Small towns are a common location in Australian cinema, see The Dressmaker, The Year My Voice Broke, and The Dish. The concept of an insular, secretive town fearing those who are different is a central theme in Jasper Jones, one of the best Australian films I’ve seen in recent years. It’s 1969 in the fictional rural town…
Category: Film Review
LION: True-Story Oscar Bait That Fails To Roar
The premise of Lion sounds interesting: a heartfelt true story about a lost boy reuniting with his family twenty five years after their separation. Throw in an intriguing ‘exotic’ culture, and you’ve got yourself some Oscar bait. However, the many flaws of Lion overshadow its few strengths, resulting in a disjointed film that’s uneven in…
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…
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.
Shawshank Redeemed in 100 Words
Darabont’s celebrated adaption of King’s beloved story is rightfully hailed as one of the greatest films of all time. The heartfelt tale of an unlikely friendship forged in an unforgiving jail has both impeccable writing and profound performances. Like Cuckoo’s Nest, it highlights the power of friendship and the resilience of the oppressed individual. Robbin’s resourcefulness…
Robin Hood: Prince of Melodrama- 100 Word Review
Reynold’s take on the outlaw hero who defeats the tyrannous Sheriff of Nottingham is melodramatic, absurd and occasionally fun. The pompous, swashbuckling score failingly attempts to inject significance and heroism into Robin’s journey. The casting is patchy at best. Costner’s more Peter Pan than Robbin, Mastrantonio lacks Marion’s tenacity, Freeman’s Moor suffices and Rickman’s antagonist…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Austen Classic Revitalised in Elegant Rom-Com, reviewed in 100 Words
Wright’s take on Austen’s hilarious novel is charming, witty and elegant. Set in the Regency Era, it portrays the lives of the Bennet daughters, principally the vivacious Elizabeth who disregards the loveless economic marriages of her time. Knightley thrives as bold spirited Lizzie, Pike delivers as graceful Jane, Blethyn delights as frivolous Mrs Bennet and…
Scribbles of Stage and Screen 