Magnificent and silly, the television series continues incarnations of Timothy Ly's film work. Set in Cabramatta where Mr Ly grew up and went to school, Timothy set up martial arts drama in a short film made on no budget called Maximum Choppage shortly after he left Fairvale HS in 2002. He used locally sourced actors and locations. The community is often ignored by mainstream media, unless there is a drugs issue to report on. Timothy also made a feature length film titled "Maximum Choppage Round 2" on no budget with local actors. The humour of the earlier films has been amped considerably to fit into ABC sensibilities, but it is funny. It fits with the locale. It is unique in Australian context. Silly, funny and worth watching.
Reviews
32 Reviews
The Quiet American
(2002)
Stunning beauty, marred by politics
1 February 2008
The Quiet American has all the stunning beauty that Vietnam has to offer. Exotic, Eastern history, mixed with European colonialism meeting resurgent, brash US culture and the moral decay of communism. Yet the moral decay of communism is not portrayed as such. Instead, there is the same suggestion of admiration for desperate communist forces which so mirrors the opinions of those that cannot quite criticize terrorist activity. The circle of silence which envelopes such lands in transition is well portrayed, and exploited by The Quiet American. Should France have made their attempt to reclaim the former colony? What were the US motives? The Chinese? Russia? Che Guevarra and Cuba? What of the people themselves, Vietnamese, from the mountains to the valleys. None is able to show what they want, what they do, for there is a murderous undercurrent as there is a beauty. The acting is superb, and all the basic elements of a great film are there. However, ultimately, it is the direction that prevents this film from rising to achieve what it might have, to inform and portray. Instead, it colludes, and many who struggled to survive the aftermath may well feel betrayed.
Amazing Grace
(2006)
Well made period piece about important events
5 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to immerse myself in this piece. When Gruffud, as Wilberforce, remarks how water has been around for 'millions of years' I was reminded this is only a movie. The age appropriate remark, pre Darwin, would have been 'since creation.' However, I didn't spot lots of these flaws in this diamond like creation.
Wilberforce, Pitt and Newton were contemporary, and their relationships with each other, and with others, is worthwhile to examine. While I do not know the detail of the history surrounding British emancipation of slaves in 1807 (two hundred years ago, as I write), this movie provides excellent insights.
This diamond like film requires no further cutting or polishing. The love story is interesting in the broader context of Wilberforce's life being about love.
Wilberforce, Pitt and Newton were contemporary, and their relationships with each other, and with others, is worthwhile to examine. While I do not know the detail of the history surrounding British emancipation of slaves in 1807 (two hundred years ago, as I write), this movie provides excellent insights.
This diamond like film requires no further cutting or polishing. The love story is interesting in the broader context of Wilberforce's life being about love.
Curse of the Golden Flower
(2006)
Sensational and lavish, contains subtlety beyond traditional western fare
28 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Those key words covered by this film are powerful, covered as they are by the lavish setting. A fictional account, nominally set in the Tang dynasty period, this movie is an exploration of ego within a family.
The Empress, a cypher of the ego of a mother in a modern family, desires love from all quarters. She is not satisfied with having been a conduit to her husband's ambition, she requires more. But she won't get more because her husband won't surrender his first love/ ideal and because of an illicit affair she has had with her stepson. Were the movie a vehicle for Communist idyllic fantasy, the affairs of the empress would be a joke. The affairs aren't explained, however, and the affairs are merely obstacles within court intrigue that need to be navigated. Communist motifs are present, but the film stands without the need to highlight them.
The eldest son has an ego that needs the love of a young woman, having claimed his stepmother. He is disgraced, and willing to surrender his inheritance claim to his younger brother. He is honorable and loyal, in his own way. He is compromised, wanting his father's love, while having stepped on his father's coat train.
Typical of a communist motif, the youngest son has an ego too, which is not being examined by the others, yet which invites tragedy in ways reminiscent of 'Hero'.
One would think that the ego of the father be satisfied. It isn't. Herod Antipas is said to have murdered his wife, and preserved her body in honey. The father in this case seems to be doing this twice. He hasn't achieved his ideal, and he is willing to crash, or crash through.
The Empress, a cypher of the ego of a mother in a modern family, desires love from all quarters. She is not satisfied with having been a conduit to her husband's ambition, she requires more. But she won't get more because her husband won't surrender his first love/ ideal and because of an illicit affair she has had with her stepson. Were the movie a vehicle for Communist idyllic fantasy, the affairs of the empress would be a joke. The affairs aren't explained, however, and the affairs are merely obstacles within court intrigue that need to be navigated. Communist motifs are present, but the film stands without the need to highlight them.
