Review Round Up 8th September 2013

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

The release of a new Woody Allen is always good news for his fans. This one I love.  There are a couple of documentaries as well: one on a reclusive author and one on wine becoming reclusive for everywhere except China. There’s, also, an action flick where, yet again, they destroy… the White House.

(My movie Pick of the week)

Blue Jasmine★★★★

Opens in Australia: 5^th September, 2013

Perth, Australia:       See at Luna Cinemas 

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Cate Blanchett has my vote for the Best Actress Oscar.  And Woody Allen has it for Best Director.  Blue Jasmine is a very dark Woody Allen, and it’s a long way from Midnight in Paris. But I think it’s now one of my favourites. I don't have to say much about this film. If you are not a Woody fan then you may not love it.  My friends sitting with me were mixed on it.  I am a big Woody fan. For me, it’s a real gem and I will be watching it again.

STUDIO BLURB

After venturing to Europe for his last three films, Woody Allen is back in the United States with a drama about a Park Avenue high society wife (Blanchett) forced to slum it with her blue-collar sister (Hawkins) in San Francisco, when she loses everything.  Her husband, played by Alec Baldwin, gets embroiled in crooked financial dealings, leaving his wife to deal with the economic and emotional aftermath.  She struggles to build a new life without her husband’s illegally-obtained wealth. 

Blue Jasmine is an emotionally powerful drama – smart, tender and funny in equal measure – that harks back to Allen’s films such as Hannah and her sisters and Husbands and Wives.   Cate Blanchett delivers an exceptional performance that will put her in early running with Oscar buzz.

Salinger ★★★★

Opens in Australia: 6^th  September, 2013

Perth, Australia:                  See at Luna Cinemas 

Other Countries:          Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

In Australia I don’t think J.D. Salinger holds the same place in our literary history as he

does in the U.S.A.. I’ve never read “Catcher in the Rye,” but after watching this documentary I shall shortly remedy that. Many of the U.S. reviewers have rated this poorly, and most of the comments centred on a lack of depth and an over-dramatisation of segments.  However, since I knew nothing of this revered author, I actually found it enlightening, intriguing, and the dramatisation enthralling.  Salinger led an extraordinary life, and in the end he became such a recluse that if he was seen it became a news story. There is a revelation at the end which is quite incredible, and until the launch of the film it has been kept very secret.  This is a well made documentary and one I think most will thoroughly enjoy. All writers or aspiring writers will find it fascinating.

STUDIO BLURB

SALINGER features interviews with 150 subjects including Salinger's friends, colleagues and members of his inner circle who have never spoken on the record before as well as film footage, photographs and other material that has never been seen. Additionally, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, John Cusack, Danny DeVito, John Guare, Martin Sheen, David Milch, Robert Towne, Tom Wolfe, E.L. Doctorow, Gore Vidal and Pulitzer Prize winners A. Scott Berg and Elizabeth Frank talk about Salinger's influence on their lives, their work and the broader culture. The film is the first work to get beyond the Catcher in the Rye author's meticulously built up wall: his childhood, painstaking work methods, marriages, private world and the secrets he left behind after his death in 2010. (c) Weinstein

White House Down ★★★

Opens in Australia: 5^th September, 2013

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

We enjoyed a treat while watching White House Down.  The wonderful people at Event Cinemas, Innaloo, Perth, invited me and hubby to enjoy their revamped Gold Class cinemas. They laid it on with yummy hot food, beautiful cup cakes, popcorn, and candy while we watched.  Plus there was champers and food before. 

So, I was going to enjoy White House Down no matter what.  It’s an absolute Die Hard rip off.  But it is miles better than the woeful Good Day to Die Hard inflicted upon us earlier this year.  You’ve got Channing Tatum in a singlet, Jamie Foxx doing his thing, and more action than you can poke a tank at.  Silly fun but, sometimes, turning the brain off makes for a perfect evening. You have been warned: Do not expect high brow. It’s simply a popcorn action flick.

STUDIO BLURB

In Columbia Pictures’ White House Down, Capitol Policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum) has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service of protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx).  Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group.

