An Adventure in Film

I've Moved

2015-04-28T16:17:00.001+08:00

I've moved all my new postings to my website: www.susanmaywriter.com

For three years I created content for four different blogs. Yes, four!

Call me crazy. No, lets make that call me naive to think I could run that many blogs and keep up the fiction writing.

All my book and film reviews and musings on writing are now over at my blog/website An Adventure in Words. So there is nothing new here, but a lot of good old posts reviewing films, if you would like to hang around here for a bit.

Join me at www.susanmaywriter.com and see what's happening in the world of film and storytelling.

Weekly Review Round Up 25th October 2014

2014-10-25T15:32:00.001+08:00

Such a difficult pick for movie of the week, as Whiplash is a phenomenal experience. However, close on its heels is Fury. The critics all loved Whiplash, but it’s also a smaller film than Fury. So if you have a choice, and want bang for your buck, I would see Fury, and then if you fancy watching filmmaking, scripting, and acting at its finest, then Whiplash it.

Shortly, those on my list will be receiving my sparkling new time travel book Back Again for FREE. (I know… I'm far too generous.) It’s at the formatters currently. So hop over to my newsletter sign up now and join: CLICK HERE

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

Whiplash ✪✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 23^th October 2014

USA: 10^th October 2014 UK: 16^th January 2015

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

The synopsis of this film is impossible to describe well enough to inspire you to see it, because the concept of watching 106 minutes of a kid taking jazz drumming lessons at an elite music conservatory in New York is never going to sound scintillating. However from the opening scene, where we are introduced to Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) during a solo drumming practice session interrupted by revered but feared teacher, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), you realize that this is no Glee.

As Fletcher mentors Neyman and his fellow students, you viscerally endure their physical and emotional abuse. He uses increasingly more vicious and disturbing modus operandi to elevate their performances, and you become caught up in the questions the film asks: What price, success? The word “evil” flitted through my mind during particularly tense and harrowing scenes.

When Fletcher invites Neyman to join his elite band, suddenly a young man, whose musical aspirations are not considered by his family to be a worthwhile pursuit, becomes convinced that he is on the road to greatness. But his aspirations to greatness come at an enormous price. Will that price be too high?

The last twenty minutes are some of the finest acting you will see on film this year. In fact, the film is outstanding in not just the performances but in its unflinching commitment to deliver the ugliness and the wonderment of the magic of any art form. All I can say is how grateful I am to be a writer, where things rarely get physical. We might jokingly claim there is blood on our keyboards, but in comparison to this story and similar insights into the ballet world via the Oscar winning Black Swan, as far as the arts go, writers have it easy.

Whiplash and its leads, Teller and Simmons, and Academy Awards will be mentioned in the same sentence in the coming months. There is blood on the drum kit, and you will feel your blood pulsing as you watch Whiplash, too. This film dares to march to the beat of a different drum, and for that it is a marvel.

STUDIO BLURB

Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity. (C) Sony Classics

Fury ✪✪✪✪ ½

Opens in Australia: 23rd October 2014

USA: 17^th October 2014 UK: 22^nd October 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

Fury is one of the finest war films in years. Not since Saving Private Ryan have we seen a war story in all its horror, along with the extraordinary bravery of the soldiers told with such passion and skill. Writer/director, David Avery (Training Day, End of Watch, The Fast and the Furious) is unflinching in delivering a sometimes tough-to-watch, but honest feeling tale. He certainly knows how to film an assured, tense action scene that will have you on the edge of your seat (or squeezing your partner’s hand, as in my case). The last time I watched a film and realized that I had barely breathed through the finale was during the Oscar winning Argo.

It is also evocative of the wonderful war films from my childhood that I would watch on a Sunday afternoon—my favourite being the 1967 The Dirty Dozen. The ensemble of actors, led by Brad Pitt as army sergeant Don 'Wardaddy' Collier who is lumbered with a new wet-behind-the-ears recruit Norman Ellison (Loman Lerman), give wonderful, performances. With the awards season just around the corner, the studios are bringing out their big guns (excuse the pun), and this is one of them. It was made for the big screen, so see it there. It’s worth your dollars.

STUDIO BLURB

April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. (C) Sony

Love, Rosie ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 6^th November 2014

USA: 17^th October 2014 UK: 22^nd October 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

“It is, what it is,” was the consensus among the viewers at my preview. For me, it was predictable and dragged a bit in parts. A killer soundtrack helps it along a tried and true path, and the leads Lily Collins (Phil Collins daughter) and Sam Claflin are adorable. Romantics rejoice, if you crave one of those cute, bumbling, timing mis-sync but eventually-they-live-happily-ever-after stories, then here you go. Didn’t love Love, Rosie, but didn’t hate it either.

STUDIO BLURB

Rosie and her best friend Alex take a leap of faith, both on life and on each other, when they decide to go to the US together to attend university. But fate has other plans for Rosie. Over the next 12 years their lives change dramatically but the connection remains.

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Round Up 18th October 2014

2014-10-18T17:07:00.000+08:00

There’s a solid Australian film opening this week, Son of a Gun starring Ewan McGregor, filmed here in Perth. I hope the Aussies reading this will consider giving it a viewing. It’s very good, and we need to support our country’s film industry. My son has visions of working in this industry in the future, so I’m hoping in a decade there will be a vibrant one for him and the other budding filmmakers to enter.

The other two films are average thrillers, but if you haven’t seen Gone Girl or The Equalizer, then see those first. They are much better films. These two would be just as enjoyable as Friday night streams or DVDs. Don’t pirate them, okay! Pirating is naughty.

Shortly, those on my list will be receiving my sparkling new time travel book Back Again for FREE. (I know, I'm far too generous.) I’m just going through the final edits now. So hop over to my newsletter sign up now and join: http://susanmaywordadventures.blogspot.com.au/p/loading.html

THIS WEEK'S FILM RELEASES

(My movie Pick of the week)

Son of a Gun ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 16^th October 2014

USA: No release as yet UK: 16^th January 2015

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

We’ve had a few films recently released that were filmed in our little old town of Perth, but Son of A Gun is the first one that really nails it. Starring Ewan McGregor and Brenton Thwaites (The Giver) it comes with a smart script and well-orchestrated action scenes. McGregor displays his versatility playing a hardened criminal, and Thwaites the newcomer matches him as the innocent kid drawn into his web in order to survive his stay in prison.

I liked the twists and turns; the script by Julian Avery, also directing in his feature film debut, proves that you can follow tried and true tropes, and yet still deliver good entertainment. My hope is that Australians will support this film. It’s a 100 percent better than a lot of the big studio produced rubbish thrown at us these days with big name actors and big budgets, which just don’t deliver on story or character. Really worth seeing on the big screen.

STUDIO BLURB

Locked up, 19-year-old JR (Brenton Thwaites) finds himself under the protection of Australia's public enemy No.1, Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor)... but protection comes at a price. Lynche's crew have plans for their young protégé and very soon the debt is called in.

Before I Go To Sleep ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 16^th October 2014

USA: 31^st October 2014 UK: 5^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

Nicole Kidman has not enjoyed a good run of films at the box office. Most have tanked, and after the woeful Grace of Monaco, you start wondering if it isn’t her. Sometimes her acting feels distant from the character, as if you can see the mechanics of the process in her eyes. However in Before I Go To Sleep that distance works very well indeed.

It’s a Hitchockian Memento type thriller, Kidman playing Christine Lucas who, due to head injuries from a violent assault, wakes up every morning having forgotten everything from the day before. Her husband (Colin Firth) is supportive and loving, albeit it is clearly emotionally taxing and difficult to have to recount their years of marriage to her each morning.

Her doctor (Mark Strong) calls her every morning after her husband leaves for work to remind her that she is keeping a video diary on a camera hidden in the back of the cupboard. It is via the video that the mystery begins, with Christine telling future herself not to trust her husband. Each day we learn a little more about her, as she searches for what really happened and who she can trust.

The first half of the film is intriguing and strong, however toward the end it devolves into less than it could have been had a little more thought gone into the conclusion and setting up of the red herrings. However if you like your thrillers a guessing game, you will enjoy this. It’s no Gone Girl, but the cast do a great job, and director Rowan Joffe (Brighton Rock, 28 Weeks Later) is certainly the master of creating a dark and claustrophobic mood on screen.

STUDIO BLURB

A taut thriller based on the worldwide best-selling novel by S.J. Watson, BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP is the story of a woman (Nicole Kidman) who wakes up every day with no memory as the result of a traumatic accident in her past. One day, terrifying new truths begin to emerge that make her question everything she thinks she knows about her life - as well as everyone in it, including her doctor (Mark Strong) and even her husband (Colin Firth). (c) Clarius

A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 16^th October 2014

USA: 19^th September 2014 UK: 19^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

This film is based on Lawrence Block's bestselling series of mystery novels. It certainly would be a good book, but it's not so good as a film. It’s a tad tired and clichéd and is only elevated above a DVD watch by Liam Neeson. Although, there is a joke in our household of film aficionados, about the typecasting of Liam Neeson. When we came home from the movie, our youngest, snarliest film reviewer asks: Did Liam Neeson play an ex-cop? Yes! Is he a recovering alcoholic? Yes! Is he divorced? Yes! Does he walk around looking as if the weight of the world is on his shoulders? Yes! Does he kill a lot of people violently, barely raising a sweat? Yes!

So if my twelve-year-old understands it's a clichéd plot, I am struggling lately to comprehend how these scriptwriters can’t see it. Perhaps they simply don’t see enough films to realize that it’s been done before, and done many times.

If you're looking for something new, this isn’t it. If you love Liam Neeson in Taken, then you will enjoy. However, if you haven’t seen The Equalizer or Gone Girl, see those two first. They are superior films by a long shot and fall into the same genre as this. I will say that it has a fabulous opening sequence that hints of so much more than the film delivers.

STUDIO BLURB

Based on Lawrence Block's bestselling series of mystery novels, A Walk among the Tombstones stars Liam Neeson as Matt Scudder, an ex-NYPD cop who now works as an unlicensed private investigator operating just outside the law. When Scudder reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Dan Stevens) hunt down the men who kidnapped and then brutally murdered his wife, the PI learns that this is not the first time these men have committed this sort of twisted crime...nor will it be the last. Blurring the lines between right and wrong, Scudder races to track the deviants through the backstreets of New York City before they kill again. (C) Universal

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Round Up 10th October 2014

2014-10-10T15:46:00.002+08:00

It is truly a mixed bag this week. A film about a man turned into a walrus. It’s so bizarre you won’t believe it. A solid drama starring Robert Downey Jr., wearing a different kind of suit, and an indie film that I didn’t love, but many of my fellow reviewers did. Read on, friends, for your dose of weekly film reviews.

By the way, I still have a book competition giveaway running at the moment for You by Caroline Kepnes. If you want to stay up-to-date with my competitions, add your email address to my mailing list. Go on, you know you want to.

Shortly, those on my list will be receiving my sparkling new time travel book Back Again for free. (I know, I'm far too generous.) So hop over there now and join: http://susanmaywordadventures.blogspot.com.au/p/loading.html

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Judge ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 9^th October 2014

USA: 10^th October 2014 UK: 17^th October 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall are magnificent as the two leads in what is really a film about small town life and family, and what binds it all together and what spins it apart. Even though the film is about a legal drama, don’t go expecting a Law and Order courtroom spectacle. The court case is only the background to the family story and it’s history, and it doesn’t have much screen time.

This film reminds me of last year’s August: Osage County. This time it’s from the male point of view with the cantankerous and seemingly harsh patriarch (Duvall) on emotional trial by his estranged son (Downey Jr.).

While I found it a compelling story, brilliantly filmed and acted, I can’t say I loved it. HOWEVER, my husband commented that it was more a man’s movie and that he felt very connected and emotion about the themes. I can see that absolutely now as I write this.

This will be one of the films mentioned in the awards season—mark my words, bar one, I predicted every win correctly for the Oscars this year. I don’t think it will win, but there will be some nominations from it. Girls, take your husband or partner along to The Judge. The more I think about it, the more I believe it is a film your man would enjoy seeing, and for us girls, well, Robert Downey Jr. is always great to watch.

STUDIO BLURB

In "The Judge," Robert Downey Jr. stars as big city lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town's judge (Robert Duvall), is suspected of murder. He sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before. -- (C) Warner Bros.

Tusk ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 19^th October 2014

USA: 19^th September 2014 UK: No release as yet

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

Seriously sicko film that was made from a crazy idea hatched on a podcast. Really, truly, yes! Poor Justin Long gets turned into a Walrus. Yep, that’s not a misprint. He gets transformed via surgery into a Walrus.

Johnny Depp is in this, too, as a very odd detective. Haley Joel Osment (remember the kid from Sixth Sense—you wouldn’t even recognize him in this) is Justin Long’s character’s podcast partner. It’s a bit like the Spanish film starring Antonio Banderas released last year, The Skin I Live In.

All I will say is that I’ve seen it, and I can’t unsee it, so you have been warned. It’s one of those films people will be talking about. You will hear them in the halls, saying “It was so disgusting. He chopped off....” “And then he attached it to…”

Unlike most films, I probably will never forget this film (not sure if that is a good thing). If it appeals to you and you like your humor black with no sugar, then off you go and watch a man become a walrus. Sadly, I’ve seen worse.

STUDIO BLURB

Red State director Kevin Smith takes the helm for this horror film starring Justin Long as a podcaster who is targeted by a sadistic killer while attempting to land an interview with a misanthropic adventurer (Michael Parks). Genesis Rodriguez and Haley Joel Osment co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Obvious Child ✪✪

Opens in Australia: 9^th October 2014

USA: 20^th June 2014 UK: 29^th August 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

Everyone I spoke to after this film preview loved this. Me? Nope. I didn’t find the character engaging or funny. It was mostly unoriginal in its humor. Although the film’s makers did seem to think they were breaking down some kind of barrier in taste and decorum. But that little bird truly flew out the window with Bridesmaids and it ain’t never coming back.

