Film No. 20 (2015) While We're Young March 28th.

Film No. 20 (2015) March 28th.  11.00 AM LUNA Leederville. 

   

"Maybe the point is that we have our freedom. What we do with it isn't that important" (Josh coming to terms with what he has discovered).

 

While We're Young

 

Noah Baumbach is a smart, middle aged film maker. He's smart because he both entertains and tests his audiences to think beyond the realms of what is accepted as normal. Even his trailer for While We're Young is clever because the film is more than the light, frothy, comic prelim that has inundated our screens for weeks leading up to the release. The trailer will attract an audience besides that of the normal disciples of Baumbach.

Ben Stiller teams with Baumbach once more after their collaboration on Greenberg. I wonder if in this film, Stiller (Josh)is drawing on some of Baumbach's own experiences. He's playing a middle aged film maker stuck in a rut navigating a loving relationship with wife Cordellia (Naomi Watts) while desperately trying to finish his documentary. A ten year project. I doubt Baumbach would procrastinate for 10 years over a project but he is 45 and I dare say he has a front row view of middle age and those around him.

While We're Young is a complex comedy. Not complex from a storyline point of view but rather because it is a multi-layered comic drama that sells us the idea of a middle aged couple who don't want to act their age anymore, opting instead to be mentored by new friends Jamie (Adam Driver) and Darby (Amanda Seyfried) who happen to be 20 years younger. There is an abundance of clever one-liners and slapstick early on. Then the film shifts gear as Josh discovers all is not what it seems.

Naomi Watts works the screen brilliantly. Baumbach has an eye for feisty woman who don't waste a word of dialogue. Charles Grodin (Lesley) is also excellent as both the 'father' of documentary film makers and Josh's father in law. He has a gentle way and brings the film back to its focal point as he helps both Josh and Jamie to understand what is real. The documentary isn't everything you think it might be in this clever film. 9GUMS    











   

Film No. 19 (2015) Shaun the Sheep March 26th.

Film No. 19 (2015) March 26th. 5:15 PM GARDEN CITY Booragoon.

Shaun the Sheep

 

Fifteen years on from Chicken Run, feature film number 3 is produced by Aardmann. Shaun the Sheep is one of Aardmann's favorite characters. He has a following world wide due to his 7 minute TV short, Shaun the Sheep; Off the Baa. Many a mum wished the short could be longer, so that a well earned break could be extended so there will be much support for this 85 minute feature.


Nick Park, the father of all things Aardmann, says "two weeks of hard work adds up to 2 minutes of footage". Is it any wonder that this is only the third feature since Chicken Run? Hard to believe I know but after this cute sheep has done his stuff I'm even more in awe of the Aardmann process. Every scene has at lease three sub plots unfolding in the background of the prime scene.

Put simply, Shaun and his flock are sick of the hum drum of their life on the farm. Motivated by a billboard on the side of a bus, Shaun decides he needs a day off. He gets his wish but due to complications in the unfolding of his elaborate plan, his day is turned upside down and he and his flock find themselves in The Big City. In short, you won't be shocked the hear Shaun saves the day and his beloved farmer and compatriot sheep dog.

The best laugh I've had for season 2015 came during the restaurant scene as the flock, heavily disguised as human beings, battled to understand the correct decorum for public eating. Played like a Jaques Tati film, Shaun the Sheep is laden with sight gags. The dialogue in the film comes via grunts, screams and gurgles easily understood as language. Kids will love Shaun but more importantly the mums and dads of the world will be beside themselves with joy at this new babysitting tool.  9GUMS     

 

   

Film No. 18 (2015) Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter March 21st.

Film No. 18 (2015) March 21st.  7.30 PM SOMERVILLE U.W.A. Nedlands.

 

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

This very quaint but sad tale has a wonderful atmosphere as it allows us to experience two very contrasting cultures through the eyes of a very confused young lady, Kumiko (Rinko Kikuchi).

