Red Hill...

RELEASE DATE: 25th November 2010

- "Yay" for Australian Films!

An Aussie thriller of the 'cult' low budget variety, "Red Hill" sees Steve Bisley, Tommy Hill (The Proposition) and Ryan Kwanten (True Blood Fame, formerly Home and Away) battle it out, as young and old in a small town join forces against Tommy Hill's character, convicted indigenous killer "Jimmy Conway".

Ryan Kwanten's character, "Shane Conway" is a young family man having arrived overnight in a small town, with a pregnant wife in tow, ready to start a new life in small town Australia. Shane is the newest member of the local police force, led by Steve Bisley's character "Old Bill".

This film has been compared to 'The Cohen Brothers', "No Country for Old Men", although the similarities cease to exist once you look beneath the surface. Both films have a lead character intent upon killing others but the motivators behind the killings couldn't be further apart. "Jimmy Conway" as we discover, is motivated to kill because of his loss, whereas Javier Bardem's character in "No Country for Old Men" is a psychopath who kill's for the 'game'.

In a nut-shell, Steve Bisley and his 'local gang' are intent upon killing "Jimmy" for his past transgressions, but little is said about their own, until the end of the film. Steve Bisley plays a fantastic 'red neck' along with others in the local gang, such as John Brumpton (The Loved One's, Romper Stomper).

There are definite elements of the cult variety in scenes where we see Jimmy Conway entering the main street of the deserted town, on horseback, reminiscent of Clint Eastwood in "A fistful of Dollars". Other classic scenes include the "shoot out" in the local pub, where the wounded publican is filmed dragging his wounded body across the floor, leaving a bloody trail behind.

Being a fan of and supporter of locally made films in Australia, I think "Red Hill" (although not the classic it tries hard to be) deserves recognition for its entertainment value.

http://www.charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/



Machete..

RELEASE DATE: 11th November 2010

  -Sure to be a hit with 'the Boys', a smorgasboard of saucy and sexy women!!

Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Danny Trejo and the 'infamous' Lindsay Lohan star in the new Robert Rodriguez film, "Machete".

As we have come to expect, Rodriguez has assembled a cast of new and old favourites, such as "Cheech Marin". Danny Trejo stars as the warrior 'Machete', a hit with 'the ladies' young and old! Machete escapes from Mexico after local Mafioso boss, played by Stephen Segal, beheads his wife.

Rodriguez film caters for every young boy/man's fantasy of the 'kick ass' babes, frolicking in skimpy clothes (or none at all in the case of Lindsay Lohan and onscreen Mum). With characteristic 'campness' (not sure if Rodriguez would like to be referred to in that way!), the characters shoot, blast and seduce their way through this film as Machete attempts to lead the quiet life in the USA.

This blatantly obvious (as intended) focus on women as sex objects managed to frustrate me, although we have come to expect the ever present 'babes' in his films. The film focussed on little else than "Guns and Babes" as I'm sure was the intent, but lacked the wit and humour of his other films such as "Desperado" (El Mariachi- Mexican release) and it's sequel, "Once upon a Time in Mexico".

http://www.charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

The Japanese Film Festival

The Japanese film festival begins in Melbourne on December 2nd running until 7th December 2010.

Some of the films featured include:

'Sword of Desperation' for Samurai film fans;
'About her Brother', closing film for the Berlin Film Festival;

Check out the link below for more information on films and screening times:

http://14th.japanesefilmfestival.net/calendar.html

The Social Network

RELEASE DATE: 28th October 2010

 - Mixed feelings as is my opinion on all Social Media...

Starring in this film is young actor of the moment Jesse Eisenberg, who recently starred in "Zombieland" (see Christmas 2009 blog post) and "Adventureland".

"The Social Network" charts the amazing rise and rise of Mark Zuckerberg, a controversial figure recognised as 'the' founder of Facebook, although this has been disputed. The said dispute is what makes up the bulk of the film leaving little room for interpretation as to whether Zuckerberg should be recognised as 'the' founder of Facebook (the court and the damages paid to other parties would suggest otherwise).

