Film No. 30 (2025) April 16th. 12.30 PM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 4, Leederville.
"Lily, you're just going to have to learn. Sometimes in life, shit happens." (Bob, Lilly's new friend, makes a plumbing joke).
WINNER: People's Choice Award (Tracie Laymon) Denver Film Fest. (2025).
There is nothing wrong with a film which is a little overly Schmaltzy, is there? No, I think not, particularly if it is unabashedly so and pulls it off with aplomb, the way, BOB TREVINO LIKES IT (TREVINO) does!
Director Tracie Laymon has given a small "gift" to lovers of cinema based on her own experiences. Imagine, as an only child, being blessed with a naturally sunny disposition, but being continually labelled useless by your sole parent - your father. Wow! Lily (Barbie Ferreira) guides us from being in this predicament, to finding a father figure who does care for her and gives her a confidence she could never have comprehended was possible. The fortuitous events which lead to Lily's good fortune are cleverly encapsulated in the film's title. Laymon brings an empathetic heart beat to TREVINO. You can tell it's personal.
13 Audience awards from a plethora of international festivals within the last 9 months is an indication of the affect TEVINO has had on people. Tracie Laymon you are the opposite of hopeless, girl!! 10GUMS.
Film No. 29 (2024) April 14th. 1:30 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 3, Perth City.
"We are all scared. With the life we lead, we breathe fear. It's the life we choose." (Lesia's askes her father Pierre if he is scared. He answers her).
NOMINEE: Un Certain Regard (Julien Colonna) Cannes FF.
When it comes to the Mafia landscape around the regions of Corsica and Sicily, which of the two were more violent? l'Express recently described Corsica as the "winner". LE ROYAUME takes us to the 1990's and gives us a riveting insight into that landscape; a Corsican gang through the eyes of innocence.
Watching 15 year old Lesia (Ghjuranna Benedetti) come of age in the "arms" of her gang (Mafia) boss father Pierre (Saverium Santucci) is both loving, emotional and exhilarating, particularly if one has fathered teenage girls. Director Julien Colonna has created a small masterpiece in this emotion charged fiction, focusing on the senselessness of the mafia wars that raged on the French ruled island, in the mid nineties. He has much to say which may lead to a Google search or two later. It makes one wonder how sacrificing family for a life of revenge drives Pierre here. Benedetti must have been a directors gift. To think she was twenty when playing Lesia. She is in every scene, and she owns the screen! She's the reason we question her father's life choices.
How could such love and care between a father and daughter as he instructs her on how to shoot a rifle, be so prophetic? This may repel a potential audience. I hope not because Colonna, in his first feature, shows himself to be an empathetic and skilled film maker. 11GUMS.
Film No. 28 (2025) April 9th. 11.00 AM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"Mr Sangare, I'm here to listen to you. It's your own story." (I'agente de l'OFPRA pleads with Souleymane to tell his story to her, so that he might stand a better chance of becoming a French citizen).
WINNER: Un Certain Regard (Boris Lojkine) Cannes FF (2024).
"Art imitating life" is a term used freely in the world of cinema, but is there a better example, in cinemas' right now, than THE STORY OF SOULEYMANE (STORY), the crowd stopper at Cannes in 2024? I think not!
Director Boris Lojking (HOPE, CAMILLE) continues his trajectory in telling stories about brave souls escaping a 3rd world existence for a better life. In STORY we get more of the same. Here, he has combined the real life plight of his lead actor, Abou Sangare, with a fictional character, Souleymane (Sangare). We spend most of the film following Souleymane on his electric bike as he delivers food from door to door as he tries to eek out a living. He lives "hand to foot". He rents an identity so he can work, earning just enough to pay for ID and mentoring (lessons on precuring citizenship). It's a tense watch. We try to hold hope for Souleymane. He is unendingly trying to meet deadlines he could keep if it weren't for hurdles our of his control. Sangare is brilliant. Perhaps his brilliance stems from the fact that in real life his citizenship application has been rejected 3 times so far.
Film No. 27 (2025) April 7th. 6.30 PM LUNA WINDSOR, Cinema 1, Nedlands.
"I rescued him from an oil slick. Now he thinks I'm his friend, but he's not my friend" (Tom tries to explain why "Penguin" stands looking at him lovingly at a beachside cafe).
"NOMINEE: Most Anticipated (Peter Cattaneo) The Critics Choice Awards (UK).
Do we forget what an accomplished actor Steve Coogan (Tom Michell) is? No, I doubt it, considering he's been nominated on multiple occasions for performance roles. His irreverent comic timing here will attract a crowd.
