At a time when animation has become increasingly digitised, franchised and gimmicky, it’s a relief to find the old-fashioned techniques still being used. While they certainly aren’t as time-efficient, the clear and original marks of artistry are there for all to recognise as opposed to the smooth artificial sheen we’ve become used to.
Debuting at MIFF 2012, it seems a little strange that brothers Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ 100 Bloody Acres (writing and directing) had to open in the US to generally rave reviews before making it to Australia. It’s a good thing it made it back at all because this is one Australian film deserving of a wider audience.
Despite a slow start, this slow grinding thriller thrives on a claustrophobic atmosphere, becoming tenser with each minute and building to a gripping finale.
Premiering at this year’s Cannes Film Festival to initial boos, Refn and Gosling’s second joint effort has proven divisive amongst audiences. You can’t deny Refn’s style has a distinctive formality to it, which is very attractive to look at.
At only 75 minutes, this film doesn’t overstay its welcome although it feels more like two hours given the snail-paced progress. The opening scenes do test the patience, given their lack of direction. However, the message emphasising the value of family and altruism is an endearing one that lasts beyond the final credits.
world war zBefore you say ‘ergh, not more zombies’, it may surprise you to hear that Marc Forster’s World War Z (it’s pronounced ‘zee’ not ‘zed’) is not as bad as you think. Even if you don’t much rate Brad Pitt as an actor, he does have a good eye for roles.
I think everyone who saw The Scorpion King way back in 2002 was a little surprised that The Rock didn’t get himself an Oscar nomination. Of…
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to taste your favourite celebrity? Sink your teeth into their meat? Catch their STDs? Well, Brandon Cronenberg has. In fact, if I was David Cronenberg, I’d be a little worried.
Equal parts exciting, amusing, frightening and spectacular, this is how it’s done. Go and see it on the big screen because the television doesn’t do it justice.
In all seriousness, what really elevates this movie is the attention to detail and visual splendour we have come to expect from big budget animation. Every hair, eye-twitch, leaf and breeze has been accounted for in this spectacular 98-minute action reel/nature documentary.