2014 AACTA Awards - the movie wrap!

The Oscars it ain't, but the Aussie equivalent just three years young had it's night of nights last night on 30th January at Sydney's Star Casino, where the creme de la creme of Australia's film and television talent turned out to pay tribute to themselves at the 2014 AACTA (Australian Acadamy of Cinema and Television Arts) Awards.

This years event was hosted by Shane Bourne, and he tried hard enough but failed with the ad-libbing, relied heavily on the auto cue at times to the point of being obvious, and his quip about 'Bonox' injections fell flat on the gathered audience. He seemed ill at ease in front of the industry's finest, but having said that the guest presenters for the awards only fared a little better. Sam Worthington fell off the stage and was clearly very embarrassed, many of the presenters struggled to read the auto cue cohesively, and there was a disjointedness at times amongst the celebrity presenters about who should be saying what, when & where. This event needs more polish, more refinement and a greater degree of professionalism if it is to stand up there besides The Oscars, The BAFTA's and The Golden Globe's - against which the AACTA's will be judged!

Only Geoffrey Rush, Cate Blanchett and Jackie Weaver brought any sense of gravitas to the proceedings - showing off their maturity, experience and composure in front of a live television audience and doing it with aplomb. They are after all seasoned Oscars recipients, presenters and standing attendees and it shows when compared to their Aussie industry counterparts.

And so to the filmic awards of the night, which I am not sure I entirely agree with (hence my archival review of Gatsby immediately below!), but then I'm only a Blogger with an opinion!

• Best Film - Gatsby
• Best Director - Baz Luhrmann for Gatsby
• Best Actor - Leonardo DiCaprio for Gatsby
• Best Actress - Rose Byrne for The Turning
• Best Supporting Actor - Joel Edgerton for Gatsby
• Best Supporting Actress - Elizabeth Debicki for Gatsby
• Lifetime contribution to Australian Film - Jackie Weaver

If last night's awards ceremony and the film awards above inspire you to rent or buy 'GATSBY', then you can judge for yourself. Having not yet seen the Tim Winton adapted book 'THE TURNING' I do feel inspired to do so now to see Rose Byrne's crowning glory. Check out the other movie nominations too that fell by the way side, but are worthy of your attention.

In 2014 . . . see as many movies as you can!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

GATSBY - archive from 15th June 2013

Saw 'GATSBY' this week and enjoyed this latest Baz Luhrman offering . . . for the most part! 

This film has divided critics and I can see why. It is lavish on every level, it has a strong cast, Leo DiCaprio gives a great performance ably supported by Joel Edgerton especially, and associates Mulligan & Maguire, the film has spectacle, colour and pace, but, this is all style over substances for me. The usual Luhrmann touchstones are there (lavish sets, big musical numbers, great period costume and fine acting talent) and Leo further cements his position as one of the best actors of our time, and yet something is missing. It's like Luhrmann is trying too hard to cram everything in to 120 minutes or so and he pulls out every trick in the book in an attempt to impress. And for the most part he succeeded but I left the theatre feeling a little shortchanged and making comparisons to Redford's former 'THE GREAT GATSBY' which stands up very well still to this 2013 rendition. 
Watch it on your big screen at home when the BluRay arrives and you won't have missed anything.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week - Thursday 30th January 2014

'12 YEARS A SLAVE' is marked for Oscar glory next month, so you can judge for yourself this coming week. With a strong cast and a historical true story slave trade period drama piece we have Chiwetel Ejiofor in the captivating lead role as a free man whose freedom is thrust from under him and he is thrown into slavery for the next 12 years at the hands of three different  'masters'  to contend with. Supported by Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt and Paul Dano amongst others this film already has set expectations high!

At the other end of the spectrum watch out for 'GRUDGE MATCH' with Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone battling it out in the ring some 30 years after their last bout. As two ageing has-been pugilists it's gotta be worth the price of your ticket alone just to see Rocky Balboa go head to head, glove to glove against Jake La Motta once again in the ring - although these characters are not being reprised here.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET - 28th January 2014

Saw the highly anticipated 'THE WOLF OF WALL STREET' last night, and was not disappointed.

Another Martin Scorsese/Leo DiCaprio collaboration this film is a little of a departure for Scorsese featuring none of his trademark mafioso types from Hells Kitchen, none of the seedy New York underworld, no corrupt cops or psychotic killer taxi drivers . . . in fact we explore the opposite here - the real life story of stock brokering, Wall Street and excess in just about everything garnered from it!

