Film Reviews | Press O to Couch

Tenet Review - Not a one-time experience.

Oct 24, 2020

Tenet Review - Not a one-time experience.

Christopher Nolan's latest film is a mind bending action epic that warrants multiple viewings, if only to understand what is going on.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Review - a feel good story…plus Will Ferrell.

Krishna C. Suri

Aug 20, 2020

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Review - a feel good story…plus Will Ferrell.

Eurovision, with its playfulness, glamour and surrealism, is fine escapist entertainment made for the cinema screen.

When Marnie Was There (思い出のマーニー) Review – Heartfelt sleeper hit.

Tim C.

Aug 11, 2020

When Marnie Was There (思い出のマーニー) Review – Heartfelt sleeper hit.

A stirring narrative buoyed by its honest and nuanced study of an archetypical protagonist.

Greyhound Review – Tom Hanks charts a safe course for his war film.

Tim C.

Aug 6, 2020

Greyhound Review – Tom Hanks charts a safe course for his war film.

A safe pick benefitting from the efforts of Tom Hanks, whose work distracts from a lack of concrete storytelling and character depth.

The Wind Rises (風立ちぬ) Review – Hayao Miyazaki’s adult drama doesn’t quite soar.

Tim C.

Aug 2, 2020

The Wind Rises (風立ちぬ) Review – Hayao Miyazaki’s adult drama doesn’t quite soar.

Despite visual splendour and complex themes, The Wind Rises never quite soars thanks to flat character work and sluggish storytelling.

The Old Guard Review - Familiar tropes, fresh execution.

Krishna C. Suri

Jul 30, 2020

The Old Guard Review - Familiar tropes, fresh execution.

The Old Guard entertains even though it somewhat lacks in action, drama and humour.

From Up on Poppy Hill (コクリコ坂から) Review – Lovely realist drama from Ghibli.

Tim C.

Jul 26, 2020

From Up on Poppy Hill (コクリコ坂から) Review – Lovely realist drama from Ghibli.

Despite pedestrian direction from Goro Miyazaki, From Up on Poppy Hill’s is still heartwarming and nostalgic enough to charm.

Hamilton (2020) Review – Filmed play still captures the imagination.

Tim C.

Jul 22, 2020

Hamilton (2020) Review – Filmed play still captures the imagination.

A filmed play that communicates a significant fraction of the power of an already exceptional musical.

Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ) Review – Ghibli miniaturised.

Tim C.

Jul 18, 2020

Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ) Review – Ghibli miniaturised.

Possessing charming animation and music, Arrietty reaches the visual heights of its predecessors but fails to match them narratively.

Palm Springs Review – Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti lead refreshing romcom.

Tim C.

Jul 17, 2020

Palm Springs Review – Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti lead refreshing romcom.

An impressive debut for director Max Barbakow, buoyed by sharp writing and strong performances from its cast.

Da 5 Bloods Review – Molotov cocktail film from Spike Lee.

Tim C.

Jul 14, 2020

Da 5 Bloods Review – Molotov cocktail film from Spike Lee.

A stylish and incisive piece of commentary on race in America, but one that sags under the weight of dissonant tones and themes.

Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ) Review – Enchanting underwater fairy tale.

Tim C.

Jul 11, 2020

Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ) Review – Enchanting underwater fairy tale.

A whimsical underwater fairy tale with lush visuals and vibrant animation, but lacking a little needed substance.

Tales from Earthsea (ゲド戦記) Review – Unremarkable, practically incomprehensible fantasy.

Tim C.

Jul 4, 2020

Tales from Earthsea (ゲド戦記) Review – Unremarkable, practically incomprehensible fantasy.

Goro Miyazaki’s debut keeps viewers at arms’ length with an oddly detached and restrained approach to sword-and-sorcery fantasy.

Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) Review – Indistinct fairy tale concealed by spectacular visuals.

Tim C.

Jun 27, 2020

Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) Review – Indistinct fairy tale concealed by spectacular visuals.

Offering enthralling visual spectacle to disguise a dense plot and lack of finesse; a mildly disappointing Studio Ghibli adventure.

The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し) Review – A middling but sweet fairy tale.

Tim C.

Jun 20, 2020

The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し) Review – A middling but sweet fairy tale.

A decent fairy tale that has the dubious distinction of being the only Studio Ghibli film to require some suspension of disbelief.

Artemis Fowl Review – Maladapted franchise non-starter.

Tim C.

Jun 16, 2020

Artemis Fowl Review – Maladapted franchise non-starter.

Just the latest in a long line of poorly handled YA novel film adaptations, Artemis Fowl is a waste of good source material.

Spirited Away (‎千と千尋の神隠し) Review – Miyazaki’s magnum opus.

Tim C.

Jun 13, 2020

Spirited Away (‎千と千尋の神隠し) Review – Miyazaki’s magnum opus.

Much like the waters in its famous bathhouse, creativity and spirituality flow abundantly in a film that's undoubtedly one of Ghibli's best.

My Neighbors the Yamadas (ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん) Review – Slice-of-life vignettes from Studio Ghibli.

Tim C.

May 30, 2020

My Neighbors the Yamadas (ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん) Review – Slice-of-life vignettes from Studio Ghibli.

A charming departure from traditional Studio Ghibli fare, but not the best experience for the uninitiated.

Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫) Review – Epic fantasy, powerful allegory.

Tim C.

May 23, 2020

Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫) Review – Epic fantasy, powerful allegory.

A spellbinding and complex fantasy with unusual nuance, and a powerful and timeless allegory.

