No. 112 (2018) Normandie Nue (Normandy Nude) Dec 19th.

Film No 112 (2018) Dec. 19th.  1.10PM  LUNA SX Fremantle . 

"We didn't elect you to undress us" (Local grouch and  chemist lets mayor Georges know his thoughts on the photographic concept).

For those who loved Calendar Girls (U.K. 2003), Normandie Nue could very well be just "the ticket". It's light, comic in places (less than the trailer depicted) and altogether feel goodish. Using the idea of a french rural community doing it tough and the concept of raising morale, profile and eventually finances by photographing the populous naked in a field, Normandie Nue comes to life. The problem for me is that N.N. is just silly; so while mayor Georges (Francios Cluzet) is the nub by which all the characters are developed, there is a lack of chemistry between them. A naive butcher not wanting his voluptuous wife to bare all was comic in nature, at first, then suddenly he's wielding a sharp knife. Just one example of the silliness that blanketed this light, french caper comedy, or is it a drama? I'm still not sure. 7GUMS.             

        

No. 111 (2018) The Favourite Dec 15th.

Film No 111 (2018) Dec. 15th.  10:30 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"If you do not go I will start kicking you and I will not stop." (Lady Sarah unleashes the inevitable ultimatum to Abigail as her jealousy boils over).

Director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster) is at his creative best and worst in this take on an aspect to the unfortunate Queen Anne's reign during the early 1700's. Put simply, Anne (Olivia Coleman) is powerful but decrepit and lacking in intelligence and fortitude. Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz), is at her side, always, for many good reasons (some surprising) but deep down it's the power she enjoys. Enter Abigail (Emma Stone) who begins at the palace as a kitchen hand but sees an opportunity to be adored by The Queen. Lanthimos has sculptured his most accessible film yet this time using using a rich blend of sharp tongued dialogue and all encompassing (fish-eye lens) visuals. My criticism lies in the film's length. A tighter 95 minute cut may have sharpened the ending. I need a second viewing which perhaps will verify this triviality. The Favourite has turned out to be just that for punters this cinematic year. 10GUMS.
        

  

No. 110 (2018) Eighth Grade Dec 13th.

Film No 110 (2018) Dec. 13th.  6:45 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"By the way, I like your shirt a lot, it's so cool" (Kayla decides to stray from her own advice about being herself and clumsily compliment a couple of the "in crowd").

Well might you think another coming of age film will battle to hold your attention. Eighth Grade is anything but another coming of age feature, let me tell you. Elsie Fisher as Kayla Day makes her audience feel as awkward and uncomfortable as Kayla herself is. In the main it is done without a cinematic coming of age cliche in sight. There is no complicated back story to give us insight into the highlight of Eighth Grade, which is the connection between Kayla and her daggy dad, Mark Day (Josh Hamilton). They have a genuinely warm, loving and affirming relationship. Director and stand-up comedian Bo Burnham is known for his sometimes dark edged work, Eighth Grade is simply edgy. I hope adolescents who enjoy a cinematic outing with their folks, flock to this little adventure into uncomfortableness, it's a gem. 10GUMS.        

No. 108 (2018) Vice Dec 8th.

Film No 108 (2018) Dec. 8th.  11:00 AM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"So what do you say? I want you to be my big pea. I want you, you're my vice." (Senator George W. Bush tries to convince Cheney to become his running mate for the 2000 elections).

Christian Bale plays once powerful vice president to George W. Bush, Dick Cheney in this smart re-enactment of recent history. Adam Mckay (The Big Short), does an incredible job of recreating the dissemination of power in the U.S. and the influence Cheney had during a couple of eras of Republican rule (mainly the Bush eras). As a viewer it's hard not to admire Cheney's climb to success but this depiction of the driven republican (the over reaction to 9/11 and the lives sacrificed) will soon reshape our views. The real magic of Vice comes via characters played by Steve Carell (Donald Rumsfeld), Sam Rockwell (George W. Bush) and Amy Adams (Lyn Cheney). Imitation of real people, of the highest profile, by actors of similar standing can turn a film into high farce. Vice nails it possibly even better than The Big Short did. Adam McKay has a talent for retelling contemporary history, all be it with a slightly leftish view. 9GUMS.      

No. 104 (2018) Instant Family Nov 21st.

Film No. 104 (2018) November 21st.  6:45 PM EVENT Cinemas Innaloo.                        

"You're just another white lady who wants to adopt charity orphans to make yourself feel good about yourselves; pretend mom!!" (One of the many shouting matches which punctuate the tumultuous Ellie and Lizzy relationship).

