LA PREMIERE
02/06/17
KEDI NEW
website
RATE: 9.5/10
Some films are so good you can not find enough words, not enough exclamation marks and not enough emotions t attach t these words to express all you feel...
I will try to publish all the thought from Alex and myself that we shared after the film was over.
~ cats' characters shown to us in abundance: care for the family, loyalty, jealousy, defending the descendants, hunters, gourmet food lovers etc
~ the dogs see us as Gods, the cats see us as middlemen between Gods and themselves: "they know better [about Gods]"
~ you notice a cat - he notices you - it works like a mirror
~ the stories connected to cats and mysteries are amazing
~ fascinating life of the Istanbul is shown in all its beauty
~ the camera is absolutely stunning! still can not figure out how many moments were filmed
~ I personally had a strong association with my cat encounters in Nicosia, Cyprus and Tel-Aviv, Israel where stayed and lived for a while: the cats roaming the streets and how we built the relationship with them. These cats do not belong to anyone: they hunt in old churches for bats and some cats look like walking skeletons - so thin they are but always very alert at the same time.
~ if you are not a cat lover, you will still love the film but if you are a cat-person you will adore the movie
~ the film will be fun to watch for the whole family
~ I could feel that the cats are the soul of Istanbul, there is no city without them, they warm their citizens, entertain them, they are theraputic, they are allowing us to take care of them making our lives so much better and joyful.
~ we already noticed one interesting fact: we do not choose our pets - our pets choose us! This is how we found our own pets - both Tosha and Dasha asked us to take them home. I could see how the cats choose whom t be with in the film: whom to help and who can love and pet them
~ there was one striking comment: "it is difficult for women to express their femininity in this country, but the cats do it so gracefully"
~ our cinema was packed,full of people and am not surprised.
~ special thanks to #EddieTamir, the owner of Classic-Lido-Cameo and his marketing team, Jessica. Max and #BridgetteGraham who organised this invite for us personally. I hope our readers will reflect on this movie and watch this wonderfully filmed picture!
~ gentle, kind,beautiful , graceful film that will steal your heart!
website
RATE: 9.5/10
Some films are so good you can not find enough words, not enough exclamation marks and not enough emotions t attach t these words to express all you feel...
I will try to publish all the thought from Alex and myself that we shared after the film was over.
~ cats' characters shown to us in abundance: care for the family, loyalty, jealousy, defending the descendants, hunters, gourmet food lovers etc
~ the dogs see us as Gods, the cats see us as middlemen between Gods and themselves: "they know better [about Gods]"
~ you notice a cat - he notices you - it works like a mirror
~ the stories connected to cats and mysteries are amazing
~ fascinating life of the Istanbul is shown in all its beauty
~ the camera is absolutely stunning! still can not figure out how many moments were filmed
~ I personally had a strong association with my cat encounters in Nicosia, Cyprus and Tel-Aviv, Israel where stayed and lived for a while: the cats roaming the streets and how we built the relationship with them. These cats do not belong to anyone: they hunt in old churches for bats and some cats look like walking skeletons - so thin they are but always very alert at the same time.
~ if you are not a cat lover, you will still love the film but if you are a cat-person you will adore the movie
~ the film will be fun to watch for the whole family
~ I could feel that the cats are the soul of Istanbul, there is no city without them, they warm their citizens, entertain them, they are theraputic, they are allowing us to take care of them making our lives so much better and joyful.
~ we already noticed one interesting fact: we do not choose our pets - our pets choose us! This is how we found our own pets - both Tosha and Dasha asked us to take them home. I could see how the cats choose whom t be with in the film: whom to help and who can love and pet them
~ there was one striking comment: "it is difficult for women to express their femininity in this country, but the cats do it so gracefully"
~ our cinema was packed,full of people and am not surprised.
~ special thanks to #EddieTamir, the owner of Classic-Lido-Cameo and his marketing team, Jessica. Max and #BridgetteGraham who organised this invite for us personally. I hope our readers will reflect on this movie and watch this wonderfully filmed picture!
~ gentle, kind,beautiful , graceful film that will steal your heart!
FIRST GIRL I LOVED NEW
website
RATE: 9/10
Anne is seventeen only: she is confused with her age and her fast growing into an adult. One thing she knows for sure though: she is not into boys. She falls in love with Sasha a very pretty girl from her school. Anne tries to analyse what is happening to her and shares her thoughts with her teenage and childhood friend, Clifton, asking him to help her... and only to realise to her disappointment that he is secretly in love with Anne, with herself. Not only Anne is more confused she is now emotionally broken as Clifton attempts to "show" Anne how he loves her - on the contrary - disgust her.
The trust between two friends, Anne and Clifton seem to be broken forever, add to this that Anne's love story with Sasha takes an unpredictable turn, just to make things look even worse.
It is not an easy task: a self-discovery road; it might only look fascinating and new,but it can bring so many life-lasting wounds. It is all about friendship, trust, first love and first broken heart... While we follow the three teenagers-adults stories we might have our own flash backs and associations. Nothing gets changed in this world. It looks like the only person you can be good friends with is Yourself, the only person you can trust is Yourself... I am not sure now about Love, but to say we should start loving ourselves first would just sound like a banal cliche. Add ti this a high desire t fit into society and ever judgemental school mates - this will not add to the perfection of the situation either. The only one thing I know is if something is acted out of fear there - it will never work. Make it always out of love and you will be understood and taken care of.
It was more interesting for me to reflect not only on the teenage years bit on adult ones as well as not much changes with years: yes, we become wiser but we still keep falling in love, we still fear and we still judge. No matter what though I still believe the true love will always find the way to express itself in the best possible form... and if it feels not right and ugly to you - no love it is then.
I believe it is a complex and quite emotional picture that for some reason has a very low rating among critics. I hope it finds a good and thankful audience as I totally liked it!
website
RATE: 9/10
Anne is seventeen only: she is confused with her age and her fast growing into an adult. One thing she knows for sure though: she is not into boys. She falls in love with Sasha a very pretty girl from her school. Anne tries to analyse what is happening to her and shares her thoughts with her teenage and childhood friend, Clifton, asking him to help her... and only to realise to her disappointment that he is secretly in love with Anne, with herself. Not only Anne is more confused she is now emotionally broken as Clifton attempts to "show" Anne how he loves her - on the contrary - disgust her.
The trust between two friends, Anne and Clifton seem to be broken forever, add to this that Anne's love story with Sasha takes an unpredictable turn, just to make things look even worse.
It is not an easy task: a self-discovery road; it might only look fascinating and new,but it can bring so many life-lasting wounds. It is all about friendship, trust, first love and first broken heart... While we follow the three teenagers-adults stories we might have our own flash backs and associations. Nothing gets changed in this world. It looks like the only person you can be good friends with is Yourself, the only person you can trust is Yourself... I am not sure now about Love, but to say we should start loving ourselves first would just sound like a banal cliche. Add ti this a high desire t fit into society and ever judgemental school mates - this will not add to the perfection of the situation either. The only one thing I know is if something is acted out of fear there - it will never work. Make it always out of love and you will be understood and taken care of.
It was more interesting for me to reflect not only on the teenage years bit on adult ones as well as not much changes with years: yes, we become wiser but we still keep falling in love, we still fear and we still judge. No matter what though I still believe the true love will always find the way to express itself in the best possible form... and if it feels not right and ugly to you - no love it is then.
I believe it is a complex and quite emotional picture that for some reason has a very low rating among critics. I hope it finds a good and thankful audience as I totally liked it!
A GHOST STORY NEW
website
RATE: 6.10
With all my knowledge for ghosts, other lives, parallel realities, different realms etc etc this was the most strange world exploration I have ever seen on screen. It was rather childish IMHO too even understanding that letting go can be a very hard process not only for the living but for those who left us too,
The film stars Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
The major message is understandable and I still think that the film having such a good material on hand - seeing the grief from the other perspective: not the sufferings of the remained in the family but the sadness of those gone.
However the film is not only about it.
If you look for a fast pace picture do not expect this one to entertain you - it has a totally different purpose. It is more like a reflection of the living on the subjects of love, life, what we leave behind when we are gone and grief. It is not scary though as the ghostly image is more like a thought form, an association with the diseased ,a memory that is there, a connection with the just gone person who tries to understand what was his Earth experience about.
QUOTES
M: When I was little and we used to move all the time, I'd write these notes and I would fold them up really small. And I would hide them.
C: What'd they say?
M: They're just things I wanted to remember so that if I ever wanted to go back, there'd be a piece of me there waiting.
Houseguest: We build our legacy piece by piece and maybe the whole world will remember you or maybe just a couple of people, but you do what you can to make sure you're still around after you're gone.
I really had very mixed thoughts when I left the cinema: I liked and I disliked the film, but I could not understand what was prevailing: liking or disliking...
The best part of the film I liked: opening portal at the hospital offering the ghost to leave the reality, this plane and his hesitation and him walking away from it. I also liked the "letting go" image of ghost leaving its white-sheeted shell. I liked the part of the film when the light bulbs in the house start burning out: it happened to me too in 2002 when 22 bulbs burned one after another in a very strange way after our family member passed away.
There is one more interesting moment: one person at the party, apparently the nihilist and his dissertation about humanity's collective efforts to ensure their legacy on earth is not lost - and all in vain nothing remains after billions of years.
The mystery will remain forever though: what was written on that final paper note hidden in the door frame... when the ghost reads the note he suddenly makes the final decision.
website
RATE: 6.10
With all my knowledge for ghosts, other lives, parallel realities, different realms etc etc this was the most strange world exploration I have ever seen on screen. It was rather childish IMHO too even understanding that letting go can be a very hard process not only for the living but for those who left us too,
The film stars Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
The major message is understandable and I still think that the film having such a good material on hand - seeing the grief from the other perspective: not the sufferings of the remained in the family but the sadness of those gone.
However the film is not only about it.
If you look for a fast pace picture do not expect this one to entertain you - it has a totally different purpose. It is more like a reflection of the living on the subjects of love, life, what we leave behind when we are gone and grief. It is not scary though as the ghostly image is more like a thought form, an association with the diseased ,a memory that is there, a connection with the just gone person who tries to understand what was his Earth experience about.
QUOTES
M: When I was little and we used to move all the time, I'd write these notes and I would fold them up really small. And I would hide them.
C: What'd they say?
M: They're just things I wanted to remember so that if I ever wanted to go back, there'd be a piece of me there waiting.
Houseguest: We build our legacy piece by piece and maybe the whole world will remember you or maybe just a couple of people, but you do what you can to make sure you're still around after you're gone.
I really had very mixed thoughts when I left the cinema: I liked and I disliked the film, but I could not understand what was prevailing: liking or disliking...
The best part of the film I liked: opening portal at the hospital offering the ghost to leave the reality, this plane and his hesitation and him walking away from it. I also liked the "letting go" image of ghost leaving its white-sheeted shell. I liked the part of the film when the light bulbs in the house start burning out: it happened to me too in 2002 when 22 bulbs burned one after another in a very strange way after our family member passed away.
There is one more interesting moment: one person at the party, apparently the nihilist and his dissertation about humanity's collective efforts to ensure their legacy on earth is not lost - and all in vain nothing remains after billions of years.
The mystery will remain forever though: what was written on that final paper note hidden in the door frame... when the ghost reads the note he suddenly makes the final decision.
at Cinema Nova for a preview media screening of A Ghost Story - AU presented by Madman / Madman Films. I have 12 posters here for our third game: guess please what movies they mention to win a mystery double pass to the movies. You can pm or email me your answer: natasha.marchev@gmail.com . Our previous game winner is Michael P. Good luck!
TANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT NEW
website
review by Veronika Chekmareva
This new release is a continuation of the amazing saga, Transformers: The Last Knight is a mind-blowing action film, another extremely exciting addition to the series. The epic battle of humans and machines continues as the new era begins, where Transformers are now in danger. The special effects outdo themselves, with the viewer staying in awe the entire time. With amazing performance from Mark Walhberg as Cade, we watch the world fall under the risk of destruction once again. But will Optimus Prime come back to save it?
website
review by Veronika Chekmareva
This new release is a continuation of the amazing saga, Transformers: The Last Knight is a mind-blowing action film, another extremely exciting addition to the series. The epic battle of humans and machines continues as the new era begins, where Transformers are now in danger. The special effects outdo themselves, with the viewer staying in awe the entire time. With amazing performance from Mark Walhberg as Cade, we watch the world fall under the risk of destruction once again. But will Optimus Prime come back to save it?
SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL A MAN OF INTEGRITY NEW
website
review by Ivan Lubkov
The harsh reality for people pursuing a life of high moral standards is presented in the film “A man of Integrity” directed and written by Mohammad Rasoulof. The picture received high praise and top award on the Cannes film festival within the section Un Certain Regard. The movie was presented on the Sydney Film Festival 2017.
The story of the film revolves around the life of Reza and his family trying to build a fish farming life in rural region of Iran. His daily troubles reflect the hardships that farmers face when they have to start their business without any financial or government administrative support. As the man has to start from scratch after moving from an urban area he has to learn that the rules of life in the town differ greatly.
As not having any exposure in the town he has to get a foothold in a region where there is a dominant company operating on the market. Even though Renza’s wife Hadis and his friends keep telling him that the key to success in his town is the willingness to pay extra money as personal gifts he keeps believing that the only right way is staying true to the rules. Everyone he has to interact with give him chances to give in to the local culture but when he doesn’t he has to face the rejection from the banks, police, local society and even schools for his children.
After he loses his hopes and even the faith of his wife in him he decides to change his attitude towards everyone surrounding him. Being a man with dignity and courage he quickly gets backing from criminals and people rival to the largest company in his town. Eventually, after plunging into criminal acts he earns respect and gets appreciation in the community.
The film is set in dark tone, it perfectly relays the sense of lack of hope and total loss.
At the end of the picture the viewer is presented with a happy ending and endless food for thought and conversations about the story and the moral issues raised within.
website
review by Ivan Lubkov
The harsh reality for people pursuing a life of high moral standards is presented in the film “A man of Integrity” directed and written by Mohammad Rasoulof. The picture received high praise and top award on the Cannes film festival within the section Un Certain Regard. The movie was presented on the Sydney Film Festival 2017.
The story of the film revolves around the life of Reza and his family trying to build a fish farming life in rural region of Iran. His daily troubles reflect the hardships that farmers face when they have to start their business without any financial or government administrative support. As the man has to start from scratch after moving from an urban area he has to learn that the rules of life in the town differ greatly.
As not having any exposure in the town he has to get a foothold in a region where there is a dominant company operating on the market. Even though Renza’s wife Hadis and his friends keep telling him that the key to success in his town is the willingness to pay extra money as personal gifts he keeps believing that the only right way is staying true to the rules. Everyone he has to interact with give him chances to give in to the local culture but when he doesn’t he has to face the rejection from the banks, police, local society and even schools for his children.
After he loses his hopes and even the faith of his wife in him he decides to change his attitude towards everyone surrounding him. Being a man with dignity and courage he quickly gets backing from criminals and people rival to the largest company in his town. Eventually, after plunging into criminal acts he earns respect and gets appreciation in the community.
The film is set in dark tone, it perfectly relays the sense of lack of hope and total loss.
At the end of the picture the viewer is presented with a happy ending and endless food for thought and conversations about the story and the moral issues raised within.
ROUGH NIGHT NEW
website
review by Maggie Beresford
ROUGH NIGHT! .....heartwarming laughter resonated throughout the audience during the film.
Jess (Scarlett Johansson) shines through after a series of hilarious dilemmas while on her bacholarette party Jess discovers that friendship is the true measure of happiness.
website
review by Maggie Beresford
ROUGH NIGHT! .....heartwarming laughter resonated throughout the audience during the film.
Jess (Scarlett Johansson) shines through after a series of hilarious dilemmas while on her bacholarette party Jess discovers that friendship is the true measure of happiness.
DETOUR NEW
website
RATE: 8/10
When the man plans a murder he should dig two graves: for the victim and for himself.
This last sentence from the film says it all.
The story line is intriguing and is not given to us in full but rather given in small parts where we have to guess what was going on: quite an intriguing way of structuring the movie... To be honest I did not expect this film to be good and it was in reality good. It was a thriller in its best form: unexpected, cold rush down your spine... When people are killed on screen often the murdering looks so casual you start thinking that it is so easy to stab someone or fire a bullet. It s very hard to kill a human being: not only it takes a physical strength nut emotional is way harder. The film shows the natural behavior not the artificial, human robots who do not care what gets under their feast. The cast is all superb! - they are all so well suited for their characters.
The soundtrack is the best! I decided to upload some fav songs and the whole soundtrack.
Please watch this film if you have a chance and time. It is a real hidden gen and you will be pleasantly surprised.
website
RATE: 8/10
When the man plans a murder he should dig two graves: for the victim and for himself.
This last sentence from the film says it all.
The story line is intriguing and is not given to us in full but rather given in small parts where we have to guess what was going on: quite an intriguing way of structuring the movie... To be honest I did not expect this film to be good and it was in reality good. It was a thriller in its best form: unexpected, cold rush down your spine... When people are killed on screen often the murdering looks so casual you start thinking that it is so easy to stab someone or fire a bullet. It s very hard to kill a human being: not only it takes a physical strength nut emotional is way harder. The film shows the natural behavior not the artificial, human robots who do not care what gets under their feast. The cast is all superb! - they are all so well suited for their characters.
The soundtrack is the best! I decided to upload some fav songs and the whole soundtrack.
Please watch this film if you have a chance and time. It is a real hidden gen and you will be pleasantly surprised.
DESPICABLE ME 3 NEW
website
review by Glen Wilson
Despicable Me3
Gru and his minions are back in another fun adventure.
Gru gets fired from the Anti Villain League after failing his latest mission, Gru discovers he has a twin brother Dru.
Gru is lead back to the criminal life by his brother in an attempt to steal the world’s largest diamond that Super villain Bratt has stolen.
But not too much of a storyline giveaway – you will have to see for yourself…
The movie is typical of the earlier films with plenty of fun, humor and plenty of action.
Gru continues to be the loveable bumbling character we have grown to love in the past movies, and you will certainly not be disappointed with his endless stream of crazy inventions.
Despicable Me 3 is a fun movie with great character acting from its stars, Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and South Park`s Trey Parker.
The movie has enough fun and subtle humor to keep adults amused as well as the kids.
With so much violence and drama in today’s movie`s Despicable Me 3 is a great way to escape real life for a hour and a half.
Throw in a great mix of Action, Drama, comedy and romance and you have a winner.
If you haven’t seen the earlier movies, watch them first.
If you are already a fan I think you will love this one…….. Yep im a closet Minion Fan.
Glen
GW Photography
website
review by Glen Wilson
Despicable Me3
Gru and his minions are back in another fun adventure.
Gru gets fired from the Anti Villain League after failing his latest mission, Gru discovers he has a twin brother Dru.
Gru is lead back to the criminal life by his brother in an attempt to steal the world’s largest diamond that Super villain Bratt has stolen.
But not too much of a storyline giveaway – you will have to see for yourself…
The movie is typical of the earlier films with plenty of fun, humor and plenty of action.
Gru continues to be the loveable bumbling character we have grown to love in the past movies, and you will certainly not be disappointed with his endless stream of crazy inventions.
Despicable Me 3 is a fun movie with great character acting from its stars, Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and South Park`s Trey Parker.
The movie has enough fun and subtle humor to keep adults amused as well as the kids.
With so much violence and drama in today’s movie`s Despicable Me 3 is a great way to escape real life for a hour and a half.
Throw in a great mix of Action, Drama, comedy and romance and you have a winner.
If you haven’t seen the earlier movies, watch them first.
If you are already a fan I think you will love this one…….. Yep im a closet Minion Fan.
Glen
GW Photography
LADY MACBETH NEW
website
RATE: 10/10
This film is on of best I have seen in the last month. I do not have enough adjectives to describe how well done it is.
Florence Pugh is a strong actress and her performance is so organic and so unique. I have not seen anything like this in years. She owns every scene and the eyes are glued to her not to diminish the other characters who were also played brilliantly to say the least.
The story is based on the novel of the Russian author Nikolai Leskov. I read his books but had a vague idea of how that particular story would be interpreted and applied on the screen. I guess Russian drama in all ts brutality of crimes and punishments is shown in its best. The audience could only scream in excitement page after page, episode after the episode. The story is classical: rude, old and neglecting husband, suffering young wife, young servant, infidelity and jealousy followed by the ugly scenes of murdering, then a row of murders... indeed one murder always leads to many; then a sudden surprise and discovery followed by even more ugly murder; judgement and punishment. It is rather peculiar to observe how the life gets its quiet pace back after the passion, emotions and excitement. I guess strong feelings can kill and that could be a fairly good example of it.
