Warrior woman loses the battle (★★ Directed by Robert Schwentke. With so few female-lead action films around, and having been pleasantly surprised by the first film in the series, I looked forward to Insurgent, part 2 of the Divergent trilogy, with some anticipation. Sadly – because it’s always sad when potential is squandered – this … More REVIEW: Divergent
Insane space opera a candy shop of delights (★★★★ Written and directed by Andy and Lana Wachowski.) Moderation is good, it’s true, but even the most hardened health nut needs a little indulgence from time to time. So it is with cinema. Film fans can be as virtuous as they like right now with all the … More REVIEW: Jupiter Ascending
If you thought 2014 was a big year for cinematic spectacle, you ain’t seen nothing yet. In January it’s all about the Oscars as we start getting the big hitting contenders for the Academy Awards. (A word to International readers – these are Kiwi release dates, sometimes much later that the rest of the world!) … More PREVIEW: Big names vie for 2015 box office
Artificial love captures true romance (★★★★★, Written and directed by Spike Jonze) For many of us, our digital lives are now as complex as our ‘‘real’’ ones. We have friends all over the world, meet life partners on dating apps and do business with people in the remotest of places. But we’re still trying to figure … More REVIEW: Her
Quiz memes are kind of silly, but this one seemed like a fun way to wrap up the year. So here’s The Girl In Row K’s answers to 10 questions about 2013 at the movies. 1. What Christmas movie will you be watching this year? Obviously it’s It’s a Wonderful Life, because that’s not just … More You must re-Meme-ber this: 2013
Ender’s Game ★★★ (Directed by Gavin Hood, 2013) A tense, cruel game of total annihilation that doesn’t shine a very rosy light on human nature. Starring: Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley and Viola Davis. Written and directed by Gavin Hood based on the novel by Orson Scott Card. Adventure, science fiction. 1hr 54mins. M … More No country for tender children
3SR: Panem’s reluctant firebrand returns, bringing the revolution with her in this infinitely more vibrant and successful addition to the Hunger Games franchise. Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Donald Sutherland and Elizabeth Banks. Directed by Francis Lawrence Written by Michael Arndt, Simon Beaufoy, based on the novel … More Brutal sequel a vibrant victory
3SR: The best looking film ever made, a masterpiece of cinematic magic. Sadly undercut by over earnest dialogue that comes at you like a rolled up newspaper across the nose. Starring: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Written by Alfonso Cuaron, Jonas Cuaron and Rodrigo Garcia. ****1/2 Science Fiction, thriller. 1hr 31mins. … More Weighty subjects take flight
3SR: Looks great, but takes itself way more seriously than any film about cowboys and Aliens ever should. Starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Adam Beach, Paul Dano. Directed by Jon Favreau. Action, adaptation, science fiction, western. Rated M for violence. 118 minutes. **1/2 One of the most underrated crossover films of … More Why so serious?
3SR: Hopefully the worst film I will have to lose hours of my life to this year. Tired, rapey and full of itself. Not worth the price of admission. Starring: Vin Diesel, Katee Sackhoff and Karl Urban Written and directed by David Twohy Action, science fiction, thriller. 1hr 58mins. R16 for violence, sexual references and … More Don’t be so Riddick (ulous)
