The Martian (2015)

I saw an interview with Matt Damon where the interviewer declares that there are no 'chases' ala Hollywood in this movie, no bad language and no romance, and with Martian in the title it was bound to be sci-fi. I decided there and then I would not die curious to know what this movie could be like.
I went along and watched it in 2D, because as I have told myself before, 3D only distracts from the dialogue and and story. I wanted to make sure that some of those weightier questions of astronomical theory and fact being proposed and discussed did not escape my feeble understanding of astrophysics.

Arizona Desert

As it turned out I didn't have to know much of anything to understand the plot, which was established early on when the hero Mark (Matt Damon) gets left behind thought to be dead after a Martian storm leads the crew at the station to abort it's mission and take off back home to Earth.
From then on the story is all about how Mark makes contact and whether NASA will try to save him and how they will go about it. Well no, there is more. We see the hero an ex-botanist manage to grow potatos on Mars, something Ive never tried on Earth. We see heroic gestures by  the earthbound crew volunteering to perform almost certain hare-Kari doing a highly risky operation sling-shooting around planets to try to link up with a space floating Mark after having shot up off Mars on a rocket. We see the new America friend China (eat your heart out Russia) provide vital spaceship assistance. We get treated to all the politically correct role players, women in charge of spaceships. We see also a brash young black man solving rocket science problems, and a rotundity challenged Chinese American sweat profusely.
Many scenes included heavy-going techie talk though thankfully stubbed short to keep the audience from walking. I like techie talk but only when I can follow it so this time I was left wishing I'd gone to the 3D version. So yes I got a bit bored. I began to think myself very odd that I cant like this Sci-fi film even when I asked to see a film without some of the usual Hollywood ingredients such as romance and chasing baddies. I was hoping to enjoy the mystery of seeing a remote alien planet - I suppose they are all alien - but alas it was a bit like watching a doc on the Arizona desert, and there was no-one looking remotely like Walter White from Breaking Bad on it!...but that's not relevant and I'm so hard to please.
It is also unfortunate that the recent discovery of evidence of water in Mars couldn't have been foreseen by the author of the book because at least then they could have had something solid to deal with here. The marooned astronaut could have accidentally discovered a tree seed lodged in his shoe and decided to grow a tree by the rivulet near his potato plantation. No telling where that could have led to.

Once Were Warriors (1994)

Preparing to do battle...up the pub!

Scary lot, the people in this film. There must be joy in looking fearsome and being violent, otherwise why do it? I couldn't even enjoy the lighter moments wondering when they would suddenly explode into a physical melee.  The character Jake is painted as black and white as possible, no grey shades here. His wife weak and stupid as possible easily forgetting the beatings. The children suffering the consequences of parents driven by alcohol and poor education.
The film is well made but not very uplifting.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Llewyn with Ulysses in cold New York 

Now here is a good movie! For all those who remember or better said lived the music scene revolution of the sixties this one is for us. Well no I didn't live in New York but felt the reverberations all the way down under in Australia where we carried acoustic guitars and wrote and sang American style modern folk songs, ala Bob Dylan. But even if you know nothing about it this is master film making from the Coen Bros. The mood is exquisite, the scene in Greenwich Village palpable, the characters real, and the feline actors real cuddly and the script the envy of all aspirants. Great scenes by John Goodman as the old washed out jazz musician provide a nice contrast to the young ones and the new music scene. The wonderful Ulysses and his look-alike ring-in ginger cat contribute to the humour. The best scene sees Llewyn Davis visit his agent and ancient secretary in their dark dingy browned out office where he is offered a coat in lieu of payment! It looked like a scene from a Woody Allen film. Must see film. Find a link for it in my comment.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Look at his face! As Charlie Brown used to say : Good Grief! Would you like to spend a large proportion of 114 minutes looking at it? Well if you watch this movie you wont be able to avoid it because it'll be there full blown 'in your face' every few frames. That's OK if you like it ...but that's a big if.
I wanted to like this film given all the good reviews but it fell down in the usual department most movies fail today: a decent script. Any school kid could have written this one. Pity, because some of it looked beautiful. It left me wanting to see a good travel doco on Greenland. What a place! I'd like to go there for a casual walk!
Anyway, in addition to a poor script the the story is sentimentally laden with self-pity in the main character and with delusions of heroism and romance. 'Nuff said. Still can't shake it off.

