You've Been Trumped: DVD Review

You've Been Trumped: DVD Review

Rating: PG
Released by Rialto and Vendetta Films

In this doco, it's David vs Goliath in Scotland.

Well, to be more accurate - it's Michael Forbes and some of the residents of Aberdeenshire vs the Mega Weave and he of the "You're fired" catchphrase and pursed lips, Donald Trump.

Originally a BBC documentary, this piece follows the plans of the Don to build a massive golf course and hotel complex on the sites of scientific interest in Aberdeenshire, and on a piece of coastline which has been untouched by man for years.

Essentially, it's a tale of one man's mega-corporation's push and PR to discredit and destroy the local objectors, of whom there are only a handful - but what emerges is that ever trusty piece of film that benefits from only one side being involved. Unfortunately, Baxter was unable to get any co-operation from anyone in Trump's teams, or the local police and council to comment or be interviewed for the documentary. So, what emerges is a piece, albeit well told, that is horrendously one sided.

Baxter interviews the locals threatened by Trump's plans and who, in fairness, emerge as espousing more than just the usual NIMBY arguments by looking at the greater good.
But he manages to slightly wrongfoot and over-sentimentalise his argument and case by giving the locals a sympathetic backstory, letting them present footage of their past and links to the land while cutting to shots of the Don and his fleet of black SUVs.

It's not that You've Been Trumped isn't competently and flashily put together; it's a well oiled, slick and sleek piece of film-making. It's just one that means you're never anything but opposed to the plans from Donald Trump and his evil empire. (Cue moustache twirling). I empathise with Baxter as a film-maker here - there are no options for them to get the other viewpoint from the property tycoon as he tries to bulldoze what's described as the crown jewels of Scotland's coast; and to be fair, they've tried every which way to get that; from turning up on a site, to putting in calls and emails to the Trump's office; all of which are rebutted, refused and end up in Baxter being arrested by the police. To be frank though, Trump doesn't help himself with arrogance, pomp and pursed lips like a badger sucking a lemon, the Don manages to shoot himself in his foot and then shove the other one squarely into his own mouth. Baxter manages to get some top golfers to get their opinions on any course - and so, the case against the Don piles up higher than a sandbank being created by the construction site.

What emerges from You've Been Trumped is a piece which shows the bullying tactics, petty nature and general bluster of anyone involved in the Trump organisation. But what also shows up is a piece which is, unfortunately, never anything but in favour of the residents.

Consequently, Baxter is to be praised for trying to balance a doco as much as he can and pulling together a watchable film which tries to tell the facts but is thwarted by the shut downs of his opposing subject and the refusal of anyone to actually talk about it.

Extras: None

Rating:

Beasts of the Southern Wild: Blu Ray Review

Beasts of the Southern Wild: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Icon and Roadshow

A heady, visceral and tender tale of life, love and our connection to the world, Beasts of The Southern Wild took the New Zealand International Film Festival by storm when it opened there in July.

It's the tale of six year old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis), who lives with her father in the Bathtub, a southern New Orleans delta continually threatened by rising flood waters. But, so in love with the land around her, she doesn't want to leave and her father refuses to evacuate them. 

When a storm comes though, and devastates their community, the pair trawl through the Bathtub trying to find survivors as they negotiate their way out of the Bathtub. But, events are conspiring against Hushpuppy and soon, her father's health is a major issue.

Replete with an impressive lively OST and anchored by one of the strongest child performances seen on celluloid for a long time, Beasts of The Southern Wild  is a unique vision of life and a joyous celebration of what binds us to the land and each other. 

But it all rises on the central performances of the child and her father - and thankfully by looking at life from the eyes of a kid, it's an insightful view which offers up a truly rewarding experience. When Hushpuppy accidentally starts a fire, she hides in a box, figuring that if she can't see the flames, then they don't exist. It's this magical kind of innocence which pervades Beasts of The Southern Wild throughout and proves majorly beneficial to this fable, which has echoes of Katrina etched throughout.

Thanks to mystical creatures known as the Aurochs and stunning cinematography, this vision of life may not be for everyone, but in terms of offering something new and riveting on the big screen, it more than delivers.

