Emily Wong – Google

The trailers cover pretty much all the best scenes, so in pure Shakespearian format - if you want to see how the plot moved from point A to point Z, then watch this movie. In fair Vancouver is where we set the scene. UBC and Vancouver, BC are such beautiful filming locations and I loved seeing them on the big screen. The graphics are seamless. The VFX team clearly outdid themselves there. The central villain could be better developed. The motive of the villain seemed a bit lacking, though there was a photograph on a desk and a passing mention of loneliness - could be something more if explored in depth. There seems to be unspoken parallels between the antagonist and the protagonist which, if explored, would really give this film the final flourishes to become something greater.

Absolutely brilliant. Malek was incredible as expected, and Craig puts his best work forward in this chapter of Bond's journey. One of the most surprising things about this movie is the development and power of Seydoux's character - the role demands depth, emotion and internal struggle; Seydoux delivers beautifully. **Note to any first-time Bond viewers: watching "Spectre" is necessary to understand key moments in this film (Skyfall is not, but it does help enrich the experience. Also, it's a great film).

I can see what the film was aiming for: a message that kids don't have to bow to parent expectations. It's a good message. However, the execution of this message is the main juice of the movie - and the execution was resoundingly awful. Some actors were good - they played their part, and they played their part as convincingly as the script would allow them. But how come NO ONE on the executive board looked at this movie, at the SCRIPT, and said, "hey, we need to change some things"?? For a company as big as Disney, I am thoroughly disappointed.

Alright, yes - the plot is a bit cheesy and I was left with a handful of questions at the end of the movie, but the second half of this movie positively drowns out the lacklustre beginning (which is why I boosted it from 3 stars to 4). In terms of art style - the cinematography was warm and consistent throughout the movie, dances were riveting, and the music quickly became earworms. As I mentioned, the first half is a bit off-putting as the writers seem to be building up plot, and I was left with chasing songs like breadcrumbs until one very powerful campfire scene. Then the real magic began. All-in-all, "A Week Away" is the perfect feel-good film for those who want to get lost in the teenage dream.

“Benjamin” is an endearing indie movie centered around the titular character Benjamin: a film producer caught in an existential crisis. Lead actors Colin Morgan and Phénix Brossard sell their characters as natural, relatable people – everything from costume and flat design to languages and mannerisms are portrayed brilliantly. Although the pacing of the movie is gentle, it is not in any way boring. Artfully arranged with romantic drama, humour and philosophy, “Benjamin” is the perfect film for fans of “Call Me By Your Name” and “SKAM: France”. As someone who has watched her fair share of LGBTQ+ movies (and then some), the ease in which this film treats same-sex couples is refreshingly laid-back. This allows the film to focus on something other than society’s acceptance of a character and rather on the character’s ability to take pride in themselves. While on the point of LGBTQ+ pride, many may envision the term as someone making a bold physical statement to the world on the basis of their sexuality. However, this film creatively brings up the idea that pride does not have to be all loud colours and banners – it could be something as intimately quiet as accepting love. In viewing pride this way, the divide between "types of love" seems immaterial. All-in-all, this film is an insightful watch: would definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of slightly raunchy/cringeworthy humour. (You know who you are.) Enjoy!

I don't get it. The movie does mention a "theme" of nonsense - but, as nonsense goes, I think they really did capture an I-don't-know-what-the-heck-I'm-watching sort of nonsense instead of the magic-is-awesome type. Granted, I've never seen the original, so there isn't much I can say about that. I find, sadly, it is quite stereotypical these days: sequels are written in an attempt to appease a former audience. There are far too many creative boundaries for an artist to truly express themselves, as seen in this film. Did we need three children? A lamplighter who crawls through the window? A bowl of china and theatrics? The writer seems caged by these expectations, and the Mary Poppins: Returns is a model example of this.

Jumanji: The Next Level is a character-based wannabe comedy film. It features young adult insecurities, friendships, and reconciliations. To start, a lot of screentime was spent on frighteningly bad jokes and repetitive boomer/info dump content, leaving too little time for sufficient story progression. Thus, the actual plotline seemed very rushed. On the other hand, the gems of the movie reside in new addition Awkwafina and returning actor Kevin Hart. Awkwafina brings a fitting, fresh and naturally humorous tone to her character(s) with a clear and on-point delivery. Hart echoes his characteristic comedic prowess on film as he does IRL, complemented with a diverse emotional skillset. All things considered, I give this movie a 3/5.

I loved the occasional, humorous quips so much - James McAvoy (Charles Xavier) and Michael Fassbender (Eric Lehnsherr)'s chemistry onscreen is almost tangible. Some of the CGI is a little iffy, though given it was created eight years ago the creators pulled through quite well with it. Music was great with the tone of the movie. The blood has been mostly averted from the viewers, which realistically doesn't make much sense, but personally I'm not one for gore so it was alright. Translated subtitles for the different languages (French, Spanish, German) may be needed as a few scenes are done almost completely in those languages. As for ranking, I would place it above the first Avengers movie in plot.

I actually really like this movie! I haven't read the book, perhaps that might change my opinion, but the music and style of this film are just perfect for teens. The leading actress is quite talented; Zu is incredibly cute so watch out for her. As for warnings, I can assure you nothing is overly graphic in this film - though if glowing eyes creep you out, maybe step away. (SPOILER WARNING) there is a hint at *almost* doing something non-consensual involving a bed, just once in the movie, and it only lasts a few seconds (for character development). Just so you know.