The Grinch ***
Solid family entertainment that may feel lacking in wider, original narrative, but borrows or mimics the elements that made the previous kids classics like Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets so highly successful.
Category: Fantasy
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom ****
Fallen Kingdom obliterates the dinosaurs’ habitat but places them in our midst. It is a frightening concept, given the advances of DNA science and too much power in some corporation’s hands in reality. This film feeds off that, as well as has enough dino and man heroes to be a solid 12A contender at the box office.
Ready Player One ***
Feels like the next step in Spielberg’s cinematic arsenal, a real test for his loyal fans and a demonstration of what he can achieve next. However, if first-player video gaming is not your bag, you might struggle with it.
Justice League **
A bit of a lackluster stew. Maybe the Justice League has had a bumpy start. Now they have worked together, they need another screen outing to prove themselves…
LFF 2017: Mutafukaz ****
Mutafukaz makes anime more relevant and accessible to a wider audience. Not just a coming-of-age journey for our animated heroes, but one for the anime newcomer
War For The Planet Of The Apes (3D) *****
The full impact of what you have just watched hits you like a tidal wave soon after. It’s the unexpected that renders War For The Planet Of The Apes one of the most powerful post-viewing experiences in a long time.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (3D) ****
Along with some explosive action set-pieces, the well-crafted Homecoming is one of the best Spider-Man films yet, ending with one of the best lines of any film in a long time.
Transformers: The Last Knight (3D) **
Love or hate him, Bay is a master at crafting an action blockbuster for the supersized screen, which is why people come back for more. It’s got nothing to do with plot and character development.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (3D) **
A CGI triumph and a character fail, with a story/adventure worth telling far, far better.