Film No. 86 (2024) December 23rd. 9:40 AM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 2, Innaloo.
"Good morning Gromit. How's my favourite pooch? Another great day of inventing beckons. Wait till you see the next thing I've been working on". (Wallace makes his usual morning greeting to his faithful companion).
NOMINEE: Best Animated Feature "The Annie" (Nick Park) Annie Awards.
So, with VENGENCE MOST FOWL (VMF), does Aardmanand more specifically, Nick Park, continue to maintain a standard of stop-motion entertainment which reinforces his standing as the "king" of this craft? Yes. Most certainly YES!
There is such skill to the story-telling techniques of directors Merlin Crossingham and Nick Park. The well-intended scheming of Wallace; the evil dastardliness of McGraw (doing "bird" in gaol) and the problem solving abilities of Gromit (our go-to hero) are a delight. The latter pair are voiceless; their eyes and ears say it all. Sadly devotees of W & G are going to battle to catch their mates on a big screen. BBC 1 and Netflix will be dropping VMF on Dec. 25th. The creation of elf-like gnomes into the storyline is clever. If more folk get to share W & G's antics via streaming (plus @ Christmas time) then all the better.
Writer Mark Burton (EARLY MAN, SHAUN THE SHEEP) has a wonderfully inventive mind. Part of the W & G schtick is the elaborate problem solving needed to foil a dastardly deed. Burton's images and dialogue will have you back for re-runs. The cleverness of Burton and Park has millions of fans revisiting W&G unendingly. 11GUMS.
Film No. 85 (2024) December 21st. 7.40 PM Entertainment Space, Milton St. Mt Hawthorn, Perth W.A.
"It's easy to get sucked into a lot of shit in here. At some point you'll realise you want to have a life." (Noel cleans Joe's wound and suggests to him that life is a lot easier in gaol if one keeps their head down).
NOMINEE: Best Film (Nick Waterman) Australian A.C.T. Awards (2024).
Should a critic be harsh on a film for being too earnest, when indeed the ballad it was based on is precisely that? No, I think not. HOW TO MAKE GRAVY(HTMG) is a bonza addition to the sack of Christmas melodramas!
Much loved Australian musical poet Paul Kelly (look for his cameo) wrote the song HTMG in 1996. It has become our country's Christmas anthem in many quarters. Now we can sit in our living rooms (Binge/Fox) and contemplate the bad choices Joe (Daniel Henshall) made which landed him in gaol when he should have been at home, making his traditional Christmas gravy for his family. His family can grate on each other. And you guessed it, depending on his mood, he can be hot headed. It's why he's in gaol. Will this mean a time for thought and repair? Will a fairy "godfather figure" (Hugo Weaving) take him under his wing and make him see the error of his ways? You likely know the answers.
This was the sort of film I know I would have loved between the ages of 8 and 13. I like it now. The cast is a rollcall of Aussie icons. Like the recipe for Joe's gravy, they blend beautifully. The script - well, it just needed some spice! 8GUMS.
Film No. 84 (2024) December 19th. 11:00 AM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 7, Perth City.
"You all have wives and home cooked meals. I don't. That's why!" (Faramarz explains to occupants of a table nearby why he always buys his lunch. Mahin, sitting quietly nearby, looks on).
NOMINEE: Golden Bear (Maryam Moghadam/Bahtash Sanaeeha) Berlin Film Festival. (2024).
How could it be that a beautiful film depicting heartfelt themes of compassion and loneliness would land the writer/directors in an Iranian gaol? I have no comprehension of such a thing. But it is to happen!
This gentle drama gives us Mahin (Lili Farhadpour) a plump, fresh faced 70 year old widow who craves the company of a like minded male. We meet her on the day she must act on her need. A lonely taxi driver, resigned to his lot, is ripe for the picking. It sounds predatory; it is not. Each scene reveals a new beauty they discover in one another. A woman taking control of her life and encouraging others to do the same, is worthy subject matter. But not in the eyes of the Iranian Morality Police, it would seem.
Writer/Directors Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha knew their film would raise the ire of the Iranian government. How else could they ask the world to gain some understanding of the plight of women in Iran? Take a peek. Then try to figure how this gentle, compassionate film may likely land these intelligent artists in gaol? STAGGERING!!10GUMS.
Film No. 83 (2024) December 14th. 11.00 AM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"Half papa, half aunt, half rich, half poor, half kingpin, half queen ... " (an example of the lyrics summing up Perez's predicament).
WINNER: Jury Prize (Jacques Audiard) Canne Film Festival.