Behind the Candelabra (2013)

All that glitters is not gold...

It's the Michael Douglas Show! ...and by the way Matt Damon too. Douglas though certainly proved himself as an actor in this role. It took quite a bit of skill not caricature the Liberaci persona and at the same time impersonate the deeply troubled and effeminate musician, not least in the scenes where he performs playing the piano. The film does however outstay its welcome in the almost two hours without adding anything much to what is essentially a love story. The lure of fame and wealth had ensnared the young Scott Thorson played by Matt Damon and like they say they are powerful aphrodisiacs so he does fall in love in due course. The young stud however is inevitably discarded after his use-by-date had expired.
Liberace's wont for the excesses were well known so there were no jaw dropping gasps when we are shown just what is meant when the word excess is understated. The mansion of his abode was the envy of every other Hollywood star capable of nauseous bad taste. Gilded floors where his dogs defecated lined the Roman columns to great new heights and all dotted with a candelabra crowned grand piano. But then again, Liberace was quite a piano player, there is no denying and showman to boot. In America they create these envy products of the world, including entertainers and then make a movie about it. Enjoy!

Cleo from 5 to 7 (1962)

Cleo walks the streets of Paris

Very interesting film from documentary film maker Agnes Varga. it looks at the life in a day of a French singer in Paris as she waits for the results of a medical test. All throughout we learn of Cleo's agonizing wait while the world around her everywhere continues with its own affairs and couldn't care less of her awaiting fate. The director's interest barely touches Cleo's concern as the film almost drools on the life that swarms the Paris of the early sixties as she goes about the city. The people she knows and meets only add to the drama unfolding within her through their indifference. Though she doesn't know the result she sees this terrible thing happening to her and she is all alone among so many people who admire her. The scene where the doctor informs her of the result is priceless and her reaction a surprise. If for nothing else watch this film for the sights of Paris and a very watchable Corinne Marchand.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

Jasmine gets another headache

Woody Allen is finally coming round to what he always wanted to do: serious films ala Bergman and I guess that's no news to anyone who has followed his career. He tried ever so hard to do that in Interiors, but I think he would have to admit that one was very difficult to watch and altogether lacking something perhaps akin to a little humour. I think he manages to do that in Blue Jasmine. The subject of this film is serious but the laughs are never too far away, and not in any demeaning way. The characters are portrayed with empathy and particularly Jasmine who is shown to be a disturbed soul needing the approval that social status brings. But does Cate manage to win me over in the end? Probably not. Either through Allen's writing or through her acting I am not moved to rush and offer Jasmine shelter. In the end I agree with her sister much more and wondered whether Jasmine would ever really get in touch with her inner self and find peace. Then again it's probably what Allen intended for us the audience all along.
On another score however I did look forward to Allen's usual screen format only to be disappointed. The film does not have the aesthetic looks of most of his older works. That wide screen looked bad and at times distorted and the frame composition was pretty average, not his usual standard. Compare Radio days with this and it becomes obvious. I don't know why he needs to compromise his artistry.

Exodus (1960)

Paul Newman as the Haganah activist smoking
 his favourite American brand with the American blonde

I'm sure I wouldn't be alone in declaring this film a bit of a bore. I wanted to like it but it lacked an overall sincerety of intention. What did they have in mind when they took director to camera? Did they want to educate Americans of the sixties about the haulocost? Quite possibly, but unfortunately the film does not try to explain much. At any rate today a lot of water has passed under the bridge since the whole Israeli question was posed at that time in this film. Did the producers want to entertain with a bit of drama and romance? Most likely yes. But the drama is a bit of a fizzler and the romance unconvincing. Without going into the story I'll just say the film was disapponing coming from the great director Preminger, and very dull. Its content (as opposed to the historical event) does not warrant the three and a half hours of screen time. The script is school level, the acting in parts very pedestrian for today's standards, the photography nothing to rave about and one grumpy Paul Newman irritating to watch. The redeeming feature would have to be the filming on location, Cyprus and Israel. I watched this film because as a teenager I remember the promos for this film embedded in it's  music - it lives long after the flick stops. But one good score does not a good movie make.

