Reviews
Having her wicker way: Olivia Colman in well-woven tale of maiden’s braided bridegroom
Alexander Skarsgård made to look unrecognisably willowy by Wētā Workshop.
Latest from Sarah Watt
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Star power lifts story of an octogenarian determined not to end life in a rest home
Coming-of-old-age movie is a charming and touching tale.
First-time feature director Paloma Schneideman delivers a classic Kiwi coming-of-age movie
Big Girls Don't Cry is beautifully reminiscent of many a Kiwi kid’s upbringing.
Drama honouring French literary legend fails to inspire
The film zeroes in on Victor Hugo's chance of reconciliation with his estranged daughter.
South Korean monster movie gets off to a roaring start
Director Na Hong-jin has created a curious beast with Hope.
Ethan Hawke shines as a good man in a bad situation
The Weight is an enthralling survival thriller that will beguile you into hero’s cause.
NZ film Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant is utterly bonkers, spectacularly revolting and enormous fun
Kiwi-as ET impregnation comedy is in bad taste but it’s certainly not brain dead.
Practical Magic’s unenchanting sequel fails to cast spell
Stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman's magic cannot bring this franchise back to life.
FBI agents, mobsters and the KKK: By Any Means underwhelms its true story counterpart
A morally dubious story about a mafia hitman doing FBI dirty work.
Ridley Scott’s dull take on a post-apocalyptic thriller
The Dog Stars lack the trademark touches of the veteran director.
Spa Weekend is a regrettable attempt at comedy that might anger target viewers
This quite simply isn’t the representation middle-aged women are looking for.
Arthouse horror Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is brilliantly bizarre
A smart yet strange slasher movie explores sexuality.
Superb performances in & Sons enhance book-based script
Brit star Bill Nighy shines as washed-up bestselling author and drunk.
Dinosaur flick The End of Oak Street lacks bite
Attempts to emulate Spielberg get chewed up and spat out.
Even a James Bond contender can’t save this passion-free romcom
Calum Turner is tipped to be Bond, but he doesn't shake or stir in this flaccid fantasy.
Tony serves up a convincing portrait of a celebrity chef like no other
The start of the Anthony Bourdain legend has now become a film.
Unbearable social climbers come unstuck in period satire Savage House
Gorgeous production design can't save black comedy with lofty aims.
Spider-Man returns in an entertaining slice of cosy kick-ass
Brand New Day picks up a few years after Peter Parker was erased from everyone's memory.
NZ-filmed kids' fantasy ‘I, Object’ falls flat on its face
Movie by expatriate director feels beamed in from the 1980s.
This five-star Odyssey needs to seen on the biggest screen you can find
Christopher Nolan’s take on Homer’s Greek epic comes bearing many cinematic gifts.
Why the live-action Moana is all at sea
Just ten years on, the animated hit gets a soulless remake.
Olivia Wilde’s The Invite earns top marks for its witty script and strong cast
As well as directing, Olivia Wilde stars in polyamory comedy of manners.
Irredeemable characters make this French saga hard to love
Far from funny, the film's characters are unlikeable and their plight uncompelling.
Toy Story is a winning franchise but it’s running out of power
Toy Story 5 is a fun adventure but stops short of challenging kids' screen-time habits.
Jodie Foster masters the language in this French film, but something’s missing
Foster's latest heroine comes off as overly mannered and occasionally unhinged.
The very captivating Caterpillar: Affecting three-generation family drama from debut director Chelsie Preston Crayford
Actor-director’s beautiful, nuanced drama inspired by her teenage years takes flight.
The Italian Film festival is back with a selection of movies you canʼt see elsewhere on a big screen
There are some 27 movies in this year’s programme, here's a five star pick.
La Streep and co’s return to the runway makes for unexpectedly good sequel
This Devil is almost as good as the one you already know.
Predictable heist thriller Fuze fails to meet big-screen ambitions
Fuze doesn't reach the heights it shoots for but is never less than entertaining.
Oz comedy star Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut is a musical delight despite its legal troubles
Wilson has adapted a stage musical showcasing a bunch of talented young Aussie women.
The President’s Cake is tenderly told and finds joy in the face of adversity
The Cannes winner feels less like a period piece and more like a present-day newsreel.
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya shine in comedy drama about the things best left unsaid
The Drama is a completely original story about the power - or frailty - of love.