YOUR GUIDE TO THIS WEEK’S NEW CINEMA RELEASES
Ready to head to the cinema to see a new movie? Here they are …
TOP PICK TO SEE
Top pick this week is a comedy called MISTRESS AMERICA in which a lonely college freshman’s life is turned upside down by her impetuous, adventurous soon-to-be stepsister. I’ve heard an interview with Greta Gerwig who co-wrote and stars in the movie. It sounds like good fun. Empire’s Ian Freer refers to her when he describes the movie as, … Sharp, fast and witty [—] it’s old school screwball comedy with a cool modern twist. And Greta Gerwig is a bona fide genius. I’m looking forward to seeing this one.
OTHERS TO SEE
Good comedies are usually hard to find. So it is unusual that there are two to see this week — the top pick being one of them. The other one is SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE. In this one, a good-natured womaniser and a serial cheater form a platonic relationship that helps reform them in ways, while a mutual attraction sets in. Don’t expect it to be perfect, though. The Hollywood Reporter’s Leslie Felperin says, Sleeping With Other People is a brittle, bawdy, frequently funny romcom that might be too smart for its own good. We’ll have to check it out and see.
MAYBE/MAYBE NOT
Two movies in the maybe/maybe not category for you this week. First is THE DRESSMAKER which tells the story of a glamorous woman who returns to her small town in rural Australia. With her sewing machine and haute couture style, she transforms the women and exacts sweet revenge on those who did her wrong. I’ve already reviewed this one. In my opinion, the trailers for THE DRESSMAKER somewhat misrepresent the movie. It comes across as a period drama with a touch of humour. However, this movie is black comedy through and through. It was quirky, over-the-top, and funny. The cinematography is great and the acting pretty good with Kate Winslet (Myrtle ‘Tilly’ Dunnage) putting in a good performance. Sarah Snook (Gertrude ‘Trudy’ Pratt) is good as usual and Judy Davis (Molly Dunnage) is hilarious. It’s a good yarn and the reveal of what really happened in Tilly’s childhood is a satisfying surprise. It’s a fun movie but not brilliant — just ok. ***
Finally, there is THE LAST WITCH HUNTER. Played by Vin Diesel, the last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history. General public are rating it as average while most critics don’t like it at all. According to Screen International’s Wendy Ide, Like its star, The Last Witch Hunter is big, overblown and frequently incomprehensible. I didn’t expect much more from this after seeing the trailer. It’s low on my list, but if I see it I’ll let you know what it’s like. Also, let us know if you see it and what you think.
That’s it for this week. See you at the movies!
*NOTE* Movie summaries are adaptations of movie summary on IMDB. Opinions are mine unless credited. These updates are written from an Australian perspective so openings of the movies in cinemas may vary in other parts of the world.