Beyond the hills (2012) Romania

Plot: A young girl Alina comes to visit her one time girlfriend Voichita who has taken up residence at a monastery run by a priest.

An alien invades a closed world

At two and a half hours long it's probably a tad long - I like movies to be around an hour and a half but the story keeps you hanging on to find out what happens at the end. Will the two girls run away together or will the visitor be converted and join the members of the monastery? I will not spoil it for you by divulging the ending but in the end that's probably not the important thing about this movie. What's interesting is the contrast of lifestyle between the two girls. The visitor girl Alina is bewildered by the behaviour of her one time girlfriend who has converted or has been born again to the Orthodox Church and seems happy with her lot at the monastery. She thinks that she is sleeping with the Father. She cannot fathom the behaviour of all the women there and visa versa they are not able to read her. They're at cross purpose and the final resolution is unexpected. Worth watching for it's authentic look and intelligent script. The movie never passes judgment on its characters and the acting is convincing.

Renoir (2012) France

Jean picks up a few art tips from his father

I watched this film to learn something of the great artist Pierre Renoir and also of his son Jean. The film to its credit did not try to cover the a to z of their lives but merely catch a telling segment. It deals with the last days of the painter and the period when Jean commits through his future spouse to making films. The real star for me however is the charm and rugged beauty of the south of France where the Renoirs lived. The opening scene with Renoir's girl model bicycling down the peaceful country road in the 1910's  during the war is the highlight and sets the mood for the rest of the film, so this film may not be everyone's cup of tea.

The Queen of Versailles (2012)

The Queen goes shopping

Wallow in wealth vicariously through this film and feel the vomit build up while you watch people disgrace themselves with too much money. Miss America can't help herself in front of the cameras and will prove to you that money cannot buy class. The excesses of capitalism can be embarrassing for those who espouse it as featured here. In a moment of irony Jacqueline bemoans the fact that during the GFC big government came to the rescue of the banks but ignored the likes of her. This woman couldn't even see the dog poo strewn all over her carpet as she slowly immerses herself in all the crap that she buys with her husband's money. This is a must watch doco for all but unfortunately some will miss the point.

Out of the Past (1947)

Where would 'film noir' be without cigarrettes?!

You can't get more film noir-ish than this classic. Absolutely quintesential stuff. All the traits of film noir can be found here. Top notch! If you are studying genres start here for film noir. Even if you just want to enjoy a forties' film this should keep you happy and maybe set you off searching for other similar ones. Great moody music. A plot with twists and turns and a long confessional flashback. Perfect casting of the laconic hero or is that anti-hero in Robert Mitchum? The nasty character played by Kirk Douglas always on edge; and the hard to read triple-crossing vixen played by Jane Greer almost great. Everyone is good. Excellent tight script with great lines like this from Jeff Bailey to Kathie: 'You can never help anything, can you? You're like a leaf that the wind blows from one gutter to another'. Or still this: 'It was the bottom of the barrel, and I was scraping it'. All without a single swear word or gross scene, can be watched at any level and by any family member and yet very much a film for adults. Never a dull scene in the whole movie. Read this detailed review

The Last Song (2010)

Warning: Spoiler ahead.