Red Obsession ★★★ ½

Opens in Australia: 5^th September, 2013

Perth, Australia:      See at Luna Cinemas 

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Australian writers and directors David Roach and Warwick Ross last production was the quality Australian war film Beneath Hill 60. Now they turn their hand to a documentary on the Bordeaux region and the crisis in the wine industry. It sounds "ho-hum" to us non-wine connoisseurs but if you check out the trailer you will see it is a fascinating story. 

The photography is absolutely stunning. In fact, I suggest the French tourist bureau pay for it to be broadcast around the world, and they won’t have to worry about selling their wine because they will be inundated with tourist.

My only complaint is it seemed a tad repetitive (pointed out to me by my 10 year old but he was quite right), and there was a touch of anti-Chinese sentiment I thought.  Somebody in the film actually suggested that if the Chinese increased their per capita consumption by just a little there would be no wine left in the world. China has gone from taking jobs from other countries to now taking all the wine.  At least at the next "wineless" dinner party I can wax lyrical about the poor Bordeaux region being taken over by the Chinese. If anyone cares…

STUDIO BLURB

France’s Bordeaux region has long commanded respect for its coveted wine, but shifts in the global marketplace mean that a new, voracious consumer base in China is buying up this finite product. Narrated by Russell Crowe, Red Obsession is a fascinating look at our changing international economy and how an obsession in Shanghai affects the most illustrious vineyards in France.   This shift, fuelled by the East's obsession with these illustrious vineyards, created a perfect wine storm; co-director and vigneron Warwick Ross documented the upheaval.
Narrated by Russell Crowe, Red Obsession is an expertly told, delectable tale of a much-coveted global commodity in times of change.

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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Film Review Roundup 31st August 2013

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

Some good films to choose from this week, and all of them with mixed reviews I am afraid.  So it’s up to you whether you trust the critics.  Poor old Mortal Instruments really took a caning with 12% rating at Rotten Tomatoes Website, but it’s not aimed at middle-aged reviewers. I’ve taken a tempered view of it. Stoker and What Maisie Kneware very good indie flicks. Jobsproves Ashton Kutcher can act or at least walk like Steve Jobs.  And number two in a fun franchise is here with Red 2. 

(My movie Pick of the week)

Stoker★★★★

Opens in Australia: 29th^th August, 2013

Perth, Australia:      See at Luna Cinemas 

Other Countries:          Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

    We have here a very good, very creepy psychological thriller.  Mia Wasikowska is captivating to watch, and Nicole Kidman always does a good woman on the edge. This is Korean director Park Chan-Wook’s first English language film.  It’s interesting to learn that he actually doesn't speak English and required a translator.  Since this film has three Australian actors, (also Jackie Weaver), and English lead in Matthew Goode (and a Korean director), I just wonder if there are any Americans still working in Hollywood?

STUDIO BLURB

When India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) loses her beloved father and best friend Richard (Dermot Mulroney) in a tragic auto accident on her 18^th birthday, her quiet life on the family’s secluded estate is suddenly shattered. Exquisitely sensitive, India’s exhibits an impassive demeanor which masks the deep feelings and heightened senses that only her father understood. Thus acclaimed Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook’s (OLDBOY, LADY VENGEANCE, SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE) first English-language psychological thriller STOKER comes to life.

India finds herself drawn to her father’s long-lost brother, Charlie (Matthew Goode), who unexpectedly arrives for the funeral and decides to stay on with her and her emotionally unstable mother, Evie (Nicole Kidman). While India initially mistrusts her charming but mysterious uncle, he fascinates her as well, and she begins to realize how much they have in common.

As Charlie reveals himself to her little by little, India becomes increasingly infatuated with her charismatic relative and comes to realize that his arrival is no coincidence. With her uncle to guide her, she is about to fulfill her unusual destiny.

Jobs

★★★★

Opens in Australia: 29^th August 2013

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Ashton Kutcher gives a fine portrayal of Steve Jobs in this biopic. Say what?  Let me repeat that in case you thought you read wrong.  Ashton Kutcher can actually act! 

A few of the complaints may be that Jobs is portrayed as a real arrogant a-hole but I’ve read a few of the books on him, and it appears that really is him.  In his defence, if you are going to change the way the whole world operates you probably will, and should be allowed, to behave however you like.

Don’t be waiting through the whole film for the story of the development of the iPod.  It only tells the story leading up to the launch of the iMac.  But we mostly all know the iPod story by now don’t we?  (We’ve Googled it on our smart phones.)  However, it is still fascinating and well-paced and did I mention Ashton Kutcher does a good job?

