The Station: DVD Review

The Station: DVD Review

Rating: M
Released by Madman Home Entertainment

Stripped of its original title (the brilliant Blood Glacier), The Station is a little disappointing.

It's the story of a group of techs and scientists at an alpine research station who find a glacier of blood in the mountains. Finding an alien life within, the gang is soon suddenly under attack from mutated hybrids and under siege. To make matters worse, the Minister of the Environment is trekking to the centre in a high profile media visit...

The Station could have been an impressive creature feature, with touches of The Thing and the great X-Files episode Ice clearly forming part of the inspiration for it. But it becomes a muddled, middling and silly take on the creature feature (particularly with the horrifically laughable final beastie) that really lacks suspense.

Attempts to inject tension into proceedings via a strained relationship between a scientist and a government advisor fall flat and the whole thing just doesn't have the life it really needs to hit the right notes.

Rating:

Begin Again: Movie Review

Begin Again: Movie Review

Cast: Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, James Corden, Adam Levine, Catherine Keener, Hailee Steinfeld, Ceelo Green, Mos Def
Director: John Carney

How do you follow a massive hit like Once?

As any musician will tell you, the second album syndrome is a difficult one to break through - and in the case of Once director John Carney, it's a case of maybe repeating yourself but on a bigger canvas with a wider appeal.

This time, it's the story of two disparate broken souls in New York; first, Ruffalo is Dan, a music producer who's not had a hit for years and who's just parted ways with the record company he founded with pal Saul (Mos Def); secondly, there's Greta (Knightley) , a UK singer / songwriter who's just split with her boyfriend, rocker Dave Kohl and is contemplating heading back to England.

Their paths cross at an open mic night, where Dan sees the potential in Greta and who is determined to get her signed up. With the power of no record label behind him, Dan pitches the idea that Greta will record an alfresco album with New York being the canvas for her to musically paint on, an idea that appeals to her opposition to overly produced music.

But along the way, both find themselves facing upto some home truths and looking to repair some broken bridges - from an ex wife and disenfranchised daughter (Dan) to dealing with an ex (Greta).

Begin Again is about as mainstream a feel-good romantic drama as you can get - a recognition from Carney that he can't repeat Once without swamping his next attempt in something so incredibly middle of the road that it becomes bland and mass marketable.

It's not without its occasional charm though; a brilliant visual flourish early on sees Dan focusing on the arrangement around Greta's open mic turn as she sings on. Instruments spring to life around her, as if operated by ghosts and it's a daring insight into how the creative mind works. Sadly, it's the one and only original touch in the piece that's just about as soulless and bland as the music that inhabits within.

Ruffalo has a rugged edge to Dan, a man who's teetering on the broken and looking for a way back up; a man whose fast-talking has worked for him before but who's now faltering in a world that no longer apparently needs him. And Knightley does as well as she can with a one-note character, who's initially strong but who falters into mediocrity once the on street recording of music starts and she inevitably begins to be a part of Dan's life and his domestic issues.

Ruffalo feels the most fleshed out of the characters with scenes of his relationship with his ex (Keener) giving the feeling of a past; contrast that with parts of Greta's story as she deals with the fall out from her ex (played by Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine), which feels cliched and stereotyped.

The saccharine levels of this rise pretty quickly as the sounds of the streets of New York form part of the album and the film - even if it's the tourist / picture postcard spots which form the majority of the locations. Throw in a cameo with a rapping Cee-Lo Green, it's all so sanitised and bland that Begin Again starts to feel like the complete antithesis to Once, a middle of the road creation that covers all the bases without any hint or frisson of excitement. (It's even got James Corden as a loveable busker....)

As a breezy piece of romantic drama, Begin Again will be to many people's cup of tea, but with a predictable story and pleasant acting, there's so much sugary inanity on show that it left me seeking a dentist after it had ended.

Rating:

NZIFF Review - The Dark Horse

NZIFF Review - The Dark Horse

From New Zealand's darker stories section comes the tale of Genesis Potini, a Gisborne man who inspired local youth through chess in a town riddled with drugs, gangs and potential dead ends.

Despite Potini's own issues with mental health (he was bi-polar all his life), he befriends Mana (Boy star James Rolleston) the young son of his brother and gang leader Ariki (played with true life grit by first time actor Wayne Hapi)

However, Ariki is determined that Mana will be inducted into the local gang for reasons which seem nefarious at the start but which are heartbreakingly and understandably revealed later on.

At the same time as Mana's undergoing the long dark night of his soul ahead of his patching, Potini's trying to inspire the youth, but with one eye always on the bigger picture, as well as battling his own mental health issues

It's here that the much needed light is shone through the inevitably dark New Zealand tale, which brims with bleakness in parts that it threatens to bleed over into the dread of the watching audience. It's a welcome and much-needed touch, given that parts of Napier Robertson's powerful drama simmer and ache with tragedy lurking ever around the corner.