Has there been a film quite like EMILIA PEREZ (EP)? Not really, but with a company like Netflix around to bankroll new, exotic, melodramas like EP, lets luxuriate in their extravagance while we can.
So how does a big studio react to a pitch which goes "It's a drama, also a musical about a drug lord and loving father who orchestrates an escape from his life. He wishes to be a woman. In finding her true self she tries to right some of the wrongs he/she created" ? "Oh, also, it will cost 50M and run for 140 minutes". "That's right, and the three leads are all female; Zoe Saldana is on board. You know her. AVATAR, yeh? It's a tale empowering female strength and sensibility". Likely an answer in the negative. But feminist film it isn't. Audacious melodrama it is!
EP has accumulated 115 awards or nominations since its Cannes debut in April. Awards aren't everything but that number is impressive. 72 year old Audiard (RUST AND BONE, THE PROPHIT) has hung in there. Thanks to Netflix we are allowed full access to his imagination. 10GUMS
Film No. 82 (2024) December 13th. 4.40 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 6, Leederville.
"Why did you follow me home from the party? Or do you only remember when it's convenient?" (Sylvia needs to understand an aspect of Saul's recent behaviour).
NOMINEE: Best Film (Michel Franco) Venice Film Festival.
Director Kelly Reichardt has a rival, when it comes to depicting human behaviour, on screen, of the naturalistic variety. Given Michel Franco'sMEMORY, the likeness of styles is uncanny.
There is a scene early on in MEMORY (M) when we know this seemingly straight forward story will be a complicated, emotional trial. Sylvia (Jessica Chastain) and Saul (Peter Sarsgaard) sit in a park. Saul has early onset dementia. Sylvia accuses him of something heinous from their school days. Saul is confused but calm. From here we know that the unravelling of these complications will be worth our time. The warmth that grows in their relationship builds to a final scene which verifies the sheer faith we've always held for the repair that Sylvia had undergone. It's the most heartfelt, on-screen hug of 2024, for me.
After SUNDOWN (2021), I was eager to latch onto Franco's next project. He has a single shot, extended scene technique that bulldozes us through family reveals, never allowing his audience a distractive moment. 10GUMS.
Film No. 81 (2024) December 12th. 11:45 AM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 6, Innaloo.
"No, no, the dead don't hurt". (Holger reassures young Vincent that the bird, freshly shot for their dinner, was in no pain).
WINNER: Jury Prize (Viggo Mortensen) Almeria Western Film Festival.
Is the western dead, or even dying? Never! Certainly not in the near future with Viggo Mortensen now an active creative in the genre! Here, he has created a very classy western indeed!
Don't think "western" of the revenge type, the type that ticks box after box in delivering gratification of the RIO BRAVO kind. ThinkMEEK'S CUTOFF (2010) and a smidge of JOHNNY GUITAR (1954). Vivienne La Coudy (Vicky Krieps) is our hero here. A dark-haired Meryl Streep comes to mind as Krieps portrays a woman who cannot be broken. She runs her own race, but while male company is the spice in her life masculine bullies, one in particular, have a say. Mortensen talks of his mother being his inspiration for Vivienne. Like FALLING (2020), his directorial debut, his stories are personal.
Mortensen didn't set out for his story to be a western. He decided on the genre to carry his message because the pioneer spirit best captures the strength of Vivienne. FALLING, his directorial debut, expressed his love for his father. 10GUMS.
Film No. 80 (2024) December 2nd. 4:00 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Windsor, Nedlands.
"It never gets easier; it gets less harder!" (Rona's new friend. A man who's been where she is. His advice, hopefully, a comfort).
NOMINEE: Best Feature Film (Noah Fingscheidt) British Independent FF.
Is Saoirse Ronan taking us on a journey here because it's exemplifying a cause she believes in or is this simply an opportunity to further extend her prestigious acting talents? Both, it would seem. She is the producer of OUTRUN.
Amy Liptrot wrote her memoir to further cleanse herself of her arduous journey of rehabilitation (alcoholism) in her late twenties. German director Noah Finscheidt (THE UNFORGIVABLE) combined with Ronan to retell Liptrot's agonising journey (detoxification) via a feast of cinematic naturalism. Using colour hair rinses, intercuts of London bar scenes and the odd number of days sober, subtitles; we know where we are in her timeline. But the true genius of the film is the rugged beauty of Orkney. The power of it's ocean, wind, fields, wildlife and salt air in bringing a broken lassie (Rona) to her senses.