Rating: 

Fresh Meat: DVD Review

Fresh Meat: DVD Review

Rating: R16
Released by Vendetta Films

You just can't beat this mad butcher's meat.

In the latest horror-come-comedy outing for NZ film, it's off to the kitchen with a dash of exploitation and a pinch of pulp thrown in for good measure.

After a jailbreak from a security van, a gang of criminals end up on the run and in a house owned by Temuera Morrison's associate professor, Hemi and his celeb chef wife, Margaret (Kawana).

However, the family's just got their daughter Rina (Tevita) back from her all-girls school (wink, wink - according to the film) and into the bosom of her meat loving whanau.

But Hemi and Margaret have a secret to share with their daughter - they've discovered the joys of human flesh. And when the crooks crash the dinner party, the family decides it's time they were on the menu.

What can you say about Fresh Meat?

It's probably destined for cult status, with echoes of Tarantino from its slow-mo ultra-violent shoot out at the start, and its sleazy eye on exploitation right from the start as the camera lingers on Rina as she enjoys a shower with one of her fellow school girls.

But to my mind, I don't think it goes far enough and as a result ends up feeling more like a mixed stew than a gourmet meal. It's fairly clear that this occasionally vulgar film's tongue is firmly in its cheek, but by holding back on some of the gore and not going the whole hog, this finger-licking cannibal flick ends up being a bit of a damp squib rather than a full on festival of Kiwi film. Certainly after the initial guts and gore opening, it appears to run a little out of steam as it becomes confined to the hostage house of Hemi and the gang, losing its energy, bite and undeniable fizz.

Overall, Fresh Meat isn't bad - deliberately trashy, tasteless and unPC but just a little hamstrung by its own constraints. If it had had a little more  punch to be seasoned in with its black humour, knowing winks to Maori life and horror credentials, it could have been a real entry into the Kiwi cult cinema canon.

Extras: Making of, trailers, music video, behind the scenes

Rating:

New Zealand International Comedy Festival Gala: Review

New Zealand International Comedy Festival Gala: Review

21 years, eh?

Most people's 21st parties were drunken messes, awash in beer and regret.
Yet, the launch of the 21st annual New Zealand International Comedy Festival was a slightly classier affair at Auckland's mighty Civic Theatre (though I don't doubt the after party was any the less messy)

It was also one of the most jam packed galas I've ever attended with some 21 comedians on the bill, with the ever amiable hosting skills of MC Jeremy Corbett. Sure, it was compared to a speed date by the host himself and for the comedians, there's nothing worse than proffering up 5 minutes of stand up as a tantalising tease into their shows before heading off the stage.

It was very much a gala of two halves, with, I have to confess the international acts having the slightly upper hand. Though local acts like Ben Hurley, Dai Henwood and Urzila Carlson rocked on stage to raucous cheers from the assembled crowd as they trotted out some new and fresh material.

Last year's Billy T winner Guy Williams showed that a year hasn't dampened his comic prowess, and gave rise to the fact that this young comic is still clearly in the ascendance thanks to some sharply observed send offs and one word off the cuff remarks. Jeremy Elwood also demonstrated, once again that comedy doesn't have to be dumbed down, throwing out some topically sharp observations as part of his criminally short set time. Likewise, James Nokise, looking like a cross between a young Billy T and one of the Ratpack, really showed like he'd grown up comically since the last time I saw him at the festival. In fact, pretty much all of the locals shone. And it was great to see Ewen Gilmour's on form as well, making the Westie one to watch.

Even the Boy With Tape on His Face, who's back after performing at the Royal Albert Hall, showed he's not resting on his laurels. Granted, he did a mini skit that I've seen him do numerous times before, but thanks to some subtle changes, showed that tinkering helps and that comedy is an artform to be perfected time and time again.

Perhaps, though, the night belonged to the International line up. Maybe it's the prevalence of the NZ comics on the local scene and the likes of 7 Days that they feel so familiar (no matter how fresh and new the material is) but several of the foreign talent offered up new and exciting tidbits of comedy gold.