However it could be that being a mom with two teenagers means that this kind of film just doesn’t float my boat anymore. Maybe I’ve been there, done that twenty-five years ago, so now it’s boring. Also, I don’t really find the topic of abortion hilarious or worthy of jokes. If the synopsis appeals, then feel free to ignore my rating.

STUDIO BLURB

Jenny Slate, Saturday Night Live royalty, plays Donna Stern, a 27-year-old Brooklyn comedian whose unapologetically lewd, warmhearted wit is pretty irresistible with audiences. When she gets heartlessly “dumped up with” by her two-timing boyfriend, Donna plunges into some light stalking and heavy moping. Hitting a serious low point, she performs a dreary set of break-up vengeance and Holocaust jokes and drunkenly falls into bed with a nice young professional named Max (Jake Lacy) - not remotely her type. A few weeks later, condoms be damned, she’s pregnant. Now Donna, incapable of telling anything but the naked truth when she’s on stage, will resort to any means to avoid telling Max the score. As her date with Planned Parenthood draws near, she must confront her doubts and fears like never before.

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Round Up 4th October 2014

2014-10-04T17:36:00.000+08:00

Two again this week. Missed Dracula Unleashed preview, but from what I heard I dodged a ~~fang~~ bullet. Loved Gone Girl. Go see it. Finally caught an older release, The Boxtrolls. Loved it, not so much.

By the way, I have a few competitions running at the moment for film tickets and book giveaways, so if you want to stay up-to-date with those, add your email address to my mailing list. Go on, you know you want to. Shortly, those on my list will be receiving my sparkling new time travel book Back Again for free. (I know, I'm far too generous.) So hop over there now and join: The Wonderful Reader's Club

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

Gone Girl ✪✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 2^nd October 2014

USA: 3rd October 2014 UK: 2^nd October 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Nope, I haven’t read the book! And I’m glad for that, because if you have you will know all the twisty turnies that are coming in the film. We were blissfully unaware and that was fun. This is a solid film that hinted of being just a midday movie on the big screen except for good performances by the leads, Affleck and Pike, and supporting cast, great direction from David Fincher (really one of my fave directors), and a no-nonsense script written by the actual book’s author Gillian Flynn. Don’t get me started as to why they don’t let authors get more involved with scripts of their own books—kind of makes sense and they can’t do worse than most script writers.

Go see this film. It’s high quality entertainment—gives me faith in Hollywood again. And nice to have Ben Affleck back in something good after the awful Runner Runner.

STUDIO BLURB

GONE GIRL - directed by David Fincher and based upon the global bestseller by Gillian Flynn - unearths the secrets at the heart of a modern marriage. On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife? (c) Fox

The Boxtrolls ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 18^th September 2014

USA: 26^th September 2014 UK: 12^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

I love stopgap animation, and while I do appreciate the time it takes to create these types of films, it might be nice if they spent the same time on the script. My kids were yawning, just like me. As one of them said: “It’s just the same old, same old.” You know the story... where the ugly, little creatures that everyone thinks are evil turn out to be good and misunderstood, and the supposedly good guys who run the town are evil. Yawn…

However, at the session at which we saw the film, all the kids around us were laughing, and the 14 year-old friend we brought along loved every moment of it. So maybe just call us jaded kid’s filmgoers. I don’t know. It’s also quite dark and scary I thought for the young ones who might like it. I found the perfect debate about this film on Margaret and David’s Movie Show. http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s4092226.htm if you want a second opinion. I’m with Margaret exactly, but I bet a few would agree with David.

STUDIO BLURB

A family event movie from the creators of "Coraline" and "ParaNorman" that introduces audiences to a new breed of family - The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they've built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. When the town's villain, Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley), comes up with a plot to get rid of the Boxtrolls, Eggs decides to venture above ground, "into the light," where he meets and teams up with fabulously feisty Winnifred (Elle Fanning). Together, they devise a daring plan to save Eggs' family. Directors: Anthony Staachi and Graham Annable. (C) Focus

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Win tickets to PERTH premiere of TUSK

2014-10-02T13:57:00.000+08:00

Perth film lovers

WIN 1 of 3 doubles to a fun night seeing TUSK

at an advance opening screening

Friday 10th October

from 9pm

at Luna Leederville

featuring a RTRFM DJ Scott Quigg supported by Sound Solutions plus delicious Sienna’s pizzas, tasty beer/wine!

Just enter your details below for a chance to win.

Luna Palace Cinemas in association with Sony Pictures will be screening indie legend Kevin Smith’s (Clerks, Mallrats, Jay & Silent Bob), TUSK an oddball tale based on a whacky urban legend - an utterly bizarre, weirdly compelling tale that stakes out its own brazen path somewhere between The Fly and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. We are planning an advance opening screening on Friday 10 October from 9.00m at Luna Leederville featuring a RTRFM DJ Scott Quigg supported by Sound Solutions, plus delicious Siena’s pizzas, tasty beer/wine!

Tusk (MA15+) – Exclusive Season at Luna Leederville

Season starts October 16. Advance Screenings Friday October 10 to Sunday October 12

Special Advance Opening Night Friday October 10. Pre-screening activity event from 9.00pm. Film starts 9.30pm

Cult director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) returns to Red State territory with his genre-bending comedy horror that takes his comedic chops to a whole new, disturbing level. Wallace (Justin Long) and Teddy (Hayley Joel Osment) co-host a popular Podcast with a focus on mocking cruel, cringe humour. After a potential story in Canada leaves Wallace high and dry, his decision to make the trip worthwhile by chasing up a mysterious lead takes him on a journey we can only describe as hilarious, disturbing, and bizarre.

In this Canuck-baiting thriller, Smith’s house blend of highbrow literary references and lowbrow bathroom humor are mixed with ridiculous horror, and is as much a comment on how Americans view Canadians as it is a story of insane proportions.

“Smith has delivered a left-field surprise that ranks among his very best work…”- Variety

“You can imagine Mr. Smith and his collaborators rolling in the aisles at their own preposterousness. If you can find your inner 16-year-old, you might just join them.”

NEW YORK TIMES

“Hilariously off the wall. Thoroughly entertaining. Absolutely stellar.” BLOODY DISGUSTING

Film Review Round Up 26th September 2014

2014-09-26T17:07:00.001+08:00

Just two this week that I managed to catch. Both films really entertaining and worth seeing. Enjoy!

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Skeleton Twins ✪✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 25^th September 2014

USA: 12^th September UK: 7^th November, 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Estranged twins Marv Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristin Wiig) both cheat suicide attempts on the same day in this tightly scripted mix of dark comedy and family drama. A timely film, indeed, after the untimely death of Robin Williams. The Skeleton Twins highlights beautifully the complexity of human beings and human relationships.

When Milo agrees reluctantly to come back and live with Maggie and her husband after his failed suicide attempt, he becomes the third wheel in their household. Inadvertently, he becomes the catalyst for Maggie to question why she is unhappy when she seemingly has everything going for her.

Director Craig Johnson, takes his time revealing why the siblings hadn’t spoken in a decade, but there is nothing slow or uninvolving in the way he leads us to this revelation.

Wiig and Hader give nuanced performances, and this film might put to rest the expectation, after Bridesmaids, that Wiig can only do comedy. She does drama very well, thank you. Hader is also incredibly heartwarming and real as the gay sibling struggling with the disappointments of life.

Luke Wilson, as Wiig’s ever-enthusiastic husband, adds the comic charm that his own real-life sibling, Owen Wilson, seems to have lost by over-playing the same character in every film. Ty Burrell, in a small but key role, also breaks out from the comedic expectations placed on him after his Modern Family success.

This small ensemble cast has pulled together an involving, emotional journey pinned around the idea that the human condition, no matter who you are (and I’m thinking of Robin Williams again here), is complex and challenging. It reminds us that what is assured is life’s ups downs and that hanging on tight to those you love might just help.

See The Skeleton Twins because it’s funny and sad and thought provoking, and because it will make you hug your sibling or your loved ones a little tighter because love shouldn’t be taken for granted.

STUDIO BLURB

When estranged twins Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) feel they're at the end of their ropes, an unexpected reunion forces them to confront why their lives went so wrong. As the twins reconnect, they realize the key to fixing their lives may just lie in repairing their relationship. (c) Roadside Attractions

The Equalizer ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 25^th September 2014

USA: 26^th September 2014 UK: 26^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s Denzel, okay. So its stylish, albeit highly improbable. But, hey, so is the Bourne trilogy, and Mission Impossible, and they’re still fun. The end sequence, which is incredibly violent, reminds me of a grown up version of the Home Alone scene where the robbers get their just desserts. The Equalizer is by the numbers, but with Denzel there, it gets an extra star from me. Denzel is just so damn cool that anything he’s in is elevated beyond its sum of parts. Watch with popcorn.

STUDIO BLURB

In The Equalizer, Denzel Washington plays McCall, a man who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when McCall meets Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can't stand idly by - he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer. (c) Sony

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Roundup 21st September 2014

2014-09-21T12:17:00.000+08:00

This week, another great independent sci-fi film. This one really surprised with its script. A Young Adult (YA) book to film adaptation that I did like, a comic book film conversion that I shouldn’t have liked, but I did, and a crowd-funded film that I wished I wasn’t there to watch.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Infinite Man ✪✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 18^th September 2014

USA: Various film festivals UK: Festivals

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

This is probably the strangest film I’ve seen all year. Quirky. Yep, real quirky. So odd and unsettling to start with that I honestly considered walking out of the preview. It seemed, well, kind of corny and the setting very basic, and I thought: Why should I sit here any longer, it can only get worse? Like they nearly always do, and I always wish I’d left when I thought to leave.

Wrong! Boy was I glad that I stayed because after about thirty minutes when Dean, the main character of only three characters, travels back in time and starts getting tangled up in the time line, it gets good, really good. The kind of good that has you thinking about it days later. In fact, a week later, I love it even more now than when I saw it.

It’s clever, and did I mention quirky? You should see it. Really, please go see it, and don’t make up your mind while watching until it starts playing out. Did I mention that it’s quirky?

The film’s Facebook Page for news on where it’s showing is https://www.facebook.com/TheInfiniteMan/timeline. Try and catch it. There’s never been anything quite like it.

STUDIO BLURB

A man's attempts to construct the ultimate romantic weekend backfire when his quest for perfection traps his lover in an infinite loop.

The Maze Runner ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 18^th September 2014

USA: 19^th September 2014 UK: 10^th October 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

This one didn’t thrill me to see. The trailer was meh, and I think for those of us over

seventeen, we’ve just about had our fill of young people killing and being killed in films adapted from bestselling books.

So find me pleasantly surprised by this thrilling little number. It’s a tad cliché, but then again I’ve read a lot of books and seen a lot of films, so you do get used to plot weaving and the beats that films and books need to meet. Did you know there’s a formula they teach in screenwriting school? Yep, there are beats to hit at certain points in a film (and many miss them).

The Maze Runner, though, is well done, and even though I kept thinking this is a modern day Lord of the Flies (so I can’t call it original), it feels fresh. It’s also part of a trilogy, I presume, because the books are a trilogy. So another one to look forward to. I’m going to read the book. I can’t wait for the film. It ended on too much of a cliffhanger.

STUDIO BLURB

When Thomas wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. Only by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze can Thomas hope to uncover his true purpose and a way to escape. Based upon the best-selling novel by James Dashner. (c) Fox

Sin City: A Dame To Die For ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 18^th September 2014

USA: 22^nd August 2014 UK: 25^th August 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Nine years after the original Sin City that spawned a new film noir style, co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite again to bring Miller's Sin City graphic novels back to the screen.

Don’t worry if, like me, you didn’t see the first Sin City, you will still enjoy the story and the stunning, unique, visual style, now in 3D. The effect of creating a film with the look of the graphic novel, sometimes the exact scene frame of the comic, is truly an experience to savor on the big screen.

Two of the film's four segments are based on the six issue Sin City comic: A Dame To Kill For and the single run Just Another Saturday Night. Each story is told as a separate storyline with each intersecting and then glancing off each other in their own showcase.

Dwight (Josh Brolin) is so in love with Ava (Eva Green) that he will ‘kill for the dame’ even though he knows she is not worthy of his trust, having betrayed him before. She claims that her husband will soon kill her. Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Johnny, a gambling hustler, who falls foul of Senator Roark (Powers Boothe) when he wins at the table. Nancy Calahan (Jessica Alba) is emotionally struggling with the suicide of John Hartigan (Bruce Willis), and though revenge is what she seeks, she can’t seem to find the courage to act. In each, as in the comics, Marv (Mickey Rourke) becomes involved, and when you have Marv with you that means there will be blood.

Sin City is filled with a dark menagerie of characters played to perfection by names such as Rozaria Dawson, Jeremy Piven, Ray Liotta, Christopher Lloyd, Stacy Keach, and even Lady GaGa.

It’s hyper-violent and a crazy, wild ride, with a claustrophobic atmosphere conveying the feeling that these characters are trapped in this terrible, dangerous world from which there is no escape, giving them only small triumphs over greater evils. As the poster says, “There is no justice without sin.” Especially when this sinning is so good to watch.

STUDIO BLURB

Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite to bring Miller's visually stunning "Sin City" graphic novels back to the screen in SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR. Weaving together two of Miller's classic stories with new tales, the town's most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more notorious inhabitants. SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR is the follow up to Rodriguez and Miller's 2005 groundbreaking film, FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY. (c) Dimension Films

Wish I Was Here ✪½

Opens in Australia: 18^th September 2014

USA: 25^th July 2014 UK: 19^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

I’d like to rename this film from the filmgoer’s perspective. The actors might be wishing they were here, but I think most audiences will be wishing they were anywhere but here in a cinema watching this.