I've not read Liptrot's memoir. She is said to be blown away with how close the film captures the realities of the "hole" she was in. Ronan is exquisite. Her performance had me fully buried in Rona's mess. It is testing! 10GUMS.
Film No. 79 (2024) November 24th. 6:15 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Windsor, Nedlands.
"We are so looking forward to another interpretation of our journey" (Raynor answers a question on how she feels about her story being released on screens in 2024).
Have you heard it all before? People lose everything (materially) and it's the spark to recalibrating their life in a way they could never have imagined. Yes? Well THE SALT PATH walks us along this path, quite literally.
The story of Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs)Winn's recalibration of life, based on Raynor's diaries, is an inspirational tale. Ray and Moth are in their early 50's, they become homeless, and Moth learns he has an incurable neurodegenerative disease. So, with only a tent, a few belongings and a chance to take steps forward in life, they decide to trek the 630 mileDorset to Somerset coastal walk. We go walking with them and discover much. Mainly about them, but you'll be surprised at how immersed you'll become. You'll ask questions of your own courage, resilience and reliance on others.
Anderson and Isaacs were Director Marianne Elliot's first choice performers. She must be pleased with the chemistry they generate. Author Raynor refers to the film as a wonderful interpretation of their adventure. So do I. 9GUMS
Film No. 78 (2024) November 18th. 6:45 PM HOYTS CINEMAS, Xtreemscreen Cine 1, Karrinyup.
"She doesn't give a twig about what anyone thinks." (The reminder given to Glinda that Elphaba doesn't need affirmation from the masses).
WINNER: Truly Moving Picture Award (Jon M Chu) Heartland Film 2024.
Is there any chance that Universal's gamble of taking the iconic stage musical WICKED to the big screen will not pay off? The term gamble suggests YES, but the execution of this BLOCKBUSTER means only Box Office $$$$$$$.
I have to begin with an admission. This form of cinema is not my favourite. WICKED PT 1, in no way, has lead me to change my mind, but it is a screen feast of a film. The many folk who have lapped up the chemistry of Elphaba and Glinda on stage, multiple times, will be back to the cinema for more of the same. It's addictive theatre, now even more accessible via film. With Universal counting on a part 1 and part 2 to follow, the green and pink inferno will rage. Jon L Chu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS) stokes this fire with passion.
Here, the camera gives leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande a licence to show what chemistry they have. Girls rule in WICKED, and all power to the spell they place at a time when the world could be kinder! 11GUMS
Film No. 77 (2024) November 15th. 4:00 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"Don't you think it's bizarre, after all these years, meeting each other here again?" (Edith asks Lucas the question that encapsulates an ultimate irony in a later scene).
WINNER: Peripheral Vision Award (Desiree Norsbusch) Galway FF.
What was the last play, adapted for the screen, that succeeded at the box office? Okay, excepting musicals (CHICAGO)!FENCES, and the pull of Denzel Washington, made a moderate profit. POISON, on the other hand, will not break even.
The fact is, screen adaptations, no matter the quality of the script and cast, are a hard sell. POISON, however, is an acting masterclass. Tim Roth (Lucas) and Trine Nosbusch (Edith) play ex-husband and wife. They meet 10 years after a dreadful tragedy, the aftermath of which drove them apart. The setting, which is a graveyard, and the resting place of their young son, is adjoined by a chapel alongside a small weir, brimming with water. The scene is bleak, but apt. The tension that ebbs and flows between Lucas and Edith as they reflect on what could have been, is palpable in this setting.
As a lover of both film and theatre, I feel POISON (GIF) has it all. Roth and Nosbusch were hypnotic. Portraying such raw grief must have drained them as artists. So, it is not entertainment, and it is a hard sell. I recommend it as a powerhouse, cinematic adaptation of theatre. 10GUMS.
Film No. 76 (2024) November 14th. 4:00 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Windsor, Nedlands.
"It's no use being a skilful pilot if you are not a successful fighter!" (Paddy addresses his Australian command as he sets his leadership standards).
WINNER: Best Narrative Feature (Dominic Higgins) Chicago Indie Film Awards.
If the first words that come to mind after viewing a film are, "when Mills and Boon meet Reader's Digest" is that necessarily a slight on that film? Usually, but in this case, no!
The story of an Irish patriot becoming a squadron leader of note in the RAF's war effort, as Hitler pressed for air supremacy in 1940/41 is a story worth telling. Brothers Dominic and Ian Higgins have created a unique Boys Own style of bringing the heroics of Brendan "Paddy" Finucane to life in, THE SHAMROCK SPITFIRE. An Irishman, the youngest ever (21YO), to rise to the rank of Wing Commander, leading Squadron 452 (mainly Australians) into Battle ofBritain mayhem, is a story worth telling. I'm not sure the lightness of style works here.