Leo DiCaprio plays lead as Jordan Belfort, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and delivers this role in spades. He is all over it and genuinely looks as though he's having a great time doing so (hardly surprising given the fast cars, massive motor cruiser, naked women, drugs, alcohol and excessive lifestyle he depicts and is constantly surrounded by on screen!) DiCaprio nails this role and once again proves he is one of the finest actors of his generation, and, he is very ably supported by an excellently cast Jonah Hill as willing sidekick and stock-brokering collaborator Donny Azoff, and a fine turn at the films beginning from Matthew McConaughey as mentor to Belfort, Mark Hanna. Watch out too for 'AbFabs' Joanna Lumley as the ageing very English Aunt, and Belfort's cash 'mule'! Great casting all round!

This film has laugh out loud moments of humour, and comedy pervades the whole three hour running time as more drugs are consumed and snorted, more alcohol washed down, more prostitutes hired, and more money is made to spend on fast cars, luxury motor yachts, big houses, bitter divorces, huge expense accounts, jet set international locations and all the trappings of wealth, riches and cash in bucket loads . . . and then more, more, more still! I would say that this film features more naked flesh than any mainstream Hollywood movie since Kubrick's 'Eye's Wide Shut' and it's here in all it's full frontal glory, and the 'F' word appears in just about every single sentence spoken (over 500 times in fact in this film) . . . no holds barred here either! Gordon Gekko, depicted of the same era and in that other 'Wall Street' movie, has nothing on this guy, but the similarity is that they both went to jail for their 'crimes' but lived to tell the tale. move on and be successful in another arena - for Belfort in the public speaking circuit and selling his 'Straightline' techniques.

Be prepared for the excessive running time at three hours, but it passes quickly as you become embroiled in the excess of the late 80's/early 90's and the ever changing array of drugs, T&A, dysfunction, greed and cash before you, and, a number of stirring dialogue moments delivered especially by the Belfort and Hanna characters. A must see film - Scorsese on top form and DiCaprio delivering convincingly once again.

As a foot note this is the fifth collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio on film, with those other outings being 'GANGS OF NEW YORK' (2002); 'THE AVIATOR' (2004); 'THE DEPARTED' (2006); 'SHUTTER ISLAND' (2010) and now 'THE WOLF OF WALL STREET' (2013).



-Steve, at Odeon Online-

NOW YOU SEE ME - archive from 18th September 2013

Saw 'NOW YOU SEE ME' last night and was expecting a solid filmic outing having seen the shorts previously which raised expectations. But . . . was let down by average delivery in the final analysis. Surprising given that we had sure bets Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson and others providing a girth of acting talent. See the trailers though and you've seen the movie and can easily paint by numbers to complete this picture! 

Four aspiring magicians are thrust together to complete three masterful illusions involving big audiences, wide open spaces and lots of cash with no gain to themselves except to gain entry to an inner circle of master magicians, although there is more to reel you in along the way! This tale of sleight of hand, distraction, deception and double-cross looks polished enough and maintains the attention but I came away feeling underwhelmed and wanting more! 
Wait for the DVD and watch it home on a rainy Friday night!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Odeon Online goes live on Australia Day 2014!

Today, Australia Day 2014 'Odeon Online' goes public via FaceBook, via LinkedIn and via E-Mail, and feel free to share with friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances.

This is something I have been wanting to do for a little while now, and finally, with some time on my hands, here we are. Welcome to my first attempt at a Blog, welcome to 'Odeon Online'!

Whilst I have a passion for all things from Moviedom; an avid cinema goer; and a consumer of reviews, news, updates and the goings on in the world of the moving picture it is only now that I commit this to cyberspace for all the world to see. Up to now my reviews have been limited to FaceBook and seen by my nearest and dearest friends there, but this is all about to change!

But first, a little about me. A British and Australian citizen I have resided in Sydney since 1995 having relocated from the UK with a food service company I was working for at the time. The bulk of my career has been spent in hospitality in some shape or form working in senior management operational and business development roles, with a brief period in between time in the world of recruitment and automotive retailing. Hospitality though is in my blood, food & beverage is second nature, and the people that make it happen or have been part of that journey have forged long and lasting friendships.

Many of these people are my valued connections on FaceBook and LinkedIn and as such have often seen my movie reviews and said that I should create a blog, write for a local newspaper, go freelance or do something to get greater exposure and share my thoughts . . . so once again, here we go, and welcome!

What you'll get from me is a periodical review of the latest cinematic offering I have seen, and my honest opinion of that experience. In between you might get snippets of other information, or downloads of something else of silver screen relevance . . . or not as the case may be! Either way, you can judge for yourself and I don't always expect you to agree with me . . . that's fine too, and you can be your own judge.

