Film No. 23 (2025) March 30th. 3:45 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 8, Innaloo.
"The story begins, the night of March 30th, nineteen sixty eight". (Leo Fife begins his story for the documentary reflecting his life as a film-maker in Canada).
NOMINEE: Palme d'Or (Paul Schrader) Cannes Film Festival. (2025).
Lovers of U.S. independent film-making often have a favourite Paul Schrader film, don't they? For me it's THE CARD COUNTER. Sadly his latest, OH, CANADA, won't rank with my Schrader "favs", unfortunately.
Richard Gere's, Leo Fife says, "You haven't heard the half of it", to his wife Emma (Uma Thurman), early on here. He proceeds to tell his story, hellbent on revealing all (whatever that means). From here nothing really surprises either Emma or the viewer. I think Leo was either, a philanderer, or a mixed up man who could never settle on a course in life. He accidentally became a world renowned documentary film maker when some film he took (because he liked the colours he was seeing), revealed a dark secret. His documentaries were landmark commentaries revealing the truth behind, Agent Orange, the slaughter of baby seals, etc, etc. But the real story seems to be his private life - but who cares? I didn't. The narrative is muddled and it's not as though Fife was a real person.
Schrader can be highly original in the way he layers his films. His soundtracks are rich and indulgent. His characters are often complicated, and have substance. Here, the latter two qualities are in play, but unfortunately his message remains confusingly banal. 7GUMS.
Film No. 22 (2025) March 25th. 11:00 AM LUNA LEEDERVILLE, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"You're dangerous. You can not have my son" (Valerie's words cut her mother, Michelle, like a knife cuts through butter).
WINNER: Best Screenplay (Francois Ozon, Philippe Piazzo), Jury Prize at San Sabastian IFF.
Should we be suspicious of a woman Ozon sets us up to like and trust, but whose daughter (who is disdainful of her mother) falls to her death from her own balcony onto a pavement in Paris? I'm still not sure.
Aspects to Franscois Ozon's 22 year old, SWIMMING POOL, have stayed with me. It was a haunting film that left me with more questions than answers. WHEN FALL IS COMING, has Ozon leading us along a familiar path via yet another lady with secrets, Michelle (Helen Vincent), a retiree living a quiet life in a small village in Burgundy. Early scenes have us wondering how drama could evolve from watching Michelle, till her garden, make a call or two and, chop vegetables. Then like a ball of expensive yarn, the complications entwined in her past, her family, and her love for others, slowly unfurl. No soundtrack distractions or cliched signalling, just thoughtful storytelling. Oh - and questions to ponder after the screen goes black!
Ozon builds the quiet moments which drive his characters. Michelle is a woman of mystery, but Ozon reveals her gently. He's a craftsman with great respect for film lovers who accept the challenge of his work. 10GUMS.
Film No. 21 (2025) March 10th. 12:45 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 4DX, Innaloo.
"Nothing was working out and I just wanted to be offa of Earth". (Mickey's voiceover as he explains his move to planet Niflheim).
Mickey 17 (Most box-office in 3 days; 2025) ... world wide $43M March.
Is Bong Joon-ho the director (international cred) with the most to say about the human condition, and the world's shortcomings? Possibly, but throw in the term most imaginative as well. Yes, for sure.
Here Bong remains political in his messaging. It's as though MICKEY 17 (17) is his "free swing" after his Oscar success of 2020 (PARASITE). 17 is silly on many levels, as we meet a servant, Mickey (Robert Pattinson), who has signed up to be expendable then "reprinted" (cloned) the next day if things don't work out. Yes, Mickey is working in a dystopian society led by a very strange ruler, (Mark Ruffalo) and his wife (Toni Colette). Mickey is on his 17th life when he disappears. Mickey 18 is produced only for 17 to reappear. And so the fun begins. See, I told you it was silly, but Bong uses this "left field" premise to build another tale, drilling down on colonialism, status, greed and loyalty ... the usual Bong mantra.
