Balibo: DVD Review
Balibo
Rating: M
Released by Madman
The ever
reliable Anthony LaPaglia stars as war journalist Roger East in Balibo - he's
called to investigate the disappearance of five Australian journalists in the
township of Balibo by Jose Ramos-Horta (Oscar Isaac).
The quintet was looking into the invasion of East Timor by Indonesian
forces when they disappeared - and despite East's initial reluctance to get
involved, Ramos-Horta piques his journalistic fancy.
East's been promised the job of running the News agency in East Timor
as the invasion got underway in 1975 - but he's more concerned about what
actually happened to the journalists and why the Australian government - and the
world - didn't seem to care.
However, as East
heads closer into dangerous territory he soon realises the country's on tipping
point and atrocities are being committed which no-one's being told about - can
he get to the truth and survive?
Political
thriller Balibo is, by turns heartbreaking, horrific and dramatic - the central
story of the missing five is book ended by a journalist interviewing a girl who
was in Balibo in 1975. He's trying to establish exactly what went on so that
those whose lives were lost can get some form of justice. Throughout, the film
is interspersed with footage of the journalists and their journey deeper into
the heart of East Timor. By initially only using snippets of the journalists'
actions, director Robert Connolly very cleverly pieces together a narrative
framework which is rich in content and throws you right into the middle of the
story.
Extras: This 2 disc set
has a wealth of extras for those wanting to know more about the real life
situation - a respectable package for an important film
Rating: 7/10
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Friday, 16 July 2010
Max Manus: DVD Review
Max Manus: DVD Review
Max Manus - Man of War
Released by Vendetta Films
Rating: R13
Released in the cinemas as simply Max Manus, this is the tale of one man's life in the resistance and his battle to conquer his own inner demons.
Having fought the Soviets in Finland, Manus (played by Norwegian Aksel Hennie) finds himself back in Norway just as the German occupation is underway.
Joining the growing resistance movement, he quickly manages to garner himself a reputation as a rebel fighting against censorship and spreading propaganda.
He then joins an elite squad who try to free the world from the Nazis and pretty soon, Manus is ensconced in a battle which has extremely high personal stakes.
Max Manus is a film of boys own war and to a degree, derring do. It's unflinching in its gritty portrayal of the Norwegian fight against the Nazis - and scenes of street side gun battles are bloody, violent and bleak.
There's a palpable sense of dread as Manus and his team take on saboteur missions - because of their initial lack of training and degrees of incompetence, you're never quite sure whether they'll survive or not.
There's a real emotional end too - and one which may shock you a little more than you had expected.
Rating: 6/10
Max Manus - Man of War
Released by Vendetta Films
Rating: R13
Released in the cinemas as simply Max Manus, this is the tale of one man's life in the resistance and his battle to conquer his own inner demons.
Having fought the Soviets in Finland, Manus (played by Norwegian Aksel Hennie) finds himself back in Norway just as the German occupation is underway.
Joining the growing resistance movement, he quickly manages to garner himself a reputation as a rebel fighting against censorship and spreading propaganda.
He then joins an elite squad who try to free the world from the Nazis and pretty soon, Manus is ensconced in a battle which has extremely high personal stakes.
Max Manus is a film of boys own war and to a degree, derring do. It's unflinching in its gritty portrayal of the Norwegian fight against the Nazis - and scenes of street side gun battles are bloody, violent and bleak.
There's a palpable sense of dread as Manus and his team take on saboteur missions - because of their initial lack of training and degrees of incompetence, you're never quite sure whether they'll survive or not.
There's a real emotional end too - and one which may shock you a little more than you had expected.
Rating: 6/10
This Way Of Life: DVD Review
This Way Of Life: DVD Review
This Way Of Life
Rating: PG
Released by Vendetta Films
A New Zealand doco about a family who live life to the full in the wilds of the countryside, This Way of Life is the story of the Karena family - husband Peter and wife Colleen and their six children, and their horses.
But it's also about more than that - it's about a simplicity of life and a recognition of one's place in the world.
Peter works as a horse whisperer and lives off the land - when we first meet him, he's skinning a deer in front of his son Malachi and educating him on how the animal died so they can live.