I've posted my recent reviews already (simply scroll down or access via the left hand 'Blog Archive' column and click on the movie or article you wish to read about) and I've dragged some from the archives going back a few months. There's plenty more too in my movie review history books and so I'll be drip feeding those in as we progress for your DVD viewing, or interest in what has gone before. You can e-mail me too if you have something to share at : odeonobituary@gmail.com

Bear with me also if you will while I fine tune and construct my Blog - it's a work in progress and I'm a first timer!

Enjoy the read, I welcome any feedback, and remember the movies . . .  see as many as you can!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

BLACKFISH at Govinda's - 24th January 2014

Ventured over to Darlinghurst last night to see 'BLACKFISH' at Govinda's. Two things here, and I'll start with the latter first. This was my first time at Govinda's for a different cinematic experience. Govinda's is located in the Sydney city suburb of Darlinghurst in a totally unassuming building. It has two screens and a vegetarian Indian restaurant where for just $19.50 you can eat to your heart's content, and then for just another $10.00 enjoy a movie of your choice - liking this already and great value! When you're done eating you make your way to your seat (but not what you'll expect here!). Your seat could be a nice comfortable easy chair, a bean bag, a futon, a sofa or a mattress and pillows on the floor - it's like seeing a movie at your own home theatre with all the comforts of home. Check it out - it's great food, fun, quirky, comfortable and relaxing!

Now to the main event - 'BLACKFISH'. 

This is the true story of a 5,000+kg orca killer whale named 'Tilikum' captured at a young age in the early 70's and carted off to 'Sealand' on Vancouver Island to be 'trained' to jump, dive, and perform various tricks and feats for paying customers to this water park. Back then this was all very rudimentary stuff and we find our orca penned up in a pool that is about 30x20x20 meters gradually going more & more stir crazy . . . surprised, not really! Needless to say Tilikum turns on one of its trainers and kills him, but this is glossed over by Sealand.

In the mid-80's Tilikum is transferred to 'Seaworld' in Orlando where the same performing requirements, the same misery and the eventual same outcome all happens again! What follows over the ensuing 20 years is a catalogue of attacks, maimings and trainer deaths - amounting to several deaths over a 30 years period and attacks that are north of 70 in number. This though is just not isolated to this one animal and this one water park. Orca's are beautiful, graceful, intelligent, emotional creatures that have never ever turned on a human in open water in its own natural environment, but, put them in a cage for 25 years make them perform tricks, give them fish when they perform well, deprive them and punish them when the don't, take their children away at a young age, harvest them for their sperm because that has value, and expect them to integrate with other orca's with whom they have no connection . . . then something's gonna give, and it did in 2010! In 2010 the lead trainer at Seaworld who had a long standing 'relationship' with Tilikum was dragged under the water and eaten!

This is a harrowing, heart wrenching, sombre and sad story that is an indictment on the human race that we can allow such barbaric treatment of these magnificent creatures (and others) to continue for the sake of our entertainment. This is a must watch, and take your children along because they need to see this, understand it, and help make a difference in years to come!

As a foot note, Tilikum still 'lives' at Seaworld but the closing shots of this movie see a sad empty shell of an animal that after approaching 40 years in captivity has nothing left to give, nor wants to. Sad, but very true! Thought provoking stuff and a must watch!


-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new in Odeon's this week - Thursday 23rd January 2014.

Released this week at a movie theatre near you, we have 'THE WOLF OF WALL STREET' - another collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio bringing the real life tale of Wall Street stockbroker in the 90's Jordan Belfort to the big screen. Already much lauded, much hyped and eagerly awaited. 

Then we have the diametrically opposed 'PARANORMAL ACTIVITY : THE MARKED ONES' continuing with this highly successful 'found footage' franchise but a slightly different direction following the previous four or five (I've lost count) outings of this modern day demonic possession scare them shitless series. 

Two very different offerings for your film going pleasure . . . enjoy!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

The ODEON ONLINE - TOP 10 for 2013!

So, in no particular order my Top 10 movies of 2013 would have to be : LIFE OF PI (for its breathtaking 3D effects and committing this book to celluloid); DJANGO UNCHAINED (for anything by Tarrantino makes the list, and for reigniting the slave-trade western to such great blood soaked glory); LINCOLN (for Spielberg and Day-Lewis creating such historical authenticity); THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (for acting, producing and directing credits to Ben Stiller and weaving the rich colourful feel good movie he has); THE HOBBIT (for continuing the screen epic true to RINGS form that only Peter Jackson can conjure from the rich source material); GRAVITY (for stunning visuals, solid story telling and the solitary partnership of Clooney & Bullock on screen for the duration); IRON MAN 3 (for Downey Jnr proving that the third instalment in a franchise can still do a global of $1.2B+ given solid storytelling, astute direction, great action and some heart); STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (for JJ proving he has the Directing chops again to deliver big time SciFi action to this rebooted franchise and convince those at Disney that he is the man for the other 'STAR' franchise too . . . oh, and lets not forget the use of his camera flare technique!); AMERICAN HUSTLE (for the ensemble cast, deft direction, almost true story and the 70's recreated lovingly); and finally CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (for this harrowing very recent true hijack tale set on the high seas off Somalia and Tom Hanks everyman captain fighting for what he believes in to preserve his ship and his crew, coupled with Paul Greengrass behind the camera). 

