If your father is the director of Alien and Blade Runner, it’s one hell of a shadow to step out of, particularly if you’re stepping into the family business. Cracks is the debut feature from Jordan Scott, daughter of Ridley, and while it’s a lazy thing to do, one can’t help but look for the familial genes at work.
Modern childrens’ films often have a difficult time blending the colourful action necessary to hold the kids’ attention and the moral core essential to make their parents happy; hitting on the winning formula can prove to be absolute box office gold, as demonstrated by the behemoth that is High School Musical. Despite starring HSM’s Ashley Tisdale, Aliens in the Attic won’t come close to achieving that level of success thanks to its struggles to combine edgy CGI adventure with a sugary message of tolerance and the importance of family ties, it does enough to keep its target audience of the under-10s entertained.
Watching her play God-fearing nun Sister Aloysius Beauvier, you would be forgiven for thinking that Meryl Streep had simply chosen the role that was the furthest removed from her colourful, energetic turn in Mamma Mia! (And who could blame her for wanting to shake off that mantel as quickly as possible.) But, whatever her reasons for choosing Doubt Streep is, as ever, one of its highlights.
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