The school holidays offer a fresh slate of cinematic experiences, with a diverse range of films hitting cinemas. From animated adventures and action blockbusters to thought-provoking documentaries, there’s something to capture the interest of audiences of all ages. This month’s releases include animated features, a gritty crime thriller, a survival drama, and a timely documentary exploring legal battles.
Family-Friendly Animation Takes Center Stage
For younger audiences and families, the holidays bring a trio of animated features. Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the latest stop-motion creation from Aardman Animations, promises the studio’s signature charm and humor. The film sees Shaun attempting to revive a damaged pumpkin patch, leading to unexpected transformations and chaos for his farmer. Directors Steve Cox and Matthew Walker craft a visually delightful, hand-crafted world, blending slapstick comedy with nods to classic horror cinema.
Another animated offering, Forgotten Island, blends elements of ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ into a family-friendly adventure. The story follows best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) who discover a portal to a mythical island. Their adventure takes a turn when they lose their memory of the night’s events and must retrace their steps to find a way home, all while evading creatures that feed on memories. While the film’s narrative can be hyperactive, it shines when exploring the bond between the two friends, offering a story with themes that may resonate particularly with parents.
Coyote vs. Acme, directed by Dave Green, is a live-action and animation hybrid that offers a fresh take on the Looney Tunes universe. The film centers on Wile E. Coyote’s decision to sue the Acme Corporation for its perpetually faulty products. With Will Forte as the hapless attorney and John Cena as the formidable opposing counsel, the movie is described as a genuinely funny and touching addition to the Looney Tunes canon. Its release is also seen as a victory against studios that might shelve projects for financial reasons.
Action and Thriller Offerings
For those seeking thrills, By Any Means presents a crime thriller set in 1960s Mississippi. The film pairs an FBI agent, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, with a real-life mobster, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, to investigate a series of Klan murders. While the film boasts visually arresting cinematography and a smooth jazz score, reviews suggest that the casting choices and a hammy script prevent it from reaching its full potential, leaning more towards stylish B-movie entertainment.
Filmed locally, Runner is an action film starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson. The plot follows a former Navy SEAL tasked with protecting a rare donor liver during a perilous journey from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, encountering a ruthless cartel along the way. While the film features American stars and a familiar action narrative, its Queensland setting is showcased, though some action sequences are noted for their execution, with the chemistry between Ritchson and Wilson being a key draw for fans of the actors.
The long-running Resident Evil franchise gets a new installment, directed by Zach Cregger. This iteration focuses on Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who finds himself in the midst of a zombie apocalypse in Raccoon City. The film is characterized by its blend of gore and dark humor, with a tight runtime and a frantic pace that builds to a chaotic finale. The creature design and an inventive car chase sequence are highlighted as notable elements.
Survival Drama and Documentaries
Heart of the Beast offers a survival adventure starring Brad Pitt as a retired military man and his dog, who crash-land in the Alaskan wilderness. The film explores their struggle for survival against the elements and CGI wildlife after a mid-air emergency. While Pitt’s performance and the cinematography capturing the Alaskan landscape are praised, the film’s pacing and reliance on flashbacks are noted as detracting from the building tension and character development.
A significant documentary release is Silenced, directed by Selina Miles. This film examines how defamation laws have been used to silence survivors of sexual violence, particularly within the context of the #MeToo movement. It follows human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson as she investigates global cases, including those involving Amber Heard and Brittany Higgins. The documentary also touches on the pervasive nature of violence against women and critiques the legal system’s shortcomings, ultimately advocating for belief in women’s testimonies.
Conclusion
This school holiday period offers a rich tapestry of films for cinema-goers. From the whimsical animations of Aardman and the vibrant world of ‘Forgotten Island’ to the high-octane action of ‘Runner’ and the critical examination in ‘Silenced’, the latest releases cater to a wide spectrum of tastes. Whether seeking family entertainment, thrilling adventures, or compelling real-world stories, the cinema provides a diverse escape.