Those that just missed the list would be : WORLD WAR Z (just love a classy Zombie flick); ZERO DARK THIRTY (although the ending remains inconclusive!); PRISONERS (Hugh Jackman in serious distraught father mode); THOR (comes of age!); THE COUNSELLOR (fantastic dialogue and Cameron Diaz like you've never seen her before), THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (not what you expect, gritty and great acting choices), and bringing up the rear would be HUNGER GAMES CATCHING FIRE (for being the meat in the sandwich and setting a high expectation for the final instalment!) and then RUSH (for a slice of F1 nostalgia and brilliant casting if nothing else!)

If you haven't seen these already . . . do yourself a favour and sit back, relax and enjoy!


-Steve, at Odeon Online-

JACK RYAN : Shadow Recruit - 21st January 2014

Saw 'JACK RYAN:SHADOW RECRUIT' last night on tight-arse Tuesday and glad I did because this predictable reinvented piece of hokum is not worth anything more than $12.50! 

In Chris Pine we now have the fourth actor in five instalments to play our world saving arse kicking CIA agent Jack Ryan, and I knew from the opening scene that something was not quite right. In 1990 we had Alec Baldwin playing JR in 'THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER' and our character then was in his mid-forties+. Then we had Harrison Ford in 'CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER' and 'PATRIOT GAMES' and easily JR is in his 50's, followed up in 2002 by Ben Affleck in 'THE SUM OF ALL FEARS' with the character in his late 30's. Now in 2014 we have a kid who graduates from the London School of Economics in 2001, joins the marines and gets shot down over Afghanistan, has spinal injuries and has to learn to walk over the ensuing year and then gets enlisted into the CIA before he's hit 30. The timeline here is cactus! 

Ken Branagh Directs and passed up on 'THOR 2' to do so, and stars as the nasty Russian dude whose aim is to bring down the US economy so creating a second Great Depression while Russia ultimately rises victorious on the strength of its massive oil reserves. Kevin Costner recruits young Jack and plays the stoic, nurturing, always at the ready mentor, and Keira Knightly is JR's love interest unwittingly thrust into the world of US/Russian espionage. Chris Pine does an OK job but give me his Captain James T. Kirk over CIA Apprentice Jack Ryan any day!

You have seen this film a thousand times before, there is nothing new here and the plot is wafer thin and is over all to quickly. The film has polish, its looks good and promises a lot, but, fails to deliver! This is no Jason Bourne, it's no James Bond and it's not even John McLean - wait for the DVD and save yourself the price of entry!


-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE BOOK THIEF - 17th January 2014

Saw 'THE BOOK THIEF' last night and I have to say that I was largely underwhelmed by it! This is a plodding, labouring production that really takes a long time to go nowhere!

Directed by Brian Percival whose previous credits include the much acclaimed 'Downton Abbey' series, and starring Geoffrey Rush (always good and a favourite) as the father of the piece who portrays loving, caring, nurturing Hans as the adopted 'papa' to Liesel as our heroine and our book thief. In the other corner is the wife of Hans and adopted 'mama' to Leisel played out brilliantly by Emily Watson who nails the stoic tough as nails German Frau to great effect. 

This all plays out at the onset of WW2 in a remote German town, and we see Leisel grow, learn and mature as she endures the hardship of a country at war; her struggles against what Hitler is advocating; and the impact against her friends, neighbours and loved ones as the Reich seek to cleanse the country of its Jewish, Communist and Black citizens . . . whilst harbouring a Jewish lad in the basement of the adopted home for 2+ years! 

There are some harrowing moments, some sentimentality and the production values are good, but this lacks any real sense of suspense, impending danger and the real impact of the Holocaust - all of these are skirted around to give a more sanitised version of the horrors of that period in time when the world was at war. 

Throughout the film we have peppered dialogue from 'Death' himself who awaits to sweep up every lost soul as they war takes increasing hold - but this is no 'Grim Reaper' Death - this narrator has some heart, some feeling and a certain empathy with those who fall victim to the ravages of war, starvation, ethnic cleansing, lack of medical aid, or indeed manage to escape his clutches . . . for the time being, as he reminds us that 'everybody dies - eventually'! 