You will have a strange aftertaste feeling from this picture but if you know Russian classical literature well you will have a ball.
Coming back to the main characters: lust and extreme will never last t say about Katherine (Florence Pugh) in one sentence . That would probably relate to her lover, Sebastian ( Cosmo Jarvis) . Loneliness and boredom can not be cured by any medicine especially by strong (and rather illusionary) emotions. Cruelty, disrespect and abusive behavior towards women has long way in Russian history - related to the characters of Boris and Alexander. It is very exciting to observe Katherine turning from a timid victim into a person with full confidence and awareness of her rights to freedom and love. From the other side it is also fascinating to see how love dies inside Sebastian one murder after another; how his weakness grows and turns into betrayal and hatred. One main idea is clear to us: love and happiness can not be achieved when built and created on hatred and unhappiness of the others.
It is a rather Shakespearian story taking in consideration its heavyweight story line. It is a tragedy in its best traditions. It is also modern to its very bone. It is revolting in its core but it is also a good learning experience.
Watch and love it please!
website
RATE: 10/10
This film is on of best I have seen in the last month. I do not have enough adjectives to describe how well done it is.
Florence Pugh is a strong actress and her performance is so organic and so unique. I have not seen anything like this in years. She owns every scene and the eyes are glued to her not to diminish the other characters who were also played brilliantly to say the least.
The story is based on the novel of the Russian author Nikolai Leskov. I read his books but had a vague idea of how that particular story would be interpreted and applied on the screen. I guess Russian drama in all ts brutality of crimes and punishments is shown in its best. The audience could only scream in excitement page after page, episode after the episode. The story is classical: rude, old and neglecting husband, suffering young wife, young servant, infidelity and jealousy followed by the ugly scenes of murdering, then a row of murders... indeed one murder always leads to many; then a sudden surprise and discovery followed by even more ugly murder; judgement and punishment. It is rather peculiar to observe how the life gets its quiet pace back after the passion, emotions and excitement. I guess strong feelings can kill and that could be a fairly good example of it.
You will have a strange aftertaste feeling from this picture but if you know Russian classical literature well you will have a ball.
Coming back to the main characters: lust and extreme will never last t say about Katherine (Florence Pugh) in one sentence . That would probably relate to her lover, Sebastian ( Cosmo Jarvis) . Loneliness and boredom can not be cured by any medicine especially by strong (and rather illusionary) emotions. Cruelty, disrespect and abusive behavior towards women has long way in Russian history - related to the characters of Boris and Alexander. It is very exciting to observe Katherine turning from a timid victim into a person with full confidence and awareness of her rights to freedom and love. From the other side it is also fascinating to see how love dies inside Sebastian one murder after another; how his weakness grows and turns into betrayal and hatred. One main idea is clear to us: love and happiness can not be achieved when built and created on hatred and unhappiness of the others.
It is a rather Shakespearian story taking in consideration its heavyweight story line. It is a tragedy in its best traditions. It is also modern to its very bone. It is revolting in its core but it is also a good learning experience.
Watch and love it please!
UNA NEW
website
RATE: 6/10
Some movies can easily be called "theater performances". Una is one of them.
The characters are portrayed with the naked truth shown in its raw state. It is a "Lolita vs Gumbert" in its best representation. Rooney Mara's "Lolita" thought is an experienced girl-woman, she has that animal-like look in her eyes that not many men would resist. Her eyes are calling full of uncovered desire. It is now impossible to say who is guilty in such relationship when the man is 20-25 years older than his "victim"- a thirteen years old girl.
She is manipulative in her inner core like a person who likes to be a winner in every situation. Her challenge is the person of a different sex - anyone actually - she puts her webs on a trial and she will always get what she wants - to be desired.
The film focuses on the current situation: the "abused" in the past girl visits her abuser at his work place bringing in disturbance to Ray, ( Ben Mendelsohn) her ex-lover as well as to the whole work place. Ray is trying to avoid any possible confrontation with Una is still very much sexually attracted to her charms. Nevertheless his mind takes over his low desires and he walks away. Una follows him to his house only to find out something that she would not predict in her "darkest" dreams. The films leaves us with more questions that answers. It finishes when we are so eager to discover more and more...
Although the subject is quite disturbing I found lots of weak parts of both main characters acting. I would rather expect to see more powerful personalities. I main feeling was that the film was either not "worked out" well by the director and the main cast or perhaps not interesting for the actors, How can I put it in the right words: they did not live these characters to the full extend. I also thought that if it was watched in the theatrical surroundings than some of their "mistakes: would be simply forgiven but not on the big screen.
website
RATE: 6/10
Some movies can easily be called "theater performances". Una is one of them.
The characters are portrayed with the naked truth shown in its raw state. It is a "Lolita vs Gumbert" in its best representation. Rooney Mara's "Lolita" thought is an experienced girl-woman, she has that animal-like look in her eyes that not many men would resist. Her eyes are calling full of uncovered desire. It is now impossible to say who is guilty in such relationship when the man is 20-25 years older than his "victim"- a thirteen years old girl.
She is manipulative in her inner core like a person who likes to be a winner in every situation. Her challenge is the person of a different sex - anyone actually - she puts her webs on a trial and she will always get what she wants - to be desired.
The film focuses on the current situation: the "abused" in the past girl visits her abuser at his work place bringing in disturbance to Ray, ( Ben Mendelsohn) her ex-lover as well as to the whole work place. Ray is trying to avoid any possible confrontation with Una is still very much sexually attracted to her charms. Nevertheless his mind takes over his low desires and he walks away. Una follows him to his house only to find out something that she would not predict in her "darkest" dreams. The films leaves us with more questions that answers. It finishes when we are so eager to discover more and more...
Although the subject is quite disturbing I found lots of weak parts of both main characters acting. I would rather expect to see more powerful personalities. I main feeling was that the film was either not "worked out" well by the director and the main cast or perhaps not interesting for the actors, How can I put it in the right words: they did not live these characters to the full extend. I also thought that if it was watched in the theatrical surroundings than some of their "mistakes: would be simply forgiven but not on the big screen.
ALL EYEZ ON ME NEW
website
RATE: 7/10
review by Benjamin Newall
All Eyez on Me Review.
Taking its title from the last album by Tupac Shakur while he was still alive, the biopic All Eyez on Me attempts to join the dots and create a plausible narrative which leads the viewer from the rapper’s early life in New York to his violent death in Las Vegas in 1996 at the age of 25. The film is due for release on June 16th which would have been the rapper’s 46th birthday.
Perhaps unsurprisingly the making of the film involved as much controversy as the life it is portraying, including a court battle with Tupac’s family over the rapper’s life rights.
Inducted earlier this year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Shakur was raised in Harlem by a mother who was militant about both African-American civil rights and her son’s education. He has sold more than 75 Million records and is regularly high on the list of the greatest artists of all time.
Rap as a genre has unapologetic links to issues of violence, inequality and poverty and these were the foundations of Shakur’s music. The film reflects this with images and language that will certainly keep it from being considered as family viewing. It is gritty and uncomfortable viewing which ends with a vivid depiction of the drive-by shooting in 1996 which ended his life.
While there are those who say that the lifestyle he chose made the manner of his death more likely there are others who see it differently. One of those is Demetrius Shipp Jr, who plays the rapper in the film. According to Shipp you can’t condemn a man for his choices unless you know what he had to choose between. The film certainly shows another side of Shakur. We see the poet, the prophetic voice, the teenage boy concerned by social issues and worried that he will lose his school friend Jada Pinkett.
This is Shipp’s first acting role and he only auditioned because so many people told him to. He bears a striking resemblance to Shakur, so much so that he was often nicknamed ‘Pac’ at school. Eerily his preparation for the role was assisted by his father who had been a producer at Death Row Records, Shakur’s final label. The senior Shipp recalled an artist with an outstanding work ethic.
Alongside Shipp, the cast includes Danai Gurira (“The Walking Dead”), Kat Graham (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Jamal Woolard (“Notorious”) and Annie Ilonzeh, who plays Kidada, the daughter of Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton, who was engaged to Tupac at the time of his death.
The soundtrack is really good. According to producer, L.T. Hutton the soundtrack ‘is a tribute album to pay homage and to keep the legacy of Tupac going.’ Fans should love it.
The film may not be the final word on the life of Tupac Shakur, (another is already in the works to be directed by Steve McQueen of 12 Years A Slave.) but it is a good word. I think fans will enjoy it, especially getting glimpses of those aspects of the character we were less familiar with. My main criticism was perhaps the length. At 140 mins it is a long film and could have been shorter. There were moments that seemed to drag and could have been cut without causing damage to the whole.
All in all I would rate it a solid 7/10 or 3.5 stars.
website
RATE: 7/10
review by Benjamin Newall
All Eyez on Me Review.
Taking its title from the last album by Tupac Shakur while he was still alive, the biopic All Eyez on Me attempts to join the dots and create a plausible narrative which leads the viewer from the rapper’s early life in New York to his violent death in Las Vegas in 1996 at the age of 25. The film is due for release on June 16th which would have been the rapper’s 46th birthday.
Perhaps unsurprisingly the making of the film involved as much controversy as the life it is portraying, including a court battle with Tupac’s family over the rapper’s life rights.
Inducted earlier this year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Shakur was raised in Harlem by a mother who was militant about both African-American civil rights and her son’s education. He has sold more than 75 Million records and is regularly high on the list of the greatest artists of all time.
Rap as a genre has unapologetic links to issues of violence, inequality and poverty and these were the foundations of Shakur’s music. The film reflects this with images and language that will certainly keep it from being considered as family viewing. It is gritty and uncomfortable viewing which ends with a vivid depiction of the drive-by shooting in 1996 which ended his life.
While there are those who say that the lifestyle he chose made the manner of his death more likely there are others who see it differently. One of those is Demetrius Shipp Jr, who plays the rapper in the film. According to Shipp you can’t condemn a man for his choices unless you know what he had to choose between. The film certainly shows another side of Shakur. We see the poet, the prophetic voice, the teenage boy concerned by social issues and worried that he will lose his school friend Jada Pinkett.
This is Shipp’s first acting role and he only auditioned because so many people told him to. He bears a striking resemblance to Shakur, so much so that he was often nicknamed ‘Pac’ at school. Eerily his preparation for the role was assisted by his father who had been a producer at Death Row Records, Shakur’s final label. The senior Shipp recalled an artist with an outstanding work ethic.
Alongside Shipp, the cast includes Danai Gurira (“The Walking Dead”), Kat Graham (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Jamal Woolard (“Notorious”) and Annie Ilonzeh, who plays Kidada, the daughter of Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton, who was engaged to Tupac at the time of his death.
The soundtrack is really good. According to producer, L.T. Hutton the soundtrack ‘is a tribute album to pay homage and to keep the legacy of Tupac going.’ Fans should love it.
The film may not be the final word on the life of Tupac Shakur, (another is already in the works to be directed by Steve McQueen of 12 Years A Slave.) but it is a good word. I think fans will enjoy it, especially getting glimpses of those aspects of the character we were less familiar with. My main criticism was perhaps the length. At 140 mins it is a long film and could have been shorter. There were moments that seemed to drag and could have been cut without causing damage to the whole.
All in all I would rate it a solid 7/10 or 3.5 stars.
PUBLIC ENEMY NEW
website
review by Irina Ivanova
Public Enemy, episodes (Belgium)
Belgium's Public Enemy is the suspense drama of 10 one-hour episodes that depicts the story of confrontation between the citizens of a small village and a serial child murderer Guy Beranger that was released from jail after 20 years sentence.
The small community doesn’t want to accept the dangerous ex-convict who moves in on parole to the custody of the monks at Vielsart Abbey. Even the monks cannot hide their despise for the “monster”. Beranger is only protected by a young Federal Police's inspector, Chloé Muller, but the two of them have a dark secret in the past. The female detective is hunted by her childhood fears, and has to fight her own demons to find out the truth.
The owner of a local bar Patrick Stassart, who is the Ardennes’ community leader, gathers his colleagues to discuss the project of developing a new modern brewery establishment to attract more business into town, but soon the rumours of a disappeared girl meddle with his plans. Everybody in the community goes on guard. Some want to take justice in their own hands. There are secrets to be revealed, connections to be detected and long-forgotten information to be disclosed.
The drama stars Stéphanie Blanchoud as Chloé Muller and Jean-Jacques Rausin as her partner Michaël Charlier, who have complex relationship, but always there to back each other up. Angelo Bison plays the mysterious, slightly detached character of Beranger.
With all its gloominess and complicated emotions, the drama has won many hearts of TV–viewers and taken the Buyer's Choice Award in MIPTV’s first international drama competition. “The series asks: ‘What do you do with monsters like child killers? After a serial killer is released from prison, can we forgive him? writer-director Mathieu Frances said at the Screenings. Public Enemy is a great quality crime series which will keep you on the edge of your couch.
website
review by Irina Ivanova
Public Enemy, episodes (Belgium)
Belgium's Public Enemy is the suspense drama of 10 one-hour episodes that depicts the story of confrontation between the citizens of a small village and a serial child murderer Guy Beranger that was released from jail after 20 years sentence.
The small community doesn’t want to accept the dangerous ex-convict who moves in on parole to the custody of the monks at Vielsart Abbey. Even the monks cannot hide their despise for the “monster”. Beranger is only protected by a young Federal Police's inspector, Chloé Muller, but the two of them have a dark secret in the past. The female detective is hunted by her childhood fears, and has to fight her own demons to find out the truth.
The owner of a local bar Patrick Stassart, who is the Ardennes’ community leader, gathers his colleagues to discuss the project of developing a new modern brewery establishment to attract more business into town, but soon the rumours of a disappeared girl meddle with his plans. Everybody in the community goes on guard. Some want to take justice in their own hands. There are secrets to be revealed, connections to be detected and long-forgotten information to be disclosed.
The drama stars Stéphanie Blanchoud as Chloé Muller and Jean-Jacques Rausin as her partner Michaël Charlier, who have complex relationship, but always there to back each other up. Angelo Bison plays the mysterious, slightly detached character of Beranger.
With all its gloominess and complicated emotions, the drama has won many hearts of TV–viewers and taken the Buyer's Choice Award in MIPTV’s first international drama competition. “The series asks: ‘What do you do with monsters like child killers? After a serial killer is released from prison, can we forgive him? writer-director Mathieu Frances said at the Screenings. Public Enemy is a great quality crime series which will keep you on the edge of your couch.
THE MUMMY NEW
website
review by Camilla Wilson
The Mummy
Directed By Alex Kurtzman
Tom Cruise
Sofia Boutella
Russell Crowe
The latest incarnation of the Mummy series returns in spectacular Tom Cruise Style – think Mission Impossible meets Tomb Rader.
Princess Ahmenet determined to claim the throne sells her soul to the Demon God Set.
After murdering her family, Ahmanet is buried alive and so begins the mummy saga.
Nick Morton – Tom Cruise, Discovers the tomb and the fun begins in typical Mummy fashion.
The movie differs from the original trilogy, both with actors and characters.
Die Hard Mummy fans may be a little disappointed not to see Brendan Fraser`s boyish charm and humor.
Take this latest Mummy film as a fresh approach and try to disassociate it from the previous movies and you will not be disappointed.
Tom Cruise gives his usual 200% in acting and stunt work, in what is a fast paced, action packed movie that will not disappoint.
Russell Crowe is brilliant in his portrayal as Henry Jekyll.
This movie is a must see for all horror action fans.
website
review by Camilla Wilson
The Mummy
Directed By Alex Kurtzman
Tom Cruise
Sofia Boutella
Russell Crowe
The latest incarnation of the Mummy series returns in spectacular Tom Cruise Style – think Mission Impossible meets Tomb Rader.
Princess Ahmenet determined to claim the throne sells her soul to the Demon God Set.
After murdering her family, Ahmanet is buried alive and so begins the mummy saga.
Nick Morton – Tom Cruise, Discovers the tomb and the fun begins in typical Mummy fashion.
The movie differs from the original trilogy, both with actors and characters.
Die Hard Mummy fans may be a little disappointed not to see Brendan Fraser`s boyish charm and humor.
Take this latest Mummy film as a fresh approach and try to disassociate it from the previous movies and you will not be disappointed.
Tom Cruise gives his usual 200% in acting and stunt work, in what is a fast paced, action packed movie that will not disappoint.
Russell Crowe is brilliant in his portrayal as Henry Jekyll.
This movie is a must see for all horror action fans.
THE PROMISE NEW
website
RATE: 9.5/10
I found this film to be highly under-rated on many websites and even IMDB. I did not see the reason why. There are basically two major lines in the picture: the romantic story and the historical drama. The romance is basically taking place in the war surroundings with all its ugliness and unjustified losses. The film is not only about the particular time in history and not about the geography where it takes place nor it is about the local war between Turkish and Armenian people. I see the greater value in such pictures. They tackle the problems of many nations that have been manipulated into such wars. But let's start from the beginning. There are my key thoughts after watching the film:
- the cast was brilliant and was so much above any average acting, although there were a couple of episodes that were week and fell through (which was in fact taking the whole picture in account a rather small "forfeiture" ). I just thought if there was Leonardo DiCaprio playing together with any actress it of course would deserve much more appraisal but handsome and talented Oscar Isaac (Mikael) deserves much more attention that is given to him by the critics. The female part was played amazingly well by Charlotte Le Bon. The rest of the crew was also very well selected and suitable for the parts they were depictured in.
- the story line was very well developed and even (balanced considering different aspects of it).
- why do we have to choose which side to take: Armenian or Turkish. In war there is no sides. Do we Russians have to hate all Germans because they burnt my grandparents live in 1942 from my father's side and killed my grandfather from my mum's side? For the people who know the nature of all wars such question does not exist. Not the people and nations should be guilty for the war crimes but the governors and those whom they listen to starting such wars. If you kill a person you get to jail. If the war general kills thousands of people he gets a golden badge. There is no logic in this. The orders to kill should be punished not the nations who fight again each other. Do we still have to hate each other for what one or two people are responsible in the past. May be it is their aim: separation is a great daughter of many crimes. Proclaim the war between brothers and while they fight you can have all their goods and possessions. They will be hating each other for years after such wars and will forget about what was really taken from them. You can not punish the nation by hating its people. There is no sense in such feelings and they are simply a waste and time lost on something insignificant. Rather we should do everything to vote for the leaders who create peace and love.
- the majority of wars taking place are the religious wars: they are easy to control via propaganda and mind manipulation by the governors who start such wars. Wars are a very profitable business. Just think about it... So many people who just want to work for a plate of food for their families...
- a bit of history: Ottoman Empire entered the WWI in November 1914 . In October 1914 Turkish troops provoked the Russian Army (Black Sea region) following the orders and advises of the British Empire by shooting the major Russian sea ports. As a result Russians proclaimed a war with Turkey in Nov 1914. The territories Turks were targeting were the remote Armenian villages in the region that belonged at the time to the Russian Empire. Some of Armenian villages were located on Turkish lands. The conflict was unavoidable. The Antanta countries (including France) were trying to evacuate the peaceful settlers from the Turkish territories. Th Turks were afraid the Armenians would be opposing them and would support the Russian army. The genocide actions took the lives of 1.5 mln Armenians mainly civilians (Eastern Anatolia). This was part of the war to get the very taste of the Russian treasure cake: famous Russian Sea access (Black Sea). Many Turks still feel ashamed by the actions on their government but it is not officially acknowledged. Acknowledgement would mean the secret documents to surface and they would reveal who was who in that war. The shadow figures never like to be in the light. The Turkish Army was conquered in 1916 and the Osman Empire so well supported by the forces from the West was destroyed. If we choose to close our eyes on the events taken place we should then close our eyes on the war between Russian and Ukraine, where shamefully brothers and literally fighting brothers.
-when you watch the film please pay attention to the soundtrack - I personally adore the duduk (woodwind flute made of apricot wood) - we say the orange sun signs through this instrument.
- the film is also well balanced in the sense of showing the right amount of battle scenes that beautifully interacted with the romantic ones - nothing is missing, nothing is over-done.