Capone Review – Tom Hardy leads confusing, bizarre crime biopic.

Tim C.

May 21, 2020

Capone Review – Tom Hardy leads confusing, bizarre crime biopic.

Poorly structured, frequently incoherent and a little dull, Josh Trank’s Capone relies solely on Tom Hardy's oddly mesmerising performance.

Tim C.

May 19, 2020

Scoob! Review – Ruh roh…

A thoroughly generic film for kids that doesn't quite get why Scooby Doo is so compelling, despite offering a few good laughs.

Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば) Review – Studio Ghibli is homeward bound.

Tim C.

May 16, 2020

Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば) Review – Studio Ghibli is homeward bound.

A charming snapshot of teenage life and a stirring ode to the creative process, despite an awkward ending.

Pom Poko (平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ) Review – Poignant Japanese fable occasionally gets lost in translation.

Tim C.

May 9, 2020

Pom Poko (平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ) Review – Poignant Japanese fable occasionally gets lost in translation.

A lovingly crafted fable undermined by a long runtime and a tendency for its cultural references to get lost in translation.

May 2, 2020

Porco Rosso Review – Romantic aerial adventures.

A beautifully animated ode to classic films and a love letter to the early days of aviation.

Apr 23, 2020

Kiki’s Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便) Review – Infectious positivity from Studio Ghibli.

Not the studio’s most sophisticated work, but a great film with plenty of charm, positivity and depth nonetheless.

Apr 19, 2020

My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) Review – Instant childhood joy.

Simple, pure and heartwarming animation, and an instant classic.

Apr 11, 2020

Castle in the Sky (天空の城ラピュタ) Review – Adventure for adventure’s sake.

A true steampunk epic and one of animation's greatest adventures.

Apr 4, 2020

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (風の谷のナウシカ) Review – Groundbreaking classic anime.

A wonderful heroine, timeless story and richly imaginative world remain compelling even today.

Apr 2, 2020

Marriage Story Review - A Split-Cute.

Marriage Story, with it's sharp script and excellent acting is a deep dive into a couple’s failing relationship that’s worth taking.

Mar 28, 2020

Guns Akimbo Review - Mindless bolt-action.

While it may not be for everybody, Guns Akimbo serves as mindless entertainment for those who want to pass some time.

Mar 16, 2020

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Review – A spellbinding Japanese fable

A haunting and graceful fable with a bold and unforgettable visual style.

Mar 10, 2020

Onward Review - Pixar stretches its creative muscles

With imaginative aesthetic, solid story and earnest performances, Onward wins you over and proves Pixar’s staying power.

Mar 6, 2020

The Invisible Man Review – Elisabeth Moss leads harrowing, timely thriller.

Riveting psychological horror, and a highly effective and timely reboot.

Mar 2, 2020

Ocean Waves (海がきこえる) Review – A charming everyday drama.

A short and sweet sleeper hit.

Feb 29, 2020

Only Yesterday (おもひでぽろぽろ) Review - Studio Ghibli’s charming journey down memory lane.

Newly reviewed for 2020: a curious and charming exploration of childhood that leads its audience by the arm on a journey back in time.

Feb 26, 2020

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Review – High art LGBT drama

An artfully crafted slow-burning romance.

Feb 24, 2020

Code 8 Review – Competent worldbuilding, underpowered story.

An unorthodox and fascinating world, but without the characters, story or charm to match.

Feb 21, 2020

The Grudge Review – Bog-standard horror fails to impress.

A derivative and fragmented reboot offering only cheap scares and an unoriginal take on its source material.

Feb 14, 2020

Bombshell Review – Stylish but shallow exploration of casual misogyny

Winning performances from a talented cast, and a frustrating reluctance to go beyond a surface-level retelling of events.

Feb 12, 2020

The Press O Movie Awards - 2019

Read on for our picks for the best movies of 2019.

Feb 10, 2020

Birds of Prey Review – Cathy Yan’s peppy Deadpool-lite

DC’s latest shines a little too infrequently to be truly great.

Feb 4, 2020

1917 Review - A stunning technical marvel

A terrifyingly intense war film thanks to stunning cinematography and editing, but one whose story and heart sometimes struggle to keep up.

Jan 28, 2020

Parasite (기생충) Review - Trample, or be trampled on

Parasite is a great showcase of cerebral entertainment with a powerful story.

Jan 22, 2020

Dolittle Review – Tragic flop overthrows the animal kingdom.

Just take your kids to the zoo instead.

Jan 20, 2020

Little Women Review – Greta Gerwig, Saoirse Ronan lead stunning adaptation.

It may not appeal to some, but Little Women’s phenomenal performances, accomplished direction and production design give it remarkable power

Jan 17, 2020

Underwater Review – Derivative but atmospheric sci-fi horror

Delivers some good performances, scares and cinematography, but weakened by a hollow story.

Jan 15, 2020

Booksmart Review – Coming-of-age comedy still has tricks up its sleeve.

A powerful take on coming-of-age comedy and a phenomenal director’s debut for Olivia Wilde.

Jan 8, 2020

The Star Wars films - ranked

The time has finally come.

Dec 27, 2019

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Review – A thrilling, by-the-books finale.

A deeply flawed finale, despite having plenty of Star Wars magic to spare.

Dec 18, 2019

The Irishman Review – Scorsese flaunts his filmmaking philosophy in accomplished Mob epic.

A slow-burning Mob epic with outstanding performances, and deft, skilful direction from Martin Scorsese.