The problem for me is that so few of the ingredients really gel. Ruffalo and Colette are one dimensional buffoons without a real edge. The film is 20mins too long. Mickey's love for Nasha (Naomi Ackie) is hardly explored. The build to the end, and finally to climax, underwhelms. Plenty of critics are liking 17 ... what do I know? 7GUMS.
Film No. 22 (2025) March 12th. 6:30 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 6, Perth City.
"Well you can lie about everything. How can you tell the truth about anything?" (Clarissa tests boyfriend Freddie's conscience when it comes to his infidelities).
NOMINEE: Most Anticipated Thriller (Steven Soderbergh) Media Awards (2025).
How many feature films has Steven Soderbergh made since SIDE EFFECTS (2013)? The film he labelled, would be his last. Well, including his latest, BLACK BAG, it has been twelve. Changing his mind has been a bonus for us all!
Imagine Mr and MrsSmith (Pitt and Jolle) turning up in later life, as executives in a secret service operative. No longer in the field but royalty when it comes to knowledges. A younger, ruthless set of co-employees are snapping at their heals; disrespectful of their senior mentors and oblivious to the experiences their senior mentors have gifted them. George (Michael Fassbender) and Kathryn (Cate Blanchette) are brilliant as that loving, mature couple who are tested by their ruthless counterparts. BB is an old fashion romp that never wastes a moment; each scene ratchets up in a way that not even "the sphinctertightening" scene could steal the show! There, that should have your interest!
Think the sharp, 'whip-like' dialogue of SIDE EFFECTS and the swift, tense twists of any of the OCEANS adventures, minus 30 minutes of their run-time and you have an old fashioned classic caper film, that is BLACK BAG.9GUMS.
Film No. 20 (2025) March 5th. 1.15 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 8, Leederville.
"We have to raise our voices, not be silent as if no human beings live here" (Basel makes his point to Hamdam as to why they need to document (film) everything).
WINNER: Best Feature Documentary (Basel Adra) The Oscars (2025).
If we take it that tolerance and empathy form the foundation for our belief system as human beings, then, the images depicted in NO OTHER LAND (NOL) are a brutal reality check on such an assumption.
In 2019 the Israeli Supreme Court designated that the West Bank region of Masafer Yatta become a military training ground. The fact that over 1800 Palestinians occupied that space seemed to matter little. NOL is an Academy Award winning documentary that will have you muttering the expletive WTF throughout. The occupants of Masafer have lived there all their lives. They have no other land. We witness bulldozers turning up, and within minutes mashing houses, businesses and even a school (students look on) into rubble. But despite the hate between these nations, the film is a collaboration between Palestinian, Basel Adra and Israeli, Yuval Adraham. Their friendship is exhilarating. Their conversations throughout the film plead for peace, for empathy among their own, for hope, quality of life, love, care and tolerance. And on top of this, there are their images! Unbelievable!
Film No. 19 (2025) March 4th. 6:30 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 16, Innaloo.
"Yeh, Biscuit they used to call me; like Ginger Nuts. Cause I had ginger nuts". (Spit talks to his nephew, Tyler, about a subject of no consequence to anyone).
NOMINEE: Most Anticipated Aust. Comedy (Jonathan Teplitsky) Australian Writers Guild (2025).
Is the most salient point of this reboot, the inference that Johnny Spitieri is not as dumb as he seems? Either that, or why are refugees so disrespected in Australian culture? Or perhaps the message is that family is everything for those with so little.
The David Wenham fuelled, SPIT, is so choc-full of themes that it lost me along the way. But, it would seem I was one of only a few who felt that way. Most of the audience at the well attended preview I attended, were buzzing about this fun fairy-tale about a much loved character, who first gained legs (or thongs) 22 years ago in GETTIN' SQUARE (GS). Put simply, Johhny of GS was a thong wearing, physical, clown who made for many LOL moments. He's been overseas, evading the law, and others, after his GS escapades. Now he's back and Wenham weaves his magic with a slightly more thoughtful Johnny. He's returned to Australia and in detention after being deported from the UK. And, would you believe it, throughout the movie he's helping refugees (fellow detainees) and making connections with long lost family. He's still a clown. There are laughs but I just couldn't get engrossed in Spit, despite Wenham's brilliance.
