‘Thrilling’: why Conclave is a knockout from start to finish
If you think a movie based on choosing a new pope sounds boring then think again – the gripping Conclave will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Movie Reviews
‘Must-see’: Why original and funny Anora is downright addictive
Showcasing an incredible new acting talent, ‘must-see’ Anora provokes genuine fascination and outright curiosity, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Robbie Williams biopic is a minor movie miracle – monkey and all
Turning global pop star Robbie Williams into a CGI monkey could have backfired spectacularly but it actually turns Better Man into a musical biopic that’s a cut about the rest, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Pharrell Williams Lego doco like nothing seen before
Never mind the regular documentary, the Lego-inspired “blockumentary” Piece By Piece is the perfect way to capture the essence of hit-maker Pharrell Williams, writes Leigh Paatsch.
New Gladiator movie is ‘straight-out bad’
The blockbuster starring Paul Mescal delivers action but goes out of its way to remind viewers of how good the original was.
One fatal flaw that ruins huge Disney sequel
Moana is back in cinemas after a long eight-year wait, but a missing element has left diehard fans disappointed with the sequel.
Why Hugh Grant is the perfect storm of sinister and absurd
The tension levels in Heretic start out slightly north of uncomfortable and end somewhere just south of unbearable – thanks to an impeccably cast Hugh Grant, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Gladiator sequel’s one catastrophic mistake
The much-anticipated sequel to Gladiator is a competent, entertaining film, but it’s let down badly by one decision central to its plot.
‘Powerful’: Doco reveals Jelena Dokic’s remarkable resilience
The extraordinary journey of Aussie tennis prodigy Jelena Dokic in suffering under and standing up to her tyrant coach father is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Anything goes’: Huge moment in SNL history
Saturday Night reveals the first steps leading to the giant strides of sketch show SNL, while the uneven Venom: Last Dance asks whether we needed a Venom saga at all. writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Unsettling’: Horror sequel is no party
Smile 2 finds searingly memorable and distinctly shocking ways to improve upon its macabrely malevolent predecessor, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Fascinating’: GoT star thrives in kooky comedy
While odd-couple crime comedy Brothers might have benefited from a leaner, meaner approach, it snaps into shape thanks to Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Compelling’: How biopic tackles Trump enigma
No movie could stand a chance of decoding the all-bamboozling enigma that is Donald Trump – but The Apprentice achieves some success, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why feel-good movie is better than name suggests
Look past that ungainly name and see something special in the warm and witty feel-good My Old Ass, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why The Wild Robot will be a family hit
The engagingly entertaining The Wild Robot is in instant-classic territory, writes Leigh Paatsch.
One frustrating thing about new blockbuster
This new entry in the long-running Alien series smartly goes back to the franchise’s beginnings – but one thing makes it a frustrating watch.
Guy Ritchie action romp leads top movies to stream
From a true-ish WWII tale turned into a fun action romp, to an inspirational sporting story and a gorgeous looking romance, Leigh Paatsch reviews top streaming movies.
How Johansson, Tatum pairing gives retro rom-com lift-off
While Fly Me To the Moon does not always take the most direct or smooth route, an excellent lead pairing of Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum never falters, writes Leigh Paatsch.
A-list actor unrecognisable in horrifying role
This two-time Oscar-winning actor is unrecognisable as a demonic serial killer in a chilling new horror movie. WARNING: Spoilers.
Austin Butler is ‘guy-candy’ in new bikie flick
Not since Brad Pitt slunk into view in Thelma & Louise has the camera loved anyone as much as Austin Butler, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Power and passion: Fitting tribute to Aussie cultural warriors
Documentary reveals why the world bought into power, passion and political values of Midnight Oil, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Wildly inventive’: Could this be 2024’s best movie?
Hit Man, starring Top Gun and Anyone But You’s Glen Powell, is on target to be one of the best movies of 2024, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Bad Boys’ return is ‘truly inspired’
Bickering-buddies bond saves fourth Bad Boys movie from wearing out its welcome, while a light comedy gets female friendship right, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Losing the plot: Why Garfield needs rescue mission
The Garfield Movie attempts something new before losing its way, while JLo struggles with AI in sci-fi with more action than science, writes Leigh Paatsch.
J Lo’s new Netflix film a ‘bad, bloated’ mess
REVIEW: Jennifer Lopez’s new Netflix movie Atlas is the latest in a long line of “confusing, boring, green-screen-laden messes” for the streamer.