The film is no less valuable than Titanic (that was my comparison to the love story) and no less valuable than Gone With The Wind (that was my comparison with the war related movies) and deserves a much better recognition than it currently has.
website
RATE: 9.5/10
I found this film to be highly under-rated on many websites and even IMDB. I did not see the reason why. There are basically two major lines in the picture: the romantic story and the historical drama. The romance is basically taking place in the war surroundings with all its ugliness and unjustified losses. The film is not only about the particular time in history and not about the geography where it takes place nor it is about the local war between Turkish and Armenian people. I see the greater value in such pictures. They tackle the problems of many nations that have been manipulated into such wars. But let's start from the beginning. There are my key thoughts after watching the film:
- the cast was brilliant and was so much above any average acting, although there were a couple of episodes that were week and fell through (which was in fact taking the whole picture in account a rather small "forfeiture" ). I just thought if there was Leonardo DiCaprio playing together with any actress it of course would deserve much more appraisal but handsome and talented Oscar Isaac (Mikael) deserves much more attention that is given to him by the critics. The female part was played amazingly well by Charlotte Le Bon. The rest of the crew was also very well selected and suitable for the parts they were depictured in.
- the story line was very well developed and even (balanced considering different aspects of it).
- why do we have to choose which side to take: Armenian or Turkish. In war there is no sides. Do we Russians have to hate all Germans because they burnt my grandparents live in 1942 from my father's side and killed my grandfather from my mum's side? For the people who know the nature of all wars such question does not exist. Not the people and nations should be guilty for the war crimes but the governors and those whom they listen to starting such wars. If you kill a person you get to jail. If the war general kills thousands of people he gets a golden badge. There is no logic in this. The orders to kill should be punished not the nations who fight again each other. Do we still have to hate each other for what one or two people are responsible in the past. May be it is their aim: separation is a great daughter of many crimes. Proclaim the war between brothers and while they fight you can have all their goods and possessions. They will be hating each other for years after such wars and will forget about what was really taken from them. You can not punish the nation by hating its people. There is no sense in such feelings and they are simply a waste and time lost on something insignificant. Rather we should do everything to vote for the leaders who create peace and love.
- the majority of wars taking place are the religious wars: they are easy to control via propaganda and mind manipulation by the governors who start such wars. Wars are a very profitable business. Just think about it... So many people who just want to work for a plate of food for their families...
- a bit of history: Ottoman Empire entered the WWI in November 1914 . In October 1914 Turkish troops provoked the Russian Army (Black Sea region) following the orders and advises of the British Empire by shooting the major Russian sea ports. As a result Russians proclaimed a war with Turkey in Nov 1914. The territories Turks were targeting were the remote Armenian villages in the region that belonged at the time to the Russian Empire. Some of Armenian villages were located on Turkish lands. The conflict was unavoidable. The Antanta countries (including France) were trying to evacuate the peaceful settlers from the Turkish territories. Th Turks were afraid the Armenians would be opposing them and would support the Russian army. The genocide actions took the lives of 1.5 mln Armenians mainly civilians (Eastern Anatolia). This was part of the war to get the very taste of the Russian treasure cake: famous Russian Sea access (Black Sea). Many Turks still feel ashamed by the actions on their government but it is not officially acknowledged. Acknowledgement would mean the secret documents to surface and they would reveal who was who in that war. The shadow figures never like to be in the light. The Turkish Army was conquered in 1916 and the Osman Empire so well supported by the forces from the West was destroyed. If we choose to close our eyes on the events taken place we should then close our eyes on the war between Russian and Ukraine, where shamefully brothers and literally fighting brothers.
-when you watch the film please pay attention to the soundtrack - I personally adore the duduk (woodwind flute made of apricot wood) - we say the orange sun signs through this instrument.
- the film is also well balanced in the sense of showing the right amount of battle scenes that beautifully interacted with the romantic ones - nothing is missing, nothing is over-done.
The film is no less valuable than Titanic (that was my comparison to the love story) and no less valuable than Gone With The Wind (that was my comparison with the war related movies) and deserves a much better recognition than it currently has.
REFUGEE FILM FESTIVAL CINEMA NOVA: THE STAGING POST NEW
website
RATE: 7/10
I am usually the fan of such films that capture the documentary on the refugee's lives but this film was not what I was after. The plot is very simple: it follows the lives of two Afghan immigrants who are forced to live in the Indonesian camp before receiving a proper visa to Australia (or to States). I understand the worries, the challenges and the purposes. We all went through similar situations: more or less destructive. One word: it was just a bit boring for me and not because I did not feel for the people who were stuck in the situation. It was just the way it was shown. When we move from the worst live conditions to the better ones (say, from a war situation in the country to the peaceful environment) we soon start to find the negative sides: we do not value what we have, we do not appreciate the given. After getting used to the safety we start finding negativity. We always do. Even if we live with peace and security, and we have enough of everything: food, water and jobs. Better lives spoil our "receiving" conception. We do not receive with grace anymore. We lose respect of what is given to us: we always want more. Apart from said what I like about the film was the simplicity and the ingenuity of the people shown. I also highly respect the film makers who being in such difficult situations found time to capture on camera their lives and speak about what disturbed them.
I also cherish the fact that this is the first year of the Refugee Film Festival with five films to be shown at Cinema Nova and looking forward to new ideas and new pictures to be shown.
website
RATE: 7/10
I am usually the fan of such films that capture the documentary on the refugee's lives but this film was not what I was after. The plot is very simple: it follows the lives of two Afghan immigrants who are forced to live in the Indonesian camp before receiving a proper visa to Australia (or to States). I understand the worries, the challenges and the purposes. We all went through similar situations: more or less destructive. One word: it was just a bit boring for me and not because I did not feel for the people who were stuck in the situation. It was just the way it was shown. When we move from the worst live conditions to the better ones (say, from a war situation in the country to the peaceful environment) we soon start to find the negative sides: we do not value what we have, we do not appreciate the given. After getting used to the safety we start finding negativity. We always do. Even if we live with peace and security, and we have enough of everything: food, water and jobs. Better lives spoil our "receiving" conception. We do not receive with grace anymore. We lose respect of what is given to us: we always want more. Apart from said what I like about the film was the simplicity and the ingenuity of the people shown. I also highly respect the film makers who being in such difficult situations found time to capture on camera their lives and speak about what disturbed them.
I also cherish the fact that this is the first year of the Refugee Film Festival with five films to be shown at Cinema Nova and looking forward to new ideas and new pictures to be shown.
BLUE NEW
website
RATE: 10/10
We see our planet as a living creature, the entity, our mother we all feed from. Her waters including her oceans are her blood. How did we end up making that blood so dirty? Where is the end of human ignorance? The "Blue" movie is your source of knowledge about the environment and what we personally can do to help the problem of polluting the oceans disappear.
If you look at our planet from the outer space you will see it as a small blue twinkling star. The oceans give our planet its blue color. The oceans take 3/4 of the surface of our planet. The oceans feed us in many ways: it is a marine fauna and flora we find so yummily displayed on our tables. It is a huge part of our eco-system. It is reflection of us as well as what we put inside of the waters of the ocean ends us inside of us after all.
Having said that the film is about the oceans but much much more than that.
The industrialisation and the technological development is taking its toll on our mother planet. The profits associated with the large companies growth that use the poisonous substances which end up in the waters of seas, rivers and oceans, may be high but the high are the amounts of junk and the associated co-products floating freely in the water system of our planet.
Our planet has not changed much in the past 12,000 years. It did change a lot in the last 50 years of unthoughtful actions of humans. This actions in some cases can simply be considered as ecological crimes. The people who gave orders to commit such crimes should be prosecuted the same way the mass destructors of nations, world criminal leaders and dictators should be prosecuted.
The truth revealed in the film is shocking and provocative. The impact on the marine life and the lives connected to the marine (in the food chain) would hardly be reparable if we do not start a counter-actions now.
This year alone, 50 million plastic bags will enter the litter stream from Australia, making our country the second largest waste producer, per capita.
The "Blue" follows Valerie Taylor and Madison Stewart, who report on shark population and the exhaustion of these particular marine population. Tim Silverwood and biologist Jennifer Lavers elaborate on the impact of plastic on the sea birds who nest on the Lord Howe Island. The examination of the birds' bellies contents shows that 90% of it is pieces of contaminating plastic. Dave Riggs shows us the suffocation of the larger predators like killer whales and big white shark who are put in the conditions of barely surviving due to oil and gas exploitation in some ocean regions. The film pays the close attention to the treasures of the Great Barrier Reef which is facing the critical era of fading from the surface of our planet. Who will win this war between the money and environment when our own lives are already on the scales of the survival? What can we leave to our children who might never see more than a third of the beautiful underwater chambers of the GBR vanishing in front of our eyes?
website
RATE: 10/10
We see our planet as a living creature, the entity, our mother we all feed from. Her waters including her oceans are her blood. How did we end up making that blood so dirty? Where is the end of human ignorance? The "Blue" movie is your source of knowledge about the environment and what we personally can do to help the problem of polluting the oceans disappear.
If you look at our planet from the outer space you will see it as a small blue twinkling star. The oceans give our planet its blue color. The oceans take 3/4 of the surface of our planet. The oceans feed us in many ways: it is a marine fauna and flora we find so yummily displayed on our tables. It is a huge part of our eco-system. It is reflection of us as well as what we put inside of the waters of the ocean ends us inside of us after all.
Having said that the film is about the oceans but much much more than that.
The industrialisation and the technological development is taking its toll on our mother planet. The profits associated with the large companies growth that use the poisonous substances which end up in the waters of seas, rivers and oceans, may be high but the high are the amounts of junk and the associated co-products floating freely in the water system of our planet.
Our planet has not changed much in the past 12,000 years. It did change a lot in the last 50 years of unthoughtful actions of humans. This actions in some cases can simply be considered as ecological crimes. The people who gave orders to commit such crimes should be prosecuted the same way the mass destructors of nations, world criminal leaders and dictators should be prosecuted.
The truth revealed in the film is shocking and provocative. The impact on the marine life and the lives connected to the marine (in the food chain) would hardly be reparable if we do not start a counter-actions now.
This year alone, 50 million plastic bags will enter the litter stream from Australia, making our country the second largest waste producer, per capita.
The "Blue" follows Valerie Taylor and Madison Stewart, who report on shark population and the exhaustion of these particular marine population. Tim Silverwood and biologist Jennifer Lavers elaborate on the impact of plastic on the sea birds who nest on the Lord Howe Island. The examination of the birds' bellies contents shows that 90% of it is pieces of contaminating plastic. Dave Riggs shows us the suffocation of the larger predators like killer whales and big white shark who are put in the conditions of barely surviving due to oil and gas exploitation in some ocean regions. The film pays the close attention to the treasures of the Great Barrier Reef which is facing the critical era of fading from the surface of our planet. Who will win this war between the money and environment when our own lives are already on the scales of the survival? What can we leave to our children who might never see more than a third of the beautiful underwater chambers of the GBR vanishing in front of our eyes?
THE SENSE OF AN ENDING NEW
website
RATE: 7/10
It is a movie about our past mistakes and impulsive behavior that caused lives destroyed and broken. I shall tell you in general that I did not like the film - but in general opinion only as I was not happy with the idea promoted: the guy who did some unthoughtful mistakes is still alive and enjoying his live with his family while the others are suffering deeply wounded by his actions fro good.
When it comes to discussing the acting I should admit it was superb! the whole cast was magnificent including the young and the mature actors.
The story line was very well written and smoothly unfolding giving us bit by bit the glimpses to the past, the current situation from all different angles. I am a Don Quixote when it comes to life. I like when everything is fair, when the evil is punished and when the good deeds are praised. Apparently in life it is all more in the style of anarchy. The evil is not necessarily compensated nor the kindness is applauded to. It is more like an accident, a fate and a grand unconscious rather than a plan.
Billy Howle is a young talented and promising poet studying at the University. He is in love with Veronica. Billy befriends with Adrian Finn a new and also very talented student. The friendship seems like a strong bond till something unpredictable happens that leads to a tragic finale. The past can be re-thought and re-created: what seemed bad at that time can be turned into greater possibilities today and what seemed like a rainbow dream might be a a rather foggy and uncertain paradise today. If you hear that past can not be changed - this is true, the events can not be replaced but our opinion towards them can be changed. That means there is no past that is subjective as subjective tends to amend itself. what you can also change is your vision about your current situation and your future and creating it anew. This is obvious and does not need to be even discussed here however in case you feel unhappy at the moment - by rethinking your past one can recreate thy reality and choose to be happy here and now. This is what takes place. The film is a bit messy towards the end but he main idea was understood and digested.
website
RATE: 7/10
It is a movie about our past mistakes and impulsive behavior that caused lives destroyed and broken. I shall tell you in general that I did not like the film - but in general opinion only as I was not happy with the idea promoted: the guy who did some unthoughtful mistakes is still alive and enjoying his live with his family while the others are suffering deeply wounded by his actions fro good.
When it comes to discussing the acting I should admit it was superb! the whole cast was magnificent including the young and the mature actors.
The story line was very well written and smoothly unfolding giving us bit by bit the glimpses to the past, the current situation from all different angles. I am a Don Quixote when it comes to life. I like when everything is fair, when the evil is punished and when the good deeds are praised. Apparently in life it is all more in the style of anarchy. The evil is not necessarily compensated nor the kindness is applauded to. It is more like an accident, a fate and a grand unconscious rather than a plan.
Billy Howle is a young talented and promising poet studying at the University. He is in love with Veronica. Billy befriends with Adrian Finn a new and also very talented student. The friendship seems like a strong bond till something unpredictable happens that leads to a tragic finale. The past can be re-thought and re-created: what seemed bad at that time can be turned into greater possibilities today and what seemed like a rainbow dream might be a a rather foggy and uncertain paradise today. If you hear that past can not be changed - this is true, the events can not be replaced but our opinion towards them can be changed. That means there is no past that is subjective as subjective tends to amend itself. what you can also change is your vision about your current situation and your future and creating it anew. This is obvious and does not need to be even discussed here however in case you feel unhappy at the moment - by rethinking your past one can recreate thy reality and choose to be happy here and now. This is what takes place. The film is a bit messy towards the end but he main idea was understood and digested.
HOTEL COOLGARDIE NEW
website
RATE: 9/10
It is a revolting film bout the everyday life of the small Australian town Coolgardie. It is a documentary, Two young Finish girls who look for extra money for their travelling are hired to work at he local pub. This is the day when the reality covers them. This is the day they should face the ugly world of alcohol and the characters no thriller would show to you in the more organic way. The town they will be working in in the next three month is isolated from civilisation, it is located East off Perth 200 km away from the busy West Coast Australian city. The town is surrounded by gold mines. It is dusty, it has nothing to offer entertainment-wise. It is created simply to sustain simple lives of its locals: mine workers and their girlfriends. People come to earn some extra money over there and leave forever. Not much two Finish girls know about selling beer as well as not much they know about Australian culture and how to make friends. No much they know about life and love.... and believe me this is the last town on your list of Australian cities where you can find love. Please see it for yourself. I was laughing out loud, I was laughing my time out but I suspect I was the only one doing it among the Australian media watching the film. I have no idea why. May be you can help me... I found the film to be extremely realistic and witty but it was a bit disgusting at some moments and not to my liking...
website
RATE: 9/10
It is a revolting film bout the everyday life of the small Australian town Coolgardie. It is a documentary, Two young Finish girls who look for extra money for their travelling are hired to work at he local pub. This is the day when the reality covers them. This is the day they should face the ugly world of alcohol and the characters no thriller would show to you in the more organic way. The town they will be working in in the next three month is isolated from civilisation, it is located East off Perth 200 km away from the busy West Coast Australian city. The town is surrounded by gold mines. It is dusty, it has nothing to offer entertainment-wise. It is created simply to sustain simple lives of its locals: mine workers and their girlfriends. People come to earn some extra money over there and leave forever. Not much two Finish girls know about selling beer as well as not much they know about Australian culture and how to make friends. No much they know about life and love.... and believe me this is the last town on your list of Australian cities where you can find love. Please see it for yourself. I was laughing out loud, I was laughing my time out but I suspect I was the only one doing it among the Australian media watching the film. I have no idea why. May be you can help me... I found the film to be extremely realistic and witty but it was a bit disgusting at some moments and not to my liking...
THE SHACK NEW
website
RATE: 5/10 (NM) and 10/10 (AL)
I have to be very honest about this particular picture as our opinions with Alex were absolutely honest: he was extremely emotional during the screening where I was bored to death. So I decided to write two different views.
NM
I found nothing new ideas-wide in this film: the guy goes through the rocky road of healing his wound, something many people would come out from broken to the core of their soul. the subject discussed horrified me: loosing someone so dear to your life is a dead sentence for many. To survive through it takes a transformation of your spiritual views on life and not many of us can deal with it. I do not belong to the number of people who can heal easily and forgive. I simply do not see forgiveness of the murderer who can go and destroy the other lives too: the murder should be punished not forgiven. I found many Christian ideas in the film somehow twisted and revised not in the normal way we see them. The film was way too sweet at some parts to me and the acting was artificial. The film was very messy at the start but realistic until the main character went into his "dream state" and then the confusion after the confusion was following one another. Very simple and close to primitive conversations were conducted between Jesus, Holly Spirit, God and the main character - the talks that did not lead to any solid statement of life advice but just repeating the naked Bible verses and words that I believe the author did not even quite understand himself. It was even more confusing to the audience. I was close to fall asleep when the main hero, Mack started his "dream world" journey. t was too well "baked" for me and too polished. The line "God is great and always loves you" was repeated hundreds of times and sounded close to ridiculous to me to be honest who does not understand who God is and if it Him/her/It is actually separate from myself. I also felt the words were almost forced on me - there was no easy flow as there was not truth I could hear between the words. It was close to the propaganda of something even the author did not have idea what. I also found the funny moments good but some were a bit plane and uninteresting. I only watched till the end of the film because I saw Alex was very much into it. I could not stop comparing the film with What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams that was done much better and with more intelligent way to picture sorrow and the healing process. My opinion is simple: you can not speak of the Grand and of the Unknown, Unspoken and Unseen in the straight way. We can not comprehend the idea of God no matter how hard we try. For us as humans the better ways are to work on our perfecting our own feelings and living the life happier without hurting anyone around us. The path how we do it? - We all have different paths - be it through Christianity, Buddhism, Daoism, New Age or believing in "fire and matches" - does not matter what - if it makes us better people - all fine! Forcing the thoughts and the religions is not good in any way though. Forcing means controlling and power hungry. Even if it is put in a softer form in the movie. .. .and I suddenly felt "propaganda-ed" as I mentioned before. To be honest I was hesitating to rate this film at all at the start as I was lost in how and why with what purpose would you create such film? I guess - there is one now: to prove to himself something that the person is not clear about. We only teach when we do not know ourselves. We only teach when we need to learn. We only preach when we do not believe - take it as a quote from me please. The person who knows is never a believer - there is nothing to believe in if you know it is true. We teach only ourselves, no one else. To say the words of truth and it turns in to lie. Truth is silent. Truth does not need to be proved or pronounced out loud It is already there. The film is a quiet yell o for help from the person who does not understand what is going on. I wish him good luck on his quest. It is along road indeed... and we will never know.
AL
There is no point in judging and punishment as when judging and punishing you should start with yourself and we all guilty of small and not so small crimes. I found lots of new ideas which are refreshing and healing for the sick soul. The main character spiritual journey is unbelievable and the film itself was shown to us at a wrong time: we all are not ready for it. We live not forgiving our parents and not forgiving our close ones, we can not let go many things in life. We live with the load, with the burden of negative thoughts without enjoying life like a child would do. We know too much, we think too much. I did not find the film sweet at all. The actors were all playing brilliantly. The theater was full of very responsive audience no matter the screening was very late on the week day and they were showing their view by exclaiming and laughing during the show time. It was a beautifully done film with lots of spectacular visual effects that were emotionally very moving. It was both gorgeous scenery in the real world while the family was camping in the mountain and in the dream world. There were also many funny moments. I also truly believe the film is not shown at the right time. We are not ready for it Many of us will not understand it. It will be underrated and many parts of it will be twisted the wrong way. The movie was created a way before its time. Its time has not come yet. It is very new and may be we will live in the days when the people suddenly discover that the ideas in this film were simply superb! But I doubt that moment will be coming soon.
Final line: well Alex might be right. If there is no God, he does not care what Alex says. But if there is God, why spoil relationship with Him and tell him the movie was bad?..
website
RATE: 5/10 (NM) and 10/10 (AL)
I have to be very honest about this particular picture as our opinions with Alex were absolutely honest: he was extremely emotional during the screening where I was bored to death. So I decided to write two different views.