The Dark Horse is Curtis' film through and through - and he masterfully rises to the occasion (even if Potini's back story is left woefully under-explained aside from 2 brief flashbacks) giving his character the vulnerable nuance he needs as he walks the street, muttering to himself, battling his own demons and trying to keep some of the younger kids inspired through his love of chess.

Equally, Rolleston shows a maturity that's likely to mark him out as a continually exciting proposition for the New Zealand acting scene. His Mana is underplayed, but nonetheless lacking in power as he tries to follow his heart and looks to avoid a life that he really doesn't want to be part of.

While others circle around the duo, it's undeniably their film and their relationship that rises above everything else going on around them. But it's Napier Robertson's final scenes which show The Dark Horse has a grim glimmer of hope as the denouement comes. While the flicker of hope given is a faint one, the power of the film and the central message is undeniable. 

The Rocket: Blu Ray Review

The Rocket: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Vendetta Films

Released at last year's New Zealand International Film Festival, The Rocket is a crowd-pleasing simply told story.

It's the tale of a boy who believes he brings bad luck to all around him as they try to find a new home in Laos. But when the boy stumbles across a rocket festival, where participants have to build and fly their own rockets, he believes this is his chance at redemption. So, he sets out to take part in one of the most dangerous activities of the region...

The Rocket is simply heart-warming fare. There's a humour in amongst it, as well as some truly shocking moments - at least one early on elicited a major intake of breath from this critic - but it's the kind of film that takes you on an emotional journey, gives you an insight into worlds you've never seen before and tells a story that's rarely and effectively told.

It remains one of the most under-rated films of last year - now is your chance to see why people who watch this rave about it.

Extras: Festival information, themes, behind the scenes, rehearsals.

Rating:

NZIFF Review - Everything We Loved and Te Awa Tupua - Voices from the River

NZIFF Review - Everything We Loved and Te Awa Tupua - Voices from the River

Everything We Loved is a bold move by the New Zealand Film Commission.

At the behest of the producers, the film's been fast-tracked for an exciting release schedule with the launch at the Film Festival also coming at the same time that the movie will be given a VOD release so everyone can see it. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but there can only be plaudits for the model and the fact it signals our industry's desire to move with the times.

As for the film itself, it's the story of Charlie (Brett Stewart), a magician who used to work with his wife Angela (Step Dave's Sia Trokenheim) but who, as the film begins is hidden away and appears to be central to his own mystery. In the house with him is 4 year old Tommy, who seems to be struggling with life in general and the fact his mummy is not with him.

When Angela shows up at the house, everything changes for the pair - and to reveal more would be a disservice to the story director Max Currie has dreamed up.

Everything We Loved is a fragile and haunting movie, and one that is tremendously affecting in parts. With its sedately paced, beautifully shot vistas and its two hander approach for the majority of the film, it draws you into its world. Currie's managed to use the minimalism of the story to proffer tidbits about what's going on that you cling on to each revelation, desperate to prize into a solvable puzzle.

There are shots in the film which resonate, and an uncertain atmosphere over what's going on that resounds in emotional depths that are difficult to ignore as the story heads to its inexorable conclusion. Certainly the lakeside sequence at the end is a powerful piece that aches with emotion and heartbreak. Themes of loss, love, grief, hope and desperation mingle together in a particularly potent mix.

A quietly understated delivery from Stewart and a story that feels universally relatable, Everything We Loved provides haunting imagery, an almost ethereal presence at times and a quietly compelling  drama that's definitely worth your time.



Te Awa Tupua - Voices from the River

From Paora Joseph who made Tatarakihi: The Children of Parihaka comes this latest doco and historical piece about the Whanganui Iwi and their struggles over ownership of the river.

More than that, Te Awa Tupua looks at the close bond felt between iwi and the river, with the proverb " I am the river - and the river is me" encapsulating the strength of the ties of two. Gracefully and skillfully weaving archival footage from 1995 and the occupation of Pakaitore, Joseph manages to craft something together that's haunting and effective as well as demonstrating a sensitivity that's obligatory in a doco like this.

Aerial sweeping shots and scenes of the river harness the power within, but it's the human side which keeps this tethered to a sense of the personal and a demonstration of the strength of the bonds within. Clever use (and occasional over-reliance on footage) of material means the story comes full circle, with archival imagery and radio reports helping to paint the scene and the landscape being used to complete the portrait.

The doco closes with a series of photos at the end, a telling reminder of all those who've been affected through the years - it's a powerful set of images to close a quietly unassuming doco.

