The monologue form can be dated back to the Ancient Theatre of the Greeks and Romans, where it had many uses as a prominent theatrical device. Indeed, in the works of Roman Comic Playwright Plautus, the monologues averaged 17% of the total verses-quite a change from the trend of realism that permeated the modern stages…
Author: JoBradley
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The Jungle Book: All Looks, No Substance
Disney’s latest live-action remake has impeccable visual effects, but lacks the charm of the classic story. Visually, the film is outstanding. The jungle and all the animals in it have been vividly rendered with stunning authenticity using advanced CGI techniques. Plot-wise, it lacks. Shere Khan, the tyrannous tiger, seeks vengeance on man for past wrongs…
Woman in Gold lacks Sparkle- 100 Word Review
Curtis’ film is a slow telling of a true story, with flashbacks more interesting than the central plot. Years after fleeing persecution in WWII, Jewish Maria (Mirren), attempts to reclaim family art that was stolen by the Nazis. Mirren is her usual tenacious self and Reynolds good as passionate young lawyer. Among numerous legal scenes…
Beyond Thunderdome balances Max’s Madness with eccentric storyline- 100 Word Review
Miller’s third post-apocalyptic outing has the craziness of its predecessor with a unexpectedly comprehensible plot. Road Warrior, Max (Gibson) is enlisted by Thunderdome’s ruler to kill a rival in a gladiator-style arena. A subsequent banishment introduces him to a gang of children dreaming of the mythical Tomorrow-Morrow land. When their expedition fails, only Max can save…
Rembering Excellent Theatre- Belvoir’s The Glass Menagerie
My most memorable theatre experience was the Belvoir’s 2014 production of The Glass Menagerie. Having seen Musicals most of my life, this was one of my first experiences of serious drama. I found both the Play, and the Direction to be very different to any other production I had seen before. The small cast size allowed…
The Importance of Live Theatre
“I regard theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being” –Oscar Wilde Live theatre is an important part of society as its unique, temporary and engaging format provides an experience like…
Up in the Air- Reviewed in 100 Words
Reitman’s 2009 film offers an engaging and affecting view of travel and its alienating effects. Ryan, a ‘corporate downsizer’, has his jet-setting lifestyle interrupted when he’s forced to take a bright-eyed graduate under his wing. Clooney is expectantly good as the modern businessman forced to confront his self-imposed isolation. He’s well matched with Farmiga’s itinerant…
Impulsive Sherlock emerges in action-packed mystery-100 Word Review
Pierce’s riveting escapade narrates eccentric sleuth Holmes and his accomplice Watson as they battle black magic in this Victorian thriller. Downey Jr’s Holmes is erratic, belligerent and astute, however an unconvincing genius compared to Cumberbatch’s autistic prodigy. He’s well paired with Law’s level-headed Watson, and this camaraderie is central to the film’s charm. The Art…
Paddington: Charming and Delightful- 100 Word Review
King’s Paddington, based on the cartoons, recounts the delightful adventures of Paddington Bear. Paddington travels from Peru to London, searching for “home”. Here he befriends the Brown Family, but must avoid kidnap by the evil Taxidermist, Millicent. This uncomplicated plot is brought to life with quirky storytelling and amusing performances. Whishaw’s Paddington is cheerful, sensitive…
Oscars Recap- Thoughts on the Winners
I considered posting my ‘Oscar Predictions’, however I felt that unless I had seen every serious contender, my speculations would be invalid. However, since the Oscars have now finished (and I successfully picked the Big Four award winners), I am happy to deliver my appraisal. Best Picture- Spotlight: I can’t comment on the favourite, The…
Spotlight: Understated Brilliance
A recent Best Picture win at the Oscars, coupled with Cardinal Pell’s topical report to the Royal Commission on Child Abuse makes the shocking narrative of Spotlight all the more absorbing. It recounts the engrossing true story of how the Boston Globe newspaper uncovered the widespread molestation of children within the local Catholic Archdiocese in…
Brooklyn- Poignant Exploration of the Migrant Experience
John Crowley’s latest film, adapted from Colm Tóibín’s novel, is a moving and authentic depiction of a young Irish woman’s immigration to America in the 1950’s, and her attempts to navigate this strange new world in search of ‘home’. After immigrating to Brooklyn, Eilis, torn between Tony (Cohen) a driven and caring American-Italian boy, and Jim,…
Scribbles of Stage and Screen 