Although Peter appears to have a philosophy about the world, it's clear not everyone shares his views - within moments of meeting them, we learn that Peter's father is evicting them from the family home because he's selling up. Things get worse for the ever growing Karena family - but over the course of 85 minutes you won't find your spirit crushed at all.
In fact it's just the opposite.
Simply shot and presented in a restrained way, This Way Of Life will win you over and may make you think about moving on and abandoning the rat race.
This Way Of Life is a celebration of the family codes and morals; beautifully shot, it shows what's great about the New Zealand countryside and showcases a side of life - and an attitude - which makes your heart sing.
While some of the story's narrative leaves you wanting more information and you may get a little frustrated with a lack of context over family rows, overall it's easy to see why the film has been so lauded.
Extras: Massively disappointing this only includes trailers for other releases - surely a follow up interview with the family or something else would have helped? A major missed opportunity.
Rating: 7/10
This Way Of Life
Rating: PG
Released by Vendetta Films
A New Zealand doco about a family who live life to the full in the wilds of the countryside, This Way of Life is the story of the Karena family - husband Peter and wife Colleen and their six children, and their horses.
But it's also about more than that - it's about a simplicity of life and a recognition of one's place in the world.
Peter works as a horse whisperer and lives off the land - when we first meet him, he's skinning a deer in front of his son Malachi and educating him on how the animal died so they can live.
Although Peter appears to have a philosophy about the world, it's clear not everyone shares his views - within moments of meeting them, we learn that Peter's father is evicting them from the family home because he's selling up. Things get worse for the ever growing Karena family - but over the course of 85 minutes you won't find your spirit crushed at all.
In fact it's just the opposite.
Simply shot and presented in a restrained way, This Way Of Life will win you over and may make you think about moving on and abandoning the rat race.
This Way Of Life is a celebration of the family codes and morals; beautifully shot, it shows what's great about the New Zealand countryside and showcases a side of life - and an attitude - which makes your heart sing.
While some of the story's narrative leaves you wanting more information and you may get a little frustrated with a lack of context over family rows, overall it's easy to see why the film has been so lauded.
Extras: Massively disappointing this only includes trailers for other releases - surely a follow up interview with the family or something else would have helped? A major missed opportunity.
Rating: 7/10
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Knight And Day: Movie Review
Knight And Day: Movie Review
Knight and Day
Rating: 7/10
Cast: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Dano
Director: James Mangold
It's rare these days to get a seasonal blockbuster film which takes a fresh look at the tired action genre.
Knight And Day is that film - Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz reteam in this action comedy.
Diaz is a ditzyish June Havens who's on the way to her sister's for wedding duties; while at the airport, she literally bumps into Tom Cruise's enigmatic, beaming and slightly cocky Roy Miller.
There's an instant attraction and spark between them - and soon June finds she's on the same flight as Roy as the plane takes off.
But then things get a bit weird. As June freshens up in the bathroom, Miller becomes an action hero and despatches all of those on the plane who're trying to kill him.
After the plane's set down, Miller explains to June that the FBI (in the form of Peter Sarsgaard) will come looking for her and she's not to trust anyone.
So, June finds herself thrust into Miller's world and sent on a globetrotting quest&.in more ways than she could have expected.
Part of the joy of Knight and Day is how the plot unfolds (hence very little spoilers here) because it doesn't conform initially to your expectations. The mystery remains well until half way through the film - Mangold and the writers seem to have subverted the expectations of the traditional winter time blockbuster - while there's an action sequence at the start on the plane, a lot of it's broken up by the quick dialogue and interaction between the beaming Cruise and wide grin Diaz.
It's their sparky relationship which powers the majority of the film (although it lapses into a few stock action scenes later on) and peppered with some great one liners and funny moments, it makes for an entertaining mix and a refreshing piece of cinema.
Once the full extent of the plot is revealed, there is a bit of a lull, but thanks to good solid supporting performances of Paul Dano as a boy genius and Peter Sarsgaard as an FBI agent, it's no drag to get to the end.
