Toy Story 4: Film Review

Toy Story 4: Film Review

Vocal cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Tony Hale, Christina Hendricks, Annie Potts, Keanu Reeves
Director: Josh Cooley

It's hard to know where to start with Toy Story 4.

The third film wrapped things up so well, that anyone moving forward with the series was always going to face a monumental challenge of epic proportions.

But while the fourth Toy Story doesn't hit the peaks of the first film, it does prove a solid, if uncertain entrant into the series. There's some good within though, but admittedly, there's also a feeling that this was a series that didn't need a revisit.

Deja vu haunts much of the storyline this time around, with Sheriff Woody (the ever reliable Hanks) now struggling to find a place in the world after his kid Andy has moved on. Sure, he's been handed down to Andy's sister Bonnie, but Bonnie's more interested in Jessie, leaving Woody in the cupboard and not picked for playtime.

Determined, Woody climbs into Bonnie's backpack to accompany her for her first day at kindergarten (much of Toy Story 4 concerns itself with moving on, next stages of life) and to ensure she has a friend. But Woody's goodwill inadvertently leads to the creation of Forky, a toy thrown together by the loner Bonnie out of a white plastic fork, some googly eyes and pipe cleaner.

Bonnie adores it - but things go awry when Forky goes missing during a family trip, prompting Woody to launch a rescue mission.

Toy Story 4 is clothed in familiarity.

It opens with a rescue as Woody's Leave No Toy mentality comes to the fore again, and concludes with another rescue attempt as Woody and a small group of toys try to pull off a daring heist.

In between all that, there's a smattering of the usual Pixar sentiment and silliness as well as superlative CGI as it plays out.

Yet, Toy Story 4 doesn't deliver the highs you'd want, and while the endings function both as standalone for this adventure, and a capper for those wallowing in the nostalgia, the film's raison d'etre isn't quite as clear cut as you'd want.

Sure, there's a living in a world without kids message and a take on how parenting leaves parents bereft when the kids move on, all delivered in the usual solid Pixar way. But while the heart of Toy Story beats on, the existential crisis that lies within (What are toys' purpose, what is Woody's purpose, what can stop Forky being obsessed with trash) is a little too reminiscent of what's transpired before.

That's not to Toy Story 4's detriment, and there are many joys to be had - chiefly in the form of Bo Peep's Lara Croft-esque demeanour, and Reeves' Duke Caboom. It's just a shame that it's come at the expense of Buzz Lightyear being sidelined, and other faves fading out of the limelight.

But if you're after the solid emotional payoff previous entrants in the series have offered, you may - bar one ending - be left wanting. Feeling more like a spin-off franchise entrant than a consolidated animated push for eternity, Toy Story 4 may pitch for a heartfelt message, but the emotional coherence that rendered the rest of the series so essential is sadly lacking, rendering this more an epilogue than anything else.

That said, Pixar still delivers something superlative, even if it does feel like a bolt on.

Capharnaum: DVD Review

Capharnaum: DVD Review

Cast: Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw
Director: Nadine Labaki

Some films will inherently break you, push you to your limits and test you before delivering a reward.

Capernaum is one such film.

The story of Zain (Al Rafeea) launches in a courtroom with an inherently amusing premise - he's suing his parents for giving him life. What follows next sees Labaki track back to discover how Zain got to this stage.

A story of neglect in extremis, Capernaum dances a dangerous line between manipulation and mawkish, not always successfully. But what emerges works strongly because of Al Rafeea's innate watchability and a chance to elevate the material where it needs to be.

It's heartbreaking to see where the kids have been taken in this film, and how the material feels like it's drawn from a truth, not so much a fantasy. But while the story works like it should, it does also lend itself to sprawl, and feels at times unfocussed, despite the work of the first time actors.

There is a melodrama to proceedings in this Lebanese drama, and how you feel at the end may depend on how far you're willing to go along with events, but ultimately, Caparnaum works where it should, despite moments of misery and elements of cliche. 

Anna: Film Review

Anna: Film Review

Cast: Sasha Luss, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren, Cillian Murphy
Director: Luc Besson

A free-wheeling Russian spy story, Anna dances to the Eurobeat of Luc Besson.

Returning to the genre which scored him such big hits as La Femme Nikita and The Professional, Anna stars Sasha Luss as the eponymous Anna, who's recruited into the spy world via the KGB and ends up as a model in Europe to do their bidding.