My best description of this crowd-funded film, written, produced and starred in by Zach Braff, is to say that it was clumsy and un-engaging. The character Braff plays is an unsuccessful actor. Now he can add unsuccessful scriptwriter and producer to his credits. Don’t go. He’s already crowd-funded enough money from innocent people. Don’t give him any more. He might make another film.

And how bad is the poster? What a shocker.

STUDIO BLURB

Director Zach Braff's follow-up to his indie breakout hit "Garden State" tells the story of a thirty-something man who finds himself at major crossroads, which forces him to examine his life, his career, and his family. (c) Focus

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Weekly Film Reviews 13th September 2014

2014-09-13T20:36:00.000+08:00

It’s the kid’s film release week here in Australia in the lead up to the school holidays in two weeks, when my life gets a whole lot louder for two and a half weeks. There are two kids films and a YA (young adult) book adaptation.

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Giver ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 11^th September 2014

USA: 15^th August UK: 19^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s adapted from a 1993 book and you might think its similar to Divergent and Hunger Games. They’re all about a dystopian future. Those books were, no doubt, inspired by this earlier book.

I liked this film a whole lot better than Divergent. It may not pack the surprises that the book does, but having read the book myself, it’s a pretty reasonable adaptation. I loved the book, too. So I suggest you grab that if you don’t fancy the movie. It’s really very thought provoking. The film is a good watch, too.

STUDIO BLURB

The haunting story of THE GIVER centers on Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), a young man who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Yet as he begins to spend time with The Giver (Jeff Bridges), who is the sole keeper of all the community's memories, Jonas quickly begins to discover the dark and deadly truths of his community's secret past. With this newfound power of knowledge, he realizes that the stakes are higher than imagined - a matter of life and death for himself and those he loves most. At extreme odds, Jonas knows that he must escape their world to protect them all - a challenge that no one has ever succeeded at before. THE GIVER is based on Lois Lowry's beloved young adult novel of the same name, which was the winner the 1994 Newbery Medal and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. (C) Weinstein

TARZAN ✪½

Opens in Australia: 11^th September 2014

USA: 9^th May 2014 UK: 2^nd May 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

If you desperately love Tarzan then go see it. It’s a very strange version. It’s filmed using motion capture, which is where the actor looks like some alien from the future with dots all over them while filming, and then they digitize them, so they look like very real cartoons.

In the case of this film, something’s gone very wrong with the process. They just look like really weird people with no expressions on their faces and bad hair. You can get an idea by the poster. The story is okay, but I judge these kid’s films on the basis that you are coughing up a fair whack of money to take your family, so you are entitled to see something better than what you can see on free-to-air. So I wouldn’t spend your hard earned money. Go buy the Disney DVD of Tarzan. Much better.

On another note, I see there is a Tarzan movie coming in 2016 that looks very cool starring Christopher Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Alexander Skarsgård, and Margot Robbie.

STUDIO BLURB

A teenage boy raised by gorillas in Africa falls for a pretty conservationist following a chance meeting in the jungle, but finds their romance threatened by a menacing Silverback, and a scheming capitalist in search of a new energy source in this animated adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic tale. Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 11^th September 2014

USA: 8^th August UK: 17^th October 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

I should have hated this film. However, I actually found it better than expected. Mind you, that is not saying a lot. It's aimed squarely at the younger fans. Megan Fox is so good in her role (I realise that could be a shock for you). She plays a dumb reporter who discovers the turtles and tries to convince everyone else they exist. Everyone she works with thinks she’s pretty stupid. See why it works with her?

A couple of kids I saw after the preview told me that they loved it. There’s a lot of action. Some of it not bad, if not clichéd. I don’t know if it was our screening, but the 3D was not good at all. It was blurry in parts and quite annoying. Maybe its better to see it in 2D. Cheaper at any rate.

STUDIO BLURB

The city needs heroes. Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The future is grim until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O'Neil (Megan Fox) and her wise-cracking cameraman Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett) to save the city and unravel Shredder's diabolical plan. Based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Characters Created by PETER LAIRD and KEVIN EASTMAN with a Screenplay by JOSH APPELBAUM & ANDRÉ NEMEC and EVAN DAUGHERTY, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is produced by MICHAEL BAY (director and executive producer of the blockbuster Transformers franchise), Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Galen Walker, Scott Mednick and Ian Bryce, and directed by JONATHAN LIEBESMAN (Wrath of the Titans).(c) Paramount

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Weekly Film Review Round Up 4th September 2014

2014-09-04T20:34:00.001+08:00

There’s a film out this week you shouldn't miss. BOYHOOD. It will be referred to for years to come, I believe, as one of the most brilliant films ever made. It's an incredible undertaking. Also, if you’ve seen the trailers and been hanging out for the bat boys, What We Do In The Shadows is finally here. Then there is the very B-grade Into The Storm, which is a DVD watch or Netflix or however you watch your video nowadays.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

Boyhood ✪✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 4^th September 2014

USA: 18^th July 2014 UK: 11^th July 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

EXTRAORDINARY! What an incredible concept. In lesser hands than director Richard Linklater’s, this would be not the experience that it is. After all it is about nothing more than a family going through the phases of parenting children into adulthood. How Linklater knew that Ellar Coltrane (cast when he was only eight to play the central character, Mason, over a twelve year span) would nail it year after year, makes him a psychic director.

Every actor in this film is the SAME ACTOR coming back over the years, annually, to add to their part. We actually watch them age; Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke grow greyer, their faces changing with real wrinkles as the time passes.

It’s, at the core, about family and dealing with all those non-descript moments filled with excitement, fun, tedious events, milestones, challenging times, and all the mistakes and successes that comprise parenthood, along with the experience of the children becoming adults. We see it from both sides.

As a parent of boys, fourteen and twelve, I couldn’t help feeling as if I was watching my life condensed into 165 minutes. I don’t share the single motherhood and the broken marriages of Patricia Arquette’s mother character, but it certainly contains a lot of the phases of parenting that I’ve experienced so far.

What is so compelling is that you are drawn emotionally into the character’s experiences, with your own memories, feelings, and near future, stirred by what you are watching. When you are shown the perspective of events as seen through the children’s eyes, like the look on the teenager’s faces as they are lectured by their parents on the usual subjects of responsibility and respect, you suddenly realize what your kids are really seeing and hearing. Much of it really hits home.

I found this film to be a profound and moving experience. So much so, that I ended up sobbing as I drove home and later as I recounted the story to my husband. It just filled me with so much emotion.

If you are a parent, or if you are contemplating becoming a parent, you must see this film. Linklater’s daughter plays the sister, Samantha. So there is no doubt the script was drawn from the director’s own experiences. That’s what give this film its authentic feel that reaches out beyond the medium of film and tears at your heart. Amazing. See it. You will never forget the experience.

Here’s a fascinating interview with Coltrane (Mason) that is worth reading http://www.vulture.com/2014/06/ellar-coltrane-on-his-12-year-movie-role.html

STUDIO BLURB

Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater's BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason's parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, BOYHOOD charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay's Yellow to Arcade Fire's Deep Blue. BOYHOOD is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It's impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey. (c) Sundance Film Festival

What We Do In The Shadows ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 4^th September 2014

USA: 26^th April (Festival) UK: 21^st November 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

The trailer to this film is hilarious because it is short and sharp, and I do wish the guy who'd edited the trailer had also edited the film.

The film is funny but not all the sets-ups are as funny as they could be. I gave it the four star rating for its originality and because the lead vampire Viago is adorable, played perfectly by Taika Waititi. All the actors did a fine job, considering a lot of it was adlibbed around concepts.

You'd better see it because, if you don’t, you won’t understand what everyone is talking about at work or at your social gatherings for the next few weeks. I think it will be one of those word-of-mouth films. You will never look at bisgetti (spaghetti) again in the same way.

STUDIO BLURB

Follow the lives of Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), and Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) - three flatmates who are just trying to get by and overcome life's obstacles-like being immortal vampires who must feast on human blood. Hundreds of years old, the vampires are finding that beyond sunlight catastrophes, hitting the main artery, and not being able to get a sense of their wardrobe without a reflection-modern society has them struggling with the mundane like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts.

Into The Storm ✪✪

Opens in Australia: 4^th September 2014

USA: 8^th August UK: 20^th August 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Remember Twister? Same stuff, except this time it’s a video crew that have the dubious motivation of acting like complete Jackass idiots in order to film the tornadoes to make money. I can’t understand why they would be paid for this footage when the television helicopters seemed to be getting perfectly good film coverage.

The tornado scenes were pretty cool but, sadly, that’s where the producers spent all the money. And a bunch of good CGI tornadoes does not a good movie make. Ultimately, it's a lot of hot air and not really something you should rush out to see. There wasn’t even a cow sucked up this time. Boo hoo. Or, should I say, “moo-hoo.”

STUDIO BLURB

In the span of a single day, the town of Silverton is ravaged by an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes. The entire town is at the mercy of the erratic and deadly cyclones, even as storm trackers predict the worst is yet to come. Most people seek shelter, while others run towards the vortex, testing how far a storm chaser will go for that once-in-a-lifetime shot. Told through the eyes and lenses of professional storm chasers, thrill-seeking amateurs, and courageous townspeople, "Into the Storm" throws you directly into the eye of the storm to experience Mother Nature at her most extreme. (C) Warner Bros

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Win tickets to SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR

2014-09-02T19:27:00.000+08:00

OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS
who love films!

UP FOR GRABS MY AUSTRALIAN FILM FRIENDS

5 double in season passes to
SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR

ONLY AT THE MOVIES FROM September18th

To celebrate the release of the film

An Adventure in Film, together with Icon Film Distribution, is offering you the chance to win 1 of 5 double passes to see it on us. Simply fill in your details below for your chance to win!

I've seen this film and loved it even though I haven't seen the first Sin City film.

Competition closes Midnight WA Time Monday 15th September

Winners will be notified by email by Wednesday 17th September

The Blurb

Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite to bring Miller's visually stunning Sin City graphic novels back to the screen in SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR. Eva Green stars as Ava, a temptress who enlists Dwight McCarthy (Brolin) in a bid to escape her ex-husband. Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Johnny, a mysterious gambler set on taking down his sworn enemy in a high stakes game of life and death. Weaving together two of Miller's classic stories with new tales, the town's most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more notorious inhabitants. Newcomers Juno Temple and Jeremy Piven join the all-star cast including Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Jessica Alba, and Jaime King who will be making their return to SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR.

Film Review Round Up 26th August 2014

2014-08-27T16:38:00.002+08:00

Sorry film fiends, I got so busy last week that I missed posting my reviews. Here they are with this week’s releases. There are some good releases among them. If you can only see one film, see Predestination on the big screen. The Woody Allen release Magic In The Moonlight is a bit of a disappointment but, as I always say, an average Woody Allen is still better than most. There's a couple of great Australian documentaries as well. Both the James Cameron Deep Sea Challenge and Nick Cave's 20,000 Days on Earth are well worth a look.

I want to know what you think of Predestination, too, so leave me a comment with your thoughts if you go see it.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week--possibly the year)

Predestination ✪✪✪✪✪

Doing the festival rounds

Opens in Australia: 28^th August, 2014

USA: No release as yet (craziness) UK: No release as yet (craziness)

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

After the past year of lame, over-produced, big studio sci-fi flicks that promise so much but deliver little, finally, we have a 5 star sci-fi film that will keep you thinking long after the end credits roll.

To call Predestination smart and entertaining is the equivalent of saying Einstein was pretty good at physics. It’s more than that. Quality production and script, along with a mesmerizing performance by Sara Snook, who is destined for super stardom, makes this a film not to be missed for anyone who loves science fiction or is up for a mind-warping time travel story.

After writing and directing Daybreakers and Undead, and now Predestination, the Spierig Brothers certainly display a true talent for realizing interesting, unique stories. They are now on my “must see their film” list of directors.

This film has, for some unknown reason, not received the wide release that it deserves. Please seek it out and see it, and if you love it, like I know you will, urge your friends to go see it. Show the cinemas that declined to show this amazing Australian made film in favor of the likes of Expendables 3, that they need to lift their game and support local industry and just get some smarts. I’m seeing it again. Something I rarely do.

Check out the trailer. Now, if this doesn't whet your appetite...

STUDIO BLURB

PREDESTINATION chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to ensure the continuation of his law enforcement career for all eternity. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time. Written by Anonymous

Magic In The Moonlight ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 28^th August 2014

USA: 15th August 2014 UK: 19^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

I’m the biggest Woody Allen fan. He can barely do anything wrong in my book (except when he co-starred in the woeful Fading Gigolo—just awful) and Blue Jasmine was one of my favourite films last year. This isn’t the best Woody Allen. Although Colin Firth and Emma Stone are just divine in their roles and the setting in the Côte d'Azur is simply stunning. It’s rather predictable and very, very old-fashioned in tone and plot. It would be charming in the sixties, but its tired in this day and age. Still, its not terrible and Colin Firth is seriously gorgeous, girls. If you have a hankering for Woody, it will suffice but will just leave you wanting a little more finesse.

STUDIO BLURB

Chinese conjuror Wei Ling Soo is the most celebrated magician of his age, but few know that he is the stage persona of Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth), a grouchy and arrogant Englishman with a sky-high opinion of himself and an aversion to phony spiritualists' claims. Persuaded by his friend, Howard Burkan (Simon McBurney), Stanley goes on a mission to the Côte d'Azur mansion of the Catledge family: mother Grace (Jacki Weaver), son Brice (Hamish Linklater), and daughter Caroline (Erica Leerhsen). He presents himself as a businessman named Stanley Taplinger in order to debunk the alluring young clairvoyant Sophie Baker (Emma Stone) who is staying there with her mother (Marcia Gay Harden). Sophie arrived at the Catledge villa at the invitation of Grace, who is convinced that Sophie can help her contact her late husband, and once there, attracted the attention of Brice, who has fallen for her head over heels. What follows is a series of events that are magical in every sense of the word and send the characters reeling. In the end, the biggest trick MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT plays is the one that fools us all. (C) Sony Pictures Classics

James Cameron’s Deep Sea Challenge 3D ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 21st August 2014

USA: 8^th August 2014 UK: No Release Date

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

The 3D in this film is impressive with the big screen. You really get the effect of being there. They should have this film at one of those 4D film cinemas at the theme parks where they splash water on you and rock the seat. It would be perfect for that. My kids and I really enjoyed this, and even though you know that Cameron survives the very dangerous adventure to the deepest part of the ocean, you still get a sense of how brave he was to embark on this journey. I didn’t realize that the crew that built the submersible—which is a technological marvel—were Aussies, and it was actually built in Sydney. If it wasn’t in 3D, I would suggest probably waiting until it’s on National Geographic channel. However, if it’s of interest to you, the big screen version is quite something.

