Vicky Roach
Arts and film writer.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Vicky Roach
Jacki Weaver on acting, Penguin Bloom and those Anjelica Huston comments
The subject of Jacki Weaver’s very public stoush with Anjelica Huston has reared its ugly head – again. Last year, Huston slammed Weaver’s comedy film Poms as an “old-lady cheerleader movie”, and in response, Weaver forthrightly retorted: “She can just go f*ck herself.” Today, there are no curse words from Weaver when it comes up in her conversation with Stellar, just a sigh. media_camera“Work is noble, whether you’re a railway fitter or a house painter.
Anne Hathaway reveals how she feels about the public’s opinion of her
There was a time when Anne Hathaway cared what people thought of her – but that time has long since passed. In an exclusive interview with Stellar, the Oscar-winning actor discusses the challenges of raising two young sons (and tackling the laundry) during lockdown, the question she’s glad young women are no longer interested in, and why playing the villain is actually a return to her roots.
Stranger Things star in new feminist spin on Holmes story
Millie Bobby Brown stars as Enola Holmes who is only a teenager, but already running rings around her older brother Sherlock in this new take on the classic tale. Director Harry Bradbeer Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Helena Bonham Carter, Henry Cavill Rating CTC Running time 123 minutes Verdict A fresh, feminist spin on a much-loved classic Behind every great 19th century detective ... is an under-appreciated sister chafing against the constrictions of her too-tight corset.
Disney’s Mulan epic deserves a bigger screen
Camera IconThe martial arts epic is based on an old Chines tale. Credit: Supplied If ever there was a time for an iconic studio to stand up and be counted it was with the release of this long-awaited martial arts tale writes Vicky Roach Camera IconMulan (Yifei Liu) takes her father’s place in the emperor’s army.
Tenet: The time-travelling blockbuster we need right now
Camera IconRobert Pattinson and John David Washington in Tenet. Credit: Supplied Director Christopher Nolan has pulled out all the stops for Tenet but can the mind-bending epic save the movie world? Vicky Roach gives her verdict Camera IconJohn David Washington and Robert Pattinson in Tenet.
Not much Power in Netflix’s new action movie
Camera IconJamie Foxx and Dominique Fishback in a scene from Project Power. Credit: Supplied, Netflix A potentially interesting premise — a mass-produced pill that gives users a fleeting taste of what it might feel like to be a superhero — is squandered in Neflix’s latest attempt to jumpstart the action genre.
The movie Liam Neeson should not have made
Camera IconLiam Neeson and his real life and on-screen son Micheál Richardson Credit: Supplied This rom-com has a sturdy, reliable premise with plenty of miles on the clock, but first-time writer-director James D’Arcy doesn’t have the skills to nurse it through the necessary gear changes. TWO STARS Director: James D’Arcy Starring:Liam Neeson, Micheál Richardson, Lindsay Duncan Running time: TBC Verdict: Disappointing, chocolate box rom-com Perhaps it’s unfair to single out the weasel.
Rusty’s rage a licence to chill
Camera IconRussell Crowe has a terrifying case of road range in Unhinged. Credit: Supplied The Aussie star’s new role gets five stars for titular accuracy writes reviewer Vicky Roach Camera IconRussell Crowe has a terrifying case of road range in Unhinged.
Where’d You Go Bernadette: brilliant Blanchett exposes shortcomings
The star is by far the best thing in a movie that delivers less than it promises while fellow Aussie Elizabeth Debicki enjoys a rare chance to let off steam in a torrid tale of art and deception. Camera IconCate Blanchett in Where’d You Go Bernadette.
Two new black comedies with heart you have to watch
Camera IconEliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace in a scene from Babyteeth. Credit: Supplied A fearless and near flawless piece of home-grown cinema, a Judd Apatow comedy about grief and growing up, and an uproarious mockumentary based on Topshop supremo Philip Green, are our top picks for weekend watching. Camera IconEliza Scanlen is a teen with terminal cancer in the beautifully nuanced family drama Babyteeth.