A crowd pleaser of a film is Instant Family. Paramount has taken the risk of going big budget, placing big stars like Wahlberg and Byrne together using the heartfelt theme of foster parenting as their vehicle for success. The script gives Pete and Ellie (Wahlberg and Byrne) plenty of room to generate chemistry as they toy with dysfunctional family pressures and a plan for their future, a future inclusive of a family. There is always a chance these big budget films become flippant and silly in dealing with serious themes, Instant Family strikes a good balance. The ride through the fostering process is informative so with the help of Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro as the commonsensical mentors, the right buttons get pushed. This film will no doubt give fostering a shot in the arm. Hopefully the right people become inspired. 9GUMS.

      

No. 109 (2018) Bohemian Rhapsody Dec 9th.

Film No. 109 (2018) December 9th.  4:40 PM EVENT Cinemas Innaloo.                        

"Good thoughts, good words, good deeds. Just like you taught me, papa. (Freddy hugs his father before making his way to Queen's Live Aid performance).

An excellent, colour by numbers, collective of Queen; more specifically Freddy Mercury, and the roots of their unique sound. And boy, does the sound of Queen spark those, 'where was I then?' thoughts as Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Someone to Love, etc inundate your senses. Rami Malek is the real show stealer. He works Freddy with the compassion Mercury obviously deserved, with all his bravado and insecurities perfectly weighted. The creative kernels behind the sounds we all know keep our attention but the show stopper to B R is the 20 minute reenactment of Queen's Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium. The brilliance of this stanza had the hairs on the back of my neck brisling. R.I.P. Freddy M. 9GUMS.

             

No. 106 (2018) Widows Dec 5th.

Film No 106 (2018) Dec. 5th.  6.30PM  PALACE CINEMAS Raine Square,  Perth City . 

"Because it's about my life it's the reason it becomes yours." (The threat issued by Jamal which pushes Veronica to the brink).

Widows is slick, tense and hardly puts a foot wrong, but like a meal of tasty fast food, there is something unsatisfying about it. Linda La Plante's novel about the widows of 4 bank robbers seeking retribution for the deaths of their husbands' takes the form of a 135 minute cinema experience. The six part T.V. series (1983) took the U.K. by storm, so this 2018 version is good business by ever expanding production company Regency. Widows had made its money back within 2 weeks of release. If you like your crime flick to have a sharp script (Gillian Flynn and Steve McQueeen), dark but rich images, sexy undertones (Elizabeth Debicki), sudden, unexpected violence and with a twist or two, then Widows works. But, for me, a fancy burger in a sweet bun only satisfies to the point where I scrunch the wrapper and place it in the bin. 7GUMS.   

No. 107 (2018) Roma Dec 6th.

Film No 107 (2018) Dec. 6th.  7.00PM  PALACE CINEMAS Paradiso,  Northbridge . 

"Of course not Cleo. We love you."(Cleo receives the response from Sofia she'd craved for after asking if the family was going to sack her).

Alfonso Guaron (Gravity, Children of Men) creates his first masterpiece. Roma is stunningly prophetic, depicting love and compassion in such simple terms. Guaron has tried to capture a slice (one year) of his childhood in Roma during the early seventies, through the eyes of the family maid, Cleo (Yalitza Aparico). The black and white images, shot in wide-screen, flow from one steady pan-shot to another as firstly the family and then Cleo are cast aside by men with neither care nor conscience. Why do we become so invested in Cleo and her adopted family? It's the magic of great filmmaking, and you'll know the magic I speak of when the hospital and beach scenes unfold before you. You'll be emotionally stretching out to help in any way possible. Loveless blew me away in early 2018; Roma trumps Loveless. Within a month people will be watching Roma on Netfilx, that's a shame, because the cinema is the place to see it. 12GUMS.

    

   

No. 105 (2018) Sorry To Bother You Nov 24th.

Film No 105 (2018) Nov. 24th.  10:45 AM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"Here, I'll give you a tip. You want to make some money here? Then you need to use your white voice" (Langston gives Cassius some advice on how to make the type of money Cassius is hoping for).