There's also the clever way that while June is drugged, there's still plenty of action going on around her - but as she drifts in and out of consciousness, we see snippets of Miller on a boat with June as the passenger or being pushed out of a plane and sky diving. It's a very smart and astute way to offer something different.
But it's Tom Cruise who impresses most in this - with his continual 10,000 mega watt smile and cockiness throughout (and a lot of white grinning teeth), it's a reminder of how well he can command the screen when he's really on form.
Knight and Day is a welcome entrant into the sometimes tired comedy action thriller genre - and a welcome distraction from the school holiday movie fodder.
Knight and Day
Rating: 7/10
Cast: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Dano
Director: James Mangold
It's rare these days to get a seasonal blockbuster film which takes a fresh look at the tired action genre.
Knight And Day is that film - Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz reteam in this action comedy.
Diaz is a ditzyish June Havens who's on the way to her sister's for wedding duties; while at the airport, she literally bumps into Tom Cruise's enigmatic, beaming and slightly cocky Roy Miller.
There's an instant attraction and spark between them - and soon June finds she's on the same flight as Roy as the plane takes off.
But then things get a bit weird. As June freshens up in the bathroom, Miller becomes an action hero and despatches all of those on the plane who're trying to kill him.
After the plane's set down, Miller explains to June that the FBI (in the form of Peter Sarsgaard) will come looking for her and she's not to trust anyone.
So, June finds herself thrust into Miller's world and sent on a globetrotting quest&.in more ways than she could have expected.
Part of the joy of Knight and Day is how the plot unfolds (hence very little spoilers here) because it doesn't conform initially to your expectations. The mystery remains well until half way through the film - Mangold and the writers seem to have subverted the expectations of the traditional winter time blockbuster - while there's an action sequence at the start on the plane, a lot of it's broken up by the quick dialogue and interaction between the beaming Cruise and wide grin Diaz.
It's their sparky relationship which powers the majority of the film (although it lapses into a few stock action scenes later on) and peppered with some great one liners and funny moments, it makes for an entertaining mix and a refreshing piece of cinema.
Once the full extent of the plot is revealed, there is a bit of a lull, but thanks to good solid supporting performances of Paul Dano as a boy genius and Peter Sarsgaard as an FBI agent, it's no drag to get to the end.
There's also the clever way that while June is drugged, there's still plenty of action going on around her - but as she drifts in and out of consciousness, we see snippets of Miller on a boat with June as the passenger or being pushed out of a plane and sky diving. It's a very smart and astute way to offer something different.
But it's Tom Cruise who impresses most in this - with his continual 10,000 mega watt smile and cockiness throughout (and a lot of white grinning teeth), it's a reminder of how well he can command the screen when he's really on form.
Knight and Day is a welcome entrant into the sometimes tired comedy action thriller genre - and a welcome distraction from the school holiday movie fodder.
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus: Blu Ray Review
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus: Blu Ray Review
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Rating: PG
Released by Sony Home Pictures
Forever determined to be known as Heath Ledger's final film this is the fantasy tale of Dr Parnassus (a wonderfully world weary Christopher Plummer) who travels the land with his carnival troupe (including Verne Troyer of Austin Powers fame) and his daughter Valentina (a porcelain doll like Lily Cole).
Granted immortality, Parnassus is locked in an ongoing battle with Tom Waits' Devil - and the Devil has arrived to collect his due. You see, years ago, Parnassus wagered his first born and now to stop the Devil taking what's his, he bets he can win over five souls.
Into this mélange of madness in modern day London, arrives Heath Ledger's shyster Tony. Mysteriously left for dead, he's taken in by the troupe - and could be the tipping point in Parnassus' quest to finally beat the Devil.
Yes, it's sprawling and a bit unfocussed at times, but The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is perhaps one of the most visually original pieces of cinema you'll ever see - even on the small screen (and particularly in Blu Ray).
There are flashes of pure genius from director Terry Gilliam as he weaves his surreal web. It's a wonderfully talented ensemble cast who make this film work - and a real tribute to Gilliam's genius that the film continued with the likes of Jude Law and Colin Farrell coming onboard.
Recommended without a shadow of a doubt.