Tom Hanks and Charlize Theron in epic streaming face-off
Camera IconTom Hanks stars in the tense WWII naval epic Greyhound. Credit: Supplied The superstars go head-to-head this week with Greyhound and The Old Guard, movies which demand the biggest home screen you can find. Camera IconTom Hanks stars in the tense WWII naval epic Greyhound.
Elisabeth Moss scarily good in gothic biopic
Camera IconCredit: Supplied RISING Sydney actor Odessa Young goes head-to-head with the star in this week’s gripping gothic biopic Shirley SHIRLEY Three stars Director: Josephine Decker Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Odessa Young, Michael Stuhlbarg Rating: M Running time: 107 minutes Verdict A bravura performance from Moss Elisabeth Moss holds nothing back in her fascinating portrayal of US horror writer Shirley Jackson.
Will Ferrell’s Eurovision Song Contest a love song to kitsch
The new Netflix move The Story Of Fire Saga — starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams — remains true to the spirit of Eurovision even while it pokes fun at the musical institution, writes movie reviewer Vicky Roach. WHAT TO WATCH EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA Three and a half stars Director: Dave Dobkin Starring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Piers Brosnan Rating: TBC Running time: TBC Verdict: Douze points! The human hamster wheel.
Which Tom Cruise Film Matches Your Iso Personality? | Foxtel
News posted thu jun 18 16:30:00 aest 2020 on Thu Jun 18 16:30:00 AEST 2020 With a special Tom Cruise Pop-Up Movie Event saluting one of modern cinema’s greatest onscreen heroes starting on Friday, we ask which of his alter egos best reflects your lockdown state of mind From daredevil fighter pilot to misogynistic self-help guru and troubled superspy, Tom Cruise has played a diverse range of characters in a career spanning almost 40 years.
Kumail Nanjiani fails important test in crime caper The Lovebirds
Camera IconIssa Rae and Kumail Nanjiana in The Lovebirds.
Laughs before love in Kumail Nanjiani’s new crime caper The Lovebirds
Kumail Nanjiani almost saved Chris Hemworth’s butt in Men In Black International but can’t manage the same for new screwball crime caper. THE LOVEBIRDS Two and a half stars Director: Michael Showalter Starring: Kumail Najiani, Issa Rae, Anna Camp Rating: M Running time: 87 minutes Verdict: Fast-paced, feather-brained crime caper Kumail Nanjiani’s wisecracking mini alien almost singlehandedly saved Chris Hemsworth’s butt in Men In Black International.
Why tough Blake Lively is let down by her own movie
Camera IconBlake Lively is on the path to vengeance in her anti- Credit: Supplied The celebrated Hollywood beauty is unrecognisable in her latest screen outing THE RHYTHM SECTION Two stars Director: Reed Morano Starring: Blake Lively, Jude Law Rating: MA15+ Running time: 110 minutes Verdict: Revenge thriller misses the beat From Charlize Theron in Monster to Nicole Kidman in Destroyer — Hollywood beauties relish the chance to show their acting chops in gritty, anti-vanity projects.
The Rhythm Section: Tough Blake Lively let down by her own movie
BLAKE Lively goes rogue in vengeance thriller The Rhythm Section and must-watch The Assistant explores the silent victims of men like Harvey Weinstein. THE RHYTHM SECTION Two stars Director: Reed Morano Starring: Blake Lively, Jude Law Rating: MA15+ Running time: 110 minutes Verdict: Revenge thriller misses the beat From Charlize Theron in Monster to Nicole Kidman in Destroyer — Hollywood beauties relish the chance to show their acting chops in gritty, anti-vanity projects.
Beastie Boys Story hits right emotional notes
An up-close-and-personal look at the Beastie Boys tops this weekend’s most entertainment new releases. BEASTIE BOYS STORY Three stars Director: Spike Jonze Starring: Mike Diamond, Adam Horovitz and Adam Yauch (picture) Rating: M Running time: 120 minutes Verdict: Hits the right emotional notes Fame, fortune, betrayal, substance abuse ... the basic template for this “live” documentary is as familiar as a 12-bar blues progression.
