Creation - Movie Poster

Creation

3.5 Andrew O'Dea

English naturalist Charles Darwin struggles with his revolutionary theories on evolution.

"Creation" provides an interesting perspective on one of the most influential scientists of all time. Rather than visiting the genius of Darwin's theory, this film is more of an intriguing portrait into the man himself. It dissects themes of faith and religion versus science while exploring Darwin's great inner turmoil and his terrible battle with spirituality. Although some might consider it not as highly evolved as it could've been (given the subject matter), a solid script and an absolutely outstanding performance from the lead actor make this movie an enjoyable watch nonetheless.


Curling - Movie Poster

Curling

1.5 Andrew O'Dea

A keen look at the unusual private life of a father and his daughter, set on the fringe of society.

This is one of those movies where the audience is left in suspense, waiting with the expectation of some hidden moral message or meaning to come. Except in this film, it never does. Sure, the point might very well be the examination of a protagonist who in essence is uninteresting, or even the examination of an uninteresting man's life... unfortunately this translates to the entirety of "Curling" as well. Sitting through it will leave you wishing you were able to stick your head in the snow of its wintry backdrop than endure another drawn-out minute. Would rather cop a snowball to the face.


Dare - Movie Poster

Dare

3.5 Anne Murphy

A drama centred around three high school seniors - an aspiring actress, her misfit best friend, and a loner - who become engaged in an intimate and complicated relationship.

This coming of age movie covers all the social awkwardness of teenagers discovering themselves as friends and lovers. Dollops of naivety and maturity are stirred in to create realistic and likable characters that are topped up with a measure of angst and balanced out with charm. The storyline of "Dare" takes its characters through new experiences and interesting predicaments. It's a little bent yet nonetheless could cross over to a mainstream audience. Dare to be different.


Day Watch - Movie Poster

Day Watch

3.0 Anthony Macali

In the war between the forces of Light and Dark, a device is found that can restore life to Moscow.

"Day Watch" is an eternal struggle between good viewing and bad. You have the good watch, its dark gothic style, impending dread and gloom, and an interesting support cast, whose stories and developments expand the scope of the others, showing more to war than the two bosses and the great ones. And you have the bad watch, a long running time, an out-of-context lesbian kissing scene, and the entire fate of the future lying in a piece of chalk. An entertaining sequel that suffers in its departure from darkness.


Dean Spanley - Movie Poster

Dean Spanley

4.0 Wendy Slevison

Set in Edwardian England where upper lips are always stiff, a cantankerous old man and his long-suffering son begin a strange journey that eventually allows the old man to find his heart.

This is a truly original story of love, loss, and grief, populated by intelligent and disarmingly eccentric characters. The story starts slowly, but before the viewer can summon a yawn, they are drawn in, entranced, as the well-told tale unfolds - both poignant and comical at the same time. Offbeat, whimsical, moving and very funny, you'd have to be barking mad to miss it.


Death Defying Acts - Movie Poster

Death Defying Acts

1.0 Luke Bartter

On a tour of Britain in 1926, Harry Houdini enters into a passionate affair with a psychic out to con the famous magician.

Despite "Death's" great cast and look, it is disappointingly unengaging and flat. The director might want you to think "what happens next?", but never answers the question "why should you care?". The detachment from the characters severs all tension and excitement, even making Houdini's stunts seem lacklustre. Not worth your time, unless you really want to make a donation to support local cinema. Not even Houdini himself could escape the mediocrity of this film.


Declaration of War - Movie Poster

Declaration of War

3.5 Anne Murphy

When their young son is diagnosed with a brain tumor, young parents Roméo and Juliette unite in the fight for his survival.

Despite its heart wrenching content "A Declaration of War" is lively and energetic. The movie is based on the experience of the director and her co-writer; part autobiography, part love story and part challenging medical drama. A story of desperately holding to hope is imbibed with familial love and delivered without pathos, and the result is a very moving account of navigating adversity while giddy with grief for what might happen. War, this is what it's good for.


Departures - Movie Poster

Departures

4.5 Anne Murphy

A newly unemployed cellist takes a job preparing the dead for funerals.

