What’s it about?
A couple with a newborn are forced to suck it up when a fraternity moves in next door. The family man (Seth Rogan) squares off against the frat guy (Zac Efron).

What did we think?
It’s often juvenile, not subtle and oddly paced – and yet Bad Neighbours sort of works. Maybe it’s the improv feel or the fact that Efron, Rogan and Rose Byrne are all very good. Or maybe it’s just Efron’s topless scene.

There are things people will hate. There are gross bits. There are the obligatory penis/dildo/phallic jokes. It’s not a classic but it will probably make you laugh. In the US it’s simply called Neighbors – I’m assuming it’s been renamed in Australia to avoid comparisons with the TV show. Rest assured there’s no danger anyone will confuse this for Ramsey Street. If nothing else, yay for the Zac six-pack.

What’s it about?
A guy that gets talked into becoming a professional male escort by his cash-strapped friend.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The plot sounded dubious and the inclusion of Woody Allen left me extra concerned but I walked out of Fading Gigolo pleasantly surprised. It’s a light but intelligent comedy that I actually found delightfully charming.

John Turturro (Transformers) wrote, directed and stars in a pic whose star power reflects the strength of a quirky but interesting script. Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara play almost predatory females who are looking for attention and a selfish satisfaction that makes their interactions with Virgil fascinating. Not only what they want from him, but also the way they treat him. And then we meet a quiet widow who I think we all fall in love with a bit including our hero but can he have her? Especially given her devotion to the Jewish faith.

One of the criticisms of this film is that Turturro is not an attractive man, especially odd given the profession he’s supposed to portray but I think that actualy adds to this film. It’s about his quiet confidence and his attentiveness to the women’s needs, rather than a cheeky smile and six packs. He’s an unlikely but likable hero.

Warm-fuzzy feelings and no, not THOSE kind – there’s actually very little in the way of nudity and sex scenes. But see it anyway. 😉

What’s it about?
Three women become friends* when they find out their boyfriend/ husband/ partner is a cheater. Then they evoke the eye for an eye** principle to get revenge.
*become linked by hatred
** grievous bodily harm for an eye

What did we think?
Elizabeth says: Even the usually riotous comic timing of Leslie Mann can’t save this mess of a movie, who’s motto seems to be “when life give you lemons, get an army and take an icepick to the bastard who gave you the lemons”. Some jokes fall flat through implausibility, some just because enlarged male nipples and extended poo jokes aren’t really funny. The “revenge” that’s meant to be empowering just comes off as petty and mean spirited. Ladies, if your man cheats on you, by all means take everything in the divorce, but don’t laugh uproariously when he is badly injured after walking through a plate glass window. You’re better than that. You’re better than this movie.

What’s it about?
If you could save the love of your life, who happens to be one of the greatest minds in history, do you? Should you?

What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: A visually sumptuous film with huge philosophical questions tied up in the not-so-impossible science-fiction theme of digitising a human brain. There are some obvious plot holes, but as a “what if” to spark conversation about the future of humanity it is an equal to Blade Runner (from the opening shot the “tears in the rain” quote ran through my head regularly).

Unlike The Lawnmower Man, which this has been unfairly compared to, the deep love between the two lead characters is the crux of this story – driving it towards its devastating conclusion.

What’s it about?
The Muppets world tour is interrupted when a master criminal – who looks just like Kermit – swaps places with the world’s favourite frog.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’s time to play the music again and while this follow-up is still a lot of fun it has to be said it lacks the heart of the previous Muppet movie. The plot is relatively weak but the impressive array of cameos compensates somewhat. At a touch under two hours it’s a tad long for the very young but it’s energetic, entertaining and has jokes for all ages so it’s hard to be too critical. After all, there are some things that warm your heart by merely appearing on the screen.

What’s it about?
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are divided into factions based on their personality, we follow a young girl who shows signs of having all five qualities in equal abundance.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Written by a youth for youths, the original storyline – while intriguing – is excessively black and white. As such the movie is a little clumsy and heavy handed in places. However having said that it is actually quite enjoyable and good escapism. Gritty enough to keep you interested and entertained.  I took a friend who hadn’t read the book and she really enjoyed it. It has action, adventure and romance so she came out of the preview buzzing. Fun but it won’t exactly stick in the memory. Well, not until the sequel next year.

What’s it about?
Quite simply, LEGO! Lord Business (Will Ferrell) has taken over Lego City and effectively built a cult of instruction-abiding do-gooders. Emmett, a socially invisible, ordinary Joe-Schmo is mistaken for “the special”, a totally NOT ordinary master builder destined to lead the Lego minions to creative freedom.

What did we think?
Casey and Elizabeth say: BEST. LEGO. AD. EVER. Any movie that opens with Morgan Freeman and Will Ferrell duking it out is going to do it for us. People always say movies have something for everyone but this one really does. It’s full of Lego wonder for the kiddies and has more adult pop-culture references than you can poke a limited-edition Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon construction kit at (“Come with me if you want to not die”). Lord Business’ quest for the perfect world is admirable, but the underlying message of this film is that sometimes it’s best just to let your imagination run wild. Oh and sing Everything is Awesome.

What’s it about?
Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori) a young lobby boy and Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) the legendary concierge of The Grand Budapest Hotel go on a series of adventures, as told by the Mr Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham).

What did we think?
The colour and quirkiness of this film won me over from the get go. The cast of familiar faces (way too many to name) doesn’t distract from this film; in fact it adds to the wonderful chaos that combines to be a truly enjoyable story of one man’s now very lonely, yet complete, life. The story, cast and production design combine to create on the screen an unreal world that sucks you in and holds you there, and at just the right moments slaps you in the face to remind you that it’s all just a bit of fun.

What’s it about?
What happens when a superhero dedicated to American ideals starts questioning the government organisation he works for?

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The Captain America sequel is a rollicking comic book adventure with a nice modern twist: How does an all-american hero with 1940s ideals fit into a world of black-ops and clandestine government strategies? It’s a refreshing angle though turns out to be a little simplistic in delivery.

Thankfully there’s a barrage of action, stunts and fighting to distract you from the occasional clunkiness and predictable moments. Good character development further establishes this as not only a fun movie but a very  important touchstone for future Marvel franchise flicks. Chris Evans brings out the conflict of Steve Rogers Man Out Of Time and his interaction with seemingly heartless super spy Natasha Romanov (Scarlett Johanssen) is a delight. Entertaining and one both comic lovers and casuals will appreciate.