Stephen K Amos felt energetic and urgent in his short set; equally Idiot Of Ants (last year's winner of best international show) demonstrated why the quartet of sketch comedy is still going strong; the likes of James Acaster, Chris Martin, Markus Birdman, and Tom Gleeson I'd seen the night before at the 5 Star Comedy Preview, so it's fair to say their acts and material weren't quite as fresh as you'd expect, but they were nonetheless funny for it, holding audiences in their thrall in their alloted slot. The show was closed by Chopper who had the best exit ever, and showed there's still plenty of comic mileage in that thug yet.

The revelation of the night was undoubtedly Tom Green though - his surreal, angry ranting belied a universal humour which caught you slap bang between the eyes. There's just something transfixing about his intense attitude to comedy that will make his show a real must see for comedy connoisseurs.

The only complaint of the night, if I'm honest, is that there weren't enough female comics in the line up. Goodness knows there are a fair few playing the festival, so it's a real shame there wasn't the split on the stage.

But as 21st birthday parties go, this was a pretty spectacular one - and a great launch to the start of the NZ International Comedy Festival. Quite simply, get among it and get a giggle.

The 5 Star Comedy Preview Review

The 5 Star Comedy Preview Review

Last night, I was asked if I'd be interested in either goose-stepping out of the SkyCity Theatre or participating in a group sex session on the stage of the same venue.

Before you start to worry about my character, let me just say that this was the start of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival in Auckland, which fully gets into gear this weekend before running till the end of May.

The 5 Star Comedy Preview was the opening act before the Gala tonight to kick things off, and credit must be given to Scott Blanks, of the Classic Comedy Club, for bringing in a relative wealth of new talent to show off to an at times, as ever, reticent to get involved audience. (Seriously, if you're off to a comedy show, you are there to laugh and be involved - don't hold back as the acts deserve the instant feedback.)

MCing the event was the UK's Stuart Goldsmith, an affable and friendly host, whose countenance belies the depths of his wit and potentially, depravity. Confessing that he, according to his own words, is "dirtier than this face would suggest" and who has the outward appearance of 70% Wiggle. Goldsmith, who's here as part of the Big Show, got the audience onside from the start by tackling such topics as Auckland traffic lights, relationships, and an ability to riff on whatever takes his fancy, he's clearly one to watch at this year's shows.

Six other acts took to the stage including the UK's Andrew Bird whose brief set started off a little uncertainly with some talk of measuring in cooking, which perplexed the audience as to where he might be going. But, as ever with a strong comedian, what seems like the odd soon becomes the perfect set up for some perfectly well timed punchlines. Another set piece detailing how being a house husband led to a minor polite home invasion was delivered perfectly.

Welsh comedian Elis James, who outwardly looked like any member of the 90s Britpop scene shambled out  with a laid back energy vibe that took in such diverse material as a brief lecture on the meanings of words in Welsh, and other understated material such as a travel confusion - "I'm a local lad and it's good to be home". Dry, James is already a rising star in the UK and is being tipped as one to watch - it's easy to see why. What appears to be a comedian getting distracted is actually an extremely clever set up to get us to the end.

Aussie Tom Gleeson was potentially the star of the night. Opening with riffs on how he's joined the techno age and been taken in by Apple products before gleefully (and perhaps truthfully) suggesting what direction Steve Jobs' company could end up taking, he was on fire from the very beginning. A rambling, raucous and deeply amusing piece about a massage finished his all too brief time on stage. I think, based on 10 minutes in this show, you'd be a fool to miss his solo outing.

Continuing the UK invasion, Chris Martin (no, not that one) took to the stage to open the second half with considerable aplomb and plenty of gusto. Riffing on observations of what Auckland really doesn't need more of and taking in a fear of dogs, he exuded a stage presence which was highly contagious. A heckle telling him New Zealand had no squirrels presented him with the chance to break free of some prepared material and showed how he's clearly a talent with a devilishly quick mind and a comically eloquent turn of phrase.

Englishman James Acaster, under a mop of curly blonde hair and a Frank Spenceresque awkwardness, presented another low energy vibe but demonstrated a subtly conjoined approach to gags and weird whimsy as he took us on unexpected tangents of surreality. A riff on mariachi music went on a little too long but showed a smart deftness of thinking; Acaster may be an interesting watch at the festival and you'd be wrong to dismiss him simply because of his ultra laid-back attitude.