Brother and sister

This film is, in modern lingo 'totally so sad'. But really more accurately it is a terrific tear jerk-er you might dislike for manipulating your swelling see-sawing emotions. I mean who wouldn't be upset at seeing a young girl or boy lose their father to the scourge of cancer. They really don't have to do much on screen and they've got me right on board, bring on the next tear.
Having said that I didn't think Miley Cyrus's acting was as bad as some of the adult intelligentsia put her down for. She is as teenagie on screen as the next girl I know very close to home and has that very familiar behavior pattern established to a tee: storm out when any verbal exchange is not going their way or when she discovers that the shape of reality doesn't match her expectations.
Her younger brother played by Bobby Coleman is very good and so is her dad, Greg Kinnear and the movie is beautifully composed on the screen in a lovely seaside setting all with stirring songs and music. Overall wholesome family entertainment and thankfully without the usual compulsory foul language.

Thursday till Sunday (2012) De jueves a domingo (Chile)

A daughter looks on whilst her parents dissolve their
 marriage in the bleak landscape backdrop of northern Chile

Two children travel with their parents from Santiago Chile to the north for a family holiday. As the story develops we realise that the parents are in the process of separating and we see the older child the girl slowly come to realizing it. Totally unsentimental the whole film is brilliantly directed. The acting too is beautifully under-played, especially that of the children and in particular the ten year old Lucia (Santi Ahumada). This film may be a hard sit for some given the long takes and little action as we are made to feel boxed inside a car on a long journey. The uneasy relations enhaces the claustrophobia one might otherwise naturally feel and the tension is only ever disturbed by the children breaking the monotony and silence of the parents. I enjoyed listening to the language and seeing the northern Chilean country side and was touched by Lucia's forced coming of age.

The Birds (1963)

Hitch trains the birds to act scary like

I must have been around ten years old when mum took me to watch this movie and the scene which struck me most was the burning petrol station. I just couldn't understand why the birds were getting blamed for that lol! But the connection stayed and now I always watch out for birds whilst filling up. A lot of bad reviews for this in IMDB. Some thought the plot was silly, the conclusion inconclusive, and among other things too many scenes where nothing happens. None of that bothered me. Having been clobbered by a bird several times whilst riding a bike I totally sympathised with the residents of that small Californian town. I was wearing a helmet, maybe they should have thought about doing the same. Goggles to protect the eyeballs? Perhaps.
I quite liked the complication to the love interest in this story, the mother reluctant to lose her son to this good looking blode. That must have been a Hitch's add on, given he was so infatuated with Tippi maybe it gave him hope to win her over...ha ha. I liked the nostalgia of the setting in the sixties too, it now seems so distant. Also I don't think the plot was so silly, the birds could have been mutating into a savage species. But in the final analysis I have to say, I would have taken a slightly different tack to these bird pests. Correct me if I'm wrong but guns are legal in America, not?

The Girl (TV 2012)

Hitch's pout, as caricatured by Toby Jones

Not good. Totally unsympathetic one dimensional and not very credible portrayal of one Alfred Hitchcock. Moreover Toby Jones performance is lethargic and unconvincing. His make-up is totally distracting and in the end it doesn't look much like Hitch. Siena Miller is OK but there are so many scenes where she acts like a stunned mullet that it's almost comical. Pobably the director's job.
Much of this movie hangs on the supposed controversy Hitch caused with his love interest for the actress but it's really a witless tale. I suppose today he could have been charged with ...yawn sexual harrasment. Alternatively, Tippy could have challenged Hitch to a duel...with swords maybe, or just kicked him in the shin when he became too amorous, or I don't know, blown raspberries on his face. The possibilities are endless. But no, poor Tippy endured it in silence, after all there was her career at stake. So there was one more movie to endure with Hitch in Marnie and with Sean  glamour Connery and after that it all tapered off for Tippy.

Autumn Sonata (1978)

Unspoken grief

The two Bergmans together? Should be interesting in the least. As it turns out, it's riveting drama. Ingrid showed her class in a way she never could in her Hollywood and Italian jobs. Ingmar Bergman challenged her to play a part here which required maturity and great skill. Ingrid matched them both. Also Liv Ullman is superb as Eva in her complex characterization. I watched this almost spellbound. The camera worked on their faces achieving a close personal voyeurism into the lives of the mother and daughter in a way that is not possible on stage. Yet this is very much like a play for the theatre. The script is  verbose but never overly so. There are also scenes when only the soft piano and facial expressions do the talking. Lena Nyman gives a heart wrenching performance as Helena, Eva's sick sister. This is absolute top drama.

