The newest Marvel adventure might have unusual visuals, but it entertains more through its traditional fantasy story and sense of humour.
Pete’s Dragon
The latest live-action remake by Disney is a heartfelt tale with a strong sense of place, thanks to accomplished work by indie director David Lowery.
Beyond My Grandfather Allende
With emotional interviews and smart use of historical materials, Marcia Tambutti Allende’s award-winning documentary is a tender study of her Chilean-presidential grandfather and the impact he has left on his surviving family.
Down Under
Abe Forsythe’s Cronulla Riots comedy is a lot of empty provocation, a limp and populist work of social satire more toothless than edgy.
Short Films at Queensland Film Festival 2016
This year’s Queensland Film Festival boasts an array of challenging and compelling short films. Dominic Barlow and Luke Goodsell look at a handful, including those from acclaimed directors like Lucile Hadžihalilović and Ben Rivers.
Gold Coast
GOLD COAST grounds its recreation of the 19th-century West African slave trade in powerful images, music and characterisation that make it utterly contemporary.
Fursonas
FURSONAS’ study of the American furry fandom goes from flattering to shocking, laying out the social hierarchies of an online community in admirable style.
Life, Animated
LIFE, ANIMATED is a basically satisfying documentary about a young man coping with autism through Disney films, told in sweeping and simple fashion.
Viva
VIVA survives a rocky opening to become a luminous father-son drama that defies the conventions of feelgood tales.
In the Shadow of the Hill
Dan Jackson’s documentary IN THE SHADOW OF THE HILL scathingly examines the police oppression of a Rio de Janeiro favela through human stories and protest footage, with compassionate though difficultly balanced results.