Our reviewers’ verdicts of the films to see this summer
Whether you’re after a feminist Frankenstein or the new Aquaman instalment, our reviewers have you covered for latest releases. Here you’ll find our verdicts on Wonka, Anyone But You, Wish, Poor Things, Priscilla, Ferrari, The Iron Claw and more.
★★★★
Emma Stone’s feminist ‘Frankenstein’s monster’ is extraordinary
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos is so at ease with the language of cinema that he can produce wonders with it.
- by Sandra Hall
★★★½
This magical Wonka is a sweet treat for all ages
Timothee Chalamet is perfect in this latest version of the Roald Dahl classic.
- by Jake Wilson
★★★★
All of Us Strangers feels like a time-shifting, mysterious daydream
Memory and imagination are intertwined in director Andrew Haigh’s new film, starring Andrew Scott.
- by Jake Wilson
★★½
Counted out: How wrestling drama could have been Zac Efron’s Oscar shot
Even though it’s based on the tragic real-life story of the famous wrestling family the Von Erichs, The Iron Claw doesn’t quite capture their true complexity.
- by Jake Wilson
★★★½
Jacob Elordi evokes Elvis’ glamour, but Priscilla film is not a pretty picture
Director Sofia Coppola’s success in conjuring the tedium of Priscilla Presley’s life with Elvis turns out to be perversely counter-productive.
- by Sandra Hall
★★★½
Michael Mann distils Enzo Ferrari’s life down to one tumultuous year
Adam Driver plays the motor racing tycoon in 1957 as Ferrari’s life faced financial and personal collapse
- by Sandra Hall
★★½
Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s rom-com is much ado about nothing
The hype around Anyone But You, which was shot in Sydney, was huge. But the result? Meh.
- by Robert Moran
★★★★
Real-life story of man who saved children from Nazis is heartbreaking
Anthony Hopkins’ silence speaks volumes as he delivers another powerful performance as Nicholas Winton.
- by Sandra Hall
★½
Disney’s Wish feels like it was scripted during a team-building retreat
The artistic failure of Disney’s latest effort proves that vast amounts of money doesn’t always make a difference.
- by Jake Wilson
Weary Aquaman sequel proves it’s just as well DC is starting over
Despite Jason Momoa’s laid-back charm, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom raises more questions than it answers.
- by Jake Wilson
★★½
Mike White’s animation Migration doesn’t spread its wings far enough
The man behind The White Lotus brings a personal touch to this tale about a family of ducks who venture beyond the safety of their nest.
- by Jake Wilson
★★
Could Next Goal Wins be Taika Waititi’s first own goal?
This feel-good sports film shows the Kiwi director may finally have bitten off more than he can chew in Hollywood.
- by Jake Wilson
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/our-reviewers-verdicts-of-the-films-to-see-this-summer-20231222-p5etca.html