The book by Australian author Markus Zusak has been much lauded, but the movie for me was a let down . . . wait for the DVD, and save yourself the price of a movie ticket!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

AUGUST : OSAGE COUNTY - 14th January 2014

Saw 'AUGUST:OSAGE COUNTY' this evening after getting to the end of the queue to be told 'THE BOOK THIEF' was sold out tonite - so next best option! Had read the reviews of this film which have been mixed despite the strong ensemble cast, the stirring emotional story line, and the fact that is largely set within the four walls of an ageing family home. 

This is the tale of a seriously dysfunctional family, three estranged sisters, and their mother suffering mouth cancer and hooked on uppers, downers and pain killers to numb the pain all the while seemingly oblivious to what these prescription drugs are doing to her mental state (solid film material this!) 

The mother in question is played to great effect by Meryl Streep who gives another solid performance with moments of pathos, anger, humour and raw emotion. Very ably supported by Julia Roberts who has given her best performance since her award winning 'ERIN BROKOVICH' turn drops the 'F' bomb more times that you can count but her performance is solid & grounded and a highlight of the film. Juliette Lewis, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney, Benedict Cumberbatch and Ewan McGregor all support and all have their moment in the sun with some great lines and emotional dialogue. 

This all surrounds a cataclysmic event in the family that bring all these disjointed disenfranchised characters together, which in turn brings out many more skeletons, home truths and twists & turns as the family unit slowly implodes. Heavy on dialogue, heavy on emotion, at times bleak & unforgiving this is not uplifting stuff, but it will leave you wondering, debating and discussing some very strong performances and the dinner sequence in particular is more than noteworthy as a pivotal scene in the film. 

You don't need to see this on the big screen and don't watch it if you're feeling alone, depressed or angry!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY - 6th January 2014

Saw 'THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY' this afternoon, and loved it! This film is brilliant and a must-see. Ben Stiller has nailed it, and with his acting, directing and producing credits on this film gets a big thumbs up for this one. Ensure it is on your list of films to see on the big screen this season - it has everything - a morality tale, a cleverly weaved feel good story, a voyage of discovery, sentiment, stunning scenery, strong soundtrack, spot-on casting (Sean Penn playing himself playing an ace photographer - genius!), and all the ingredients to make this a classic! 

You know the Walter Mitty story, but this has the twist of being set in the modern era against the backdrop of the internet age, the demise of newsprint, corporate greed and declining values in the workplace . . . but out of these ashes rises our own home grown superhero in Walter Mitty whose strength comes from adversity, facing his fears, doing the right thing and proving his worth to himself, work love interest (Kristen Wiig) and the world. 

This is set amid the breathtaking landscapes of Greenland and Iceland which only serve to make this film more colourful, rich and rewarding. One of the best films of 2013 for sure - go and see it soon . . . you won't be disappointed!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE HOBBIT : The Desolation of Smaug - archive from 30th December 2013

Saw the second instalment of 'THE HOBBIT' franchise last night - 'THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG'. 

Whatever you might say about Peter Jackson's elongated version of the tale now spread over three films, and already approaching six hours of screen time, he certainly know's how to weave a good story and present us with a stunning picture on the silver screen. 

Again, this is an epic in terms of the action, the scale, the visuals, the sound, the attention to detail, the cast who nail every character and the sheer spectacle put in front of us. Martin Freeman's Bilbo Baggins is growing with each scene and now seems very at ease with the character he inhabits, and it's good to see Orlando Bloom back again as Legolas helping to save the day, and the dwarves, from marauding Orc's in one very well executed wine barrel sequence. Some newcomers here too (Tauriel [very easy on the eye], Bard [who's side is he really on?] and The Mayor of Lake-town [Stephen Fry camping it up in fine form]) and some early nods also unfolding now to the 'RINGS' trilogy. 

The final chapter of this instalment sees Smaug awakened to do battle for his 'kingdom' and his riches with Bilbo, Thorin and the other band of merry dwarves doing what they can to thwart their evil dragon foe, and once again here too Jackson delivers the action and the spectacle in a way that only he can - albeit this closing chapter might seem a little too elongated! This has to be a must see in your list of Christmas/New Year movies and see it on the big screen where you can fully appreciate all of Jackson's mastery of his craft. 

Bring on the final instalment . . . can't wait!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

AMERICAN HUSTLE - archive from 18th December 2013

Saw the lauded, well received, Oscar buzzing 'AMERICAN HUSTLE' last night and was not disappointed by the hype!