STUDIO BLURB

As a boy, filmmaker James Cameron dreamed of a journey_ to the deepest part of the ocean. This film is the dramatic fulfillment of that dream. It chronicles Cameron's solo dive to the depths of the Mariana Trench-nearly seven miles beneath the ocean's surface-piloting a submersible he designed himself. The risks were astounding. The footage is breathtaking JAMES CAMERON'S DEEPSEA CHALLENGE 3D is a celebration of science, courage, and extraordinary human aspiration. (C) National Geographic

20,000 Days On Earth ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 21^st August 2014

USA: 17^th September 2014 UK: 19^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

I didn’t really know a lot about Nick Cave, except for his Kylie Minogue duet. Hey, I was really a Luther Vandross, Al Jarreau kind of gal in my youth. Even though I was aware slightly of his persona, I had no exposure to his music. So I was surprised how much I enjoyed this quasi-documentary on his 20,000th day on Earth and his music. He’s a fascinating guy and hugely talented and this is a great commercial for his music. If you like the look of the trailer, then you will really enjoy the film. Its not just about his music, but a window into the creative process of an artist, and that is always fascinating.

STUDIO BLURB

Drama and reality combine in a fictitious 24 hours in the life of musician and international cultural icon, Nick Cave. With startlingly frank insights and an intimate portrayal of the artistic process, the film examines what makes us who we are, and celebrates the transformative power of the creative spirit. (c) Drafthouse

The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 21^st August 2014

USA: 28^th May UK: 4^th July 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

An attempt at a whimsical film that falls a tad short of being a breakout foreign comedy, although the set up is indeed brilliant, derived from what I hear is a great book. It’s one of those rare foreign films that I wish Hollywood would grab and add a solid actor and a spruce up. It’s a Swedish Forrest Gump, but it needs a Tom Hanks.

STUDIO BLURB

Based on the internationally best-selling novel by Jonas Jonasson, the unlikely story of a 100-year-old man who decides it's not too late to start over. For most people it would be the adventure of a lifetime, but Allan Karlsson's unexpected journey is not his first. For a century he's made the world uncertain, and now he is on the loose again.

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Round Up 14th August 2014

2014-08-14T20:06:00.002+08:00

A week of okay movies; nothing jumps out and says “watch me.” In fact, all of them could be enjoyed on DVD, I’m afraid. If you are a fan of the book, of course you will want to see The Hundred-Foot Journey. There’s some fab ones coming up soon, so either save your money, or go see some of the great ones still showing. I'd be interested to see how it measures up. Guardians of the Galaxy should be seen on the big screen, so catch that one first, if you haven’t seen it.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Hundred-Foot Journey ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 14^th July 2014

USA: 8^th August 2014 UK: 5^th September 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s a charming film, although not as touching as it imagines itself to be. If you love food and your tongue hangs out at picturesque French scenic backdrops, then you will thoroughly enjoy this. Helen Mirren always holds her own on screen, but something feels a touch off on the storyline and it’s suddenly all over very quickly in the last twenty minutes. I think they wanted this on screen to tie in with the best selling book, but it needs a touch more development to have audiences get their tissues out. In saying that, the cooking mad husband enjoyed it, as did my 14-year-old son, and I heard the very difficult to please harsh-critic twelve-year-old laughing during it as well. He will never admit he likes a film (so uncool), but I didn’t hear him saying, “When is it over?” The Hundred-Foot Journey probably falls short by about twenty feet for me, though.

STUDIO BLURB

In “The Hundred-Foot Journey," Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch. Displaced from their native India, the Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), settles in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. Filled with charm, it is both picturesque and elegant - the ideal place to settle down and open an Indian restaurant, the Maison Mumbai. That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Academy Award (R)-winner Helen Mirren), gets wind of it. Her icy protests against the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own, escalate to all out war between the two establishments - until Hassan's passion for French haute cuisine and for Mme. Mallory's enchanting sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), combine with his mysteriously delicious talent to weave magic between their two cultures and imbue Saint-Antonin with the flavors of life that even Mme. Mallory cannot ignore. At first Mme. Mallory's culinary rival, she eventually recognizes Hassan's gift as a chef and takes him under her wing. (c) Disney

And So It Goes ✪✪ ½

Opens in Australia: 7^th August 2014

USA: 25th July 2014 UK: 18^th July 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

This should be a good movie. It’s a good comedy set-up, albeit clichéd, you’ve got good actors in the leads who know their stuff, and Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally, The American President, Princess Bride) at the director’s helm. Yet, it’s pretty lame and slow in far too many scenes. There’s a couple of laughs, but its aimed at the older age group (of which I am in, but sorry I don’t think old enough to appreciate this). It reminds me of that horrible attempt at comedy by Sylvester Stallone and Robert De NIro earlier this year, GRUDGE MATCH. You think with all their combined experience these elders of cinema might have a better idea of how to put together an entertaining film. However, it seems not. If I were you, I’d wait for the DVD. AND SO IT GOES doesn’t really get going.

STUDIO BLURB

There are a million reasons not to like realtor Oren Little (Michael Douglas), and that's just the way he likes it. Willfully obnoxious to anyone who might cross his path, he wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet -- until his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) he never knew existed and turns his life upside-down. Clueless about how to care for a sweet, abandoned nine-year-old, he pawns her off on his determined and lovable neighbor Leah (Diane Keaton) and tries to resume his life uninterrupted. But little by little, Oren stubbornly learns to open his heart - to his family, to Leah, and to life itself - in this uplifting comedy from acclaimed director Rob Reiner. (c) Clarius

Palo Alto ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 14^th August 2014

Its doing the Festival rounds in many countries

USA: No release as yet UK: No release as yet

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Wow, if you are a parent of a teenager (like me) or are thinking about having kids, watch this. They say a male’s brain isn’t fully mature until their early twenties and here is what happens because of that. It’s a very nicely made film by first time director, Gia Coppola (she has the genes as the granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola).

It’s a coming-of-age film, so be warned, its filled with the F-Bomb, sex, and copious amounts of drinking and drug-taking. Probably one for those who enjoy art-house films; its not a mainstream piece. However it does work quite well on the big screen.

STUDIO BLURB

Shy, sensitive April (Emma Roberts) is the class virgin -a popular soccer player and frequent babysitter for her single-dad coach, Mr. B. (James Franco). Teddy (Jack Kilmer) is an introspective artist whose best friend and sidekick Fred (Nat Wolff) is an unpredictable live wire with few filters or boundaries. While April negotiates a dangerous affair with Mr. B., and Teddy performs community service for a DUI - secretly carrying a torch for April, who may or may not share his affection - Fred seduces Emily (Zoe Levin), a promiscuous loner who seeks validation through sexual encounters. One high school party bleeds into another as April and Teddy finally acknowledge their mutual affection, and Fred's escalating recklessness spirals into chaos. (C) Tribeca

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Round Up 2nd August 2014

2014-08-03T14:52:00.000+08:00

This week Marvel unleashes its next franchise, and it’s a goodie. A good quality feature, filmed in my home town of Perth, brings us the end of the world and something to think about. A thriller with bad reviews, but I don’t why, and a science fiction flick that’s rather weird, and after promising a lot doesn’t deliver on that promise.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

Guardians of the Galaxy ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 31st July 2014

USA: 1^st August 2014 UK: 1^st August 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Marvel and Disney are a powerful, entertainment combination. Guardians of the Galaxy joins the fun of the franchises that just keep on giving (and coming). They’ve spent some huge money in the makeup, animation, and set departments in this one. The characters and details are amazing. Fans of the superhero films will eat this up. I didn’t love it like I love The Avengers and the individual films from that franchise, but its still fantastic fun, and a must see on the big screen.

DON’T FORGET STAY UNTIL THE END OF THE FINAL CREDITS FOR BONUS SCENES.

STUDIO BLURB

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team-the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits-Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand-with the galaxy's fate in the balance. (C) Walt Disney

Lucy ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 31st July 2014

USA: 25^h July 2014 UK: 22^nd August 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

It begins with a very interesting premise and you will be totally sucked in. Scarlett Johansson is always great to watch on screen. However, the last twenty minutes just plummets into crazy town. Luc Besson (the director) is always heavy-handed with his films. I don’t really need imagery of animals hunting and capturing other animals to explain that Lucy is being drawn into a trap and, as the big, beefy, Asian guys grab her, that now she is caught. If you’ve seen some of his other work, the two Taken films and the Transporter series you will know what I’m talking about. Part of it is also rather similar to the horribly stupid Transcendence earlier this year. Not the worst science fiction film, but I’d probably wait for the DVD.

STUDIO BLURB

From La Femme Nikita and The Professional to The Fifth Element, writer/director Luc Besson has created some of the toughest, most memorable female action heroes in cinematic history. Now, Besson directs Scarlett Johansson in Lucy, an action-thriller that tracks a woman accidentally caught in a dark deal who turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic. (C) Universal

These Final Hours ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 31st July 2014

USA: No release as yet UK: No release as yet

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Filmed in Perth with a $A2.4 million budget, its a pretty impressive film on screen. Angourie Rice (Rose) as the little girl that James (Nathan Phillips) decides to ferry back to her father, is extraordinary. If she is not picked up by Hollywood and whisked away to be the new “it” young girl, I will be very surprised. All Perth inhabitants should see this film simply for the novelty of watching Perth destroyed. It’s also hugely amusing to hear local suburbs and locales referenced. It received huge applause at our preview screening. Definitely go see it not only to support our local filmmakers, but also because it’s an entertaining film. If you’ve seen Seeking a Friend for the End of the World its very much the same story. However, the Australian style adds that extra entertainment for us Aussies. If you are an international film lover, it is a good end-of-world film, and gives you an idea of why they think we Aussies are a fun loving nation. Even when the world is about to end, what do we do? We party!

P.S. This poster gets my vote for one of the best film posters of the year.

STUDIO BLURB

A young man makes his way to the party to end all parties on the last day on Earth but ends up saving the life of a little girl searching for her father, who ultimately leads him on the path to redemption. (c) Official Facebook

Deliver Us From Evil ✪✪✪ ½

Opens in Australia: 24^th July 2014

USA: 2^nd July 2014 UK: 22^nd August 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

For some reason, this is receiving poor reviews overseas. However, it’s a good thriller. Eric Bana is very good in it, and there’s some real scary bits. Friends who came along to the preview with us really enjoyed it, and most of the reviewers I spoke to after, also liked it. It has a few plotholes, but don't they all. So phooey on the US reviewers. Apparently, its based on a true story. Now that part is scary.

STUDIO BLURB

In DELIVER US FROM EVIL, New York police officer Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana), struggling with his own personal issues, begins investigating a series of disturbing and inexplicable crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest (Edgar Ramirez), schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat the frightening and demonic possessions that are terrorizing their city. Based upon the book, which details Sarchie's bone-chilling real-life cases. (c) Screen Gems

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Time Lapse ✪✪✪✪✪

2014-07-22T11:28:00.000+08:00

Opens in Australia: No release as yet

USA: 27th August, 2014 (Portland International Film Festival)
UK: No Release as yet.

Other Countries: Release Information

I'm championing this film because I'm an independent author, just like the filmmakers of Time Lapse are independent filmmakers. When you are out there on your own, sometimes, just knowing that there are a few people that really get what you are doing, gives you such a boost. I've had that thrill with wonderful reviews for my books from complete strangers, and so I like to pay it forward. I apologise ahead of time that I am going to whet your appetite for a film that you may not be able to easily catch at your local cinema. Time Lapse is doing the rounds of the international film festivals, so if you are lucky enough to have it in your city, DO NOT MISS IT. Otherwise, go to your local cinema and ask them when it is showing and they may contact the distributors and see if they can get a cinema release. Now to the review...

Time slip is one of the toughest genres to pull off. There are so many tropes around this sci-fi sub-genre that writers can easily fall into a plot-hole black hole from which their story cannot return, and they will be criticized for its implausibility. Time travel is implausible, but it holds so much opportunity if written right that we are happy to go along for the ride. Usually, though, the studios worry little about these issues when it comes to the latest science fiction offerings, casting mega-stars, spending a fortune on special effects, and little on the script. Then they blitz with a twelve month pre-launch marketing campaign, and we go along expecting “wow” and, instead, receive “woe” for our box-office dollar.

So you wouldn’t expect that a small indie release would blow you away with its script and originality, but that is exactly what happened at the Revelation Film Festival in Perth, Australia when viewing Time Lapse, a film directed by Bradley King and produced by BP Cooper, both of whom wrote the script. Think classics like Memento, Triangle, and Donnie Darko, where the story twists your mind with its complexity, and the minute you’ve finished you want to rewatch to spot the clues. Time Lapse is currently doing the rounds of film festivals, and winning awards at them. It may not be at your local cinema yet, but keep looking and asking for it.