STUDIO BLURB

It only takes one person to start a revolution. This is the extraordinary story of Steve Jobs, the original innovator and ground-breaking entrepreneur who let nothing stand in the way of greatness. The film tells the epic and turbulent story of Jobs as he blazed a trail that changed technology -- and the world - forever. (c) Official Site

Red 2

★★★^½

Opens in Australia: 29^th August 2013

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

I couldn’t wait to see this film.  Our family really enjoyed the 2011 Red. And I know the critics didn’t like it but we still had fun.  Helen Mirren and John Malkovich play it up so well.  It’s a popcorn film and it does what it’s meant to do. Perhaps not as witty as the original Red, but we knew what to expect this time around. Die Hard and Bruce Willis fans I notice there is another Die Hard film slated for 2015, Die Hardest. I hope they leave the Red franchise at two. We don’t need a Red Redder or a Red Reddest. It would be enough to turn you pink.

STUDIO BLURB

In Red 2, the high-octane action-comedy sequel to the worldwide hit RED, the team of “Retired, Extremely Dangerous” CIA operatives are reunited as they use their old-school style to take on a new set of enemies across Europe.

Retired black ops CIA agent Frank Moses (Willis) reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives – including former colleague Marvin (Malkovich), ever deadly sharp-shooter Victoria (Mirren) and Frank’s beloved Sarah (Parker) – for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device.  To succeed, they’ll need to survive an army of relentless assasins, ruthless terrorists and power-crazed government officials in a mission that takes them to London, Paris and Moscow.

Mortal Instruments: The City of Bones

★★★^½  for fans

★★ if you are over 15

Opens in Australia: 22nd August 2013

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

This film is an adaptation of a young adult series of books which were originally written as Harry Potter fan fiction (the author took the H.P. characters and made up her own story with them) which, when it became successful the character’s names were changed. The first half of it has a very Harry Potter feel until it comes horribly unstuck at a love scene.  There were many groans and much laughter in the audience from this point on. However, my 13 year-old-son really enjoyed it.  And I actually think kids between 10 and 15 will enjoy which is a good thing because there is not much for them at the cinema these days.  If you are over that age or have never heard of Mortal Instruments I fear this one is not for you. 

STUDIO BLURB

Lily Collins stars as a young girl whose life is upended when she realizes that she's part of a long line of demon-slayers in this Screen Gems adaptation of Cassandra Clare's first book in her series of best-selling novels. Lena Headey and Jonathan Rhys Meyers head up the rest of the starring cast.

What Maisie Knew

★★★

Opens in Australia: 29^th August 2013

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

This is from the producers of 2010 top notch indie release The Kids are Alright.  What Maisie Knew is a pretty tough film to watch with two narcissistic parents ignoring this beautiful innocent child.  By the end of the film you will want to punch something.  I attended the preview with my cousin who works in education. Her first words after the film had ended, were that, sadly, she’d seen similar in real life. And that just made me even angrier. Onata Aprile, the little actress playing Maisie, is extraordinary. How gorgeous is she in this poster?  Caution: this film is still haunting me days later.

STUDIO BLURB

A contemporary reimagining of Henry James' novel, WHAT MAISIE KNEW tells the story of a captivating little girl's struggle for grace in the midst of her parents' bitter custody battle. Told through the eyes of the title's heroine, Maisie navigates this ever-widening turmoil with a six-year-olds innocence, charm and generosity of spirit.

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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Film Review Round-up 18th August 2013

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

Just two films this week I can review.  I saw more but they are not releasing yet. This week a highly anticipated film Elysium disappoints and We’re the Millers (that was not on my list of films to see) was actually very entertaining. 

(My movie Pick of the week)

We’re the Millers ★★★ ½  
Opens in Australia: 18^th August, 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

If you enjoy these irreverent, American comedies (Wedding Crashers, Hall Pass, This is 40, Horrible Bosses) you will enjoy this very much.  I don’t usually like them. However, this one had me chuckling.  Jennifer Aniston looks very pretty as well.  It’s fun and forgettable and is reasonably consistent all the way through.  What more can you ask for in a comedy?

