Film No. 53 (2017) Dunkirk. July 23.

Film No. 53 (2017) July 23rd.  11.30 PM Greater Union Event Cinema,  Innaloo.

"I have put great faith in my audience having the event wash over them and then them having the intelligence to figure out the continuity of how the pieces fit together". (Director Nolan talks about Dunkirk and the reasons he used technique of time to tell the story). 

One of World War II's pivotal deployments in the hands of one of the world's smartest film makers sets up a riveting movie. Dunkirk is a tense, entertaining narrative told on three fronts. From the beach over a week, from the channel over a day and in the air over an hour; but confusing it is not. Fionn Whitehead as Tommy weaves a taut strand of continuity from beginning to end holding this 106 minute classic in place. Oh, and Oscar winner Ryland (Bridge of Spies) gives us another dry, heroic performance as civilian sailor Mr Dawson. A mini masterpiece and without doubt worthy of the world shaping event it depicts. 11GUMS.         

Film No. 52 (2017) The Trip to Spain. July 22.

Film No. 52 (2017) July 22nd.  11.00 AM LUNA PALACE, Leederville.  

"If his grandmother tasted like this, I'd have a nibble" (Rob Bryden throws away another line as he tastes a morsel from the table at one of their indulgences).

Another dish of a film served up by the comedians who brought us The Trip (2010) and The Trip to Italy (2014). Different country, slightly different culinary delights with similar exchanges of clever banter delivered to entertain each other but due to the talent on show we are captivated. Coogan's Mick Jagger is to die for and Bryden takes Brando's Vito Corleone to a new level. The side line story focuses on Coogan's family, his love life  and professional ego but there is little substance. With so much improvisation the narrative is loose. Like a rich taleggio torta the initial mouthfuls of The Trip to Spain are a delight. 9GUMS.      

Film No. 51 (2017) Paris Can Wait. July 17th.

Film No. 51 (2017) July 17th.  6.45 PM Greater Union Event Cinema,  Innaloo.

"So let's pretend we don't know where we're going or even who we are" (Jacques suggests a state of mind both he and Anne should adopt as they begin their road trip).

This light indulgence, told somewhat unconventionally, will delight women of most ages. Eleanor Coppola, aged 81, retells a story from her past. Anne (Diane Lane), the wife of a successful film producer, embarks on a drive through France from Cannes to Paris in the care of an acquaintance, Jacques (Arnaud Viard). Lane is elegant and captivated by Viand's seductive approach as a supreme listener and general host with the most. Oh, and if you enjoy food prepared in the best restaurants you will be salivating. If there were an oscar for best cheese platter placement in a motion picture, Paris Can Wait wouldn't be beaten. 8GUMS. 

Film No. 50 (2017) A Date for Mad Mary. July 14th.

Film No. 50 (2017) July 14th.  6.30 PM LUNA PALACE, Leederville. (Revelation Perth International Film Festival).

"Things you need to know about Charlene ......." (And so begins Mary's draft speech as her best friend's Maid of Honour).

A Date for Mad Mary is what Australia's leading underground film festival, Revelation, is all about. A chance to view life in another culture (Drogheda, Ireland), depicted in a naturalistic style on the big screen is a rare mainstream experience these days. Other than the cumbersome title, Mad Mary is a small coming to ones senses (as opposed to coming of age) sensation. Seana Kerslake's breakout performance as Mary has us willing her to become the person she ultimately could be. Kerslake's subtle approach to crafting Marys transition is stylish. All hail Revelation 2017. Keep up the great work Luna Palace, Perth. 11GUMS.     

Film No. 49 (2017) My Life as a Zucchini. July 14th.

Film No. 49 (2017) July 14th.  2.45 PM LUNA PALACE, Leederville.  (Revelation Perth International Film Festival).

"She really liked to drink beer, but sometimes we had fun" (Little Zucchini answers a question relating to his mother prior to his being moved to a childrens home).

Move over Nick Park and the Aardmann crew. Enter Rhone-Alps Studios Lyon, France. Claymation film-making takes another leap forward with this "cute as a button" film to lift the soul. In 60 minutes angelic Zucchini takes us from a major tragedy to the long held premise that good things often happen to good people. A fresh and optimistic light is held on life in a childrens home where our little hero experiences love he'd never imagined existed. Every scene presents a palate of colour and subtle movement. My Life is deserved of every accolade it has received over the past twelve months. 11GUMS.  