Three friends (Danielle Panabaker, George Finn, Matt O'Leary), living in and managing an apartment complex, stumble upon a strange machine in a mysterious neighbor’s home. It’s pointed at their large living room window, and they realize that, somehow, it takes photos 24 hours into the future exactly at 8pm. Posted around the machine’s room are hundreds of photos of them. Initially, the machine provides a prosperous opportunity as they send messages, to their 24 hour earlier selves, on horse race winners. However, things turn dark and sinister quickly when they start to believe that they need to perfectly recreate the scene in the photograph the following day or face dangerous consequences and possibly death.

It’s one of those films that you wish would go on forever. With each new photograph revealed, you’re thinking—just like the characters—what’s the story behind the photo? What’s going to happen in 24 hours to make it come true?

First time director, King, and co-writer Cooper have produced a well-imagined film and worked wonders with a small set and budget. Keep an eye on these two. Something tells me we will be seeing big things from them in the future. Do not miss this film when it comes to your local theatre. It’s a science fiction classic gem.

Review Round Up 19th July 2014

2014-07-19T14:55:00.002+08:00

Having just come back from three nights away in the little seaside town of Busselton, I’m relaxed and ready for the full couple of weeks of movie previewing coming up. Only two releases this week, but one packs an emotional punch with a tragic Australian issue. The other is a biopic that I don’t hold a lot of hope for in Australia, even though it's quite good. And I catch up with that monkey film I missed reviewing last week.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

Charlie’s Country ✪✪✪✪ ½

Opens in Australia: 17th July 2014

USA: No Release UK: No Release

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Every Australian over the age of 14 should see this film. It is arguably the best film since Rabbit Proof Fence to depict the chronic issues we, as a country, are struggling with in our attempt to live with the true owners of this land we call Australia.

Based loosely on David Gulpilil’s (Charlie) life, it is, initially, endearing and funny, then provocative, and ultimately heartbreaking. As the end credits rolled I was in tears, and I just wanted to get to my car and have a good sob.

It asks questions that seem extraordinarily difficult to answer and, yet, must be answered sooner than later. Why are indigenous Australians so misunderstood, and why are they treated with such disrespect? We can watch Rabbit Proof Fence and soothe our guilt by pointing out these inhumanities happened decades ago when we didn’t know any better. However, there is no excuse now that this disregard continues in present day as portrayed by Charlie’s Country. As if there has ever been an excuse for any of the atrocities at any time.

This is probably one of the most important Australian films in the past decade. That aside, it’s beautifully scripted, acted, and director Rolf de Heer allows the actor’s and their story to shine through naturally and dramatically. Please see Charlie's Country and tell your friends.

STUDIO BLURB

Blackfella Charlie is out of sorts. The intervention is making life more difficult on his remote community, what with the proper policing of whitefella laws now. So Charlie takes off, to live the old way, but in so doing sets off a chain of events in his life that has him return to his community chastened, and somewhat the wiser.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 10^th July 2014

USA: 11^th July 2014 UK: 17^th July 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Every reviewer everywhere loves this film. “Best blockbuster this summer (or winter for us)” they say. Yeah… yeah… yeah. I don’t agree. Great visual effects, but that’s about it. Not a terrible script, but such a rehash of so many other films— Braveheart with hair, really. I did really enjoy the first film Planet of the Apes, and the very original with Charlton Heston (saw it at the drive-in when I was a kid). I didn’t hate this one, and I know most of you will want to see it. So do go. It’s by the numbers and, for me, the numbers just added up to same ol’ same ol’. And a tad slow, while I’m having a whine.

STUDIO BLURB

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species. (c) Fox

Reaching For The Moon ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 17th July 2014

USA: 2013 Festival Release UK: No release that I can find

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s beautifully shot. I was just drooling over the clothes, the houses, the scenery, even the furniture. There’s a desk in it that I would sell one of my children to own.

A bit of a soppy romance film in parts, while in other ways it is an interesting biopic of a clearly talented writer. However, I really question how well this will do outside the USA. A lesbian love affair between an alcoholic poet and a South American architect doesn’t really set off the “must see” bells. Still, its nicely done and, again, that furniture and the beautiful architecture really had me salivating.

STUDIO BLURB

DAYS IN SEPTEMBER, DONA FLOR AND HER TWO HUSBANDS) returns with a sophisticated tale of an unlikely romance between two extraordinary artists, set against the backdrop of political upheaval and a clash of cultures. Grappling with writer's block, legendary American poet Elizabeth Bishop (Miranda Otto) travels from New York City to Rio de Janeiro in the 1950s to visit her college friend, Mary (Tracy Middendorf). Hoping to find inspiration on Mary's sprawling estate, Elizabeth winds up with much more - a tempestuous relationship with Mary's bohemian partner, architect Lota de Macedo Soares (Glória Pires), that rocks the staid writer to her foundation. Alcoholism, geographical distance and a military coup come between the lovers, but their intimate connection spans decades and forever impacts the life and work of these two extraordinary artists. The attraction of two polar-opposite women has rarely been so volatile and so erotically charged on the big screen.(c) Wolfe

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film

Win tickets to THE ROOM & Q & A Session with the star Greg Sestero

2014-07-08T17:15:00.000+08:00

I was lucky enough to experience THE ROOM a couple of years ago. Boy, I had a ball. It is fantastic fun. You actually participate in the film, heckling, shouting out catch phrases, and the best fun, throwing spoons and footballs at the screen. Yep, you're allowed to do that (the poor cleaners at the cinema after). My favourite film folk in Perth, Luna Cinemas have now brought Greg Sestero to Perth to discuss his book and host a Q & A. And they are again hosting a screening of THE ROOM. You do not want to miss this, friends.

So the kind folk at Luna Cinemas have given me 5 double passes for Greg Sestero's Q & A on Tuesday 15th and five double passes to the screening of The Room on Monday 14th 9pm.

I will be there. Wouldn't miss it. Tell you friends. And if you don't win, its worth grabbing a ticket and coming anyway. You won't regret it.

All you have to do is tweet the link below to be in the draw.

If you can make it to both nights and you win, I will give you both doubles. What a deal!

UP FOR GRABS MY PERTH FILM FRIENDS

FIVE DOUBLE PASSES TO THE SPECIAL EVENT

GREG SESTERO PRESENTS THE DISASTER ARTIST:

MY LIFE INSIDE THE ROOM

Tuesday 15th July 7pm

FIVE DOUBLE PASSES TO THE SPECIAL EVENT

A hosted screening of THE ROOM

Monday 15th July 9pm

Both at

LUNA CINEMAS, Leederville

TO ENTER

Just follow @susanmaywriter or like on Facebook and tweet or share:

#PERTH #WIN Tickts 2 @lunacinemas THE ROOM 14/7 & Q & A w/ star Greg Sestero 13/7 RT & Folo-Details: http://buff.ly/1tiwNl8 @susanmaywriter

Competition closes Midnight WA Time Saturday, 12^th July

Join American author, actor and star of the cult hit phenomenon, THE ROOM, Greg Sestero, live in the cinema at Luna Leederville on Monday July 14 at 7.00pm plus additional session on Tues July 15 at 7.00pm (give away tickets are for Tuesday night)

Greg will discuss his revealing memoir - The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside the Room, The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made (currently being made into a film by James Franco and Seth Rogen) and recount his experience of working with the enigmatic writer/director Tommy Wiseau on The Room, the film that became a worldwide cinematic legend. The event will feature a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of The Room; an interactive script reading and a Live audience Q&A session on Mon July 14 at 7.00pm and an additional session on Tues July 15 at 7.00pm.

Books and paraphernalia will be available for an extra charge and Greg will be conducting an autograph session at each session (on Tues July 15 this will be prior to 7.00pm session)
About THE DISASTER ARTIST. In 2003, the independent film The Room made an inauspicious debut on a single cinema screen in Los Angeles. Described by one reviewer as “like getting stabbed in the head”, the film gradually developed an increasingly passionate following that savoured its surreal performances, unusual production values and bizarre narrative. Now in its fifth year at Luna Leedervile, The Room has become an international phenomenon that rivals The Rocky Horror Picture Show for cult appeal. Readers need not have seen The Room to appreciate co-star Greg Sestero’s account of how a chance meeting with The Room's enigmatic writer/director/star Tommy Wiseau allowed him to become closely involved in a passion project that would defy every law of artistry, business and interpersonal relationships. The Disaster Artist reveals a first-hand account of what went on behind the scenes of one of the most legendary cult movies ever made: Tommy Wiseau's The Room.
Check out the book review here

Tickets now on sale and online - $25 / $23 conc (Rev Film Fest tickets holders get conc rate)
The Room(M) screens Mon July 14 at 9.0pm hosted by Tristan Fidler

View Trailer | Buy Tickets Online

Screening: Mon 14 Jul - Tue 15 July at Luna CinemasA

ALSO UP GRABS ARE FIVE DOUBLE PASSES TO EXPERIENCE THE ROOMScreening: Mon 14 Jul

The Room returns to the Big Screen to celebrate The Room star Greg Sestero’s visit to Luna Leederville. The evening is hosted by TRISTAN FIDLER who will guide you through a really strange, bizarre & unique cinematic experience! Viewer guides and plastics spoons provided.

Bring your friends and plastic spoons and join us once again as Wiseau returns to the big screen at Luna Leederville for another sensational night of this of the cult phenomena that’s so bad it’s good! The Room is basically a love triangle set in a San Francisco apartment building. But it’s filled with sub-plots that go nowhere, dodgy green-screen skylines, lots of un-sexy sex scenes and acting that wouldn't pass muster on a soft-focus soapie. The Room has garnered a massive world-wide cult following (especially in Perth!) leaving audiences stunned and laughing and is beloved by comic actors such as Kristen Bell, Paul Rudd and Alec Baldwin.

View Trailer | Website | Buy Tickets Online

Getting to Luna Cinemas Leederville

Luna Leederville is just a few minutes from central Perth. There's plenty of parking available off Vincent Street behind the supermarket or at the rear of the Leederville Hotel, or at the end of Oxford Street in the car park opposite the Leederville Train Station. We're also easy to reach by public transport. The Leederville Train Station is just a short stroll down Oxford St and Buses nos 15 and 401 will drop you at our door.

Film Review Round Up 7th July 2014

2014-07-07T17:47:00.000+08:00

Phew, these reviews are late this week, but I have an excuse. I’ve been watching loads of films in the last few days at the fabulous Perth Revelation Film Festival plus finishing off the 2^nd edits of a book I wrote in May/June.

The Revelation Film Festival continues until the 13^thJuly and from what I’ve seen so far, if you live in Perth, do try and catch a few films. I’ve started a second page to review the films that I have seen, click through here to check them out.

So, to this week of releases. It's school holidays, so there are a few for the littlies. Plus, a few smaller films in Calvary and the documentary Tim’s Vermeer. As well, my pick of the week, Jersey Boys is well worth catching to put you in a good mood.

(My movie Pick of the week)

Jersey Boys ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 3^rd July 2014

USA: 20^th June 2014 UK: 20^th July 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

Last year we saw the theatrical performance of Jersey Boys and loved it. Anyone who has seen the show at the theatre will enjoy Clint Eastwood's imagining of it on film, and you’ll also note that it is pretty much word for word. Most of the roles, too, are played by the original Broadway cast.

If you haven’t seen it in the theatre, you will still enjoy the film tremendously; it’s a great musical and story, regardless. I think those who lived through the era (like me) will find that it garners an extra star for sentimental value. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You has always been my favourite son. The songs take me back to my childhood and hearing them played in pinball arcades and the beer gardens that were popular in the sixties and seventies. When I was a kid, we used to holiday on the Gold Coast and these songs remind me of the Coolangatta Hotel beer garden and drinking pink lemondades. Franki Valli, Neil Sedaka, The Ronettes, and the Beach Boys were always playing on the tinny speakers or by the cover band. Yep, I’m that old.

Anyway, I digress. Go see it. It’s uplifting and fascinating, with fantastic—absolutely fantastic—music, and they’ve done a good job of it.

STUDIO BLURB

Clint Eastwood's big screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of the four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic `60s rock group The Four Seasons. Their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the hit songs that influenced a generation, and are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical.(c) Warner Bros.

Rio 2 ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 3^rd July 2014

USA: 11^th April 2014 UK: 4^th April 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

If you enjoyed Rio, then you will enjoy this one, too. It’s bright, colourful and carries the usual conservation message. A very nice one for the younger kiddies, who might find the dragons in How To Train Your Dragon 2 a little too scary. My kids quite liked it, as did the friends that came along. I really love Jesse Eisenberg’s voice as Blu. In fact, I love him in anything, so that really added a sparkle for me. He’s a great voice talent and actor.

STUDIO BLURB

It's a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they're hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all - his father-in-law. All our favorite RIO characters are back, and they're joined by Oscar (R) nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy (R) winner Bruno Mars, Tony (R) winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy (R)/Tony winner Rita Moreno. RIO 2 also features new Brazilian artists and original music by Janelle Monae and Wondaland. (c) Fox

The Pirate Fairy ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 3^rd July 2014

USA: DVD UK: 14^th February 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

How mean am I? My boys had a day off school when the media screening was happening for this, and I dragged them to it. As you may know, they’re eleven and thirteen. Totally outside the intended audience for this film, but tough, I thought, I have to sit through countless soccer games and swim carnivals, so they can sit through Tinker Bell. In any case, they didn’t hate it and they weren’t bored, and that’s a testament to a good storyline regardless of the characters delivering it.

Tinker Bell and The Secret of The Wings was a lovely film for the Tink fans two years ago. Disney is back again with The Pirate Fairy, and though I didn’t love it as much as the previous one, it still hits the mark. For all the moms with the darling little Tinker Bell fans, this one is a goodie.