The latest David O. Russell offering has a stellar cast set against the backdrop of a late 1970's con involving small time con artists, the mob, the Fed's and politicians aplenty. Some of this story is true so the opening credits tell us, and therefore some of it is fictionalised - but, it's a good yarn, well crafted, strongly acted out and a real throw back to that era of fashion faux pas, wide lapels, lurid ties, big hair, the birth of disco and an American society still smarting from Watergate & Vietnam. 

Christian Bale packed on the kilos to portray chief small time con-man making it good at a time when the country and its people were on their knees financially, and highly susceptible to all manner of cons. Hardly the svelte ripped and buffed up Batman that we know of recently, but Bale is a master of his craft and does whatever it takes to nail the persona he inhabits (check out his opening follicly challenged toupee pasting comb over . . . brilliant & hilarious!). Ably supported by a sultry and evocative Amy Adams as con-artist co-pilot with an English plum and ample cleavage; Bradley Cooper once again this year going for the serious role (shaking off those 'Hangover' shackles) as the FBI Agent with a perm intent on hitting the big-time by stamping out 'white collar crime'; Jeremy Renner playing against type (as most of this cast are!) as the fantastically coiffed, wide lapel suited & booted humble man of the people Mayor caught unwittingly amidst the con of the decade, and, then the real star of the outfit is Jennifer Lawrence - unrecognisable from her recent Katniss Everdeen outing as wife to Bale and small time white trailer trash housewife with a big heart, big breasts, big attitude and a big mouth . . . she nails it! 

There are cons within cons, cross & double cross and the ending packs no real punches, but, it is well delivered and it does satisfy. There are some laugh out moments too (especially if you remember the era), a good late 70's soundtrack, strong performances and a storyline that captivates. Well worth a visit to your local multiplex.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

CARRIE - archive from 11th December 2013

Saw 'CARRIE' tonite, the remake of Brian De Palma's film of the same name from the late 70's, and based on Stephen King's debut cult classic horror story. 

This rendition has been brought up to date for the current era, but otherwise the setting and the theme offers little new. The famous Carrie in the shower scene remains largely unchanged except that this time it is captured in all it's bloody taunting glory on a smartphone and then beamed around the world on YouTube for all to see - this being the catalyst for Carrie's emerging telekinetic powers. The Prom set up and what follows is what you already know and the bloody aftermath reined down by Carrie as a result is well executed (pardon the pun!) but largely as expected, although the ending of the principle protagonist is creative and well handled. 

Where Sissy Spacek's Carrie was a humble plain Jane making it hard to take sides with, this Carrie played by the talented 15 year old and attractive Chloe Grace Moretz has the smarts and the looks to make you wonder why she would ever want for anything or anyone, or be as downtrodden as she is! Julianne Moore (always good) plays the more grounded deranged mother to Carrie and does so with menace and conviction, but a different approach and not necessarily as good as Piper Laurie's take on Mommy from the original. 

It all moves along at a good pace and has been made for a new audience unfamiliar with what is still the better version - Brian, Sissy and Piper win this one easily! Wait for the DVD and then you decide, and then watch them back to back to compare for yourself!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

HUNGER GAMES : Catching Fire - archive from 28th November 2013

Saw the next instalment of the 'HUNGER GAMES' trilogy last night - 'CATCHING FIRE'. Hugely anticipated, eagerly awaited, much lauded - the moviegoing public have thus far been kind to this growing series with massive box office so far, and steadily climbing. 

This takes off almost immediately where the first film left off with winning Tributes Katniss and Peter being hailed heroes by the Districts much to the ire of President Snow who senses a Revolution in the offing by the oppressed downtrodden great unwashed who reside out in those Districts, far away from the privileged Capital. Being the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games a 'quarter quell' is permissible and so all former victors from previous Hunger Games are brought out of comfortable 'retirement' to fight for their lives once again, with the pre-ordained intention that Katniss & Peter will not survive. And so it goes - the peasants are revolting, the rulers are sweating and so the bully-boy tactics begin to keep the oppressed oppressed and the downtrodden downtrodden! Meanwhile there is a lengthy build up to the Games which seems to go on forever before we get down & dirty with all manner of nastiness in the Games, which then almost seem over before they have hit their straps. Contestants die as expected, there are all manner of devilish tricks to knock them off and once again it is all about survival of the fittest (not much new here except the mechanics of the Games, and what the GamesMaster can concoct to throw at them.) 

However, needless to say all does not go according to schedule and there are other plans afoot . . . which are loosely played out at the end setting up the third instalment in 2015! Jennifer Lawrence now seems more comfortable in the Katniss shoes as the reluctant hero; Donald Sutherland is full of smiling assassin nastiness as the President; Woody Harrelson plays the drunken scatterbrain mentor amiably; Philip Seymour Hoffman is great in everything he does but here channels Owen Davian (From M:I3) to great effect; and Stanley Tucci is delightful as the Games Host crossing Danny La Rue with Graham Norton! 

