The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anne Murphy
An introverted freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors who welcome him to the real world.
Loners know that adolescence is a time of alienation. While nobody wants to be like everybody else, shyness is a disability, and we tend to have a biting need for friendship and belonging. The director demonstrates remarkable sensitivity in showing the agony of awkward social situations and largely avoiding cliché. The central characters are entrancing as they navigate their lives with quirky individualism, and they're interesting and real. Tissues are recommended for this piercing movie that is as troubling as it is vivacious. It gets better, wallflowers.
Skyfall
Andrew O'Dea
Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.
The opening scene sets the tone for this sublime thriller where the tension is maintained amidst action sequences that are both stylish and gritty. While the scenery and cinematography are exhilarating, the beauty of "Skyfall" lies in its emotional depth and grim poignancy. Nods to the franchise origins are sophisticated and sincere, and the intelligent backstory of our beloved icon is underpinned by a polished script, taut direction and exquisite cast, all of whose interplay and on-screen chemistry mark this instalment as one of the best. Undoubtedly earns its licence to thrill.
Seven Psychopaths
Anne Murphy
A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.
You might imagine a movie about seven psychopaths may feature too many deranged killers but in this film the number is just right. With a Hollywood backdrop, quirky script, aggressive all-star cast and numerous acts of murderous violence, the on-screen experience is both viciously funny and hilariously cruel. Some of the jibes delivered by the callous hit men are thoughtlessly unfunny, but are then diluted by the witty development and delivery of the rest of the story. Count them.
End of Watch
Anne Murphy
Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel, during a routine traffic stop.
If you hear that "End of Watch" is a cop-buddy movie don't be misled; this riveting and intense drama is much more than that. It's a film that is so good it transcends the simple genre classification, so edgy that it redefines police-buddy movies. Although the pace is fast space is made for a rarely witnessed humanness in uniform, with a friendship that goes beyond mere allegiance. Keep watching.
Argo
Anthony Macali
A dramatization of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian secret operation to extract six fugitive American diplomatic personnel out of revolutionary Iran.
"Argo" captures your attention from start to finish. If you're not familiar with the political context, don't stress, as the brilliant opening sequence will give you all the background you need. Once up to speed, you can fully appreciate the treacherous and volatile situation of the time, made even more unbelievable by its grounding in a true story. The ensemble cast is brilliant, doing their best to prolong the exciting suspense and tension throughout. The result is universally good. Ar, go watch it.
Searching for Sugar Man
Anne Murphy
Searching for Sugar Man tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez, the greatest '70s rock icon who never was.
This well constructed documentary tells of a search for the artist who was largely unknown where he lived in the USA. The story of a humble man and his music is an almost mythic tale, set to an uplifting original beat. Anyone who owned a Rodriguez album in the 1970's probably wore out the vinyl grooves playing the record again and again. Almost better than the memorable lyrics is this astounding story of the man behind them. "Sugar man you're the answer…".
- Genre » Documentary Biography Music
- Release » Limited 04 Oct 2012
- Festival » MIFF 2012
The Dark Knight Rises
Andrew O'Dea
Eight years on, the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.
"The Dark Knight Rises" is testament to the fact that an epic blockbuster is capable of creating an action-packed, intelligent and rousing spectacle without the use of 3D or excessive CGI effects. Terrific performances from a superb cast are shadowed only by a booming, brooding score that serves as the film's spine, imposing the tension and gravity of every magnificent scene. This is a thrilling conclusion that soars rather than rises to the occasion, delivering a dramatically and emotionally satisfying finale to what is an unquestionably brilliant trilogy.
Polisse
Anne Murphy
Based on real cases, "Polisse" follows the daily lives of a tight-knit team of men and women working in the Child Protection Unit of the Parisian police.
People working in child protection roles sometimes say they feel the task is akin to emptying the ocean with a teaspoon. That sentiment is certainly present in this gritty drama, which intertwines many concurrent story lines with realism. Be prepared to witness determination, despair, humour, and some of the most heartbreaking scenes presented on the big screen. This is complex against-the-odds emotional territory as we follow the team from day to challenging day. Help Polisse!
Mirror Mirror
Anne Murphy
An evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.
A favourite story recounted for today's audiences. The charming prince, while handsome, is more affable than heroic and it's the beautiful princess who achieves her own victories. The story retains all of its original elements and is retold with a fabulous sense of humour and spellbinding magic. "Mirror Mirror" is magnificently staged and gloriously costumed; it is also CGI enhanced, but only just enough to ensure no wrinkles. The fairest of them all.
Tyrannosaur
Anne Murphy
The story of Joseph, a man plagued by violence and a rage that is driving him to self-destruction.
"Tyrannosaur" is harrowing viewing. Filmed with an uncompromising eye for realism, there’s an intensity to this movie that’s rarely captured with such bruising effect. Anger, rage and torment are central to the story and expressed without inhibition. Expect a confronting experience, one that will leave audiences wrung out, if not reeling from the relentless blows landed. The cast are credible and the performances delivered are absolutely convincing, particularly when somewhere from the depths of hopelessness something transformative is glimpsed. As riveting as it is grim.
Shame
Tom Jones
In New York City, a man's carefully cultivated private life, which allows him to indulge his sexual addiction, is disrupted when his sister arrives unannounced for an indefinite stay.
It's ironic, a movie with a one-worded title conjures up so many more. To name but just a few, "Shame" is explicit, dark, confronting, honest and in every essence of the word, brilliant. Everything, absolutely everything, about the central character and his lifestyle is exposed, and yet at the same time the audience is denied a lot of context surrounding who, what and why for the film's entirety. However this conflict, along with everything else, simply works. In one word... shameless.
The Muppets
Anne Murphy
With the help of three fans, The Muppets must reunite to save their old theatre from an oil tycoon.
The Muppets are as comically endearing as ever in their return to the big screen, as the troupe get back together to sing and dance their way through a classic good vs evil storyline. This is a nostalgic romp even though the characters haven't aged, not that the audience would want them to, and they're just as corny as they ever were. The magic works, maybe because no-one is more self deprecating than the characters themselves. Absolutely the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppet-ational...
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Anthony Macali
Journalist Mikael is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth, a young computer hacker.
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a classic whodunit set in Sweden and is genuinely captivating from start to finish. A rich set of characters drive the story, each with their own motives, and at times, sinister agendas. Our young heroine is the most impressive in a striking and memorable performance. Just be warned, the film is long, and there are some particularly disturbing scenes, but they all play their part in the arresting plot. Can't wait to see the girl again.
Burning Man
Anne Murphy
An English chef with a restaurant on Bondi Beach is trying to put his life and his relationship with his son back on track.
"Burning Man" is a pastiche of scenes that don't follow a sequential time-line but nonetheless build into a sorrowful narrative. Forget chronological sequencing, this is a compelling portrayal of grief, a time when events don't evolve in a linear sequence, and emotion reigns. It's just in time for the audience that the jigsaw of memories piece together and the emotional impact of the story is felt, packing a punch. Tears will quench the flames.
George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Anne Murphy
Inter-cut with archive material, friends, family and associates of the musician tell the story of his life and how spirituality became such a major part of it.
ou might guess that this renowned musician had a extraordinary life but it takes the spotlight shone by this exceptional documentary to reveal just how remarkable his life and times were. It helps that much of the history is told to camera by the subject in his own words, and those close to him lovingly colour in the detail. Ultimately this is an affecting and moving portrait of a man whose guitar gently wept.
- Genre » Documentary Biography
- Release » Limited 20 Oct 2011