Now here is a film with something to say. Sorry To Bother You gives the themes of equal opportunity, work-place rights, corporate tyranny and ones right to simply live a decent life an airing. I've heard it said that in case he didn't get to make another film, director Boots Riley has tried to spill all that has been on his mind over the duration of his creative life. Cassius Green(Lakeith Stanfield)lives with girlfriend Detroit (Tessa Thompson) in his uncles garage. He can't pay rent and has no prospects. A career in tele-marketing offers a vehicle to earning an income. Adopting a white man's voice to nail a deal is the first clue to where this story is headed. Corporate U.S.A. will reward Cassius whose moral compass will be tested. I can't help but think of the themes of Terry Gilliam's Brazil when watching STBY. It's worth a look. 8GUMS.             

No. 103 (2018) Book Week Nov 19th.

Film No 102 (2018) Nov. 19th.  6:30 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"It's also a sad time, as the mercurial Mr Cutler is finishing up with us at the end of the week." (The principal makes a morning announcement after another Cutler clanger unravels at school).

Young Australian film-maker Heath Davies gets inside the head of a frustrated author, come hugely inappropriate high school teacher, Nic Cutler (Alan Dukes). It's a comedy which has some funny moments, unfortunately it fails to live up to it's initial whimsical tone. I can't make up my mind if it is the fact that Cutler is so unlikable that I had no compassion for him, or that there are too many convenient, even lazy, plot diversions. The jokes get lamer and more inappropriate as the film progresses. The deal is, Cutler is told by his publisher that he has a week to improve as a person or there will be no book deal. The week is a disaster. The climax is not totally surprising, but the convenience of it all left me flat. Hats off to Davies for crowd funding an interesting, if not totally fulfilling comedy with a slightly irregular heart-beat. 7GUMS.

              

No. 102 (2018) Collete Nov 18th.

Film No. 102 (2018) Nov. 18th.  4:00 AM  PALACE CINEMAS  Northbridge. 

"I have this remarkable idea. You could write for me. Those stories you told me last year." (Willy explaining his idea to his new wife, Collette, an idea he hoped would pull him from financial ruin).

Keira Knightly has polarised audiences over time with her sometimes ditsy performances, often in attractive, young female roles. Colette puts to rest any prejudices there may have been against Knightley. The real life tale of how Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Knightley), the prodigiously talented writer, who through both naivety and loyalty agrees to publish the now famous Colette of Paris under the byline of husband Willy, comes to the screen. Willy (Dominic West) and Colette are quite the couple of their era. They bring to life their ambitions and fantasies in a tumultuous relationship which was the talk of the town (Paris) at the time. All the while most of Paris was reading their racy tales of fiction known as The Claudine novels, some of which reflected their own spicy life together. This is a fascinating cinema ride; an A grade costume drama accentuated by the performance of Knightley which may well attract Oscar attention. 10GUMS.                 

 

No. 101 (2018) Wildlife Nov 13th.

Film No 101 (2018) Nov. 13th.  4:15 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"Do you know what they call trees when the fire has gone by? They call them the standing dead, did you know that?" (Jeanette talks to Joe on one of their short road-trips into the forest range where husband Jerry is working as a rookie fireman).

I admit to regarding Richard Ford's book Wildlife as one of my favourites so it was with trepidation that I waited to see if Paul Dano's directorial debut might do the story proud. It did, and it does in spades. The rumour is that Ford told Dano, "Remember it is my book, so make your film". Dano has done that, but the story of an adolescent boy watching in the vain hope that his mum and dad would stay together and recreate their loving family triangle was all about "slow burn atmosphere". Ford would surely be chuffed with Dano's take on the Brinson Family. Australian actor Ed Oxenbould plays young Joe with just the right portion of naivety and Carey Mulligan works her magic as the slightly unhinged but always loving Jeanette. Wildlife is a treat, not to be missed in my view, but I come to this story with form. 11GUMS.
        

No. 99 (2018) The Old Man And The Gun Nov 5th.

Film No 99 (2018) Nov. 5th.  6:30 PM  LUNA PALACE Windsor,  Nedlands . 

"The story is mostly true" (Titles that gradually fade from the screen prior to the opening scene).

Another of Robert Redford's projects. He bought the rights to Bill Bryson's A Walk In The Woods then insisted he played the lead role fitting of someone much younger, here Redford plays out the escapades of real life bank robber Forrest Tucker; and it's altogether quite charming. Right down to the same title fonts as those of Butch Cassidy, Redford delivers the story of America's most charming thief with aplomb. The story is based on an article of the same name by David Gran of The New Yorker, so there is an element of myth about Tucker and his nomadic wanderings. His scenes with Jewel (Sissy Spacek), his lover in later life, are mini acting master-classes adding to the films charm. If this is Redford's last screen performance then he certainly goes out on his own terms. 9GUMS. 

