Better Man ★★★★☆
Directed by Michael Gracey. Starring Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Kate Mulvany. 15A cert, gen release, 135 min
Hugely entertaining musical biopic of Robbie Williams that replaces the pop star with an appropriately irreverent monkey. Of course the exercise is an ego trip. The semi-fictionalised protagonist is puffed up with a class of self-importance that might well lead him to make this very film. Ego is here as much a disease as alcoholism. The monkey conceit is, however, a success on several levels. It presses home that sense of Robbie being an agent of chaos in any environment. The simian guise is also a cunning way round an impossible casting challenge. Full review DC
Terrifier 3 ★★★★☆
Directed by Damien Leone. Starring David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, Samantha Scaffidi, Daniel Roebuck, Tom Savini, Jason Patric. 18 cert, digital platforms, 125 min
The breakout horror sensation of 2024 is now ready to rent. Reports of faintings in early screenings and a strict viewing ban for under 16s in France have added to the mythology of a DIY franchise famed for making a jack-o’-lantern from human remains. The premise of each film is simple. Art the Clown mimes and capers before pulling a weapon from his bin bag and, well, ouch. The niceties that govern horror films, like having a final girl or not murdering children, are quickly tossed aside. This Christmas shocker is a hoot if you’re able for it. TB
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How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies ★★★★☆
Directed by Pat Boonnitipat. Starring Putthipong Assaratanakul, Usha Seamkhum, Sarinrat Thomas. Limited release, 125 min
Boonnitipat’s feature debut is a warm, witty tearjerker improbably rooted in elder exploitation. Following a dramatic fall, crotchety matriarch Grandma Mengju (Seamkhum) is diagnosed with stomach cancer. She has less than a year to live; a prognosis her adult offspring work to conceal. Boonnitipat and co-writer Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn’s script juggles contemplative moments and granny’s sardonic zingers. Jaithep Raroengjai’s score gently tugs at the heartstrings. Non-professional actor Usha Seamkhum, who was discovered taking part in a seniors dance competition, is a force of nature and a terrific scene partner for the affecting Assaratanakul. TB
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ★★★☆☆
Directed by Jeff Fowler. Starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, Tika Sumpter. PG cert, gen release, 110 min
Tolerable third part in the video game cycle that finds our blue hero up against the mysterious evil Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves, no less). What happens? Look, nobody cares about the plots of these things – just as nobody sensible cares about the plots of video games. We just hope for enough carnivalesque humour among the spinning lights to distract us from the emptiness of existence. Sonic Trois delivers on that front. Hats vigorously off to Carrey, on top form as evil Dr Robotnik and his even more demented, Nietzschean grandfather. DC
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