Thor: Ragnarok ####
A thread of surrealism mixed with a witty sense of humour runs through this third instalment of the Marvel film series. Chris Hemsworth as Thor is better than ever and completely immersed in his role, as is Tom Hiddleston as the slightly annoying, yet brilliant Loki. But it’s Cate Blanchett who really shine as Hela. The long list of famous actors continues with the likes of, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba and plenty more. This outstanding version of Thor has saved the franchise with perhaps one more film left to squeeze out. If so, Taika Waititi must be kept as director.
American Assassin ###
From the moment the film starts, one must certainly know that heartstrings are set to be pulled. Using Teen Wolf alum and Maze Runner (2014) star, Dylan O’Brien as super spy Rapp, runs the risk of alienating certain audiences, and finding him a credible action hero is even more of a feat. It is refreshing however, to see Michael Keaton as CIA instructor Stan Hurley, and it goes without saying that Homeland director Michael Cuesta, has honed his skills further in crafting this piece. Despite the thrills it’s not much more than a poor man’s version of the Bourne film series. Meh!
Battle of the Sexes ###-1/2
This film may be riddled with modern day liberalism, but this latest piece for stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell is a fantastic retelling of what became a milestone in American culture. The 1973 tennis match took place between 55-year-old self-proclaimed chauvinist, Bobby Riggs (Carell), and women’s rights activist, closet lesbian, 29-year-old Billie Jean King. While directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris may carry a feminist and gay agenda, there is no way that viewers won’t be fascinated by this Seventies, meaningful film. The supporting female cast of Sarah Silverman, Elisabeth Shue and Andrea Riseborough add even more to an already complete biopic.
Happy Death Day ###-1/2
This smart film has a tad more to offer than the average Rom-Com or Slasher flick. Jessica Rothe, who appeared in La La Land (2016), proves to be a lively birthday-girl heroine known as Tree, who is stabbed, strangled and blown up at the end of every day. Each morning, she wakes with another chance to discover who her murderer is. A detail that sends shivers down viewers’ spines is the baby mask complete with one little tooth, complicating the plot due to it being a mascot and therefore in the possession of many students. The formula gets simple but remains fun with the day-to-day variations of the protagonist’s death. Director Christopher Landon and writer Charles Lobdell (mostly know for X-Men comics) accelerate the action and comedy to a very palatable level.