THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS

The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes. --IMDB

At the beginning and end of this delightful animated adventure comedy, we see owners of pets heading off to work and their pets doing everything they can to keep them from going. All of this is from the animals perspective as we hear them thinking "aloud". It really resonates with what we imagine must be the thinking of our pets. The middle section of the movie is a fast-paced, action-filled, suspenseful, fun-filled romp of an adventure about what our pets get up to when we're not there! An engaging movie for ages 6 and up.

PETE’S DRAGON

The adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon. —IMDB

It was ok. Sweet story. Very clean and heartwarming. The dragon is good. Not worth seeing in 3D so save your money. Good kids movie but a tad too moralistic about the need to preserve the nuclear family. It’s all a bit too formulaic.

ONE-LINER REVIEWS

Every so often, I’ve seen more movies than I have time to review. So I’m introducing a new “feature” to On the Run Movies - one-liner reviews - my opinion in one line for movies I haven’t been able to review. It will only happen occasionaly :-)

TICKLED **** - A bizarre and disturbing documentary about cyberbullying.

WAR DOGS **** - Lighthearted look at arms dealing.

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS ***1/2 - overly long but visually stunning animation.

THE INFILTRATOR **** - compelling and suspenseful biographical drama about an undercover agent.

See you at the movies!

BRIDGET JONES’S BABY

Bridget's focus on single life and her career is interrupted when she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch ... she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby's father. —IMDB

A pleasant enough story — but very little depth. And, of course, it is premised on the stupidity of a woman who doesn’t check the condom is reliable. There are a few laughs. Renée Zellweger is sweet enough and Colin Firth puts in his cliched Mr Darcy performance. Emma Thompson steals every scene she’s in. All what we would expect of a Bridget Jones movie. Although… the highlight, worth waiting for, is at the end when Bridget is on the way to the hospital to give birth — best comedy sequence of the movie! If you are a fan of Bridget Jones movies, you’ll like it.

THIS WEEK'S NEW CINEMA RELEASES - TOP PICK

PETE’S DRAGON

The top of the list movie to see this week is PETE’S DRAGON. It’s the adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon. The trailers look great. It’s also available in a 3D version and, according to people who have seen the movie, they’re pretty  much divided on whether to see it in 3D (51% say yes). I’ll probably check it out in 3D. According to Screen International’s Tim Grierson,
‘Pete's Dragon sports an undeniably old-fashioned, even slightly square demeanour, but even when that aura feels a tad forced, Lowery's loving care gives the movie a likeable, small-scale charm.’ People ***1/2 ◉ Critics ***1/2


See you at the movies!

<NOTE> Movie summaries are adaptations of movie summary on IMDB. Opinions are mine unless credited. People and critics scores are a rough idea of how movies are currently being rated on the “average”. These updates are written from an Australian perspective so openings of the movies in cinemas may vary in other parts of the world.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

In the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, challenging his idea of what it means to be a parent. —IMDB

An interesting premise that explores some important themes around parenting. The acting is excellent and the story is quite unpredictable. There is some quirky humour. The problem is that something didn’t quite gel for me. It’s hard to put my finger on what it is. It may be that the first half of the film, which is primarily located in the family’s “paradise” is just too good. I felt is wasn’t quite authentic. The best parts of the movie are when the father and his children are forced to move back into society and deal with their different values and beliefs to those around them. It is worth a look if you are wanting to see something that is thought-provoking and charming.

MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE

Louis documents his investigation into what goes on behind the scenes of the infamous church of scientology. —IMDB

A very entertaining documentary on the Church of Scientology. As other documentary filmmakers, who have tried to inquire into this religion, have found, Louis Theroux met with nothing but silence from anyone who was part of the organisation. So he decides to recreate some of the aspects of Scientology using actors who are guided by ex-members of the Church to re-enact some of the characters and practices. It’s a fascinating take on this very controversial and secretive Church which has raked in incredible amounts of money from people willing to sign up. This documentary is not to be missed.

DON’T BREATHE

Hoping to walk away with a massive fortune, a trio of thieves break into the house of a blind man who isn't as helpless as he seems. —IMDB

What an excellent little horror/thriller this one is! It runs for just under 90 minutes but, in that short time, a lot happens! Every minute is tense and there are some twists that are a real surprise. The suspense is excellent, the acting good, and the plot fresh even if it is a touch ridiculous at times. Who cares! Loved every minute of it! If you like a good thriller, don’t miss it!

BLOOD FATHER

An ex-con reunites with his estranged wayward 17-year old daughter to protect her from drug dealers who are trying to kill her. —IMDB

Think a more serious version of Liam Neeson’s Taken series. Mel Gibson is ok but there are times I didn’t find him convincing. Erin Moriarty, who plays Lydia, the daughter, is very good. The father-daughter relationship is pretty good. The whole thing doesn’t engage to quite the extent it should. Reasonably entertaining, though.

TUNNEL (Teoneol)

A man is on his way home when the poorly constructed tunnel he is driving through collapses, leaving him trapped. —IMDB

This South Korean drama was a pleasant surprise. Well acted and some tense and surprising moments. The disaster is brilliantly done. One aspect of the movie is the sensitivity with which it deals with the emotions of individuals involved in the disaster. Quite harrowing and maybe a touch too long — but, in the end, a satisfying story.