Beastie Boys Story hits right emotional notes
Camera IconCredit: Supplied An up-close-and-personal look at the Beastie Boys tops this weekend’s most entertainment new releases, previewed by Vicky Roach. BEASTIE BOYS STORY Three stars Director: Spike Jonze Starring: Mike Diamond, Adam Horovitz and Adam Yauch (picture) Rating: M Running time: 120 minutes Verdict: Hits the right emotional notes Fame, fortune, betrayal, substance abuse ... the basic template for this “live” documentary is as familiar as a 12-bar blues progression.
Movie reviews: Chris Hemsworth’s Extraction and kids’ flick The Willoughbys
LOOKING for something new to watch this weekend? Check out Chris Hemsworth’s new thriller and sweet kids’ romp The Willoughbys. EXTRACTION Two stars Director: Sam Hargrave Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraskh Jaiswal, David Harbour Rating: MA15+ Running time: 117 minutes Verdict: A brutally pedestrian thriller Painful, bloody, humourless .... this unfortunately titled action thriller is about as appealing as having a tooth pulled.
Movie reviews: Chris Hemsworth’s Extraction and kids’ flick The Willoughbys
Camera IconCredit: Netflix Looking for something new to watch this weekend? Vicky Roach gives her verdict on Chris Hemsworth’s new thriller and kids’ romp The Willoughbys. EXTRACTION Two stars Director: Sam Hargrave Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraskh Jaiswal, David Harbour Rating: MA15+ Running time: 117 minutes Verdict: A brutally pedestrian thriller Painful, bloody, humourless .... this unfortunately titled action thriller is about as appealing as having a tooth pulled.
Movie reviews: Netflix films Love Wedding Repeat and Tigertail
Camera IconLove Wedding Repeat airs on Netflix. Credit: Supplied The new Netflix movie Love Wedding Repeat has something borrowed, all right, film reviewer Vicky Roach writes — its plot is startlingly similar to Hugh Grant’s 1994 classic Four Weddings and a Funeral. But is it worth the watch?
Movie reviews: Netflix films Love Wedding Repeat and Tigertail
LOVE WEDDING REPEAT Director: Dean Craig Starring: Sam Claflin, Olivia Munn, Eleanor Tomlinson Rating: M Running time: 100 minutes Verdict: There’s something borrowed, all right! While there are no funerals in this raucous British rom-com, and just the one wedding, its debt to Richard Curtis’s 1994 crowd pleaser is obvious.
Two new movies you can watch this weekend
ONWARD Three stars Director: Dan Scanlon Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus Rating: PG Running time: 107 minutes Verdict: A sweet tale of elf-empowerment TWO teenage elf brothers set out to discover whether there’s any magic left in the world in Pixar’s latest animated adventure. The filmmakers work hard to conjure some up for them, but it’s no easy feat.
Two new movies you can watch this weekend
Disney’s suburban fairytale Onward is one of two new releases movie fans can still catch in select cinemas this weekend Three stars Director: Dan Scanlon Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus Rating: PG Running time: 107 minutes Verdict: A sweet tale of elf-empowerment TWO teenage elf brothers set out to discover whether there’s any magic left in the world in Pixar’s latest animated adventure. The filmmakers work hard to conjure some up for them, but it’s no easy feat.
Expert reviews of this week’s big movies
Camera IconCredit: News Regional Media If you can’t decide what movie to go and watch this weekend, we’ve done the hard work for you. Read our expert reviews on Queen & Slim, The Current War, Bloodshot and Happy New Year, Colin Burstead. Director: Melina Matsoukas Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine Running time: 132 minutes Classification: MA15+ Verdict: FOUR STARS Camera IconDaniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith in a scene from Queen & Slim.
Movie reviews: Queen & Slim, The Current War, Bloodshot and Happy New Year, Colin Burstead
QUEEN & SLIM Director: Melina Matsoukas Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine Running time: 132 minutes Classification: MA15+ Verdict: FOUR STARS media_cameraDaniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith in a scene from Queen & Slim. Picture: Universal Pictures. Skin colour and sexual tension aside, the comparisons between this hard-hitting road movie and Thelma and Louise are apt.
Military Wives strikes all the right emotional chords
MILITARY WIVES Three and a half stars Director: Peter Cattaneo Starring: Kristin Thomas, Sharon Horgan Rating: M Running: time 112 minutes Verdict: Strikes all the right emotional chords FOLLOWING hot on the heels of Fishermen’s Friends, based on the true story of a rag-tag bunch of Cornish sea shanty singers who made it to the top of the UK charts, comes Military Wives, about an amateur choir that is invited to perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Ben Affleck’s new movie painfully close to home
THE WAY BACK Four stars Director: Gavin O’Connor Starring: Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Michaela Watkins Rating: M Running time: 108 minutes Verdict: This time it’s personal for Affleck Ben Affleck knows a thing or two about spectacular falls from grace. Presumably, that’s why it feels as though he has so much skin in this performance.
Stark truth behind Mark Ruffalo’s sobering passion project
DARK WATERS Three and a half stars Director: Todd Haynes Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins Rating: M Running time: 126 minutes Verdict: Chilling true story Cincinnati lawyer Robert Billot (Mark Ruffalo) doesn’t really get his day in court in this disturbing real-life drama about a giant chemical company’s attempts to cover up its decades-long contamination of a town’s water supply. Dark Waters is not that kind of film.
The Lighthouse: Art house horror gets that sinking feeling
Camera IconWillem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse. Credit: News Regional Media Not even the desperate intensity of Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson’s performances can save this brooding thriller, movie reviewer Vicky Roach writes.
The Grudge: Reboot’s lack of detail is scarily sloppy
Camera IconAndrea Riseborough in The Grudge. Credit: News Regional Media The characters in this “sidequel” to the 2004 film of the same name are so underwritten they’re barely distinguishable from the malevolent ghosts that haunt them. Two stars Director: Nicolas Pesce Starring: Andrea Riseborough, Lin Shaye, Jacki Weaver Rating: MA15+ Running time: 94 minutes Verdict: A supernatural slog If the devil is in the detail, then that’s exactly what this half-hearted horror reboot is missing.
The Grudge: Reboot’s lack of detail is scarily sloppy
THE GRUDGE Two stars Director: Nicolas Pesce Starring: Andrea Riseborough, Lin Shaye, Jacki Weaver Rating: MA15+ Running time: 94 minutes Verdict: A supernatural slog If the devil is in the detail, then that’s exactly what this half-hearted horror reboot is missing. The characters in Nicolas Pesce’s “sidequel” to the 2004 film of the same name are so underwritten they’re barely distinguishable from the malevolent ghosts that haunt them.
Like A Boss proves Hollywood doesn’t know what women want
Camera IconSalma Hayek, Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne in a scene from Like A Boss. Credit: Supplied Despite valiant attempts by Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne to breathe a bit of life into the underwritten, overworked screenplay, Like A Boss is deeply compromised by the mixed message it is sending to young women, movie review Vicky Roach writes.
Battle epic more board game than game changer
Camera IconA scene from the World War II movie Midway. Credit: Supplied This battle epic gets the job done but feels like an expensive throwback Two and a half stars Director: Roland Emmerich Starring: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Patrick Wilson Rating: M Running time: 138 minutes Verdict: A good-looking throwback Disaster director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) turns his attention to a decisive Allied victory in this World War II action drama.
Crime-fighting odd couple still have what it takes
It’s been 17 years but there’s plenty of life left in this 90s partnership Three stars Director: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Kate del Castillo Rating: MA15+ Running time: 124 minutes Verdict: There’s life in this 90s partnership yet MIAMI’S odd couple cops face off against a merciless Mexican witch in the belated third instalment in the Bad Boys trilogy.
Crime-fighting odd couple still have what it takes
BAD BOYS FOR LIFE Three stars Director: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Kate del Castillo Rating: MA15+ Running time: 124 minutes Verdict: There’s life in this 90s partnership yet MIAMI’S odd couple cops face off against a merciless Mexican witch in the belated third instalment in the Bad Boys trilogy. If the drug cartel widow’s powerful black magic doesn’t get them, her avenging son, Armando (Jacob Scipio), will.
Underwater: Kristen Stewart survives dive into deep sea disaster zone
UNDERWATER Three stars Director: William Eubank Starring: Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, T.J. Miller Rating: M Running time: 95 minutes Verdict: A no-nonsense disaster movie By the age of 22, Kirsten Stewart had already survived four vampire romances. She’s more than a match for Underwater’s malevolent, Jules Verne-style sea monster.
