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What’s it about? A murder on a train leaves thirteen suspects for a world-class detective to sift through.
What did we think? Elise Donaldson says: While not a masterpiece, this remake of a classic is still a delightful concoction of drama, passion, intrigue, a splash of neurosis wrapped with a wicked wit.
The all-star cast is top-notch (particularly Johnny Depp as the sleazy crook Ratchett), the CGI effects are breathtaking, the costumes are perfectly styled as is detective Poirot’s amusing moustache. The comedic jabs between characters was an absolute pleasure (and the undoubted highlight). My only criticism would be the uninspiring music score which just didn’t add to the suspense. But the twists and interplay meant it never got boring. So if you’re after a lavish whodunit which will keep you guessing and will deliver a few surprising laughs along the way, then straighten your tie, align your eggs and get yourself a ticket on the Orient Express.
What’s it about? Many know the character Wonder Woman was created by psychologist William Marston but most people don’t realise he was in a polyamorous relationship with two women. This is a look at the controversy the comic generated and the secrets of another time.
What did we think? Anthony Sherratt says: As an avid Wonder Woman fan I was aware of Marston’s colourful past and was half expecting a critical piece focusing on the BDSM and sexist commentary of early Wonder Woman (common criticisms). So it was a pleasant surprise to see this biopic spend more time on the genuine love and respect in the non-traditional relationship where three people genuinely cared about each other, raising a family in an incredibly conservative and judgemental time.
All three main characters are given the depth they deserve and the women in particular are multi-dimensional, intelligent and never relegated into minor roles.
With Wonder Woman enjoying renewed popularity, this biopic is a wonderful chance to question just how far we’ve come in our attitudes even today. Director Angela Robinson deserves a lot of credit for her handling of material that will, once again, no doubt be controversial.
Disaster
What’s it about? The Bad Moms (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn) are back – and this time they’re taking back Christmas from their own moms.
What did we think? Lisa Clifford says: Recipe for one great Christmas movie:
Second time around the story is a little trite, but that’s more than compensated for by hilarious performances from all six (!) featured mothers and the relatable comedy that comes from dealing with our families over the holiday season.
Stunning and quirky
What’s it about?
Each year a Western Australian music festival hosts the same ensemble of die-hard performers and fans. Their stories leap forward every twelve months for three summers.
What we thought
Dan says: Imagine you remade ‘Love Actually’ but instead of being about love and promoting emotionally unhealthy relationships, it was about cultural tolerance and trying to be less of a dick. Ben Elton’s jokes are great. I cackled a lot, but it still feels like he’s directing an episode of Black Adder. Cameras are locked off and dialogue is awkwardly expository as he races for the next gag.
As with all ensemble pieces there’s just not enough time to bring any subtlety to the storytelling. Attempts at pathos feel unearned and he can’t make up his mind whether he wants to respect all cultures or mock them. Good jokes, but it feels like an opportunity to do something wondrous was missed.
What’s it about? The God of Thunder finds himself weaponless and pitted against a new foe whose power seemingly knows no limit. Will teaming up with friends, old and new, be enough to overcome a goddess of death?
What did we think? Anthony Sherratt says: Funny as bro!
What’s it about? A 1959 seemingly perfect American town is rocked by both integration and murder, throwing doubts on just how perfect a place it is.
What did we think? Anthony Sherratt says: Imagine a high-quality slow burner where half the plot seems to fizzle out. Well, actually you don’t need to imagine as it now has physical form in Suburbicon. It’s a dark look at the two ugly faces of white America told by two (nominally) interweaving tales in ‘classic America’. I want to call it a dark comedy but the laughs are few and often inspired unintentionally. It’s beautiful tonally but the two stories feel discordant rather than one large coherent one. Still, there’s a lot to like: the acting is top-shelf, Oscar Isaac nearly steals the entire movie, and it will definitely inspire discussion. But for me, the small predictables were going to be offset by a culmination of the stories coming together; an intertwining that sadly never occurred.
