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The Clink of Ice
Anne Murphy
An alcoholic writer is visited by an incarnation of his cancer.
"The Clink of Ice" is as original as it is deeply and darkly humorous. Imagine bantering with your life threatening illness and laughing. The premise of personifying a malignant disease in a suit sets up an intriguing film. Not that there is anything funny about cancer or facing death. Typically we deride perverse situations as being as 'funny as cancer' but the director and cast prove dexterous enough to turn that assertion around. As bleak as the themes of the movie are, the clinking of ice muffles the death knell.
- Genre » Comedy Drama
- Release » Limited 17 Mar 2011
- Festival » French Film Festival 2011
The Company Men
Wendy Slevison
Centres on a year in the life of three men trying to survive a round of corporate downsizing.
This movie is informed by the global financial crisis, which dramatically affected the world economy. Initially, the characters in the film are difficult to connect with. They are executives who earn big bucks and live the big life... until the crash comes, and along with it, radical changes to everything they have known and cherished, ultimately exposing the very core of who they are as men. The high quality of performance in this film evokes a surprising empathy and admiration, and you end up feeling that you have indeed been in good company.
Tamara Drewe
Anthony Macali
A young newspaper writer returns to her hometown in the English countryside, where her childhood home is being prepped for sale.
"Tamara Drewe" returns, and like the disconcerted locals and writers on retreat, we clamour around to marvel at her new-found nose, beauty and other news. As curious onlookers, the quaint setting becomes home to the audience, the perfect setting for chaos to unfold. The delectable cast is irreplaceable, as the intertwining relationships are constantly formed then torn, building to a climax that will leave you flabbergasted. For those partial to small-town gossip.
First Love
Stefan Bugryn
Three young girls share their love of the waves as they make a trip to Hawaii.
This film is a hidden gem. As the title suggests, you fall in love with these young playful girls as you follow their inspiring passion for surfing. You get swept up in their carefree attitudes, and it really does make you want to pick up a surfboard and hit the waves! It is stunningly shot, where every shot looks like a masterpeice. It almost feels like a young girls scrapbook, where even the soundtrack and editing add to the lively tone. Don't miss this one.
- Genre » Documentary Adventure
- Release » Limited 24 Feb 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Incredible
Anne Murphy
In ancient China, a husband and wife, both of them retired superheroes, contend with the high cost of living, infertility, and other contemporary life issues.
A movie that doesn't take itself too seriously is always good viewing, and "Mr and Mrs Incredible" is just such a film. The feel-good story around a happy marital life of the charismatic lead characters is spiced up with a little martial arts action, all delivered in a mythical Chinese style. Fantasy and reality are cheerfully interwoven in a remote village filled with vivid and colourful characters. Bright and enjoyable, rather than incredible.
King Lear (National Live Theatre)
Anne Murphy
An aging King invites disaster when he abdicates to his corrupt daughters and rejects his honest one.
The UK National Theatre brings a quality stage production to the cinema screen. The extraordinary passion that underscores this much loved story is evident in the performances of the experienced cast. It's those performances, not to mention the playwright's words, which hold attention. It's an extraordinary play, although the minimalist backdrops provide a simpler visual experience than cinema goers are likely expect. The experience of watching a play on the big screen is unusual and Lear, "...still every inch a King".
Countdown to Zero
Stefan Bugryn
An intensive look at the atomic bomb, from its history, to where it's at now, and where its heading.
Much like any other documentary, if you don't have an underlying interest in the subject matter, you won't engage with the narrative. This is no different for "Countdown to Zero". There are tidbits of interest, but there's probably not enough 'wow' factor to suck everyone in. Lucky for some, what could have been a harrowingly complex story full of jargon and gobbledygook has been simplified for a wider audience. But if you don't like bombs, then you just don't like bombs. Stay for the countdown if you want.
- Genre » Documentary
- Release » Limited 10 Feb 2011
Another Year
Anne Murphy
A married couple, who have managed to remain blissfully happy into their autumn years, are surrounded by less contented friends, colleagues, and family.