STUDIO BLURB

From the world of Peter Pan comes The Pirate Fairy, a swashbuckling new adventure about Zarina (voice of Christina Hendricks), a smart and ambitious dust-keeper fairy who's captivated by Blue Pixie Dust and its endless possibilities. When Zarina's wild ideas get her into trouble, she flees Pixie Hollow and joins forces with the scheming pirates of Skull Rock, who make her captain of their ship. Tinker Bell (voice of Mae Whitman) and her friends must embark on an epic adventure to find Zarina, and together they go sword-to-sword with the band of pirates led by a cabin boy named James (voice of Tom Hiddleston), who'll soon be known as Captain Hook, himself. Enjoy the laughter, heart, magic and thrills of The Pirate Fairy.

Tim’s Vermeer ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 3^rd July 2014

USA: 6^th December 2014 UK: No release that I can find

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Art fans, this is for you. A fascinating documentary on a crazy guy—with way too much money and time—who decides to prove that Johannes Vermeer used a secret method to paint his extraordinarily photorealistic pieces. It does sound very droll, if you read the blurb. However watch the trailer and you will see why it’s quite an engrossing watch. I’m not sure why it’s getting a theatrical release though. It’s rather short at eighty minutes and I imagine only one for the curious and the art fans.

If the trailer appeals, go see it. http://youtu.be/CS_HUWs9c8c At the very least you will have some art vocabulary to show off at the next dinner party.

STUDIO BLURB

Renowned illusionists and professional debunkers Penn & Teller document the quest of their friend Tim Jenison, who sets out to prove his theory about the secret methods of Dutch master Johannes Vermeer's by endeavouring to create an exact replica of the painter's masterwork The Music Lesson. This exactitude of detail has sparked controversial theories from painter David Hockney and architecture professor Philip Steadman, who suggest that Vermeer may have worked with a camera obscura to project an image onto a canvas.

Calvary ✪✪

Opens in Australia: 3^rd July 2014

USA: 1^st August 2014 UK: 11^th April 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Hubby and I hated this film. Hated it. In fact, some of the dialogue and vision offended me. Not the swearing, but the images created by the dialogue of some of the characters. It’s not bad like The Counselor bad, where the script, acting, and direction are a mess. No, its well acted, and directed and has some incredible layered and quirky characters. Brendan Gleeson, in fact, is extraordinary

It’s a cynical commentary on Ireland and religion and it’s a nasty and ugly one, which, of course, is a director’s prerogative to create. However, it’s billed as a black comedy, and I didn’t find it funny. It meanders all over the place, and in the end, there is no real redemption. None of the characters were sympathetic, and for the rest of the afternoon, after viewing it poor Hubby (I say poor because he'ds ragged to indie films that he mostly doesn’t like) and I felt quite cranky.

In saying all this, many fellow reviewers that I quizzed, loved it. One reviewer, who I respect tremendously, actually said it was her favorite film of the year. So, perhaps you need to go see it for yourself and decide. It’s one of those ones that divides reviewers and theatregoers. I won’t say don’t go, just do your research beforehand.

STUDIO BLURB

CALVARY's Father James (Brendan Gleeson) is a good priest who is faced with sinister and troubling circumstances brought about by a mysterious member of his parish. Although he continues to comfort his own fragile daughter (Kelly Reilly) and reach out to help members of his church with their various scurrilous moral - and often comic - problems, he feels sinister and troubling forces closing in, and begins to wonder if he will have the courage to face his own personal Calvary. (c) Fox Searchlight

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Get your Rev on!

2014-07-07T17:37:00.000+08:00

Showing at the Revelation Film Festival 3^rd – 13^th July Perth

If you are in Perth and are a cinephile like me, you will already know that the Revelation Film Festival is the place to be between the 3^rd and the 13^th July. So many films and not enough time, that is my chant for the ten days.

However, I’m catching a few of them where I can, so here’s my thoughts on some of the films I’ve seen so far. Most are still playing, so seek them out on the program timetable.

You can purchase tickets HERE and since each film only has a limited few dates, I suggest you pre-purchase or buy a Festival Membership or multiple entry pass that will give you access to all the films. I’m assured there are films you will want to see.

Time Lapse ✪✪✪✪✪

^{http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=336}

THOUGHTS

Those of you who follow my reviews regularly (and if you don’t, you really should) will know that I rarely give five out of five to a film. I reserve that score for films that are different, and deliver perfectly to their intended audience. I’ve given Time Lapse the ultimate score not because its perfectly filmed or acted or will win Academy Awards but because its just the best mind bender of a film that I’ve seen in ages. Think Cabin In The Woods, Triangle, Donny Darko (and if you haven’t seen those, immediately rent them). It has the same, low-budget feel but, like those films, what it does have is a story that will knock you from here to tomorrow (which is exactly what’s kind of going on in the story-line).

Having just written a time slip genre book, (Back Again) I take my hat off to Bradley King, first time director and co-writer, along with co-writer and producer, BP Cooper. It's beautifully imagined, a tight script, and they work wonders with a small set and small budget. Time slip is one of the toughest genres to pull off and they've done it remarkably well. Can King and Cooper please be brought in to write and direct some of the big Hollywood blockbusters we endure where the scriptwriters haven't a clue how to create suspense? I loved it so much that I’m hoping to catch it again at the Festival next weekend.

It’s on again this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. DO NOT MISS IT!

STUDIO BLURB

When their neighbour vanishes, three twenty-something roommates - Callie (Daniella Panabaker), Finn (Matt O’Leary) and Jasper (George Finn) – enter his apartment. Inside they find dozens of photos of themselves taped to the walls. But this is not the home of a peeping tom, and the trio rapidly discover that the strange neighbour has invented a mysterious machine that takes pictures 24hrs into the future. What they decide to do with the images and the future that they reveal becomes increasingly dangerous as the ramifications of their knowledge and their actions rapidly escalates, spiralling out of control.

With its ensemble cast and tightly constructed narrative Time Lapse offers a claustrophobic study of a variety of forms of human selfishness and greed. In part narrative playing out like a cross between the work of Philip K Dick and Stephen King, but this is an original genre work. Writer and first-time feature director Bradley King has delivered a unique genre film, while the cast deliver calm performances that help to build up the increasingly uncanny atmosphere.

DØD SNØ 2 AKA ½ DEAD SNOW: REV VS DEAD ✪✪✪✪½

http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=330

THOUGHTS

Okay, this was this week’s Saturday night B grade horror flick for the festival. It started at 10:30pm and we left the cinema at 1am by the time the feature and the short film before it had ended.

I took the Walking Dead mad teenager to see this little Nazi zombie number. I thought it would be a good mother-son bonding time together. Yes, this is a legitimate thing to do for a film-mad, film critic mum. Everyone else, it might be a little too much for your kids. Mine are specially raised to appreciate this sort of art.

We loved it and so did the audience, so much so that it received a round of enthusiastic applause at the credits. Although the son did say that they ruined zombies, because these ones just hacked people to death and according to him they need to eat people to death. (No emails on what a bad mum I am, okay. He knows hacking and eating people to death is not appropriate behaviour.) Now I want to see the first one Dead Snow. This was the one and only screening of this at the festival, so you’ve missed out, but come along to next week’s horror films.

Next week it’s THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and WILLOW CREEK as the late night features. I really recommend you go along to one or both. It’s quite an experience. I’ll be there at both for sure.

STUDIO BLURB

Beginning at the very moment the first movie ended, Dod Sno 2 see’s more of the same mayhem that made its predecessor so much grisly entertainment. Of course, this time the gore, violence and general insanity is turned-up to eleven! Dod Sno 2 sees the legion of resurrected Nazi zombies as they head for their new target. But the rotting squad of Nazis haven’t reckoned on the abilities of the Zombie Squad and the addition of a few new twists to the genre - what follows is destruction and annihilation and bucket loads of blood, guts and gore, as the zombies and their opponents square off in the Norwegian countryside.

“Most horror gives you a few remarkable set-pieces. This is ALL set-piece, and maintaining that level of entertainment without turning into monotonous garbage is quite a feat. This isn’t a roller coaster; it’s a bullet train.” – Film Threat

The Congress ✪✪✪½

http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=333

THOUGHTS

It’s a pretty fascinating idea and not too inconceivable. Jumping into a world of animation half way through was interesting, although it didn’t work as well as I think the director was hoping. However, it is one of those experimental films that I admire, and I can say I still enjoyed it. Robin Wright is absolutely stunning in her portrayal of herself.

STUDIO BLURB

The Congress follows actress Robin Wright playing herself, who, faced with a dwindling acting career, elects to give-up her actress self to the studio. The studio then scan every inch of her body and every expression she can muster, so that she can live forever in whatever movies they choose to make, all she has to do is give up her identity as an actress. But times change and all decisions have ramifications. What follows is the kind of mind-bending speculative science fiction that opens up endless utopian possibilities and limitless dystopian nightmares. With a visually stunning and deeply psychedelic palette The Congress explores virtual reality, transforming-chemistry, the collapse of identity, copyright, the function of performance, the hallucinatory nature of reality and the deconstruction of time itself. In The Congress Folman has created a visually stunning, profound movie. With a cast that includes Harvey Keitel and Paul Giamatti, this is an exceptional work.

Finding Vivian Maier ✪✪✪½

http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=287

THOUGHTS

I love documentaries. This one will impress you with the photographs taken by Vivian Maier. Now that I’ve seen this, I really would love to see an exhibition of her work. It goes to show you that the world is filled with incredible, talented people that you will never know about unless this happens. Everyone has a story. Fortunately, the filmmakers realized that and documented the journey of discovering this extraordinarily, talented, and mysterious woman.

STUDIO BLURB

When she died, Chicago nanny Vivian Maier left behind boxes of coats, hats, old clothes and 100,000 photographic negatives. Chanced upon by John Maloof, when he purchased a box of negatives at an auction, and following as he slowly archives the incredible photographs, organises an exhibition of the work and tries to get it recognised by the art world. Meanwhile a far larger mystery needs to be uncovered, and Maloof finds himself wondering about the life of the mysterious photographer and what possessed her to take so many photographs...

Under The Skin ✪✪✪✪

^{http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=293}

THOUGHTS

You will either love Under The Skin or hate it. It was chosen as the opening night film for the Revelation Film Festival for this very reason. It took ten years to bring to the screen, and Scarlett Johansson actually adlibbed many of the scenes in the care where she was picking up men (amazing that she wasn’t recognized. The hubby didn’t love it and wondered what the heck they thought they were doing on the film. He just felt like quite a few people that it didn’t really tell the story that could have been there.

However, I did enjoy it and found it utterly mesmerising, with beautiful cinematography. A few people I spoke to felt the same as me, and there were others who varied from hating it to meh. So I think it is one to see if you are a film fan to understand what all the fuss is about and join in the debate.

STUDIO BLURB

In Under The Skin Scarlett Johansson plays Laura – an alien who has taken on the form of a beautiful woman in order to lure men to their deaths with the promise of sex. Adapted from the book of the same name by Michael Faber, the film stunned audiences when it screened at Venice Film Festival.

Many of the scenes where Johansson's character picks up men were unscripted conversations with non-actors, filmed with hidden cameras. Director Jonathan Glazer – whose previous feature credits include the excellent Sexy Beast and Birth – crafts a visually stunning science fiction film that, as the movie progresses, transforms Scotland into an alien world. Complete with a haunting soundtrack by Mica Levi, Under the Skin is a remarkable, bold and sensuous science fiction movie that examines gender, sexuality and what it means to be human. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw rated the movie 5/5, describing it as “visually stunning and deeply disturbing: very freaky, very scary and very erotic. “

Locke ✪✪✪✪

Showing at the Revelation Film Festival 3^rd – 13^th July Perth

Opens in Australia: 19^th June 2014

USA: 25^th April UK: 8^th April 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

I saw this as part of the launch of the Perth Revelation Film Festival 2014. Great pick, guys. I take my beanie off (it’s cold in Perth at the moment) to filmmakers and scriptwriters who can create such a dramatic piece that is filmed entirely in the cabin of a car with one lead actor driving the entire film. He only interacts with the cast via his phone. Tom Hardy plays Ivan Locke, a man whose life spins out of control during a two-hour drive to London.

How can the filmmakers make such a great cinematic experience with such a constrained focus and minimal budget and filming time? The script, my friends, the script. Plus a top notch actor and a fine director. Hundreds of millions they spend on these rubbish sci-fi flicks we’ve endured this last year (all except Edge of Tomorrow, my fave) and all they needed was a good script. Producers of Transcendence and After Earth, go see Locke and learn. Please learn.

Click here for PERTH Revelation Film Festival Programme:

STUDIO BLURB

Ivan Locke (Hardy) has worked diligently to craft the life he has envisioned, dedicating himself to the job that he loves and the family he adores. On the eve of the biggest challenge of his career, Ivan receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that will unravel his family, job, and soul. All taking place over the course of one absolutely riveting car ride, LOCKE is an exploration of how one decision can lead to the complete collapse of a life. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Steven Knight (EASTERN PROMISES, DIRTY PRETTY THINGS) and driven by an unforgettable performance by Tom Hardy, LOCKE is a thrillingly unique cinematic experience of a man fighting to salvage all that is important to him.(C) a24

STILL FOR ME TO SEE & SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU

Cold in July

^{http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=328}

When Richard (Six Feet Under and Dexter’s Michael C Hall) Dane kills a burglar the locale police inform him that he’s killed a wanted, dangerous man. It appears to be an open-and-shut case and Dane returns to his daily life. But then he meats the dead man’s father, the angry, vengeful Ben Russel (the always excellent Sam Shepard), and then things really start sliding out of control…

Based on the novel by cult author Joe R. Lansdale, Cold In July is a rare thriller that throws the audience deep into contemporary film noir movie set in rural Texas. With a cast that includes an excellent turn from Don Johnson, as well as Hall and Shepard, multi award winning director Jim Mickle (whose credits include We Are What We Are and Stake Land) turns in a powerful crime drama that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats till the final credits roll.