      

No. 100 (2018) Spitfire Nov 6th.

Film No 100 (2018) Nov. 6th.  1.30PM  LUNA SX Fremantle . 

"You can't fly a Spitfire and forget about it. It stays with you for ever, it stays with you for ever" (95 year old Battle of Britain veteran Geoff Whellum reflects on his experiences flying Spitfires during WWII).

Spitfire is a well balanced tale exemplifying why this small aeroplane, developed for war in the late 30's, became the darling

of a nation. Before the last of the veterans have disappeared we get to hear of their experiences. In the case of Geoff Wellum it's in the nick of time (Wellum passed away in July 2018). Considering The Hurricane shouldered most of the burden of warfare during The Battle of Britain, the Spitfire is fractionally over glorified, but the R.J. Michell's designed plane did have a better attrition rate due to it's higher performance. The fact twenty four versions (marks) were developed only went to prove the proficiency of its design. Stories of the number of women who flew Spitfires during transfer operations, and the thanks Malta offers for saving the island from complete obliteration, highlight the the documentary's rich content. As far as tributes go, Spitfire has a clean take-off and lands smoothly. 10GUMS.

       

No. 98 (2018) A Star Is Born Nov 3rd.

Film No. 98 (2018) November 3rd.  6:30 PM EVENT Cinemas Innaloo.                        

"Almost every single person has told me they like the way I sounded but that they didn't like the way I looked." (Ally describes why she doesn't feel comfortable singing her own songs).

So what is the best version? For me it is still Kris and Barbara's take on this crowd pleasing screen story. But let's face it, I was in my twenties, a most impressionaable time for a weepy of this ilk. In 42 years time, today's 20 year olds are going to say Cooper and Gaga were the best no doubt. But let me say from the outset Lady Gaga steals this version in mesmerising fashion. No fan of this wonderful songstress will miss her performance but to watch her act with hardly a credit to her name (some episodes of American Horror Story) may align her to Cher's (Mask, Moonstruck, Silkwood) breakthrough roles from the 80's. Hats off to Cooper though, he has directed a wonderful crowd pleaser. To dedicate six months to mastering voice, guitar and piano is a risk; the fruits of his labour are on show and highlight his talent. 9GUMS.

    

No. 97 (2018) The Children Act Oct 31st.

Film No 97 (2018) Oct. 31st.  6.45PM  PALACE CINEMAS Paradiso,  Northbridge . 

"The child's welfare will be the courts paramount consideration, life is more precious than dignity." (Judge Fiona Maye sums up her feelings for a case she presides over).

The stories by Ian McEwan, (Atonement, On Chesil Beach) have become popular fodder for the big screen in recent years. The Children Act, like Chesil, is written for the screen by McEwan without assistance; I'm not convinced he's a natural screenplay writer. Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson) is a high court judge. She decides on issues of morality which more often than not makes headlines. Her workload impedes on her home life. Husband Jack (Stanley Tucci) feels alienated and wants more from life. A case involving a teenager Adam (Fionn Whitehead) and his right to refuse a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs brings this drama to the screen. Thompson is in a class of her own. I just wasn't convinced the chemistry (script & character) between the three leads elevated the cinema experience to the level McEwan created in his novel. Given the reviews, my view would seem to be in the minority. 8GUMS.
     

     

No. 95 (2018) Journey's End October 30th.

Film No 95 (2018) Oct. 28th.  6.30PM  PALACE CINEMAS Raine Square,  Perth City . 

"He's led the company through all sorts of rotten times, it's been a big strain on the man." (Osborne makes Raleigh aware of the change he may notice in his friend Stanhope).

Many good movies start as a novel before being adapted to the stage then filmed for the screen. Journey's End is a case in point and while I have not indulged in either the book or the play, the cinema retell is brilliantly powerful. I'm only sorry I didn't save my viewing till Remembrance Day. Hopefully it will become an annual tribute film for the millions of lives lost between 1914 - 1918. Sam Claflin as Cpt Stanhope and Paul Bettany as the stolid Lt Osborne lead a platoon who are rostered to the frontline just prior to a german push. Journey's End, using mainly the chemistry Stanhope displays with his company, will quite simply take you into the mud and the grime of the trenches, insist you experience the sheer fear and bravery of men about to die, or if they survive, return to their loved ones a mere shell of the men they once were. 10GUMS.    

     

No. 94 (2018) Sometimes, Always Never October 30th.

Film No 94 (2018) Oct. 28th.  1.45PM  PALACE CINEMAS Raine Square,  Perth City . 

