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Marischka and Gualano are likeable leads, intrepid young sleuths who dive into several mildly dangerous situations. They also have some dramatic moments together, revealing underlying insecurities that they might be able to help each other to overcome. From the sidelines, Schuttler has a couple of strong moments along the way. Mojen and Juttendonk are cackling and camp, so we can't wait for them to get their just desserts. And of course the feisty pups steal the show.

This is a sharply well-produced movie, even if it never attempts to find an original angle on the usual kids' adventure formula. And the simplistic message about the importance of family is gently affirming in all the expected ways. While the cartoonish narrative will easily hold the attention of youngsters, there may not be much here for grown-ups in the audience. But at least there's some proper nuttiness along the way.

themes, language

2.May.24

The ensemble admirably goes for broke, throwing aching glances with abandon as each preposterous revelation emerges from the murky depths of the plot. It's far too corny for anyone to retain even a shred of dignity, but each actor's commitment to the soapy mayhem is impressive, especially Hurley, for a variety of reasons relating to her astonishingly revealing wardrobe and over-the-top make-up. She also earns extra points for gallantly supporting her filmmaker son's first feature.

This movie is so breathtakingly terrible that it's actually entertaining, often feeling like a brilliant spoof. Although the filmmakers miss a trick by shying away from the sex or violence, the sudsiness is impressively relentless, swelling continually from the opening scene to the astoundingly overwrought final moments. So it becomes one of those guilty pleasure disasters that you can actually have a lot of fun watching, preferably with a group of inebriated friends on a spectacular tropical island.

themes, language, violence

14.May.24

Diving headlong into Wade's depravity, Simmons never flinches from seriously vile behaviour, creating a terrifyingly conscience-free villain. There are hints of texture in the character, even if his brutality remains relentless. But the film belongs to Anaya, who brings real soulfulness to Miranda, a complex teen grappling with both a terrifying situation and her own darkly troubled past. It's a tough performance, and she keeps the audience gripped. Urrejola also has strong presence as the fiercely determined Jenny.

The film's margins are populated with people who add realistic touches, and the narrative remains believable until a couple of rather contrived events and confrontations in the final act. And it's somewhat frustrating that the movie feels like little more than an exercise in nihilistic violence with an added touch of female tenacity to give the audience a bit of hope. But it's beautifully shot, and the striking performances make it worth a look.

themes, language, violence

15.May.24