Joe

http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=308

Official selection: Venice Film Festival

Official selection: Toronto Fim Festival

In a small southern town, fifteen-year-old Gary is looking for work to support his family. Trying to avoid his violent and abusive alcoholic father, the youth slowly forms a friendship with Joe, the local agricultural employer - an ex-con with a chequered past whose personal demons are continually threatening him. As the hardboiled southern gothic narrative develops and events start to escalate, slowly spiralling out of control, what happens may offer all a chance of redemption or ruin.

Directed by David Gordon Green (whose credits include direction on the pitch-perfect George Washington and producer credits on Revelation favourite Shotgun Stories) this film is a gritty and dark tale that is driven by both its atmosphere and powerful characters and marks a return to his southern roots for the director. The cast offer standout performances with Tye Sheridan winning an acting award at Venice for his portrayal of the Gary, while Nicolas Cage’s Joe is a brooding, powerful turn that plays to the actor’s undoubted strengths.

Adapted from the classic novel by hardboiled southern author Larry Brown - whose literary style has been compared to the likes of Cormac McCarthy, Harry Crews, William Faulkner and Charles Bukowski – Green is faithful to the strength and vision of Brown’s writing, while simultaneously allowing his own signature strengths to play throughout the movie.

To Be Takai

http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=290

George Takei first entered the public imagination playing Sulu in the cult TV series Star Trek, a role reprised in subsequent movies, and which alone would have guaranteed him a significant place in the pop cultural pantheon. But George Takei’s career has extended far beyond the bridge of the legendary star ship Enterprise, taking in numerous popular television shows, films and theatrical productions, as well as regular appearances on Howard Stern’s radio show. He has also garnered millions of online followers thanks to his Facebook posts that move from the wryly humorous to the camp to the political. Perhaps most importantly Takei has become an outspoken activist for same sex marriage and equality.

Director Jennifer M. Kroot – whose previous feature, the excellent It Came From Kuchar, documentary screened at Revelation - has gained exceptional access to Takei’s life, and she follows the actor and his spouse through numerous public appearances and speeches as well as their home life. What emerges through these sequences – and interviews with the Takeis as well as Star Trek cast members (including Leonard Nimoy, Nicholle Nichols, Walter Koenig and a very - perhaps unintentionally - funny William Shatner), alongside family members, friends and activists - is a portrait of a man deeply committed to equality and social justice.

VLADMASTER VIEWMASTER EXPERIENCE

http://www.revelationfilmfest.org/film-information.php?filmId=346

As part of Revelation’s celebration of the analogue, a Perth Premiere for Vladmaster’s wonderful View-Master reels!

Duration: 50mins

Vladmasters are lovingly handmade View-Master reels. As the audience sit their viewmasters in hand a soundtrack starts. This simultaneous audio soundtrack accompanies the 3D stereoscopic slides, the audience clicking-on the viewers as the soundtrack demands. What unfolds is a magical and visionary form of storytelling as the audience enter a world of unusual, eclectic and wryly humorous tales, where the music, narration, sound effects and dings that let the audience know when to advance each image or change discs. Vladmasters are both a totally new form of public entertainment yet also familiar from everybody’s childhood - Vladmasters are a joy to experience.

Having Vladmaster events across the world – from venues ranging from cinemas, galleries, art centres and festivals – Vladmasters create a unique form of expanded cinema performance...and very clever.

Weekly Review Round Up 28th June & The Revelation Film Festival

2014-06-28T15:07:00.003+08:00

No Movie Pick of the Week this edition. There’s only two films, so I don’t like handing out prizes in a two horse race.

I did want to highlight for Perth film lovers, the Revelation Perth International Film Festival 2014 opening next week on the 3^rd July and running through until the 13^th July. This is a festival of quality independent films and a truly international event with many of the creative forces, behind the films, flying in for Q & A sessions with the screening of their work. We are very lucky.

In case you didn’t know, I’m an independent author by choice. I like the freedom to create stories that I choose, how I choose, and release them when it suits me. While it’s probably a more labor intensive road—because I do EVERYTHING—I pay that price because I think my work benefits from that freedom.

Filmmakers face similar choices, and sometimes when they follow their hearts and not a big studio’s budget, they create truly astonishing, wonderfully unique art. Check out some of the films showing at the Revelation Film Festival this year and I guarantee you will be salivating. Incredible, incredible choices. So get some friends or go on your own and make some friends, but go see at least a couple of these films. The people behind Rev are passionate cinephiles and they deserve your support. They’ve certainly got mine. Don’t ask me out to anything from the 3^rd to the 13^th. I’ll be going to the Rev with all the other film lovers.

If you still want to read the reviews for the week, they follow the Revelation Film Festival information.

Showing at the Revelation Perth International Film Festival 2014

Here’s a couple of picks from the Festival, but there are so many. Click through on the link and check them out. You can purchase tickets here HERE and since each film only has a limited few dates, I suggest you pre-purchase or buy a Festival Membership or multiple entry pass that will give you access to all the films. I’m assured these are films you will want to see. I’m listening to the experts and catching these. So many amazing films, so little time.

The Congress

Finding Vivian Maier

Under The Skin

Cold in July

To Be Takai

Director Jennifer M. Kroot has gained exceptional access to Takei’s life, and she follows the actor and his spouse through numerous public appearances and speeches as well as their home life. What emerges through these sequences – and interviews with the Takeis as well as Star Trek cast members (including Leonard Nimoy, Nicholle Nichols, Walter Koenig and a very - perhaps unintentionally - funny William Shatner), alongside family members, friends and activists - is a portrait of a man deeply committed to equality and social justice.

Locke ✪✪✪✪

Showing at the Revelation Film Festival 3^rd – 13^th July Perth

Opens in Australia: 19^th June 2014

USA: 25^th April UK: 8^th April 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

I saw this as part of the launch of the Perth Revelation Film Festival 2014. Great pick, guys.

I take my beanie off (it’s cold in Perth at the moment) to filmmakers and scriptwriters who can create such a dramatic piece filmed entirely in the cabin of a car with one lead actor driving the entire film. He only interacts with the cast via his phone. Tom Hardy plays Ivan Locke, a man whose life spins out of control during a two-hour drive to London.

Click here for PERTH Revelation Film Festival Programme:

STUDIO BLURB

THESE FILMS BELOW ARE GENERAL RELEASE AND NOT PART OF THE REVELATION FILM FESTIVAL

Transformers: Age of Extinction ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 19^TH June 2014

USA: 13^th June 2014 UK: 1^th July 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

First up, before you see this film do make a bathroom stop. It is 2 hours and 45 minutes. I didn’t check this little detail, so about eighty minutes in I felt the urge, but thought I would wait until it was over. Little did I know that would be another eighty-five leg-crossed minutes.

The reviewers hate this one. The only thing that could make it worse for the general consensus is if Adam Sandler was in it—they hate him as well.

However, bizarrely—and I say bizarrely because I barely liked the other Transformer films—I didn’t mind this film. Neither did my family mind it (and I keep telling you, they are tough on films). I can’t see what is worse in this than the other three. This one, at least, is unabashed about its offering: it’s loud, over the top CGI, with action forever, and the token girl with tiny shorts, and a script with an even tinier storyline. Age of Extinction has Mark Wahlberg, and that’s a whole big improvement over Shia LaBeouf.

If you are a fan of Michael Bay’s unsubtle work, you love these big, popcorn, CGI films, then this one is for you. Enjoy it in all its loud glory, and ignore the critics. We saw it in 3D IMAX, which was quite the experience. Just remember the bathroom first, right!

STUDIO BLURB

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION begins after an epic battle left a great city torn, but with the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history...while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs. With help from a new cast of humans (led by Mark Wahlberg), Optimus Prime and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet. In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world. (C) Paramount

Yves Saint Laurent ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 3^rd July 2014

USA: 20^th June 2014 UK: 21^st March 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

It should be an exciting piece of cinema, a French film about a French style fashion icon and how the house of Yves Saint Laurent came to be. What I found was that YSL seemed rather a bore, and I wanted to know more about his partner, Pierre Bergé. The shame of it is that I started thinking I wish Hollywood would take this story and make the film. That is a rare occurrence. For the most part, they totally mess up when they translate these foreign films and the story invariably loses what makes it special. However, I think this film needs a touch of the Hollywood glamor.

STUDIO BLURB

Yves Saint Laurent is an epic odyssey of creation, love, glamour and fashion and gives us a privileged insight into the mind and life of one of the greatest visionary designers of our time.

This fascinating film unveils the life of prolific French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. At just 21 years, Saint Laurent is called upon to run one of the world’s great fashion houses – Dior. During his triumph there, he meets Pierre Bergé. Lovers and business partners, together they create the Yves Saint Laurent company and revolutionise the world of fashion. Yves Saint Laurent is an epic odyssey of love, creation, glamour and style; with a privileged insight into the mind of a great visionary, and the doubts and demons behind the genius. Receiving full support from Pierre Bergé and the Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, the filmmakers utilise breathtaking original YSL designs, including the acclaimed 1976 Ballets Russes Collection, and film inside Laurent’s opulent homes from Paris to Marrakech. (Arabic, Russian, French, Japanese, English).

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Round-Up 20th June 2014

2014-06-21T01:38:00.001+08:00

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

My pick is a family film from Dreamworks. Parents have no fear you will enjoy How To Train Your Dragon 2. Who doesn’t love dragons? A clever drama arrives, Locke, with the most incredible performance from Tom Hardy. The Two Faces of January and Yves Saint Laurent, both limited releases, and both only for the diehard cinephiles. Go see the dragons. Really, I mean it.

And if you enjoy my reviews, as many lovely people keep telling me they do, please do share on your fave social media platform. That would make me a happy, little film critic. And as everyone knows, its good to keep the film critics happy.

(My movie Pick of the week)

How To Train Your Dragon 2 ✪✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 19^TH June 2014

USA: 13^th June 2014 UK: 1^th July 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

What a truly gorgeous animated film. It has everything: a wonderful resonant story, glorious animation, and never a dull moment. It’s not just for the children; parents you will love it, too. Dreamworks surely have another hit on their hands. I do believe this is even better than the first. I adore the different breeds of dragons, too (someone at Dreamworks has some amazing imagination). Now where’s the collector’s cards for this? I want to collect me some dragons.

STUDIO BLURB

DreamWorks Animation returns to the world of dragons and Vikings in this sequel to their successful 2010 outing How to Train Your Dragon. The original film followed the exploits of a Viking chief's son, who must capture a dragon in order to mark his passage into manhood and prove his worthiness to the tribe. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Locke ✪✪✪✪

Showing at the Revelation Film Festival 3^rd – 13^th July Perth

Opens in Australia: 19^th June 2014

USA: 25^th April UK: 8^th April 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

I saw this as part of the launch of the Perth Revelation Film Festival 2014 which runs from 3rd - 13th July. (Great pick, guys.) I take my beanie off (it’s cold in Perth at the moment) to filmmakers and scriptwriters who can create such a dramatic piece filmed entirely in the cabin of a car with one lead actor behind the wheel and nothing else. He only interacts with the cast via his phone. Tom Hardy plays Ivan Locke, a man whose life spins out of control during a two-hour drive to London.

How can the filmmakers make such a great cinematic experience with such a constrained focus and minimal budget and filming time? The script, my friends, the script. Plus a top notch actor and a fine director. Hundreds of millions they spend on these rubbish sci-fi flicks we’ve endured this last year (all except Edge of Tomorrow, my fave) and all they needed was a good script. Producers of Transcendence and After Earth, go see Locke and learn. Please learn.

Click here for PERTH Revelation Film Festival Programme:

STUDIO BLURB

22 Jump Street ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 19^th June 2014

USA: 13^th June 14 UK: 6^th June2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

There’s an over-abundance of jokes in this about sequels never being as good as the original. Funny that it should occur to the scriptwriters that sequels are usually below par to the point that they include it so often, but it did not spur them on to write a decent, funny script. I don’t know why they went back. Jonah Hill is his usual charismatic self, but Channing Tatum is losing his shine. It’s not dreadful; it’s just that, after the very good and very fresh 21 Jump Street, we do have high hopes, don't we? The joke end credit sequence showing posters and set-ups of the supposed follow-up sequels 23 Jump Street, 24 Jump Street, and so on to some ridiculous number, is the funniest part of the movie. The F-bomb is out of control in this, too. Why don't they do a normal version for old-fashioned people like me and an X-version?

STUDIO BLURB

After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don't have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them. (c) Sony

The Two Faces of Eve ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 19^th June 2014

USA: 28^th August 2014 UK: 16^th May 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Too noir for my taste. It just felt like a very slow Agatha Christie and a poor man’s Hitchcock. And Kirstin Dunst is just ordinary. However, I wasn’t a fan of The Talented Mr. Ripley and this is based on a book by the same author. The hubby didn’t mind it, and if you like this type of film you will probably enjoy. One look at the poster or the trailer shows you what to expect. I just thought it was trying to be all too intriguing and, in the end, I wasn't intrigued.

STUDIO BLURB

The Two Faces of January is an international thriller, which marks the directorial debut of Drive screenwriter Hossein Amini and is based on a book from the writer of The Talented Mr. Ripley. The film centers on an American con artist and his wife who strike up a relationship with a stranger in 1960s Athens. Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst star as the couple, while Oscar Isaac(Inside Llewyn Davis) is onboard as the stranger.

Confident American tourist Chester and his glamorous younger wife Colette are holidaying in Athens during 1962. Encountering Greek-speaking American Rydal while sightseeing, the group decide to tour the city together. However, Chester is not who he seems and Rydal quickly becomes entangled in a plan to evade authorities and Chester's troubled past. A Hitchcockian thriller of uncommon sophistication and rather intriguing premise that’s reminiscent of The Talented Mr. Ripley , Oscar nominee Amini's feature directorial debut makes him a filmmaker to watch.

