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Moana
Moana arrives as an animated adventure directed by Ron Clements, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson give Moana a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Moana comes into focus without a long explanation: In ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out Maui to set things right. Across its
Aug 102 min read
Sing
Sing arrives as an animated adventure directed by Garth Jennings, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon give Sing a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Sing comes into focus without a long explanation: In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario's attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its fi
Aug 102 min read
Suicide Squad
Suicide Squad arrives as a comedy directed by David Ayer, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Will Smith and Jared Leto give Suicide Squad a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Suicide Squad comes into focus without a long explanation: A secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super villains to form a defensive task force. Across its 2h 3m running time, David Ayer keeps Sui
Aug 103 min read
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice arrives as an action film directed by Zack Snyder, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill give Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice comes into focus without a long explanation: Batman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Across its 2h 31m running time, Zack Snyder kee
Aug 103 min read
Zootopia
Zootopia arrives as an animated adventure directed by Byron Howard, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman give Zootopia a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Zootopia comes into focus without a long explanation: In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Across its 1h 48m running time, Byr
Aug 103 min read
Deadpool
Deadpool arrives as a comedy directed by Tim Miller, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ryan Reynolds and Morena Baccarin give Deadpool a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Deadpool comes into focus without a long explanation: A wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal yet hideously scarred, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks. Across its 1h 48m running time, Ti
Aug 103 min read
The Jungle Book
The Jungle Book arrives as an animated adventure directed by Jon Favreau, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Neel Sethi and Bill Murray give The Jungle Book a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Jungle Book comes into focus without a long explanation: After a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of pa
Aug 103 min read
The Secret Life of Pets
The Secret Life of Pets arrives as an animated adventure directed by Chris Renaud, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Louis C.K. and Eric Stonestreet give The Secret Life of Pets a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Secret Life of Pets comes into focus without a long explanation: The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes. Across
Aug 103 min read
Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War arrives as an action film directed by Anthony Russo, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. give Captain America: Civil War a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Captain America: Civil War comes into focus without a long explanation: Political involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man. Across its 2h 27m r
Aug 103 min read
Finding Dory
Finding Dory arrives as an animated adventure directed by Andrew Stanton, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks give Finding Dory a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Finding Dory comes into focus without a long explanation: Friendly but forgetful blue tang Dory begins a search for her long lost parents and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along
Aug 103 min read
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives as an action film directed by Gareth Edwards, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Felicity Jones and Diego Luna give Rogue One: A Star Wars Story a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story comes into focus without a long explanation: In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star,
Aug 103 min read
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