better by the countless supporting actresses who also showcase their talents with effortless grace.

I Feel Pretty

Not content with her looks or her career, Renee (Amy Schumer) finds herself awaiting a miracle.

 

Armed with the destruction of insecurity, this film manages to delve into societies inner most frailties by encompassing the medias persistent need for the acquisition of perfection amongst both men and women.

Instead of succumbing to the pressure of perfection, this film manages to shy away from what has now become the norm, and highlights the importance of self-love regardless of ones waist-size, race or sexual orientation.

Though Schumer retains her usual over-confidence, there is something very refreshing about seeing a woman take on a role such as this with such astounding bravery, especially when considering the onslaught of criticism this film has already received.

Whilst this may not be the funniest or the most original film of the year, it is certainly worth a watch for boldness of its intentions, even if the executions leaves a lot to be desired.

Tully

Older doesn’t always mean wiser.

Finding herself a little worse for wear after the birth of her third child, Marlow follows her brothers advice and seeks assistance from a night nanny.

Despite being labelled as a comedy drama, this film is anything other than comical, as the seriousness of life becomes an ever-growing deeper seeded problem for this overwhelmed mother of three.

Charlize Theron takes this role in her stride as she heroically channels the challenges of motherhood with effortless finesse, making the story both believable and relatable without comprising on the film’s desired production.

Though the film faults itself with false advertisement and a somewhat limited audience base, the intrinsic talent is enough to carry the weightless and often disappointing plot.

Love, Simon

Falling in love is never easy, especially when you’re hiding your sexuality.

Being gay is the biggest secret Simon has ever kept from his family and friends, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to find the right words, that is until he meets Blue; a fellow high schooler hiding the same secret.

The young actors in this film take on an intimidating role in accomplishing the task of bringing Becky Albertalli’s novel (Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda)  to life on the big screen. Heading up this exceptional cast is Nick Robinson who takes on the role of Simon Spier with such delicate sensitivity that it’s hard to believe the story is not his own. Though Robinson is in the driving seat, his fellow cast members also deliver exceptional performances which broadcast this incredible story with the ferocity it deserves.

Director, Greg Berlanti, also does a magnificent job of converting this millennial page turner into an action packed romance by creating a truly unique atmosphere that not only effortlessly normalizes homosexuality, but also inspires a young generation in their ability to express themselves regardless of their sexual orientation or individuality.

Blockers

If there’s one thing you can always depend on, it’s that your parents will suck the fun out of everything and anything.

Three teenage girls are on a mission to lose their virginity, and there’s only one thing stopping them; their parents. After organizing a sex pact together, the girls head out for a prom night to remember, but unbeknown to them, their parents have full access to their group chat, and what ensues is understandably embarrassing.

There’s usually not much expectation surrounding coming of age comedies, mainly because Hollywood has already bled most possibilities dry, but this film truly does take ‘stereotypical’ to a new level, coupling lack-luster comedy with sketchy acting to recreate everyone’s worst cinematic nightmare.

Despite the overall feel of the film being painfully predictable, there are some aspects that provide a brief flash of light at the end of this very long tunnel, with the sheer ludicrousy of the film providing an unexpected comedic effect, which was probably not the intention of the creators, but creates much needed comic relief nonetheless.

Watch the trailer here.

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Isle of Dogs

A political dog escapade like no other.

With all canines being banished to the isle of dogs for fear of global contamination, one 12-year-old boy decides to rally his doggy allies and embark on his very own political rebellion.

Wes Anderson puts his usual stamp of quirkiness on the production of this film, which brings together the real political landscapes of our world with a sense of comedic adventure which keeps the audience both informed as well as entertained throughout.

With a stop-action production such as this one, there is always a worry that the scenes will lack the seamlessness that we have become so attuned to in modern-day cinema. However, instead of creating a lack of continuity, the scenes encapsulate Anderson’s unique cinematic landscapes, igniting a level of curiosity that is anything but ordinary.

Watch the trailer here.

 

 

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit returns with a hop, skip and a jump into a new carrot-fueled adventure.

Peter and his family burrow into a new challenge as they attempt to infiltrate Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden. However, what begins as a feud, soon escalates into a full-on battle between man and rabbit.

James Cordon heads up the rabbit frontier as the voice of Peter Rabbit, with his London barter adding an unexpected comedic factor to this well known mischevious character.

With Margot Robbie narrating this live-action quest and Domhnall Gleeson (Mr. McGregor)  acting alongside Rose Bryne (Bea) as lovestruck neighbours, the cast of this film is astoundingly talented, which does nothing but add to the magic of this old tale.

Will Gluck has managed to direct a fantasy into a reality by bringing together phenomenal cinematic technology, alongside equally gifted actors to make a film that will remain a family favourite for years to come.

Watch the trailer here.