Fashion Victims
Anne Murphy
A travelling salesman loses his licence and gives his reluctant son no option but to accompany him on his sales round to women's fashion stores.
The plot is lively in this comic coming-of-age movie where the old must make way for the new, and the father has more growing up to do than his son. Grounding the fabulously theatrical characters are interpersonal relationships and frustrations with one another that evoke empathy. Parts of small town life in Germany look a little dated, but the overall effect is quirky and entertaining, and that's never out of fashion.
- Genre » Comedy
- Festival » Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2009
Dog Tags
Anne Murphy
Two displaced and unconventional men discovering what it is to be sons, fathers, and lovers.
This could have been a road movie, if only the car had been more reliable. Geographically, not a lot of distance is covered in small town USA. It is a different story emotionally, however, as the two central characters encounter each other while each is traversing his respective family landscape. The restrained style of the film lends cohesion to a sequence of unlikely events shared by this improbable pair, as they seek to discover themselves. Identity has infinite possibilities once the dog tags are discarded.
- Genre » Drama
- Festival » Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2009
A Complete History of My Sexual Failures
Anthony Macali
Indy filmmaker Chris attempts to interview his ex-girlfriends to find out why they dumped him.
It's difficult to ignore such an amusing title. This documentary starts promisingly, our lovable loser aggravating some of his past liaisons with the help of his mother. There is a definitive point about half-way that marks the passing of this premise. Chris has to resort to stunts to fill the remainder of the running time, some guiltily hilarious, though most are pathetic. The only genuine moments feature the girl our filmmaker was to marry. These are also the dullest. This film is quietly amusing in the first half, and a disappointing failure in the second.
- Genre » Documentary Comedy
- Festival » MIFF 2008
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Wendy Slevison
A college graduate lands a job as a financial journalist in New York City to support her shopping addiction, and falls for a wealthy entrepreneur.
This is a movie that does not take itself too seriously. Equate it to eating fairy floss, and you will not be disappointed. It is fun, flighty and a visual feast for fashionistas. The leading lady makes a very cute clothes-horse, and handles the amusing script splendidly. Having a laugh whilst we are in the middle of a recession is nothing to feel guilty about. So, relax and enjoy - no confession necessary.
Appaloosa
Andrew O'Dea
Two friends hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher.
"Appaloosa" respects the conventions of a traditional western, with its slow pacing intersected by the gun-slinging one would expect. The chemistry and repartee between the two leads is superb, and together they excel in dialogue and humour that is as dry and effective as the dusty landscape that dominates the film. However, the fundamental flaw is that it presents a story all too familiar - that's not to say it doesn't make an entertaining western - it's just that, at times, it lacks the tension and emotion of a 'good-ole-duel' to separate it from the rest.
Seraphine
Anne Murphy
Based on the life of French painter Séraphine de Senlis.
Séraphine's paintings reflect both her simplicity and her deep commune with nature. The artist's life is appropriately rendered with compelling images of rural life in the French village of Senlis before World War 2. Although visually delightful, the characters and story are sketched without sufficient dimension to enthral the viewer. The aesthetic experience would be enhanced by a stronger narrative dimension.
- Genre » Biography Drama War
- Festival » French Film Festival 2009
Watchmen
Andrew O'Dea
When an ex-superhero is murdered, a vigilante named Rorschach begins an investigation into the murder, which begins to lead to a much more terrifying conclusion.
"Watchmen" is by all accounts yet another successful comic-book adaptation, resplendent in its visual flair. The artistic style matches the grandeur of a plot that also manages to deliver intellectually, as it explores the complex nature of mankind. However, the disapointing drawback is a myriad of subplots that dilute the story, making it feel convoluted at times. Still worth a watch - if not for the brilliant title sequence, then for the vintage soundtrack.
W.
Andrew O'Dea
A chronicle on the life and presidency of George W. Bush.
This movie is not what people might expect, as it sets out to construct an almost empathetic "W". The undeniable highlight is the superbly convincing portrayal by the lead actor, who manages to embody the character study so well, sometimes you forget just who's on screen. However, criticism lies in a feeling that the biopic resigns itself not to delve deeper in its attempt to humanise the man. Although this nonpartisan style may disappoint some, the insight provided by the filmmaker makes it a film that shouldn't be "misunderestimated".
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Anthony Macali
Lifelong platonic friends Zack and Miri look to solve their respective cash-flow problems by making an adultfilm together.
"Zack and Miri Make a Porno" is a film of two halves. The first half is hilarious and fantastic, introducing us to the loveable friends and their daily escapades. It's when the title comes to life that the film fails miserably. It's certainly not as much fun as promised, leaving you wishing Zack and Miri found a more entertaining solution to their cash problems.
He's Just Not That Into You
Wendy Slevison
This Baltimore-set movie of interconnecting story lines deals with the challenges of trying to understand human behaviour.
Adapted from the best-selling book of the same name, this movie is overpopulated with under-developed characters making mistakes, behaving badly, and being downright stupid - surprise surprise, mostly the women. An ensemble cast, who individually can be very good, get lost in the mire of a script laden with stereotypes. While generally entertaining, there are sections where you find yourself not caring who's just not into who.
Valkyrie
Andrew O'Dea
Based on actual events, a plot to assassinate Hitler is unfurled during the height of WWII.
The strength of this film lies in a superb production design that helps to construct a positively accurate and immersive account of 1940's Berlin. It creates a stylistic period feel that is amplified by a stirring orchestral score throughout. Unfortunately, much of the authenticity, and subsequent integrity, is lost on American and British accents portraying German ones; as well as an unbefitting and uninspiring performance from the lead. "Valkyrie" definitely won't cater to everyone, but those impassioned by this period in history may find it rousing.
Revolutionary Road
Andrew O'Dea
A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950's struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.
In such an involving examination of relationships, you'd expect this to be a more emotionally engaging film. The thing that sustains it is the phenomenal acting from the entire cast. The two leads feed off of each other's despair so brilliantly it almost hides the fact that the script is very mediocre. That's not to say nothing can be garnered from the tragic beauty of the story; it's just that the monotony at times makes "Revolutionary Road" feel like a one-way street.
Doubt
Wendy Slevison
Set in 1964, Doubt centres on a nun who confronts a priest, suspecting him of abusing a student.
"Doubt" is an example of the play-to-film translation not always succeeding. Featuring two highly acclaimed actors, a very good support cast, and a fine reputation as a stage piece, what could go wrong? Well, something did. The lead performances, while magnificent, overshadow the subtle material; the glaring metaphorical symbols used are clumsily overworked, and several serious issues, besides the main one, are highlighted and then largely ignored. Worth seeing, as there are some truly great scenes.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Andrew O'Dea
Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is a beautifully crafted and acted film, but the running time and ambiguity surrounding its message holds it back. Lessons of fate, mortality, life, and death are prevalent - but they remain convoluted. For all their enigmatic symbolism, they are difficult to comprehend and appreciate. However, that's not to say the audience won't be able to draw their own conclusions from the many parables throughout. Indulge your curiosity, watch it, and make up your own mind.
Dostana
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.
- Genre » Bollywood Comedy Drama
- Release » Limited 14 Nov 2008
- Festival » Indian Film Festival 2010