No. 72 (2018) Juliette; Naked Aug 25th.

Film No 72 (2018) August 25th.  11:00 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"I may look like an English lady and sensible guardian but these days it's a thin veneer and it's starting to crack".(Annie begins our cinematic journey with a "let's set the scene" voice-over).

More proof that any story penned by Nick Hornby (High Fidelity and About A Boy) translates to film swimmingly. Juliette, Naked is a film full of sharp, poignant dialogue. It tells a tall tale but in such an unforced manner we are totally engaged by Rose Byrne's Annie, in a very real world. Annie lives in the moment, so when the time comes that she'd like to become a mum, her partner Duncan has no vision for parenthood. Duncan is, in his words, a world leading expert on Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke), a legendary rock star gone missing for 20 years. Out of spite Annie is critical of Crowe's new album, Juliette, Naked via Duncan's blog. Her words are cutting, Crowe reads those words and responds in both a surprising and self-effacing manner. Notting Hill was glossy and effective; I think Juliette cuts a similar path, only better. At last, a romantic comedy with bite, humour and a lead (Byrne) we all love. 10GUMS.     

   


   

No. 73 (2018) West of Sunshine Aug 26th.

Film No 73 (2018) August 26th.  6:50 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"There is never anything as a dead set certainty but this is as good as it gets mate" (Alex reassures his mate Steve in relation to the horse they're about to punt on).   

Independent Australian film West Of Sunshine has heart. It's premise is uncomplicated as we spend a day with Jim (Damian Hill) who's forced to take responsibility for some of his life choices, this incorporates babysitting his son Alex (Ty Perham), working his courier job and repaying a debt due by 5PM. Director Jason Raftopoulos cleverly incorporates another "character", Jim's vintage 60's Ford Fairlane. We ride with Jim and Alex in the back seat of the Fairlane. In most cases tearing our hair out watching Jim bungle one decision after another as his problems escalate. But, good, on a number of levels, prevails, as father and son connect and a final solution keeps the film grounded. Damian Hill is believable, likeable and carries the film. I enjoyed the gradual affection that grew within me for West of Sunshine. 8GUMS.   

          

No. 71 (2018) The Insult Aug 18th.

Film No 71 (2018) August 18th.  11:00 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"What did you say".(The judge asks Tony what he said to Yasser to insight him to physically assault him causing broken ribs).

This Academy Award nominee (Best Foreign Film; Lebanon's first) focuses our emotion on how simple it might be to say sorry, but convinces us how difficult it can be, given historical hate; hate many of us will never comprehend. Director and co-writer Ziad Doueiri shapes a film motivated by personal experience - but with very different outcomes. Toni (Adel Karem), a Lebanese christian clashes with Yasser (Kamel El Basha), a Palestinian refugee, over a drainpipe, in the heart of battered Beirut. The clash pushes Toni to the brink, he voices as hurtful an insult as a Palestinian could endure. The ramifications lead to a court room drama which captures the ire of a nation. The Insult is a power-house of a film with an ending so unique it should be seen my many. 10GUMS.       

    

No. 69 (2018) Jill Bilcock; Dancing The Invisible August 14th.

Film No 66 (2018) Aug 14th.  12:45 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"Beginnings of movies have got to be way above sensational. You have to establish style".(Jills commentary on her standard philosophy prior to sitting down to edit any film ).

  

Jill Bilcock is a world class editor. Dancing the Invisible gives a dry but insightful look at how a young girl, looking to make a mark in the art world fell into editing and became a master of her craft; giving films of the calibre of Muriel's Wedding, Romeo and Juliette and Moulin Rouge their polish. Baz Lurhman, Peter Weir, Bruce Beresford, Phil Noyce all prioritised Bilcock as their go-to editor as long as she was available. They all give glowing tributes. The Australian Film industry stood bright in the international spotlight due in no small way to Bilcock's sharp eye. Dancing the Invisible is a brilliant and riveting chronological traipse through Australian cinema history, Bilcock is the linch-pin. But then again I'm biased, I can never get enough Aussie flavour to my films. 9GUMS.           

  

No. 70 (2018) Living Universe August 1th.

Film No 70 (2018) Aug 16th.  10:45 PM Private Preview Screening @ Home via Vimeo link . 

"Why are we here, where did we come from and are there others like us?".(The opening question asked in the trailer of Living Universe).

This brilliant overview of our universe gives a mesmerizing commentary on space which is often our reset point when it comes to comprehending life and the meaning of our existence. Living Universe helps us to conceptualize matters such as sending messages to the outer rims of space so far away that it would take 46 years for the send and receive process to play out. Or pondering the idea of an A.I. piloted spacecraft (Aurora) taking 3 life times to arrive at its destination. Living Universe is an outstanding learning tool. With narration by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, a polished media performer, the film has a coherent flow and has wonderful potential to elicit inquiry and discussion. Schools in particular will salivate over the content of L.U. 9GUMS.  

     

No. 68 (2018) Beirut August 8th.

Film No. 68 (2018) August 8th.  9:00 PM EVENT Cinemas Innaloo.                        

"He's damaged goods but he's manageable." (American diplomats discuss the reason Mason Skiles may benefit a means to their ends for a key situation in Beirut). 

