News

Film Review: Mothers' Instinct 母血性 (2024) - USA Rating: 7.5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In the psychological thriller "Mothers' Instinct," director Benoît Delhomme delves into the intricate dynamics of motherhood against the backdrop of 1960s America. Anchored by the compelling performances of Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway, the film offers a well-paced narrative that explores the depths of maternal psychology.   Chastain and Hathaway shine as Alice and Céline, two mothers whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways following a tragic incident. As the story unfolds, the film skillfully navigates the complexities of their...

Film Review: A Legend 傳奇 (2024) - China   I rated it 5.5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In "A Legend" (2024), directed by Stanley Tong, the ambitious use of AI to portray a young Jackie Chan introduces a novel but flawed element to the film's storytelling. While the innovative application of technology to resurrect a youthful Jackie Chan is commendable in its attempt to bridge the past with the present, the execution falls short in capturing the raw emotion and human nuances that define Chan's on-screen charisma.   The narrative, centered around Professor...

Film Review: Bagman 魔袋 (2024) - USA I rated it 6.5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   “Bagman”, directed by Colm McCarthy and penned by John Hulme, attempts to weave a chilling tale steeped in childhood trauma and myth. The film follows Patrick McKee (Sam Claflin), a father haunted by the specter of the legendary Bagman, a creature that has preyed on children throughout history. When this malevolent force resurfaces to threaten his family, Patrick must confront not only the monster but also the scars of his past. From the outset, “Bagman” captivates with its...

Film Review: High Forces 危機航綫 (2024) - Hong Kong / China   I rated it 5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In a cinematic landscape saturated with high-octane action thrillers, "High Forces" (2024) attempts to soar but ultimately falls short of reaching its full potential. Directed by Oxide Pang and led by the seasoned Andy Lau, this Hong Kong-Chinese collaboration sets its stage on an Airbus A380, promising sky-high suspense and adrenaline-pumping sequences.   Unfortunately, the film's wings are clipped by a script that struggles to break free from clichés, leaving audiences strapped in...

Film Review: The Wild Robot 荒野機械人 (2024) - USA   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   I rated it 9/10   In "The Wild Robot," director Chris Sanders crafts a poignant narrative that transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling, delving deep into the essence of humanity through the lens of artificial intelligence. Lupita Nyong'o's mesmerizing voice brings to life the character of Roz, a robot marooned on an uninhabited island, in a performance that is both nuanced and emotionally resonant.   The film weaves a tapestry of themes—friendship, sacrifice, and the meaning of purpose—against the backdrop...