For a film that deals with serious issues such as bullying, oppression, kidnapping and pollution, THE PENGUIN LESSONS' (LESSONS) light, saccharine style is a risk, but director Peter Cartanio may well have created for himself another "FULL MONTY" success. Don't get me wrong, LESSONS has gaping "holes" but Coogan's comic timing, a lovable penguin, and easy to like side characters, will see the film win an audience. But the fact that this story begins in 1976 and Coogan's Michell observes, then befriends locals who are kidnapped and beaten shouldn't be ignored. His lack of emotion towards his "friends" didn't match the films tone for me. Whenever themes get serious in LESSONS, the Penguin would waddle in and demand a fish meal! It's a unique tone.
Based on a true story; the real Tom Michell (author) obviously gave a big tick to the many licences taken in telling this chapter in his life. A 50 something Coogan playing a 20 something Michell (his age back in 1976) is also a bit of a stretch! Despite it's holes, LESSONS works. 8GUMS.
Film No. 26 (2024) April 6th. 1:45 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 4, Perth City.
"For example, Lesley's hairstyle is very pretty." (The comment which sparked the furore which led the school board to investigate Julien's professionalism).
NOMINEE: The Berhnard Wiki Award (Score) Int Film Fest Emden Norderney.
Does THE GOOD TEACHER (TGT) give a fair insight into how a teacher might have their credibility destroyed if students decide to make baseless accusations? Most definitely, and worse still, the loyalty of his fellow professionals is tested. It's scary!
TGT is inspired by true events. Young secondary teacher, Julien (Franscois Civil) is our focus from the outset. We meet him in his class, only minutes prior to an incident which will impact greatly on his life, professionally and personally. His easy manner with the group suggests he is, as the title suggests, a good teacher. The realism is palpable. Soon his world unravels as he deals with an accusation sparked by an incident we are witness to. At the time it means nothing to us. He interacts with his class as a good teacher might. It's what occurs for the next 85 minutes that works everyone over emotionally; audience included. Civil is excellent as he controls the emotional barometer that is THE GOOD TEACHER.
Don't be thinking, TO SIR WITH LOVE or DANGEROUS MINDS when choosing TGT. The Danish film THE HUNT is likely the closest analogy. There is no feel-good experience. Teachers tread a fine line every time they teach. And more often than not, THEY ARE GOOD TEACHERS!10GUMS.
Film No. 25 (2025) April 5th. 11.00 AM LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1, Leederville.
"Mommy, don't make me go in there. I won't go in there!" (Bill looks on as a daughter is pushed towards the local Magdalene Laundry run by The Catholic Church).
WINNER: Best Film (Tim Mielants) Irish Film and TV Awards (2025).
How many more films will it take for us to be convinced of the depth of Cillian Murphy's talent? Not too many more, I imagine. Here, he gives another dimension to what we already know of his talent.
From 1922 until1998, in Ireland, there existed institutions known as the Magdalene laundries , where young, unmarried, mainly pregnant women, who had no home, or had been thrown out of home were placed, usually against their will. Yes - until 1998! This story takes place in Wexford, IRE in the early 80's. Our unsettling journey takes place with Bill Furlong (Murphy), a hard working, retail coal trader. Bill is a good man, the father of 4 loved girls but who quietly festers in his own thoughts of childhood loneliness and bullying. The laundry in Wexford, (a client of his) is a blight on his conscience. How will he find some semblance of internal peace?
The seed for this troubling story comes from the Claire Keegan novella of the same name. THE QUIET GIRL, Bairead's first feature story, is also a Keegan novella. They make an effective, empathetically minded storytelling team. 10GUMS.
Film No. 24 (2024) March 31st. 3:30 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 4, Perth City.
"They say money can't buy happiness. But it all depends on the sum." (Major Roland begins his investigation into murder and mayhem).
WINNER: Audience Award (Franck Dubosc) Malaga French Film Festival.
Has actor, comedian and film-maker Franck Dubosc decided it's time to create the sort of film in which he can best ply his acting craft? If so, then he has succeeded with, UN OURS DANS LE JURA (KILLING) The Coen brothers most definitely have left an impression on Dubosc.
Think of FARGO's "man in a mess" scenario, mixed with BLOOD SIMPLE's darkness, plus a body count in the realms of NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. Now you have something near KILLING. It's a likable 3 star, silly black comedy. Our heroes Michel (Dubosc) and Cathy (Laure Calamy) are innocent bystanders who decide that no one would believe them if they told the truth about the freakish nature of a couple of roadside deaths they're embroiled in. Then, the temptation presented on finding treasure at the scene, and deciding to keep it, only makes things worse. Police chief, Roland (Benoit Poelvoorde) is the clumsy "bloodhound" on the case. We grow to love them all, thus we know how things will finish.
Hats off to Dubosc for creating a screenplay, starring as the lead and bringing the biggest current name in French cinema, Calamy along for the ride. It's a load of twaddle, but a likeable load! 8GUMS.
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".
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.