Justin Timberlake does a fine turn as the young creator of Napster, Sean Parker, whilst others, such as the actors playing the 'Winkelvoss twin's' leave little to be desired in terms of their acting credibility. Actor Armie Hammer reminds me of a young 'Keanu', grunting his way through Point Break (and that's not a good thing!)

An interesting film for the story and Facebook's place as a part of 'Pop Culture' history. Whether we like it or not, Facebook has become a part of everyone's lives in one way, shape or form.

http://www.charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/



American - The Bill Hicks Story......

  - Entertaining and no need to be a Bill Hick's fan as you will realise the story is more about his quest to break boundaries and make a serious point through his comedy.

This is the tale of a political and sometimes perverse poet, Bill Hick's, who was raised in Ohio by a Southern Baptist family, knowing from his early teens he was destined to entertain others.

In the early days Bill and his best pal spent time entertaining kid's at school until they quickly progressed to doing live stand-up in their early teens. By the age of 20 Bill was a seasoned stand-up comedian living in LA and chasing his dream.

The story of Bill Hick's life is cleverly told using cutout animation of the comdedian and various friends, a la Monty Python and the Flying Circus style. With little live footage of Bill until his later years, the story relies heavily on the imagery and reflections of close friends and family.

http://www.charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

Please Give

RELEASE DATE: 9th September 2010

 - A wry, introspective and funny film.

"Please Give" stars Catherine Keener, Amanda Peet and Rebecca Hall (of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" fame).

The film follows the life of an inner city couple who make their money selling retro furniture/art pieces from deceased estates.  Oliver Platt plays "Kate's" husband "Alex" and young actress Sarah Steele plays "Abby", the slightly overweight teen daughter going through her awkward teen years.

We see the inner struggle of Catherine Keener's character "Kate", as she enjoys the fruits of her labour but struggles with feelings of guilt because of the comfortable lifestyle she leads, in the face of the poor and underprivileged living under her nose. In contrast, "Alex" find's it hard to understand Kate's feelings of guilt, something he doesn't suffer from! So Kate, a good soul, attempts to absolve herself of the guilt she feels from living her privileged life, by giving away money to the less fortunate whom she encounters on a daily basis.

As the film progresses we realise Kate and her husband have decided to buy the apartment next-door to theirs, from an elderly neighbour, so they can expand their (already) substantial sized apartment. Amanda Peet and Rebecca Hall play "Rebecca" and "Mary" respectively, the grand-daughters of Kate's elderly neighbour "Andra".  Rebecca initially loathes Kate and her family and suspects they can't wait for her grandma to pass on, whilst her sister Mary could care less about her grandma or anyone but herself, so it seems.

With good intentions Kate invites Andra and her grandchildren over for dinner as sparks begin to fly between the two families!

 

http://www.charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

Hola Mexican Film Festival 2010

The Mexican Film Festival 2010, opens in Melbourne town tomorrow night.

The festival runs from the 22nd October - 31st October, 2010, with all films screening at ACMI in Federation Square.

The Festival features Comedy, Drama, Documentaries and a tribute to the director "Carlos Carerra" of The Crimes of Father Amaro fame which stars actor Gael Garcia Bernel.

Films to watch out for are the black comedy, "Chance","We are What We Are" (Vampiresque film) and the doco "Sins of my Father" about the life of Pablo Escobar a Colombian drug-lord, told through the eyes of his son.

http://www.holamexicoff.com/10-AU/melbourne/index.html

The Double Hour..

RELEASE DATE: 2009 (Italy)

Lavazza Italian Film Festival Release in Australia.

 - - Recommended to anyone who enjoys the 'thriller' genre.

The Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2010 is serving up a treat of independent films. The Double Hour is a debut film for the director, Giuseppe Capotondi (normally found directing music videos), which featured in the 'Venice Film Festival 2009 official selection.

