Film Review: The Counselor (2013)
byExpectations are high for The Counselor. It comes from the first produced screenplay by Cormac McCarthy, one of the greatest living novelists, whose work…
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Film Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)
byWe’re at a point in The Avengers franchise where we need a bolt of energy to keep from fading away from the characters and becoming disinterested in what happens to them next. As funny and brilliant as Iron Man 3 was (the first of the post The Avengers films) it lacked a certain panache.
Film Review: Fly Me To The Moon (2012)
byIn most romantic films, the good girl gets the good guy, vindicating all of the audiences’ wildest dreams. Without changing the formula too much, Pascal Chaumeil’s Fly Me To The Moon manages to throw a curve ball into the mix, concocting a situation where two good guys are competing for the affections of a despicable female lead.
Film Review: Profile of a Killer (2012)
byCaspian Tredwell-Owen‘s last writing effort was The Island all the way back in 2005. A lightweight sci-fi adventure, it was mildly effective if not particularly memorable….
Film Review: Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013)
byThe Butler is a film about response. Cecil’s blending into the background was a form of transformation from the cotton farm way of life he came from. His response was to do whatever it takes to make a better life, however demeaning or full of inequality. Louis’ response to the racism and segregation was to stand up, speak his mind and demand to be heard.
Film Review: Blancanieves (2012)
byApparently inspired by a photograph of bullfighting dwarves writer/director Pablo Berger saw in a Spanish magazine, Blancanieves is a lovingly crafted tribute to the Brother’s Grimm fable Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Film Review: 28 Hotel Rooms (2012)
by28 Hotel Rooms is an interesting concept, a very close character study and an overall relatable story. Sadly missing out on a release in Australian cinemas, it is a very subtle, yet stimulating film that really hits home.
Film Review: Renoir (2012)
byEven though it’s at times too content to cost by on it’s interesting concept and beautiful imagery, and lags a little bit in the second act (perhaps because it has more of an idea than a story), Renoir is still a most enjoyable film that with its account of Jean Renoir’s emergence of passion for cinema, movie buffs won’t want to miss.
Film Review: Once Upon A Time In Vietnam (2013)
byAlso featuring some truly beautiful picturesque imagery, Once Upon A Time In Vietnam is a decent enough movie, it just doesn’t live up to the pedigree of its title, being more Once Upon A Time In Mexico than Once Upon a Time In The West.
Film Review: Prisoners (2013)
byPrisoners, directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Aaron Guzikowski, focusses on a relatively simple premise. Two children go missing, and a lengthy police investigation starts. However, the film is elevated beyond the trappings of predictability and mediocrity by its layered plot, accomplished, confident direction, and compelling performances.