Film No. 79. THE SALT PATH (Palace Aust. British Film Festival) (2024). 24th Nov.

 

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 mile Dorset 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. WICKED: PART 1 (2024). 18th Nov.

 

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. POISON (Palace Aust. British Film Festival) (2024). 15th Nov.

 

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. THE SHAMROCK SPITFIRE (Palace Aust. British Film Festival) (2024). 14th Nov.

 

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 of Britain 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. CHUCK CHUCK BABY (Palace Aust. British Film Festival) (2024). 8th Nov.

 

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. SATURDAY NIGHT (2024). 26th Oct.

 

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 JUNO is 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. ASSASIN'S PLAN (KNOX GOES AWAY) 1st Nov.

 

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 MEMENTO and 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.