Simon Morris
Review - Daffodils: a romantic musical with Kiwi hits and few surprises
The most surprising thing about Daffodils – the highly-anticipated film adaptation of a NZ stage musical featuring Kiwi pop hits – is how heavily promoted it's been, writes Simon Morris. Video, Audio
At The Movies for 27 March 2019
Simon Morris wonders whether New Zealand films are still scared of happy endings, and checks out two other films determined to entertain. Audio
Review - Hang Time: a sunny, funny and deftly made Kiwi film
Harry – a twenty-something accountant – gets dumped by his fiancée. Fortunately, his BFF Ants is onhand and his other friend Jess is working at a vineyard. Simon Morris reviews a local movie about… Video, Audio
Review – Isn't it Romantic? Sorry Netflix, not remotely
Can Netflix-made movies match the undoubted success of their serial dramas? Simon Morris was curious to check out their highly-touted satirical romcom Isn't It Romantic, which stars Aussie actors… Video, Audio
Review – Destroyer: Nicole Kidman cuts loose as an ex-cop in freefall
Australia's favourite daughter gives an astonishing performance in Karyn Kusama's award-nominated film Destroyer, writes Simon Morris. Video, Audio
At The Movies for 20 March 2019
Simon Morris looks at three films that all have an Australasian angle. Audio
Review - The price of everything
The Price of Everything asks why it's in everyone's interest to keep the price of modern art as high as possible. Directed by Nathaniel Kahn (My architect). Audio
Review - If Beale Street Could Talk
The Academy Award-winning If Beale Street Could Talk is based on the novel by distinguished writer James Baldwin. Directed by Barry Jenkins (Moonlight). Video, Audio
Review - Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel is the first Marvel Comics super-heroine - how does she shape up? Starring Brie Larson (Room) and a 30 years younger Samuel L Jackson! Audio
At The Movies for 13 March 2019
Simon Morris accepts that most American films are selling fairy-tales of one sort or another. Audio
Review - Swimming with Men
Swimming with men stars Rob Brydon as a man who cures his mid-life crisis by joining a men's synchronized swimming group. Directed by Oliver Parker (Dad's Army). Audio
Review - Everybody Knows
Everybody Knows is a Spanish kidnap drama, starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, and directed by Iranian Oscar-winner Asghar Farhadi (A Separation). Video, Audio
Review - The Guilty
The guilty is a Danish thriller set mostly in one location - a police emergency call centre. One of the hits of the recent NZ Film Festival. Audio
At The Movies for 6 March 2019
Simon Morris looks briefly at the Oscars, then checks out three very different movies: Stan and Ollie, about the last hurrah of Laurel and Hardy… Vox Lux, a sardonic take on modern pop stardom… and… Audio
Review - Vox Lux
Vox Lux stars Natalie Portman as a young woman who uses a high school shooting to build a career as a pop star with music by Sia and the legendary Scott Walker. Video, Audio
Review - Escape Room
Escape room is an affectionate take on old video games and "trapped in a room" thrillers like Saw. Directed by Adam Robitel (Insidious). Audio
Review - Stan & Ollie
Stan & Ollie is a British film that remembers the final tour of comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. Written by Jeff Pope (Philomena) and starring Steve Coogan and John C Reilly. Video, Audio
At The Movies for 27 February 2019
Simon Morris looks back at this year's Oscars, and admires films that ignore trends and just follow the passion of the film-makers. Audio
Review - Colette
Colette stars Keira Knightley as the woman who became one of the best-known writers in French literature. Video, Audio
Review - The Front Runner
The front runner tells the story of Senator Gary Hart's doomed bid for the Presidency in 1988. Stars Hugh Jackman and J K Simmons. Audio