FB&WTFT’s a visually delightful but messily long adventure in magical 1920s America. Rowling’s first screenplay attempts to compensate for the Potter hiatus through a crammed yet rambling follow–up. ‘Fantastic Beasts’ could’ve been a fun, succinct family adventure film. However, Scamander’s quest is convoluted by politically charged No-maj/ Wizard/ Grindewald tensions that clutter the plot line…
Author: JoBradley
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The Man from U.N.C.L.E.- 100 Word Review
Ritchie’s remake of the Cold War television show is a highly entertaining, action-packed romp. A CIA Agent, a KGB Agent and a nuclear scientist’s daughter, Gaby, unite to combat an international terrorist organisation led by the wicked Victoria. Like Sherlock Holmes, Ritchie directs the action with fast, energetic pace. The art design captures the style…
Slumdog Millionaire: Captivating and Heartwarming- 100 Word Review
Slumdog Millionaire’s a gritty and compelling drama about the power of destiny. A poor slum kid’s horrific childhood leads to his remarkable success on a TV quiz show. Boyle skilfully navigates the plot through three different time periods, each with compelling stories. The swift editing and exhilarating music shows the chaos of hustling Indian life….
Hacksaw Ridge: Gritty Sentimentalism- 100 Word Review
In Gibson’s true story Hacksaw Ridge, Staunch Christian Desmond Doss (Garfield) enlists to fight in WW2, but refuses to kill. Initially criticised by fellow soldiers and superiors, his awe-inspiring heroics are inevitably praised by all. HR’s beautifully shot with evocative sound effects in battle scenes. There’s many strong Australian performances, but the writing restricts characters…
Blazing Saddles fizzles out- 100 Word Review
Mel Brooks’ 1974 satire of the wild wild west is tasteless and unamusing. A corrupt politician with interest in the railway business hires a black sheriff in the hope of driving the townspeople out of town. To everyone’s surprise, the sheriff is actually good at his job and manages to eventually win over the town….
Four Weddings and a Funeral a Loveless Affair- 100 Word Review
Newell’s rom-com flounders in this lengthy and predictable comedy about a bachelor finding love. Grant brings his usual bumbling appeal, however is ill-countered by the charmless MacDowell. Scott Thomas and Callow have some funny moments, however the dialogue doesn’t grant the supporting cast enough room to play, as in Notting Hill. Curtis’ writing lacks the…
Review: Sister Cities, Factory Space Theatre Company
Colette Freedman’s Sister Cities, now in the hands of Factory Space Theatre Company at Star of the Sea Manly, is aptly titled. Following their mother’s death, four sisters – each named after the American cities in which they were born – come together for an unplanned family reunion which, as expected, unleashes old tensions. The evening…
Review: This, This is Mine – Corinthian Food Store Collective
This review was originally posted on AussieTheatre.com at http://aussietheatre.com.au/reviews/mine-corinthian-food-store-collective Sitting in a cosy living room mingling with the artistic directors of a show isn’t your typical theatre experience, but it’s an essential part of the Corinthian Food Store Collective’s This, This Is Mine. Founded in 2012 by two NIDA alumni and expanding to a core group…
Review: Cycology: Inside the Mind of Cy Coleman – Sydney Fringe Festival
This review was originally posted at AussieTheatre.com The one-man cabaret show Cycology: Inside the Mind of Cy Coleman, written and performed by Richard Woodhouse, is a vocal memoir. Woodhouse plays Coleman, reflecting upon his life as a musician while performing his most famous songs. Coleman was an American composer, songwriter, and jazz pianist who composed…
Girl Asleep Reviewed- Podcast
Hi Everyone! My podcast review of the new Australian coming-of-age film Girl Asleep can be found here: Jo Bradley.
Jason Bourne-100 Word Review
The tagline ‘You Know His Name’ sums it up: Jason Bourne is a stock-standard action flick made purely to sell tickets to loyal fans. It’s CIA versus the little guy, if the little guy is an aging yet buff Matt Damon on a nondescript quest for knowledge about his past. Vikander is impassive and collected,…
Love and Friendship Wickedly Funny- 100 Word Review
Stillman’s adaption is a robust and well-timed comedy, with all the energy and verbosity of Austen. Recently widowed Lady Susan visits her aristocratic in-laws with ambitious schemes of husband-hunting, seduction, and generally scandalous behaviour. Beckinsale is a brilliant Lady Susan, with razor sharp wit and devilish charm. The upper-class sensibility of the ensemble breeds some…
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