The main character in this film is the psychologically damaged 'Sonia' (played by Ksenia Rappoport) who meets the charismatic 'Guido' (played by actor Filippo Timi) at a speed-dating function. The recently widowed Guido is not interested in long term relationships but meeting Sonia soon changes his mind.

While Sonia continues her day job as a chamber-maid at an inner city Hotel in Turin, we are taken on an adventure where what ensues is a thriller with more than a couple of twists. Sonia's subconscious and reality become increasingly intertwined as the truth about her life is slowly revealed.

The film is entertaining with a couple of startling moments that had me leaping out of my seat, as Sonia's subconscious worked overtime.

http://www.charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/









The Ghost Writer...

RELEASE DATE: 12th August 2010.

- Don't expect to interfere with the CIA and come out alive!

The Ghost Writer is a new film by the notorious director Roman Polanski, whose girlfriend Sharon Tate, was famously killed by the "Manson Family".  Unfortunately Roman Polanski is also famous in his own right, not only for Award winning films (Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown), but for past misdemeanors (he pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor in 1977) and fortunately this movie was good enough, that my personal feelings about Mr Polanski did not cloud my view of the film.

The Ghost Writer stars Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Wilkinson, Olivia Willliams (who looks remarkably like Australian/Italian actress Greta Scacchi) and a toned down "Samantha" from Sex and the City (Kim Cattrall), playing a modern "M" like character to Pierce Brosnan's, Adam Lang (former British Prime Minister).

The film is suspenseful without trying to have too hard and confusing us with its many last minute twists and turns which many films of late seem to do. The story is about a Ghost Writer (Ewan McGregor) who is sent to the US to finish the memoirs of a past British Prime Minister, Pierce Brosnan. Upon arriving and meeting with the Prime Minister a series of events are reported in the media where the former Prime Minister is accused of assisting in the interrogation and death of terrorists in Afghanistan and is set to be investigated by the War Crimes tribunal.

What seems to be a straight forward turn of events becomes a plot involving betrayal, misguided career aspirations and the CIA.  .

http://charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

More Film Festivals.........

Well I can't keep up! It seems every week there is a different film festival on in Melbourne and here is but a few of them..

At the moment we have the Russian Film Festival, "Russian Resurrection" showing at Palace Cinema Como unitl September 5th.

With only one day to go the choices are smaller but there is a mixture of romance, thriller and action films left, to meet all tastes. 

http://www.russianresurrection.com/2010/

In a couple of weeks the Environmental Film Festival begins, 16th September - 19th September.

Watch out for the double feature, "Dive", (for those of you who would like to more about what cafe's and the like do with their excess food supplies) and the film "What's Organic about Organic", for those who are intrested in the debate about traditional Agriculture V's Organic.

http://www.effm.org.au/

After the Italian Film Festival (which I have spoken about in a past post) the Greek Film Festival runs from 13th October - 31st October and showing exclusively at Palace Cinema Como.

Watch out for "Bang Bang Wedding", which stars Alex Dimitriades and "Dogtooth" which was selected to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, 2010.

http://www.greekfilmfestival.com.au/

Over in Carlton at Cinema Nova we have The 2010 Mobile Samsung AFI Award Films screening from August 24th - September 16th.

Featuring, "Bran Nue Dae", "Animal Kingdom", "Accidents Happen", "Beneath Hill 60" and other Australian films released over the 2009 -2010 period.

Reel Anime 2010 also begins on September 2nd showcasing anime feature films from Japan. I am not known for my love of anime, however I am going to give it another shot by hopefully catching "Summer Wars", with its premise of the Worlds fate at stake, and in the hands of a young "Computer Nerd".

http://www.madman.com.au/reelanime/

The Singapore Film Festival screens on September 7th and 8th at both Cinema Nova and Greater Union Russel Street.

"Singapore Dreaming" is one of the films featuring in the program about a family living on a small Island and what happens once they win the lottery.

  This film was regarded on its release in "07", as “...one of Singapore’s best films ever.”

