THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS
What should you spend your precious dollars on when visiting the cinema? What needs popcorn to enjoy? And what needs waiting until DVD?
If you have seen any of these or want to see them and have a comment please feel free to share. We love hearing from our readers.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter ★★★
Opens in Australia: 2nd August 2012OUR THOUGHTS
This historical mash-up did not enjoy great reviews. So, we weren’t exactly frothing at the mouth to attend the preview. However, we were surprised how much we enjoyed it. Think “Resident Evil” but with vampires instead of zombies. If you like slash ‘em up, wild-ride, popcorn films, this one will not disappoint. The trailers don’t do it justice. It’s a load more fun than they portray.
STORY
He freed the slaves and led the Northern states through America’s Civil War. His legacy as the greatest president of the United States endures to this day. But Abraham Lincoln’s life as the world’s greatest hunter of the undead remained a secret—until now. In a stunning, visceral and gere-bending 3D action adventure, Director Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”), producer Tim Burton,. and writer Seth Grahame-Smith reveal the incredible story of Lincoln’s lifelong war on vampires, and the role these creatures played in the untold history of the United States.
The Sapphires ★ ★ ★★
Opens in Australia: 9th August 2012Other Countries: Release Information
OUR THOUGHTS
How refreshing to see a movie starring aboriginal girls, who aren’t portrayed as drunken, drug taking hopeless cases. I’m not denigrating those films—some are world-class—but its wonderful to skip out of a movie that shines with positivity telling a unique aboriginal story. The four girls who play The Sapphires are real gems (excuse the pun). Deborah Mailman as the tough-nosed big sister is a true talent and, of course, Jessica Mauboy fans will enjoy her fabulous voice and she can really act too. All the minor actors are a treat. Chris O’Dowd, most famous for his recent hit “Bridesmaids” has chemistry but he seems to portray the same character in every film. Time for him to move on to a psychopath before he is typecast. Please go see this and support quality Australian cinema. This one is very deserved of your dollar.
The Sapphires is an inspirational tale set in the heady days of the late ‘60s about a quartet of young, talented singers from a remote Aboriginal mission, discovered and guided by a kind-hearted, soul-loving manager. Plucked from obscurity, the four spirited women with powerhouse voices – called The Sapphires – are given the opportunity to entertain American troops in Vietnam. Catapulted onto the world stage as Australia’s answer to the Supremes, their journey of discovery offers them not only the chance to show off their musical skills, but find love and togetherness, experience loss and grow as women.
Receving a ten minute standing ovation at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, The Sapphires is a crowd-pleasing combination of comedy, heart and romance and an unbeatable soul music soundtrack, set against the racial and social upheaval of the late 1960s. A jewel-bright charmer and an Australian classic, The Sapphires is not to be missed.
Bernie ★ ★ ★½
Opens in Australia: 16th August 2012OUR THOUGHTS
I love these mockumentary style films. This one is worth seeing to see Jack Black in the best performance he’s ever given. Matthew McConaughey is having the time of his life and Shirley MacLaine is fabulous as the cantankerous Marjorie. They missed a few opportunities to make it even funnier. If you like this one try and catch on DVD “Tabloid”, which is even funnier. Could anyone be so mean a whole town supports their murder? Only in Texas, folks, is what I’m hoping. Read our full review. “Did You Hear the One about the Aunt in a Freezer?”
STORY
In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede was one of the town's most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent, an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as her fortune. Bernie frequently traveled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder.
Storm Surfers 3D ★ ★ ★★Opens in Australia: 16th August 2012
Other Countries: Release Information
OUR THOUGHTS
I was a surfie chick for about six months at the age of seventeen, heading to Surfers Paradise Qld every weekend and reading all the magazines. Then I realised it was boring sitting watching surfers waiting to catch waves.
However, there is nothing boring about watching these two surfing legends Ross Clarke-Jones and Tom Carroll search for the un-surfed wave. The 3D is fabulous and the huge waves they surf mark quite remarkable achievements for two men in their middle to late forties. Despite the fact they were clearly having a ball chasing waves around Australia, I did wonder how their poor suffering wives felt about it. A solid documentary made with true Aussie larrikin passion. It made me proud to be an Aussie. See it even if you aren’t into surfing. It’s about following your dream and keeping the passion no matter your age. Thank you to Ace Cinemas Subiaco for the screening.
STORY
STORM SURFERS 3D is an epic, character-driven adventure documentary following two best friends on their quest to hunt down and ride the biggest and most dangerous waves in Australia. Aussie tow-surfing legend Ross Clarke-Jones and two-time world champion Tom Carroll enlist the help of surf forecaster Ben Matson and together they track and chase giant storms across the Great Southern Ocean. Braving enormous waves, freezing conditions and near-death experiences, the film follows all of Ross, Tom and Ben's adventures over the 2011 winter big-wave season, all in stunning 3D. Along the way they join forces with big wave chargers Paul Morgan, Mark Mathews and Paul 'Antman' Paterson to conquer waves in Western Australia, on the east coast and in Tasmania, with a special appearance by the greatest surfer of all time, Kelly Slater. The holy grail for this team of big wave hunters is to discover and ride new waves that have never been surfed.
Step Up Revolution ★ ★ ★
Opens in Australia: 2nd August 2012OUR THOUGHTS
I didn’t make it to this one. However, my niece who is a big “Step Up” fan went. Her report was that it was better than two and three and she LOVED it. My sister-in-law who took her agreed it was better than two and three but I don’t think she felt the love. Send your teenagers and have a coffee whilst enjoying some quiet time. Rotten Tomatoes Reviewers rated it 37% but the audience viewers gave it 77% and liked it.
Step Up Revolution is the next installment in the worldwide smash Step Up franchise, which sets the dancing against the vibrant backdrop of Miami. Emily (Kathryn McCormick) arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and soon falls in love with Sean (Ryan Guzman), a young man who leads a dance crew in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called "The Mob." When a wealthy business man threatens to develop The Mob's historic neighborhood and displace thousands of people, Emily must band together with Sean and The Mob to turn their performance art into protest art, and risk losing their dreams to fight for a greater cause.
What have you seen this week? Did you find our comments helpful or do you disagree? Share your thoughts with us.
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