The Last Stand
Stefan Bugryn
A small town sheriff must stop a Mexican druglord from crossing the border.
Unfortunately, there isn't enough originality to set "The Last Stand" aside from the rest. It takes a little too long to actually kick in, and it's not until the second half that the action really gets under way. Petrol-heads get their fix, with just as many car chase scenes as there are shoot-outs; and of course, one liners and comedic moments are never far away. It won't go down in history as one of the best action movies ever, but it's still a fun ride, if that's what you're after.
Compliance
Anne Murphy
When a prank caller convinces a fast food restaurant manager to interrogate an innocent young employee, no-one is left unharmed.
Knowing the events on the screen are based on real crimes provides a chill of disbelief for audiences as the scenario unfolds over a day. "Compliance" is a psychological deliberation on rank or authority and power, but mostly is a study of oppression. It is impossible to watch without thinking what you would have done in the same situation, and as much as it is tempting to dismiss people's actions as "only in America", sadly the same could happen anywhere. Deeply disturbing.
The Impossible
Stefan Bugryn
A family is caught in the horror of the 2004 tsunami in Thailand.
Whilst the production values and direction are both amazing, bringing the seemingly 'un-filmable' to life, they are a little inconsistent. There are some stagey and clichéd moments that will make you cringe momentarily, and the ending is somewhat predictable. Negatives aside, within the patchiness, there are some truly moving sequences. It's hard not to get swept away by the aching melodrama and jaw dropping realism. The tale is truly incredible, and one that is told in an impressive manner overall. Not impossible to enjoy.
The Guilt Trip
Andrew O'Dea
As inventor Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, a quick stop at his mom's house turns into an unexpected cross-country voyage with her along for the ride.
"The Guilt Trip" is a predictable road-trip comedy that relies solely on the chemistry of its leads to drive the laughter. Thankfully, they form a highly likeable comedic duo who, despite the lacklustre script, manage to elicit some genuinely hilarious moments. The ride is bumpy at times, but it's their interplay that sustains what is essentially a light-hearted, frivolous and feel-good movie that will not disappoint the intended audience. A guilty pleasure.
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Anne Murphy
Follows a pair of married couples, Alfie and Helena and their daughter Sally and husband Roy, as their passions, ambitions, and anxieties lead them into trouble and out of their minds.
The grass is always greener it seems, as the characters follow their hearts looking for love, or forget their senses and succumb to lust. "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" is fun but it is also a little frantic with the pace of the action matching the upbeat jazz soundtrack. There's a lot going on in this social comedy, leaving the story a little crowded. Everybody meets somebody.
Gangster Squad
Anthony Macali
A chronicle of the LAPD's fight to keep East Coast Mafia types out of Los Angeles in the 1940s.
"Gangster Squad" investigates a time when the most effective way to combat violence was with more violence. The characters are menacing and hard-edged, although this strangely conflicts with the polished look of the film, clearly used to instil a sense of nostalgia for the era. The production is a little too clean and manufactured for the subject matter, robbing the story of the momentous and emotional impact it could have achieved. A talented squad do their best, and excite for the most part, but fail to captivate overall. Plastic gangsters.
Life of Pi
Anthony Macali
A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with a fearsome Bengal tiger.
"Life of Pi" charts an amazing story of survival, feats of courage and countless horizons. There are plenty of opportunities to gaze at majestic visuals, from exotic animals to the colours of the sea, enriched with dream-like sequences that grant the freedom to push the artistic boundaries, 3D and all. The film's biggest struggle is the amount of time spent on a life-boat, reaching a point to drive its audience sea-sick. A far from thrilling, yet nonetheless beautiful adventure.
Love Is All You Need
Anne Murphy
A hairdresser who has lost her hair to cancer finds out her husband is having an affair, travels to Italy for her daughter's wedding and meets a widower who still blames the world for the loss of his wife.
There is a cocktail of family relationships all being stirred in a lemon grove on the Italian coast. "Love is All You Need" is a subversive and gently amusing comedy about romance the next time around. The scenery is spectacular, the characters credible and likeable, but somehow the story doesn't quite achieve its potential. Maybe a little more is needed.