STUDIO BLURB

David Burke (Jason Sudeikis) is a small-time pot dealer whose clientele includes chefs and soccer moms, but no kids-after all, he has his scruples. So what could go wrong? Plenty. Preferring to keep a low profile for obvious reasons, he learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished when he tries to help out some local teens and winds up getting jumped by a trio of gutter punks. Stealing his stash and his cash, they leave him in major debt to his supplier, Brad (Ed Helms). In order to wipe the slate clean-and maintain a clean bill of health-David must now become a big-time drug smuggler by bringing Brad's latest shipment in from Mexico. Twisting the arms of his neighbors, cynical stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston) and wannabe customer Kenny (Will Poulter), and the tatted-and-pierced streetwise teen Casey (Emma Roberts), he devises a foolproof plan. One fake wife, two pretend kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the "Millers" are headed south of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang. (c) WB

Funny interview below with Jennifer Aniston on We’re The Millers.

Elysium ★★★
Opens in Australia: 15^th August, 2013
Other Countries:          Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

After the very original science fiction flick District 9, all sci-fi fans were eagerly awaiting Director and writer Neil Blomkamp’s next venture.  Elysium is not the fabulous follow-up we had expected.  It’s riddled with more plot-holes than you can poke a crutch at (you’ll get the joke if you see the film) and the acting is very inconsistent.  I understand that science fiction is made up, however, there are certain physics rules you need to stick to, and if you break them you need to explain how.  So, when I see a ship crash land on  Elysium because it’s open to space, I question how the oxygen doesn’t escape, or why Elysium is always seen from the same spot on Earth, and why they have such good security against ships landing, and then they don’t just to suit the plot.

It’s also just a little bit repetitive on the apartheid theme Blomkamp handled so well in District 9. Hopefully, he will take heed of the mixed reviews and try something new next time.  I will say this, the spaceships look very real even if the acting doesn’t

I would probably give this a lower rating but everyone in my family enjoyed it, as did a sci-fi  friend, so maybe it was just me.

STUDIO BLURB

In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. The people of Earth are desperate to escape the planet's crime and poverty, and they critically need the state-of-the-art medical care available on Elysium - but some in Elysium will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve their citizens' luxurious lifestyle. The only man with the chance bring equality to these worlds is Max (Matt Damon), an ordinary guy in desperate need to get to Elysium. With his life hanging in the balance, he reluctantly takes on a dangerous mission - one that pits him against Elysium's Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) and her hard-line forces - but if he succeeds, he could save not only his own life, but millions of people on Earth as well. -- (C) Sony

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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Review Round Up 10th August 2013

There was some entertaining films released this week and last.  A little something for everyone and a couple of true life stories that seem too bizarre to be true—but they are.  You could see any of these films I’ve reviewed and enjoy yourself.  Next week my calendar is filled with previews.  If you see a square-eyed woman slumped in a cinema seat that could be me.

(My movie Pick of the week)

Pain and Gain ★★★ ¾
Opens in Australia: 8^th August, 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Michael Bay (Transformers, The Rock, Bad Boys) channels the Coen Brothers ‘Fargo’ in a true story of three good reasons (Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie) not to take steroids, do drugs or boast about your wealth to your fitness trainer. It’s such a bizarre story that in certain scenes they had to splash across the screen, “This is a true story” and later, “This is still a true story”.  It’s politically incorrect and the characters are so awful, you feel no sympathy for any of them and yet I liked it a lot.  It’s classified as a black comedy but it’s a tad short of the brilliance of a Tarantino or Coen Brothers ‘black’.  You will definitely walk out thinking what the heck did I just witness and it’s fun enough and certainly crazy enough to justify a watch.  “Hands down” (you’ll get this pun if you see the film) one of the most outrageous true stories you will see.

STUDIO BLURB

From acclaimed director Michael Bay comes "Pain and Gain," a new action comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie. Based on the unbelievable TRUE story of a group of personal trainers in 1990s Miami who, in pursuit of the American Dream, get caught up in a criminal enterprise that goes horribly wrong. (c) Official Site

The Bling Ring  ★★★
Opens in Australia: 8^th August 2013
Other Countries: Release Information
Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Okay, I admit I have a slight fascination with Hollywood and all the gossip—not enough to break into the houses of anyone famous, mind you.  Based on a Vanity Fair article, this true story is of a bunch of High School kids who actually did take that extra stalking step.  And not just once!   Over and over again, they snuck into Paris Hilton’s digs (she left her key under the mat, so some might say she invited them in).  Other celebs hit big time were Megan Fox, Orland Bloom and Miranda Kerr, Lindsay Lohan (as if the girl hasn’t got enough on her plate) and more.