NM
I found nothing new ideas-wide in this film: the guy goes through the rocky road of healing his wound, something many people would come out from broken to the core of their soul. the subject discussed horrified me: loosing someone so dear to your life is a dead sentence for many. To survive through it takes a transformation of your spiritual views on life and not many of us can deal with it. I do not belong to the number of people who can heal easily and forgive. I simply do not see forgiveness of the murderer who can go and destroy the other lives too: the murder should be punished not forgiven. I found many Christian ideas in the film somehow twisted and revised not in the normal way we see them. The film was way too sweet at some parts to me and the acting was artificial. The film was very messy at the start but realistic until the main character went into his "dream state" and then the confusion after the confusion was following one another. Very simple and close to primitive conversations were conducted between Jesus, Holly Spirit, God and the main character - the talks that did not lead to any solid statement of life advice but just repeating the naked Bible verses and words that I believe the author did not even quite understand himself. It was even more confusing to the audience. I was close to fall asleep when the main hero, Mack started his "dream world" journey. t was too well "baked" for me and too polished. The line "God is great and always loves you" was repeated hundreds of times and sounded close to ridiculous to me to be honest who does not understand who God is and if it Him/her/It is actually separate from myself. I also felt the words were almost forced on me - there was no easy flow as there was not truth I could hear between the words. It was close to the propaganda of something even the author did not have idea what. I also found the funny moments good but some were a bit plane and uninteresting. I only watched till the end of the film because I saw Alex was very much into it. I could not stop comparing the film with What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams that was done much better and with more intelligent way to picture sorrow and the healing process. My opinion is simple: you can not speak of the Grand and of the Unknown, Unspoken and Unseen in the straight way. We can not comprehend the idea of God no matter how hard we try. For us as humans the better ways are to work on our perfecting our own feelings and living the life happier without hurting anyone around us. The path how we do it? - We all have different paths - be it through Christianity, Buddhism, Daoism, New Age or believing in "fire and matches" - does not matter what - if it makes us better people - all fine! Forcing the thoughts and the religions is not good in any way though. Forcing means controlling and power hungry. Even if it is put in a softer form in the movie. .. .and I suddenly felt "propaganda-ed" as I mentioned before. To be honest I was hesitating to rate this film at all at the start as I was lost in how and why with what purpose would you create such film? I guess - there is one now: to prove to himself something that the person is not clear about. We only teach when we do not know ourselves. We only teach when we need to learn. We only preach when we do not believe - take it as a quote from me please. The person who knows is never a believer - there is nothing to believe in if you know it is true. We teach only ourselves, no one else. To say the words of truth and it turns in to lie. Truth is silent. Truth does not need to be proved or pronounced out loud It is already there. The film is a quiet yell o for help from the person who does not understand what is going on. I wish him good luck on his quest. It is along road indeed... and we will never know.
AL
There is no point in judging and punishment as when judging and punishing you should start with yourself and we all guilty of small and not so small crimes. I found lots of new ideas which are refreshing and healing for the sick soul. The main character spiritual journey is unbelievable and the film itself was shown to us at a wrong time: we all are not ready for it. We live not forgiving our parents and not forgiving our close ones, we can not let go many things in life. We live with the load, with the burden of negative thoughts without enjoying life like a child would do. We know too much, we think too much. I did not find the film sweet at all. The actors were all playing brilliantly. The theater was full of very responsive audience no matter the screening was very late on the week day and they were showing their view by exclaiming and laughing during the show time. It was a beautifully done film with lots of spectacular visual effects that were emotionally very moving. It was both gorgeous scenery in the real world while the family was camping in the mountain and in the dream world. There were also many funny moments. I also truly believe the film is not shown at the right time. We are not ready for it Many of us will not understand it. It will be underrated and many parts of it will be twisted the wrong way. The movie was created a way before its time. Its time has not come yet. It is very new and may be we will live in the days when the people suddenly discover that the ideas in this film were simply superb! But I doubt that moment will be coming soon.
Final line: well Alex might be right. If there is no God, he does not care what Alex says. But if there is God, why spoil relationship with Him and tell him the movie was bad?..
you all probably have seen it 100-s of times before... but I thought I'd share as for me it was a new experience at a newly built HOYTS Australia Chadstone at Chadstone The Fashion Capital . we went to their Hoyts lux Chadstone before once but this time we were at the normal theater... it is so so so impressive - like a humongous airport for elephants or camels transportation in Dubai if such thing exists..
.
picture first - this is where they sell lollies for the cinema (!!) - the space is more than the NASA shuttle launch area in Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (if you ever been there) my iPhone told me that he has never seen anything wider...
picture second, third and fourth - the glance from above the balcony of the cinema - mama mia and my god help me! - how in the right state of mind people could have built anything like that???they were probably consulting the insects... it has such a complex geometrical shape - i guess 1,000,000 engineers developed the equations for each window curve above for the last 42 years.
i also wonder what the local magpies think about the building...
and sorry... almost forgot - the #Hoyts-normal and the #HoytsLux have no big difference in seats (only in privacy perhaps) - they are super comfortable in both - and the normal are the same as in Gold Class Village...
what a beautiful and impressive architectural and design experience!
.
picture first - this is where they sell lollies for the cinema (!!) - the space is more than the NASA shuttle launch area in Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (if you ever been there) my iPhone told me that he has never seen anything wider...
picture second, third and fourth - the glance from above the balcony of the cinema - mama mia and my god help me! - how in the right state of mind people could have built anything like that???they were probably consulting the insects... it has such a complex geometrical shape - i guess 1,000,000 engineers developed the equations for each window curve above for the last 42 years.
i also wonder what the local magpies think about the building...
and sorry... almost forgot - the #Hoyts-normal and the #HoytsLux have no big difference in seats (only in privacy perhaps) - they are super comfortable in both - and the normal are the same as in Gold Class Village...
what a beautiful and impressive architectural and design experience!
ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL 2017: EAGLEHAWK NEW
website
review by Irina Ivanova
The St Kilda Film Festival – Eaglehawk
Eaglehawk is a holiday park in the New South Wales, not far from the centre of Canberra. There is a rumour that in the surrounding woods a mythical creature leaves – an Australian version of Bigfoot, called Yowie. The tourists flock in for the thrill of fear, so the campsite goes on providing the perfect entertainment.
The Yowie expert Frank (Wayne Blair) hires an aspiring actress Eve (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) to impersonate the wild beast wandering in the woods and scaring the visitors. Wearing a horrendous costume, Eve selflessly immerses in her role making every effort to pursue her craft. Even the budding relationship with holiday park neighbor Jimmy (Ryan Corr) cannot undermine her keen attitude. Eventually the line between reality and fantasy blurs and Eve starts to believe in Yowie herself.
The film is based upon a short story “Where We Must Be” by Laura van den Berg, and directed by award-winning Shannon Murphy. Being paramount for the Dollhouse Pictures production company, the creative team was combined of all women: Marisa Nather (screenwriter), Jessica Carrera (producer), Nicole Coventry (co-producer), Alice Babidge (production and set design) and Megan Washington (composer). So the story of a young female in the search of her self appeared vivid and heartfelt.
website
review by Irina Ivanova
The St Kilda Film Festival – Eaglehawk
Eaglehawk is a holiday park in the New South Wales, not far from the centre of Canberra. There is a rumour that in the surrounding woods a mythical creature leaves – an Australian version of Bigfoot, called Yowie. The tourists flock in for the thrill of fear, so the campsite goes on providing the perfect entertainment.
The Yowie expert Frank (Wayne Blair) hires an aspiring actress Eve (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) to impersonate the wild beast wandering in the woods and scaring the visitors. Wearing a horrendous costume, Eve selflessly immerses in her role making every effort to pursue her craft. Even the budding relationship with holiday park neighbor Jimmy (Ryan Corr) cannot undermine her keen attitude. Eventually the line between reality and fantasy blurs and Eve starts to believe in Yowie herself.
The film is based upon a short story “Where We Must Be” by Laura van den Berg, and directed by award-winning Shannon Murphy. Being paramount for the Dollhouse Pictures production company, the creative team was combined of all women: Marisa Nather (screenwriter), Jessica Carrera (producer), Nicole Coventry (co-producer), Alice Babidge (production and set design) and Megan Washington (composer). So the story of a young female in the search of her self appeared vivid and heartfelt.
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: TWELFTH NIGHT NEW
website
review by Genie Koulaeva
Twelfth Night – Cinema Nova – National Theatre live
What an absolute joy to watch this amazing stage production brought to Australian audiences via film! Though not a new concept, this was my first viewing of a National Theatre Live film, and to be honest, I think I’ve found my new pastime! I mean what a brilliant idea – having an incredible theatre production with world-class actors, performed in England, filmed, and then shown all over the world, including Melbourne! Amazing stuff!
Twelfth Night is one of my favourite Shakespearean plays, perhaps stemming from having studied it in year 11, and written about it in numerous high school essays discussing the exploration of relationships, love, lust and mistaken identity, or perhaps just because it’s a seriously fun play, that does have a thought-provoking and dark side – the perfect comedy.
Set in the modern day, the story is about Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked twins, each believing the other is lost to sea, coming ashore and making the best of things in a strange land. Viola (Tamara Lawrance) pretends to be her brother to gain employment, and works for the Duke Orsino (Oliver Chris), who is rather unsuccessfully wooing the beautiful Olivia (Phoebe Fox), still mourning the death of her own brother. Add to this a perfectionistic, controlling steward in Malvolia, a bumbling fool of a suitor in Sir Andrew (Daniel Rigby), and a meddlesome drunk uncle in Sir Toby (Tim McMullan) as well as spiteful house staff, and what ensues is lots of fun and laughter as the tail unravels and we see just how many love triangles there actually are!
Tamsin Greig as Malvolia (rather than the traditional Malvolio) is a perfect fit, and she delivers an astounding performance as someone coming to terms with their own sexuality and having her sense of self cruelly shattered in jest. Greig has natural comedic timing, and she owns the role with such command that it’s hard to imagine Twelfth Night without a female Malvolia! The set is ingenuous (Soutra Gilmour), with a large central staircase dominating the stage, and dividing the scenes with remarkable ease and fluidity. Simon Godwin’s staging is on point and only really missing just that little bit of melancholy throughout. You even get a behind the scenes look at the production and interviews with the cast and National Theatre team at the start of the session, which really sets the scene. What a treat!
Thoroughly enjoyable film, beautifully staged, and wonderfully performed production, a must see, even if you’ve never seen or read Shakespeare, and especially if you have!
Showing at Cinema Nova from June 3.
Visit www.cinemanova.com.au for more info and to book.
Reviewed by Genie Koulaeva exclusively for Bohemian Rhapsody Online Magazine.
website
review by Genie Koulaeva
Twelfth Night – Cinema Nova – National Theatre live
What an absolute joy to watch this amazing stage production brought to Australian audiences via film! Though not a new concept, this was my first viewing of a National Theatre Live film, and to be honest, I think I’ve found my new pastime! I mean what a brilliant idea – having an incredible theatre production with world-class actors, performed in England, filmed, and then shown all over the world, including Melbourne! Amazing stuff!
Twelfth Night is one of my favourite Shakespearean plays, perhaps stemming from having studied it in year 11, and written about it in numerous high school essays discussing the exploration of relationships, love, lust and mistaken identity, or perhaps just because it’s a seriously fun play, that does have a thought-provoking and dark side – the perfect comedy.
Set in the modern day, the story is about Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked twins, each believing the other is lost to sea, coming ashore and making the best of things in a strange land. Viola (Tamara Lawrance) pretends to be her brother to gain employment, and works for the Duke Orsino (Oliver Chris), who is rather unsuccessfully wooing the beautiful Olivia (Phoebe Fox), still mourning the death of her own brother. Add to this a perfectionistic, controlling steward in Malvolia, a bumbling fool of a suitor in Sir Andrew (Daniel Rigby), and a meddlesome drunk uncle in Sir Toby (Tim McMullan) as well as spiteful house staff, and what ensues is lots of fun and laughter as the tail unravels and we see just how many love triangles there actually are!
Tamsin Greig as Malvolia (rather than the traditional Malvolio) is a perfect fit, and she delivers an astounding performance as someone coming to terms with their own sexuality and having her sense of self cruelly shattered in jest. Greig has natural comedic timing, and she owns the role with such command that it’s hard to imagine Twelfth Night without a female Malvolia! The set is ingenuous (Soutra Gilmour), with a large central staircase dominating the stage, and dividing the scenes with remarkable ease and fluidity. Simon Godwin’s staging is on point and only really missing just that little bit of melancholy throughout. You even get a behind the scenes look at the production and interviews with the cast and National Theatre team at the start of the session, which really sets the scene. What a treat!
Thoroughly enjoyable film, beautifully staged, and wonderfully performed production, a must see, even if you’ve never seen or read Shakespeare, and especially if you have!
Showing at Cinema Nova from June 3.
Visit www.cinemanova.com.au for more info and to book.
Reviewed by Genie Koulaeva exclusively for Bohemian Rhapsody Online Magazine.
WONDER WOMAN NEW
website
RATE: 8/10
review by Benjamin Newall
Wonder Woman, refreshing, layered, clever and funny.
The DC comic character Wonder Woman was introduced briefly in the forgettable 2016 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. We got a taste of her powers and learned her name, Diana, but that was about all. In this latest addition to the Warner Bros. DC universe we get the back-story, not only of her origins but also her entrance into the world of men.
Female super-hero movies have not had much success, think Elektra and Catwoman, so there was some trepidation mixed with the anticipation for this latest release. Fortunately Wonder Woman provides a delightful and refreshing counterpoint to the darkness and extreme violence that has permeated the last few superhero movies.
Wonder Woman is the first of the genre to be directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins, and the first to portray a female hero which had the same huge budget as the males. What is more, neither Superman or Batman, or any of the others in the Justice League, make even a cameo appearance. This film is all about the Woman, played wonderfully by Gal Gadot as the titular Amazonian warrior. In other hands the movie could have gone the wrong way, sexualising Wonder Woman, or making her merely a sidekick to the men of the story but Jenkins has avoided this. Certainly the mortal hero, Steve Trevor, played wittily and sensitively by Chris Pine, gets a better storyline than the females do in movies about Batman, Superman etc, but his is still secondary to hers.
It is the story element that most sets this movie above others in the franchise. There actually is one and the fight scenes, don’t worry there are enough, are choreographed in a way that add to the story, revealing things that we need to know. The story also has layers, there is plenty of drama, but there is also plenty of humour. This was a comic after all. Many of these comic moments occur through the relationship between Diana and Steve and some of them really are the laugh out loud kind.
Unless you grew up watching the original TV show, which was before my time, or you were an avid comic reader you probably didn’t know Diana’s backstory. Here we find an entrancing mix of myth and legend, gods and warrior women. If the event that brings Diana from her idyllic home into the horrors of WW1 is not satisfactorily explained it doesn’t really matter. The reward for suspending disbelief is satisfying.
I think this is the female superhero movie that fans have being waiting for. She is strong, independent and definitely has a mind of her own. At the same time she is an innocent, she is optimistic and has an almost comic lack of understanding of the cynicism and violence in the human world. Her naivety however, comes not from being a woman but from never having encountered this type of world before.
Obviously the studio had enough faith in this as a stand alone to back it strongly and I think they were right. It is fun and clever and more layered than others in the genre. I would score it a clear 8/10.
website
RATE: 8/10
review by Benjamin Newall
Wonder Woman, refreshing, layered, clever and funny.
The DC comic character Wonder Woman was introduced briefly in the forgettable 2016 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. We got a taste of her powers and learned her name, Diana, but that was about all. In this latest addition to the Warner Bros. DC universe we get the back-story, not only of her origins but also her entrance into the world of men.
Female super-hero movies have not had much success, think Elektra and Catwoman, so there was some trepidation mixed with the anticipation for this latest release. Fortunately Wonder Woman provides a delightful and refreshing counterpoint to the darkness and extreme violence that has permeated the last few superhero movies.
Wonder Woman is the first of the genre to be directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins, and the first to portray a female hero which had the same huge budget as the males. What is more, neither Superman or Batman, or any of the others in the Justice League, make even a cameo appearance. This film is all about the Woman, played wonderfully by Gal Gadot as the titular Amazonian warrior. In other hands the movie could have gone the wrong way, sexualising Wonder Woman, or making her merely a sidekick to the men of the story but Jenkins has avoided this. Certainly the mortal hero, Steve Trevor, played wittily and sensitively by Chris Pine, gets a better storyline than the females do in movies about Batman, Superman etc, but his is still secondary to hers.
It is the story element that most sets this movie above others in the franchise. There actually is one and the fight scenes, don’t worry there are enough, are choreographed in a way that add to the story, revealing things that we need to know. The story also has layers, there is plenty of drama, but there is also plenty of humour. This was a comic after all. Many of these comic moments occur through the relationship between Diana and Steve and some of them really are the laugh out loud kind.
Unless you grew up watching the original TV show, which was before my time, or you were an avid comic reader you probably didn’t know Diana’s backstory. Here we find an entrancing mix of myth and legend, gods and warrior women. If the event that brings Diana from her idyllic home into the horrors of WW1 is not satisfactorily explained it doesn’t really matter. The reward for suspending disbelief is satisfying.
I think this is the female superhero movie that fans have being waiting for. She is strong, independent and definitely has a mind of her own. At the same time she is an innocent, she is optimistic and has an almost comic lack of understanding of the cynicism and violence in the human world. Her naivety however, comes not from being a woman but from never having encountered this type of world before.
Obviously the studio had enough faith in this as a stand alone to back it strongly and I think they were right. It is fun and clever and more layered than others in the genre. I would score it a clear 8/10.
DON'T BE BAD NEW
website
RATE: 7/10
review by Susie Cashmere
Italian movie
"Non deserve cattivo"
"Don't be bad "
English subtitles.
Genre: Crime/Drama
Running time: 1hour, 40 mins.
Directed by: Claudio Caligari.
Starting: Luca Marinelli, Alessandro Borghi, Roberta Mattei.
A painful and emotional film to watch, involving the world of drug addicts and dealers in Italy in the 90's.
It shows a realism in which the viewer can see that Italy is not always the beautiful picturesque country normally portrayed in the movies.
The acting was believable, very real with a brilliant cast.
It was rather hard to watch knowing full well the horrid seedy world of drugs is so destructive to humanity, but it was so real, I couldn't stop watching.
The film was mostly crime and drama, but with the snippets of humour and the very tragic reality of the drug world, this film evokes a myriad of emotions.
A credit to Claudio Caligari who died at the completion of the making of the movie.
Overall, if you don't mind subtitles, it's a good watch and I would give the movie a 7/10.
Susie O'Day Cashmere.
website
RATE: 7/10
review by Susie Cashmere
Italian movie
"Non deserve cattivo"
"Don't be bad "
English subtitles.
Genre: Crime/Drama
Running time: 1hour, 40 mins.
Directed by: Claudio Caligari.
Starting: Luca Marinelli, Alessandro Borghi, Roberta Mattei.
A painful and emotional film to watch, involving the world of drug addicts and dealers in Italy in the 90's.
It shows a realism in which the viewer can see that Italy is not always the beautiful picturesque country normally portrayed in the movies.
The acting was believable, very real with a brilliant cast.
It was rather hard to watch knowing full well the horrid seedy world of drugs is so destructive to humanity, but it was so real, I couldn't stop watching.
The film was mostly crime and drama, but with the snippets of humour and the very tragic reality of the drug world, this film evokes a myriad of emotions.
A credit to Claudio Caligari who died at the completion of the making of the movie.
Overall, if you don't mind subtitles, it's a good watch and I would give the movie a 7/10.
Susie O'Day Cashmere.
ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL: KILL OFF NEW
website
review by Irina Ivanova
The St Kilda Film Festival – Kill Off
Sonja is a young woman with an intellectual disability who is starting a new job at the laundry factory. Her sister Emma is very tense about it, but Sonja’s day flows quickly and happily as the girl enjoys dancing her time away. The boring work doesn’t drag her down because she gets carried away with her krumping (a highly energetic type of street dance that comes from the United States).
When the work hours finish, Sonja is meant to take a bus to the hospital to meet Emma and visit their sick mother. But on her way she gets destructed meeting another eager krumper – a Sudanese refugee who sweeps the floors at the factory. He also likes to cheer up his shifts practicing his best moves. Goodwill, as he calls himself, gives Sonja a few tips that may help in her dream dance battle with her KRUMP idol Tight Eyez from LA. But the time spent on polishing dance techniques may become crucial in Sonja’s relationship with her family.
The film yet another time proves that dance is a very effective form of self-expression, the perfect means to pour out one’s emotions, to release the frustration. It unites people and resolves tension. Sometimes we all need to loosen up and bring on our Kill Off move.
website
review by Irina Ivanova
The St Kilda Film Festival – Kill Off
Sonja is a young woman with an intellectual disability who is starting a new job at the laundry factory. Her sister Emma is very tense about it, but Sonja’s day flows quickly and happily as the girl enjoys dancing her time away. The boring work doesn’t drag her down because she gets carried away with her krumping (a highly energetic type of street dance that comes from the United States).
