Film Review Round Up 26th August 2014

Sorry film fiends, I got so busy last week that I missed posting my reviews. Here they are with this week’s releases. There are some good releases among them. If you can only see one film, see Predestination on the big screen. The Woody Allen release Magic In The Moonlight is a bit of a disappointment but, as I always say, an average Woody Allen is still better than most. There's a couple of great Australian documentaries as well. Both the James Cameron Deep Sea Challenge and Nick Cave's 20,000 Days on Earth are well worth a look.

I want to know what you think of Predestination, too, so leave me a comment with your thoughts if you go see it.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week--possibly the year)

Predestination ✪✪✪✪✪

Doing the festival rounds

Opens in Australia:                          28^th August, 2014

USA: No release as yet (craziness)   UK: No release as yet (craziness)

Other Countries:                   Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

After the past year of lame, over-produced, big studio sci-fi flicks that promise so much but deliver little, finally, we have a 5 star sci-fi film that will keep you thinking long after the end credits roll.

To call Predestination smart and entertaining is the equivalent of saying Einstein was pretty good at physics. It’s more than that. Quality production and script, along with a mesmerizing performance by Sara Snook, who is destined for super stardom, makes this a film not to be missed for anyone who loves science fiction or is up for a mind-warping time travel story.

After writing and directing Daybreakers and Undead, and now Predestination, the Spierig Brothers certainly display a true talent for realizing interesting, unique stories. They are now on my “must see their film” list of directors.

This film has, for some unknown reason, not received the wide release that it deserves. Please seek it out and see it, and if you love it, like I know you will, urge your friends to go see it. Show the cinemas that declined to show this amazing Australian made film in favor of the likes of Expendables 3, that they need to lift their game and support local industry and just get some smarts. I’m seeing it again. Something I rarely do.

Check out the trailer. Now, if this doesn't whet your appetite...

STUDIO BLURB

PREDESTINATION chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to ensure the continuation of his law enforcement career for all eternity. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time. Written by Anonymous

Magic In The Moonlight  ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia:               28^th August 2014

USA: 15th August 2014          UK: 19^th September 2014

Other Countries:                   Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

I’m the biggest Woody Allen fan. He can barely do anything wrong in my book (except when he co-starred in the woeful Fading Gigolo—just awful) and Blue Jasmine was one of my favourite films last year. This isn’t the best Woody Allen. Although Colin Firth and Emma Stone are just divine in their roles and the setting in the Côte d'Azur is simply stunning. It’s rather predictable and very, very old-fashioned in tone and plot. It would be charming in the sixties, but its tired in this day and age. Still, its not terrible and Colin Firth is seriously gorgeous, girls. If you have a hankering for Woody, it will suffice but will just leave you wanting a little more finesse.

 STUDIO BLURB

Chinese conjuror Wei Ling Soo is the most celebrated magician of his age, but few know that he is the stage persona of Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth), a grouchy and arrogant Englishman with a sky-high opinion of himself and an aversion to phony spiritualists' claims. Persuaded by his friend, Howard Burkan (Simon McBurney), Stanley goes on a mission to the Côte d'Azur mansion of the Catledge family: mother Grace (Jacki Weaver), son Brice (Hamish Linklater), and daughter Caroline (Erica Leerhsen). He presents himself as a businessman named Stanley Taplinger in order to debunk the alluring young clairvoyant Sophie Baker (Emma Stone) who is staying there with her mother (Marcia Gay Harden). Sophie arrived at the Catledge villa at the invitation of Grace, who is convinced that Sophie can help her contact her late husband, and once there, attracted the attention of Brice, who has fallen for her head over heels. What follows is a series of events that are magical in every sense of the word and send the characters reeling. In the end, the biggest trick MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT plays is the one that fools us all. (C) Sony Pictures Classics

James Cameron’s Deep Sea Challenge 3D    ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia:               21st August 2014

USA: 8^th August 2014             UK: No Release Date

Other Countries:                   Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

The 3D in this film is impressive with the big screen. You really get the effect of being there. They should have this film at one of those 4D film cinemas at the theme parks where they splash water on you and rock the seat. It would be perfect for that.  My kids and I really enjoyed this, and even though you know that Cameron survives the very dangerous adventure to the deepest part of the ocean, you still get a sense of how brave he was to embark on this journey. I didn’t realize that the crew that built the submersible—which is a technological marvel—were Aussies, and it was actually built in Sydney. If it wasn’t in 3D, I would suggest probably waiting until it’s on National Geographic channel. However, if it’s of interest to you, the big screen version is quite something.

