News

Skyscraper (2018) - USA   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia     Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have taken on many disaster and monsters and the latest action blockbuster requires him to take on none other than the world tallest “Skyscraper”. This novelty idea forms the bulk of the interest and despite its ridiculous scenario play and plot line, it is a largely harmless popcorn entertainment that allows the audience to indulge in total suspension of belief and dumb found engagement. The Hong Kong setting is largely laughable given the fact the film seem to be filmed...

Johnny English Strikes Back (2018) - UK / France   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)     Once in a while, the audience need this kind of escapist entertainment and the return of “Mr Bean” in the James Bond spoof - Johnny English. What is so funny about Rowan Atkinson is his classic exaggerated reactions and expressions to uncanny scenarios usually the cause of his own misdoing. The fact that he doesn’t care or understand his lack of skills for the expeditions as a M17 Spy makes the experience more comic than usual. Fortunately, the latest...

Little Italy (2018) - USA / Canada   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)      These kind of cheesy yet formulaic romantic comedies used to splash the screens of Hollywood, nowadays they mostly belong to the VOD market. “Little Italy” makes the most of its location, characters and a highly predictable romantic plot line. I won’t say this is a successful film as there is nothing special or even groundbreaking emotional, but it serve as a certain market. Pairing rising star Emma Roberts and fading once-a-talent Hayden Christensen, the two have decent chemistry and are likeable...

Billionaire Boys Club (2018) - USA   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)     For the purpose of this review, we will stay objective as to the recent allegations going against veteran actor Kevin Spacey. The “Billionaire Boys Club” known also BBC is based upon a real life event where a wanna-be Harvard prep school graduate from the Valet ended up conning the rich Beverly Hills community and establishing a Ponzi scheme that was destined to fail. One thing led to another as power tends to corrupt and eventually overstepping the bottom line via the paradox...

When I Get Home, My Wife Always Pretends to be Dead (2018) - Japan     Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   The latest Japanese comedy by director Toshio Lee, despite its interesting premises of having a wife that pretend to be dead every time the husband returns home, is really at its core about modern marriage. What I liked about the film is the manner it approaches different aspect of a marriage and the importance of communication and understanding. All seems rather basic on paper goes far deeper and engages with the audience as a...