The eldest son has an ego that needs the love of a young woman, having claimed his stepmother. He is disgraced, and willing to surrender his inheritance claim to his younger brother. He is honorable and loyal, in his own way. He is compromised, wanting his father's love, while having stepped on his father's coat train.
Typical of a communist motif, the youngest son has an ego too, which is not being examined by the others, yet which invites tragedy in ways reminiscent of 'Hero'.
One would think that the ego of the father be satisfied. It isn't. Herod Antipas is said to have murdered his wife, and preserved her body in honey. The father in this case seems to be doing this twice. He hasn't achieved his ideal, and he is willing to crash, or crash through.
Earthsea
(2004–2005)
Beautiful and expensive mistake
24 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The Wizard of Earthsea entered my life while I was an adolescent, lonely and missing direction. The text provides a moral obstacle course in a fantasy setting which sidesteps the silly moralising of much fantasy literature. I waited twenty five years to watch this, and at the age of forty, I'm very disappointed.
A lot of money has gone into this, and it will be many years before another attempt is made. The essential trade offs between mediums have been made, but some decisions seem extraordinary and unnecessary. The white actors in black roles. The naming change of the principal character. The storyline.
The first story, detailing the finding of some wisdom by Ged, between his home and the release of the shadow from Roke should have been the limit of this film. Instead, the need to include the beautiful Kreuk led the production to try to tell the first three stories at once. The failure of the production stems from the inability of the producer to limit the production.
A lot of money has gone into this, and it will be many years before another attempt is made. The essential trade offs between mediums have been made, but some decisions seem extraordinary and unnecessary. The white actors in black roles. The naming change of the principal character. The storyline.
The first story, detailing the finding of some wisdom by Ged, between his home and the release of the shadow from Roke should have been the limit of this film. Instead, the need to include the beautiful Kreuk led the production to try to tell the first three stories at once. The failure of the production stems from the inability of the producer to limit the production.
Miss Potter
(2006)
An important tale, told well
28 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This tale has the charm, beauty and wonder of Charlotte's Web, except it is real.
There is a desire, among those willing to redress the balance, to portray woman of character as abrasive and domineering. Yet, in Miss Potter, we find an accomplished, determined and independent soul who did not fall into the trap of merely being oppositional. One wonders what might have been made had we sufficient knowledge of Hypatia.
That a person who celebrated life should be denied children is too cruel. Yet real. Far stronger than any family planning, in statistical terms, is the restrictions that general education places on the lives of modern people. Beatrix was a celebrated scientist, denied accolade until she achieved independent means.
The actors in this piece are restrained, and superb. Lloyd Owen is a masterpiece of casting, following on from McGreggor's craftily constructed, simmering sexual tension. Renee is a little too pretty, but one believes her performance of an intelligent, virtuous woman.
Some historical inaccuracy is over inflated. Telling stories is not an exact science, but this one is well told.
There is a desire, among those willing to redress the balance, to portray woman of character as abrasive and domineering. Yet, in Miss Potter, we find an accomplished, determined and independent soul who did not fall into the trap of merely being oppositional. One wonders what might have been made had we sufficient knowledge of Hypatia.
That a person who celebrated life should be denied children is too cruel. Yet real. Far stronger than any family planning, in statistical terms, is the restrictions that general education places on the lives of modern people. Beatrix was a celebrated scientist, denied accolade until she achieved independent means.
The actors in this piece are restrained, and superb. Lloyd Owen is a masterpiece of casting, following on from McGreggor's craftily constructed, simmering sexual tension. Renee is a little too pretty, but one believes her performance of an intelligent, virtuous woman.
Some historical inaccuracy is over inflated. Telling stories is not an exact science, but this one is well told.
Veronica Guerin
(2003)
Great Idea and Cast, but story falls short
27 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I love Cate Blanchet, Irish peoples, Bruckheimer and Veronica. This story has much to offer, in that it could give a realistic appraisal of the social cost and pervasiveness of drug crime in Ireland. Ireland is not alone with the issue. The world deserves a realistic appraisal.
The approach to telling this story is where it fails. It is to be expected that the story will trade off the goodwill people feel for the Cassandra voice of Veronica, but there is no trade offered. Veronica is seen to initiate a crusade and the threat level rises.
The truth was that Veronica had always known of the sad predations of drug culture, but focused on it with laser intensity in her last few years. She did not suddenly put down a glass of chardonnay and make contact with people who unburdened themselves. The real Veronica knew of her danger, but aimed to get some pretty nasty people exposed. Real people helped her, and paid a high price too. Celebrated politicians dismissed her for their own reasons.