TSS was made to a strict budget. It is light and fluffy. Fliers of the time would be rolling in their graves no doubt at such a depiction. But the view the Higgin's have decided to present is unique; highly unique. It didn't suit my tastes! 5 GUMS.
Film No. 75 (2024) November 8th. 4:00 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 3, Perth City.
"Women like us live by the clock. We serve every day, serving someone." (Gwen, Helen's confidant tells it how it is, in her small town world).
WINNER: Breakthrough Award (Janice Pugh) BAFTA (2024). WINNER: Best Feature/Television Award (2024). BAFTA.
How many feel good feature films have used the Cinderella blueprint as the foundation for wooing an audience? Lots, with maybe PRETTY WOMAN the standard bearer. CHUCK CHUCK BABY (CCB) is the latest addition.
Helen (Louise Brealey) had never left this little, narrow minded, working class, Welsh seaside town. She was trapped. And if you think Cinderella was trapped, Helen's lot has a dead-end quality about it, with a capital D. Consider the fact that she lives in her ex mother in laws home, with her ex-husband and his pregnant girlfriend. Between work shifts, Helen cares for her mother in law, who is terminally ill, she is also Helen's mentor and friend. Complicated, yeah? Then Joanne (Annabel Scholey), comes to town. She and Helen have chemistry. Their slow burn, reignition of past hankerings is the fuel for CCB.
In a slightly unconventional way (including musical interludes), we know what we are getting here. Cinderella story - a bit of a giveaway really. But Brealey and Scholey have a great look together. It's their film. 8GUMS.
Film No. 72 (2024) October 26th. 6:30 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 6, Perth City.
"Did anybody ask Edison what a lightbulb was before he harnessed electricity?" (Michaels retorts to the media pack after a question about what the audience could expect).
WINNER: Director Award (Jason Reitman) Savannah Film Festival. (2024).
Has Jason Reitman, in SATURDAY NIGHT, just made his best crafted film? Yes, I think so, but JUNOis still my favourite of his.
Reitman lives this showbiz nightmare; a fictional version of the very first airing of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, through its creator, Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle). A great move indeed. On October 11, 1975 NBC prepared to broadcast live a new comedy show, Saturday Night. For Lorne Michaels it's time for an out with the old, (Carson, Berle) and in with the new, entertainment idea. A Sketch show performed in front of a live audience, using the new wave of New York comedians. The film represents the 90 minutes of mayhem prior to LIGHTS UP!
Reitman knew most of the real-life performers. They were family friends. He has it on good authority that most of what's depicted did happen. It's a tight, brilliantly written rendition. I loved his theory! 10GUMS.
Film No. 74 (2024) November 1st. 4:00 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 6, Leederville.
"Even if I hated you for telling me, I'd forget soon enough!" (Knox answers his doctor as best he can after receiving some very bad news).
NOMINEE: Local Team of the Year (Michael Keaton & Crew) California On Location Awards.
Are we seeing less and less of these concept yarns? Yarns like MEMENTOand KNOX GOES AWAY (KGA), which give us a challenge, a puzzle to solve? Certainly in cinemas', I think we are.
Michael Keaton directs his second feature. THE MERRY GENTLEMAN, his first, is an edgy drama. So too is KGA. Keaton should direct more often. The fact he also plays the lead in both, adds to the licence he seems to have in creating a moody grit in each scene. His Knox (Keaton) is a hitman. He is dying. Only weeks to live. His condition; dementia, his mind is in a rapid decline. He has a final job. A job which will give closure to a regretful past. Combining strict notetaking and a trusted confidant (Pacino) has Keaton juggling a recipe with an ingredient or two missing, but the dish is tasty.
Knox is a compelling character. Keaton and Pacino are a couple of stars who should work together more often. The yarn has a B grade aura, but it's A grade entertainment. 10GUMS.
Film No. 73 (2024) October 28th. 6:30 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 6, Perth City.
"I've been harassed by people all day. I'm sick to death of it!" (Pansy explodes at husband Curtley as he maintains his trance like silence).
NOMINEE: Best Film (Mike Leigh) San Sebastian Int. Film Festival. (2024).
Is Pansy (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) of HARD TRUTHS (HT) simply too hard on those around her (including us) to be taken seriously? Yes, but as the complexity of her mental state is revealed, we need to take her very seriously.
