In Review
Welcome to In Review! Check out the latest reviews across film, TV, theatre and so much more…
Film Review - Dog Man
It’s a post-Bluey world and children deserve better from animated dog properties, let alone adults who might be drawn in by Dog Man’s appealing art.
Film Review - Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up
Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up is a delightful, high-energy adventure that stays true to the heart of what makes the franchise so beloved.
Film Review - Flow
In an era of ever-increasing shake-ups in the animation world, it’s no wonder the best animated feature film of the past year was made by a small team of Latvian filmmakers in Blender.
Film Review - 10 Lives
If you’re looking for a film to watch with your family, this one won’t set your world on fire, but it’s sure to incite some excitement from younger audiences all the same.
Film Review - Moana 2
“What lies beyond” Moana 2’s eye-catching animation and lavish island and ocean scenes, is a celebration of culture and identity that Disney has somehow gotten right after so many ill-fated attempts at representation in recent times.
Film Review - Transformers One
From my formerly substantial experience with the Transformers fandom I can say that this will please them, and whether you choose to interpret that as an indictment on them is up to you!
Film Review - The Wild Robot
If you’re going to see one animated robot film this spring, check out The Wild Robot.
MIFF 2024 Film Review - Memoir of a Snail
Memoir of a Snail is an absolute triumph, cementing Elliot as a visionary and one of the best in his field.
MIFF 2024 Film Review - Grand Theft Hamlet
I think whatever qualms I have towards Grand Theft Hamlet’s artificial attempts at a heart-to-heart are outweighed by how organically and hilariously human the majority of the film is.
Film Review - Despicable Me 4
Despicable Me 4 is a statement to the world of cinema. It doesn’t matter how mediocre your film is, if it has Minions… the children will come.
Film Review - Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 is another easy home run for Pixar, especially when it has a strong message that everyone can relate to.
Film Review - Spy x Family Code: White
Making sure to cater to both returning fans and new fans alike Code: White is by no means a perfect movie, but for what it is, it remains exemplary of good old fashion family fun.
Film Review - Robot Dreams
It’s a light summer breeze of a film clearly aimed to bring joy to both parents and kids whilst still telling a compelling story, so some kind of deep underlying metaphor is unnecessary. Just go have fun watching a cartoon dog and a robot roller-skate to Earth, Wind & Fire! Your brain deserves a break.
Fantastic Film Fest 2024 Review - Mars Express
Behind the flashing neon lights, Mars Express’ messy and complicated core is a delight to unpack and crucially, is without the comfort of easy answers. While it’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, its entangled approach to familiar concepts positions it uniquely, and is well worth the price of admission.
Film Review - Kung Fu Panda 4
As it is, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a worthy sequel and enjoyable film, even if it doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Film Review - Migration
Migration is not trying to elevate the road trip comedy or be innovative for animation. Its goal is to entertain families and make kids smile. Movies need to do that more.
Film Review - The Boy and the Heron
Poignant and beautiful, The Boy and the Heron is both an interesting shift in theme and an excellent addition to Miyazaki’s extensive canon.
Film Review - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is made with passion and love for the franchise, offering a familiar but modern perspective about a group of kids who just want to fit in and throw ninja stars.
Film Review - Elemental
Elemental shines is in its ability to gently guide you to realise the film’s crux yourself, and in the meantime, present you with vivid characters, fun antics and gorgeous animation along the way.
Film Review - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
All-in-all, there have been ten stand-alone Spider-Man movies since 2002. They’ve all been pretty good, but Across the Spider-Verse is the most ambitious, most beautiful, and most satisfying one yet.