So much going for it, yet it falls short. The story is well paced. The action is good and scenery beautiful, in its way. It just is disappointingly not a good examination of Veronica Guerrin.
The approach to telling this story is where it fails. It is to be expected that the story will trade off the goodwill people feel for the Cassandra voice of Veronica, but there is no trade offered. Veronica is seen to initiate a crusade and the threat level rises.
The truth was that Veronica had always known of the sad predations of drug culture, but focused on it with laser intensity in her last few years. She did not suddenly put down a glass of chardonnay and make contact with people who unburdened themselves. The real Veronica knew of her danger, but aimed to get some pretty nasty people exposed. Real people helped her, and paid a high price too. Celebrated politicians dismissed her for their own reasons.
So much going for it, yet it falls short. The story is well paced. The action is good and scenery beautiful, in its way. It just is disappointingly not a good examination of Veronica Guerrin.
Apocalypto
(2006)
A brilliantly executed story set in a time and place rarely portrayed
12 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This is a ripping yarn, a moral tale, an explanation of how things came to be and as moving and powerful as 'The Passion of the Christ.'
Putting aside Gison's controversial politics, this story is a simple one, detailing the ransacking of a Utopian village. A survivor leaves behind his past and his future as he is dragged to his sacrifice. In an attempt to show the machine underlying sacrificial practise, we have a naive observer with a band of brothers who are witness. Very simple motifs are applied, from hunter/ prey to loss/redemption. At the beginning, the naive observer is threatened by fear. At the end, the naive observer has matured, to be replaced with the wise man who simply negotiates five hundred years of pitfalls.
But this movie is about Gibson's politics. Not the movie itself, but the perception of the movie. The Shakespearian storyline, brilliant cinematography (thanks Mr Semmler), unique casting and natural language would earn critical praise with another producer. Instead, lies are being substituted for criticism, which works in news media when reporting on a conservative president, but which just looks small minded and mean in the face of such art.
Putting aside Gison's controversial politics, this story is a simple one, detailing the ransacking of a Utopian village. A survivor leaves behind his past and his future as he is dragged to his sacrifice. In an attempt to show the machine underlying sacrificial practise, we have a naive observer with a band of brothers who are witness. Very simple motifs are applied, from hunter/ prey to loss/redemption. At the beginning, the naive observer is threatened by fear. At the end, the naive observer has matured, to be replaced with the wise man who simply negotiates five hundred years of pitfalls.
But this movie is about Gibson's politics. Not the movie itself, but the perception of the movie. The Shakespearian storyline, brilliant cinematography (thanks Mr Semmler), unique casting and natural language would earn critical praise with another producer. Instead, lies are being substituted for criticism, which works in news media when reporting on a conservative president, but which just looks small minded and mean in the face of such art.
Friday the Thirteenth
(1933)
Don't know the actors, but this is a ripping yarn, well presented
14 October 2006
Even the younger actors have long since left the stage. This was filmed when the crossover from vaudeville productions was not complete. These people know how to portray character to an audience. The writers knew how to construct a good story too. The accident. The rewind showing the lead in to the now inevitable, followed by a denouement that blossoms as the petals fall. All connected, interconnected and ironic. We are an older world than they were. Average age in UK is approximately 40 now, but must have been mid 20's then. It's nice to see younger people with legitimate young peoples issues. A newly engaged couple must transcend their separate lives .. without experience to guide them. Nowadays, there are experienced prevaricators with different issues.
Enjoy this film. Don't expect modern hoopla, but allow yourself to enjoy. I give you permission :D
Enjoy this film. Don't expect modern hoopla, but allow yourself to enjoy. I give you permission :D
Two Twisted
(2005–2006)
Tales of the Unexpected
14 August 2006
This genre is too easy to abuse. For those who grew up on Hitchcock or Twilight Zone, there is much that might disappoint. The tales could be predictable, or boring, or too cheesy.
Brian Brown has surrounded himself with some of Australia's finest actors.
The scripts are tight. The tales ambiguous to the end, but not after.
It was once said of the Korean movie industry that the discipline of good story continuity wasn't present. That unexplained events would escalate and so a killer would be outside of the private abode of a pretty victim without the viewer ever knowing why the victim was targeted, how the killer found the victim, why extreme violence was required, why no one benign existed. So Two Twisted tales treads dangerous grounds .. using continuity within its language of exposition. The difference being that Two Twisted's continuity issues are deliberate and explained.