It’s reasonably engaging, although, the thieves are portrayed as soulless characters and I do wonder if it was as simple as that.  And as this is, supposdedly, Director Sofia Coppola’s study on the dark side of our fascination with celebrity, it is quite a shallow and sensational view.

The main question on my lips is: Does Paris Hilton really have self-portrait photos and paintings all over her house and dozens throw pillows with her image? If so, I think she may have more problems than the ‘Bling Ring’ kids.

STUDIO BLURB

In THE BLING RING, Oscar Winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola takes us inside the world of these teens, where their youthful naivete and excitement is amplified by today's culture of celebrity and luxury brand obsession. The members of the Bling Ring introduce us to temptations that any teenager would find hard to resist. And what starts out as youthful fun spins out of control, revealing a sobering view of our modern culture. (c) A24

NOW YOU SEE ME ★★★ ½
Opens in Australia: 8^th August, 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

There is a stellar cast here and I really enjoyed this film.  It’s a little different and there is a bit of fun to be had trying to guess who the magician’s have on the inside of the FBI that allows them to be one step ahead. 

It moves along at a cracking pace and you will be wondering how the heck they do all those tricks.  All the actors play to type. So, if you like Mark Ruffalo as the unkempt, frustrated guy, Morgan Freeman as the wise, smooth know-it-all, Jesse Eisenberg as the unemotional, disrespectful guy, Woody Harrelson as the untrustworthy dude nobody likes, and Isla Fisher as the throw-in girl causing friction, then you will enjoy this film.  It’s a solid three and a half star, good date night film.

STUDIO BLURB

NOW YOU SEE ME pits an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against "The Four Horsemen", a magic super-team of the world's greatest illusionists. The Four Horsemen pull off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders during their performances, and then funnel the millions of stolen profits into their audiences bank accounts, while staying one step ahead of the law.

FBI Special Agent Dylan (Ruffalo) is determined to make the magicians pay for their crimes—and to stop them before they pull off what promises to be an even more audacious heist. But he’s forced to partner with Alma (Laurent), an Interpol detective about whom he is instantly suspicious. Out of desperation he turns to Thaddeus (Freeman), a famed magic debunker, who claims the bank heist was accomplished using disguises and video trickery. One thing Dylan and Alma agree on is that the Horsemen must have an outside point person, and that finding him (or her) is key to ending the magicians’ crime spree. Could it be Thaddeus? Or Alma? Or could it really be… magic?

The World’s End ★★★ ½
 Opens in Australia: 1st August, 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

As coincidences go this is a quasi-English version of Seth Rogan’s film ‘This Is The End’ currently in cinemas. Same set up; a group of friends partying and drinking to excess only to discover that it’s the world which will succumb to a bad hangover.

Director Edgar Wright adds the final film to what he’s labeled his "Cornetto Trilogy”— the first two being ‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004) and ‘Hot Fuzz’ (2007)—starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost who are also co-collaborators.

Gary King (Simon Pegg) has not done well for himself and we meet him in rehab. He believes by rounding up the old school gang and reattempting the challenge of drinking their way around a home town pub circuit ending at ‘The World’s End’ pub, he will somehow put things right in his life.

He gathers his childhood pals, now well settled into middle-age, Andy (Nick Frost), Peter (Eddie Marsan), Oliver (Martin Freeman) and Steven (Paddy Considine), who reluctantly agree to join him in his booze goal.

The further into the pub crawl they go, though, the more they realize things are not quite right in the village; people who should know them don’t remember them and the behaviour of some of the inhabitants is beyond unusual. Amidst this there is an unresolved love triangle with Oliver's sister Sam (Rosamund Pike).

Pegg fabulously portrays an off-the-rails but somehow loveable misfit with some darker moments hinting at his ability to take on deep, dramatic roles. There are some solid laughs, along with introspection on living life in the past and the value of our humanness. It’s also a great advertisement for not drinking to excess.

