No. 5. (2020) JUST MERCY. January 26th.

Film No 5 (2020)  Jan. 26th.  3:35 PM  SX LUNA PALACE Fremantle. 

"I was ready to give up when I got a call from a Harvard lawyer looking to start a legal centre for inmates on death row. I was in before you even offered me the job" (Eva explains to Bryan how she came about her commitment to the Equal Justice Initiative).

A riveting film emphasising the real meaning of what it is to be a good person. People of substance, namely Brian Stevenson (Michael B Jordan) and Eva Ansley (Brie Larson) committed their working lives to, mainly black, inmates incarcerated on death row in Alabama to uphold the standard of a fair justice system for all. Just Mercy, tells the story, in the main, of the true case of Walter McMillian and his fight for freedom after being wrongfully convicted of homicide in 1987. The essence of Stevenson's book (published six years ago) is captured here. The story was always destined for the screen due to it's heartfelt qualities aligned with the fact McMillian was the first inmate ever to be exonerated from death row in Alabama. White juries and judges notoriously ignored the testimony of key witnesses for years but the work of Stevenson (the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative) and Ansley has seen more than 160 prisoners exonerated since 1993. This film is a testament to real-life heroes with Jordan, Foxx and Larson giving their all to make sure the world take notice. A film to make your blood boil. 10GUMS.  

      

No. 4. (2020) BOMBSHELL. January 21st.

Film No 4 (2020)  Jan. 21st.  6:45 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville. 

"There was blood coming out of her eyes. There was blood coming out of her wherever ....... " (Donald Trump reacting to an interview he did in 2016 with Fox host Megyn Kelly).

So, before Weinstein there was Roger Ailes; they were cut from the same lecherous cloth. Bombshell is the movie version (not to be confused with The Loudest Voice, TV series) of the bravery shown by Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) in bringing Ailes to heel. And it's a good version indeed.

And while there will be comparisons between the film and TV versions, both are very effective and tackle the same story with different emphases. Bombshell's focus, and strength, lies with the succinct way its script and sharp editing recognises the courage of Carlson and Kelly, both courageous in different ways. Theron's Kelly gives us an insight into a more professional side of Ailes. It's this view and the relationship she has built with Roger through the years and her reluctance to turn on him, that adds power to Bombshell. Kidman gives Carlson "the every reason to sue the letcher" angle but will she get the backing she needs to win her case. Jay Roach (Trumbo) takes his usual clever, legitimate approach to this important story. 

Then perhaps the cleverest technique comes in the form of Kayla (Margot Robbie), a composite character embroidered with the stories of the plethora of women manipulated both physically and mentally by Ailes. Robbie takes us into Ailes's office where we gain a real sense of the horror young, attractive up and comers must have endured. The pure artistry of Bombshell is in it's sharp look (make-up and editing), clipped, succinct script and wonderful performances. 

One imagines the likes of Theron, Kidman and Robbie would have made it their priority to tell this story as perfectly as they possibly could; and other than the occasional use of the tired old voice over technique, they have succeeded. 10GUMS.  

 

 

No. 3. (2020) THE GENTLEMEN. January 19th.

Film No. 3 (2020) January 19th.  3:30 PM  PALACE CINEMAS  Raine Square  Perth City.                        

"If you smell smoke then there is a chance there is a fire, so you're going to have to stamp that out pretty quickly" (Rosalind offers husband Mickey a bit of advice in relation to his current business dealings).

In perhaps his most rollicking yarn yet, The Gentlemen is, for me, Guy Ritchie's most complete work. Admittedly it's possibly not his most original work, with ideas previously revealed in Black Mirror and Get Shorty, to name just a couple on show, but it a crackingly entertaining yarn. 

Right from scene one where Fletcher (Hugh Grant) surprises Ray (Charlie Hunnam) with a preposterous proposition, (which becomes less so as the story unravels) we are intrigued. Matthew McConaghey's  Mickey Pearson, a classic "A" type personality with a wife Rosalind (Michelle Dockery) to match, runs their marijuana business with an iron fist; but it's up for sale and his keenest buyer Matthew (Jeremy Strong) has ideas about why he should pay less. He thinks he knows who he's dealing with, but does he really? 