When the work hours finish, Sonja is meant to take a bus to the hospital to meet Emma and visit their sick mother. But on her way she gets destructed meeting another eager krumper – a Sudanese refugee who sweeps the floors at the factory. He also likes to cheer up his shifts practicing his best moves. Goodwill, as he calls himself, gives Sonja a few tips that may help in her dream dance battle with her KRUMP idol Tight Eyez from LA. But the time spent on polishing dance techniques may become crucial in Sonja’s relationship with her family.
The film yet another time proves that dance is a very effective form of self-expression, the perfect means to pour out one’s emotions, to release the frustration. It unites people and resolves tension. Sometimes we all need to loosen up and bring on our Kill Off move.
ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL 2017: THE KING OF TV: GRAHAM KENNEDY
website
RATE: 9/10
review by Jeanette Russell
Thank you very much for the wonderful opportunity to review this film.There was also a great Q & A at the end of the movie with a treat in store of T.V. personalities who worked in the industry, with Graham Kennedy as well as being close personal associates and friends.
Graham was known as the King. He was raised in Balaclava and was on TV for 35 yrs in total. The film included advertisements from his earlier days as well as skits. Some highlights were newly restored ads and clips that had rarely been seen. During the film the viewers got to see footage from in Melbourne tonight which included segments with Bert Newton, and The Wilsons, comedy gold back in the day, involving an elderly couple. Shown is the raw talent of Graham, so often ad libbing, which made for slap stick comedy, and great humour.
More laughs came with excerpts from game show Blankety Blanks, as well as his hosting of Graham Kennedy's Funniest Home Videos.
The end of the doco, movie included some interviews with Kennedy, as well as some of the comedy material where he made others laugh, proving to be funnier still. He frequently had Ken Sutcliffe in tears from laughing so much when he hosted with Graham.
Media personalities Patti Newton, Pete Smith Phillip Brady and Mike McColl Jones came up onto the stage after the film to do the Q & A session. They each recounted their experiences with Graham working and personally. The segment was really insightful, amusing and absorbing. Their recounts seemed to be heartfelt and genuine.
Interesting film and Q & A. I found the time to be captivating and fascinating. I would like to score the session 4 and a half out of 5.
website
RATE: 9/10
review by Jeanette Russell
Thank you very much for the wonderful opportunity to review this film.There was also a great Q & A at the end of the movie with a treat in store of T.V. personalities who worked in the industry, with Graham Kennedy as well as being close personal associates and friends.
Graham was known as the King. He was raised in Balaclava and was on TV for 35 yrs in total. The film included advertisements from his earlier days as well as skits. Some highlights were newly restored ads and clips that had rarely been seen. During the film the viewers got to see footage from in Melbourne tonight which included segments with Bert Newton, and The Wilsons, comedy gold back in the day, involving an elderly couple. Shown is the raw talent of Graham, so often ad libbing, which made for slap stick comedy, and great humour.
More laughs came with excerpts from game show Blankety Blanks, as well as his hosting of Graham Kennedy's Funniest Home Videos.
The end of the doco, movie included some interviews with Kennedy, as well as some of the comedy material where he made others laugh, proving to be funnier still. He frequently had Ken Sutcliffe in tears from laughing so much when he hosted with Graham.
Media personalities Patti Newton, Pete Smith Phillip Brady and Mike McColl Jones came up onto the stage after the film to do the Q & A session. They each recounted their experiences with Graham working and personally. The segment was really insightful, amusing and absorbing. Their recounts seemed to be heartfelt and genuine.
Interesting film and Q & A. I found the time to be captivating and fascinating. I would like to score the session 4 and a half out of 5.
BAYWATCH
website
review by Emmylou MacCarthy
Zac Efron , Dwayne Johnson and loads of swearing, beach babes... what's not to love about the new Baywatch Movie ?! With a fantastic comedic take on the 90's classic Baywatch, this modern version movie has some fantastic one liners, a pumping soundtrack and some pretty funny scenarios that will either make you cringe or laugh out loud !
website
review by Emmylou MacCarthy
Zac Efron , Dwayne Johnson and loads of swearing, beach babes... what's not to love about the new Baywatch Movie ?! With a fantastic comedic take on the 90's classic Baywatch, this modern version movie has some fantastic one liners, a pumping soundtrack and some pretty funny scenarios that will either make you cringe or laugh out loud !
GRADUATION
website
RATE: 7/10
This is the strangest film I saw recently. But here we go... my review...
It is not an easy task to be a good parent. We all try our best... .and we fail and raise again from ashes. You will never own your life with the first breath taken by your child... All your thoughts, all your actions will be around your dear brightest sun or suns. It is a joy and a burden. I observed the father looking after his daughter and I thought how familiar all he was going through tastes. He tries his best and it is never enough.
To be honest I could not understand at the beginning where the action takes place: Serbia? Bulgaria? OK, Romania. There are so many beautiful people living there. The faces are amazing: they are simple and complex at the same time. The acting is so natural it is similar to watching a good quality reality show with the only difference - it feels like the actors in this film do not even realise that the camera is following them. It is like they play themselves in the ordinary uneasy suburban life: poor, criminal, corrupt and nothing more than boring.
I suddenly remembered my childhood in the similar block on flats: thinking looking out of the window - if I have to face this same grey view with drunken people out of my window again I's better kill myself. No wonder the parents are trying to get the girls the best graduation exam marks in order to get her out of the country to study in Cambridge. What a life we all had trying to get out of that ditch with no tomorrow!
Romeo is a physician living in Transylvania's town with his daughter and wife. His daughter is out of his control his wife... is not that you call a wife, the man has got a lover and the situation is more compound than one can imagine, he has a sick mother, he is surrounded by people that do not make his life easier but on the contrary: they all participate in the madness of Romeo's reality. Romoe's plan is sure to work: he plans to send his daughter Eliza to study in England. But man proposes, God disposes... Will his plan work? Will his plan destroy his relationship with his daughter forever or will it bond them up? I guess you should see for yourself...
website
RATE: 7/10
This is the strangest film I saw recently. But here we go... my review...
It is not an easy task to be a good parent. We all try our best... .and we fail and raise again from ashes. You will never own your life with the first breath taken by your child... All your thoughts, all your actions will be around your dear brightest sun or suns. It is a joy and a burden. I observed the father looking after his daughter and I thought how familiar all he was going through tastes. He tries his best and it is never enough.
To be honest I could not understand at the beginning where the action takes place: Serbia? Bulgaria? OK, Romania. There are so many beautiful people living there. The faces are amazing: they are simple and complex at the same time. The acting is so natural it is similar to watching a good quality reality show with the only difference - it feels like the actors in this film do not even realise that the camera is following them. It is like they play themselves in the ordinary uneasy suburban life: poor, criminal, corrupt and nothing more than boring.
I suddenly remembered my childhood in the similar block on flats: thinking looking out of the window - if I have to face this same grey view with drunken people out of my window again I's better kill myself. No wonder the parents are trying to get the girls the best graduation exam marks in order to get her out of the country to study in Cambridge. What a life we all had trying to get out of that ditch with no tomorrow!
Romeo is a physician living in Transylvania's town with his daughter and wife. His daughter is out of his control his wife... is not that you call a wife, the man has got a lover and the situation is more compound than one can imagine, he has a sick mother, he is surrounded by people that do not make his life easier but on the contrary: they all participate in the madness of Romeo's reality. Romoe's plan is sure to work: he plans to send his daughter Eliza to study in England. But man proposes, God disposes... Will his plan work? Will his plan destroy his relationship with his daughter forever or will it bond them up? I guess you should see for yourself...
WHITNEY: CAN I BE ME
website
RATE: 8/10
It is the best voice I have ever heard in my life. It is the saddest story as well.
The film portrays the life journey of one of the most famous and most recognised on stage voices: Whitney Houston. It is a documentary with the rare and never shown before footage of personal life, stage moments, documents, BTS episodes, rehearsals , interviews from lovers and friends, family and media and much much more. It is sad to see the talent exposed to alcohol, drugs, pills, smoking and god knows what else. It is hard but I guess this is the toll of success. The money the celebrity earn should travel to the other sources too so the vicious circle should be complete. the latter is of course a very sad joke but it is partially true. It is very hard to be of that level of fame without trying something funny, then funny turns into a routine routine turns into habit and while the habit becomes an addiction your physical body goes in the state of a disaster that you can not control anymore. Lucky those stars who avoided it and still are on the top shelves of our musical records. They managed to hold themselves from hell. The weaker though got into the hole of the netherworld,
There is only one aspect missing from this new documentary: not many lush Whitney songs.
website
RATE: 8/10
It is the best voice I have ever heard in my life. It is the saddest story as well.
The film portrays the life journey of one of the most famous and most recognised on stage voices: Whitney Houston. It is a documentary with the rare and never shown before footage of personal life, stage moments, documents, BTS episodes, rehearsals , interviews from lovers and friends, family and media and much much more. It is sad to see the talent exposed to alcohol, drugs, pills, smoking and god knows what else. It is hard but I guess this is the toll of success. The money the celebrity earn should travel to the other sources too so the vicious circle should be complete. the latter is of course a very sad joke but it is partially true. It is very hard to be of that level of fame without trying something funny, then funny turns into a routine routine turns into habit and while the habit becomes an addiction your physical body goes in the state of a disaster that you can not control anymore. Lucky those stars who avoided it and still are on the top shelves of our musical records. They managed to hold themselves from hell. The weaker though got into the hole of the netherworld,
There is only one aspect missing from this new documentary: not many lush Whitney songs.
CHURCHILL
website
RATE: 6.5/10
I was really looking forward to this film and the more I was the deeper my disappointment was.
There is the main idea of my frustration: you can not make the political leader look sweet. But making his super honey sweet is the biggest mistake. No matter how they tried and they tried hard - Churchill looks very sweet in this film,.
This is not what the audience expects. It is hard to judge how close to the real portrait Churchill was drawn (we did not know him personally): we are shown just a small episode from Winston's life full of his desperation, his weaknesses, his fears, his disbelieves, his exhaustion of being Churchill and personal relationship (which you could hardly even call relationship), his human nature, his ability to get out of the difficult situation, his guilt, his diplomacy and so on but IMHO the picture was weaker than I expected.
Was I looking for a patriotic leader that follows his agenda of a great winner, a super hero of the WWII and a super mind. I really did not know what to expect but was hardly trusting the movie page after its page - and till the very end. I also suspect they overdid with the smoking part and W.C. 's famous cigars without which his iconic figure would not be complete.
Back to the feelings part... In Churchill''s fear one could see not the fright of the men that would be slaughtered in the next hours in vain but rather the panic of what if they loose and not win. The victory is counted always in its gloriest moments by the number of soldiers fallen down in the fields. If it was not for the victory the numbers of those killed would act against the decisions originally made. The more are killed the harder was the victory, the higher appraisal the generals would get, the more tears of joy the common people would spare... The numbers work for and against. The numbers can be played with. The looser can not afford to loose his people. The bloodless losers are some of wars' most humiliating history moments.
There is one more thought that has struck my mind: our men go to war not because they believe in its true value but because everyone else in the local village goes. It would be so disgraceful if you would be the only one not in the battle filed, the one left behind (with elder, women and kids). The feelings are played with. The feelings are strong. The guilt is unavoidable.
The wars of brothers against brothers in the past and now can not be rectified: they are only about the power,and let's face the truth - no one cares about the people who die. The cannon's meat, the soldiers, the people are only the material for those in power to build even more power and for them to get even better slice of cake. If you are ever in power I beg you - you sohuld not start the war.... If us, common people go to war we will be killed, if we do not go to war we better kill ourselves. There is no the third alternative. We should only pray that the world does not create another Hitler or Mussolini to lead those innocent and young to their deaths.
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
W. Churchill.
website
RATE: 6.5/10
I was really looking forward to this film and the more I was the deeper my disappointment was.
There is the main idea of my frustration: you can not make the political leader look sweet. But making his super honey sweet is the biggest mistake. No matter how they tried and they tried hard - Churchill looks very sweet in this film,.
This is not what the audience expects. It is hard to judge how close to the real portrait Churchill was drawn (we did not know him personally): we are shown just a small episode from Winston's life full of his desperation, his weaknesses, his fears, his disbelieves, his exhaustion of being Churchill and personal relationship (which you could hardly even call relationship), his human nature, his ability to get out of the difficult situation, his guilt, his diplomacy and so on but IMHO the picture was weaker than I expected.
Was I looking for a patriotic leader that follows his agenda of a great winner, a super hero of the WWII and a super mind. I really did not know what to expect but was hardly trusting the movie page after its page - and till the very end. I also suspect they overdid with the smoking part and W.C. 's famous cigars without which his iconic figure would not be complete.
Back to the feelings part... In Churchill''s fear one could see not the fright of the men that would be slaughtered in the next hours in vain but rather the panic of what if they loose and not win. The victory is counted always in its gloriest moments by the number of soldiers fallen down in the fields. If it was not for the victory the numbers of those killed would act against the decisions originally made. The more are killed the harder was the victory, the higher appraisal the generals would get, the more tears of joy the common people would spare... The numbers work for and against. The numbers can be played with. The looser can not afford to loose his people. The bloodless losers are some of wars' most humiliating history moments.
There is one more thought that has struck my mind: our men go to war not because they believe in its true value but because everyone else in the local village goes. It would be so disgraceful if you would be the only one not in the battle filed, the one left behind (with elder, women and kids). The feelings are played with. The feelings are strong. The guilt is unavoidable.
The wars of brothers against brothers in the past and now can not be rectified: they are only about the power,and let's face the truth - no one cares about the people who die. The cannon's meat, the soldiers, the people are only the material for those in power to build even more power and for them to get even better slice of cake. If you are ever in power I beg you - you sohuld not start the war.... If us, common people go to war we will be killed, if we do not go to war we better kill ourselves. There is no the third alternative. We should only pray that the world does not create another Hitler or Mussolini to lead those innocent and young to their deaths.
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
W. Churchill.
ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL: THE ELEVEN O'CLOCK
website
review by Irina Ivanova
The St Kilda Film Festival – The Eleven O’clock
The Eleven O’Clock is a hilarious take on the doctor-patient relationship, aiming to confuse the viewers about who’s treating whom. One sincerely believes he’s a psychiatrist, comfortably occupying the cabinet and chatting to his secretary. When a patient comes in mumbling something indistinctly, the doctor takes charge and begins his practice. Surprisingly the patient strongly feels that he is the real psychiatrist, this is his cabinet and the patient is actually in front of him. So they each attempt to treat each other, until it all turns into a big blow of fury. With the help of the security guard the situation gets resolved, though can we be sure the right person is taken away? Maybe the next appointment will show…
The screenplay is full of light, engaging humour, keeping the audience intrigued for the revelation of this mystery. Both Josh Lawson and Damon Herriman are very convincing in their roles of Dr Phillips and Dr Klein.
Altogether the film is a beautifully done work by Derin Seale as a director and Josh Lawson as a screenwriter. The interior and costumes give away a romantic retro touch, which makes this comedy even cuter.
website
review by Irina Ivanova
The St Kilda Film Festival – The Eleven O’clock
The Eleven O’Clock is a hilarious take on the doctor-patient relationship, aiming to confuse the viewers about who’s treating whom. One sincerely believes he’s a psychiatrist, comfortably occupying the cabinet and chatting to his secretary. When a patient comes in mumbling something indistinctly, the doctor takes charge and begins his practice. Surprisingly the patient strongly feels that he is the real psychiatrist, this is his cabinet and the patient is actually in front of him. So they each attempt to treat each other, until it all turns into a big blow of fury. With the help of the security guard the situation gets resolved, though can we be sure the right person is taken away? Maybe the next appointment will show…
The screenplay is full of light, engaging humour, keeping the audience intrigued for the revelation of this mystery. Both Josh Lawson and Damon Herriman are very convincing in their roles of Dr Phillips and Dr Klein.
Altogether the film is a beautifully done work by Derin Seale as a director and Josh Lawson as a screenwriter. The interior and costumes give away a romantic retro touch, which makes this comedy even cuter.
MOM AND ME
website
RATE: 8/10
review by Jeanette Russell
Thank you for the opportunity to review this heartwarming documentary. The film is about mother's and sons their relationships, challenges and stories.
As the state of Oklahoma USA has been named as the manliest state in the US Ken Wardrop who wrote and directed the film decides to explore this idea. Further too reaching to explore how mother figures impact on their son's manhood. He invites radio host Joe Cristiano to discuss, on the radio, with sons about their mother's . This makes for some very interesting stories as sons relate the experiences with their mother's, and tell about motherly love as they interpret it.
Calls are from men of diverse backgrounds, which makes for most interesting viewing. This film could make men think about their relationship with their own mother's as the account is very touching.
These are honest accounts human to human giving the viewer insight into the complications, emotions, and distress, at times felt in close relationship.
Great doco absorbing, thought provoking, and deep. I would like to score the film 4 out of 5.
website
RATE: 8/10
review by Jeanette Russell
Thank you for the opportunity to review this heartwarming documentary. The film is about mother's and sons their relationships, challenges and stories.
As the state of Oklahoma USA has been named as the manliest state in the US Ken Wardrop who wrote and directed the film decides to explore this idea. Further too reaching to explore how mother figures impact on their son's manhood. He invites radio host Joe Cristiano to discuss, on the radio, with sons about their mother's . This makes for some very interesting stories as sons relate the experiences with their mother's, and tell about motherly love as they interpret it.
Calls are from men of diverse backgrounds, which makes for most interesting viewing. This film could make men think about their relationship with their own mother's as the account is very touching.
These are honest accounts human to human giving the viewer insight into the complications, emotions, and distress, at times felt in close relationship.
Great doco absorbing, thought provoking, and deep. I would like to score the film 4 out of 5.
A QUIET PASSION
website
RATE: 6/10
This is the movie that I call: Began with a wedding march, ended up with a funeral dirge!"
So smart, sharp and passionate start with such a dark and most boring ending... but I guess the character development has achieved its aim: the growth from a young, happy and life loving woman who turned into a grumpy, unkind human being was painted with the best brushes possible no matter if liked it or not.
The best part is the poetry reading but hardly I could understand the meanings (the are a bit smarter than I am ) so I started reading and re-reading just now...
This is an excellent poem about Truth, Honesty and Lies... sometimes we do not know what is better...
“TELL ALL THE TRUTH BUT TELL IT SLANT...”...
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant--
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind--
The dialogues in the movie is very strong, the words are heavy sometimes but the unpredictability of the course of the conversation is amazing!
“THERE IS NO FRIGATE LIKE A BOOK...”
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry--
This Travel may the poorest take
Without offence of Toll --
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul
The conversations that were intelligent and interesting at the beginning turn bitter and dull towards he end. the death of the character is written in her verses. This is how it is always. You can not die until you write about it (materialise it).
I wanted to give this film more if it was more romantic, more poetry-like film about the poetess but after reading her poems I suddenly realised it would be impossible. The movie was truthful to its heroine and was the same as her writing.
THE WIND TAPPED LIKE A TIRED MAN
The wind tapped like a tired man,
And like a host, "Come in,"
I boldly answered; entered then
My residence within
A rapid, footless guest,
To offer whom a chair
Were as impossible as hand
A sofa to the air.
No bone had he to bind him,
His speech was like the push
Of numerous humming-birds at once
From a superior bush.
His countenance a billow,
His fingers, if he pass,
Let go a music, as of tunes
Blown tremulous in glass.
He visited, still flitting;
Then, like a timid man,
Again he tapped--'t was flurriedly--
And I became alone.
Some parts of the film you will find very disturbing - I found them to the extend when I had to close my eyes in order not to see human sufferings. No one likes it.
HEART! WE WILL FORGET HIM!
Heart! We will forget him!
You and I - tonight!
You may forget the
Warmth he gave -
I will forget the Light!
When you have done, pray tell me
That I may straight begin!
Haste! lest while you're lagging I may remember him!
She is a little American Goethe!
...and yes, the best poetry we write is written from 0300am till 0400am at the earliest mornings when the whole world is asleep and (seemingly) no thought forms disturb the grand source of all creations...
website
RATE: 6/10
This is the movie that I call: Began with a wedding march, ended up with a funeral dirge!"
