September 19, 2019
The last time emotionally stunted astronaut Roy
Saw his dad, he was a teenage boy.
Then duty calls. Into the vast …
Pitt is so perfectly cast.
Witnessing his understated performance: a joy.
August 16, 2019
Cliff is insecure Rick’s buddy and stunt double:
Taking the actor’s hits, slams and falls into rubble …
In a period piece (riveting)
In its expert pivoting
Between nostalgia, comedy, and truly ugly dark trouble.
August 3, 2019
A searing, uncomfortable, potent reflection on Australia and race:
So much shocking systemic, venomous behaviour (a disgrace) …
That will leave you reeling.
Then a hopeful / urgent call for healing
And reconciliation: a challenge this country must embrace.
June 24, 2019
Spectacular, crisp footage as cameras follow
The eleventh mission of the program Apollo.
Spine-tingles as we feel
Those first steps with Neil …
And the universe doesn’t feel so vast or hollow.
June 18, 2019
Here’s struggling Brit singer-songwriter Jack.
Momentary drama, and his head cops a crack.
He steals those songs that send shivers.
The film never really film delivers
On the clever premise. The execution’s out of whack.
June 9, 2019
Javed’s hating his life, and feels completely at a loss,
Then a revelation: he discovers The Boss.
Now: a teen born to run.
Some moments of musical fun,
And a journey, after barriers to cross.
June 9, 2019
Pioneering subway art photography in 70s New York City,
Martha’s insightful pics highlighted graffiti: gorgeously gritty.
Fifty skilled years at the lens
(A world originally only mens’).
A compelling subject, Martha’s wonderfully (dryly) witty.
June 8, 2019
Goodes: a hero deserving of respect, but copped racists queuing
Up to throw racial slurs and engage in vile booing.
Well beyond just the game,
This scourge is a national shame …
And this excellent film is absolutely compulsive viewing.
June 8, 2019
Ex-director Salvador has maladies by the score,
Visits Alberto, his lead from 32 years before.
Boyhood memories float by …
A cave with a gateway to the sky.
Stunning performance from Banderas: sensitive to the core.
June 7, 2019
Hutchence: the sexy, lanky frontman with charisma to burn.
So much new information here for us to learn
In this doco (with so much heart)
About the iconic man and his art …
And the tragedy that in this world he had a short turn.
June 7, 2019
Film student Julie: trying to prove her directorial vision will fit.
There’s insufferable Anthony: a wanker, user and ultimate git.
The pacing: perfection.
Impeccable direction.
Swinton Byrne shines. And every moment is exquisitely lit.
June 7, 2019
Joana: side divorce whisperer who wants couples’ love to re-grow.
To a cultish mega (& mini) church she and hubby Danilo go.
A devotion intense; grown from the molecular …
While wrestling bureaucracy (secular).
Visually stunning, some cheeky wit, but at times repetitive/slow.
June 6, 2019
A depressing, but necessary investigation
Into our earthly home’s desecration.
A call to arms: Act fast …
If you want it to last.
Majestic imagery of a desperate situation.
June 2, 2019
Fosse’s unique individual style: the slightest twist
Of a shoulder - or the delicate, sexy turn of a wrist.
Some great archival footage here.
He re-wrote the rules. A true pioneer.
Without him, so much modern dance wouldn’t exist.
May 31, 2019
A proposal. Then there’s a wedding to be arranged …
But Paolo and his mum are estranged.
Antonio’s not even out!
(His Mayor Papa has clout)
A wacky journey before rings can be exchanged.
May 11, 2019
Josephine’s near the top of the con artist list.
When Penny muzzles in, she’s pissed.
They have no chemistry. It feels a dud
When jokes fall flat with a thud.
Talent wasted and opportunities missed.
May 1, 2019
Skilled lawyer Lauren’s offered a career big spot.
Same day: boyfriend Ned proposes they tie the knot.
Oh no: Mum’s taken flight!
Tapsell's work: a delight
In this joyous film (with many a stunting nature shot).
February 5, 2019
Portman is mesmerising. All strutting swagger (encasing fragility)
In the face of: traumatic memories; personal demons; press hostility.
Glitter armour against the pernicious.
Corbet’s vision: audaciously ambitious.
(Double) star turn from Cassidy showcases impressive versatility.
January 28, 2019
Knockout central performance from Stenberg. Starr: a code-switcher,
Her compartmentalised life is a difficult-to-balance mixture
Of conflicting worlds. Navigating justified fury
(Police brutality, racism, an unfair jury …).
A gripping gut-punch. A timely, essential look at the ugly big picture.
January 28, 2019
Breathtaking visuals from Schnabel & Delhomme. And Dafoe has presented
Us with achingly brilliant work (as fragile Vincent, often dismissed as demented)
That brings home the heartbreaking shame
That posthumous was the acclaim
And universal love for this talented, beautiful soul who was so tormented.