News & Opinion

Even gorehounds wanting nothing but blood will be let down by The Rental
We spend two thirds of this film hanging out with self-absorbed yutzes before anything remotely interesting happens.


Outside the Wire struggles to reach pleasurable B-movie status
A drone pilot teams up with an android in this so-so, dispensable action movie.


Penguin Bloom earns its wings as a solid drama about endurance and rejuvenation
A simple inspirational story is capably told in this Naomi Watts-led Australian drama


One Night In Miami is a blistering fictionalised account of real historical legends
This riveting drama is full of exceptional performances and dialogue exploring the ongoing quest for racial equality.


WandaVision is a wildly imaginative detour from the usual MCU smash ‘n’ bash
While the MCU is a cultural behemoth, the more interesting stuff tends to happen off to the sides.


The Stand may appeal to forgiving Stepen King fans – but everybody else, beware
You soon realise the sidebars and discursions that work in the book are just flab on the screen.


Ammonite is a solemn period romance that lacks energy and feeling
It comes across not just serious but self-conscious and joyless; even the sex scenes are mechanical.


Pieces of a Woman has one of the most breathtaking shots you’ll see this year
Holy hell, the 24 minute single take shot at the heart of this film is absolutely striking.


Promising Young Woman is a blackly comic thriller starring an unflinching Carey Mulligan
Driven by one hell of a performance from Carey Mulligan, this is a rape-revenge movie with a difference.


Sylvie’s Love is a sumptuously old-fashioned romantic melodrama
A truly beautiful and sumptuous romantic drama.


Nomadland is a masterful character study led by a stellar Frances McDormand
It is a scientific fact that Frances McDormand is awesome.


Soul is a charmingly fun metaphysical movie with bright colours and big ideas
Those awesome people at Pixar have done it again – making a candy-coloured film full of ideas.


Wonder Woman 1984 is an ungainly sequel to the 2017 smash-hit
Why does Wonder Woman get sidelined in her own movie?! Weird.


The Croods: A New Age is a cinema-worthy family event in a year sorely lacking them
It achieves Tom & Jerry-level family-friendly violence.


The Dry is a tightly woven outback noir led by an excellent Eric Bana
An assured, confident, mature crime drama – and hot damn Eric Bana is impressive.


Smart and subversive thriller I’m Your Woman rearranges a male-centric genre
Smart. Subversive. Stylish. What’s not to like?


Hilarious and heartfelt, A Sunburnt Christmas is a uniquely Australian delight
Who’s in the mood for a Christmas movie miracle?


Australian Netflix thriller Sweet River distinguishes itself in a crowded genre
This homegrown chiller doesn’t quite resonate, but at least it’s a bit different from the status quo.


The Prom is both campy and cheesy — and that’s an overpowering combination
Expect gaudy lights, blindingly colourful clothes and Meryl Streep and James Corden singing up a storm.


Happiest Season adds a lesbian twist to a generic Christmas rom-com
Here’s another interesting performance from Kristen Stewart – even if the film itself comes up short.


Possessor is a nightmarish mind-bending sci-fi thriller about identify theft
An assassin takes over the body of other people in this cold-blooded sci-fi thriller.

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