The two half hour episodes at the start are connected. I've not yet worked out how. I wish there were cheats :D
Brian Brown has surrounded himself with some of Australia's finest actors.
The scripts are tight. The tales ambiguous to the end, but not after.
It was once said of the Korean movie industry that the discipline of good story continuity wasn't present. That unexplained events would escalate and so a killer would be outside of the private abode of a pretty victim without the viewer ever knowing why the victim was targeted, how the killer found the victim, why extreme violence was required, why no one benign existed. So Two Twisted tales treads dangerous grounds .. using continuity within its language of exposition. The difference being that Two Twisted's continuity issues are deliberate and explained.
The two half hour episodes at the start are connected. I've not yet worked out how. I wish there were cheats :D
Gorky Park
(1983)
Cold War Thriller of Highest Order, Fresh Two Decades On
18 July 2006
Life is cheap when people are desperate.
Gorky Park is a communal leisure area in Moscow. A place of beauty available to the poorest. It was a tenet of faith of US conservatives of the day that communism had left people poor. US liberals of the day claimed that the truth of communist freedoms was being obscured by conservatives. Few in the west understood Soviet life. Whatever the faults of this film, the characters were real, desperate and flawed.
The hero is part superman in the violence. Both touched and Teflon. Hurt plays the naive observer who is witnessing cracks in the paintwork. An honest cop who knows enough politics to live.
The mystery is disturbing, and things get worse. Soviet Russia was a flawed vision of idealists. Nothing works as it is supposed to, and when some well meaning youths attempt to achieve utopia, establishment has a way of buying souls.
Gorky Park is a vision that might have been set in any of many nations where totalitarian regimes fed on the dreams of youth. This is not a common or average film. The violence is extreme and apparently unnecessary, except in some places in the world, such things happen.
I've not read the book.
Gorky Park is a communal leisure area in Moscow. A place of beauty available to the poorest. It was a tenet of faith of US conservatives of the day that communism had left people poor. US liberals of the day claimed that the truth of communist freedoms was being obscured by conservatives. Few in the west understood Soviet life. Whatever the faults of this film, the characters were real, desperate and flawed.
The hero is part superman in the violence. Both touched and Teflon. Hurt plays the naive observer who is witnessing cracks in the paintwork. An honest cop who knows enough politics to live.
The mystery is disturbing, and things get worse. Soviet Russia was a flawed vision of idealists. Nothing works as it is supposed to, and when some well meaning youths attempt to achieve utopia, establishment has a way of buying souls.
Gorky Park is a vision that might have been set in any of many nations where totalitarian regimes fed on the dreams of youth. This is not a common or average film. The violence is extreme and apparently unnecessary, except in some places in the world, such things happen.
I've not read the book.
Veronica Mars
(2004–2019)
Nancy Drew in the 21st Century
14 July 2006
This series is better than good. Not held down to silly moralizing and neither dwelling deep into teen hedonism. Some characters do terrible things, but not Veronica. Rich kids smoke dope, gamble, drink and pay for hookers. Veronica cooks for dad, thinks fast on her feet and isn't mean .. just smart and with a keen sense of justice.
I want this show to do its 5 to 7 years. Nothing else on the market is similar. Pride is a little traded commodity among female teens. It's nice to see it on Veronica Mars.
I'm a high school teacher. VM was on my ignore list. One of my year 12's whose personality and attitude would have her as a dead ringer for VM was telling others how good the show is. I watched it and was hooked.
I want this show to do its 5 to 7 years. Nothing else on the market is similar. Pride is a little traded commodity among female teens. It's nice to see it on Veronica Mars.
I'm a high school teacher. VM was on my ignore list. One of my year 12's whose personality and attitude would have her as a dead ringer for VM was telling others how good the show is. I watched it and was hooked.
The Cowra Breakout
(1984)
Cowra Breakout was Iconic Incident WWII. This Movie is Inadequate.
8 July 2006
For all that it could have been, this movie is a failure. It fails to adequately explore prisoner motivations or experience or provide a corporate insight into how war time Australia felt or behaved.
August 5 1944, over two years since a break out at Featherstone NZ led to increased security, over 545 Japanese soldiers stormed a machine gun nest and wandered around outback NSW before surrendering. An estimated 234 died and 108 were wounded.