STUDIO BLURB

As a boy, filmmaker James Cameron dreamed of a journey_ to the deepest part of the ocean. This film is the dramatic fulfillment of that dream. It chronicles Cameron's solo dive to the depths of the Mariana Trench-nearly seven miles beneath the ocean's surface-piloting a submersible he designed himself. The risks were astounding. The footage is breathtaking JAMES CAMERON'S DEEPSEA CHALLENGE 3D is a celebration of science, courage, and extraordinary human aspiration.  (C) National Geographic

20,000 Days On Earth ✪✪✪½       

Opens in Australia:               21^st August 2014

USA: 17^th September 2014    UK: 19^th September 2014

Other Countries:                   Release Information

Perth:                                   Luna Palace Cinemas

I didn’t really know a lot about Nick Cave, except for his Kylie Minogue duet. Hey, I was really a Luther Vandross, Al Jarreau kind of gal in my youth. Even though I was aware slightly of his persona, I had no exposure to his music. So I was surprised how much I enjoyed this quasi-documentary on his 20,000th day on Earth and his music. He’s a fascinating guy and hugely talented and this is a great commercial for his music.  If you like the look of the trailer, then you will really enjoy the film. Its not just about his music, but a window into the creative process of an artist, and that is always fascinating.

STUDIO BLURB

Drama and reality combine in a fictitious 24 hours in the life of musician and international cultural icon, Nick Cave. With startlingly frank insights and an intimate portrayal of the artistic process, the film examines what makes us who we are, and celebrates the transformative power of the creative spirit. (c) Drafthouse

The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared   ✪✪✪

Opens in Australia:               21^st August 2014

USA: 28^th May                       UK: 4^th July 2014

Other Countries:                   Release Information

Perth:                                     Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

An attempt at a whimsical film that falls a tad short of being a breakout foreign comedy, although the set up is indeed brilliant, derived from what I hear is a great book. It’s one of those rare foreign films that I wish Hollywood would grab and add a solid actor and a spruce up. It’s a Swedish Forrest Gump, but it needs a Tom Hanks. 

 STUDIO BLURB

Based on the internationally best-selling novel by Jonas Jonasson, the unlikely story of a 100-year-old man who decides it's not too late to start over. For most people it would be the adventure of a lifetime, but Allan Karlsson's unexpected journey is not his first. For a century he's made the world uncertain, and now he is on the loose again.

If you’ve enjoyed these reviews, please share with your friends and followers on social media and I will be very grateful. I love new readers who love film.

Film Review Round Up 14th August 2014

A week of okay movies; nothing jumps out and says “watch me.” In fact, all of them could be enjoyed on DVD, I’m afraid. If you are a fan of the book, of course you will want to see The Hundred-Foot Journey. There’s some fab ones coming up soon, so either save your money, or go see some of the great ones still showing.  I'd be interested to see how it measures up. Guardians of the Galaxy should be seen on the big screen, so catch that one first, if you haven’t seen it.

THIS WEEK'S PREVIEWS

(My movie Pick of the week)

The Hundred-Foot Journey  ✪✪✪½

Opens in Australia:               14^th July 2014

USA: 8^th August 2014             UK: 5^th September 2014

Other Countries:                   Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s a charming film, although not as touching as it imagines itself to be. If you love food and your tongue hangs out at picturesque French scenic backdrops, then you will thoroughly enjoy this. Helen Mirren always holds her own on screen, but something feels a touch off on the storyline and it’s suddenly all over very quickly in the last twenty minutes. I think they wanted this on screen to tie in with the best selling book, but it needs a touch more development to have audiences get their tissues out. In saying that, the cooking mad husband enjoyed it, as did my 14-year-old son, and I heard the very difficult to please harsh-critic twelve-year-old laughing during it as well. He will never admit he likes a film (so uncool), but I didn’t hear him saying, “When is it over?” The Hundred-Foot Journey probably falls short by about twenty feet for me, though.