I came out of the theatre wanting to see more Games action, but the film nonetheless moved along at a steady pace and two hours was up quickly, so certainly worth the price of entry.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

BAD GRANDPA - archive from 20th November 2013

In the absence of anything else watch worthy I saw 'JACKASS - BAD GRANDPA' last night! Pleased I saw it on Tight Arse Tuesday and only paid $12 though!

Johnny Knoxville has made his name from this gung ho, slapstick, laugh at all costs franchise, and this time has added a twist. Now in his mid-40's Knoxville is made up convincingly as a grumpy old octogenarian (Irving) on a mission. This is a thinly veiled road movie involving Knoxville at 86 and his estranged 8 year old grandson, Billy. The pair get teamed up when Billy's Mom has to go to jail for drug possession and abuse (a fact that Billy takes great delight on telling anyone who will listen), and Irving has to get young Billy across several state borders to deliver him to his white trailer trash no hope loser crackhead dad living in Shitsville, who hasn't seen Billy in four years and sees this only for the $600 a month welfare cheque he gonna get! Along the way there are many comedic stunts, dangerous set pieces, bodily jokes, gross out humour and cringe inducing moments that are trademark 'Jackass' and keeps us entertained while moving the thinly veiled story moving along. There are laugh out sequences for sure, Knoxville and young Billy deliver it well, but save yourself the price of entry and get the DVD, or download it!

Many of the set pieces remain conversation pieces over a morning coffee long, long after these credits have rolled . . . and all for the wrong reasons!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE COUNSELLOR - archive from 13th November 2013

Saw 'THE COUNSELLOR' last night - the movie that has divided critics, and most have been less than enthusiastic! That said, this Ridley Scott Directed offering stands up well I thought (as did my two movie buddies!) being the first Cormac McCarthy screenplay, and starring heavyweights Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. 

This is the story of Mexican drug cartels who you don't want to cross, the trappings of past successful deals, sexual tension and one mans decision to jump in for the first time in order to set himself (Fassbender), and his love (Cruz), up for the rest of their lives and then get out quick with the loot and retire! This latter point though is where it all goes horribly wrong, and lives start to unravel quickly and the body count starts to rise. This though is a dialogue heavy film peppered with lengthy monologues, thought provoking statement and exposition aplenty. 

When the action comes it does so thick, fast & fleetingly and our protagonists die mostly horribly at the hands of Mexican drug lords and a corrupt system. Bardem proves his diversity yet again (remember 'NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN' and 'SKYFALL'); Pitt is stoic & solid in the face of adversity; and you'll see Diaz like you have never seen her before! Diaz is tattooed; is the sexual predator; is the cold, callous and calculating femme fatale in this piece and will stop at nothing to get her way . . . and I will only ever think of catfish when I see this actress up on screen again! 

The tension ramps up in the third act as the films climax approaches and the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle come together, and with it the unravelling of Fassbender as the realisation of his choice come home to roost! This film is not for everyone - you can easily wait for the DVD and save the price of a ticket, but I for one enjoyed this offering and what the Scott/McCarthy partnership have delivered.

You decide!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THOR - archive from 6th November 2013

Saw 'THOR : The Dark World' last night and was pleasantly surprised after the panning that David & Margaret gave this. 

Marvel Studios continue to deliver quality screen adaptations of their work that keep the genre fresh and alive, and ensure that you the viewer remain engaged and motivated. Chris Hemsworth reprises the title role now for the third time and looks well at ease with the task in hand bringing both a seriousness and a SOH to the character. Returning to Asgard directly after the events of New York at the end of 'THE AVENGERS' we see THOR having to save Asgard and the Nine Realms from Malakeith (one time Dr. Who, Chris Ecclestone) whilst reluctantly enlisting the support of incarcerated brother Loki (deliciously evil Tom Hiddlestone). 

The action takes place on Asgard and London bringing back Natalie Portman as the scientific love interest and Stellen Skarsgard as this Earthly reluctant geek who proves to be the saviour of the universe (almost). This is good fun, well rendered, solid action set pieces that do not overcook the destruction (unlike 'Man of Steel!') and has a strong cast while not taking itself too seriously. Watch it in 2D on the big screen, look out for the cameo's, and keep viewing until after the final credits role for the last scene. Certainly worth the price of entry.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS - archive from 31st October 2013

Saw 'CAPTAIN PHILLIPS' last night at my local multiplex. This is a tense, tight, taut true life crime drama set upon the high seas involving a big ship, cargo, pirates, guns, the might of the navy and acres & acres of ocean, and, Cap'n Jack Sparrow or The Black Pearl are no where in sight! 