It has taken 10 years for director Jonathan Teplitsky and Wenham to get SPIT made. Finance was the issue, and finally Queensland Film Fund and FilmAustralia produced the goods. Both believe the film will plough $8M back into the Qld economy. I hope it does. Spit is fun, it has heart and a pleasant enough twist. See it on a big screen. 7GUMS.
Film No. 18 (2025) March 3rd. 1:15 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 9, Innaloo.
"He's not your friend. People like Warren only go down, and he'll take you with him". (Prison Liaison Colleen wises Mel up to who he should trust while inside).
WINNER: Awgie Award, Original Feature (Charles Williams) Australian Writers Guild (2025).
How does a first time feature writer/director (Charles Williams) gain the services of star performer Guy Pearce? Send him the script and have him so excited he offers to co-produce. That's how!
It's rare to see a prison drama revolve around the premise of a hardened juvenile inmate transitioning into mainstream prison life. Williams gives us Mel (Vincent Miller). We enter a Barwon-like gaol with Mel. And forget the sugar-coating served in HOW TO MAKE GRAVY, Mel has arrived to serve time with "the big boys". Prison Liaison, Colleen (Tammy McIntosh), has concerns for his safety, so she assigns Warren Murfett (Pearce) as his mentor. Briefly, we are lulled into believing that Murfett will heal most of Mel's "wounds". Not so. Murfett is far more wounded than Mel. His world revolves around survival and protecting his neck. Or could it be that his insecurities lead Mel to a new resolve? Pearce gives dimensions to Murfett which propel INSIDE to 4 star cinema. And while the Fantale, was a great idea, it lacked the punch it deserved.
INSIDE is not a "quiet night at the flix" pic. Pearce will attract a crowd, and so he should, but don't expect the Guy we most often get. Here you'll get a different perspective from an actor who knows his craft. Murfett has stayed with me since I met him. 10GUMS.
Film No. 17 (2025) February 26th. 6:40 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 3, Innaloo.
"You're used to sorting it, aren't you? Taking care of things yourself". (Bird makes an astute observation of his new friend Bailey).
WINNER: Top 10 Independent Films (Andrea Arnold) National Board of Review, USA. (2025).
Is the brilliant BIRD a film to recommend to the people whose level of empathy you've never quite figured out? It's a thought I had, but maybe the raw realism of BIRD would be an unfair test.
BIRD is a modern day fable focusing on a U.K. (Gravesend; Kent) underclass which the rest of Britain try to ignore. We should have known, after FISH TANK (FT), that Andrea Arnold would create a film which is its equal . In FT, Arnold gave us Mia a fifteen year old locked into feelings of self destruction. Here, twelve year old Bailey has an energetic resilience and intelligence which keeps her (now separated) immature parents slightly grounded. She is a carer to her half brother and sisters. Formal schooling for these lovable rascals does not seem to be an option. Bailey's unending observation of insects and wildlife seem to be her only escape from this world of hard knocks. Then, enter Bird, a gentle young man with an aura about him. Could he be real? His gentleness calms this chaotic film immediately. Until, of course, that scene!
Bird (Franz Rogowski) gently massages strength and hope into Bailey. It's a trope within the film that is dividing audiences, but I appeal to your better senses. Let Bird transfix you, like he does Bailey. Fight it, and you'll be less empathetic to Bailey's cause. Bailey doesn't deserve that. 11GUMS.
Film No. 16 (2024) February 23rd. 1:15 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 4, Perth City.
"I'll be back soon, sweetie." (The words Rubens says, as he touches the cheek of wife Eunice, fully believing he would soon be back in the bosom of his family).
WINNER: Best Performance by a Female Actor (Fernanda Torres) The Golden Globe Awards.
In a world where dictatorial regimes continue to plague countries in contemporary times, does I'M STILL HERE (HERE) remind us, how middle-class life can so simply be, "torn to threads" without good reason? You bet!