Mike Leigh (HAPPY GO LUCKY) is back. He has as much to say here, as he did in SECRETS AND LIES. But while the 1996 classic attracted 5 Oscar nominations, HT will not. Perhaps over 28 years, the questions Leigh asks about connection and chemistry within families, and his pessimistic approach, has meant that his cinematic genius has diluted. Or maybe there are so many other techniques for presenting hard hitting social drama. Pansy is a gusher of negative "bile". Early on, there is humour in her rants. Gradually Leigh reveals her core. We are sad for Pansy, and all around her. She demands our attention.
Mike Leigh, like Ken Loach (I, DANIEL BLAKE) has been wondrously transfixing for over 50 Years. Classically, Leigh's creations bear fruit in his final scenes. No dialogue, three static camera shots of Pansy, husband Curtley and brow-beaten son Moses. His question: Surely there is hope, even some happiness, for this family? Maybe. 9GUMS.
Film No. 71 (2024) October 24th. 3:45 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 3, Innaloo.
"I believed in glasses half full and silver linings. Life was so full and so precious. (Grace explains in voice over how she saw life).
WINNER: Best Feature Feature Film (Adam Elliot) London Film Festival.
Can an artist using stop-motion technique, create a feature film to be compared with those of Aardman's,Nick Park? When it's Australian, Academy Award winner, Adam Elliot, he most certainly can.
Grace (Sarah Snook) tells her story with such beauty here in MEMIOR OF ASNAIL. The overwhelming darkness in her life fades as her glass half full attitude gradually prevails. Elliot (MARY AND MAX) is notoriously dark in tone and narrative, but things are not always BLACK. With every shot there is a lighter reference to something. Melbourne's Bitter (a top, a pub) or Schnitz n'Tits (Pinky's workplace) examples of the smiles we get as we "slide" along with Grace. "Every film is a miracle", who said that? Shooting 5 to 10 seconds a day for 33 weeks, definitely qualifies MEMIOR for this category.
Maybe the narration is over played, but the pleasant tones of Sarah Snook are consistently sweet. Adam Elliot, you are a marvel. You place a mirror in front of us all. And while there is an anger here, you always leave us with HOPE! 10GUMS.
Film No. 70 (2024) October 23rd. 10:00 AM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 6, Innaloo.
"The fact Superman was in a wheelchair, and prepared to go public with it was huge! If Chris was still here, I feel sure Robin (Williams) would also be. I'm sure of that. (Friend Glenn Close describes two strands to Reeves influence).
NOMINEE: Best Documentary Feature Film (Ian Bonhote, Peter Ettedgui) Critic's Choice Awards.
Where were you when you heard that Christopher Reeve had been thrown from a horse and critically injured? Okay, it's not quite JFK sphere, but I remember where I was.
The SUPERMAN (1978)feature filmcould not have been more perfectly cast. Classically trained Christopher Reeve (CR) was the embodiment of chiselled power and beauty. An innocuous horse-riding accident in May 1995 became the flashpoint for Reeve to become a real-life superman. CR left us 20 years ago. This immaculate production pieces together the breadth of his story, and the power his devoted family had, not just on Chris, but on the World. The film is about CR, but the stars are wife Dana, sons Matthew and Will and daughter Alexandra. But particularly 2nd wife Dana.
Most tribute documentaries pay terrific homage to their subjects. SUPER/MAN does this but also complements the man, his family and all they endured and created on all levels. If documentary is not your thing; watch this one anyway. 11GUMS.
Film No. 69 (2024) October 21st. 7:00 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 2, Leederville.
"Mum, I know this looks crazy, but I feel like this might just work" (Jade explains to her mum that the situation she has created may be the answer).
NOMINEE: Official Selection (David Vincent Smith) Sydney Film Festival.
The cinema presents us with heroes of many kinds, so where should Leila George's, Jade, stand in the spectrum of heroes who shake our senses to the core? A hero we won't be able to forget for a time.
First time feature film director David Vincent Smith gathers all his courage here to tell a personal story about his own family. Jade being the embodiment of how he believed he should have acted in relation to his predicament. Having a sibling dealing with an addiction, tearing the heart from a family of substance, is on show in HE AIN'T HEAVY. Smith knows what Jade needs to do to prove to herself that she tried everything to save her brother and thus her family. Smith's film is very accomplished. It's a powerhouse of a film.
Gathering Gretta Scacchi, daughter Leila George and VIKINGS: VALHALLA, Sam Corlett together was the lucky break West Australian film-maker Smith needed to bring his story to the world. He has not wasted a second of their time, or ours; the ending in particular is classy! 11GUMS.
