Daniel Craig shines in a new role but 'Queer' fails to deliver laughs

QUEER

(18) 135mins

★★☆☆☆

Since retiring his Bond tuxedo, Daniel Craig takes on a new persona in the film 'Queer,' distancing himself from the 007 brand.

Playing a drug-addled, promiscuous homosexual man fixated on a younger man, Craig's performance is a departure from his action-packed roles.

The film is set in 1950s Mexico City, portraying a haven for gay men to live openly with little judgment.

Despite an explosive start, the movie takes a disjointed turn as the plot shifts to a slow-paced search for a psychedelic drug in Ecuador.

Craig delivers an excellent performance as the lonely and vulnerable protagonist, but the film lacks humor and connection with the audience.

Director Luca Guadagnino fails to capture the same magic as in 'Call Me By Your Name,' leaving 'Queer' with a void in heart and direction.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM

(12A) 134mins

★★☆☆☆

In the latest installment of the Lord of the Rings franchise, 'The War of the Rohirrim' takes fans back to Middle Earth, two hundred years before the time of Hobbits and the One Ring.

The plot, based on Tolkien's lesser-known notes, unfolds in the kingdom of Rohan and follows Hera's quest to protect her family stronghold from an impending attack.

Directed in a Japanese-style anime, the film showcases stunning visuals but lacks the enchantment of wizardry typically associated with the series.

KRAVEN THE HUNTER

(15) 127mins

★★☆☆☆

Sony's attempt to revive its Marvel Universe with 'Kraven The Hunter' falls short of expectations, despite Aaron Taylor-Johnson's portrayal of the fierce Sergei Kravinoff.

The film explores Sergei's tumultuous relationship with his father and his quest for revenge, but is marred by cringeworthy dialogue and a disjointed plot.

While the action sequences show promise, the overall execution leaves much to be desired, with talent wasted on an incoherent storyline.