Director Walter Salles (MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) takes us into the lives of the wonderfully functional Paiva family rollicking on the beaches of Rio in 1970. We'd hardly believe Brazil was under authoritarian rule; a military sensitive to any disgruntled individuals. Ruben Paiva, an ex congressman and family man, came under military focus and disappeared from his family. HERE then becomes the story of how Eunice (Fernanda Torres) suffers the indignity of arrest and the frustration of not knowing the whereabouts of her husband, while remaining the resilient, stoic mother of a bright, vibrant young family. This is not a "based on a true story" tale, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. Salles knew the family. The Paiva's only son, Marcello, wrote, I'm Still Here, in collaboration with his mother, Eunice. It's a personal story and Salles has made it personal. The film's pace will alienate some. Not me. I was gifted a freedom filled, happy life in an uncomplicated democracy (Australia). HERE is a salient reminder to be thankful.
It's rare for a film to be nominated for a Best Film and Best International Film gong at the same ceremony (The Oscars). However, the gong may go to Torres for Best Lead Actress. Three days on, I can't get the image of Eunice out of my mind. 11GUMS.
Film No. 15 (2025) February 19th. 9:30 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 6, Innaloo.
"I know it's going to sound cheesy, but from the moment we locked eyes there was a spark". (Iris explains to Josh how she felt at their first meeting).
WINNER: Directors to Watch (Drew Hancock) Palm Springs Int FF. (2025).
Is COMPANION (C) a better entertainment experience when seen unincumbered by watching trailers and reading reviews? For me, the answer is a wholehearted, yes. C is an ocean of refreshing ideas soaked in blood!
No spoilers here. Perhaps you are a lover of thrillers with lashings of horror - so long as they present new and exhilarating ideas which both surprise and shock. If so, then, COMPANION, is for you. Sophie Thatcher's Iris will captivate you into believing she is something she is not. Her perfect boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid) and his supportive friends will have you thinking, how can this vanilla drama amount to anything? You will find you couldn't have been more wrong. Read no further, go see it!
Drew Hancock usually writes and directs middle of the road T.V. fiction (SUBURGATORY). This is his feature debut. I'll be looking out for more of his big screen creations. Universal are loving C. 10GUMS.
Film No. 14 (2025) February 18th. 6:30 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 6, Perth City.
"Our retirement years were meant to be golden. But he's just sitting there!" (Tiina Hammer tells her son what life is like with her husband Lars who has lost his zest for life).
NOMINEE: Best Documentary (Filip & Fredrik) International Catholic Film Critics Association .
I liked DEN SISTA RESAN (DSR), English title, THE LAST JOURNEY), but when watching it, how do we decide what's contrived and what's real? Well, one doesn't really, but we take a guess, and then in the end, it doesn't matter.
Filip Hammer and Fredrik Wikingsson are Sweden's version of Hamish and Andy (Australia); a fun comedic duo who have grown on a nation (Sweden) and who are generally accepted as harmless, if not slightly "wet". The idea of a documentary depicting one of those comedians (Filip) connecting with his father (Lars) in a way that would move a nation (and beyond), is the idea that drives this partially contrived documentary. Is it more promotional spin for the duo's brand, or a fun vignette to warm the heart? The answer is - it's both. This very entertaining 90 minutes of feature film making is wonderfully humorous, empathetic, thought provoking and most of all, original. And while the boys are key to the road trip, Lars is the star, and they never try to steal his limelight.
We all, as we age, treasure childhood memories of good times, created, with love, by our parents. They may not be there when we'd like to thank them. DSR reminds us to "drink" in all that our parents are to us while they are still with us. 9GUMS.
Film No. 13 (2024) February 10th. 7:00 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 1, Perth City.
"This supervision of an election is a duty I thought I'd never have to perform." (Cardinal Lawrence is in shock as he deals with the death of The Pontiff and accepts this new role bestowed upon him).
WINNER: Best Ensemble Cast (Edward Berger) Critics Choice Awards. NOMINEE: Best Motion Picture (Edward Berger) Oscars.