To say more would be to deprive Anna of the narrative twists that Besson, who wrote and directed this, clearly wants for his audience.

Needless to say, the twists come thick and fast, but under the cover of a framing device that relies on the film stop-starting as it goes back and forth in time to reveal what's going on.

The first few times, the narrative replay is a clever move; but Besson deploys it far too often, giving this less a feeling of Run Lola Run's multiplicity and more a distinct impression that you're not quite clear whether the filmmaker and writer simply wanted to throw as many pieces up in the air and see what fits.

And yet, there's a wackadoodle appeal to Anna, which helps with the occasional sag in the 2 hour run time.

All of Besson's trademarks are there - from pulsing European music beats to taut chase sequences, and one brilliantly employed INXS song and montage, there are enough moments to make you feel the hoary old spy genre has something new to offer.

But these are coupled with an almost Austin Powers style adherence to modelling sequences which veer wildly into parody and some occasionally wooden acting from the lead, who's saddled with some silly dialogue.

Yet, as demonstrated in a wonderfully choreographed restaurant fight, there's a grit and inventiveness to Anna that keeps you watching (even if you've seen elements of it before in Jennifer Lawrence's Red Sparrow).

Finally, mention is needed for Helen Mirren, who under big glasses and hunched poise, cigarette in hand, brings much to the table as Anna's KGB handler. Her no-nonsense approach, coupled with Mirren's gusto for the role, is a welcome touch to Anna.

Ultimately, the film's narrative structure lets it down, and Besson's adherence to his own vision is both a good and bad thing - but in terms of the spy genre, it very occasionally kicks ass and presents a solid case for being.

Hotel Mumbai: DVD Review

Hotel Mumbai: DVD Review

Tense, claustrophobic and never once exploitative, Hotel Mumbai's recreation of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks is simultaneously nail-biting and verging on the factual.

Dev Patel is a worker at the Taj Hotel, one of those places targeted by Pakistani militants who launch a series of attacks to wreak chaos. Trapped inside and with time running out, a group of disparate guests and hotel workers try to survive.

Hotel Mumbai has a sense of claustrophobia, a sense of terror and a sense of the unending mercilessness of terrorism. As the almost robotic servants carry out their master's bidding communicated to them via phone lines, there's a true feeling of horror as the attacks take place, a relentless march against the perversion and hatred of other's ways of life.

But Maras, while delivering an almost workman-like and straight forward retelling of events, never once slips into the exploitative, giving it a feeling of something sickening growing with dread throughout.

The thing with Hotel Mumbai is that the film's unswerving dedication to the unfolding reality of a terrorist attack helps it to grip, and leaving you twisting in its grimmer edges.

What Maras is smart enough to do is to realise that within the horror of every crisis, there is humanity to be found at every level.

While he does use the story of Hammer and  Boniadi's baby being trapped and separated with their sitter to promote some tension, he's wise enough to not milk it for all it's worth and just leave you teetering on the edge of your seat. Slivers of background provide enough to guide an audience in, and don't feel like sentimental set-up sap.

It's this element of sensitivity with the film's truly awful premise that helps ground Hotel Mumbai into a gripping and sickening watch.

Equally Patel and Kher show the humanity of the staff and the humility of their approach that the guest comes first, no matter what the situation. It's horrifying in many ways, but like any disaster film, it's the human elements which shine through in Hotel Mumbai to keep the light burning.

Ultimately, Hotel Mumbai's commitment to the reality of the Mumbai terror attacks means the film passes without direct judgement on those perpetrating them. There's a subtlety in the condemnation that does play out, but not an overtness - it's a key difference in making this disaster movie crowd-pleasing and turning tragedy into gripping drama.

Child's Play: Film Review

Child's Play: Film Review

Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Gabriel Bateman, Mark Hamill
Director: Lars Klevberg

There's much to like in the 2019 retooling of the Child's Play series - but there's also much to grizzle about with the feeling that potential has been wasted.

Plaza plays single mom Karen, a shop employee who gives her son Andy (Bateman) a Buddi doll to help the transition to a new home and new life. Buddi is the latest design toy, that imprints on its owner and in this Buddi's case, fixates on him.

Renamed Chucky by Andy, the doll starts to take on a life of its own, mimicking those around, while dealing with defective programming. But things begin to take a murderous intent.

