This Month
Sleeping Dogs movie review: Russell Crowe in top form in this thriller
Crowe’s performance in the lead role reminds us what a fine actor he is in this slow-burner that occasionally erupts into violent action.
- John McDonald
Deadpool & Wolverine film review – on its way to cinematic immortality
This “action-comedy” has more blood-letting than any other superhero movie, but its “R” rating hasn’t stopped it making financial history.
- John McDonald
July
Movie reviews – Gothic Aussie Birdeater and old-school B flick MaXXXine
This dark, ugly chiller set in the bush is hard to fathom, but fiendishly dumb B-grader MaXXXine at least entertains.
- John McDonald
‘Fly Me To The Moon’ review: Johansson shines in space age romcom
Director Greg Berlanti’s would-be screwball comedy is not concerned with plausibility – he wants us to be seduced by the characters.
- John McDonald
This biker-gang film centres on an unusual ménage à trois
The Bikeriders is based on Danny Lyon’s book of the same name, originally published in 1968.
- John McDonald
Sexual pathologists would have plenty to say about this film
Director Yorgos Lanthimos has returned to his arthouse roots in Kinds of Kindnesses.
- John McDonald
June
A Silence movie review: a sex fiend’s lawyer seeks atonement
In Belgian director Joachim Lafosse’s film, a legal professional’s crimes catch up with him, plus we take a look at Australia’s Spanish Film Festival.
- John McDonald
The Sitting Duck movie review: A true story of a nuclear whistleblower
The role of Maureen Kearney is tailor-made for 71-year-old Isabelle Huppert, an actor with a unique ability to tell us everything we need to know, while giving nothing away.
- John McDonald
Finally, a documentary about Midnight Oil
Paul Clarke’s ‘The Hardest Line’ is largely a celebration of the Oils that never ventures a word of criticism.
- John McDonald
Swashbuckling Dumas classic a double dose of pure escapism
Director Martin Bourboulon has taken numerous liberties with Alexandre Dumas’ plot, but preserved its breathless sense of adventure.
- John McDonald
May
Movie review: High & Low – John Galliano is a breathless ride
This documentary tracks the rise and fall and rehabilitation of the acclaimed fashion designer, whose grotesque extravagance was no impediment to success.
- John McDonald
Movie review: Furiosa – drives hard but takes too many wrong turns
George Miller’s latest Mad Max film is bogged down by the gruesome particulars of his post-apocalyptic world – and Chris Hemsworth’s wooden acting.
- John McDonald
The Taste of Things movie review – a feast for the eyes
Director Anh Hung Tran has created an utterly absorbing film about cuisine as a model for life.
- John McDonald
‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Monster’ movie reviews
One is set to be a blockbuster, but the other is one of those critically acclaimed films that can expect to enjoy only a modest success at the box office.
- John McDonald
Bad timing for biopic about an Israeli prime minister
Golda looks at the stakes of high-powered confrontation in the Middle East, and Fremont is a subtle, bittersweet, wryly humorous film.
- John McDonald
April
This might be the most explosive tennis movie ever made
Challengers packs a punch with breathless action while Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist builds slowly and silently.
- John McDonald
This new Aussie horror is scary and funny
There’s not a moment in “Late Night with the Devil” when you’re not eager to know what’s going to happen next.
- John McDonald
This new nunsploitation film is a good omen
This is a cinephile’s movie, but it also delivers the thrills and suspense one expects from the horror genre.
- John McDonald
This debut feature is an instant classic
Director Mohamed Kordofani effortlessly weaves political issues into an ongoing moral drama in Goodbye Julia.
- John McDonald
March
This movie may show you how to be happy in your job
Small events take on momentous significance in Perfect Days’ minimal narrative.
- John McDonald
