Hooper’s latest period piece is a touching yet lengthy depiction of a transperson’s journey from man to woman, based on Ebershoff’s novel. 1926, Dutch painters Einar (Redmayne) and Gerda’s (Vikander) happy marriage begins to breakdown after Einar discovers he identifies more with “Lili” (his character in their playful game of dress-ups) than himself. This quest for identity and the repercussions…
Category: Film Review
My Top 10 Films of 2015
2015 was an excellent year in film and this belated list will chronicle the best of it. Many potential inclusions have yet to have been seen, therefore this is not definitive. Enjoy! Mad Max: Fury Road Having never seen a Mad Max before watching this (I’ve since watched the original trilogy), this was unlike anything I’d ever viewed in a…
The Big Short Review: Engaging and Energetic
McKay‘s Oscar nominated dramedy is well made and performed in a thought-provoking story about the men who predicted the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Gosling is at his charismatic, egotistical best as ambitious banker Jared Vennett. Bale is excellent as the awkward yet cocky genius, Michael Burry. Carrell is good as astute, aggressive banker, Mark Baum,…
Finding Neverland a Beautiful Tale of Imagination and Love-100 Word Review
Forster’s adaption of Knee’s biographical play sensitively describes the whimsical J.M. Barrie, and the family that inspired Peter Pan. A poignant and sentimental story about the power of the imagination brought to life with tender performances, graceful directing and a wistful score. Depp was radiant as Barrie, Winslet charmed as his companion, and the children…
Harry meets Sally in 100 Words
Reiner’s ode to male/female friendships satisfies in a droll rom-com with witty writing. Attempting to challenge the principle that men and women can’t be “just friends”, Harry (Crystal) and Sally (Ryan) undergo a tumultuously comical relationship from prickly acquaintances to intimate confidantes to (gasp) lovers. Ryan shines as bubbly, outspoken, nit-picking Sally, brilliantly countered by…
Suffragette is Superb conclusion to 2015 cinema
Gavron’s tribute to the foot-soldiers of the British Suffragettes is gritty yet poignant, backed by a strong female cast and crew. It chronicles Maud’s intense and empowering journey from timid laundress to militant Suffragette in the face of brutal patriarchy. Mulligan humanises the dedicated Maud with righteous indignation, well supported by Duff’s tenacious Violet, Bonham-Carter’s…
Back to the Future borrows too heavily from past in repetitive sequel- 100 Word Review
Spielberg’s temporal sequel all but copies its predecessor in a predictable follow-up about altering fate. Like the original, McFly (Fox) and Doc (Lloyd) must travel across time to fix problems, ultimately creating more problems. Their ascent to a futuristic 2015 initiates a trans-generational race against the clock to right past (and future) wrongs. Irritatingly, the…
Die Hard preserves Explosive Christmas Charm-100 Word Review
McTiernan’s action-packed flick has endured as a gripping holiday classic. When terrorists take over Nakatomi plaza with a Christmas party full of hostages, it’s up to NYPD cop John McClane to save the day. In typical James Bond fashion we despair over the unhelpful meddling of the FBI while routing for the underdog. Willis is…
Latest Star Wars a Tour De Force- reviewed in 100 Words
Abram’s latest addition to the cult heptalogy is an explosive blend of action and heart which, although borrowing heavily from its predecessors, still brings something new. The Resistance’s galactic attempts to defeat the evil First Order are chronicled with stunning special effects, striking production design, Mindel’s noteworthy cinematography and William’s rousing score. Performances have improved…
Warm and Witty albeit Melodramatic- The Dressmaker in 100 Words
Moorhouse’s return is a hilariously caricatured depiction of small-town Australia with captivating performances, stunning costumes and witty writing. Performances were robust; from Weaving’s flamboyant Sergeant to Hemsworth’s striking larrikin, from Snook’s sassy Trudy to Davis’ hilariously cranky recluse. Winslet thrived as tenaciously brazen femme fatale Tilly, whose homecoming unleashes revenge upon the callously petty townspeople….
Heartfelt Aussie drama Oranges & Sunshine in 100 Words
Loach’s 2010 drama is a touching portrayal of Britain and Australia’s shocking undiscussed history. Based on her novel, Empty Cradles, It narrates social worker Humphrey’s (Watson’s) discovery of the secret forced immigration of thousands of poor British children to Australia between 1945-70. Her subsequent journey to reunite now adult migrants (Weaving and Wenham) with their…
Spectre reviewed in 100 words
Mendes’ Spectre falls short of Skyfall, however still pleases with stunning action sequences. The series has evolved with the times, featuring audacious females and a surveillance themed plot. The opening perfectly captured Bond’s style, ruthlessness and allure, with decent music by Sam Smith. The stunts were phenomenal, traversing Helicopter, Plane, and Aston Martin, while the…
Scribbles of Stage and Screen 