"When ever you make a decision, what ever you choose, there's another universe somewhere where you've made the opposite choice." (Alan philosophises with Pete on one of their road trips).

I loved this film but how can I love a film like Sometimes Always Never but not be totally sure I understood it? I suppose because of the comic, free-wheeling nature by which the script depicts its characters so coherently and with such entertainment. Alan (Bill Nighy) could be the perfect scrabble letter in a complicated game but it's son Peter (Sam Riley), keen to salvage a relationship with his pre-occupied father (Nighy) who holds the triple letter X. The theme revolves around repatriation and the need for a son (Peter) to move on, but only after he mends the rickety fence that is his love for his father. Frank Cottrell Boyce's (Hilary and Jackie) script is smart, witty and insightful. This quirky film, while not perfect, is delightfully amusing with lots to say - I've got it pretty well pegged, I think! 9GUMS.

    

No. 93 (2018) Jirga October 28th.

Film No 93 (2018) Oct. 28th.  4:50 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"It's impossible what you want to do. They'll kill you" (Mike's Kabul contact issues advice he knows Mike will never heed).

Jirga is a fine example of highly engaging, minimalist film making. Listening to writer/ director Ben Gilmours story about how he got Jirga to the screen is a story in itself. Sam Smith underplays repentant ex-fighter Mike Wheeler to perfection, as a single camera follows his attempt to return, 3 years later, to the Afghan village and the family he wishes to confess his sins to. We travel with Mike across the harsh but beautiful landscape with first, his driver (Sher Alam Miskeen Ustad) then into the hands of the Taliban. It's a gritty adventure, literally, one can nearly smell Afghanistan's dust. Shot on one hand-held Digi-cam, reinforced by a script driven by visuals more than dialogue, Jirga tries to be nothing more than an underplayed adventure with a beating heart. Smith may well be on the precipice of a bright future. 8GUMS

   

  

No. 96 (2018) Hendi & Hormoz (Iranian Film Fest. Luna Cinemas Perth) Oct 30th.

Film No 96 (2018) Oct. 30th.  1:00 AM Private Preview Screening @ Home via Vimeo link . 

"At school, do not talk to anyone about what is going on between you and your husband".(Hendi's mother issues some advice of a social nature to her daughter).

Yet another film from Iran's rich film landscape. Hendi & Hormoz had me hoping against all hope that this young couple could make it in the harsh world unfolding before them. Thirteen year old Hendi is married off to sixteen year old Hormoz in their little coastal industrial village. They are a sweet, playful couple who deserve to live as teenagers, without the complication of a forced marriage. Hormoz wants to be a provider but doors are continually slammed in his face. Then when their responsibilities escalate Hormos makes a decision which has us all holding our breath in the vain hope that the couple will prevail. It's a wonderful window into the art world of a country whose government is so strict about what can be produced. 9GUMS.

         

No. 92 (2018) Boy Erazed October 24th.

Film No 92 (2018) Oct. 24th.  6:45 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"Your parents have signed you up for a program to fix you, but Jared you are a perfectly healthy, normal teenage boy." (The words of Dr Muldoon, Jared's psychologist).

Lucas Hedges adds another feather to his performance cap with a calm, measured performance in Boy Erased as a confused young man (Jared Eamons), the son of a baptist preacher, coming to terms with his sexuality. Conversion therapy still exists in 36 U.S. states and this fact alone, revealed in the closing titles, is the exclamation mark on Jared's story, which is based on the book of the same name. Director and actor Joel Edgerton (Victor Sykes), presents Erased in very earnest terms however the light he shines on tolerance, and the questions asked of outdated aspects of christian beliefs, should be applauded. Crowe, (Marshall Eamons), isn't nearly as convincing as Hedges and Kidman (Nancy Eamons) but his hulking presence has a cumulative effect to his dilemma. Erased is slightly heavy handed but well worthwhile. 8GUMS. 

             

No. 90 (2018) Halloween October 23rd.

Film No 90 (2018) Oct. 23rd.  6:30 PM  READING CINEMAS Belmont. 

"He is a killer, but he will be killed tonight." (Laurie Strode prepares herself for the inevitable confrontation).