Wild Strawberries (1957)

Desserted town and the handless clock

Victor Sjöström is a natural as Dr Isak Borg in this Bergman classic. He is a retired doctor set with his daily routines, he has his housekeeper to look after him, is free from marital responsibilities, no longer bothers with tiresome people,  he has his chess, and so on. He is all done up and living in the peripheries of life. All except for his untidy lose ends: his son has no children, his immediate family think he is cold and distant and he has dreams that are more real than real life. On a road trip to Lund to pick up his honorary degree he rediscovers his humanity through a series of experiences. This film is memorable largely for it's dream sequences and Bergman's cinematic technique of walking into a scene from a past memory - Woody Allen borrowed this technique for his own films too.
I loved the early dream scenes best, with the hearse and handle-less clock, though some of Isak's recollections with the twin sisters who compose a song for his deaf uncle were good for light relief. This is a great film but I must admit it doesn't rank as high with me as it did before. The acting is good as is the casting and the whole dream thing some of it bordering on nightmare is great. But...I think it needed something else, to lift it to the status it occupies, that of "Best film of all time" or some such accolade. Maybe just a touch more of dramatic tension might have helped. For example, at the beginning I did not feel the aloofness Dr Isak was supposed to have and did not believe he was some kind of insensitive monster. Maybe there should have been more scenes showing what a brute he was. Later when we find that he had been ditched by his 'true' love for his brother you know he is a sensitive man done wrong. Yet his daughter-in-law who doesn't strike one as a warm caring sort accuses him of being a dead insensitive type or something like that. But we feel he is not such bad man, maybe through his face. The garage attendant seals that view when he gives Isak the petrol for free for all he had done for them. So, not much drama but a very interesting road movie with many symbolisms if you want to find them and an uplifting resolution in the end. Victor Sjöström is great  and the film would be lesser without him. Moreover, Wild strawberries is a fantastic title for any film.

Bernie (2011)

......then may I suggest the Corinthian

The story for this film has its basis on a true story, which makes it more interesting. But if it hadn't, the characterization of Bernie, a funeral director in a small Texan town, was played to a to great effect and Jack Black played it with empathy and at times with humor.It is better to watch this without knowing anything about the film or the story. The story is food for thought and leaves you wishing you would know more about Bernie because we know nothing about him before his time in Carthage. It was well written and directed and I enjoyed it well. My favourite scene sees Jack black take charge of a funeral ceremony in an awkward moment and start singing Amazing grace with a terrific voice. Shirley Maclaine, one of my favourite classic actors was adequate though a little wasted as she is given little to say. Well recommended.

Trainspotting (1996)

"Begbie:...with a friend like me
 who needs any enemies"

It's amazing how the depiction of low life can be so fascinating. This film does not hold back. Total indulgence is the name of the game and there are scenes that will disgust and shock. I guess that pulls the crowds in. But I guess much of it is probably accurate. The filth and total disarray junkies live with could be described as magnified cancer cells in society. I have seen it and its true: there is only one reason they get up or don't get up in a day, to take that hit. The actors in this film are all good, and especially Robert Carlysle as Begbie, who refused to take heroin because he didn't want drugs in his system, though alcohol and cigarettes were OK  He plays the bully who enjoys nothing  better than smashing things on peoples heads and bragging about his prowess. Watchable film for shock value but also undeniably well made.