Why Seinfeld’s Unfrosted proves he’s untouchable
It’s packed full of cameos from his celebrity pals. But Jerry Seinfeld’s ode to cereal still fails to snap, crackle and pop, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Jerry Seinfeld’s ‘lousy, empty’ Netflix movie
REVIEW: Jerry Seinfeld’s new Netflix film is chock-full of celebrity cameos – but it doesn’t amount to very much.
‘Genuine sizzle’: Hathaway shines in new rom-com
Anne Hathaway fits flawlessly with Nicholas Galitzine in a movie version which adds emotional depth to a winning story, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why Gosling-Blunt action rom-com falls flat
Despite spectacular stunts and romantic fireworks, the Aussie-filmed The Fall Guy is flawed, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Spectacular’: Zendaya scores film grand slam
Both a great sports movie and unconventionally riveting romantic drama, Challengers volleys the audience back and forth to reveal what is riding on a tennis match, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Patel surprises in new ‘ultra-violent’ action film
Lion and Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel’s performance in action flick Monkey Man will propel him towards bigger and better things, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Big hitters’: Movies to watch this Easter
From a family favourite to a MonsterVerse smash-’em-up spectacle, take a look at these top movies to keep you entertained this Easter long weekend.
Stars stun in amusing comedy of bad manners
Some lively language and shrewdly relevant commentary makes Wicked Little Letters quite a spicily satisfactory affair, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Perfect’: Fitting finale for oh so able Caine
A performer of Sir Michael Caine’s elevated standing could not have landed upon a more apt – nor affecting – role with which to bid audiences farewell, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Five-star film is a truly sickening experience
Not much happens in this new film, up for five Oscars – it’s what happens off-screen that will haunt you forever. WARNING: Spoilers.
Why ‘powerful’ Holocaust movie scored 5 stars
The Zone of Interest is destined to be regarded as one of the most powerful, provocative and lastingly eloquent statements on the Holocaust to ever grace a cinema, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why new Marvel flick is ‘truly terrible’
The first superhero movie of 2024 suffers from a lack of original ideas and an unrelenting lack of energy from the cast, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Insufferable’: Why Eric Bana’s sequel flops
Eric Bana returns as federal cop Aaron Falk in the long-awaited sequel The Dry, Force of Nature, but the film is a far cry from the original hit, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Henry Cavill finds his inner James Bond
Audiences may never get to see Henry Cavill play 007, but his take on a James Bond-ish spy in Argylle is a rollicking ride, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why French legal thriller is a masterpiece
Enigmatic, confronting, touching, testing and sometimes even amusing, Anatomy of a Fall is the first great movie of 2024, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Award-winner Giamatti elevates The Holdovers
With Paul Giamatti at the peak of his oratory powers, The Holdovers is full of deep feeling, great humour and refreshing authenticity, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why high-octane Ferrari biopic not just for petrolheads
Thanks to brilliant performances from Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, Michael Mann’s biopic of racing great Enzo Ferrari is a triumph both on and off the track.
‘What the f***’: Film’s three-word review
Zac Efron’s new movie is making waves, described as a viewing experience that feels like “getting slammed with a metal folding chair over and over again”.
Why Poor Things is brilliantly bonkers
The brilliant and bizarre comedy-drama Poor Things is like nothing you have ever seen before and might well win Emma Stone another Best Actress Oscar
Aussie show tops Netflix list
Previously secret data about the most popular shows and movies on Netflix has revealed two Aussie winners that the world was obsessed with.
Julia Roberts stars in ‘well crafted’ doomsday thriller
Anyone who felt unexpectedly off the grid during the recent Optus outage will get some spooky flashbacks courtesy of Julia Roberts’ new thriller Leave the World Behind, writes Leigh Paatsch.
New film in $3b franchise is worth the wait
The original Hunger Games films made almost $3 billion at the global box office – eight years later, the franchise is back.
‘Very unlikeable’: Blunt, Evans star in Netflix flop
Pain Hustlers – starring Emily Blunt and Chris Evans – gets very unlikeable, very quickly, writes Leigh Paatsch. See why.
Why Michael Fassbender’s assassin is ‘brilliant’
The immaculately designed The Killer is a compelling journey deep inside the head of its subject, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Worthy addition’: Why devil franchise is back in business
The Exorcist was one of the scariest mainstream motion pictures of all time. With this new sequel, you will have no choice but to listen, and no choice but to be scared, writes Leigh Paatsch.