Kumiko lives a dreary life in Tokyo. Her shoebox of an apartment, her tyrannical boss and her mental limitations, lead her to a loneliness beautifully contrasted against a city of 22 million people. We meet her early in the story as she uncovers a VHS tape of the  classic Coen brothers film Fargo. The discovery gives us a hint of the surreal nature of what is to come.

Using her archaic VHS player Kumiko becomes obsessed with a scene from Fargo depicting Steve Buscemi's character Carl burying a leather case full of $100 bills in thick, icy snow on the outskirts of Brainerd near Fargo, North Dakota. So obsessed is Kumiko that she decides  to escape her life of dreariness by undertaking a quest to retrieve  this fictional treasure . There is a clever juxtaposition between the official Fargo poster and the embroidery Kumiko produces to recreate the exact positioning of the treasure.

And so it goes. Kumiko travels to North Dakota and in the vein of Forrest Gump meets a variety of eccentric people who take her under their collective wings and point her in a direction which leads to her final destination. There are flashes of Altman in the character driven scenes. Finally, while the film unfolds whimsically, the undertones of Kumiko's mental state enfold us in sadness as the curtain is drawn on our innocent adventurer. I love films that shed new and different lights on subjects often depicted on film. 8GUMS    








    

Film No. 17 (2015) A Little Chaos March 19th.

Film No. 17 (2015) March 19th. 6:30 PM THE WINDSOR Nedlands.

"Patience, care and a little warmth from the sun are our best hope" (Sabine philosophizing with The King as she reflects on life paralleled with the growth of a rose).

A Little Chaos


Lavish costume drama's have always been important screen fodder and now that production companies spend less on film stock in this digital age, the gussets and flowing gowns are on show more often. 
A Little Chaos tells the story of Sabine …… (Kate Winslet)a landscape gardener who applies for and wins a position as a project landscaper for the grand gardens of Versailles. It's an original premise and if it wasn't for the clunky ending Chaos is a polished piece of escapism.

Alan Rickman (King Louis XIV) dons his frocks and works in a genre suited to his style both as an actor and as the film's director. It's a story he's been keen on for some time and he has been painstaking with his casting, costuming and setting. He takes us to France in the late 17th century where Versailles is the king's home and his garden is his pride and joy. Enter Andre Le Notre (Matthias Schoenaerts), his master landscaper who invites Sabine to oversee a project which becomes the main backdrop for the film.

Yes, you guessed it, Winslet and Schoenaerts have a slow burn chemistry which simmers then bubbles and burns as their combined efforts  create an outdoor performance arena through thick and thin. The thick comes in the form of Le Notre's evil, two timing wife,Madame Le Notre (Helen McCrory); thin, coming in the form of Sabine's tragic past.

Rickman takes us to another time and another place with skill. His use of flora as a theme to show growth alongside a cast made to fit so perfectly into the costumes and the time is seamless and successful. IF this were set in modern times it could easily fit as a reality TV segment with the tension coming in the form of a project so difficult to complete there are bound to be dramas. Watch for the clunky final sequences, there is definitely some evidence of a little chaos. Oh, and check your shoes for mud before you leave the cinema. 8GUMS.     

Film No. 16 (2015) X + Y March 16th.

Film No. 16 (2015) March 16th. 6:30 PM PARADISO Northbridge.

X + Y

This is simply an up-lifting fairytale which has so many faults one just needs to simply ignore the implausible narrative. Let me vent my spleen first. Nathan (Asa Butterfield) is diagnosed with Aspergers (a diagnosis on the autism spectrum), we meet him in an early scene as his parents come to terms with his behaviors. Nathan rarely communicates but is fixated with his dad's antics. So why does this film find it necessary to do the impossible and "cure" his Aspergers?

  Despite my query, I like the core ideas of X + Y. The story does ramble along but the idea of a smart young boy trapped in his own world because of a combination of circumstances (all the while fulfilling his potential as a brilliant mathematician) is original. Butterfield is highly convincing as the quiet lad who we just know is going to break out at any moment and cover new mathematical ground on a world scale.

