Eenie Meanie (2025)
The Valet (2022)
Pete's Dragon (2016)
Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (Amélie) (2001)
Pixie (2020)
Mulan (1998) ///
Les Enfants des autres (Other People's Children) (2022) Bittersweet drama centres on disarming teacher Virginie Efira, who finds unexpected resonance and family tenderness in relationship with Roschdy Zem and young daughter despite shadow of his ex-wife. Sketchy subsidiary characters, yet lead forges painful, hopeful realisation.
Eenie Meanie (2025) Action thrills rely on series of blandly efficient car chases as gutsy former getaway driver Samara Weaving finds herself dragged back into casino heist to save her ex. Despite energetic splashes of humor, strong lead is hampered by derivative characters and ineffective tonal shift.
The Valet (2022) Breezy, engaging comedy flirts with romantic conventions as insecure, lowly Eugenio Derbez is hired as date for conceited Hollywood star Samara Weaving to hide truth of current affair from paparazzi. Narrative arc emerges pleasingly rounded, with engaging accent on character and light social awareness.
Pete's Dragon (2016) Astute mix of easy, folksy aesthetic with solid fantasy adventure follows lost boy in dense American Northwest forest rescued by friendly, mythical dinosaur, until threat from local community. With gorgeous visuals and lilting Daniel Hart score, friendship, family and nature conservation make for potent storytelling.
Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (Amélie) (2001) Bright design accentuates optimistic, sentimental journey of generous, mischievous Audrey Tautou, living in her own isolated imagination. Whether convincing her father to travel or being eyes for a blind man, she determines to bring joy into others’ lives. But will she allow it into her own? Playful style and engaging humour. [MB]
Pixie (2020) Self-conscious, derivative comic gangster nonsense kick-started by robbery of drug-dealing priests never quite develops enough character or story cohesion amid double-crossing Irish thieves. Strained humour and action despite Olivia Cooke's unpredictable, beguiling energy.
Mulan (1998) Realized with suitably impressive scope, Chinese legend of eponymous character disguising as male to join army and fight invading Huns features stand-out action amid more physical, wisecracking humor and conventional romance. Breezy momentum sustained with thematic strength.
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