Paris-Manhattan
Anne Murphy
The romantic travails of a Parisian pharmacist who receives philosophical advice from a Woody Allen poster.
Everything we love about French film is in "Paris Manhattan" - the stylish characters, their dry wit, and an oddly endearing, eccentric approach to life. It's fortunate that the movie exudes warmth and convivial family relationships, and hard to take exception to this movie even though it is frivolously light on for narrative. The movie is a little disjointed in parts but it frolics along, and if nothing else is a charming homage to romance, not to mention the icon at its core. Paris, Je t'aime.
Step Up to the Plate
Anne Murphy
French chef Michel Bras is handing over his restaurant to his son, Sebastien, who has been working with him for 15 years.
Great reverence is shown for the aesthetics of food and the creation of a special meal in this quiet observational movie. The director has filmed with both artistry and simplicity, the story of one dish in a style that compliments the ritualistic approach of the chef and his son. "Step up to the Plate" shows slow-food at its slowest, and 'foodies' will know they're watching something very special being served up. Sit up at the table for a culinary treat.
- Genre » Documentary Biography
- Release » Limited 29 Nov 2012
- Festival » MIFF 2012
Chronicle of My Mother
Anne Murphy
A writer harbours a lifetime of bitter resentment towards his mother for abandoning him after the war.
Based on an autobiographical fiction novel "Chronicles of My Mother", this is a family saga that spans 15 years. The story is rendered in subdued tones, as fits the nature of the central character and his family. An affecting thread that spans the story is the decline of the matriarch into dementia; and the responses to her state are emotional but restrained, rather than emotive or expressive. Death and loss are prominent themes that weigh the pace as life slowly ticks on.
- Genre » Drama
- Release » Limited 29 Nov 2012
- Festival » Japanese Film Festival 2012
All the Way Through Evening
Anne Murphy
The story of the HIV/AIDS crisis in New York City. As you've never heard it before. A musical documentary.
"All the Way Through Evening" documents the rehearsals and preparation of the 20th World AIDS Day concert program to be hosted by an East Village pianist. Her task is a tribute to composers and singers lost from a classical arts community that was ravaged by HIV/AIDS. The concert is both a labour of love and a commemoration of friendships that endure beyond the confines of mortality. The pieces performed are relatively unknown but will fill an evening for aficionados.
- Genre » Documentary Biography
- Release » Limited 29 Nov 2012
The Wings of the Kirin
Anne Murphy
Detective Kaga Kyoichiro investigates when a man's body is found under the statue of the Kirin on Nihonbashi bridge under strange circumstances.
This is a classic murder mystery that gets more mysterious as the story progresses. The script is taken from a series of Japanese detective novels, and for the most part it's a well structured story, but when translating from book to screen the retention of the many sub-plots appear to weigh the movie down with complexity. At the same time it is the nuances of the story that hold interest despite the measured pace and lack of action scenes. A kirin has wings but doesn't fly.
- Genre » Crime Drama
- Release » Limited 29 Nov 2012
- Festival » Japanese Film Festival 2012
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2
Anthony Macali
After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.
The immortal franchise has come to an end, with "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" proving they really didn't need to split the last chapter. Picking up from where previous film finished, the going is slow. Thankfully, the vampires of the world come to hand, showcasing their special powers and effectively covering the thin plot. Despite such adversity, the journey eventually gets wrapped up rather neatly, and it's a stirring goodbye. Finally the light goes out on a saga to be cherished... and now forgotten.
The Angel's Share
Anthony Macali
New Dad Robbie vows to turn his life around after narrowly missing jail.
"The Angel's Share" features the most unlikely of heroes, a band of drop-outs reluctantly serving their community hours and looking for a way out. Their solution lies in the bottle, but not how you might think, as a visit to the distillery makes a connoisseur of some and introduces the audience to the curious world of whiskey collectors. It may take awhile, but to the film's accomplishment, you start to root for the crims, drawing laughs from their haphazard excursions, not-so-smart decisions and odd relationships. They're certainly no angels, but you'll still want them to win.