Then there are all the side stories. Sally Hawkins as Nathan's mum is her nervous self but does not quite convince as being unloved. Rafe Spall plays Humphreys who brings his baggage to the the story as Nathan's coach and forms a bond with mum as well. Then there's Richard (Eddie Marsan), who dedicates his teaching life to the World Maths Olympics whilst constantly reminding Humphreys of the potential he once had. I told you, it rambles a little and there is a disjointed quality.

Morgan Matthews directing his first feature was given his idea by the inspirational documentary Beautiful Young Minds based around the competitors at the International Mathematics Olympiad. Moving from doco to feature takes courage and I dare say it's the reason for the flaws. Writer James Graham has built a story with a big heart and spreads and international spirit. See, I've nearly forgotten my reservations. Although the dumbing down of the Australian contestants by the film makers lost them ratings.   7GUMS. 

















   

Film No. 15 (2015) Manny Lewis March 11th.

Film No. 15 (2015) March 11th. 6:30 PM VMAX Innaloo.

"Can you be normal tonight, is that possible? Don't tell her about your colonic, you know what, don't even talk about your arse, just leave your arse out of the conversation." (Manny talking in front of his mirror prior to meeting Maria on their first date).

Manny Lewis

 

Another Australian Stand Up makes a movie, it sounds like the opening line for a Carl Barron joke. This time however it's Barron who's making and starring in a film. And despite the light, forgettable content he makes a good fist of it.

 Carl Barron is a very popular comic. His self mocking laid back style endears him to his public. I've never seen more than snippets of his work but after spending a night in the cinema with him I understand why he's so popular. In the same way that he jokes about himself and his life in a routine, in Manny Lewis he takes us on an autobiographical tour of a part of his life on the road and he has us genuinely engaged in his antics in exactly the same way he has built his stand up following. Manny Lewis is every bit as charismatic as Carl Barron.

 Manny Lewis, the film, doesn't pretend to be anything other than a romantic comedy with a hard to believe sub plot (to do with a fantasy hotline) and an under developed father/son fractured relationship. This might add up to a disaster of a film but because there is some real on-screen chemistry between the two leads (Barron and Leeanna Walsman) the film is entertaining and we genuinely hope they'll work through their differences.

 Manny refers to himself as a wingnut because of the size of his ears on his small head. It is all a part of Barron's charisma and his uncomplicated delivery style. While Manny Lewis will likely get mixed reviews there will be one constant. Carl Barron has screen presence and this could be a vehicle for him to sign a real deal; perhaps not to tour the U.S. but the offer of a role in another film or two.  7GUMS   

 

  

Film No. 14 (2015) Infinitely Polar Bear March 6th.

Film No. 14 (2015) March 6th.  11.00 AM LUNA Leederville. 

   

"Maggie, we haven't slept together since before my breakdown, I'm dying" (Cam has a light moment with his wife Maggie as he feels he's returning to normality)

 

Infinitely Polar Bear

 

There are resilient people who really do have tough lives for all sorts of different reasons. They make decisions to try and improve their lot and when the going gets tough they make the best of what they have, using their lemons to make lemonade, they have fun along the way. Infinitely Polar Bear gives us the chance to spend 90 minutes with such people,the manic-depressive Cameron (Mark Ruffalo) and his family.

 

Ruffalo often plays a sane compassionate character. This time he's annoying but lovable. We are willing him to recover from his bipolar condition so that his family will no longer have to suffer during his frequent episodes.  But at the same time we luxuriate in the fun a dad like him brings to a family when he is uninhibitedly innovative in showing his kids a good time.

 

The real stars of this independent film are Zoe Saldana (Maggie), his wife and his two daughters Amelia (Imogene Wolodarsky) and Faith (Ashley Aufderheide)because they love their husband /dad and want a normal life. They are honest and will sacrifice anything to keep the family strong. Maggie is smart, but needs to study away from home so that she has the means to get a good job and support the family. This means one thing, Cam must care for their girls. The girls are so smart and resilient one wonders who is running the house from day to day but this doesn't save them from a very bumpy ride.