The ultimate sequel to the original (1978). Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Lawrie Strode still recovering, in her own way, from her ordeal as a babysitter in the late seventies. Michael Myers has been chained and locked away in a psychiatric prison since the mayhem he caused 40 years earlier. John Carpenter returns in a production role and the sound, (music mainly) which made the original a ground breaker, set the same tension for the 2018 version. Lawrie has lived her life preparing for the day when she knows she'll bury both Meyers and her demons. Her house is a fortress, it's a metaphor for the protective cocoon she has placed around her daughter, Allyson (Andi Matichak) and granddaughter, Karen (Judy Greer). While all around her see Lawrie as a crack-pot, only she knows preparation is everything when it comes to a maniac like Myers. Halloween is "killing" it at The Box Office. 8GUMS.             

No. 89 (2018) Beautiful Boy October 20th.

Film No 89 (2018) Oct. 20th.  11:00 AM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"When I tried it I felt better than I ever had so I just kept on going." (Nic sits on his hospital bed and tries to explain to his Dad how his addiction began).

Beautiful Boy is a two hour trial of your emotions, but it is all for a greater cause. This insight into the effects on a family of the epidemic that is meth addiction will strike a chord, particularly if you are a parent of adolescents or young adults. Journalist David Sheff (Steve Carell) and son Nic (Timothee Chalamet) detailed their heart wrenching journey in two separate books; Beautiful Boy is the melding of their stories into a two hour screen experience. Carell is good but Chalamet is exceptional. The point of BB is to create awareness. An awareness that Meth addiction is an animal with its own beating heart. The change in Nic as we take this journey  is more than that of a young man who needs to change his ways, it parallels Linda Blair's Regan from The Exorcist. Beautiful Boy is frighteningly real and could well be the most important film of 2018. 10GUMS. 

     

No. 88 (2018) In Like Flynn October 16th.

Film No. 88 (2018) October 16th.  10:00 AM EVENT Cinemas Innaloo.                        

"Ripper of a show you put on today. A shame to see you depart so soon." (The mayor of Townsville makes it clear Flynn and his boffins are no longer welcome in his town).

This messy retell of Errol Flynn's back story; the short years before he headed for Hollywood, is boring. The poster pointedly suggests it's a rollicking yarn in the vein of Flynn's swashbuckling adventures. I get what director Mulcahy was aiming for and he possibly achieves it, I just couldn't get enthused. The cheesiest performance of all must go to Australian screen icon David Wenham. Wenham plays the corrupt mayor of Townsville as if he was a dastardly pantomime villain. I cringed often, but as I say, the story reflects the legend that became Flynn, so maybe the characters had to mirror the comic book caper they frolicked through. The fact is, I couldn't stop looking at my watch! 4GUMS.

           

No. 91 (2018) Backtrack Boys October 1st.

Film No 91 (2018) Oct. 1st.  10:00 PM Private Preview Screening @ Home via Vimeo link . 

"They have been pushed aside by society. They have a tattoo on their forehead which says "no fucking good".(Bernie describes to camera the plight of the boys in his program).

A heart-warming documentary for the true believers; believers in the theory that all humans can be caring contributors to the world no matter their circumstance. Enter Bernie Shakeshaft, a great Australian who combined his love of training wild dogs with giving  brash, rough around the edges kids, a chance to love and be loved. Backtrack Boys unfurls a simple therapeutic regime which works. Street wise but vulnerable young adolescents become focused through love and acceptance because they care for their dogs. It's as though the dogs, like a medicinal potion, heal the antagonistic core of these young tearaways. In the end you'll be deeply affected, moved and more tolerant of the plight of others. The film follows a standard formula but the subject matter is anything but mediocre. Shakeshaft is a genius who will be recognized for his contribution; this film is a small step towards the accolades he deserves. 10GUMS.   

       

No. 87 (2018) Bad Times At The El Royale October 1th.

Film No 87 (2018) Oct. 14th.  Noon  PALACE CINEMAS Raine Square,  Perth City . 

"It's a game and it all starts with a simple choice." (Prophetic words indeed from the mouth of cult leader Billy Lee).

If you liked Tarantino's The Hateful Eight; you know, the concept of a series of complicated characters meeting in one place, each revealing their back stories which finally crescendos in a climax of surprising proportions. Given this, El Royale only holds a flickering candle to Django. The opening sequence sets the scene for El Royale. We watch, in a "one take", voyeuristically, as a guy enters a motel room, removes floorboards for the purpose of concealing a satchel, from there we project 10 years on. The satchel under the floor is just one of the story strands as the place where Nevada meets California (quite literally with the red border line cutting through reception) slowly peels back the scab of what lies underneath each deeply complicated character (bar one; and that's part of the mystery). Cynthia Erivo as Darlene has some show stopping moments and not a backing instrument in sight. Be entertained by El Royale. 9GUMS.