However, it didn't give me the “Hot Fuzzies” like Pegg & crew’s previous collaborations. My husband found this film far more amusing than me. It could be a guy thing or it could be the other two films raised my expectations a tad too high. It’s still fun and, somehow, the end of the world does go down better with a drink. 
STUDIO BLURB

20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hellbent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by mate Gary King, a 40-year old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their hometown and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub – The World’s End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind’s. Reaching The World’s End is the least of their worries.

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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Weekly Film Review Round Up-July 28 2013

  THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

This is a catch up Film roundup.  I've been away for two weeks on a wonderful holiday in the Hunter Valley, a wine growing area of Australia, with a quick pop-in to Sydney to see the Manchester United football (soccer) match against the Aussie All Stars.  Manchester won 5 to 1 and it was interesting to see a stadium of almost 90,000 Australians barracking for an overseas team and booing their own countrymen.  Poor form I thought but then I am not a soccer fan (I was dragged along).

So, most of these films have been in your local popcorn distributor for a couple of weeks.  There is quite a choice at the moment and some good ones coming up over the next few weeks.  You should see my preview diary.  On one week there is five screenings.

(My movie Pick of the week)

This Is The End
★★★★

Opens in Australia: 18^th July, 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

This is Seth Rogan all the way.  If you don’t like high school toilet humour, ala ‘Pineapple Express’ and ‘Superbad’, then you will probably wish for the end of the world whilst watching his latest outing, ‘This is The End’.

I am a fan despite not loving toilet and sex humour (some of it combined explicitly in the same scene in this) and yet there is something about the exuberance of Rogan I really love.  He is simply the coolest uncool guy in Hollywood.

Be warned, this is silly ridiculous but if you go along with the ride, you will find yourself chuckling and imagining the fun this bunch of Hollywood A-Listers had mocking their own celebrity.  It’s a long way from ‘The Breakfast Club’ but we’ve evolved haven’t we?  You will find every extreme in this, including actors peeing into their own mouths (yep, that’s right).  Don’t take the kiddies.

STUDIO BLURB

The comedy This Is The End follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption. (c) Sony

BEFORE MIDNIGHT ★★★★      

Opens in Australia: 18^th July
Other Countries: Release Information

Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas 

OUR THOUGHTS

I’ve not seen the first two in this series, ‘Before Sunset’ and ‘Before Sunrise’.  However, after this one I am going out to find them. It’s a beautifully crafted piece that is so true to modern day romance, as opposed to the fluffy pieces we are constantly delivered, you will hear yourself saying, ‘I know that feeling’, ‘I’ve said those words.’  This is a film made with respect for the medium of film and, it is also a very true portrayal of adult love. It’s not about how beautiful is love, it is about how  true is love even though it is hard to maintain when life happens to you.

STUDIO BLURB

  It has been nine years since Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke) reconnected on the streets of Paris in Before Sunset, having met on a train to Vienna nine years earlier in Before Sunrise. Now the parents of two children, the couple are vacationing with friends on the coast of Greece.

Director Richard Linklater continues his enchanting tale of a chance meeting between two strangers, bringing to it a nuanced perspective only gained by years lived. Life carries with it new responsibilities and attitudes, forcing the two dreamers to reassess what they each want next. Bolstered by an increasingly refined onscreen chemistry between lead actors Delpy and Hawke, Before Midnight is a fitting third chapter in one of the great love stories of American independent cinema.

THE WOLVERINE ★★★       

Opens in Australia: 25^th July
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Reviewed by Tracy Harris

Director James Mangold returns us to the universe of the X-Men and one of their most popular characters, Wolverine.  Since his last appearance on film, Logan has hidden himself away in a remote part of Alaska, partially to lick his wounds after the death of his love, Jean Grey, but also to protect the world around him from the chaos that follows the beast that is Wolverine. After a slight altercation involving illegal hunters and a grizzly bear which Wolverine calls friend, Wolverine is reluctantly dragged out of his solitude by the striking Yukio (Rila Fukushima) who has been sent by a ghost from his past, Yashida, who wishes to see him once more before he dies. 

This sets in motion a plot which could ultimate cost Wolverine his life. Wolverine’s spends much of the film doing what Wolverine does best, fighting down and dirty through the streets of Tokyo.