 

Infinitely Polar Bear is a film with a heart. It's a film which brings to the surface a condition so many families have had to adjust to. It offers us the opportunity to experience the difficulties faced by a family where problems are dealt with and no one gives up. Maya Forbes wrote and directed Infinitely. It's written from the heart because her father was Cam Stuart.  9GUMS        

Film No. 13 (2015) Kingsman: The Secret Service March 2nd.

Film No. 13 (2015) March 2nd. 6:00 PM ORANA Cinema 3 Albany.

"Manners maketh man. Do you know what that means? Then let me teach you a lesson". (Harry Hart in a pub just before teaching a handful of hoods a lesson).

Kingsman: The Secret Service.

The action that unfolds in Kingsman is breathtaking. When the titles roll the list of stunt people is exhaustively long, but it is not surprising. This spoof on all things James Bond ranks with the best of any J.B. film ever made because it is action packed with just the right amount of tension, brilliantly scripted and continually laughs at itself. It is no mean feat to cover all of those bases successfully.

From the opening titles which tumble into position from the blasted stones of an ancient building under fire to the biggest single fight scene in a church ever staged, Kingsman locks us in purely to entertain. Colin Firth plays Harry Hart or Galahad, the supreme knight of Kingsman:The Secret Service and it is Hart who take most responsibility for finding a replacement agent for Lancelot (Jack Davenport) after his death in the most unique style.

In a small world scenario Hart takes responsibility for Eggsy (Taron Egerton)and nominates his young protege to fill the latest Secret Service position. And so the parallel story lines begin. Valentine (Samuel Jackson) begins his quest to rule the world with Harry Hart hot on his heels while Eggsy takes on a training regime pitting his wits against 5 other aspirants. And of course the twain shall meet. The story was created by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons in 2012 as part of the Secret Service comic series.

Kingsman is clever. The writing is slick with comic deadpan delivery and a villain (Jackson) with a speech impediment so brilliantly sustained perhaps Valentine will attract cult status. Either way Kingsman works on all levels and needs to be seen in a cinema ASAP by anyone who wants to be entertained. Tally Ho you men in double breasted suits.   10GUMS    

Film No. 12 (2015) Lucky Them February 25th.

Film No. 12 (2015) February 25th. 6:30 PM PARADISO Northbridge.

"Look at it this way, at least you didn't give a dead animal to somebody on their wedding day". (Charlie, consoling Ellie after the disastrous unveiling of his gift to his bride on the day of their wedding). 

Lucky Them

Sometimes a movie is made and it's okay - but the story behind how it came into being may have made a better film. Such a film is Lucky Them. Co-Writer/Producer Emily Wachtel had allegedly been working on her semi autobiographical script from 2004 under the watchful eye of Paul Newman. Newman passed away in 2008 and his wife Joanne Woodward signed up as executive producer.

With funding secure, the film was a "lock". The lenghty time-span which incorporated writing, shooting and then editing gives Lucky Them more of a T.V. pilot feel than that of a feature film. Toni Collette plays Ellie King, a music journalist who displays flashes of genius but only when the motivation for the story is strong enough. Her assignment on this occasion is to track down an old flame who happens to be a rock legend who disappeared in mysterious circumstances.

Collette is the glue which holds Lucky Them together, with a typically likable performance, but it is the contribution of Thomas Hayden Church as Charlie which brings the film a unique laugh out loud quality. In the same way Woodward provided finance for Wachtel's project, Charlie bankrolls Ellie's quest to find her "white whale".

Eventually our oddly matched duo solve the mystery but there is a slightly surprising twist. After 100 minutes of meandering with Ellie and Charlie through bars, in Charlie's opulent abode and across country in an RV  the titles roll and a sweet but forgettable film ends. Remind me to look this film up again in 12 months, I won't remember it otherwise.  6GUMS