Film No. 48 (2017) Wiener-Dog. July 13th.

Film No. 48 (2017) July 13th.  4.45 PM LUNA PALACE, Leederville. (Revelation Perth International Film Festival).

"A dog is not human, it's an animal. Nature doesn't care about that, it's true. We're a dog's only friend." (Remi's mum Dina philosophises to her son, for no particular reason).

For lovers of Todd Solondz work (Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness) don't miss Wiener-Dog. Few do themes of pessimism in the way Solondz does and Wiener-Dog's coat gleams with the gloom only Todd can bring. This time Solondz uses a dachshund, yes a little dog with not a care in the world to exemplify the complicated lives of people from varying walks of U.S. life. Sadly little Wiener must pay prices along the way, after all he is the recipient of each owners ill conceived decisions. With a cast list reflective of their wish to work with a director of substance, Weiner-Dog won't spread joy but it is clever and thought provoking. 10GUMS.     

Film No. 47 (2017) Lady Macbeth. July 12th.

Film No. 47 (2017) July 12th.  12.10 PM  NOVA , Carlton, Melbourne.

"You know I won't be parted from your life Sebastian, through hell and high water I will follow you, to cross, to the prison, to the grave, to the sky".(Katherine devotes these profound words to her lover in a passionate embrace).

A gripping, bleak, car crash of a tragedy highlighted by a captivating lead performance from Florence Pugh as Katherine the tormented wife and sexually frustrated woman. Locked into a loveless marriage Katherine is confronted with a series of circumstances allowing her to exert authority as the lady of this dysfunctional house. Katherine plots a path to gratify all her needs however like the bleak landscape which forms the film's backdrop our strong willed lass is doomed. Brilliantly, powerful retell of an historic novel. 10GUMS.

Film No. 46 (2017) Una. July 2nd.

Film No. 46 (2017) July 2nd.  5.30 PM PALACE COMO, South Yarra, Melbourne.

"My dad tried to find you. He wanted to hunt you down and kill you" (Una outlines a fact from her unnerving past to Ray, now known as Pete).

An adaptation of the play Blackbird by the playwright, David Harrower. Other than a compelling performance from Rooney Mara, Una is two dimensional in its delivery. The themes of child abduction and the consequences which follow, particularly for Una, punctuates the beating heart of this taut drama. Ray (Ben Mendelsohn) is now Pete but is he totally reformed? Only the damaged Una can bring matters to a head and Mara does it with class and heart wrenching conviction. Ruby Stokes as young Una makes an impressive debut giving Una that extra dimension. Be warned, the themes of underage sex depicted in Una are strong. 7GUMS.   

Film No. 43 Despiable Me 3 June 10th

Film No. 43 (2017) June 10th.  11.15 AM GRAND CINEMAS Warwick.

"Brother, I'm to become a villain again. How awesome will that be?"(Drug hugs brother Gru as he expresses his exciting news).

Being a huge fan of the Despicable Me franchise I was really looking forward to taking my two children aged 10 and 7 to the third installment of the series and it didn't disappoint. We were taken on an action packed adventure with Gru meeting up with his long lost twin brother Dru and working together as a dynamic duo to save Hollywood. Lots of gags, sarcasm as well as the entertaining minions make this one not to miss for fans of the franchise. 9GUMS. (from guest reviewer and movie crazy father Stephen O'Connor). 

Film No. 45 (2017) A Ghost Story. June 24th.

Film No. 45 (2017) June 24th.  11.00 PM LUNA PALACE, Leederville.

"A writer writes a novel, a songwriter writes a song, we do what we can to endure" (An element of a monologue delivered by a passing player in one scene).

A24 Productions continue to bring invigoratingly (excruciatingly to some), innovative films to world cinema. A Ghost Story may well be the most original from their stable. Encompassing themes of grief, loss and the passage of time A Ghost Story is not storytelling of a conventional nature. It is a cinematic contribution to a meditative rumination. If you are a fan of Terrence Davies work and / or loved Melancholia then A Ghost Story is for you. A monologue from a passing character in the middle of the film holds the key to explaining this highly original film. 10GUMS.