The Wolverine is an enjoyable action film aimed at the fanboys (and girls) Hugh Jackman recreates Wolverine accurately, playing him as a world weary hero, surviving rather than living. One of the highlights is the character of Yukio, who lures Wolverine back into our world. She’s a strong, smart and sassy character, who seamlessly combines her modern life with that of traditional Japan, fights like a samurai and she can foretell death, the perfect sidekick for Wolverine.

As my fanboy brother said after viewing this film, “not even Wolverine’s healing powers can save some of this film.” And that’s a shame, because The Wolverine certainly had the potential to be so much more than this.

STUDIO BLURB

In modern day Japan, Wolverine is out of his depth in an unknown world as he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before.

PACIFIC RIM ★★ ½
Opens in Australia: 11^th July 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Reviewed by Tracy Harris

Giant robots fighting giant alien monsters from another dimension. What more can one say?

It’s our not so distant future and the Earth is under attack by Kaijus, colossal monsters which are emerging from a portal to another dimension on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. The world has united in an attempt to fight these Kaijus by creating Jaegers, gigantic humanoid shaped robots, mind controlled by specially selected pilots. These Jaegers have successfully fought the Kaijus but the military have shut them down, instead focusing on building huge seawalls surrounding each continent.   This is a grand idea until the Kaijus break through and leave humanity’s fate in the hands of the last five operational Kaijus, their pilots and their support crews.

If you suspend your common sense, check reality at the door and ignore plot holes the size of a giant alien monster, then you’ll enjoy this film. It is squarely aimed at teenage boys.   See this if you love the 1998 Godzilla or the Transformers of 2000s, but remember, you have been warned.

STUDIO BLURB

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes - a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) - who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

The Way, Way Back
★★★^½

Opens in Australia: 25^th July 2013
Other Countries: Release Information
Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Here is another ensemble Indie coming of age piece dissecting American family values.  This has wit and depth and a stellar cast.  I love the way Steve Carell takes opportunities to play dramatically against typecast.  He is quite unlikable in this.  Toni Collette is her usual solid self and Allison Janney is seriously brilliant providing great comedy.

When I received the preview invite I replied to the publicist, “You had me at Sam Rockwell.”  And it’s Rockwell, playing the cavalier manager of a water park, who lifts this out of mediocre territory. I didn't love the ending but everything before was a real summer holiday.

STUDIO BLURB

THE WAY, WAY BACK is the funny and poignant coming of age story of 14-year-old Duncan's (Liam James) summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter, Steph (Zoe Levin). Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park. Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up to and begins to finally find his place in the world - all during a summer he will never forget. (c) Fox Searchlight

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Weekly Review Round Up 5/7/2013

There is a good pick this week (well this fortnight, I missed last week) of mostly solid Indie film releases. They’re those films that usually have something interesting to say with out all the bangs and whistles of the big buck studios.  For all the mainstream lovers, Epic 3D is pretty good animation for the holidays but sadly Man of Steel is a wretchedly boring overkill.  I am still cranky about them getting it so wrong.

(My movie Pick of the week)

In The House (Dans La Maison) ★★★★

Opens in Australia: 27^th June, 2013
Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas 
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Ooh La La.  This is a bit delicious.  It’s a fascinating mystery and you will be ducking and weaving with the twists and turns.  Is it real or just a wild story within a story?  This is why I love French Cinema. Their film-makers have a way of looking at ordinary lives and transforming them into art and mystery. Sometimes they’re crazy and sometimes they are amazing. This is both.  Loved it. 

STUDIO BLURB

A 16-year old boy, Claude, (Ernst Umhauer) insinuates himself into the house of a fellow high-school student, Rapha, (Bastien Ughetto) and writes about his family in essays that perversely blur the lines between reality and fiction for his jaded literature teacher, Germain (Fabrice Luchini). Intrigued by this gifted and unusual student, Germain rediscovers his taste for teaching, but the boy's intrusion sparks a series of uncontrollable events. Kristin Scott-Thomas plays Germain's wife, Jeanne, a contemporary art gallery director, who, alongside her husband, avidly follows Claude's semi-imaginary escapades, while Emmanuelle Seigner plays Rapha's mom, Claude's object of desire. (c) Cohen Media

Man of Steel ★★
Opens in Australia: 27^th June 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

No, no, no. This is not good what they have done to Superman.  And it is almost unforgivable that director, Zac Snyder (Sucker Punch, 300) managed to make Michael Shannon act badly. I thought that was impossible.  Its spot the 'A' list actor but that means nothing if they have nothing to work with. Something has gone terribly wrong in Hollywood when nobody tells Directors they have gone too far and repeated the same scene too many times.  Yes, there is a spectacular fight sequence but we don’t need two of them that drag the film out to 143 minutes.  And there are plot holes big enough for Superman to detonate some kind of weird bomb in.  Another reboot that needs another reboot.  Super-boring.