Does a conclave represent the best backdrop to understanding the politics involved in electing leaders? It's hard to argue otherwise ... CONCLAVE is both insightful and beguiling in this sphere.
British author, Robert Harris, wrote the novel of the same name. The film adaptation tells the story, entertainingly. Director Thomas Berger (ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT) using the talents of Peter Straughan (screenplay) has created a "potboiler" full of intrigue, tension and reflection, and with a fulfilling twist. The exquisite skill of Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal-Dean Lawrence leads us through the dark tunnels needing to be navigated in this forced lock-down. All the Cardinals from around the world coming together to elect a new pope, leading to an arm-wrestle between the Progressives and the Traditionalists. Questions to be asked are: Do those who covet the job disqualify themselves because of their ambition? And, do women have a role in this process?
This very polished film sparkles. Tucci, Lithgow, Rossellini and Fiennes buff the quality of Berger's vision, but the soundtrack by Volker Bertelmann (VB) rivets us to our seats. Of all it's Academy nominations (8), I hope VB gets to hold an Oscar high. 11GUMS.
Film No. 12 (2025) February 3rd. 6.30 PM LUNA WINDSOR, Cinema 1, Nedlands.
"I know what it requires. I've been in the fields for years!" (Barbe-Nicole states her case to the prospective investors keen to buy her fields).
"NOMINEE: Audience Award (Thomas Napper) Toronto Film Festival." (2023).
Some of the best stories being told in contemporary times relate to women overcoming male dominated business environments, to not just succeed, but to unleash new and creative leadership methods. So what of the story of a woman who revolutionised the Champagne industry in the 18th century?
Here we have the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Widow Cliquot, the name behind the label Veuve Clicquot attached to very expensive bottles of bubbly. If you are an historian in awe of the achievements of this madame of industry, before her time - then the film will likely disappoint. WIDOW CLICQUOT (WC) is more a double pronged love story. Widow, Barbe-Nicole, is less depicted as a steely woman of substance but more as a competent, strong, likable, even gullible female who loved and lost and then loved again as she battled adversity to achieved her goals. Director ThomasNapper (JAWBONE) is an experienced director of engaging TV series. WC is a strong but gentle drama. It has a 'soap' quality. A quality soap, mind.
The flashback aspect to WC's "bubbly" persona wear thin. The fact her first love was a tortured soul (bipolar, perhaps) is understood. Not even love could calm his mind. We got the gist of this early on. I was keener to learn more of her empathic methods for conquering a male dominated industry, while working on mending her broken heart. It's a good yarn, never the less. 9GUMS.
Film No. 10 (2025) February 2nd. 5:00 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 3, Innaloo.
"It's not about politics, it's about emotions". (Production boss Roone Arledge reacts to questions about his focus on an upcoming US v Cuba contest).
NOMINEE: Best Original Screenplay (Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David) The Oscars (2025).
There was a time, when the question was "where were you when the Olympic Village (1972) was stormed by terrorists?" Since 9/11 the aura surrounding Sept 5, '72 has diminished. SEPTEMBER 5 is a stark reminder that little seems to have changed in Palestinian/Israeli relations ...
The events of September 5 are made more remarkable because 900 million people watched the drama unfold in their own living-rooms. In most western nations, colour images flickered. This tightly bound feature tells the story behind how, and why, so many people were able to sit and view the barely believable reality of what was unfolding. Swiss film-maker Tim Fehldaum (THE COLONY) brilliantly balances file footage with dramatic theatrical re-enactment. The ABC network, via its on-site sports unit led by Roone Arledge (Peter Sarasgaad), Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin) and producer Geoff Mason (JohnMagaro) brought the tragedy of Sept 5 to the world. This is how they did it. Even when we know the outcome, the tension is electric.
I was 14 on September 5, 1972. Television was an invention new to our family lounge room. Watching these men with guns, doing as they pleased, was frightening. It was a coming of age moment for me. SEPTEMBER 5 shines a light on how journalism revealed a hard-truth, responsibly, but not without risk. 11GUMS.