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Weekly Review Round Up 15th June 2014

2014-06-15T12:46:00.001+08:00

I missed writing up a review for The Fault In Our Stars when it released. I was busy writing a book in four weeks—just a little test I gave myself, which I’m happy to say I succeeded in. So its my pick of the week, even though it opened a week and half ago. It’s not just for teenagers, either. Blended, the new Adam Sandler comedy, is not the basket case reviewers are saying. If you liked Sandler’s previous films, this is more of the same. Then there is The Rover. I wish that I liked it. I hate panning Aussie films, but it was blah, really blah—and depressing. Just a reminder to see Edge of Tomorrow. It really is the pick at the moment. I haven’t been paid to say that, either.

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Fault In Our Stars ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 5^th June 2014

USA: 6^th June UK: 19th 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

No, I haven’t read the John Green book.

“Have you read it?” That’s the first question you are asked when you say you have seen or are seeing this film. If the person asking you has read the book, the next words out of their mouth will be: “I cried all the way through,” followed by “I read it three times, four times, ten times.” Insert any number you like.

It is a young adult novel and the film is directly geared toward that audience. I expected to be unimpressed. Come on I’ve seen Love Story and the 1973 Sunshine when I was a YA, so I know how these films are formulated to tug at your heart strings with this ounce of pathos, and that drop of hope, and those strategically placed characters who will be left behind.

I’m not a teenager anymore, so you won’t get me, I thought. But this film is good, the script well constructed, and the leads are talented, so they did get me. Well done. Good to see we are moving on from vampire love triangles and children killing children in tournaments. There is hope for the future of literature and films yet.

STUDIO BLURB

Hazel and Gus are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them - and us - on an unforgettable journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, based upon the number-one bestselling novel by John Green, explores the funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.(C) Fox

The Rover ✪✪

Opens in Australia: 12^th June 2014

USA: 20^th June UK: 15^th August 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s hard to believe that Director David Michod of the highly acclaimed, and rightly so, Animal Kingdom directed this film. It has a slew of gritty characters just like his previous hit. And I’ll give him kudos that he shows great skill in eliciting from his actors a depth of nuance that creates credible and terrifying characters that we truly believe are capable of the worst.

However The Rover feels more like a film he would have made in his early career. The pace goes from full-on action in the first few minutes to a dreary walk very quickly. This has all been done before in Mad Max 2 and with more money spent on the sets. I will say, though, that Guy Pearce gives a tremendous portrayal of a man determined on recovering his property at all costs. And who knew that Robert Pattinson could act? Wow. He delivers, too. Unfortunately, there is not much to deliver but a depressing and soulless imagining that fails on many levels.

P.S. I do love this poster, though.

STUDIO BLURB

THE ROVER, David Michod's highly anticipated follow-up to ANIMAL KINGDOM, is set in a world 10 years following the collapse of society. The rule of the law has disintegrated and life is cheap. The film follows hardened loner Eric (Pearce) as he travels the desolate towns and roads of the outback. When a gang of thieves steals his car they leave behind a wounded Rey (Pattinson) in their wake. Forcing Rey to help track the gang, Eric will go to any lengths to take back the one thing that still matters to him. Michod also wrote the film based on a story he conceived with Joel Edgerton. (c) A24

Blended ✪✪✪ ½

Opens in Australia: 12^th June 2014

USA: 23^rd May June 14 UK: 23^rd May 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

You will read terrible reviews about every one of Adam Sandler’s films. He is not liked at all by the critics. I can understand why. For the most part, his films are formulaic and pretty silly. However, ever since Bridesmaids, with its edgy humor, became such a hit, all the romantic comedies these days revolve around the F-bomb, talking about sex as if you’re talking about drinking a glass of water, and copious drug-taking like it’s a common place occurrence in every home. I do enjoy these types of films. It’s comedy for grown-ups.

But what about the family films—that aren’t animated—that we used to take the kids to see? They’ve disappeared. Adam Sandler is about the only person making these family-type films, and my family, with pre-teen and an early teen, like them. I can’t take my kids to see A Million Ways To Die In The West (and it seems a lot of people didn’t take themselves either, it bombed—beyond the boundaries of bad taste, I fear). So Sandler is all that is left.

A fellow reviewer lamented on Twitter: When will Adam Sandler stop making movies? My hope is that its not until someone else starts making rom-coms minus the swearing and gratuitous sex. Don’t believe the reviews. There are some solid laughs and my whole family—who are hard to please because they’re veterans—enjoyed it a lot.

STUDIO BLURB

After a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren and Jim agree on only one thing: they never want to see each other again. But when they each sign up separately for a fabulous family vacation with their kids, they are all stuck sharing a suite at a luxurious African safari resort for a week in "Blended," the third comedy collaboration between stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.(c) Warner Bros

What have you seen this week? Did you find our comments helpful or do you disagree? Share your thoughts with us.

REVELATION PERTH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2014 PROGRAM

2014-06-08T17:54:00.003+08:00

3-13 JULY 2014

LUNA LEEDERVILLE – CINEMA PARADISO – LUNA ON SX

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Yesterday, I attended the launch of the Revelation Film Festival at Luna Cinemas. We were treated to a sneak peak of a fascinating, powerful, and dramatic film from the U.K., Locke. With this quality of film, my recommendation is to not miss the festival. I'll use my favourite cliche: there is something for everyone, especially with their expanded program for this year.

After a record breaking 2013, Revelation Perth International Film Festival has announced its expanded 2014 program.

Revelation is acclaimed as Western Australia’s leading international film festival and annual screen culture event and firmly established as Australia’s filmmakers’ festival. It is dedicated to presenting independent cinema from around the globe in a context that explores film’s great traditions, its contemporary movements and its future directions.

Curated once again by Jack Sargeant, the Revelation Perth International Film Festival sees a diverse selection of films drawn from across the world. Boasting Revelation's commitment to signature works, independent cinema, genre film, world cinema, and unique breathtaking movies, this year is no exception with a program drawn from Australia, Iceland, Israel, France, Taiwan, Mexico and all points in between. Featuring award-winning movies, world, international and local premieres, new Australian works and live performances, Revelation is a celebration of the strength of all aspects of film culture.

Expanding across the city and wider community, Revelation plays a central role not just in the Perth calendar but also nationally and internationally. Featuring dedicated programs from the Iranian Film Festival, Revel8 and ScreenWest, once again Revelation will entertain and inspire audiences, while RevCon will feature some of the festival's many guests exploring key aspects of the industry at dedicated panels and workshops. Meanwhile Revelation Academic sees scholars - both those from academic institutions and independent researchers - delivering papers and exploring cinema and visual culture, in the second instalment of this critical platform that remains utterly unique to any Australian film festival.

According to Program Director, Jack Sargeant "at this point Revelation seems uniquely positioned. As a festival we have a lot of Australian premieres, whether the larger budget indie movies or low budget works – these are films that come to Perth before screening elsewhere. This year’s selection ranges from comedies to genre movies, from animations to documentaries, experimental works to cult movies to world cinema. I hope that, as ever, Revelation continues to satisfy all of those who demand something more from cinema.”

"The expanded program exhibits extraordinary diversity and is at point on reflecting the current creative mood internationally" says festival founder and Chairman Richard Sowada. “As a community we should all be proud of being part of the lives of these films as they break”.

Highlights of Revelation 2014 will also include industry guests and speakers, seminars and masterclasses; Under The Skin - a breathtaking sci-fi film featuring Scarlett Johansson; Sight/Unseen – a live musical and visual arts performance by Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo and Leah Singer; ScreenWest’s annual showcase of emerging WA filmmaking talent in Get Your Shorts On!; the return of hugely popular Iranian Film Festival; the Revel-8 super 8 short film festival and the WA Screen Awards.

Attracting audiences of over 10,000 people annually, Revelation continues to grow and has become the “go-to” event for independent filmmakers, distributors and discerning audiences. 2014 will feature 116 films, 8 world and international premieres and 35 Australian premieres.

Revelation is proudly supported by the Australian and West Australian governments through ScreenWest, Eventscorp and Screen Australia.

The complete program is now online and tickets are on sale now from the Revelation website at www.revelationfilmfest.org

Edge of Tomorrow ✪✪✪✪½

2014-06-06T11:47:00.000+08:00

Watch. Enjoy. Repeat.

Opens in Australia: 5^TH June 2014

USA: 6^th June 2014 UK: 30^th May 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Science Fiction films have been a real disappointment over the past few years. The trailers look so good, and we can’t wait, and then we sit there in the cinema really excited, thinking this is going to be fun, oh please take me where I haven’t been before. Repeatedly the film is a big fail, clichéd, and dull, even when they star A-listers like Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, and Matt Damon.

Then along comes Tom Cruise’s Edge of Tomorrow, and we’re not expecting much. The poster is schlock; it’s Tom Cruise (although I don’t dislike him, like everyone else seems to); Emily Blunt as a kick-ass soldier (what?), and it dives into the genre of “time slip” that is difficult to make work. It shouldn’t be amazingly good. But it is.

Edge of Tomorrow is one of the best sci-fi films in the past few years, and a lot of it has to do with a snappy script, thoughtful casting, and director Doug Liman’s (The Bourne Ultimatum) ability to balance character development, humor, and action.

Earth is losing the war against an alien invasion and Cage (Tom Cruise), a cowardly officer, finds himself at the front-line in a full-metal fighting suit that he doesn’t know how to use. Within minutes he dies on the beach battlefield and finds himself reset, back to the beginning of the day. Several more deaths, and he comes into contact with Rita (Emily Blunt), a tough as nails heroine with the nickname 'Heavy Metal Bitch.' She tells him, “Come back and find me, when you wake up.” That he does, and learns why he is continually repeating the day, and how he is the only one who can win the war for humanity.

It’s big. It’s daring. It’s a popcorn film that pays out with buckets of humor, excitement, and a clever angle on the well-tread time slip trope. Tom Cruise plays his role with wit and depth, and cross-cast Emily Blunt is his perfect match. Even though the story is about repeating a day, it doesn’t become, well… repetitive. The film is based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s 2004 book, All You Need Is Kill. It’s success proves that all you need for an enjoyable film is a good script, good casting, and good direction. Can Hollywood please take notice, and try just repeating this formula.

Weekly Review Round Up 1st June 2014

2014-06-01T15:41:00.001+08:00

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

This week we have a gross out film, courtesy of Seth McFarlane. Disney unleashes the dark fairytale Maleficent, and for those who love art house, quirky films The Double is your film and my pick of the week.

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Double ✪✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 29^th May 2014

USA: 15^th May 14 (festivals) UK: 4^th April 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

Perth: Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

This is a great example of an art house film that works. When I say art house, I mean it’s not a blockbuster by a big studio, but a small film with a small budget but filled with big ideas. Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska are such extraordinary talents that if they walked back and forth across a screen for an hour I would probably still enjoy watching.

In The Double, you are drawn into more than a film, but the mood of insanity and hopelessness. These are not wonderful places to visit, but the screenplay is so clever and the direction so deft that I’m happy to go there. It will have you thinking. There is no definitive answer at the end, but it’s not a film you will forget in a hurry. It’s interesting that the film is adapted from a book by Fyodor Dostoevsky, a Russian author who died in 1881. It makes me grateful that I live in Australia in this lifetime. The world of The Double is a fascinating place to visit for two hours, but you wouldn’t want to live there.

STUDIO BLURB

Eisenberg plays Simon, a timid, isolated man who's overlooked at work, scorned by his mother, and ignored by the woman of his dreams (Wasikowska). The arrival of a new co-worker, James (also played by Eisenberg), serves to upset the balance. James is both Simon's exact physical double and his opposite - confident, charismatic and good with women. To Simon's horror, James slowly starts taking over his life. (c) Magnolia

A Million Ways To Die In The West ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia: 29th May 2014

USA: 30^th May June 14 UK: 30^th May 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

After getting off to a shaky start that elicited more groans than laughs from the audience and this reviewer, A Million Ways To Die In The West’s comedy finally arrives via some quite funny slapstick.

Nothing is sacred in this film, and Seth MacFarlane doesn’t hold back from anything that may offend, bouncing from sexual jokes to racial slurs to scenes with penises and graphic descriptions of vaginas. There are moments of hilarity along with several priceless cameos—including one that had the audience applauding.

It could have been a lot funnier if they hadn’t been going for total gross-out. I liked it a lot better than Ted, which I didn’t find funny at all, so I’m not certain if that is great praise. If you did find Ted funny, then you will certainly enjoy this. If you have to choose between Bad Neighbours and dying in The West, I would visit with the Neighbours.

STUDIO BLURB

Seth MacFarlane directs, produces, co-writes and plays the role of the cowardly sheep farmer Albert in A Million Ways to Die in the West. After Albert backs out of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend leaves him for another man. When a mysterious and beautiful woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin to fall in love. But when her husband, a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge, the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test. Starring alongside MacFarlane are Oscar (R) winner Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman and Neil Patrick Harris. MacFarlane reunites many of the filmmakers behind Universal and MRC's hit film Ted including Scott Stuber (Bluegrass Films) and Jason Clark who produce, and Wellesley Wild and Alec Sulkin who co-wrote the script. (c)Universal

Maleficent ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia: 29^th May 2014

USA: 30^th May 2014 UK: 28^th May 2014

Other Countries: Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

This film is very dark, not only in colour palette, but also in its theme. Angeline Jolie is beautifully made-up, cheek prosthetics and all, and she really pulls off a great English accent. In fact, she is quite mesmerising to watch. The antagonist, her childhood friend who grows up to become Maleficent’s enemy, on the other hand is woefully miscast, which spoiled it a little for me. However, the special effects are extraordinary, and the twist on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty is kind of cool. It’s definitely much better than Oz The Great and Powerful, but I wouldn’t take little ones to see this. There will be very little sleeping that night if you do.

STUDIO BLURB

"Maleficent" explores the untold story of Disney's most iconic villain from the classic "Sleeping Beauty" and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king's newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever. (c) Walt Disney Pictures

What have you seen this week? Did you find our comments helpful or do you disagree? Share your thoughts with us.