|
2.5/5
|
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
(2024)
|
Matthew Turner
|
The script may be overly simplistic, but this is a decently made biopic whose heart is clearly in the right place. If you’re looking for an undemanding feelgood drama that might make you shed a tear or two, this has got you covered.
Posted Aug 06, 2024
|
|
2.5/5
|
Sight
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
This is a watchable drama about an inspirational true story, but the script could probably have used another pass, as it’s hard not to be frustrated by the amount of wasted potential.
Posted Aug 06, 2024
|
|
2/5
|
The Last Keeper
(2024)
|
Matthew Turner
|
It’s difficult to imagine the film appealing to anyone who doesn’t already have a vested interest in the Scottish Highlands.
Posted Aug 06, 2024
|
|
2.5/5
|
The Stix
(2024)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Considering the extremely low budget, the film stands as quite the achievement, with the realistic dialogue adding considerably to the film’s documentary-like quality and the real-life locations adding an extra level of authenticity.
Posted Jun 19, 2024
|
|
3/5
|
Effigy: Poison and the City
(2019)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Worth seeing thanks to the central performances, the chilling nature of the true story and a small handful of great scenes
Posted May 27, 2024
|
|
4/5
|
The Reverend
(2021)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Ultimately, the film leaves you with a portrait of a unique and fascinating figure, and Anderson’s vision of shared music as a profoundly spiritual, deeply human experience.
Posted May 22, 2024
|
|
3/5
|
Detained
(2024)
|
Matthew Turner
|
You’ll probably see some of [the multiple twists and turns] coming, but that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable in the moment.
Posted May 06, 2024
|
|
3/5
|
Escape From Extinction
(2020)
|
Matthew Turner
|
The film has a specific point to prove and often feels promotional in tone, but it’s also well researched and packed with both great wildlife footage and interesting information.
Posted Mar 11, 2024
|
|
3/5
|
Cabrini
(2024)
|
Matthew Turner
|
You’ll be hard pressed not to find yourself rushing out to do some good deed or other after watching the film.
Posted Feb 13, 2024
|
|
3/5
|
The Dirty South
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Willa Holland has terrific screen presence – she was always the best thing about the Arrow TV show – and she’s on magnificent form here
Posted Jan 26, 2024
|
|
3/5
|
You, Me & Her
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
A thoughtful, provocative and ultimately moving marital drama that feels more realistic and more honest than any number of Hollywood romcoms.
Posted Jan 16, 2024
|
|
2/5
|
The Shift
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
This is a watchable sci-fi thriller, enlivened by strong performances and some nice ideas, but it fails to satisfy on a dramatic or emotional level
Posted Dec 27, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Mid-Century
(2022)
|
Matthew Turner
|
This intriguing horror plays some entertaining games with genre expectations and pulls off a handful of decent twists in the process.
Posted Nov 28, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Young, Sexy, and Dead
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
A darkly comic, gleefully absurd and frequently amusing satire that hits its targets with surprising accuracy.
Posted Nov 19, 2023
|
|
1/5
|
Altered Perceptions
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Generally speaking, the film makes no sense at all from one minute to the next, with the scenes barely even relating to each other.
Posted Nov 09, 2023
|
|
3.5/5
|
The Marvels
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
The Marvels frequently undersells its key moments, but the engaging chemistry between the leads and DaCosta’s snappy pacing ensure that it’s never less than entertaining.
Posted Nov 08, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Alexander
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
A gripping story that is equal parts inspirational and shot through with deep personal tragedy.
Posted Oct 02, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Mob Land
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
An intriguingly dark small-town thriller with a compellingly downbeat, nasty edge. It also marks out writer-director Nicholas Maggio as a talent to watch.
Posted Sep 18, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Ferrari
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Adam Driver is on typically splendid form here, nailing Ferrari’s distinctive accent and creating a complex, charismatic character, torn in several different directions.
Posted Aug 31, 2023
|
|
5/5
|
Oppenheimer
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
The supporting cast are astonishing, particularly Downey Jr, who is on career best form as Strauss – his Best Supporting Actor nomination is surely already in the bag.
Posted Aug 08, 2023
|
|
|
The Seeds of Vandana Shiva
(2021)
|
Alonso Duralde
|
Shiva’s story is so compelling — and Shiva herself is such a commanding yet warm
figure on camera — that the documentary’s straightforwardness doesn’t hinder a narrative that could inspire for environmentalists, feminists, and anti-corporate activists.
Posted Jul 31, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Stay Awake
(2022)
|
Matthew Turner
|
A sharply observed and quietly moving indie drama that’s well worth seeking out, thanks to a thoughtful script and compelling performances from its three leads.
Posted Jul 31, 2023
|
|
|
JazzTown
(2021)
|
Alonso Duralde
|
Clearly a labor of love – filming took place over more than a decade – the doc never quite finds its footing; the passion its maker has for this music doesn’t flow from the finished product.
Posted Jul 03, 2023
|
|
4.5/5
|
Asteroid City
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Just when you think a Wes Anderson movie couldn’t possibly be any more of a Wes Anderson movie – as was the case with the note-perfect magazine-like structure of The French Dispatch – he goes and does it again, only more so.
Posted Jun 24, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Discontinued
(2022)
|
Matthew Turner
|
A thoughtful, smartly acted drama that’s worth seeking out.
Posted Jun 24, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Simulant
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
This Canadian sci-fi thriller has some nice ideas and explores some compelling themes, though it’s also a little unfocused and never quite delivers the expected robo-thrills.
Posted Jun 21, 2023
|
|
1/5
|
The Devil's Tongue
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
In fairness, Gowdy deserves all the credit for actually getting his movie made in the first place, though he now faces the equally difficult challenge of getting it distributed.
Posted Jun 12, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
A genuinely thrilling sequel that once again sets the bar extremely high for inventive and imaginative animation.
Posted Jun 07, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Wildflower
(2022)
|
Matthew Turner
|
The clear stand-outs are Jean Smart and Jackie Weaver as the acerbic grandmothers. Their every scene together is a delight, to the point where you fervently hope someone casts them both in something again soon. Hell, maybe give them their own TV show?
Posted May 24, 2023
|
|
4/5
|
Fast X
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Jason Momoa proves an inspired choice as Dante, and he throws himself into the role with great gusto, clearly enjoying every second of it.
Posted May 17, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Boonie Bears: Back to Earth
(2022)
|
Matthew Turner
|
Its wholesome messages include a none-too-subtle eco plea about looking after the planet and the touching notion that an enormous bear hug can save the world. And really, who can argue with that?
Posted May 08, 2023
|
|
3/5
|
Mind Leech
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
This is an engaging and fun little monster movie that deserves to find an audience. It also marks out Cheeseman and Krysinski as horror talents to watch – here’s hoping they get to make a follow-up.
Posted Apr 28, 2023
|
|
2/5
|
The Green Oak Guardian
(2023)
|
Matthew Turner
|
The two leads do at least have a decent amount of chemistry, meaning the film just about succeeds as a sweet romance, even if some of its other ambitions fall short.
Posted Apr 28, 2023
|
>