Reviews

Good series based on books which are a great read. Both Allam and Carroll are perfect in their roles. Patricia Hodge is also a casting success. The first episode is always hardest when English people speaking English are playing other nationals. The same can be said of Maigret with Rowan Atkinson and Van der Valk. Once your mind accepts this the show becomes a very pleasurable ride. If you like a good murder mystery with some light heartened humour along the way you'll be a fan. No, not quite Endeavour, Vera or Grace, but it isn't supposed to be. Think more Father Brown, Sister Boniface, Midsomer Murders and Madame Blanc.

A highlight of the Melbourne International Film Festival this year was the local film "Book of Revelation". The author (Rupert Thomson) of the novel upon which this work is based, wondered how the book would ever be adapted for the screen, as Ana Kokkinos (Diector) explained during her introduction to the second screening of the film at the festival. The result, is yet another "head on" (pardon the pun!) assault of the senses by Kokkinos. "Book of Revelation" is an exploration of the personal demons emerging as a consequence of a most bizarre period of "captivity" for the lead character - Daniel - portrayed quite brilliantly by Tom Long (is this really "Angus" from "Sea Change"?). Tom gives a performance which many of his peers would be find too impossible to even contemplate. The relationships dissected throughout the film allow for an examination of many aspects the human psyche - many not so pleasant. Skillfully "shot" with, an engaging "rawness", Kokkinos creates for herself a challenging project, which she handles superbly, further consolidating her position as one of Australia's strongest contemporary directors.

The release of this film has been tardy in Australia. It opened only this week in theatres. But it comes hard on the heels of a number of Depp successes at the Box Office. It seems the talents of Johnny are ever developing - and practically anything he's involved with literally "turns to gold". This film portrays the promiscuous times following the end of puritan rule of England, marked by the restoration of the monarchy under Charles 11. I couldn't help thinking this film seemed a more historically based "Canterbury Tales". The same loose morals and perverse sexual expression are revealed in "The Libertine", as was delivered in "Canterbury Tales" so many years ago. Depp's role as the Earl of Rochester required crude vulgarity at its most shocking, and Depp was certainly "up for it"! Perhaps not the film to take Maiden Aunt Gertrude to, but certainly for the liberal minded, a great cinematic experience.

Tonight as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival I attended a screening of "United 93". I was moved by this film in a way no other film has ever moved me. Having had only a scant knowledge of the events surrounding the fourth hijacked plane on that fateful September 11th, the film portrayed so graphically the horrors faced by those poor souls who died on this flight, that I felt almost as if I was there with them - right the way to the tragic end. I do not recall ever leaving a cinema and observing so many other theatre goers who were wiping away tears, and looking as stunned and emotionally "wrung out" as I felt myself tonight. To see theatre ushers comforting one another as they sobbed (male and female) openly, and partners locked in supportive embrace while also crying unashamably in public, is a sight I have never encountered following the screening of a film. The impact was so great I am still reeling an hour later, my thoughts, a mixture of sadness and sorrow. For me the "alarm bells" are ringing, and the question I have been asking myself for the past hour is this .... If organised religion means acts such as this can be justified, then isn't it time to rid ourselves of such institutions, and to seek faith on a personal and private level? No god could sanction such acts against humanity. I defy anyone with an ounce of compassion not to be effected in some way by "United 93".

Yes the scenery is great. Yes the Aussie small town story is portrayed reasonably well. But NO, this is not our finest Australian Film ... not by a long-shot! If anything, aspects of the plot are revealed far too early, and eliminate what could otherwise have been a more "gripping thriller-type plot", which could have endured throughout the film, and made the entire piece work as both a suspense thriller and an emotional study of some consequence. But instead, Jindabyne fails to achieve either of these outcomes. Apart from the excellent performances turned in by Gabriel Byrne and Deborra-Lee Furness, the cast lacks any conviction or believability factor. For me personally, the most disappointing performances come from two actors I admire, and have until now seen as exceptional practitioners of their craft - Laura Linney, and John Howard. Neither fitted their roles, and neither appeared comfortable in this film. Furness however plays it "raw", and both she and Byrne consume the screen totally, in every scene in which they appear. Despite in part being somewhat disjointed, the plot reveals many complicated relationships, and explores these quite well. It is in this facet of the film, that its strength lies. However, the trigger for all the emotional tension and fallout this produces, is the very part of the plot which could have been obscured and capitalised on further, allowing even greater use of "real" human drama than has been possible. It is a film well worth seeing, but for me it certainly fell well short of expectations. I'll wait for "The Book of Revelation" to restore my faith in the Aussie-made product (hopefully!).