The casting is superb. Colin Farrell as Coach, a side player, steals a scene or two. Henry Golding and Tom Wu play antagonists who are destined for sticky endings'. If you're a Guy Ritchie fan then you're bound for multiple viewings. If you aren't familiar with Guy Ritchie's shtick, then make this your first. Oh, and don't let anyone try to tell you what The Gentlemen is about. Stop them in their tracks and organize a time to catch-up after you've seen the flick. You'll have much to talk about. 10GUMS.

   

No. 2. (2020) THE GOOD LIAR. January 8th.

Film No. 2 (2020) January 8th.  8:20 PM  FENWICK 3 CINEMAS  Esperance.                        

"So tell me, have you done this a lot? Met people on the computer service? Don't you find it's always the same? " (Betty enquires into Roy's motives for connecting with people, romantically, on-line).

This lavish, over stylized drama doesn't quite live up to its hype, but it comes close. The fact Mirren and McKellen play the leads helps, but they do have to work hard to give the slightly unhinged script some credibility. 

Betty McLeish (Mirren) is a widow looking for love on-line and connects with Roy Courtnay (McKellen). Roy is a professional shyster with a team, so why does he choose moderately wealthy Betty as a target? There is no script work to suggest he has done his homework on Betty like he had with the much more lucrative scam we witness early in the film. But then again maybe I'm missing the point. The point being, that this is solid 60's B Grade style caper drama with a first class cast. 

On the other hand however there are plenty of critics and punters who have, and are, enjoying The Good Liar. Me on the other hand was hoping for something a little less prosaic. Fans of Mirren, McLellen and Condon (director of Gods and Monsters and Mr Holmes) will, without a doubt, enjoy the ride. 8GUMS.      

No. 1. (2020) H IS FOR HAPPINESS. January 3rd.

Film No. 1 (2020) January 3rd.  8:00 PM SOMERVILLE Outdoor U.W.A.                        

"Happiness, it takes time but that doesn't mean I can't stop trying to plant the seed" (Candice, in voice over sets out to plant the seed depicting her plight for her audience).

Another film to add to the push for works depicting optimism through innocent eyes. And I loved that H Is For Happiness was shot in the country and state I know and love. 

Candice Phee (Daisey Axon) is a clear thinking nerd who wishes only good things for everyone, but most particularly her mum (Emma Booth) and dad (Richard Roxburgh) who have suffered the sad tragedy of losing a daughter to cot-death. Early on Candice connects with like minded Douglas "from another dimension" Benson (Wesley Pattern) and their innocent antics are infectiously cute and funny. 

Director John Sheedy debuts with this, his first feature, as an artist with a keen eye for colour and simplicity. Sheedy never tries too hard (a danger with this type of story) thus the script (Lisa Hoppe) combines with the colour pallet of the images beautifully. We know Candice will win through to give her community an emotional boost and the finale is best described as a stroke of genius. 

Coming from the producers of internationally acclaimed Red Dog, I do hope H achieves similar international success. It deserves it, as does the potential boost to tourism for the picturesque coastal town of Albany, Western Australia, where H is shot.  10GUMS.      

    

No. 114. (2019) MARRIAGE STORY. December 29th.

Film No 114 (2019) December 29th.  7:00 AM  NETFLIX,  the comfort of home, Mt. Hawthorn. 

"Charlie and I are getting a divorce mum, you can't be friends with him any more". (Nicole is insistent that her mum Sandra start taking her side in every way).

A wonderful film about a not so wonderful topic; the story of the divorce of two good people, with their only child, Henry (Azhy Robertson) the common focus of their unreserved love. Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) are the ultimate example of a successful performing arts couple. They live in New York and have what would seem to be an idyllic life. Thousands of artists would hanker for all that Charlie and Nicole have. But things change. We're only privy to the breakdown of the relationship via the build up to an expensive (for both) settlement which ultimately defines the phrase, "there are no winners". The sharply written screenplay leaves us in no doubt as to why we empathise with both and understand why they are so heartbroken, but at the same time powerless to solve their split self sufficiently. There is hardly a flaw in MS. It will surely divide audiences, particularly those who can relate intimately with Nicole and Charley's plight. There is a subtle balance to Noah Baumback's work here. Taking people's emotional core then moulding it with care and precision without his audience feeling invaded takes great skill. I'm predicting an original screenplay Oscar for his efforts here. Marriage Story may even take away the ultimate Academy Award. 11GUMS.