3DD!3

The decline of male role models in fairy tales is sad, but what scares me here is more the overcomplication of motives leading to possession by evil. Yet the primary one - not fulfilling all wishes - is not satisfactorily explained. The attempt at realism thus comes up empty, and the kids just won't get it. Otherwise, the European Union, America and Russia's approach to government are mixed together in one fairy tale. Disney adds songs, animals and beautiful visuals. It's all quite mechanical, but in trying to be original it forgets that every good fairy tale needs heart rather than weird half-truths. Encanto was much better

A suspenseful, technically well made survival thriller, unfortunately with a mediocre and rather wobbly script. Idris Elba and his two restless daughters go to South Africa to reminisce about their mother, and on the trip they encounter the devious and vengeful Simba. Nonsensical decisions needlessly clash with terrific direction and amazing cinematography. Steven Price's score pulses brilliantly and the acting is pretty good too. The pleasantly grounded Sharlto Copley was a surprise. And the lion looks really good.

Godzilla -1.0 is a film about the tragedy of inaction and fear and the motivation that drives individuals to action and the ultimate sacrifice. The opposite of the cheerful American fooling around, made for relaxing entertainment I saw a few days ago. The Japanese open old wounds here, using a metaphor derived from the two nuclear bombs that Oppenheimer served up to the US military for quick use. Broken people slowly getting back on their feet after a lost war, only to be trampled by another disaster. Stunning destruction, backed by a roaring musical score, vivid characters where you care who survives and who doesn't. Surprisingly, the main character, a coward, lives.