So smart, sharp and passionate start with such a dark and most boring ending... but I guess the character development has achieved its aim: the growth from a young, happy and life loving woman who turned into a grumpy, unkind human being was painted with the best brushes possible no matter if liked it or not.
The best part is the poetry reading but hardly I could understand the meanings (the are a bit smarter than I am ) so I started reading and re-reading just now...
This is an excellent poem about Truth, Honesty and Lies... sometimes we do not know what is better...
“TELL ALL THE TRUTH BUT TELL IT SLANT...”...
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant--
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind--
The dialogues in the movie is very strong, the words are heavy sometimes but the unpredictability of the course of the conversation is amazing!
“THERE IS NO FRIGATE LIKE A BOOK...”
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry--
This Travel may the poorest take
Without offence of Toll --
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul
The conversations that were intelligent and interesting at the beginning turn bitter and dull towards he end. the death of the character is written in her verses. This is how it is always. You can not die until you write about it (materialise it).
I wanted to give this film more if it was more romantic, more poetry-like film about the poetess but after reading her poems I suddenly realised it would be impossible. The movie was truthful to its heroine and was the same as her writing.
THE WIND TAPPED LIKE A TIRED MAN
The wind tapped like a tired man,
And like a host, "Come in,"
I boldly answered; entered then
My residence within
A rapid, footless guest,
To offer whom a chair
Were as impossible as hand
A sofa to the air.
No bone had he to bind him,
His speech was like the push
Of numerous humming-birds at once
From a superior bush.
His countenance a billow,
His fingers, if he pass,
Let go a music, as of tunes
Blown tremulous in glass.
He visited, still flitting;
Then, like a timid man,
Again he tapped--'t was flurriedly--
And I became alone.
Some parts of the film you will find very disturbing - I found them to the extend when I had to close my eyes in order not to see human sufferings. No one likes it.
HEART! WE WILL FORGET HIM!
Heart! We will forget him!
You and I - tonight!
You may forget the
Warmth he gave -
I will forget the Light!
When you have done, pray tell me
That I may straight begin!
Haste! lest while you're lagging I may remember him!
She is a little American Goethe!
...and yes, the best poetry we write is written from 0300am till 0400am at the earliest mornings when the whole world is asleep and (seemingly) no thought forms disturb the grand source of all creations...
WILSON TO PAY ATTENTION TO
website
RATE: 7.5/10
That's a comedy which is sad in some sense as it is the film about loneliness. No matter how frustrating it is to watch how people create such lives for themselves I could not simply hold it laughing from one episode to the next.
If I was an Oscar I would give myself with no hesitation to this incredible actor: Woody Harrelson . His ability to reincarnate into his character is amazing: for one second you feel: no, he is lying,this is not him... he brings up another laughter... It is a non stop spectacle!
Wilson IS lonely but we understand why - his actions are spontaneous, he usually speaks his mind and he is neurotic to the extend that he scares all the people he meets on his way even to local cafe. Wilson meets his ex-wife and we can see that he is still in love with her but nevertheless the bed scenario is unavoidable as she is (how can I put it the right way?) a very easy going lady at her "front" nothing serious takes place. Wilson owns a dog but that also does not end up pleasantly well. Wilson also discovers that he has a 13 year old daughter but this fact also does not change much. What is gone is gone... nothing can be changed for the better. Can't it? But we say: "happy is the fool!" as eventually... I think you better go and see the film by yourself as you will enjoy it to the most. It might be a bit broken and some episodes are just "not working as they should be" but you will certainly have a good time laughing your way through the "happy?" ending...
website
RATE: 7.5/10
That's a comedy which is sad in some sense as it is the film about loneliness. No matter how frustrating it is to watch how people create such lives for themselves I could not simply hold it laughing from one episode to the next.
If I was an Oscar I would give myself with no hesitation to this incredible actor: Woody Harrelson . His ability to reincarnate into his character is amazing: for one second you feel: no, he is lying,this is not him... he brings up another laughter... It is a non stop spectacle!
Wilson IS lonely but we understand why - his actions are spontaneous, he usually speaks his mind and he is neurotic to the extend that he scares all the people he meets on his way even to local cafe. Wilson meets his ex-wife and we can see that he is still in love with her but nevertheless the bed scenario is unavoidable as she is (how can I put it the right way?) a very easy going lady at her "front" nothing serious takes place. Wilson owns a dog but that also does not end up pleasantly well. Wilson also discovers that he has a 13 year old daughter but this fact also does not change much. What is gone is gone... nothing can be changed for the better. Can't it? But we say: "happy is the fool!" as eventually... I think you better go and see the film by yourself as you will enjoy it to the most. It might be a bit broken and some episodes are just "not working as they should be" but you will certainly have a good time laughing your way through the "happy?" ending...
KING ARTHUR: THE LEGEND OF THE SWORD
website
RATE: 8/10
The film started slowly and a bit unsurely catching up shortly close to the middle and the epic grand finale.
I would not call it spectacular though say compared with breathtaking Bekmambetov's Ben Gur. I also would not call it the best of Guy Ritchie's film. The cast headed by Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam was the wisest decision. Their energy and ambition shines through the whole picture and would not leave you emotion-less. the characters they though are a bit simple to my personal liking and lack a smarter script. The legend is well known.
Just some thoughts:
- not the physicality makes up heroes but their ego, ambitions and personality; nevertheless Arthur looks incredibly fit and his six-packs are impressive. One do not expect such muscles to appear hidden before under his shirt.
- i mentioned this before many times: the picture that lacks beautiful women worth nothing and brings a boredom to the spoiled eyes of the viewer. None were shown and if thy appeared they played not secondary but tertiary roles. Merlin in the female form, Mage was very good though
- our enemies create us stronger; no friend can make us the way we are
- the flashes back scenes that are mixed up with the reality weer very impressively done
- the two hours which are the duration of the movie were not even felt and were spent in watching the film in one breath
- for me personally the episodes with magic were the most attractive and how the light and dark energy got utilised and what can hit you back and what can bring you even more kindness, love and care. Whatever we bring to this world is always gets paid back to us in 20 times of its power.
- I also liked the reduced violence; not so cruel episodes of killing people and fighting in general.
- the elephants were awful and not really needed.
website
RATE: 8/10
The film started slowly and a bit unsurely catching up shortly close to the middle and the epic grand finale.
I would not call it spectacular though say compared with breathtaking Bekmambetov's Ben Gur. I also would not call it the best of Guy Ritchie's film. The cast headed by Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam was the wisest decision. Their energy and ambition shines through the whole picture and would not leave you emotion-less. the characters they though are a bit simple to my personal liking and lack a smarter script. The legend is well known.
Just some thoughts:
- not the physicality makes up heroes but their ego, ambitions and personality; nevertheless Arthur looks incredibly fit and his six-packs are impressive. One do not expect such muscles to appear hidden before under his shirt.
- i mentioned this before many times: the picture that lacks beautiful women worth nothing and brings a boredom to the spoiled eyes of the viewer. None were shown and if thy appeared they played not secondary but tertiary roles. Merlin in the female form, Mage was very good though
- our enemies create us stronger; no friend can make us the way we are
- the flashes back scenes that are mixed up with the reality weer very impressively done
- the two hours which are the duration of the movie were not even felt and were spent in watching the film in one breath
- for me personally the episodes with magic were the most attractive and how the light and dark energy got utilised and what can hit you back and what can bring you even more kindness, love and care. Whatever we bring to this world is always gets paid back to us in 20 times of its power.
- I also liked the reduced violence; not so cruel episodes of killing people and fighting in general.
- the elephants were awful and not really needed.
At media screening of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword at Crown MelbourneVillage Cinemas Crown presented by Roadshow Village Roadshow Picturesand Warner Bros. Pictures #kingarthur in cinemas may 18 tomorrow!!! #AncientHeroes
#KneelBeforeEngland
#KneelBeforeTheNewKing
#OurEnemiesCreateUsPowerful
#RespectYourEnemies
#KneelBeforeEngland
#KneelBeforeTheNewKing
#OurEnemiesCreateUsPowerful
#RespectYourEnemies
HOUNDS OF LOVE
website
RATE: 2/10 for the theme and 10/10 for the film
This film will send shiver down your spine. I was revolted, I did not want to see some scenes filmed. I was thinking: why choose such disgusting people to show to the world? Would not it give some wrong ideas to the people who watch it especially to the younger generation? Why film this? I could not resist giving the film 2/10 for the subject selected for the view. It was sick.
The film was done very well though closing my eyes on the above mentioned. Great actors, all played sensationally well. The purpose was reached I guess: it was the thriller from the top to the bottom. It felt horrible,it felt hopeless and it felt awful.
I guess it will be a gourmet dinner for the horror loving audience... but was not what I like and was not what I was interested in.
website
RATE: 2/10 for the theme and 10/10 for the film
This film will send shiver down your spine. I was revolted, I did not want to see some scenes filmed. I was thinking: why choose such disgusting people to show to the world? Would not it give some wrong ideas to the people who watch it especially to the younger generation? Why film this? I could not resist giving the film 2/10 for the subject selected for the view. It was sick.
The film was done very well though closing my eyes on the above mentioned. Great actors, all played sensationally well. The purpose was reached I guess: it was the thriller from the top to the bottom. It felt horrible,it felt hopeless and it felt awful.
I guess it will be a gourmet dinner for the horror loving audience... but was not what I like and was not what I was interested in.
AMERICAN ESSENTIALS FILM FESTIVAL 2017: 20TH CENTURY WOMEN BEST MOVIE OF THE MONTH
OPENING NIGHT
website
RATE: 10/10
I recommend when you go to see this film do have average expectations as this way you will have so many "wow!" moments.
This are the WOW moments that we had:
- the way Dorothea (Annette Bening) talks and what she says [ the script is marvelous!!!]
- the cast - everyone is just INCREDIBLY good
- the story is fantastically built from the point of view of a teenage boy who gets matured day after day
- the time of 70-s shown so well, so truthful and so organic
- several love stories developed absolutely unpredictably and then they change their course
- non stoppable laughing that continued throughout the entire picture screening
- true bohemian and free spirit lifestyle shown
- we noticed the auto-biographical tendency of the movie
- the soundtrack is fantastic to say the least!
- the film slightly smelt with Woody Allen somehow...
- Dorothea is yes for Oscar from us
QUOTES:
Dorothea: What is that?
Abbie: It's The Raincoats.
Dorothea: Can't things just be pretty?
Jamie: Pretty music is used to hide how unfair and corrupt society is.
Dorothea: Ah, okay so... they're not very good, and they know that, right?
Abbie: Yeah, it's like they've got this feeling, and they don't have any skill, and they don't want skill, because it's really interesting what happens when your passion is bigger than the tools you have to deal with it. It creates this energy that's raw. Isn't it great?
Dorothea: Men always feel that they have to fix things for women, but they're not doing anything. Some things just can't be fixed. Just be there, somehow that's hard for all of you.
about the relationship:
Julie: Half the time I regret it.
Jamie: Then why do you do it?
Julie: Because half the time I dont regret it.
Dorothea: [Treats bruises on Jamie's face] So what was the fight about?
Jamie: Clitoral stimulation.
Julie: [talking about the cigarettes] Can I have one?
Dorothea: No, they're really bad for you.
Julie: You smoke all the time.
Dorothea: You know when I started, they weren't bad for you, they were just stylish, sort of edgy, so... It's different for me.
Julie: I think that I'm too close to you... to have sex with you.
OPENING NIGHT
website
RATE: 10/10
I recommend when you go to see this film do have average expectations as this way you will have so many "wow!" moments.
This are the WOW moments that we had:
- the way Dorothea (Annette Bening) talks and what she says [ the script is marvelous!!!]
- the cast - everyone is just INCREDIBLY good
- the story is fantastically built from the point of view of a teenage boy who gets matured day after day
- the time of 70-s shown so well, so truthful and so organic
- several love stories developed absolutely unpredictably and then they change their course
- non stoppable laughing that continued throughout the entire picture screening
- true bohemian and free spirit lifestyle shown
- we noticed the auto-biographical tendency of the movie
- the soundtrack is fantastic to say the least!
- the film slightly smelt with Woody Allen somehow...
- Dorothea is yes for Oscar from us
QUOTES:
Dorothea: What is that?
Abbie: It's The Raincoats.
Dorothea: Can't things just be pretty?
Jamie: Pretty music is used to hide how unfair and corrupt society is.
Dorothea: Ah, okay so... they're not very good, and they know that, right?
Abbie: Yeah, it's like they've got this feeling, and they don't have any skill, and they don't want skill, because it's really interesting what happens when your passion is bigger than the tools you have to deal with it. It creates this energy that's raw. Isn't it great?
Dorothea: Men always feel that they have to fix things for women, but they're not doing anything. Some things just can't be fixed. Just be there, somehow that's hard for all of you.
about the relationship:
Julie: Half the time I regret it.
Jamie: Then why do you do it?
Julie: Because half the time I dont regret it.
Dorothea: [Treats bruises on Jamie's face] So what was the fight about?
Jamie: Clitoral stimulation.
Julie: [talking about the cigarettes] Can I have one?
Dorothea: No, they're really bad for you.
Julie: You smoke all the time.
Dorothea: You know when I started, they weren't bad for you, they were just stylish, sort of edgy, so... It's different for me.
Julie: I think that I'm too close to you... to have sex with you.
NORMAN TO PAY ATTENTION TO
website
RATE: 7.5/10
Norman is a shyster, Norman is a fixer of large economical and political deals and he works in the shadows,. He is crafty, he works using the n=methods you would not think would be working in the top society but apparently his multiple arrows can reach the target - at least one of them can. His game is close to the chess, no more like poker: he begs, he bluffs and sometimes he buys out his client. His clumsiness is not attractive. e stocks his clients. His game is complex and no one else wants to do it. He possesses nothing: he eats like a homeless and who knows where he sleeps/ Richard Gere portrays the character so very well we fall for his tricks. I almost started believing that Richard was doing it once in his life. the transformation is amazing and I have to admit this profession suits him well. Norman's connections are priceless: he knows practically everyone and what buttons to push to make something work well. People get high level positions just because of him. People make themselves important and forget who he is. There is a personality under the shell of that "fixer". The personality is fragile. It is foxy but not violent. Norman stories build high.... until suddenly the unpredictable event crashes it all... taking Norman together with his skyscraper of important connections. Should we feel for him?.. We do... but there might be another one coming to replace Norman, same skills, same methods... Who knows...
This is an interesting subject I have never seen
website
RATE: 7.5/10
Norman is a shyster, Norman is a fixer of large economical and political deals and he works in the shadows,. He is crafty, he works using the n=methods you would not think would be working in the top society but apparently his multiple arrows can reach the target - at least one of them can. His game is close to the chess, no more like poker: he begs, he bluffs and sometimes he buys out his client. His clumsiness is not attractive. e stocks his clients. His game is complex and no one else wants to do it. He possesses nothing: he eats like a homeless and who knows where he sleeps/ Richard Gere portrays the character so very well we fall for his tricks. I almost started believing that Richard was doing it once in his life. the transformation is amazing and I have to admit this profession suits him well. Norman's connections are priceless: he knows practically everyone and what buttons to push to make something work well. People get high level positions just because of him. People make themselves important and forget who he is. There is a personality under the shell of that "fixer". The personality is fragile. It is foxy but not violent. Norman stories build high.... until suddenly the unpredictable event crashes it all... taking Norman together with his skyscraper of important connections. Should we feel for him?.. We do... but there might be another one coming to replace Norman, same skills, same methods... Who knows...
This is an interesting subject I have never seen
JOHN WICK CHAPTER 2
website
RATE: 8/10
review by Benjamin Newall
Guns, knives, fists and Keanu Reeves. What more could you ask for? How about an appearance from his original ‘Matrix’ mentor, Laurence Fishburne? Yes, ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ offers all this and more.
With the unexpected success of the original film, it was only a matter of time before this sequel came out, bringing back the feared but loved assassin John Wick played by Keanu Reeves. The film picks up shortly after the events of the original movie, doing so quite well, when the original movie ended without the idea of a sequel.
In this chapter, we follow John Wick to the other side of the world to Rome. Mr Wick has been charged with the task of carrying out the assassination of a prominent figure in order to repay a debt. Unbeknown to Mr Wick that at the conclusion of this job, a bounty is put on his head by the very same man who hired him.
So now John Wick is on the other side of world, with every bounty hunter possible gunning for him, and just trying to stay alive. Enter Laurence Fishburne. Any audience member who saw ‘The Matrix’ can’t help but smile to see these two reunited. Fishburne’s character is an old target of John Wicks, who Mr Wick let live, so in some twisted way he is indebted to Mr Wick, not that he will ever admit that. Fishburne’s character is hard, in charge and willing to do what is needed to look after his own, so after a little persuasion, he helps Mr Wick to go after the man who put the bounty on his head.
Eventually this story does a full round about and we end back with our two central characters, our hero and our villain, back in the United States at the Continental Hotel owned by Winston, once again played by the talented Ian McShane. The rules are simple at the Continental; no business is to be done on hotel grounds. Our villain Santino casually sits at the hotel when Mr Wick enters, knowing Mr Wick cannot lay a finger on him. But will John Wick, the Boogy Man, break the rules?
The movie was filled with more action than the original, and a bit less story. In a way this is to be expected, as a lot of the back story of Mr Wick was shown in the first movie. It feels like the second was a way to show just what John Wick is capable off, and also provide a good story line to lead into a third movie.
It was nice to see some of the original characters back who you could not help but like from the first movie, and some new ones who you were interested to see, Laurence Fishburne and Ruby Rose being the two most interesting. Also, due to the killing of the original dog in the first film, being able to see the relationship between Mr Wick and his new dog was very sweet.
Although I did not feel it matched the original in terms of story and character development, they have raised the bar in terms of action. If you enjoyed the first one, I highly recommend the second, and if you like a good action movie, this is well worth it. ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ pulls an impressive 8 out of 10, and it is well worth seeing.
website
RATE: 8/10
review by Benjamin Newall
Guns, knives, fists and Keanu Reeves. What more could you ask for? How about an appearance from his original ‘Matrix’ mentor, Laurence Fishburne? Yes, ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ offers all this and more.
With the unexpected success of the original film, it was only a matter of time before this sequel came out, bringing back the feared but loved assassin John Wick played by Keanu Reeves. The film picks up shortly after the events of the original movie, doing so quite well, when the original movie ended without the idea of a sequel.
In this chapter, we follow John Wick to the other side of the world to Rome. Mr Wick has been charged with the task of carrying out the assassination of a prominent figure in order to repay a debt. Unbeknown to Mr Wick that at the conclusion of this job, a bounty is put on his head by the very same man who hired him.
So now John Wick is on the other side of world, with every bounty hunter possible gunning for him, and just trying to stay alive. Enter Laurence Fishburne. Any audience member who saw ‘The Matrix’ can’t help but smile to see these two reunited. Fishburne’s character is an old target of John Wicks, who Mr Wick let live, so in some twisted way he is indebted to Mr Wick, not that he will ever admit that. Fishburne’s character is hard, in charge and willing to do what is needed to look after his own, so after a little persuasion, he helps Mr Wick to go after the man who put the bounty on his head.
Eventually this story does a full round about and we end back with our two central characters, our hero and our villain, back in the United States at the Continental Hotel owned by Winston, once again played by the talented Ian McShane. The rules are simple at the Continental; no business is to be done on hotel grounds. Our villain Santino casually sits at the hotel when Mr Wick enters, knowing Mr Wick cannot lay a finger on him. But will John Wick, the Boogy Man, break the rules?
The movie was filled with more action than the original, and a bit less story. In a way this is to be expected, as a lot of the back story of Mr Wick was shown in the first movie. It feels like the second was a way to show just what John Wick is capable off, and also provide a good story line to lead into a third movie.
It was nice to see some of the original characters back who you could not help but like from the first movie, and some new ones who you were interested to see, Laurence Fishburne and Ruby Rose being the two most interesting. Also, due to the killing of the original dog in the first film, being able to see the relationship between Mr Wick and his new dog was very sweet.
Although I did not feel it matched the original in terms of story and character development, they have raised the bar in terms of action. If you enjoyed the first one, I highly recommend the second, and if you like a good action movie, this is well worth it. ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ pulls an impressive 8 out of 10, and it is well worth seeing.
HANDSOME DEVIL
website
RATE: 7/10
This is the film about your identity, about living your true self and about friendship of course.