Beirut is a well written film, if slightly dry and partially cliched in its delivery. My fascination began with the dated travelogue footage of Beirut in all its splendour, prior to it becoming the war torn zone that is so recognisable now. We meet Mason Stiles (John Hamm) in the paradise that was Beirut in 1972. Stiles is a key U.S. attache and diplomat with a good heart, too good a heart it would seem. A tragic incident takes place, a part of the beginnings of middle eastern troubles; he's left broken and we meet him again 10 years later back in the U.S. It is here the story begins; he's needed again by the government in Beirut to help solve a dangerous hostage situation. He's connected to the perpetrators highlighted in the opening scenes. There, I've said enough. Hamm and Rosamund Pike work well together in this tight, dialogue driven drama. 9GUMS.   

  

No. 67 (2018) BlackKklansman Aug 6th.

Film No 67 (2018) Aug 6th.  6:45 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"With the right white man we can do anything".(Ron explains his elaborate plan to his chief emphasising one of the key ingredients to getting inside the KKK).

Spike Lee makes another statement on behalf of the human race, a statement simply pleading that racial vilification makes no sense. This is his contribution via the arts to reinforce that message. His vehicle takes the form of a true story; Ron Stillworth, the first African American cop to be recruited by the Colorado Springs Police Department, makes the innovative decision to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. Lee only preaches in the final two minutes before the titles roll, and those scenes have power considering the story we have just witnessed took place in the eighties. John David Washington as Stillworth plays our hero to perfection. He is a cool dude with an original idea for "playing" the KKK. Spike Lee adds to his legend as a brilliant film maker. Do The Right Thing is now my second favourite Lee film. 11GUMS. 

           

No. 66 (2018) Submergence Aug 4th.

Film No 66 (2018) Aug 4th.  11:00 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"Somalia is not a good idea James".(An advisor gives some profound advice when told by James where his next destination will be in his quest to uncover terrorist cells).

Wim Wenders takes us on another rollicking ride (Until The End Of The World) using a chance, love at first sight, meeting of the beautiful Professor Danielle (Alicia Vikander) and rugged James (James McAvoy) to bring a sweeping drama to screen. The deal here is, there is so much to like. The beautiful backdrops (Nth Atlantic, France, Germany, Jibouti), actors with chemistry both looking great on screen although Vikander as a professor is not believable and then all in all it's just all a bit boring. The great screenwriter William Goldman describes good films as being, mostly, written well then it's down to the sum of its parts. The limited dimensions of plot weigh heavily against Submergence, it just doesn't add up to a satisfying experience. There will be plenty of cinema buffs who will ruminate on the beauty that Wenders brings to the screen here, I was hoping for more. 7GUMS.           

          

No. 63 (2018) Sicario 2: Soldado July 22nd.

Film No. 63 (2018) July 22nd.  3:50 PM EVENT Cinemas Innaloo.                        

"If you want to see this thing through, I'm going to have to get dirty." (Matt Graver lets high ranking government official James Riley what they've let themselves in for by hiring him).

Emily Blunt is missing in Sicario 2. But her unavailability for this sequel took little away from this high octane franchise. The concept of corruption, turning to violence and mayhem based around people smuggling (Mexicans to the U.S.) makes sense, so when terrorism is used as a red herring by the cartel with most to gain from the trafficking, the U.S. must employ drastic measures. Enter Matt Graver (James Brolin) who had pedigree indeed in solving such issues. An ace up his sleeve is crack soldier Alegandro (Benicio Del Toro), a friend and family man looking for retribution for crimes  of the worst kind, the family kind, committed by the cartel. Brolin and Del Toro bring the chemistry necessary to fan the flames for a third chapter within a year or two. 9GUMS.
     

   

No. 65 (2018) A Horrible Woman "En Frygtelig Kvinde" July 29th.

Film No. 65 (2018) July 29th.  2:15 PM LUNA  Palace Northbridge. 

"Before I met you, I was this close to going away for a year, just traveling" (Rasmus speaks his mind to Marie after an intimate moment early in their relationship).

Entertainment on the screen can come in so many forms. Sometimes it is the form of the squirm in your seat type, the same type where you just can't look away. En Frygtelig Kvinde (A Horrible Woman) introduces us to a young man Rasmus (Anders Juul), a knockabout young guy still enjoying his mates and nights of drink and fun. On one such night he meets Marie (Amanda Collin). Marie may be just the spark his life needs. He decides it's time to commit and become responsible for someone other than himself. He's right, but at what price? It's his domain (apartment) where they make their home together. Is Rasmus's new commitment more than he is ready for? Marie has a clear view of how domestic life should unfold for them both. The promotional poster for Kvinde says it all, Marie breaks the wall twice, to telling effect. Compelling slice of life cinema. 9GUMS.

       

No. 64 (2018) The Wife July 28th.

Film No 64 (2018) July 28th.  11:00 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville . 

"Everyone needs approval Joe".(Joan reminds husband Joe of a responsibility he should accept when it comes to their son David, it proves to be particularly pertinent statement).

This quality screen drama unfolds more as a play adapted for screen than as the novel adaptation it is, but I must reinforce the term quality in reference to The Wife. Glenn Close plays Joan Castleman and steps confidently into the Oscar nomination spotlight here as the devoted wife to  Nobel Prize nominated literature candidate, Joe Castleman (Jonathan Price). Swedish director Bjorn Runge classily entwines us into the Castlemans' world from the announcement to the award presentation in Stockholm, all the while folding timely flashbacks into the gradually more complicated emotional pressure cooker of that which is not domestic bliss. The Wife is all class, for all the reasons that make good cinema: Storyline, script, performances, editing, timing, texture and direction. 11GUMS.