Visually there are a large number of arresting moments where the spectacle lives up to the modern standard of sensory overload. The human (and fish) element however struggles slightly to keep pace. It was always going to be a big ask to add anything new to a story so well-known.

The musical numbers do help at times to lift things and it’s great to have movie songs with real live memorable choruses and not just verse after verse after verse. This is aided by the strong singing voice of Halle Bailey who plays the titular character Ariel.

The mesmerising amount of visual information in the underwater scenes makes those moments the film’s most vibrant element. Save some money on an aquarium and just loop those scenes on the telly. The film is fairly family friendly but the main conflagration at the conclusion is intense and puts an entertaining coda on the spectacle that is The Little Mermaid.
Rob Hudson
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The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric.

While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca”) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as The Queen; Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula.

The Little Mermaid will be released in Aussie cinemas May 25!
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Two of the film’s stars, Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, debuted the trailer today during the 95th Annual Academy Awards®. “The Little Mermaid,” helmed by visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall, opens exclusively in Australian cinemas May 25, 2023.

“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric.

While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Prince Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca”) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as Queen Selina; Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula.
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Nothing extraordinary ever happens to Carol Peters (McCarthy), so when she starts getting snarky backtalk from her TV, phone and microwave, she thinks she’s being punked. Or losing her mind.

In fact, the world’s first artificial superintelligence has chosen to study and observe Carol’s attempt to romantically reconcile with her former boyfriend to better understand the human condition. Soon, the all-powerful entity takes over her life…with ominous plans to take over the world. Now, Carol is potentially humanity’s last chance before this AI-with-an-attitude decides to pull the plug.

Superintelligence releases in Australia and New Zealand cinemas on December 17, 2020!

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Nothing extraordinary ever happens to Carol Peters (McCarthy), so when she starts getting snarky backtalk from her TV, phone and microwave, she thinks she’s being punked. Or losing her mind. In fact, the world’s first artificial superintelligence has chosen to study and observe Carol’s attempt to romantically reconcile with her former boyfriend to better understand the human condition. Soon, the all-powerful entity takes over her life…with ominous plans to take over the world. Now, Carol is potentially humanity’s last chance before this AI-with-an-attitude decides to pull the plug.

The starring cast also includes Brian Tyree Henry, and Jean Smart.

McCarthy and Falcone are producing, alongside Rob Cowan, whose credits include the Falcone/McCarthy comedy “Tammy,” “Aquaman” and the “Conjuring” films. “Superintelligence” is written by Steve Mallory. Richard Brener, Michael Disco, Mallory, Aaron L. Gilbert and Jason Cloth are the executive producers.

Superintelligence releases in Australia in theatres on December 17, 2020.
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The establishment of the characters and story in the first act is fine, it’s the second act and final reel that are a bit wobbly. The end especially feels rushed. It’s as if the story would have been better served if presented as a high quality multiple episode television series.

Having women act in the roles traditionally inhabited by male characters challenges you to get past gender. These ladies can be as ruthless and scheming as any previous on-screen gangsters and often times seem the better business person.

Based on a DC graphic novel by Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle, it’s interesting that the film’s biggest flaw is how under developed the characters are. Even for a film this short (102 minutes) there are crucial moments that feel rushed. It leaves you with the feeling of untapped potential.

Rob Hudson
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Left with little but a sharp axe to grind, the ladies take the Irish mafia’s matters into their own hands—proving unexpectedly adept at everything from running the rackets to taking out the competition…literally.

THE KITCHEN is directed by Andrea Berloff and also stars Domhnall Gleeson, James Badge Dale, Brian d’Arcy James, with Margo Martindale, Oscar winner Common, and Bill Camp; as well as Jeremy Bobb, E.J. Bonilla, Wayne Duvall, Annabella Sciorra and Myk Watford.

THE KITCHEN releases in Australian cinemas on August 29, 2019.
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“The Kitchen” stars Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss as three 1978 Hell’s Kitchen housewives whose mobster husbands are sent to prison by the FBI. Left with little but a sharp ax to grind, the ladies take the Irish mafia’s matters into their own hands—proving unexpectedly adept at everything from running the rackets to taking out the competition…literally.

THE KITCHEN also stars Domhnall Gleeson, James Badge Dale, Brian d’Arcy James, with Margo Martindale, Oscar winner Common, and Bill Camp; as well as Jeremy Bobb, E.J. Bonilla, Wayne Duvall, Annabella Sciorra, and Myk Watford.

THE KITCHEN releases in Australian cinemas on August 29, 2019.
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Director Brian Henson (son of Jim) gets to scrap the good taste and limited children friendly world and indulge in something very much restricted viewer worthy. Casting Melissa McCarthy gives the film a perfect B movie atmosphere and lowers the expectations of the work having to be fine art. Dirty puppet jokes and bad human jokes, what could be better?

Setting the story in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles and following a down on his luck private dick scenario features just the right amount of trash and treasure. There are also numerous remakes of classic cinema scenes that get dragged through the muck and that proves to be a lot of fun.

For those who lament comedy films that have all the good jokes in the trailer, The Happytime Murders will satisfy with a plethora of exceedingly tacky and offensive jokes. The trailer proves to be just a tease. Leave the good taste at the snack counter, get a whole load of sugar and salt in ya and laugh your fuzzy wuzzys off.

Rob Hudson
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THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS is a filthy comedy set in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles where puppets and humans coexist. Two clashing detectives with a shared secret, one human (Melissa McCarthy) and one puppet, are forced to work together again to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved classic puppet television show.

THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS is based on an original story by Todd Berger and Dee Robertson; with the screenplay penned by Berger. Brian Henson is the director of the film, whilst Melissa McCarthy will play human lead Connie Edwards.

THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS releases nationally on 6th September, 2018.
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