Extras: The disc is really a tribute to the Ledger legacy with exclusive featurettes forming the majority of the extras and a packed disc it is too.
Rating: 9/10
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Rating: PG
Released by Sony Home Pictures
Forever determined to be known as Heath Ledger's final film this is the fantasy tale of Dr Parnassus (a wonderfully world weary Christopher Plummer) who travels the land with his carnival troupe (including Verne Troyer of Austin Powers fame) and his daughter Valentina (a porcelain doll like Lily Cole).
Granted immortality, Parnassus is locked in an ongoing battle with Tom Waits' Devil - and the Devil has arrived to collect his due. You see, years ago, Parnassus wagered his first born and now to stop the Devil taking what's his, he bets he can win over five souls.
Into this mélange of madness in modern day London, arrives Heath Ledger's shyster Tony. Mysteriously left for dead, he's taken in by the troupe - and could be the tipping point in Parnassus' quest to finally beat the Devil.
Yes, it's sprawling and a bit unfocussed at times, but The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is perhaps one of the most visually original pieces of cinema you'll ever see - even on the small screen (and particularly in Blu Ray).
There are flashes of pure genius from director Terry Gilliam as he weaves his surreal web. It's a wonderfully talented ensemble cast who make this film work - and a real tribute to Gilliam's genius that the film continued with the likes of Jude Law and Colin Farrell coming onboard.
Recommended without a shadow of a doubt.
Extras: The disc is really a tribute to the Ledger legacy with exclusive featurettes forming the majority of the extras and a packed disc it is too.
Rating: 9/10
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Zombieland: DVD Review
Zombieland: DVD Review
Zombieland
Rating: MA15
Released by Sony Home Entertainment
From the opening slow mo titles which see zombies taking people out in very drawn out fashion to the final showdown at the end, Zombieland is one hell of a lot of fun.
Basically, thanks to a diseased burger, the entire US of A has been overrun with zombies, leaving just a few survivors determined to avoid being bitten.
The hero is Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a nerdy student who encounters Woody Harrelson's red neck Tallahassee one day as he tries to find out if his family's survived the apocalypse.
So teaming up, the duo head across America - however, on the way they encounter Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) who manage to con them out of their car, guns and belongings. It appears the end of the world has still brought out the worst in some people -as well as that whole zombie flesh eating issue.
Zombieland is not your average undead film flick - for one thing, it's a terrifically fun ride, chock full of unexpected madness and laugh out loud moments.
But there's one defining moment to Zombieland which makes it so great - and that's the cameo appearance of a certain person (hint - who you gonna call) - it's a rare unexpected moment which helps the film sparkle, crackle and makes it a great night's entertainment.
Extras: Commentary with Woody and Jesse, behind the scenes, trailers and a feature about the zombification of the USA
Rating: 8/10
Zombieland
Rating: MA15
Released by Sony Home Entertainment
From the opening slow mo titles which see zombies taking people out in very drawn out fashion to the final showdown at the end, Zombieland is one hell of a lot of fun.
Basically, thanks to a diseased burger, the entire US of A has been overrun with zombies, leaving just a few survivors determined to avoid being bitten.
The hero is Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a nerdy student who encounters Woody Harrelson's red neck Tallahassee one day as he tries to find out if his family's survived the apocalypse.
So teaming up, the duo head across America - however, on the way they encounter Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) who manage to con them out of their car, guns and belongings. It appears the end of the world has still brought out the worst in some people -as well as that whole zombie flesh eating issue.
Zombieland is not your average undead film flick - for one thing, it's a terrifically fun ride, chock full of unexpected madness and laugh out loud moments.
But there's one defining moment to Zombieland which makes it so great - and that's the cameo appearance of a certain person (hint - who you gonna call) - it's a rare unexpected moment which helps the film sparkle, crackle and makes it a great night's entertainment.
Extras: Commentary with Woody and Jesse, behind the scenes, trailers and a feature about the zombification of the USA
Rating: 8/10
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Predators: Movie Review
Predators: Movie Review
Predators
Rating: See below
Cast: Adrien Brody, Predators, Alice Braga, Danny Trejo, Topher Grace, Laurence Fishburne
Director: Nimord Antal
Back into the jungle we go...