It's clear that Klevberg and co wanted to take some of the electronic paranoia we've been feeling with Black Mirror's technical obsessions and turn it into something that's on point, and through a horror prism.

But what emerges from the 2019 reboot of Child's Play, despite an inherent fear of AI, is just how much that potential is squandered.

Despite a great turn from Plaza, a strong performance from Bateman and some excellent vocal work from Hamill, Child's Play becomes a grubby rote horror that's content to deliver some average jump scares and some lo-fi moments, rather than to build on the idea of a murderous Alexa inspired doll.

The opening's great, inspiring some funny moments, and capturing a kind of 80s vibe that's at odds with the 21st century technology. However, the film's not content to do more with its talent, with a script that doesn't really thrill like it should, or scare like it ought.

There's still the malevolence that Chucky has, and the animatronic doll has some creepy edges, but the script mines every single cliche going before delivering a finale that lacks panache and originality.

That's perhaps the killer blow for Child's Play - it never reaches its potential, and feels a lot like every other 80s serial killer film you've seen before. They've chosen to swap Chucky's USP for a USB - and while parts of it feel like an upgrade, most of it feels, sadly, like a downgrade.

But it is worth it for Mark Hamill's unsettling singing over the final credits...

NZIFF Announces Thirteen New Zealand Film Premieres

NZIFF Announces Thirteen New Zealand Film Premieres

Thirteen feature-length New Zealand films will screen at the New Zealand International Film Festival

(NZIFF) in 2019. Nine films will have their world premieres in the programme, including the

 previously announced documentary A Seat at the Table.

This year’s homegrown selection celebrates the life and legacy of New Zealanders with portraits 

on social activist Helen Kelly; master carver and devoted Māori artist Rangi Hetet; 

renowned photographer Peter Peryer; champion Kiwi boxer Billy Graham; artist and composer 

Michael Smither; and legendary reggae band Herbs.

New Zealand stories are represented in the programme with features reflecting on rugby’s divisive

 history, New Zealand’s budding wine industry, faith and family in Aotearoa, life on a Northland 

dairy farm, a comedic Kiwi family farce and a poignant testament to economic inequality.

Ant Timpson’s genre-bending directorial debut, starring Elijah Wood and Madeleine Sami, is 

also announced with the programme’s NZ films, although it will screen in the Big Nights and 

Special Presentation strands of the festival.

“We’re very proud to be able to announce the New Zealand features and documentaries 

which will premiere at NZIFF this year in Auckland and Wellington. NZIFF remains committed 

to providing a platform for striking local films such as these and we can’t wait to be able to 

share them with an audience” says NZIFF programmer, Michael McDonell.

The confirmed New Zealand films for 2019 are:

Capital in the 21st Century (NZ Premiere in Auckland)

Director: Justin Pemberton

A sweeping – and sobering – account of the way that concentrated wealth has both 

shaped our past and is creating a deeply unequal future. Based on economist

Thomas Piketty’s bestselling book.

https://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/capital-in-the-21st-century/

For My Father's Kingdom (NZ Premiere in Auckland)

Directors: Vea Mafile’o, Jeremiah Tauamiti

Pasifika filmmakers Vea Mafile’o and Jeremiah Tauamiti direct this intimate, clear-eyed 

documentary centred on the faith, love and fatherhood of Saia Mafile’o, and his four children.

https://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/auckland/for-my-fathers-kingdom/

Herbs: Songs of Freedom (World Premiere in Auckland)

Director: Tearepa Kahi

Director Tearepa Kahi’s follow-up to the infectious Poi E is a rousing celebration of 

Pacific reggae legends Herbs, the band’s members and its action as an inspiring

 musical front for social rights and harmony.

https://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/auckland/herbs-songs-of-freedom/

Bellbird (NZ Premiere in Auckland)

Director: Hamish Bennett

Marshall Napier, Cohen Holloway and Rachel House shine in Hamish Bennett’s

 beautifully judged, poignantly funny drama of life and community on a struggling 

Northland family dairy farm.

https://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/auckland/bellbird/

Peter Peryer: The Art of Seeing (World Premiere in Auckland)

Director: Shirley Horrocks

Shirley Horrocks’ richly illustrated portrait of the life and career of one of New Zealand’s 

most important photographers, who dedicated his life to seeing and making works of art out 

of the everyday.

