New for premium rental is Jon Stewart’s ‘Irresistible’. Steve Carell stars as Gary Zimmer, a strategist for the Democratic Party who attempts to get a military veteran, Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) elected as mayor of a small Midwest town. When long time Republican rival, Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne) arrives to help the incumbent, things get more intense and the parties throw increasing amount of cash at the race.

Whilst this is not the most biting satire, it gently pokes fun at the US political process. Both parties are targeted though you can tell that Stewart has more scorn for the Republicans. Carell is outstanding and is ably supported by the rest of the cast. With some funny lines, astute observations and an ending I didn’t see coming, this is quite a treat.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10

More political satire can be found in Craig Zobel”s bloody and funny ‘The Hunt’. A group of left wing ‘elites’ kidnap a group of right wing ‘deplorables’, take them to a remote location and hunt them. This modern take on ‘The Most Dangerous Game’, like ‘Irresistible’, sends up both sides of the US political divide. It is tremendous fun, with a high body count and one excellent hand to hand fight.

What really elevates it though, is the performance of Betty Gilpin as one of the hunted. Performances in genre pictures like this are never included in the awards race, which is a shame, as Gilpin is tremendous.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Yet more satire has also arrived on rental services in the form of ‘Greed’. Steve Coogan plays Sir Richard McCreadie, a self made billionaire who runs a fashion empire, a character not so loosely based on Philip Green. Having come under recent scrutiny for the unethical way he runs his business, McCreadie decides to host a lavish 60th birthday party in Greece, in an attempt to restore his reputation.

This is director Michael Winterbottom’s best work in a while, and regular collaborator Coogan is on great form, bringing just a hint of charm to a sleazy character.

Although not subtle, most of the satirical jabs hit the spot and there are a lot of genuinely funny moments. Also, a star studded supporting cast add their considerable talents, in particular Sarah Solemani and David Mitchell who shows he has real acting chops. The beating heart of the film, though, is the excellent Dinita Gohil’s Amanda, an assistant to McCreadie with a tragic back story.
Rating: 8 out of 10

Speaking of scumbags, documentary ‘On the Record’, can be seen on Sky and on most rental sites. Details of hip-hop/rap producer Russell Simmons’ sexual assaults on women who worked for him are laid bare by those he attacked.

Undeniably important and shocking at times, this story did not quite have the same emotional impact as the recent ‘Athlete A’. Also, the routine misogyny prevalent in so much of the music of that genre is mentioned but largely glossed over.

Examining that in more detail would have made for a more in depth look at the music scene.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10

On Netflix, you can now see the documentary ‘#AnneFrank – Parallel Stories’.

Anne’s story is used as a starting point to recount similar tragic stories and look at the treatment of the Jews by the Nazis. Despite covering familiar ground it is impossible not to be moved, especially by the tales of the survivors and Helen Mirren narrates with feeling.

What does not work is the device of a girl, approximately Anne’s age, visiting holocaust museums, cemeteries etc. and tweeting from them. That comes across as a bit facile. Also the narrative tends to jump around a little too much.

The best use of this worthy documentary will be in schools.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Also new on Netflix this week are a pair of frantic comedies.

I feared the worst for ‘Desperados’, with its uneven opening and pretty unpleasant, self obsessed central character, Wesley (Nasim Pedrad). However, it turns out to be surprisingly decent, despite some unnecessary gross out moments. There is a neat line in running gags and Larmorne Morris brings a welcome likeability as a potential love interest.

Not a classic but way better than the dismal ‘Under the Riccione Sun’. An Italian teen comedy, chock-full of awful stereotypes, a terrible script and absolutely no redeeming qualities.
Desperados: 6 out of 10
Under the Riccione Sun: 3 out of 10

Sky Movies subscribers can now see ‘Buffaloed’ for no extra charge. A debt collector (Zoey Deutch) sets up her own company and has to cope with dirty tricks from her rivals. Director Tanya Wexler tries to cover up the fact that this is pretty thin material with a frenetic visual style and over the top performances.

Just about watchable but it is hard to care about anyone on screen.
Rating: 4.5 out of 10