     FiRST, Singapore’s top film magazine

http://www.sffmelbourne.com/

Watch this blog for more updates and reviews from the many film festivals mentioned!

http://charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

Boy...

RELEASE DATE: 26th August 2010

- Thoroughly entertaining your mouth will hurt from smiling incessantly!

New Zealand film "Boy" from actor/director, Taika Waititi who wrote, directed and starred in this feature (and also directed the 2007 film Eagle vs Shark) is sure to entertain and pull on the heart-strings of those sensitive types! Soon to be release at Cinema Nova and Palace cinemas, this film is akin to such Australian classic's as "Muriel's Wedding" and will be sure to go down in New Zealand cinema history in much the same way.

Set in the mid 1980's "Boy" (played by young actor James Rolleston) shares his love of Michael Jackson and his dream to bond with and meet his absent father, Alameinn. None too soon Boy's wish comes true and his father returns to the family, although Boy and his Father's intentions are not exactly the same.

You must watch out for the hilarious scene where Boy first meet's his father and two of his friends outside the family home, a stilted conversation ensues which lay's the foundations of further interactions between the two and there are many more laugh-out-loud moments like this throughout the film.

A simple but sad tale told with humour and the insights of a young boy who comes to the realisation that his father isn't the man he had imagined him to be.

http://charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

Inception....

RELEASE DATE: 22nd July 2010.

- If Leo's your leading man of choice, then you will enjoy this film.

Inception is the new film from British director Christopher Nolan who was responsible for creating the darker Batman character, played by Christian Bale in "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight".

Inception has a star studded cast with Leonardo DiCaprio playing the lead role of "Cobb" along with Ellen Page of "Juno" fame, Joseph Gordon-Levitt of "60 Days of Summer", Academy Award winning actress Marion Cotillard from the film "La Vie en rose" and seminal actors Michael Caine, Pete Poselthwaite and Tom Berenger.

Up and coming British actor "Tom Hardy", who also features in the film, manages to steal the limelight from others through his sheer charisma and that British accent!  He is best known for his starring role in the film "Bronson" which premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2009.

This film takes us on a journey which can be likened to that of the film "The Matrix", where reality and the subconscious become blurred. Leo appears to be attracted to the idea of reality and our skewed perceptions of it as his role in the film "Shutter Island" took a similar turn.

Casting in this film is similar to that of the Ocean's Eleven franchise, with a couple of  key character such as Leo's "Cobb" and Ellen Page's "Ariadne" supported by a cast of pretty young things and acting stalwarts Michael Caine and Pete Poselthwaite.  This film is enjoyable although perhaps a little too long (it seems lately the running time of each film has to be a minimum of 2 hours).  A thinking man's/woman's action/adventure!

http://charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

LA Zombie...

LA Zombie the film by American director Bruce LaBruce which was supposed to screen as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) but was refused classification by the Australian Classification Board, is now being shown as part of the Melbourne Underground Film Festival (MUFF).

MUFF Director, Richard Wolstencroft is said to be screening the film on August 29th as a public protest against the classification standards and in support of 'Freedom of Speech'.

So for those who dare, support this screening and what it stands for!

Charisse-MovieRevue
http://www.charisse-movierevue.blogspot.com/

Upcoming Film Festival's

For those interested, the Melbourne Underground Film Festival (MUFF) begins on the 20th August - 28th August and film's will be screening at the 1000 Pound Bend, Classic Elsternwick and Open Channel, Shed 4 @ The Docklands.

http://www.muff.com.au/index.html

Australia's Silent Film Festival in Sydney will show classic film's from the silent era on the following dates: September 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25 at various locations in Sydney.

For more details: http://www.ozsilentfilmfestival.com.au/index.asp?IntCatId=14

The Italian Film Festival is presented by Palace Cinemas and will be showing film's nationally.

In Melbourne the festival will run from Wednesday, 22 September - Sunday 10th October.

More details to come...