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/peter-peryer-the-art-of-seeing/

Helen Kelly - Together (World Premiere in Wellington)

Director: Tony Sutorius

An intimate, inspirational portrait of Helen Kelly in the last year of her life, Together 

tells the story of a woman whose advocacy and generosity changed the lives of countless 

New Zealanders.

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/helen-kelly-together/

By the Balls (World Premiere in Auckland)

Directors: Charlotte Purdy, Simon Coldrick

Sport and politics most definitely do mix in this gripping look back at a brutal and 

turbulent time for New Zealand rugby, told from the point of view of the players

 themselves including David Kirk and Buck Shelford.

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/by-the-balls/

Births, Deaths & Marriages (World Premiere in Wellington)

Director: Bea Joblin

Director Bea Joblin’s spirited debut feature boasts snappy dialogue and spot-on performances 

from a cast including Geraldine Brophy, Sophie Hambleton and Jamie McCaskill. 

A pungent kiwi slant on classic domestic farce.

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/births-deaths-marriages/

MO TE IWI: Carving for the People (World Premiere in Wellington)

Director: Robin Greenberg

An intimate journey through the life and work of master carver Rangi Hetet and a 

celebration of his lifelong devotion to the traditions of Māori carving and Māori art.

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/mo-te-iwi-carving-for-the-people/

Billy and The Kids (World Premiere in Wellington)

Director: Mark Albiston

An insightful look inside the boxing academies run by champion Kiwi boxer 

Billy Graham, through the eyes of the kids whose lives they have changed.

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/billy-and-the-kids/

Michael Smither 10 (Wellington Only – World Premiere)

Director: Paul Wedel

The final episode in Tony Hiles’ ongoing project chronicling his friend Michael Smither, 

finds the artist and composer in his studio wrestling with current paintings and

reflecting on art and life. 

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/michael-smither-10/

NZ film in Big Nights and Special Presentations strand:

Come to Daddy (NZ Premiere in Auckland)

Director: Ant Timpson

Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie and Madeleine Sami lead Kiwi director

(and NZIFF/Incredibly Strange programmer) Ant Timpson’s deranged comic thriller 

about a father-son reunion that goes very, very south.

http://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/film/come-to-daddy/

NZ film previously announced:

A Seat at the Table (World Premiere in Auckland)

Directors: David Nash, Simon Mark-Brown

Savour 100 minutes of eye-popping camera work, picturesque vineyards and 

gratuitous grape-fondling shots in this glorious toast to the talent and the stories 

behind New Zealand’s world-famous wine industry.

https://www.nziff.co.nz/2019/auckland/a-seat-at-the-table-1/

Little Woods: Film Review

Little Woods: Film Review

Cast: Tessa Thompson, Lily James
Director: Nia DaCosta

The "one last job before I retire" trope is as old as the hills themselves, but what director Nia DaCosta and actress Tessa Thompson bring to the hoary cliche is a degree of humanity and empathy in Little Woods.

Thompson is Ollie, a one time opioid dealer to the North Dakota fracking workers. Caught after a border run went wrong and under probation with just 10 days to go, Ollie finds herself facing desperate measures and multiple financial hardships.

But when her struggling adopted sister and solo mother Deb (Lily James) finds she's about to give birth again and needs a place to live, the clock's ticking to get together $3,000 cash to ensure their house isn't foreclosed on.

So, despite wanting a clean break, Ollie is forced back into the one thing she knows well, but doesn't want to do.

As mentioned, the plot isn't exactly original, but what DaCosta and Thompson - and to a large degree, James - bring to the table is a female perspective on middle America, the struggles of those under pressure, and the face of the Opioid crisis.

This is no Breaking Bad though, with Thompson providing subtle contrasts in her Ollie as she debates the morals of the right thing to do. It's very much a story of the times, and told in an unfussy manner, with tension being ratcheted up in a smaller, more intimate setting on the screen.

There's a great deal of empathy radiating from these characters, and while some of the dialogue doesn't feel natural, there's no denying Thompson's natural charm and appeal that she imbues Ollie with. 

Refusing to give in, Ollie finds every path possible to explore, and the desperate scrabble to stay afloat has you in her camp from the get go.

The film's ambiguous end is a smart touch too - unsure of who gets a happy end, it's very much a crime tale told under a different lens - and all the better for it. Little Woods may hit a few of the cliche branches as it unspools, but with two extremely solid and plausible leads, it remains watchable from beginning to end.