The seasons mark the passing of "Another Year", an astutely observed study of the human condition, and the small joys and inevitable regrets that accompany aging. There is a hint of humour softening the melancholic tone of the movie. Relationships are scrutinised with realism far removed from the escapist view of life that's typical on the big screen. The audience views desolate portraits of people without props like bucket lists or golden ponds, only the inexorable ticking of time.
Catfish
Anthony Macali
Filmmakers Ariel and Henry document a story involving Ariel's brother, Nev, a 24-year-old photographer, and Abby, an 8-year-old girl contacts Nev via Facebook.
Never has a film captured the simple day-to-day tidings of social networks as well as "Catfish". Through pure happenstance, the film monitors a new relationship form, brilliantly blending the interaction of modern media in a series of clever montages. As characters delve deeper the tension builds, gradually creating a sense of dread as we ponder what could only amount to be a frightening conclusion. This documentary will astound everyone online and confirm the fears of many others.
- Genre » Documentary
- Release » Limited 26 Jan 2011
- Festival » MIFF 2010
Shaolin
Anne Murphy
China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power with war.
It's a simple plot that's brought to life in this epic-scaled production. The magnificent courtyards and halls of the Shaolin temple play a starring role. Add sweeping rural landscapes of China to the on-screen splendour and the characters end up as extras. There are no crouching tigers but there are astonishing displays of aerial and on-the-ground martial arts. The well executed and bloody action scenes are furiously fought, not hampered by one side being mostly monks. Even Buddhist principles need defending.
Black Swan
Stefan Bugryn
A young ballerina struggles to keep her sanity as she prepares for the lead role in 'Swan Lake'.
Walking into this movie is like going on a ride in a theme park. Your emotions are ripped from your chest and thrown around like a rag doll as you get dragged through this beautifully depressing story. It is emotionally intense, and will stir up a lot of sensations deep in the heart of many audiences. A warning; some scenes will make the squirmish writhe in their seats, as it can be very confronting. However, it is an absolute triumph in every single aspect. Only the truly stilted will walk away unmoved.
Life During Wartime
Anne Murphy
Friends, family, and lovers struggle to find love, forgiveness, and meaning in a war-torn world riddled with comedy and pathos.
First up "Life During Wartime" is set in modern day Florida, so don't let expectations be set by the title. Judging by the number of walkouts a few were misled. There is family warfare, every character is a guerrilla and their dark dreadful secrets are the weapons of destruction. This is a difficult drama, in addition to the bleak material the pace is choppy, interactions are stilted, confronting viewing but intriguing nonetheless. Forgive the title and you won't forget the movie.
Somewhere
Tom Jones
A hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit.
Not exactly entertaining, "Somewhere" is a thought provoking look at the world of show business and the people who live it. You get the impression that this depiction is closer to the real thing than the glamorized celebrity lifestyle we're used to being sold by Hollywood. There are a number of extended shots, which gives the audience the chance to think about what such a film is trying to prove, but don't expect to get any answers, here, there or anywhere.
Heartbreaker
Anne Murphy
Alex and his sister run a business designed to break up relationships.
"Heartbreaker" is a sparkling rom-com that delights as it delivers everything you hope for from the genre. The movie is even a little tongue-in-cheeky, as it pokes fun at some of the romantic clichés we endure on the screen from lesser offerings. The ingredients are perfect - the lead characters being likeable rogues, a stylish Monaco setting, some knock your socks-off romantic wooing, and a satisfying conclusion that is not teased out for feel good purposes, but still manages to feel good. All in all, a charming heart warmer.
Sarah's Key
Anne Murphy
A journalist researching the 1942 Vel' d' Hiv Roundup in Paris uncovers links with Sarah, a Jewish girl, who was arrested with her parents.
"Sarah's Key" is a fictional account of the Holocaust that discloses events from the dark years of World War 2 in an assured manner. A contemporary story is seamlessly intertwined with one from the past as intrigue builds. The actors underplay the poignancy of both narratives, as ordinary people deal with extraordinary dilemmas and strong messages are presented without unnecessary melodrama. The past is not forgotten but sometimes needs to be unlocked.