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 - Disney’s Snow White
For all of the hysteria that has surrounded this adaptation, when I watched this in a preview screening surrounded by cheering girls in Snow White costumes, it was hard to remember why people were convinced of the insidiousness of this film in the first place.
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 - Sonic the Hedgehog 3
For the fans, Sonic 3 remixes and updates one of the most popular Sonic adventures in ways that bring a new speed to a classic narrative.
Film Review - Runt
If you’re into Aussie battlers, beautiful Australian scenery, cute speedy dogs, and blatantly crying your heart out in public then Runt is the film for you.
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.
Film Review - Bookworm
Bookworm is a delightful ride that offers the humour, heart and thrills of the best old-fashioned adventure films, while remaining grounded and character-driven.
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 - 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.
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 - 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 - Haunted Mansion
Offering up serviceable (if more than a tad messy) family fun, Haunted Mansion comes close to recapturing Disney's straight to home video glory, complete with a dance party finale.
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 - The Little Mermaid
Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid truly feels like the culmination of Disney live-action remakes from the last few years. But this remake once again reminds us how unnecessary they are.
Film Review - The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Story comes second and spectacle takes centre stage in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.