Historian Gavin Long recorded "At about 2 a.m. a Japanese ran to the camp gates and shouted what seemed to be a warning to the sentries. Then a Japanese bugle sounded. A sentry fired a warning shot. More sentries fired as three mobs of prisoners, shouting "Banzai", began breaking through the wire, one mob on the northern side, one on the western and one on the southern. They flung themselves across the wire with the help of blankets. They were armed with knives, baseball bats, clubs studded with nails and hooks, wire stilettos and garroting cords"
The authorities had been tipped off regarding the outbreak, and the Japanese were to be transported to Hay when they fled.
Japanese soldiers were unlikely to have committed ritual suicide over the disgrace of capture, rather, they had been told to expect torture and camp conditions equivalent to Allied detainees in Burma etc. It is known that treatment of Japanese (Italian and German) prisoners had been humane. It is possible individual events might not uniformly express the humanity .. machine gunning the breakout was not the finest moment in Australian History of detainment.
August 5 1944, over two years since a break out at Featherstone NZ led to increased security, over 545 Japanese soldiers stormed a machine gun nest and wandered around outback NSW before surrendering. An estimated 234 died and 108 were wounded.
Historian Gavin Long recorded "At about 2 a.m. a Japanese ran to the camp gates and shouted what seemed to be a warning to the sentries. Then a Japanese bugle sounded. A sentry fired a warning shot. More sentries fired as three mobs of prisoners, shouting "Banzai", began breaking through the wire, one mob on the northern side, one on the western and one on the southern. They flung themselves across the wire with the help of blankets. They were armed with knives, baseball bats, clubs studded with nails and hooks, wire stilettos and garroting cords"
The authorities had been tipped off regarding the outbreak, and the Japanese were to be transported to Hay when they fled.
Japanese soldiers were unlikely to have committed ritual suicide over the disgrace of capture, rather, they had been told to expect torture and camp conditions equivalent to Allied detainees in Burma etc. It is known that treatment of Japanese (Italian and German) prisoners had been humane. It is possible individual events might not uniformly express the humanity .. machine gunning the breakout was not the finest moment in Australian History of detainment.
Superman Returns
(2006)
Fighting for truth and justice, as the Americans say
2 July 2006
I loved this film, not expecting it to be as good as it is, and still hit those targets that make it Superman.
Lois is a difficult character to play and cast. She needs to straddle the divide of being canny as well as not noticing the resemblance of Kent to Superman. The casting of Bosworth for this role seemed perfect to me, partly because she is a good actress, but also because of her face, which resembles that of a girl I fell for over two decades ago. I never dated that girl (her choice), but over fifteen years hardly a day went by when I failed to think that my life might be made better were I to get her to change her mind. The upshot is I am totally sympathetic to her character :D
Spacey is a brilliant actor. I don't like his politics, but I don't see his politics in his acting. As Lex, he personifies moody brilliance, flawed and evil genius. His callous disregard for his weak underlings made abundantly clear.
Brandon's Superman is a good tribute to those past, and nicely brought into the 21st century. I sympathize with his indecision regarding Lois. Tristan Lake Leabu is believable in his role, and I look forward to his future work .. away from pianos.
Nothing is missing from the legend, the story fits well with DC comic milieu and doesn't jar with Smallville.
I look forward to a sequel .. ;)
Lois is a difficult character to play and cast. She needs to straddle the divide of being canny as well as not noticing the resemblance of Kent to Superman. The casting of Bosworth for this role seemed perfect to me, partly because she is a good actress, but also because of her face, which resembles that of a girl I fell for over two decades ago. I never dated that girl (her choice), but over fifteen years hardly a day went by when I failed to think that my life might be made better were I to get her to change her mind. The upshot is I am totally sympathetic to her character :D
Spacey is a brilliant actor. I don't like his politics, but I don't see his politics in his acting. As Lex, he personifies moody brilliance, flawed and evil genius. His callous disregard for his weak underlings made abundantly clear.
Brandon's Superman is a good tribute to those past, and nicely brought into the 21st century. I sympathize with his indecision regarding Lois. Tristan Lake Leabu is believable in his role, and I look forward to his future work .. away from pianos.
Nothing is missing from the legend, the story fits well with DC comic milieu and doesn't jar with Smallville.
I look forward to a sequel .. ;)
The Da Vinci Code
(2006)
A solid Science Fiction film with over rated flaws
20 June 2006
There are so many knives out for this film. Lots will watch it for the controversy and then bag it for the same reason. This is not a bad film. The plot is significant and interesting. The action is lively. The only area where it falls down is in theology, but then only the marketers and Axe grinders of religion place any claims on this film for THAT.
If the claims of religious historicity were put aside, the leads would be viewed as being good for their roles. The girl is pretty and doesn't need to remove her clothes to prove it. The male lead doesn't use excessive profanity to show emotion. Already supporters of licentiousness have it in for the film on those counts ..