Adrien Brody stars in this latest film in the Predators franchise which to be honest has taken quite a knocking since the Aliens vs Predators.
Brody's one of a group of 8 who wake up in freefall and just before landing in a jungle - as they come to, suspicions and mistrust arises as they try to work out where they are, why they're there and how to get away.
But the group - which includes a yakuza Japanese warrior, the FBI's most wanted, a Mexican hardman, a Sierra Leone soldier (to name but four) - soon finds out they're not alone on this planet - but are rather part of a game preserve and are being hunted by the Predators...
Produced by Robert Rodriguez, there was a lot riding on Predators to relaunch the series and revitalise what had been mocked for a while.
And it's unfortunate to say that this won't do much to help the series - but may actually put the final nail in the coffin.
Basicall,y this film is essentially another version of the very first one with Arnie in - even down to the ending; the guys in the jungle are picked off one by one by the Predators and soon realise they've got little chance of survival.
The biggest problem with this film is that it offers nothing new to the franchise or genre (aside from the idea that the Predators are divided into clans and hunting themselves) and really doesn't give them anywhere to go for the future.
There's hardly any tension as the 8 are hunted - aside from the obligatory rising crescendo of music and there's more clichés around than originality.
However, there are some pluses in this.
Chiefly it's one human element - Adrien Brody makes a good atypical lead; more of a thinking man's action hero who's immoral and will use people to draw the creatures out; Laurence Fishburne's role is more an extended cameo which sees him playing deranged quite well.
And there's some loose morals at work here as the gang of eight do what they can to try and survive - you're never quite sure who's going to stab who in the back.
Personally I feel this film was a missed opportunity to reinvent the Predator - but having said that, the two people who accompanied me to this (who are big Predator fans and male) loved seeing them back up on the screen again and enjoyed the whole affair. Their ratings were 7/10, 6/10 and mine was 3 /10 - so overall - 5/10
Predators
Rating: See below
Cast: Adrien Brody, Predators, Alice Braga, Danny Trejo, Topher Grace, Laurence Fishburne
Director: Nimord Antal
Back into the jungle we go...
Adrien Brody stars in this latest film in the Predators franchise which to be honest has taken quite a knocking since the Aliens vs Predators.
Brody's one of a group of 8 who wake up in freefall and just before landing in a jungle - as they come to, suspicions and mistrust arises as they try to work out where they are, why they're there and how to get away.
But the group - which includes a yakuza Japanese warrior, the FBI's most wanted, a Mexican hardman, a Sierra Leone soldier (to name but four) - soon finds out they're not alone on this planet - but are rather part of a game preserve and are being hunted by the Predators...
Produced by Robert Rodriguez, there was a lot riding on Predators to relaunch the series and revitalise what had been mocked for a while.
And it's unfortunate to say that this won't do much to help the series - but may actually put the final nail in the coffin.
Basicall,y this film is essentially another version of the very first one with Arnie in - even down to the ending; the guys in the jungle are picked off one by one by the Predators and soon realise they've got little chance of survival.
The biggest problem with this film is that it offers nothing new to the franchise or genre (aside from the idea that the Predators are divided into clans and hunting themselves) and really doesn't give them anywhere to go for the future.
There's hardly any tension as the 8 are hunted - aside from the obligatory rising crescendo of music and there's more clichés around than originality.
However, there are some pluses in this.
Chiefly it's one human element - Adrien Brody makes a good atypical lead; more of a thinking man's action hero who's immoral and will use people to draw the creatures out; Laurence Fishburne's role is more an extended cameo which sees him playing deranged quite well.
And there's some loose morals at work here as the gang of eight do what they can to try and survive - you're never quite sure who's going to stab who in the back.
Personally I feel this film was a missed opportunity to reinvent the Predator - but having said that, the two people who accompanied me to this (who are big Predator fans and male) loved seeing them back up on the screen again and enjoyed the whole affair. Their ratings were 7/10, 6/10 and mine was 3 /10 - so overall - 5/10
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