And Then There Were None (2015)

This is a ripper star-studded BBC adaptation of the oft-adapted Agatha Christie serial killer mystery, one made for tv that thankfully sticks to the plot of the book (so many others deviate), and one that looks great, sounds terrific, and even if you are someone who has watched six or seven other iterations and know very well the whos and whats and whys, the three episodes of this series will grip you to the no-longer-surprising but surprisingly unspoilt surprise end!

★★★★☆

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Red Dog (2011)

The inhabitants of Dampier gather and share stories about a red dog that has featured prominently in their lives in this gentle drama apparently based on a true story except - as is the irritating way of all mainstream Australian films - the eccentric townfolk have been exaggerated to all get out.

★★★☆☆

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Predestination (2014)

This sci-fi is built tightly around one unusual concept and although the final reveal is quite obvious from an early stage, the film maintains viewer interest with a time travel puzzle filled with likeable characters and for me, recognisable Melbourne locations.

★★☆☆☆

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Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

The repetitive Groundhog Day nature of this sci-fi action, about a man who lives and relives the same day of an alien invasion on the beaches of France, is like watching a friend grapple repeatedly with a difficult boss encounter, but the live-die-repeat loop is made fairly interesting with some dry humour, good performances by the leads, and impressive cgi detail.

★★★★☆

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