The bad guys are inhumanly weird, which reinforces core values.
The storyline is taken from the book, which I haven't read, but know in minute detail. I'm a committed Christian and am not troubled or enlightened by the story. I can see where history has been inflated and adjusted to suit the story .. and it works. This will disappoint atheists keen to find a new weapon, but it will also distract religious leaders keen to have a opinion on something modern.
I'm a big fan of Mr Howard. This isn't "The Paper" but it is a solid film if you allow yourself to see beyond the hype and suspend your disbelief ;)
If the claims of religious historicity were put aside, the leads would be viewed as being good for their roles. The girl is pretty and doesn't need to remove her clothes to prove it. The male lead doesn't use excessive profanity to show emotion. Already supporters of licentiousness have it in for the film on those counts ..
The bad guys are inhumanly weird, which reinforces core values.
The storyline is taken from the book, which I haven't read, but know in minute detail. I'm a committed Christian and am not troubled or enlightened by the story. I can see where history has been inflated and adjusted to suit the story .. and it works. This will disappoint atheists keen to find a new weapon, but it will also distract religious leaders keen to have a opinion on something modern.
I'm a big fan of Mr Howard. This isn't "The Paper" but it is a solid film if you allow yourself to see beyond the hype and suspend your disbelief ;)
It's a Wonderful Life
(1946)
A perfect Christmas Film that reinforces core values
17 June 2006
It isn't shown at Christmas time in Australia on free to air anymore. This film is underrated by those who feel it is very good.
Jimmy Stewart's distinctive, whimsical voice conveys the emotions that hit viewer buttons on many levels. Loss, love and worth are examined for the viewer.
Capra has told this story simply and well, and one doesn't need to be an adult to appreciate what drives the characters.
The community is comprised of people who are basically good.
The special effects were very special for the time, and convey much that is lost by a drop of ink in milk.
I've seen angels. They come to life in this movie.
Jimmy Stewart's distinctive, whimsical voice conveys the emotions that hit viewer buttons on many levels. Loss, love and worth are examined for the viewer.
Capra has told this story simply and well, and one doesn't need to be an adult to appreciate what drives the characters.
The community is comprised of people who are basically good.
The special effects were very special for the time, and convey much that is lost by a drop of ink in milk.
I've seen angels. They come to life in this movie.
Land of the Pharaohs
(1955)
Fifty years on, this film is dated and modern. Sumptuous and enlightening
9 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Joan Collins is so beautiful! The settings are beautiful and every effort seems to have been made for authenticity as understood at the time. Yet time has marched on, and the Medieval styled court intrigues which never applied to the times of Pharaoh may jar for those wishing a deeper understanding of Egyptian times. At times there is a humor for the modern viewer, as when Pharoah describes the beautiful princess' appearance as 'starved.' We now know much of how and who when we think of the building of the pyramids. This makes the town planning scenes seem a joke. Mini models showing defects .. lots of laughs. Throw in a bull fighting scene and dialog from a one up-ing convention, this movie is worth watching and enjoying.
Deserving Finale
28 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
All the old favorites are reunited for this gritty crime drama, anchored in reality. At least the original concept of the show had character and plot based on actual events. The characters have matured, and with all living things, must move on. From my Australian vantage point, I do not know if the specific details of this episode are real, but if so, then the disbanding of this group is little short of criminal ..
The point guy (well, girl) is effective and prepared to risk looking bad to achieve ends, as can be seen in the extended opening sequence. The adrenaline junkie gets beaten up and comes back for more. The big bear is in a parlous way and his lover is in a family way. Politicos are very bad, so that I don't know why any democracy allows them.
The passed over cop still has press links and the pollie liaison is retiring .. one day soon. The psychic is both respected and ignored. Agamemnon's wife would be jealous ..
The point guy (well, girl) is effective and prepared to risk looking bad to achieve ends, as can be seen in the extended opening sequence. The adrenaline junkie gets beaten up and comes back for more. The big bear is in a parlous way and his lover is in a family way. Politicos are very bad, so that I don't know why any democracy allows them.
The passed over cop still has press links and the pollie liaison is retiring .. one day soon. The psychic is both respected and ignored. Agamemnon's wife would be jealous ..