Film No. 10 (2025) February 1st. 11.00 AM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"I was looking for meaning and depth and finished with dullness and self indulgence!" (The words of a film critic, who shall remain nameless, as she sought to sum up her QUEER experience).
WINNER: Best Actor (Daniel Craig) National Board of Review (2024).
Why did I attend this screening of QUEER, when I promised myself, 33 years ago (NAKED LUNCH), I would never waste my time in front of another William H Burroughs tale? Well I didn't actually know it was a Burroughs' tale until I'd settled in the dark of the cinema.
I'm a heterosexual male who has enjoyed many films depicting gay lust and love on screen, MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE, LOVE LIES BLEEDING, CAROL, and PRIEST, to name a few. While the lustfulness in certain scenes of QUEER are confronting, they fit with the voraciousness of Daniel Craig's, William Lee. It was the loose ended, classic "Burroughs tripping" scenes with which I could not connect. There was squirming, and walk-outs in our preview. If we (my wife and I) hadn't been with friends, (who it turned out, thought the same as us) we would have walked back into sunlight. I could not warm to QUEER. Self indulgent and plain boring was my take.
Most of the accolades (80% of its award nominations and wins) for QUEER are for the performance of Craig. For an actor of his stature, this could have been a risky career move, but he wholly succeeds in the role. 6GUMS.
Film No. 9 (2025) January 26th. 8:00 PM SOMERVILLE Outdoor U.W.A.
"So are you acting at all during this interview?." (John is dumbfounded when asked this question by the parole board chairperson).
WINNER: BSFC Award; Best Ensemble Cast (Greg Kwedar) Boston Society of Film Critics (2024).
Would Donald Trump be empathetically inclined to fund theatre programs, like that depicted in SING SING, for those doing time in the repressive, US prison system? Likely not. The term, empathically inclined, is the key to answering that question.
This quiet film, based in Sing Sing, an old Gothic style prison on the HudsonRiver, New York, will fill you with hope. A hope that real life prison programs like this one - Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), might spread through other detention centres, world wide. Thus giving hope that troubled people may find redemption. One day in 1996 Katherine Vockins accompanied her husband, an interfaith minister, to his work. He helped in the rehabilitation of prisoners through reading. She was inspired to do the same through theatre, founding a program called, RTA. This uneven, but profound film tells the story of what followed, through the eyes of Clarence "Devine Eye" Maclin (Colman Domingo) a founding member, and one of the few characters played by an actor. Yes, the majority of the other actors are former inmates of Sing Sing.
The heart of this story, however, comes via Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin. This is who we get, the real Clarence and he is divine! This is film at it best, where a real story takes us into a real world, with the real people (baring a couple) who made the magic happen. 11GUMS.
Film No. 5 (2025) January 25th. 10.30 AM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"Your songs are like oil paintings at the dentists office." (Dylan describes his interpretation of Baez's music to Joan herself) "You're kind of an arsehole, Bob" (responds Baez).
WINNER: NBR Award, 10 Best Films. (James Mangold) National Board of Review; USA (2024). NOMINEE: Best Actor (Timothee Chalamet) Oscars.
Do you have to be a Dylan devotee to appreciate A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (ACU)? Definitely not, but in my case, I thought the film was strong until it lagged around the period when he was being obnoxious, and "going electric".
But how do you make a film, summarising an artist who created 55 albums, won a Nobel peace prize and is still alive? Being Director James Mangold (WALK THE LINE) would be a good start. Then you have to find the perfect actor to pull off someone as secretive and as uniquely iconic as Dylan (likely the hardest task of all). Mangold has a gift. Focusing on Dylan's early life and first transition (electric) plus recruiting Timothee Chalamet meant he'd created the bedrock for what is becoming the most highly acclaimed film of 2024. Chalamet brings Dylan to life, as possibly, no one else could. This film would not excel, as it does, without Chalamet.
For every legend there are mentors and lovers. And so the choices by Mangold of Edward Norton as Dylan's "rock", Pete Seeger, then Elle Fanning (Sylvie) and finally, Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez) as people who love him, then leave him, forms a special recipe. Here, we have an entertaining slice of history. 10GUMS.
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