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…
Category: Film
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…
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…
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,…
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 