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…
Category: Film
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…
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…
Six Great Sports Movies to keep you in the Olympic Mood
The Rio Olympics have just come to a close, and while it is sad, we can always depend on the movies to deliver us inspirational montages and grueling training regimes. Here I list six of my favourite feel-good sports movies to keep you in the Olympic Mood: Stick It One of my favourite movies of all…
Hunt for the Wilderpeople a Comic Gem- 100 Word Review
Waititi’s wacky adventure comedy has humour and heart. Faced with an unloving foster system, Ricky Baker choses instead to elope into the wilderness, accompanied by his foster-dad Hec. Their escapades are comic gold, exhibiting a distinctly NZ sense of humour. Wittily written and directed by Waititi. Dennison thrives as badass youth, and has great chemistry…
Sweeney Todd: Gore, Guts and Melody- 100 Word Review
Burton’s adaption of the eerie musical has more blood than guts, with an unsatisfying ending. Sweeney Todd spends his days slitting the throats of his customers to be baked by his pie-maker neighbour Sweeney Todd spends his days slitting the throats of his customers to be baked by his pie-maker neighbour Mrs Lovett. Depp satisfies…
The Thief Lord- 100 Word Review
The Thief Lord is a tale of two orphan brothers who escape to Venice and befriend a gang of street children. Based on the book by Cornelia Funke (author of Inkheart), the movie is a fun fantasy adventure about family, youth and magic. The young cast work well together, although let down by Scipio, a whiny…
Blood Diamond Reviewed in 100 Words
Zwick’s 2006 thriller is a compelling and jarring look at the illegal diamond trade within civil war Sierra Leone. A fisherman and a smuggler unite to recover a priceless diamond and escape war-torn Africa. The pace is tense as the pair often narrowly escape confrontation with military and rebel fighters, featuring explosive action scenes. The…
The BFG- a Sweet and Faithful Adaption
Spielberg’s take on Dahl’s childhood classic is a faithful adaption with magical special effects. Young orphan Sophie is snatched by the BFG and taken to giant-country, where they become friends and form a plan to defeat the evil man-eating giants. Barnhill’s Sophie is sweet and lively, while Rylance’s BFG perfectly captures the endearing tongue-tied hero…
Shakespeare in Love reviewed
Shakespeare in Love is a delightfully funny look into the Bard’s fictitious inspiration for his most famous love story. Bereft of ideas for his new play, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter, Will (Fiennes) meets the beautiful theatre-loving Viola (Paltrow). Their love affair inspires the famous tragedy of the star-crossed lovers that we know today….
Scribbles of Stage and Screen 