V for Vendetta
(2005)
Leftist philosophy yields ripping yarn
2 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The long introduction irritated me. I wanted to throw my everyday concerns away and escape to a fantasy world, but this movie offered a view particular to trenchant lefties that wouldn't let me go, counter to my experience as it was. Fry and Portman and Weaving seemed to me to be three experts on a current affair hypothetical - chosen as they agree on their hatred of conservative values. Unlike the views of minority groups on current affairs, however, the intro is essential to the story, and the overall story is escalating and gripping. What is Fry's character's relationship with Evie (Portman's character)? Who is V? Why is V so vengeful? Insight to the characters is brilliantly given through old movie snippets, such as "The count of Monte Christo." One still feels that not all loose ends are tied. But then Tolkein didn't do THAT with his LOTR, so it's not really essential when important issues are settled. Portman is a great actress. She explores Evie deeply, and one feels that Evie is a real person, with elements of two dimensional shallowness and great depth. It is easy to play a character of conviction, but playing those who doubt their own reality is very hard. Evie grows and changes and Portman takes us on this journey. Fry too shows us much of himself. I felt he wrote his own role. I'm Australian. Weaving can do no wrong. Conservatives are all right wing fascists. And stupid. And evil. But then this is fantasy .. even if some feel this reinforces their reality.
Hudson Hawk
(1991)
Genius Panned by Critics
17 March 2006
I first saw this film on Video. I'd been extraordinarily busy in the years surrounding the film's release, so a video with friends became my initiation, and I hadn't known the critical opinion.
Hollywood casting is a 'no brainer' concept. People like Hugh Grant are musts for some roles. The same goes for Bruce Willis, who, while being a great actor with a diverse range of talents, is particularly brilliant with a type of role, like David in Moonlighting or Jimmy in Whole Nine Yards.
Willis gags and great, tasteful music decorate Hudson Hawke like paint in a concrete unit. Characters are idiosyncratic and nothing should be taken seriously, except the fun.
A curious relationship with the 'Da Vinci Code highlights the fact that neither story is strictly speaking, original, so much as descendant from folk tales and dreams.
For me, this is what movies are about.
Hollywood casting is a 'no brainer' concept. People like Hugh Grant are musts for some roles. The same goes for Bruce Willis, who, while being a great actor with a diverse range of talents, is particularly brilliant with a type of role, like David in Moonlighting or Jimmy in Whole Nine Yards.
Willis gags and great, tasteful music decorate Hudson Hawke like paint in a concrete unit. Characters are idiosyncratic and nothing should be taken seriously, except the fun.
A curious relationship with the 'Da Vinci Code highlights the fact that neither story is strictly speaking, original, so much as descendant from folk tales and dreams.
For me, this is what movies are about.
Darker than previous. Stories of adolescents and adolescence.
3 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The kids have begun to discover sexuality. The boys sitting next to the adorable Hermione, wondering which female to invite to a dance, then Ron sees Hermione and says "Your a girl," but lacks the correct presence to elicit a delighted 'Yes!'
Rowling gives a story which creates believable characters with dark secrets. Why does that curse make Longbottom quiver? {Yes, I read my writing, but that last might scan unnoticed}
The school kids told me that this movie seemed rushed. It certainly is quickly paced with little room for sentimental reflection. Cheers of triumph turn to despair. Harry is constantly looking for betrayal from those he loves and who love him.Some side stories are pared to focus the movie on the essential story. As usual, the photography is beautiful and detailed. My heart is full.
Tightly edited and crisp. The only people who will be disappointed will be those who want to be.
Rowling gives a story which creates believable characters with dark secrets. Why does that curse make Longbottom quiver? {Yes, I read my writing, but that last might scan unnoticed}
The school kids told me that this movie seemed rushed. It certainly is quickly paced with little room for sentimental reflection. Cheers of triumph turn to despair. Harry is constantly looking for betrayal from those he loves and who love him.Some side stories are pared to focus the movie on the essential story. As usual, the photography is beautiful and detailed. My heart is full.
Tightly edited and crisp. The only people who will be disappointed will be those who want to be.
Pride & Prejudice
(2005)
Female interplay, dialog and cinematography exceptionally good
21 October 2005
Mathew McFadyen, ex spook, kept reminding me that this might be an MI5 production.
All the important elements were there. Acting was superb. Much thought has gone into the flawless script. The cinematography is dragged into the 21st century. Keira Knightly blooms as an English rose .. and 'Jane' is prettier ..
The settings are beautiful and rustic. One can see the nearness that poverty has to Bennet lives. The five daughters and no governess almost explaining the thoughtless self absorption of the mother.
For me, the only thing that jars is the feeling that a gang of Spooks may be on hand to drag Wickham away ..