Ned, a teenager from the last years of school does not fete his new boarding school easily. He is thrown into this school by his father and his new woman who does not really care whee the kid will go as long as he is not close to her lover , his dad. Ned is very different at school where even the hair styles of the boys look similar. Ned's red hair stand apart from the crowd as well as his attitude. He is not liked and he is obviously bullied. Ned is sensitive. The characters of the film are rich and are played so very well by the crew. The movie is also rotates around sport (rugby game) with its challenges where the characters are more likely to express themselves. Andrew Scott (who is absolutely fabulous in this film! - just watch every move he makes!) plays inspirational English teacher who is like a light in the tunnel for the boys in trouble. His name is Dan and he encourages the boys to be free and to express who they are. You are abut to discover if this advice from Dan will be followed.
I would not say the film is powerful enough to make 10 out of 10 and get my thumbs rise high but it is definitely distinctive and one of a kind. It will also find a wide audience that will be attracted by its boy-ish charm. It is a must see for the confused teenagers struggling to find their way in the crowd that rejects them.
"you spend your lives playing someone else, who's going to be you?"
website
RATE: 7/10
This is the film about your identity, about living your true self and about friendship of course.
Ned, a teenager from the last years of school does not fete his new boarding school easily. He is thrown into this school by his father and his new woman who does not really care whee the kid will go as long as he is not close to her lover , his dad. Ned is very different at school where even the hair styles of the boys look similar. Ned's red hair stand apart from the crowd as well as his attitude. He is not liked and he is obviously bullied. Ned is sensitive. The characters of the film are rich and are played so very well by the crew. The movie is also rotates around sport (rugby game) with its challenges where the characters are more likely to express themselves. Andrew Scott (who is absolutely fabulous in this film! - just watch every move he makes!) plays inspirational English teacher who is like a light in the tunnel for the boys in trouble. His name is Dan and he encourages the boys to be free and to express who they are. You are abut to discover if this advice from Dan will be followed.
I would not say the film is powerful enough to make 10 out of 10 and get my thumbs rise high but it is definitely distinctive and one of a kind. It will also find a wide audience that will be attracted by its boy-ish charm. It is a must see for the confused teenagers struggling to find their way in the crowd that rejects them.
"you spend your lives playing someone else, who's going to be you?"
A DOG'S PURPOSE
website
RATE: 7/10
I was watching this film and waiting for the miracle to happen... But it did not!It is such a marvelous idea - to film the reincarnation of the dog and do it all from the dog's perspective: the talk, the camera and so on. It would work so well if the script was perhaps a little bit more advanced and the whole film would work, but for some reason it did not glue together right for me. The conversations seem to be a bit naive and the impression from the film was "childish", but not because it was made for t he children, but because it was way too simple. Good film to watch with the family and kids and great to watch if you are dog lover but do not expect too much - this way you will not be so disappointed. I would also like to highlight the hard work of the many dogs-actors in this film;they are beauties indeed!
website
RATE: 7/10
I was watching this film and waiting for the miracle to happen... But it did not!It is such a marvelous idea - to film the reincarnation of the dog and do it all from the dog's perspective: the talk, the camera and so on. It would work so well if the script was perhaps a little bit more advanced and the whole film would work, but for some reason it did not glue together right for me. The conversations seem to be a bit naive and the impression from the film was "childish", but not because it was made for t he children, but because it was way too simple. Good film to watch with the family and kids and great to watch if you are dog lover but do not expect too much - this way you will not be so disappointed. I would also like to highlight the hard work of the many dogs-actors in this film;they are beauties indeed!
NERUDA TO PAY ATTENTION TO
website
RATE: 8.5/10
To be honest this is one of not many films in the last month that I would love to watch twice. Not only because it it involves lots of poetry reading that turns my mind into a trans-meditative state that many women enjoy so much as it is similar to falling in love...
I do not love you except because I love you;
I go from loving to not loving you,
From waiting to not waiting for you
My heart moves from cold to fire.
I love you only because it's you the one I love;
I hate you deeply, and hating you
Bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you
Is that I do not see you but love you blindly.
Maybe January light will consume
My heart with its cruel
Ray, stealing my key to true calm.
In this part of the story I am the one who
Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,
Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.
To be honest and to my shame I discovered during the film that I knew about the poet a little if I could say "nothing to little". I vaguely remember his biography from some school text books only because the genius mind was a communist. the fact that did not actually diminish his poetry but probably it had nothing to do with poetry. We were told at school that poetry is political, it is national and it is political. I always tend t reject this idea. Poetry is there to show you the beauty of the world not to manipulate the crowds and minds. It is not the flag nor it is the poster , poetry is there to reflect within the reader and to show you the beauty of your soul. When the art is used in political purposes it looses its creative agenda - t simply turns into a tool of killing like a gun. We are not here to kill, but to love. But let's go back to the movie. You will find it unusual, you will find it surreal and very unique. It also so Spanish in its core. I was expecting a boring bio film but it turned into an artistic experience in its best with no comparison. I gave it not a 10 but a bit lower mark as I was lost at some of the episodes. The final scenes were the most powerful and so unforgettable. The film looks more like a long poem rather than your usual biography film.
I wonder how this would sound in Spanish
Take bread away from me, if you wish,
take air away, but
do not take from me your laughter.
Do not take away the rose,
the lance flower that you pluck,
the water that suddenly
bursts forth in joy,
the sudden wave
of silver born in you.
My struggle is harsh and I come back
with eyes tired
at times from having seen
the unchanging earth,
but when your laughter enters
it rises to the sky seeking me
and it opens for me all
the doors of life.
My love, in the darkest
hour your laughter
opens, and if suddenly
you see my blood staining
the stones of the street,
laugh, because your laughter
will be for my hands
like a fresh sword.
Next to the sea in the autumn,
your laughter must raise
its foamy cascade,
and in the spring, love,
I want your laughter like
the flower I was waiting for,
the blue flower, the rose
of my echoing country.
Laugh at the night,
at the day, at the moon,
laugh at the twisted
streets of the island,
laugh at this clumsy
boy who loves you,
but when I open
my eyes and close them,
when my steps go,
when my steps return,
deny me bread, air,
light, spring,
but never your laughter
for I would die.
website
RATE: 8.5/10
To be honest this is one of not many films in the last month that I would love to watch twice. Not only because it it involves lots of poetry reading that turns my mind into a trans-meditative state that many women enjoy so much as it is similar to falling in love...
I do not love you except because I love you;
I go from loving to not loving you,
From waiting to not waiting for you
My heart moves from cold to fire.
I love you only because it's you the one I love;
I hate you deeply, and hating you
Bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you
Is that I do not see you but love you blindly.
Maybe January light will consume
My heart with its cruel
Ray, stealing my key to true calm.
In this part of the story I am the one who
Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,
Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.
To be honest and to my shame I discovered during the film that I knew about the poet a little if I could say "nothing to little". I vaguely remember his biography from some school text books only because the genius mind was a communist. the fact that did not actually diminish his poetry but probably it had nothing to do with poetry. We were told at school that poetry is political, it is national and it is political. I always tend t reject this idea. Poetry is there to show you the beauty of the world not to manipulate the crowds and minds. It is not the flag nor it is the poster , poetry is there to reflect within the reader and to show you the beauty of your soul. When the art is used in political purposes it looses its creative agenda - t simply turns into a tool of killing like a gun. We are not here to kill, but to love. But let's go back to the movie. You will find it unusual, you will find it surreal and very unique. It also so Spanish in its core. I was expecting a boring bio film but it turned into an artistic experience in its best with no comparison. I gave it not a 10 but a bit lower mark as I was lost at some of the episodes. The final scenes were the most powerful and so unforgettable. The film looks more like a long poem rather than your usual biography film.
I wonder how this would sound in Spanish
Take bread away from me, if you wish,
take air away, but
do not take from me your laughter.
Do not take away the rose,
the lance flower that you pluck,
the water that suddenly
bursts forth in joy,
the sudden wave
of silver born in you.
My struggle is harsh and I come back
with eyes tired
at times from having seen
the unchanging earth,
but when your laughter enters
it rises to the sky seeking me
and it opens for me all
the doors of life.
My love, in the darkest
hour your laughter
opens, and if suddenly
you see my blood staining
the stones of the street,
laugh, because your laughter
will be for my hands
like a fresh sword.
Next to the sea in the autumn,
your laughter must raise
its foamy cascade,
and in the spring, love,
I want your laughter like
the flower I was waiting for,
the blue flower, the rose
of my echoing country.
Laugh at the night,
at the day, at the moon,
laugh at the twisted
streets of the island,
laugh at this clumsy
boy who loves you,
but when I open
my eyes and close them,
when my steps go,
when my steps return,
deny me bread, air,
light, spring,
but never your laughter
for I would die.
VOODOO
website
review by Susie Cashmere
Title : Voodoo
Genre : Horror
Run Time : 83 mins
Directed by Tom Costable
Written by : Tom Costable
Starring: Samantha Stewart, Ruth Reynolds and Dominic Matteucci.
Danni (Samantha Stewart) decides to take a vacation from her home town of Louisiana and stay with her cousin Stacey (Reynolds) in Los Angeles.
She wants to escape a relationship she was in with a married man who is married to a woman with voodoo powers. The wife is known in the area as a “High Priestess”.
The start is like any other teen film where the two go on adventures and have fun in the sun of L.A. You know it’s leading up to something when Danni turns her light off, and you see an evil spirit above her.
Her cousin is also seen to be lifted off the beach by a strange power, none the wiser of what has happened.
Danni gets a call from her ex to tell her that his wife has followed her to L.A. Now she begins to get scared.
The movie then turns into something that is almost like a whole different movie altogether.
Suddenly it’s night and the gates of “Hell” are opened.
Possessed creatures torture Danni and her cousin. Stacey is, in fact possessed herself.,
As Danni is an aspiring film maker, everything she does is recorded. Very strange in that the story keeps being recorded on video, but the viewers are left wondering “How??”
Then it just becomes a crazy mess of body dismembering and strange voices and laughter.
There is even a rape scene with Satan.
It’s a low budget film, so I didn’t expect a classic, but none of the story made sense, except that Danni suffered under the powers of her ex’s wife.
Crazy viewing, with a crazy ending. Still, I watched it hoping for some form of closure. Sadly that did not happen, but at least some aspects of horror were shown, even if in a disjointed way.
I would give this movie a 3/10.
website
review by Susie Cashmere
Title : Voodoo
Genre : Horror
Run Time : 83 mins
Directed by Tom Costable
Written by : Tom Costable
Starring: Samantha Stewart, Ruth Reynolds and Dominic Matteucci.
Danni (Samantha Stewart) decides to take a vacation from her home town of Louisiana and stay with her cousin Stacey (Reynolds) in Los Angeles.
She wants to escape a relationship she was in with a married man who is married to a woman with voodoo powers. The wife is known in the area as a “High Priestess”.
The start is like any other teen film where the two go on adventures and have fun in the sun of L.A. You know it’s leading up to something when Danni turns her light off, and you see an evil spirit above her.
Her cousin is also seen to be lifted off the beach by a strange power, none the wiser of what has happened.
Danni gets a call from her ex to tell her that his wife has followed her to L.A. Now she begins to get scared.
The movie then turns into something that is almost like a whole different movie altogether.
Suddenly it’s night and the gates of “Hell” are opened.
Possessed creatures torture Danni and her cousin. Stacey is, in fact possessed herself.,
As Danni is an aspiring film maker, everything she does is recorded. Very strange in that the story keeps being recorded on video, but the viewers are left wondering “How??”
Then it just becomes a crazy mess of body dismembering and strange voices and laughter.
There is even a rape scene with Satan.
It’s a low budget film, so I didn’t expect a classic, but none of the story made sense, except that Danni suffered under the powers of her ex’s wife.
Crazy viewing, with a crazy ending. Still, I watched it hoping for some form of closure. Sadly that did not happen, but at least some aspects of horror were shown, even if in a disjointed way.
I would give this movie a 3/10.
BEST OF SEVEN
website
review by Glen Wilson
Best of seven 2016
Directed by Jonnie Stapleton.
Starring Jonnie Stapleton, Paula Kelley and Jim Armstrong.
Jonnie suffers from a rare multiple personality disorder.
After a near fatal overdose Jonnie decides to go for one week with his medication.
As each day passes Jonnies alter personalities emerge – but with a bizarre twist,
Each personality manifests as a new person and room mate for jonnie & as the chaos develops Jonnie losses his girlfriend, Job and house.
Adding to the chaos a winning lottery ticket causes Jonnie`s alter ego`s to start killing each other off.
Best of Seven is a rather off the wall comedy, with a fair share of profanity’s and attempted humour.
Stapleton does a commendable job of multiple roll playing and directing and the scenes where multiple characters appear are extremely well executed.
Best of seven is an interesting concept which unfortunately didn’t quite meet up to my expectations.
But that’s just one viewers opinion...
website
review by Glen Wilson
Best of seven 2016
Directed by Jonnie Stapleton.
Starring Jonnie Stapleton, Paula Kelley and Jim Armstrong.
Jonnie suffers from a rare multiple personality disorder.
After a near fatal overdose Jonnie decides to go for one week with his medication.
As each day passes Jonnies alter personalities emerge – but with a bizarre twist,
Each personality manifests as a new person and room mate for jonnie & as the chaos develops Jonnie losses his girlfriend, Job and house.
Adding to the chaos a winning lottery ticket causes Jonnie`s alter ego`s to start killing each other off.
Best of Seven is a rather off the wall comedy, with a fair share of profanity’s and attempted humour.
Stapleton does a commendable job of multiple roll playing and directing and the scenes where multiple characters appear are extremely well executed.
Best of seven is an interesting concept which unfortunately didn’t quite meet up to my expectations.
But that’s just one viewers opinion...
KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
website
review by Benjamin Newall
2017 seems to be the year of King Arthur, and with a major blockbuster soon to hit cinemas, a smaller, B grade low budget sci-fi version of the film has gone un-noticed, however that may not be a bad thing.
In a modern retelling of the clasic tale, with a sci-fi twist, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, brings in all the characters you are familuar with, including the evil villian Morgana and her son. After being banished to out of space by Merlin 1500 years ago, Morgana now returns in a space ship for revenge. I know, already sounds like someone really didn’t know what they were going for.
The film has seemed to have being shot on a low budget and a lot of scenes I think were more based around where they were able to film rather than where they would have liked to film, though with that said, they did a half decent job at playing this off, and carrying on with the story.
Unfortunately though, even if they had got the locations they wanted and you over looked the odd sci-fi twist that was not needed, it was hard to over look the one dimensional characters. From our lead protagonist, to our trusty sidekicks and comic relief to our antagonist who you know will end up defeated, probably in a rather corny way. And by the way, yes it is done in a rather corny way, but the climax though not making up for the film does give it a small bit of credibility.
So through some fun action sequences, simple one liners and a very simple the hero will beat the villain story. It is a basic one dimensional movie that will probably be a difficult one to sit through. So unless you have being a fan of old school B grade movies just for laughs, this is probably not a film to go out of your way to see.
With all those basics and one dimensional characters, but some half decent kind of fun action sequences I would give it a rating of 2 out of 5 stars. However that could be a lower rating for anyone who can’t laugh at the corniness of this movie.
website
review by Benjamin Newall
2017 seems to be the year of King Arthur, and with a major blockbuster soon to hit cinemas, a smaller, B grade low budget sci-fi version of the film has gone un-noticed, however that may not be a bad thing.
In a modern retelling of the clasic tale, with a sci-fi twist, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, brings in all the characters you are familuar with, including the evil villian Morgana and her son. After being banished to out of space by Merlin 1500 years ago, Morgana now returns in a space ship for revenge. I know, already sounds like someone really didn’t know what they were going for.
The film has seemed to have being shot on a low budget and a lot of scenes I think were more based around where they were able to film rather than where they would have liked to film, though with that said, they did a half decent job at playing this off, and carrying on with the story.
Unfortunately though, even if they had got the locations they wanted and you over looked the odd sci-fi twist that was not needed, it was hard to over look the one dimensional characters. From our lead protagonist, to our trusty sidekicks and comic relief to our antagonist who you know will end up defeated, probably in a rather corny way. And by the way, yes it is done in a rather corny way, but the climax though not making up for the film does give it a small bit of credibility.
So through some fun action sequences, simple one liners and a very simple the hero will beat the villain story. It is a basic one dimensional movie that will probably be a difficult one to sit through. So unless you have being a fan of old school B grade movies just for laughs, this is probably not a film to go out of your way to see.
With all those basics and one dimensional characters, but some half decent kind of fun action sequences I would give it a rating of 2 out of 5 stars. However that could be a lower rating for anyone who can’t laugh at the corniness of this movie.
AMERICAN EXORCISM \
website
review by Susie Cashmere
American Exorcism
2017
1min,32sec
Directed by : Tripp Weathers
Written by: Tripp Weathers
Michael Filipowich, Braxton Davis, Kate Tumanova
From the opening scene, I thought, “What have I got myself into”, as a possessed creature jerks through a forest and a hand is placed on his head, releasing red evil spirits.
Cut to a family scene where Damon ( who was the creature and has only been partially exorcised) has a loving wife and daughter.
Against the wishes of his wife, Damon decides to help the padre who once helped him to perform one last exorcism, before he would leave for Rome to rid of any form of evil still within him.
Once he has finished performing the final exorcism, he returns home, only to find the spiteful demon has possessed his wife out of revenge.
The team try to rid her of the demon and after she kills one of them, she is then killed herself.
Forward 10 years.
Damon is a reclusive surfer, his daughter is in foster care.
One of Damon’s old team mates returns to let him know that something evil awaits his daughter for her 18th birthday.
Maybe he is too late, as one of his daughter’s ex boyfriends dies a strange and unexpected death.
The rest of the movie is fight scenes for ridding of demons which have infiltrated his daughters life.
The plot is predictable and the fight scenes looked more like scenes out of a martial arts film. Rigid and quite frankly, only entertaining for its humorous content.
It’s not the worst horror movie I have seen, and I’ve seen many, but it wasn’t great.
If you are a big fan of exorcism, then this movie will kill some time.
Overall, I give it a 4/10
Susie Cashmere
website
review by Susie Cashmere
American Exorcism
2017
1min,32sec
Directed by : Tripp Weathers
Written by: Tripp Weathers
Michael Filipowich, Braxton Davis, Kate Tumanova
From the opening scene, I thought, “What have I got myself into”, as a possessed creature jerks through a forest and a hand is placed on his head, releasing red evil spirits.
Cut to a family scene where Damon ( who was the creature and has only been partially exorcised) has a loving wife and daughter.
Against the wishes of his wife, Damon decides to help the padre who once helped him to perform one last exorcism, before he would leave for Rome to rid of any form of evil still within him.
Once he has finished performing the final exorcism, he returns home, only to find the spiteful demon has possessed his wife out of revenge.
The team try to rid her of the demon and after she kills one of them, she is then killed herself.
Forward 10 years.
Damon is a reclusive surfer, his daughter is in foster care.
One of Damon’s old team mates returns to let him know that something evil awaits his daughter for her 18th birthday.
Maybe he is too late, as one of his daughter’s ex boyfriends dies a strange and unexpected death.
The rest of the movie is fight scenes for ridding of demons which have infiltrated his daughters life.
The plot is predictable and the fight scenes looked more like scenes out of a martial arts film. Rigid and quite frankly, only entertaining for its humorous content.
It’s not the worst horror movie I have seen, and I’ve seen many, but it wasn’t great.
If you are a big fan of exorcism, then this movie will kill some time.
Overall, I give it a 4/10
Susie Cashmere
THE ASYLUM OF DARKNESS
website
review by Susie Cashmere
“Asylum of Darness”
Genre: Horror
Running Time: 117 mins
Directed by: Jay Woelfel
Written by: Jay Woelfel
Starring: Nick Baldasare, Richard Hatch and Amanda Howell.
After waking up in a mental asylum, Dwight Stroud ( Nick Balsadore) plans an escape, convinced he is not guilty of the heinous crime he has committed.
Upon escaping, Dwight finds disturbing, supernatural images confronting him as he “steals” the identity of the victim of a car crash.
The movie itself was a complete mess, with no real story line, jumping from one scene to the next, leaving the viewer to wonder what was real or what was happening inside Dwight’s mind.
The acting was wooden and even the late Richard Hatch could not make any of the acting credible, making it extremely painful to watch.
On a positive note (the only one), the special effects were good, made up of faceless beings and slimy creatures entering and leaving bodies.
Overall, the story did not make sense and in the end, we are still wondering just what happened.
I would give it a 2/10 due to the effects and I would say “Don’t waste your time”
Susie Cashmere
website
review by Susie Cashmere
“Asylum of Darness”
Genre: Horror
Running Time: 117 mins
Directed by: Jay Woelfel
Written by: Jay Woelfel
Starring: Nick Baldasare, Richard Hatch and Amanda Howell.