Jury Confirmed for NZ's Best Short Films Competition

Jury Confirmed for NZ's Best Short Films Competition

Canadian-born New Zealand author Eleanor Catton and Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer are confirmed for the jury of the New Zealand International Film Festival’s New Zealand’s Best 2014 Short Film Competition.

Eleanor Catton MNZM, 2013 Man Booker prize winner and author of The Luminaries, will join visiting filmmaker Rolf de Heer (Charlie’s Country, Ten Canoes) and Michael Eldred, representative for Madman Entertainment, to judge six finalist short films at a public screening of New Zealand’s Best 2014 in Auckland on Saturday 26 July.

The New Zealand’s Best 2014 programme screens as part of NZIFF 2014 and the jury will select the winner for two of the awards – The Madman Entertainment Jury Prize (a cash prize of $5,000 for the best New Zealand Short Film), and The Friends of the Civic Short Film Award for distinctive creative achievement (a cash prize of $3,000).

“Though it’s a jury of only three, we like the line-up of judges to be as diverse as the line-up of films contending for their attention. We aim to embrace the wider culture beyond film on the panel too, so we were delighted that Eleanor Catton agreed to join filmmaker Rolf de Heer and Madman’s Michael Eldred on this year’s jury,” says NZIFF Director Bill Gosden.

Six short films have been selected to compete for the four cash prizes. The winners will be announced at the closing night event of the Auckland leg of NZIFF. The six finalists are Cold Snap (dir: Leo Woodhead), Eleven (dir: Abigail Greenwood), Over the Moon (dir: James Cunningham), Ross & Beth (dir: Hamish Bennett), School Night (dirs: Leon Wadham and Eli Kent) and U.F.O. (dir: Gregory King).

A special jury of cinematographers will select the winner of the inaugural Allen Guilford Cinematography Award from the New Zealand Cinematographers Society (NZCS), including a cash prize of $2,000. New Zealand audiences will also be asked to vote for their favourite short film. The 2014 Audience Award winner in Auckland and Wellington takes away 25% of the box office from the Festival screenings in the four main centres – in 2013 valued at $4,500.

Guest selector and international filmmaker Andrew Adamson selected the six finalists from a shortlist of 12. Festival programmers Bill Gosden and Michael McDonnell viewed 115 entries to prepare the shortlist.

About Eleanor Catton MNZM

Born in 1985 in Canada, Eleanor grew up in Christchurch from age six after her family returned to New Zealand. She studied English at University of Canterbury and completed a Master’s degree in Creative Writing at The Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University of Wellington. Her first novel The Rehearsal won international recognition. In 2013 Catton became the youngest author to win the Man Booker prize, with her second novel The Luminaries. In December 2013 Catton was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

About Rolf de Heer

Born in 1951 in Holland, Rolf migrated to Australia with his family in 1959. He worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for seven years, then in 1977 was granted entry into Australia’s Film Television and Radio School. He has gone on to make more than a dozen films, generally low budget, and has gained substantial international recognition. His first collaboration with actor David Gulpilil, The Tracker, premiered to critical acclaim in Competition at Venice Film Festival in 2002. The second, Ten Canoes, won the Special Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes in 2007; and third, Charlie’s Country, won David Gulpilil the Un Certain Regard Best Actor Award at Cannes this year. Charlie’s Country will screen at NZIFF in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch.

About Michael Eldred

Michael Eldred, Madman Entertainment, is Madman NZ’s Theatrical Sales Manager. Michael is responsible for the New Zealand theatrical release of such successful local films as Out of the Blue, Boy, and The Orator. Most recently he assisted the New Zealand release of What We Do In The Shadows. His career highlights include roles at Dendy Films & Cinemas, Polygram, Hoyts Distribution and Madman Entertainment.

NZIFF will begin in Auckland on Thursday (17 July – 3 August), open in Wellington one week later (25 July – 10 August), Dunedin and Gore (31 July – 17 August) then Christchurch and Nelson (6 – 24 August) before continuing to travel around New Zealand screening in Timaru, Hawke’s Bay, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Masterton, and New Plymouth.

Tickets are on sale now in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin. NZIFF programmes are available online and around town for the four main centres. For NZIFF updates visit www.nziff.co.nzand register to receive e-newsletters.

Get On Up trailer

Get On Up trailer

In his follow-up to the four-time Academy Award®-nominated blockbuster The Help, Tate Taylor directs 42’s Chadwick Boseman as James Brown in Get on Up.  

Based on the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul, the film will give a fearless look inside the music, moves and moods of Brown, taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.  

Boseman is joined in the drama by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Nelsan Ellis, Lennie James, Tika Sumpter, Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd.