Author: James Partridge

Synopsis: The intergeneration tale of adult siblings contending with the influence of their raging father. Thoughts: As you’d expect from a Noah Baumbach film, it’s superbly written, poigent yet hopefully, with dialogue befitting the all-star cast. The standout amongst said all cast … Hoffman, Thompson, Stiller … is Adam Sandler – yes, Adam Sandler! He brings back the type of performance that heaped praise on him in Punch Drunk Love, proving once again just how good of an actor he is. Highly recommend this film. Rating:...

Synopsis: For 10 idyllic years, young Mija has been a care-taking and constant companion to Okja – a massive animal and an even bigger friend – at her home in the mountains of South Korea. But that changes when a family-owned multinational conglomerate Miranda Corporation takes Okja for themselves and transports her to New York, where image obsessed and self-promoting Lucy Miranda has big plans for Mija’s dearest friend. With no particular plan but single-minded in intent, Mija sets out on a rescue mission, but her already daunting journey quickly becomes more complicated when she crosses paths with groups...

Synopsis: Boris and Zhenya are going through a divorce. Arguing constantly, and in the process of selling their apartment, they are already preparing for their new lives: Boris with his younger, pregnant girlfriend and Zhenya with the wealthily lover who is keen to get married. Neither seems interested in their 12-year-old son Alyosha. Until he disappears. Thoughts: A profound and moving experience, full of complex emotions. It may be too dark for some, but this film sticks with you long after your leave the cinema… and that for me makes it a ‘must see’. Rating:...

Synopsis: Ben and Rose are children form two different eras who secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known, while Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his home and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out on quests to find what they are missing that unfold with mesmerising symmetry. Thoughts: Unfortunately for the wonderful Todd Haynes, this outing is very much style over substance. You do get invested in Ben and Rose’s journey,...

Synopsis: As he is preparing to direct his new film, Ismael’s life spins out of control when a past love resurfaces after 20 years. Thoughts: Mathieu Amalric, Marion Cotillard and Charlotte Gainsbourg are all brilliant actors and are dazzling on screen again here. However, despite the interesting premise, the film drags in parts and you really can’t get invested in the characters … all of whom you really dislike (beyond recovery) at various points in the story. Rating:...