STUDIO BLURB

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. -- (C) Warner Bros

Epic (3D)
★★★½

Opens in Australia: 4^th July, 2013
Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s charming and colourful and I feel a little sorry for ‘Epic’.  What animation release wants to go up against ‘Monster’s University’ or ‘Despicable Me 2’?  We needed ‘Epic’ last school holidays when there was a bunch of below par animations released. It would have rocked then.   It is a good, solid story, beautifully done and I think the wee littlies will enjoy it.  My twelve-year-old harsh critic enjoyed as did his tag-along mate, Alex, who wrote a full review here.  But I would see the other two superstar animations before this.

STUDIO BLURB

EPIC is a 3D CG adventure comedy that reveals a fantastical world unlike any other. From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good, who keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who wish to destroy it. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she teams up with an elite band of warriors and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures, to save their world...and ours. -- (C) Fox

The Look of Love ★★★^½
Opens in Australia: 27^th June 2013
Other Countries: Release Information
Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas 

OUR THOUGHTS

The English do these bio-pics extremely well.  The Director, Michael Winterbottom (Trishna, The Killer Inside Me) does not mind confronting audiences.  ‘The Killer Inside Me’ is still one of the most violent and nasty films I have ever seen (and I didn't like it).

In this film, we learn about the British smut King, Paul Raymond, who from this film we gather is the equivalent of Hugh Hefner or Larry Flynt.  You won’t feel a great deal of sympathy for Raymond enduring the tragedies of his life. 

It’s a well crafted, interesting film, albeit probably not on a person I really care to have this much detail.  In saying this it is interesting to see London in the swinging sixties and seventies.  Warning, there is a great deal of sexual content and nudity. 

STUDIO BLURB

The Look Of Love is the quite extraordinary true story of British entrepreneur and smut peddler Paul Raymond (played by Steve Coogan), who made his fortune opening some of Britain's first strip clubs and financing other classically un-British pursuits to eventually become Britain's richest man. The film follows Raymond's life in humorous fashion before leading up to the darkest parts of his life when his daughter (played by Imogen Poots) and heir to his empire dies of a drug overdose.

We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks
★★★
Opens in Australia: 4^th July 2013
Other Countries: Release Information
Perth, Australia: See at Luna Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

After recently viewing ‘Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God’ produced and directed by Alex Gibney, I had high hopes for his latest documentary, ‘We Steal Secrets’. 

WikiLeaks is a fascinating story and in viewing ‘We Steal Secrets’ I’d hoped to  learn more about the headline-making, white-haired enigma Julian Assange.  However, whilst it was interesting, I don’t think there was anything here we didn’t already know.

There was some insight into Bradley Manning, the analyst who leaked the super secret military documents to WikiLeaks but instead of delving deeper into Assange and Manning, there was a lot of repetitive information which filled the film out to 130 minutes.

For documentary lovers who have been on another planet and know little of WikiLeaks it will be fascinating.  Although, smoothly done, afterwards I felt rather a little spun by a documentary exposition on the evils of ‘spin’.   

STUDIO BLURB

Acclaimed documentarian Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) takes the reins for this no-holds-barred look at one of the most unusual phenomena of early 21st century media. In 2006, an Iceland-based outfit called The Sunshine Press launched the website WikiLeaks.org. As run by Australian Internet activist Julian Assange, the site's mandate involved regularly publishing top-secret documents and covert information, often regarding governments and their respective military operations. As might be expected, this set off a firestorm between those who admired the organization's bravado and resourcefulness, and those who argued, not unjustly, that the dissemination of data regarding such events as the U.S. war in Afghanistan could put untold numbers of lives at risk. In We Steal Secrets, Gibney relays the story of the WikiLeaks website from the inside, and moves beyond black and white to penetrate a complex network of activity guided by courage and idealism but also allegedly guilty of ethical insensitivity and hypocrisy. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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