Star Trek Into Darkness
Andrew O'Dea
After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.
"Star Trek Into Darkness" is engaging on a magnificent scale, bringing the flare and energy of its predecessor to screen. A cluster of high octane action sequences are set against the visual grandeur of other-worldly backdrops, all the while propelled by solid storytelling. The director has sewn this movie together with an almost clinical precision, and the entire cast play their roles with sublime conviction, in particular the chilling and malevolent villain at its core. Set phasers to awesome.
Performance
Anne Murphy
Members of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos and insuppressible lust.
When you find yourself weeping in a cinema, why is it that you cry? Is it for the life loves and losses of fictional characters or for your own fragile mortality? Something extraordinary is orchestrated when a writer and director conspire to bring a finely tuned production to the screen. Credit must also go to the talented actors who perform together seamlessly as a quartet. "Performance" is played like a concerto. Bravo!
In the House
Anne Murphy
A sixteen-year-old boy insinuates himself into the house of a fellow student from his literature class and writes about it in essays for his French teacher.
"In the House" cleverly and deliberately blurs the line between fact and fiction. As the plot develops, we are left to ponder what game is being played. This is a clever movie where the audience could feel as manipulated as any of the characters; is there a disquieting undertone of malevolence or was it imagined? After all, this is a witty story about story-telling and it is a good story well told. Inside, outside, and upside down.
- Genre » Drama Mystery
- Release » Limited 06 Mar 2013
- Festival » French Film Festival 2013
The Paperboy
Anne Murphy
A reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate.
"The Paperboy" is a big, bold, and brash movie, with feint glimpses of beautiful. It's rare to see a US production laden with ironic social content, but there's barely an 'ism' untouched. This film goes all out, led by a cast who dare to go all the way, so don't say you weren't warned. It's the sixties and we're down South. During an unbearably steamy summer filled with the dark foreboding that lurks in the bayous, only one character grows up. Paperboy or iron man?
West of Memphis
Anne Murphy
In 1993 three boys were murdered in West Memphis and three teenagers were convicted of the crime in an extraordinary failure of justice.
Holy snapping turtles, the story of attaining freedom for the men known as the 'West Memphis Three' makes a compelling documentary. The cause was picked up by so many people that this is regarded as the first case of crowd-sourced justice. The crime and the trial that followed are meticulously reviewed on the screen, stirring our values around fairness and integrity to a state of disbelief and outrage. Arkansas law enforcement stands accused of going west.
- Genre » Documentary
- Release » Limited 14 Feb 2013
Zero Dark Thirty
Andrew O'Dea
A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.
"Zero Dark Thirty" is a masterful thriller that isn't driven by an ideology or political agenda. The film serves as a dramatised yet convincing chronicle about the hunt for the world's most wanted man, made all the more authentic by an exceptionally superb cast, leads and cameos alike. While it maintains momentum with an almost clinical focus, the tension builds to a riveting finale; and even though the ending might be a foregone conclusion, the night-time incursion where they "get their man" is as exhilarating and gripping as the complex story itself. A confirmed thrill.
Flight
Anthony Macali
An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals something troubling.
"Flight" begins with one of the most exhilarating cockpit sequences you will ever see, and never lets up. This tale centers on the pilot, riddled with a substance addiction, and the morality that surrounds his heroic endeavour. It's an investigation that generates further intrigue and suspense as it travels along, despite the odd scene that undermines its gravity. A truly riveting story and performance from the lead. Strap yourself in.
Hitchcock
Anne Murphy
A story following the relationship between influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of Psycho in 1959.
The perfect time capsule of a film-making era that is fondly remembered through timeless movie classics. The larger than life director's film triumph looks to be authentically replicated, thanks mostly to the outstanding cast. The story from behind the camera is captivating. Audiences may find themselves wanting to know what happened next and more of the back story. You will certainly want to watch 'that movie' and the shower scene again. The Master of Suspense, warts and all.
Sightseers
Anne Murphy
Chris wants to show girlfriend Tina his world, but events soon conspire against the couple and their dream caravan holiday takes a very wrong turn.
"Sightseers" operates on two levels. Skimming along the surface is an everyday romance between two late bloomers and beneath that, with a strong undertow, is a darkly disturbing satire studded with serial crimes. The script is clever, and the characters are sharply observed. Original and almost bordering on bizarre but for the biting social comment woven through the macabre story - this is a hilarious movie. A sight well worth seeing.
Les Misérables
Anne Murphy
In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette.
You can hear the people sing. "Les Miserables" is a long song, with barely a spoken word to interrupt the stirring score. This is an operatic production of majestic proportions with a cast comprised of movie royalty who give all to their rousing performances. Sadly the connection between the central star-crossed lovers is the flimsiest construct in the film but most will forgive that and dream a dream. Vive la Révolution.
Pitch Perfect
Anthony Macali
Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group.
"Pitch Perfect" is camp as hell, and a lot of fun. The a capella renditions are surprisingly entertaining, taking some of our favourite songs and lending them a new voice. Our performers are largely a group of misfits, an eclectic and dynamic bunch of girls who dance and step to a great amount of llaughter and conflict. Wittingly tongue-in-cheek, this film is bound to appeal to those fond of music and singing. Destined for stardom.
The Sessions
Anne Murphy
A man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate with the help of his therapist and priest.
"The Sessions" is a surprisingly warm and funny film. The story is based in reality and the movie follows one thread of the incredible life of an accomplished and disabled man. Each session is a business transaction, yet even so the sex scenes are intimate, awkward, and explicit as well as tender. There is something remarkable about the man, his condition and the way he tackles life, love and relationships that makes compelling viewing. Strictly business?
The Intouchables
Stefan Bugryn
The true story of a quadriplegic aristocrat who forms an unlikely friendship with a young man.
"The Intouchables" could very well have been a cliché ridden odd-couplestinker, but instead, proves to be an amazingly touching experience. The loveable characters manage to make light of a hard situation with ease, avoiding cheesy sentimentality by delivering one of the most genuine friendships in modern cinema. The storyline is so charmingly simple, with much of the beauty derived from the fact that you find yourself laughing along with them in an otherwise depressing situation. Topped off with a mesmerising piano score, this one can't be ignored.
Neighbouring Sounds
Tom Jones
Life in a middle-class neighborhood in present day Recife, Brazil, takes an unexpected turn after the arrival of an independent private security firm.
In Brazil, Moses must've had nine commandments. Love thy neighbour, clearly the exception. In this place even your own family can't be trusted to rip you off, or in one case, rip your hair out. This unique film provides a window, albeit barred and wired with security, to a world where the threat of violence is a constant and where silence is not golden, but met with fear. Cleverly shot, with an incredible soundtrack, it's a trip worth taking.
- Genre » Drama Thriller
- Release » Limited 10 Oct 2012
- Festival » London Film Festival 2012
Children of the Riots
Anne Murphy
In December 2008, 15 year old Alexandros Grigoropoulos was shot by police, and his death prompted thousands of young people to take to the streets in riots that lasted for three weeks.
Almost three years later dissent and riots continue in Greece amid a political environment of relentless austerity measures. A generation growing up amid ongoing unrest are looking for creative ways to live through cycles of violence and protest while seeking a better world. "Children of the Riots" follows the stories of young people drawn into conflict, and does not offer answers except to note that dreams are bullet proof.
- Genre » Documentary
- Release » Limited 21 Oct 2012
- Festival » Greek Film Festival 2012