‘Breathtaking’: Why attack on AI weapon is powerfully memorable
The Creator will come to be regarded by most sci-fi enthusiasts as an honourably flawed, yet a totally admirable movie experience, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Nerve-shredding: How Liam Neeson redeemed himself
Liam Neeson redeems himself admirably with his latest 70-year-old-bloke-about-to-snap opus, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why Branagh’s A Haunting in Venice may be the best Poirot yet
Kenneth Branagh is back as famous detective Hercule Poirot and the mysteries are twistier than ever, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Why Denzel’s new Equalizer film is best in franchise
Denzel Washington knocks it out of the park with a riveting performance in The Equalizer 3, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Passion project: Why TMNT reboot kicks butt
The world didn’t need another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie, but Leigh Paatsch explains why long-time fan Seth Rogen’s reboot is the best yet.
Why low budget love story rivals Oppenheimer as year’s best
It was made with a fraction of the budget, but a Korean romance could spoil the party for the mighty Oppenheimer during the coming awards season, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Dog movie that will have you laughing out loud
A new movie featuring antics of badly-behaved dogs starts stronger than any screen comedy I can recall in the past five years, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Furious men have got Barbie all wrong
While it surges at the box office, Barbie has inspired a similar surge of hate from men who simply don’t understand it.
Extreme reaction to Barbie movie
The film of the year is being slammed as “divisive” and “sexist towards men”, with Ben Shapiro leading the charge.
‘Hot-pink mess’: Barbie film panned by critics
The most highly-anticipated movie of the year is released in Australia on Thursday, so we’ll finally get to know whether or not it’s worth all the buzz.
So-so spookfest: One for hardcore horror fans only
It’s hard to keep a horror franchise down, and the long-running Insidious comes back from the dead with The Red Door.
‘Awe-inspiring’: Why Tom Cruise’s final Mission hits hard
With mind-boggling stunts and awe-inspiring action, Leigh Paatsch looks at whether the latest installment of Mission: Impossible franchise will appease its loyal fanbase.
Dial of Destiny is a fitting finale for Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones
The punches don’t always land, but Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny gets the whipcracking archaeologist’s last ride right by letting Harrison Ford act his age, writes Leigh Paatsch.
Extraordinary story spotlighted in new movie
The Save Hakeem story has everything – the interplay between money, politics and sport, and a young man at the centre of the maelstrom.
‘Genuinely funny’: Lawrence delivers zingers in new comedy
Jennifer Lawrence shows surprising comic timing and a willingness to throw herself ‘under the bus’ in No Hard Feelings, writes Leigh Paatsch.
JLaw’s surprisingly good new movie
It might a gross-out comedy but No Hard Feelings is stealthily emotional and answers the question of what is Jennifer Lawrence doing here.
The Flash review: Underdelivering mess but never truly boring
Despite a bonkers collection of cameos, The Flash movie is overconfident, writes Leigh Paatsch. Read full review.
Emotional carnage in affecting movie
Pixar knows exactly which buttons to push to evoke the most emotional reaction in its audiences.
Fans will froth over return of icon
It’s been 31 years in the making, and we thought it was never going to happen. But it has, and it’s genuinely exciting.
Intimate emotions in superb new movie
Filmmaker Mia Hansen-Love has often excelled at telling a humanist story, and One Fine Morning is one of her most nuanced.
Why the Spider-Man sequel is mind-blowing
Into the Spider-Verse laid claim to being one of the best animated movies ever and kicked off the multiverse craze. Its sequel goes even further.
Messy dispute over underdog story
He said he invented a popular snack but the official record suggests otherwise. But that doesn’t change its thematic ambitions.
Fat cat villains we all love to hate
There are some characters who just make for easy villains in a movie. Bank of Dave capitalises on the stereotype to dial up the tension.
Adventure-filled new movie packs a punch
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse does not compromise or dilute its soul. It leans full-tilt into its zaniness.
Bloody movie not for the faint of heart
Guts gush with wild abandon while blood splatters with great enthusiasm. If you don’t have the constitution for such things, you may want to avoid.
Core issue with flat Little Mermaid remake
The Little Mermaid remake knows how beloved the original 1989 animation is. Perhaps it should’ve tried to forget.
New movie would be great – without its star
Normally the lead carries the movie but when it comes to Fast X, it’s the one character you never want to spend time with.
Star’s stripped back and raw new movie
Simon Baker is definitely in the middle of a creative renaissance and his latest film is a stunningly photographed and raw outback noir.
Little-known fact about Fox’s name
Michael J. Fox has been in the public eye since he was a teenager, but there’s a still lot to be gleaned in this revealing documentary.
Movie’s frustrating waste of great stars
When you have four enormously talented actors, don’t trap them in a tired script with no life.
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