Instead we have the year 2009 and Tom Hanks once again playing the convincing 'everyman' as he puts in the Captain of the title and his story of an ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary circumstance. Seasoned Director Paul Greengrass has crafted a story of the container ship, the Maersk Alabama, journeying around the Horn of Africa and down the Somali coast when it is set upon by a band of four armed & dangerous Somali pirates. The story unfolds as the ship is taken over, held for ransom and then it all starts to unravel for the pirates when they are overcome by the crew, until said Captain is captured and set adrift in the lifeboat with pirate captors. 

It's claustrophobic, intense, bloody, brutal and out of control and based on very real events in our very recent history. Whilst the navy save the day, this film depicts the consequences of such an experience and both 'Captains' play their roles out brilliantly with the deft touch of an astute Director. Definitely worth the price of your ticket and it delivers on many levels.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

PRISONERS - archive from 23rd October 2013

Saw 'PRISONERS' last night - the first English language offering from Director Denis Villeneuve. 

Starring our own Hugh Jackman with Jake Gyllenhaal and Terence Howard this is a story of the lengths two fathers are prepared to go to in order to uncover the truth and whereabouts of their two young abducted daughters. Set over the course of seven days following their abduction this movie is gritty, dark, bleak and harrowing and at times will have you on the edge of your seat. 

Jackman gives a strong emotional & torn performance traversing the thin line between right & wrong and trying to keep it together for the distraught family, and Gyllenhaal as the Detective with a proven track record, is on the case and puts in another solid turn as he always does. But, this film poses more questions than it answers; our Detective overlooks a vital clue that you will spot easily if you concentrate enough & pay attention closely; and at 2h20m+ this film is 20 minutes too long. 

It is certainly worth seeing and there are many positives & solid enough performances, but it is long & lumbering at times and it may test your patience. You decide!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

GRAVITY - archive from 17th October 2013

Tonite I saw possibly THE best film of the year . . . 'GRAVITY' surely qualifies on many fronts. 

This film has to be seen on the big screen and it must be seen in 3D. Breathtaking, spellbinding, gripping and visually stunning Director Alfonso Cuaron has created a masterpiece seldom seen these days. 

Set 600kms above the Earth's surface and starring only George Clooney and Sandra Bullock this is a story of survival, fortitude, loneliness and the human spirit wrapped up in a flawless CGI offering that you'll believe was filmed in space. The constant backdrop of our planet rendered beautifully shows us how close yet so far away 600kms is when there is no oxygen, no communication, only the thinnest lifeline to cling on to, destruction all around, ongoing danger and you are all alone in the vastness of space. 

Deftly realised, meticulously filmed, jaw dropping set pieces and grounded in reality this is a must-see . . . and don't blink during the opening ten minute single tracking shot - amazing cinematography! Loved it, and you will too!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

Empire Magazine - Top 500 of all time - archive from 13th October 2013

Empire Magazine have released a Special Collectors Edition of the 500 Greatest Movies of all time as voted by over 10,000 readers globally including some of the industry's finest. I've see 29 of the Top 30, 70 of the Top 100, but only 284 out of the Top 500 - clearly some catching up to do! Grab a copy and see how you might have fared, and, it's a great read. . . as always!


-Steve, at Odeon Online-

RUSH - archive from 9th October 2013

Saw 'RUSH' last night at one of my favourite theatres - the Cremorne Orpheum. 

This has divided me, and I was psyched to see it given the subject matter, my ardent following of F1 particularly in the late 70's, 80's and 90's, the Director and all positive reviews I've seen about this. 

On the plus side the 70's are faithfully recreated on screen, Chris Hemsworth as Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Lauda are master strokes of casting (especially the latter), the track scenes & crash sequences are well crafted and faithful renditions of what took place and the final minutes pay a fitting tribute to both men. On the lesser side this film is shallow and concentrates almost exclusively on the on track & off track rivalry between Hunt & Lauda. 

I would have liked to see more interplay with other drivers (only Clay Regazzoni gets any real screen time); the other Teams, Managers and Owners; the technical developments of the era; and a little more of what made these men. Hunt was decidedly English and Lauda defiantly Austrian, both totally determined in their pursuit of the championship almost at any cost, but diametrically opposed with Hunt's womanising, drinking, smoking, drug taking and mood swings ultimately bringing him undone, and all well depicted on screen. Lauda is more considered, thoughtful, inward, composed, obsessive and lacking any personality at all. This is what the film bases itself on amidst the 1976 season which Hunt won (but only just and probably because of Lauda's horrific accident), but from which history now shows Lauda as the true victor and legend of F1. Watch it on the big screen and you decide!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-