The Ides of March (2011)

...My religion
 is the constitution of America

This film has received a lot of positive reviews. It seems to me a little unfair then if I were to give it thumbs down after switching it off in just twenty five minutes. I think there are some prerequisites to liking this movie. One, you must have an interest in American presidential preselection politics and all the dirt that goes with it. Two, you need to enjoy being shocked by corruption in the processes. Three, you need to think documentary style acting pretending not to be acting still has the wow factor. Four, you need to think slightly intelligeble foul mouth mumbling actors are more 'real people' that way, take note Hoffman. I seem to fail in all counts.

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)

Joan with suitably messy hair prepares for battle

This film started well but rapidly descended into the usual main course these days: a hefty dosage of drawn out battle scenes.  In addition compulsory funny bits are thrown in for light relief when the battle scenes become tedious.There is also a gruesome murder, rape scene, in that order, involving a hideous looking soldier and Joan's sister all watched by her. When the soldier finished he then turned to his soldier colleagues and said 'Your turn!'. Yes that's the humour bit. Historically accurate? I doubt it. But it would be an important detail if you were trying to understand Joan's life. From that point on I lost faith in this work to deliver something other than pop-corn entertainment. But I have to say that a lot of the set and photography did look good and at times convincing, unlike Milla Jovovich who should perhaps do a pop song video clip instead.

For Richer, for Poorer (TV 1992)

Aran dines his son Michael and tries
 to subtly extract  a commitment  to work.

This film reads like a fable. Aran Katourian of Armenian descent is a successful self-made millionaire  who loves his son Michael but is reluctant to tell him to get a job. He thinks his son should voluntarily one day get up from his bed and choose a career and work hard for all his justly rewards But that's just not happening. Eventually he hatches up a drastic plan with unexpected results.  All players are good and the script and story flows nicely along. Jonathan Silverman as Michael is memorable in this and gets a stint as Matthau's son in 'The Odd couple II'. Quite touching in parts too.

The Odd Couple II (1998)

Laurel and Hardy were not the only male duo
 to share a bed on the screen

Wanna have a laugh? Do yourself a favour, get this video legally or otherwise and have a great escape for an hour and a half. OK, I'm biased as I carry a big bag full of happy memories of these two guys, Lemmon and Matthau doing their stuff on their own or as screen partners. But I cannot see how anyone could fail to have a good time with this road caper. In one scene whilst they're  in the dessert I totally lost it and nearly fell off my chair laughing. My wife was just coming home in that moment and didn't know what was going on. "A man alone at home and laughing? That's sad" She probably thought. Watch the movie to find out which scene.
Anyway, Matthau was certainly a great comic here and Lemmon was his perfect foil. Their son and daughter respectively here could easily have been their grands, but who cares. All the one liners and characterizations were just perfect. Loved it probably more than the first one. Could watch it again.

Joan of Arc (1948)

The Bishop of Beauvais negotiates a price for Joan

Joan was burnt at the stake for refusing to put on women's clothes!...according to this movie. Well, not as simple as that. There was other more damning evidence that helped her enemies towards that end. Like, she could have stayed home help mum and dad run their farm and not go on horseback across country fighting the Burgandians and their powerful sponsors the English lords. Perhaps she felt the indignation of the enemy raids upon her village more acutely than most. Whatever, she met a probably inevitable end at a very tender young age. Though she could just as easily have been killed in battle, having been wounded twice. But it's hard to watch someone being burnt, even if in a movie. It's plainly a horrible way to go. It was obviously a terrorising threat the church had over it's subjects to keep all on the straight and narrow. Don't know why neither Stalin nor Hitler thought of using this tool of terror.
It's a great story and its little wonder so many film versions of it have been made. I can't compare this one with the others but Bergman gives a good account of herself in-spite of playing the role of a nineteen year old, many years her junior. Francis Sullivan is great (no pun intended on his physical size) as the Bishop of Beauvais, as he puts to practice his political skills of survival with an eye on his lords and another on his constituents. The battle scene is adequately well done and thankfully not drawn out, but the painted sets including puffy clouds more appropriately belong in stage theatre.
Overall an inspiring film about this unusual historical personage and instructional in the machinations of church politics in the fifteenth century to say nothing of  it's heritage of today.