This week, in cinemas: The Fass wears high-waisted jeans; a Dame takes up sanctuary in van; and two transgender prostitutes lead up the unlikeliest comedy of the year.
Steve Jobs
★★★★★
What it’s about: As the title helpfully suggests, Steve Jobs is a film about Steve Jobs, and (for those counting at home) the third film about Steve Jobs in as many years. This particular Steve Jobs could be the Steve Jobsiest of them all: from a dream team that includes an Aaron Sorkin script, a Danny Boyle director's chair, and a Michael Fassbender turtleneck.
What we thought: “operatic in scope, breathtakingly articulate… Steve Jobs is ridiculously entertaining”.
The Lady In The Van
★★★★☆
What it’s about: The second film this week to vye for the position of Most Literal Title, The Lady In The Van is about a lady who lives in a van. From the pen of Alan Bennett (who writes himself in as a character) it sees Dame Maggie Smith plays the titular lady who lives in the titular van – a home quite unbecoming of the Dowager Countess.
What we thought: “a fine, moving comedy of English manners”.
Tangerine
★★★★☆
What it’s about: As a poster quote snappily puts it, this is “the transgender revenge comedy of the year”. A micro-budget LA-LGBT adventure shot entirely on iPhones, it would make a weirdly appropriate double-bill with Steve Jobs, come to think of it.
What we thought: “the filmmaking is electric, boasting the vim and verve of a young Scorsese.”
The Hallow
★★★☆☆
What it’s about: Ahead of his definitely-maybe-possibly-hopefully-happening remake of The Crow, director Corin Hardy heads to the Emerald Isle for some supernatural chills. It’s an Irish fairy tale without a happy ending – but it does have a “Fungal Research Advisor” listed in the credits.
What we thought: “a solidly effective little horror film”.
Fathers And Daughters
★★☆☆☆
What it’s about: Weepy melodrama. Soppy romance. Michael Bolton on the soundtrack. Nuff said.
What we thought: “a muddled, overwrought soapy drama”.