 STUDIO BLURB

In “The Hundred-Foot Journey," Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch. Displaced from their native India, the Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), settles in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. Filled with charm, it is both picturesque and elegant - the ideal place to settle down and open an Indian restaurant, the Maison Mumbai. That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Academy Award (R)-winner Helen Mirren), gets wind of it. Her icy protests against the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own, escalate to all out war between the two establishments - until Hassan's passion for French haute cuisine and for Mme. Mallory's enchanting sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), combine with his mysteriously delicious talent to weave magic between their two cultures and imbue Saint-Antonin with the flavors of life that even Mme. Mallory cannot ignore. At first Mme. Mallory's culinary rival, she eventually recognizes Hassan's gift as a chef and takes him under her wing. (c) Disney

And So It Goes  ✪✪ ½

Opens in Australia:               7^th August 2014

USA: 25th July 2014             UK: 18^th July 2014

Other Countries:                   Release Information

OUR THOUGHTS

This should be a good movie. It’s a good comedy set-up, albeit clichéd, you’ve got good actors in the leads who know their stuff, and Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally, The American President, Princess Bride) at the director’s helm. Yet, it’s pretty lame and slow in far too many scenes. There’s a couple of laughs, but its aimed at the older age group (of which I am in, but sorry I don’t think old enough to appreciate this). It reminds me of that horrible attempt at comedy by Sylvester Stallone and Robert De NIro earlier this year, GRUDGE MATCH. You think with all their combined experience these elders of cinema might have a better idea of how to put together an entertaining film. However, it seems not. If I were you, I’d wait for the DVD. AND SO IT GOES doesn’t really get going.

 STUDIO BLURB

There are a million reasons not to like realtor Oren Little (Michael Douglas), and that's just the way he likes it. Willfully obnoxious to anyone who might cross his path, he wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet -- until his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) he never knew existed and turns his life upside-down. Clueless about how to care for a sweet, abandoned nine-year-old, he pawns her off on his determined and lovable neighbor Leah (Diane Keaton) and tries to resume his life uninterrupted. But little by little, Oren stubbornly learns to open his heart - to his family, to Leah, and to life itself - in this uplifting comedy from acclaimed director Rob Reiner. (c) Clarius

Palo Alto ✪✪✪  

Opens in Australia:               14^th August 2014

Its doing the Festival rounds in many countries

USA: No release as yet         UK: No release as yet

Other Countries:                   Release Information

Perth:                                   Luna Palace Cinemas

OUR THOUGHTS

Wow, if you are a parent of a teenager (like me) or are thinking about having kids, watch this.  They say a male’s brain isn’t fully mature until their early twenties and here is what happens because of that. It’s a very nicely made film by first time director, Gia Coppola (she has the genes as the granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola).

It’s a coming-of-age film, so be warned, its filled with the F-Bomb, sex, and copious amounts of drinking and drug-taking. Probably one for those who enjoy art-house films; its not a mainstream piece. However it does work quite well on the big screen.

STUDIO BLURB

Shy, sensitive April (Emma Roberts) is the class virgin -a popular soccer player and frequent babysitter for her single-dad coach, Mr. B. (James Franco). Teddy (Jack Kilmer) is an introspective artist whose best friend and sidekick Fred (Nat Wolff) is an unpredictable live wire with few filters or boundaries. While April negotiates a dangerous affair with Mr. B., and Teddy performs community service for a DUI - secretly carrying a torch for April, who may or may not share his affection - Fred seduces Emily (Zoe Levin), a promiscuous loner who seeks validation through sexual encounters. One high school party bleeds into another as April and Teddy finally acknowledge their mutual affection, and Fred's escalating recklessness spirals into chaos. (C) Tribeca

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