What’s it about?

After an injury derails her Olympic skiing career, pre-law student Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) finds her way into the world of underground, high -takes poker. As business grows, Molly soon finds herself in dangerous waters, attracting the attention of both the Mafia and the FBI.

What did we think?

James Tinniswood says: I dug this. That dialogue is unmistakably Sorkin; it’s like jazz – may not always get what’s going on, but damn it’s got a rhythm. His first time as director, Sorkin’s rapid editing style sometimes matches his dialogue style: more cuts than a game of cards. Chastain is great as Molly – a strong, smart and glamorous woman who takes no BS and (mostly) sticks to her principles in the face of very real danger. Idris Elba is solid as Molly’s reluctant lawyer, as is Kevin Costner as Tough Love Dad. Worth going all in on, and other poker puns.

What’s it about?
The true story of a poor but gifted ice skater who became embroiled in an assault charge on a competitor.

What we thought

Dan says: I expected this film to be ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ but with skating and knee bludgeoning. Instead, the two dimensional villain from the 24/7 news cycle turns out to be a nuanced and tragic, actual human being. The tale is a poem of violence and bullying.

I’ve seen films with unreliable narrators before but the charm in this film comes from each of them wilfully fighting each other for narrative control. This film’s character work is intimately shot but will then “double axle” into the ice skating scenes that are so well crafted they actually make ice skating routines watchable.

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What’s it about?
Despite having “all the money in the world”, JP Getty (Kevin Spacey Christopher Plummer) refuses to pay a ransom when his grandson is kidnapped.

What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: When editing someone out of a film and still insisting you can stick to your release date, you better make damn sure you do a good job of it. And what a job director Ridley Scott, Plummer and the cast have done, rallying to erase Spacey post #MeToo scandal. Plummer’s performance, shot in just 10 days, is masterful (and with a much larger part than I assumed). Controversy aside, Scott has created a film that remains gripping, even if you know the history behind this “based on true events” tale. I dare you to try and stop yourself muttering “you motherf–ker” every time the penny-pinching Getty sinks lower than you think he could possibly ever go.

Replacing Spacey was the best decision Scott ever made, as having someone with compromised moral character play this asshole would have been film-killing.

What’s it about?

The now-separated Bellas reunite to perform one last show for the troops which results in a montage-y European adventure, cartoonish espionage and lots of Rebel Wilson being Rebel Wilson.

What did we think?

Elizabeth Best says: The poster says “Last Call, Pitches” but the Bellas probably should have gone home a few rounds ago judging by this over-the-top, silly sequel. Like a night out that’s lasted a bit too long, there are some funny moments but really it just feels unnecessary. Never stick around til the bar closes.