The cinematic aspects that are modernised are the fades and visual segways. On occasion a character might be introduced with the sun behind them .. maintaining ambiguity for a short time. Some of the fades make the scenes appear like old photo images .. and the countryside is achingly beautiful.
Knightly's hair looks dirty. The strength of this version lies in inflating the female interplay beyond A&E's, yet maintaining balance. One can see that the long suffering father loves the mother, although he endures her pettiness. His quips are not threats. The mother's pettiness is softened by his love and the forgiveness of Elizabeth who accepts her mother and respects her despite the shortcomings.
All the important elements were there. Acting was superb. Much thought has gone into the flawless script. The cinematography is dragged into the 21st century. Keira Knightly blooms as an English rose .. and 'Jane' is prettier ..
The settings are beautiful and rustic. One can see the nearness that poverty has to Bennet lives. The five daughters and no governess almost explaining the thoughtless self absorption of the mother.
For me, the only thing that jars is the feeling that a gang of Spooks may be on hand to drag Wickham away ..
The cinematic aspects that are modernised are the fades and visual segways. On occasion a character might be introduced with the sun behind them .. maintaining ambiguity for a short time. Some of the fades make the scenes appear like old photo images .. and the countryside is achingly beautiful.
Knightly's hair looks dirty. The strength of this version lies in inflating the female interplay beyond A&E's, yet maintaining balance. One can see that the long suffering father loves the mother, although he endures her pettiness. His quips are not threats. The mother's pettiness is softened by his love and the forgiveness of Elizabeth who accepts her mother and respects her despite the shortcomings.
The 13th Warrior
(1999)
Fact and fiction.
4 October 2005
Antonio Banderas plays a Muslim diplomat alongside Icelandic actors playing vikings in this saga.
The saga is based on truth. We know little about the Vikings because they had little use for writing in the pre-Christian era. A Muslim diplomat did accompany some warriors in an expedition similar to the one of this story. He survived to write about his adventure .. and so we know first hand, a little about Viking life.
An attempt to tell the real story would have had some dramatic merit. However, this fiction exposition works, but ultimately diminishes the story
This story is ultimately fiction, and explores the ending of more than just a culture ..
The saga is based on truth. We know little about the Vikings because they had little use for writing in the pre-Christian era. A Muslim diplomat did accompany some warriors in an expedition similar to the one of this story. He survived to write about his adventure .. and so we know first hand, a little about Viking life.
An attempt to tell the real story would have had some dramatic merit. However, this fiction exposition works, but ultimately diminishes the story
This story is ultimately fiction, and explores the ending of more than just a culture ..
Serenity
(2005)
I've seen those that came before
1 October 2005
Although I have seen many of the features that provided grist for this modern day mill, the script doctor Whedon has provided us with a fresh feeling, action packed, fast paced movie.
Opening scenes are relevant to the story. Storyline develops and nothing is skipped or fat.
Humorous quips and beautiful characters.
If you've seen Buffy or Angel, you will recognise their character here. Ditto Blakes 7, Clint Eastwood westerns, Star Wars and any other movie the good doctor could tastefully strip.
Loved it.
Opening scenes are relevant to the story. Storyline develops and nothing is skipped or fat.
Humorous quips and beautiful characters.
If you've seen Buffy or Angel, you will recognise their character here. Ditto Blakes 7, Clint Eastwood westerns, Star Wars and any other movie the good doctor could tastefully strip.
Loved it.
Little Fish
(2005)
Darker than Lantana or Momento or Two Hands
25 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I had anticipated this film, living in the area where it was shot. This film captures elements of lives of real people, although many who live here will not have anything like the lives these characters lead .. they can be recognised.
Noni Hazelhurst, and a swag of other Australian actors, is in her element; playing a dumb, drugged out, loser. Her children are suffering from the poor life decisions this former good time girl turned concerned mother had made.
This is not a story of drug culture. Nor is it about the Vietnamese culture as expressed in Cabramatta, although both elements get a good airing. This is a story of redemption, which all struggle for, but none seem to achieve.
Twists and turns like "Momento" or "Lantana", "Little Fish" deserves attention.
Noni Hazelhurst, and a swag of other Australian actors, is in her element; playing a dumb, drugged out, loser. Her children are suffering from the poor life decisions this former good time girl turned concerned mother had made.
This is not a story of drug culture. Nor is it about the Vietnamese culture as expressed in Cabramatta, although both elements get a good airing. This is a story of redemption, which all struggle for, but none seem to achieve.
Twists and turns like "Momento" or "Lantana", "Little Fish" deserves attention.
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