After waking up in a mental asylum, Dwight Stroud ( Nick Balsadore) plans an escape, convinced he is not guilty of the heinous crime he has committed.
Upon escaping, Dwight finds disturbing, supernatural images confronting him as he “steals” the identity of the victim of a car crash.
The movie itself was a complete mess, with no real story line, jumping from one scene to the next, leaving the viewer to wonder what was real or what was happening inside Dwight’s mind.
The acting was wooden and even the late Richard Hatch could not make any of the acting credible, making it extremely painful to watch.
On a positive note (the only one), the special effects were good, made up of faceless beings and slimy creatures entering and leaving bodies.
Overall, the story did not make sense and in the end, we are still wondering just what happened.
I would give it a 2/10 due to the effects and I would say “Don’t waste your time”
Susie Cashmere
PORK PIE BEST MOVIE OF THE MONTH
website
RATE:10/10
If you are after a good comedy from down after you should not search any more as it is in front of you! I have not seen an old version of the film I can only vouch for the new, the remake. I am not in the position to compare and say what is better. I know with all my guts- this film was done sensationally well on so many levels. The director's work is immaculate. I am surprised actually as it looks like the first (?) film of Matt Murphy although his experience in the filming industry looks to be very extensive.
The story is simple: three outlaws (who can hardly be named criminals due to the nature of the film and the character portrait in the way when the lawbreaker is looking like a farce hero rather than a dangerous typage) travel in a stolen yellow mini through the New Zealand cities and country side. One of them is battling to get his love back, the other of maori origins one had childhood problems and the third one protests the society with her misbehave (but for a good reason of course - and it is not only vegetarian)
I predict the film will be not only the local (Australian and New Zealandian) hit but will break some records overseas.
The comedy and action blend in the movie so well you will see it in one deep breath only to be interrupted by yours and your friends and theater seat neighbours' loud laughs. It is bizarre as you will not know or predict what will happen in the next two minutes.
If you wanted me to describe the film in one word I would say "brilliant and would say that one word would not describe it, it has to be seen as it is all in good quality action, in facial expressions, in sceneries and in .that good film essence that is beyond any words. I had a feeling that the movie would be good but did not expect that it would be that good. It is fresh and it gives you that energy that many action movies lack these days - it is real though it is not and it is unique.
The characters are rather aberrant: they make spontaneous decisions right on the spot that would surprise the most complicated personality. Each character is quirky but at the same time very believable.
The film does not have any purpose - this make it even more attractive. It is there for us to forget our every day worries and duties, it is there to entertain.
website
RATE:10/10
If you are after a good comedy from down after you should not search any more as it is in front of you! I have not seen an old version of the film I can only vouch for the new, the remake. I am not in the position to compare and say what is better. I know with all my guts- this film was done sensationally well on so many levels. The director's work is immaculate. I am surprised actually as it looks like the first (?) film of Matt Murphy although his experience in the filming industry looks to be very extensive.
The story is simple: three outlaws (who can hardly be named criminals due to the nature of the film and the character portrait in the way when the lawbreaker is looking like a farce hero rather than a dangerous typage) travel in a stolen yellow mini through the New Zealand cities and country side. One of them is battling to get his love back, the other of maori origins one had childhood problems and the third one protests the society with her misbehave (but for a good reason of course - and it is not only vegetarian)
I predict the film will be not only the local (Australian and New Zealandian) hit but will break some records overseas.
The comedy and action blend in the movie so well you will see it in one deep breath only to be interrupted by yours and your friends and theater seat neighbours' loud laughs. It is bizarre as you will not know or predict what will happen in the next two minutes.
If you wanted me to describe the film in one word I would say "brilliant and would say that one word would not describe it, it has to be seen as it is all in good quality action, in facial expressions, in sceneries and in .that good film essence that is beyond any words. I had a feeling that the movie would be good but did not expect that it would be that good. It is fresh and it gives you that energy that many action movies lack these days - it is real though it is not and it is unique.
The characters are rather aberrant: they make spontaneous decisions right on the spot that would surprise the most complicated personality. Each character is quirky but at the same time very believable.
The film does not have any purpose - this make it even more attractive. It is there for us to forget our every day worries and duties, it is there to entertain.
AMERICAN ESSENTIALS FILM FESTIVAL 2017: DAVID LYNCH THE ART LIFE
website
RATE: 6/10
He obviously was a very good looking man when he was young - he still is. David takes us on a journey through his life and the young years of his art career to show what shaped his artistic predilections, his style and the themes he selects for his creative expressions. David is strange. His art forms and the love for such unusual selections of materials does not ring any of my bells. I have been surprised if not shocked with his choices of what to show to the world although I have not seen a lot in art I have a gut feeling what resonates in my soul and what does not. It is simply not my road or how they say it: not my up of tea although I have to pay my respect to David's ability to work for so many hours and his love to what he is doing... I almost went blind because of the smoke he produced during this film... thank god it was not real.
website
RATE: 6/10
He obviously was a very good looking man when he was young - he still is. David takes us on a journey through his life and the young years of his art career to show what shaped his artistic predilections, his style and the themes he selects for his creative expressions. David is strange. His art forms and the love for such unusual selections of materials does not ring any of my bells. I have been surprised if not shocked with his choices of what to show to the world although I have not seen a lot in art I have a gut feeling what resonates in my soul and what does not. It is simply not my road or how they say it: not my up of tea although I have to pay my respect to David's ability to work for so many hours and his love to what he is doing... I almost went blind because of the smoke he produced during this film... thank god it was not real.
At the media launch of #AmericanEssentialsFilmFestival 2017 run by Palace Cinema Como - screening the film about David Lynch : David Lynch The Art Life // Miranda Brown Publicity. Feeling relaxed after my morning treatment at Chanoyu Urban Retreat - reviews to come up soon..
THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE TO PAY ATTENTION TO
website
RATE: 8/10
The film depicts Poland during the times of invasion , occupation and war with Germany in 1940-s. We are shown the life of a rather unusual family: the zookeepers in Warsaw, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, their struggles during the hard times for polish people and their amazing efforts to save the handful of wild animals that still survived at the Zoo. Not only they are occupied with their duties for the animals, they are doing a far better job saving people's lives. It was claimed that they helped more than 300 Jews from Polish Ghetto (...and remember that The Warsaw Ghetto was the largest of all the Jewish ghettos in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II and the one with the best security guards) , saving their lives and assisting them to escape the country. They failed only once when two women they managed to help were caught and killed. The story is based on true facts from history. The original book that was the base of the movie originated from the unpublished diary of Antonina Zabinska and Jan Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo in Poland.
The film is very well done forget about very cute live animals featured which can make any heart melt (there is no graphocal work done on filming the animals - they are all real as well as the episodes with them), The picture is structured very well and showed the perfectly developed main characters with their moral dilemmas, personal choices, truths and psychological dramas. The actors are ALL simply superb: Jessica Chastain is a perfect match for the main heroine: her facial mimic expressions and hidden feelings are played fabulously well. Daniel Brühl is brilliant as ever as well as Johan Heldenbergh. It would be a great miss for me not to mention the supportive crew as well which plays no less if not better than the mains.
The film keeps you on your toes from the very beginning to the very end. It has many unpredictable turns on the way to the final note, positive and promising but we still feel the sadness as the war takes its deadly toll on everything that surrounds the happiness of life.
For me personally it was interesting to observe Antonina's inner work on trying to save her family and doing anything to please the German authority for the sake of her family protection. Her inner work deserves the medal on its own. It is hard t show love when the hatred is a more appropriate feeling. She manages to run it through her soul with the brilliance of an actress of a very high class. Antonina's love for animals and people is beyond any human understanding. She will do anything to save as many as she can for what ever price she has to pay for it, even the danger to her own family does not stop her. When we talk about one man woman creating a history this is that kind of story.
Would I recommend the film to watch? Absolute and definite yes for me here. You children will like it too as there is no much kindness shown to learn from.
website
RATE: 8/10
The film depicts Poland during the times of invasion , occupation and war with Germany in 1940-s. We are shown the life of a rather unusual family: the zookeepers in Warsaw, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, their struggles during the hard times for polish people and their amazing efforts to save the handful of wild animals that still survived at the Zoo. Not only they are occupied with their duties for the animals, they are doing a far better job saving people's lives. It was claimed that they helped more than 300 Jews from Polish Ghetto (...and remember that The Warsaw Ghetto was the largest of all the Jewish ghettos in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II and the one with the best security guards) , saving their lives and assisting them to escape the country. They failed only once when two women they managed to help were caught and killed. The story is based on true facts from history. The original book that was the base of the movie originated from the unpublished diary of Antonina Zabinska and Jan Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo in Poland.
The film is very well done forget about very cute live animals featured which can make any heart melt (there is no graphocal work done on filming the animals - they are all real as well as the episodes with them), The picture is structured very well and showed the perfectly developed main characters with their moral dilemmas, personal choices, truths and psychological dramas. The actors are ALL simply superb: Jessica Chastain is a perfect match for the main heroine: her facial mimic expressions and hidden feelings are played fabulously well. Daniel Brühl is brilliant as ever as well as Johan Heldenbergh. It would be a great miss for me not to mention the supportive crew as well which plays no less if not better than the mains.
The film keeps you on your toes from the very beginning to the very end. It has many unpredictable turns on the way to the final note, positive and promising but we still feel the sadness as the war takes its deadly toll on everything that surrounds the happiness of life.
For me personally it was interesting to observe Antonina's inner work on trying to save her family and doing anything to please the German authority for the sake of her family protection. Her inner work deserves the medal on its own. It is hard t show love when the hatred is a more appropriate feeling. She manages to run it through her soul with the brilliance of an actress of a very high class. Antonina's love for animals and people is beyond any human understanding. She will do anything to save as many as she can for what ever price she has to pay for it, even the danger to her own family does not stop her. When we talk about one man woman creating a history this is that kind of story.
Would I recommend the film to watch? Absolute and definite yes for me here. You children will like it too as there is no much kindness shown to learn from.
It's a Roadshow show time again and it's Jam Factory #goldclass Village Cinemas and waiting for The Zookeeper's Wife screening for media. I loved the trailer, such a good bunch of actors! Now long black coffee - I love the attention we get at the gold class and a bit of Serge Lutens so I don't smell on teriyaki chicken from Noodle Box . It's a roadshow time! I missed them!
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: AMADEUS
website
review by Rouben Dickranian
Amadeus is a wonderful iconic play by Peter Shaffer’s of the lives of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. It is a recording of a live performance from the National Theatre and the orchestral music is by the Southbank Sinfonia. The overall feeling you get while watching this at the cinema, is that you actually think you are there live. I feel the play should be renamed Salieri, rather than Amadeus and as the play revolves mainly around Salieri. However, I can understand why it is Amadeus as most people are not aware of Salieri or his works to promote this play. The play is about the claims of Antonio Salieri and how he manipulated and ultimate led to the demise of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The performance of the actors is really impressive and believable, especially Lucian Msamati who plays Salieri and who is a really wonderful and experienced actor. The ideology of why Salieri claims of killing Mozart is not only unexpected, but also understandable. Salieri and Mozart had different upbringings and these are visibly displayed and addressed during the performance, which you can see the strong impact it has on their lives. Mozart being a young, spoiled, impulsive and rude genius writer. Salieri on the other hand being brought up with a strong religious and poor background. When the two meet these attributes can be seen clearly and you know that they are on the road for collision. A really beautifully arranged play that should not be missed. I highly recommend watching it.
website
review by Rouben Dickranian
Amadeus is a wonderful iconic play by Peter Shaffer’s of the lives of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. It is a recording of a live performance from the National Theatre and the orchestral music is by the Southbank Sinfonia. The overall feeling you get while watching this at the cinema, is that you actually think you are there live. I feel the play should be renamed Salieri, rather than Amadeus and as the play revolves mainly around Salieri. However, I can understand why it is Amadeus as most people are not aware of Salieri or his works to promote this play. The play is about the claims of Antonio Salieri and how he manipulated and ultimate led to the demise of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The performance of the actors is really impressive and believable, especially Lucian Msamati who plays Salieri and who is a really wonderful and experienced actor. The ideology of why Salieri claims of killing Mozart is not only unexpected, but also understandable. Salieri and Mozart had different upbringings and these are visibly displayed and addressed during the performance, which you can see the strong impact it has on their lives. Mozart being a young, spoiled, impulsive and rude genius writer. Salieri on the other hand being brought up with a strong religious and poor background. When the two meet these attributes can be seen clearly and you know that they are on the road for collision. A really beautifully arranged play that should not be missed. I highly recommend watching it.
VICEROY'S HOUSE
website
RATE:7/10
The movie is about the final years of British Empire in power in India before the country was separated into three different states: India, East and West Pakistan.
It is done very well with the passion of the director who feels very much for the Indian history, Indian life style and culture as well as the truth about Indian people and their growth while establishing themselves as am independent nation. It is also about the conflict within the nation which roots were spread through the diversity of the religious beliefs inside one country as well as the painful methods of making peace where war is more likely to be freely flamed. The film focuses not only on the political views and the sides taken during that complex and controversial time in Indian days bygone but also on the lives of its people and how the political processes influenced men and women individually: both hindus and muslims. The film also captures the historical changes from many sides: from top government officials to the lowest classes in India.
The great work with archives took place while making the film - it is absolutely incredible what and this material was found and included in the movie. I pay my respect to those who have done such an impeccable investigation.
The monumental changes in history of nations as I mentioned above already reflect on the lives of common people : their lives get changed forever if not destroyed or taken to a different level.
I can only see that having the material in hands of such scale and such richness the film could have been done much better but it is as good as it gets.
website
RATE:7/10
The movie is about the final years of British Empire in power in India before the country was separated into three different states: India, East and West Pakistan.
It is done very well with the passion of the director who feels very much for the Indian history, Indian life style and culture as well as the truth about Indian people and their growth while establishing themselves as am independent nation. It is also about the conflict within the nation which roots were spread through the diversity of the religious beliefs inside one country as well as the painful methods of making peace where war is more likely to be freely flamed. The film focuses not only on the political views and the sides taken during that complex and controversial time in Indian days bygone but also on the lives of its people and how the political processes influenced men and women individually: both hindus and muslims. The film also captures the historical changes from many sides: from top government officials to the lowest classes in India.
The great work with archives took place while making the film - it is absolutely incredible what and this material was found and included in the movie. I pay my respect to those who have done such an impeccable investigation.
The monumental changes in history of nations as I mentioned above already reflect on the lives of common people : their lives get changed forever if not destroyed or taken to a different level.
I can only see that having the material in hands of such scale and such richness the film could have been done much better but it is as good as it gets.
RULES DON'T APPLY TO PAY ATTENTION TO
website
RATE: 8.5/10
Rules do not apply? The Hollywood has roles?
Apparently it did have rules before we knew it as it is now. It is 1958-64 and the era is depicted spectacularly well. It is romantic, yes, the girls will love this film. It is tragic: yes, it is in some way. The film depictures an actress who starts out in Hollywood, auditions and falls in love with her driver, She is young and naive, more to that little she knows about men and life in general. She is like an open and unread book: she clear conscious and pure intentions lead her the most wanted and unwanted place many young actresses would dream of but things start to take place in the way no one expected them to be. One, two and three and the movie would be a perfect Woody Allen's setup and plot development but it is not enough. The actors are more than brilliant - they are incredibly good. The story though lacks something only Woody would have: its irresistible charm.
Frank Forbes (to Marla): You're an exception. Rules don't apply to you.
Is it funny? Absolutely? Will you cry? Probably not but perhaps will get a bit emotional.
My other recommendation: so not read the reviews , go and watch the film with an open eyes and heart - you will love it!
website
RATE: 8.5/10
Rules do not apply? The Hollywood has roles?
Apparently it did have rules before we knew it as it is now. It is 1958-64 and the era is depicted spectacularly well. It is romantic, yes, the girls will love this film. It is tragic: yes, it is in some way. The film depictures an actress who starts out in Hollywood, auditions and falls in love with her driver, She is young and naive, more to that little she knows about men and life in general. She is like an open and unread book: she clear conscious and pure intentions lead her the most wanted and unwanted place many young actresses would dream of but things start to take place in the way no one expected them to be. One, two and three and the movie would be a perfect Woody Allen's setup and plot development but it is not enough. The actors are more than brilliant - they are incredibly good. The story though lacks something only Woody would have: its irresistible charm.
Frank Forbes (to Marla): You're an exception. Rules don't apply to you.
Is it funny? Absolutely? Will you cry? Probably not but perhaps will get a bit emotional.
My other recommendation: so not read the reviews , go and watch the film with an open eyes and heart - you will love it!
WHITELEY
website
RATE: 8/10
The film is one fascinating journey through the life and artworks of Brett Whiteley, the most appraised Australian artist. If you know Brett's works you will totally enjoy this film; if you know less or nothing about his works you will be absolutely amazed. I was. I called him quietly: Australian Salvador Dali. His works are striking like a falling bright star, His life story is even more captivating than his art.
We go through Whiteley's personal letters where he does not hide his emotions, where he is raw and frank with himself and his addressee. We go through his notebooks also full of many surprises. We travel through his photographs and the photos of his family and friends. I fell in love with the personality with a full understanding that it (he) can poison me not only with all his extremes, his maximalism and his ability to live life t the fullest. His personality attracts as well as it bewitches you. So does his art as the highest expression of Him and a Being.
Together with the film makers we are able to watch the rare footage of the artist's life, see extraordinary archival interviews and much much more including the actual process of creation of his art,
I have not sen anything like this: Brett is unique and incomparable with any Australian artist after him.
Brett's breathtaking art career started when he won a scholarship to Italy. His art took him all the way to Europe, flourishing in London and New York and then coming back to Australia with already established name and his art "signature", his personal style.
As the pages of the film turn we find more and more about the artist and the love of his life, his muse and his ever lasting inspiration: his wife. The extremes of Brett's nature took him up to the top of the mountains of success as well as all the way down to catastrophes and mishaps and drugs use took a significant role in both ups and downs. The drugs created a genius out of him but the price was too high - the drugs took back what belonged to them: by raising his talent they destroyed his physical body. The story is more than banal but not less valuable lesson for many who step on the same road.
As I mentioned before Wendy his wife was in the focus of Brett's most beautiful art works: her nude forms appear fearlessly with lots of accompanying symbolism of man's body parts.
Thee legacy of Brett Whiteley is so significant many modern Australian artists still learn from his works, follow him and get inspired by him. The impact of his works on me was sensational. I recommend to watch the picture not only for the people who love and understand good quality art but also to those who want to learn and just starting their art voyages.
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RATE: 8/10
The film is one fascinating journey through the life and artworks of Brett Whiteley, the most appraised Australian artist. If you know Brett's works you will totally enjoy this film; if you know less or nothing about his works you will be absolutely amazed. I was. I called him quietly: Australian Salvador Dali. His works are striking like a falling bright star, His life story is even more captivating than his art.
We go through Whiteley's personal letters where he does not hide his emotions, where he is raw and frank with himself and his addressee. We go through his notebooks also full of many surprises. We travel through his photographs and the photos of his family and friends. I fell in love with the personality with a full understanding that it (he) can poison me not only with all his extremes, his maximalism and his ability to live life t the fullest. His personality attracts as well as it bewitches you. So does his art as the highest expression of Him and a Being.
Together with the film makers we are able to watch the rare footage of the artist's life, see extraordinary archival interviews and much much more including the actual process of creation of his art,
I have not sen anything like this: Brett is unique and incomparable with any Australian artist after him.
Brett's breathtaking art career started when he won a scholarship to Italy. His art took him all the way to Europe, flourishing in London and New York and then coming back to Australia with already established name and his art "signature", his personal style.
As the pages of the film turn we find more and more about the artist and the love of his life, his muse and his ever lasting inspiration: his wife. The extremes of Brett's nature took him up to the top of the mountains of success as well as all the way down to catastrophes and mishaps and drugs use took a significant role in both ups and downs. The drugs created a genius out of him but the price was too high - the drugs took back what belonged to them: by raising his talent they destroyed his physical body. The story is more than banal but not less valuable lesson for many who step on the same road.
As I mentioned before Wendy his wife was in the focus of Brett's most beautiful art works: her nude forms appear fearlessly with lots of accompanying symbolism of man's body parts.
Thee legacy of Brett Whiteley is so significant many modern Australian artists still learn from his works, follow him and get inspired by him. The impact of his works on me was sensational. I recommend to watch the picture not only for the people who love and understand good quality art but also to those who want to learn and just starting their art voyages.