Icons can’t save dull tale

Going in Style (12)

It takes some doing to make a dull movie starring Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin, but that’s exactly what Zach Braff has managed.

The one-time indie director is a long way from his spiky, engaging first two flicks. His trio of iconic leads are engaging company but the lazy, predictable script lets them down.

The Sense of an Ending (15)

Jim Broadbent carries this patchy adaptation of author Julian Barnes’ Booker Prize-winning 2011 novella.

The veteran is a delight as cranky pensioner Tony, blitzing everyone else around him.

But the plot lacks purpose and a flashback-heavy story quickly becomes grating, not least as it sidelines Broadbent.

Raw (18)

Not one to watch with a full stomach this one, as French writer-director Julia Ducournau’s horror makes the gore of the Saw movies look tame.

Hannibal the Cannibal has nothing on Garance Marillier’s Justine as the former vegetarian undergoes a remarkable transformation into a flesh-eating carnivore.

Despite its cannibalistic trappings, Raw actually reminded me most of ace 2000 horror Ginger Snaps, sharing a similar black humour.

Led by an impressive Marillier, the performances are very good, particularly in such challenging genre circumstances.

But Raw won’t be for everyone as blood flows, fingers are snipped and kidneys devoured.