If the subject matter were handled less reverently it could be disconcerting, and "Departures" is tender, loving, and absorbing. The symphonic soundtrack is moving, but it is the characters and their stories that will cause tears to gently spill. This film, centred on the rituals following death, is surprisingly life affirming. Reflecting Japanese sensibilities, it is contemplative and almost zen-like, avoiding melodrama while tackling some of life's most difficult passages. This departure is a welcome getaway from the everyday.


Dev.D - Movie Poster

Dev.D

4.0 Amit Jain

Dev who, after spurning Paro's love due to a misunderstanding, turns to drugs and vodka for solace.

"Dev D" is a coming-of-age film that challenges the conventional Bollywood film industry. The story is a modern take on a classic novel, and the amazing cinematorgaphy portaits beautiful rural india and shady parts of Delhi. The music is both breathtaking and bizarre as it reflects the emotional capacities, struggles, and lifesytles of young Indians caught between conservative Indian society and modern western sensibilities.


Dorian Gray - Movie Poster

Dorian Gray

1.5 Wendy Slevison

A corrupt young man keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a painting reveals his inner ugliness.

Set in Victorian London, this film is a turgid and vulgar representation of a fascinating morality tale by an author renowned for his witty social commentary. Sadly, all wit is lost due to the blank, lacklustre performance by the central player. Despite stylishly replicating the era,and having a strong support cast, "Dorian Gray" completely lacks substance, and the CGI effects used for the portrait become increasingly, albeit unintentionally, comic. Regrettably, this movie is as ugly in it's essence as the title character.


Dostana - Movie Poster

Dostana

3.0 Anthony Macali

When a landlady, to protect her sexy niece, turns down two young men eager to rent her apartment, they pretend to be gay.

Similar stories in Hollywood have produced deplorable fare, but how does the Bollywood version compare? Laughs are the same, elicited from the "obvious" humour in straight people playing gay stereotypes. The best scenes involve Sam's mother, who unintentionally becomes aware of his lifestyle change, a key scene that introduces the running themes of family and forgiveness. "Dostana" is superficial, but you will find it hard to resist its glamour and charm.


Draqulia - Italy Trembles - Movie Poster

Draqulia - Italy Trembles

3.0 Anne Murphy

An investigation on the management of 2009 L'Aquila earthquake by the Berlusconi government.

"Draquila" is a political documentary using satire to present an astounding story of corruption and mismanagement. The film airs few voices other than that of the comical narrator, giving the impression of a potentially lopsided view. Too much is made of mocking the Prime Minister, and the nuances of the bureaucratic lampooning are a little lost on an audience outside of Italy. It becomes a little tiresome rather than rallying support for the people still homeless after the earthquake or exposing the ongoing calamity of government. Audiences tremble rather than quake.


Drive - Movie Poster

Drive

3.5 Anthony Macali

A Hollywood stunt performer who moonlights as a wheelman discovers that a contract has been put on him after a heist gone wrong.

"Drive" is an odd little film about a man, his car, and a story that happens in between. By day, our enigmatic driver is quite reserved, and we watch his encounters with trepidation and a pop soundtrack. By night, the base is turned up, and we're placed in the seat next to him evading the police with great thrill. The middle stint might be slow going, but be warned… the violence revs up, and we have no idea where the story is headed. It's the quiet ones you have to watch.


Eastern Promises - Movie Poster

Eastern Promises

3.5 Anthony Macali

The film follows the mysterious and ruthless Nikolai, who is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families.

Glimpses of the criminal underworld will always interest us ordinary, nice folk. "Eastern Promises" is no different, with its shady Russian mafia conducting business in equally shady parts of London. A film of mixed emotions, the charismatic performances undermine the atrocities we witness and listen to in a narrated diary. At times this flurry of conscience is uncomfortable, a minimal hinder in this compelling and disturbing piece.


Easy Virtue - Movie Poster

Easy Virtue

3.5 Anne Murphy

An Englishman marries a glamorous American. When he brings her home to meet the parents, she arrives like a blast from the future - blowing their entrenched stuffiness out the window.

Set on a magnificent English country estate just after the First World War, this archetypal comedy of manners counterbalances predictable stereotypes with effervescent dialogue, and the result is captivating. Battle lines are drawn up and spirited repartee is fired between the pretentious and the sassy. The movie's salacious undertone is irresistible, particularly as the niceties don't mask the loathing. Virtue versus vice, and vice versa.