"They say I'm too old to play myself?" Spacey's character Bobby Darin says in the movie ..... and "they" say Spacey is too old to play Bobby Darin when talking about the movie. Truth is he may be a little older than Darin, but he does it so well, who really cares? His "moves grooves" and especially his singing (Spacey has a superb voice!), had me believing it was Bobby Darin up there on the screen. The story of a kid from Bronx making the "big time" has been done before - but the life of Bobby Darin is much more than this. An insight into the complex world of Darin is portrayed so succinctly in this film - and the writing credits (also to Spacey) are worthy of special praise. The full gamut of emotions are all there, and Bosworth and Spacey do have a certain chemistry on the screen. In some respects I preferred this film to "Walk the Line", another great homage to a musical legend. "Beyond the Sea" explores the "inner self" of Darin, as those who have seen the picture, and those who will, with use of a creative presence throughout the film of Darin at an early age. The music engulfs the viewer, as the players weave their skills of story-telling. Thoroughly entertaining!

The most striking aspect of this film is the sheer honesty of the whole thing. Certainly this must have been a heart wrenching assignment for Richard E. Grant. To showcase one's own life through the most traumatic of circumstances, is both noble and humbling. The moral double standards of Colonial Britain at it worst, coupled with what must be emotional scars etched into Richard's soul, produce a film of compelling proportions. The back drop of a breath-taking Swaziland landscape, is almost missed as the emotions sweep you away into a numbing sensation, constantly reminding you this is FACT not fiction. Adolescence for most is traumatic enough without the aid of a dysfunctional family at a time when this just "wouldn't do", and the worst anyone could be was a "divorcee". The portrayal of relationships with his parents, step-mother, and all his "uncles" and "aunts" is complex and exhausting for the viewer. There are raw and frank accounts of Richard's personal "demons", and how he attempted to overcome these during these difficult years of his life. The film showcases some wonderful acting. In particular, Gabriel Byrne as the father, Nicholas Hoult as 14 year old Richard, Julie Walters as Aunt Gwen, Emily Watson as the step-mother, and Celia Imrie as Lady Hardwick. All are exceptional in their roles. Rather than "hush hush" Richard has literally blown the whistle on British "properness"! Make it a short-listed film to see, you will not be disappointed.

A miserable winter's day in Melbourne Australia has just received the "rays" required to warm the cockles of this city's heart! Johnny Depp has arrived to deliver another dose of pure entertainment in the role of Captain Jack Sparrow. The story is strong, the visuals are great, the rest of the cast is as strong as in the original ... but above all else, there's one major reason for this film and its predecessor's success ... JOHNNY DEPP. If Depp is not thoroughly enjoying every single moment of playing this character, then he is the greatest actor of all-time. His antics, from the swishing of his pirate hips, to the mischievous glint in his eye, all make the film a joy to behold. For those in need of a really good laugh, and a voyage full of fantasy and fun, then set sail now for a ride on the Black Pearl - you will not regret it.

As one who thoroughly enjoyed Dan Brown's novel, I was both excited and hesitant, as I entered the cinema, on my first of three viewings. How often do the screen versions of books disappoint? Far too often. But Ron Howard is a credible guy (who wouldn't trust Ritchie Cunningham?), so hopefully he will have seen the need to leave the story "as is". Remarkably Howard has almost pulled off the exact replication of the book on the screen in this masterpiece. Time prevented some of the detail (which begs the question ... Do those who have not read the book, follow the plot easily, if at all?). The tampering with the book's ending has added some (unnecessary, I believe) "Hollywood Corn" to the events in Scotland, but we can overlook this when considering the "whole package". In its entirety the film literally "blew me away". How many times had I almost convinced myself prior to seeing the film, that Tom Hanks is not how I imagine Robert Langdon? How soon after the film begun did I realise Tom Hanks is perfect as Langdon (hope he signs on for "Angels and Demons")? Sir Ian is everything Teebing should be, and deserves the Supporting Actor Award for this performance. The production has a majestic quality about it. Every scene a work of pure cinematic art. Howard will also hopefully return to direct "Angel and Demons" - he can be trusted! If you are open-minded, and enjoy a thought provoking plot, then this is a "must see". If you are troubled by challenges to religious doctrine and beliefs, then perhaps this is a film you avoid.

Full credit to everyone associated with this project. After years of wondering whether a Superman movie would ever be as good without Christopher Reeve, the answer is definitely YES! Singer's direction has given all the contributors - actors, writers, special effects, musicians, costumers, set designers - the opportunity to showcase their skills to the 'max' in this epic blockbuster. Routh's Superman is perfect. Brandon is strikingly similar, physically, to Reeve - but at the same time has added a personal "warmth and glow" to the role. The script is strong, and enables the use of a plethora of effects, creating a visual package of award winning proportions. This is fantasy entertainment at its very best. Superman fans across the globe can be assured of a most worthy welcomed return of our greatest Superhero.