THIS week brings another major wave of nostalgia for those who grew up in the 1990s, with the remake of I Know What You Did Last Summer coming to screens everywhere.
Five friends bound by a terrible secret from their past are stalked by a shadowy killer who constantly mocks them with the film’s title.
The original brought together the “hottest young stars” of the era, and this installment is the same, banking on the idea that if the kids can’t act at least audiences will enjoy seeing them die in creative ways.
As is often the case with these types of films, the stars of the original, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., are brought back to impart wisdom to the next generation.
What is of note with this Hollywood film is the impressive number of women in key creative roles, with writer/director Jennifer Kaitin Robinson joined by cinematographer Elisha Christian and editor Saira Haider.
If you’re keen for some cringe-inducing comedy you might find Friendship will suit your taste.
A vehicle for its lead, Tim Robinson, the film is a black comedy about the socially inept Craig (Robinson) whose awkward relationship with his new neighbour Austin (Paul Rudd) grows into a hilarious obsession.
It is the debut of director Andrew DeYoung, who also wrote the script, and he has found a perfect collaborator in Robinson who has elevated awkward comedy to new heights with his sketch show I Think You Should Leave.
Rounding out the big releases this week is Bride Hard.
An action comedy from British director Simon West (Con Air) starring Australian Rebel Wilson, the film follows the wedding party of bride-to-be Betsy (Anna Camp) who is set to tie the knot at an extravagant locale.
When mercenaries crash the wedding and hold the guests hostage for a valuable Macguffin, Maid of Honour Sam (Wilson) springs into action, revealing that she is, in fact, a highly trained and deadly secret agent.
Supporting turns include Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Only Murders in the Building), Justin Hartley (Tracker) and a welcome villainous turn from 90’s bad boy Stephen Dorff.
Unfortunately, despite some genuine effort on Wilson’s part to hold onto a sense of humour, the script falls very flat and the action is not engaging enough to actually be thrilling in any way.
By Lindsay HALL
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