Concluding the show was UK comic and former teacher Markus Birdman, whose physical comedy and clear ability to shock from the get-go marks him out as someone to watch. Taking on euphemisms in teachers' reports on pupils, a mocking of the fact the British are everywhere and relationships, Birdman was a veritable hit. When talking of his split with his partner of 14 years, he was quick to pour a degree of scorn on the audience's sympathy with a very cleverly acerbic one-liner ("Thanks for your sympathy, but you've got no idea what happened") making him perhaps the most unpredictable of the night.

All in all, the fresh talent to these shores represents a real step up in terms of new material and new acts. With plenty on offer over the coming weeks, you may be hard pressed to select from the best, but you certainly won't have any problems finding something to enjoy.

Quartet: Blu Ray Review

Quartet: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Entertainment

Based on the same titled play by Ronald Harwood, Quartet marks Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut.

Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins play a group of retired musicians, (Reg, Wilf and Cissy) who are living out their twilight years at Beecham House, a home for elderly musicians. The group used to be in a quartet and every year, the inhabitants of the house come together for an annual concert to celebrate the birth date of Verdi.

The plans this year though are disrupted by the arrival of Dame Maggie Smith's Jean Horton, a once revered singer, who used to be married to Reg. Jean doesn't sing anymore, and with tensions between her and Reg, it looks like this band ain't gonna get back together....which could be disastrous for the fund raising efforts for Beecham House.

Quartet is a gently charming comedy, which will play well to its target older audience. And, perhaps, fans of Downton Abbey, given that Dame Maggie's playing yet another version of her character from that.

Mind you, that said, the veterans are the stars of this piece and each gets their moment to shine. From Courtenay's bitter feelings towards his ex, Connolly's cheeky cantankerousness, Collins' scatterbrained approach and Dame Maggie's somewhat haughty diva, they all work with what little they have in terms of story and script. Sheridan Smith adds a level of sophistication and a touch of youth as the doctor running the house.

With one liner quips and bon mots throughout, Quartet is a pleasant enough, lightly frothy piece which sags a little toward the end; I do feel a little cheated at the end of the film (spoiler) when you don't see the quartet actually sing. Given how many hints there were that Dame Maggie's character was an extraordinary singer, and such a big thing for the quartet to reform and sing, it's a disappointment that that didn't eventuate. Although, it was probably a big ask and could have led to some terrible lip synching....

All in all though, Quartet is a solidly pleasant piece, which hits the right notes for its audience - I hesitate to use the word nice - which will proffer up a point of difference in amongst all the other seasonal mid-winter fare being released 

Extras: Commentary, featurettes, cast and crew interviews

Rating:

Mr Pip trailer arrives

Mr Pip trailer arrives

Mr Pip is in NZ Cinemas 3 October 2013

Based on Lloyd Jones' seminal novel and adapted for the screen by Academy Award Nominated filmmaker Andrew Adamson - it stars Hugh Laurie.

A film by Andrew Adamson and shot on location in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, Mr Pip will be released in New Zealand cinemas on 3 October 2013.

 “I am excited to reveal this first peek at Mr. Pip to New Zealand audiences” says director, producer and writer Andrew Adamson. “Lloyd Jones’ classic novel is a wonderful tale of the imaginative power of story, and the beautiful landscapes and people of Bougainville have truly brought that power to the screen.  As we put the final touches on the film, I’m now looking forward to bringing this unique world to audiences later this year.” 

Set against the backdrop of civil war in Bougainville, the film stars Hugh Laurie (House) as the enigmatic teacher Mr. Watts who reads to his pupils from Charles Dickens’  “Great Expectations”.  Matilda, a 14-year-old student played by newcomer Xzannjah, is transported by her imagination and the world of Dickens becoming transfixed by the characters and Mr Watts’ interpretation of the story.   The tale of Mr Pip reveals that on an island at war, fiction can have dangerous consequences.  The film also stars Healsville Joel, Eka Darville and Kerry Fox.