Heavyweights bring seminal #MeToo story to life
Camera IconNicole Kidman stars as Gretchen Carlson in Bombshell. Credit: Supplied, Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. One of Bombshell’s strengths is the way it embraces the characters’ complex allegiances — these are powerful women who aren’t accustomed to thinking of themselves as “victims”.
MOVIE REVIEW: Cockney crime caper should come with warning
by Vicky Roach 30th Dec 2019 3:00 PM premium_icon Subscriber only THE GENTLEMEN Four stars Director: Guy Ritchie Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Grant, Colin Farrell Rating: MA15+ Running time: 113 minutes Verdict: Cracker Cockney crime caper Guy Ritchie is back on familiar turf with this sharply dressed crime caper, although it's been significantly gentrified in the intervening 20 years.
MOVIE REVIEW: Jumanji sequel takes fun to the next level
by Vicky Roach 27th Dec 2019 9:00 AM premium_icon Subscriber only JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL Three and a half stars Director: Jake Kasdan Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart Running: time 123 minutes Rating: PG Verdict: Value-added sequel A MAN-eating python, a giant ostrich stampede across parched desert dunes and a vertiginous chase sequence involving a series of moving rope bridges … it's game on from the get-go in this fast-paced action comedy.
Taika Waititi throws rulebook out in Jojo Rabbit
JOJO RABBIT Four stars Director: Taika Waititi Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson Rating: M Running time: 108 minutes Verdict: One-of-a-kind Taika Waititi doesn’t just ignore WC Field’s golden rule: “Never work with animals or children”, he actively flaunts it.
Mirren and McKellen steal show in The Good Liar
THE GOOD LIAR Three stars Director: Bill Condon Starring: Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Russell Tovey Rating: M Running time: 109 minutes Verdict: A couple of crafty performances sell this elaborate con Since acting is a kind of confidence trick, Ian McKellen might already be described as a master fraudster.
Playing With Fire sends originality up in smoke
PLAYING WITH FIRE Two stars Director: Andy Fickman Starring: John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo Rating: PG Running: time 96 minutes Verdict: Barely a spark AFTER rescuing a sharp-tongued teenager and her two, cute-as-a-button siblings from a blazing inferno, a gruff, emotionally arrested firefighter is forced to take care of them for an entire weekend.
The Two Popes a spirited look at God couple
THE TWO POPES Three stars Director: Fernando Meirelles Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce Rating: M Running time: 125 minutes Verdict: Papal buddy movie gets our blessing One’s a scholarly, Fanta-drinking archconservative who prefers to eat alone. The other’s a gregarious liberal with twin passions: soccer and the tango.
Addams Family stars missing the fright stuff
THE ADDAMS FAMILY Two and a half stars Director: Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon Starring: Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, Allison Janney Rating: PG Running: time 87 minutes Verdict: Takes the ooky out of spooky THE McMansions fast encroaching upon the Addams family’s crumbling, mist-shrouded asylum aren’t all that’s been “Trumanised” in this bland reboot of the popular 1960s TV show. Morticia (Charlize Theron), everybody’s favourite ghoul mother, has lost much of her mojo.
How Knives Out has reinvented the whodunnit
KNIVES OUT Four stars Director: Rian Johnson Starring: Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette Rating: M Running time: 130 minutes Verdict: A razor-sharp whodunit Hercule Poirot better watch his back. A pompous new super sleuth appears to have appropriated his preposterous persona, although Daniel Craig’s version – Benoit Blanc — substitutes loud ties and braces for that extraordinary handlebar moustache.
Raucous debut a vivid snapshot of eastern suburbs
A micro-budget can go a long way if you have Bondi Beach as your backdrop and an 18-year-old’s reckless bravado as your driving force. Director Jeremy Cumptson Starring Hal Cumptson, Frederick Du Rietz, Mitzi Ruhlmann Rating MA15+ Running time 97 minutes Verdict Homegrown coming-of-age comedy THREE STARS
Raucous debut a vivid snapshot of eastern suburbs
-g-icon-error Invalid postcode. Sorry we couldn't find a match for that, please try again
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Vicky
Contact Vicky, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack