and here’s a few more

Hello again!

I was so pleased to finally put up all the films I had previously intended to put up, that I got plumb tuckered out yesterday, forgetting there were a few more to talk about. These are a few I have recently seen, and are worth a mention. 

Hell Boy  - Ron Pearlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor – directed by Guillermo del Toro

I approached this film with trepidation as I had mistakenly assumed it was a horror film (not my  cup of tea at all) but was persuaded by fellow clubmoofier Andy to see it, prior to the recent release of Hellboy II: The Golden Army. How wrong was I! This is a great romp into a fictional world of underdog heroes with horns, gills and pyromaniac tendencies. Visually splendid, funny and mightily entertaining, a lighter offering from Del Toro, but with the same stunning creative vision as Pan’s Labyrinth. Highly recommended! 4 stars

Note: Jeffrey Tambor has a small but great role in this, if you don’t know him, see Arrested Development, in which he is brilliant. Actually, see it anyway as it is surreal, funny and wonderful!

Hellboy II: The Golden Army – cast as above

Following on from Hellboy, this is another great installment of what undoubtedly will become a series of cult classics. Even more impressive in its design and creativity than the first film, this film is, unlike most sequels, not a rehash of the first film, but one that can stand alone in it’s own right. Thoroughly entertaining. Did I mention the fabulous visuals?? 4.5 stars

Wall-E -voiced by Ben Burt, and more

Ok, time for me to rave again! This is just a delight from start to finish. Stunningly animated, and utilising to full capacity the voice talents of the legendary Ben Burt, this charming and romantic film will surely entertain. Wall-e is the last working robot on earth, which has become a waste planet. In his solitude he has evolved to develop a quirky little personality that enjoys collecting random objects, watching sunsets and Hello Dolly. Wall-e’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of EVE, and his heart spins in Woody Allen-like delight and clumsiness in his quest to be with his sweetheart. 4.5 stars

In Bruges – Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes

This is a great new (first?) film from Martin McDonagh, probably better know for his work in theatre as a playwright of original, entertaining, dark and unusual work. Actually, that’s a pretty good description of what this is, come to think of it. Two hitmen are sent to Bruges after a balls-up on a job. Life, reflection and the possibilities of redemption are explored. Great dialogue, great acting, and a beautiful setting -Bruges, Belgium- which is very much an integral part to the narrative and a strong character in the film. Very violent in parts, but well worth a look despite that. I find covering my eyes during cranial explosions helps!!! Ralph Fiennes does a satisfying job of chewing the scenery when he arrives into the picture 3.5 stars

 

See you all soon!

SB

4.10.08

films seen (not so ) recently

Hello all, 

It’s taken me a while to get on here, but here’s a list of films I saw around the film festival that I have been meaning to share with fellow clubmoofiers for a while now. Let me know if any of you have seen them or would like to offer comments/chat about them! In the meantime, I’m offering a few comments of my own…

Happy moofie going!

Michael Clayton - George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson

Intense drama, complex business and personal politics explored, and some very beautiful still moments amidst the tension. Tilda Swinton is at her barely-keeping-herself-under-control best. George Clooney is excellent as he develops a conscience. 4 stars

The Illusionist -Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel

Somewhat disappointing film following an illusionist’s quest to find the girl he’s loved all his life but was parted from at an early age. I’d say Paul Giamatti, so good in Sideways and American Splendour, is  wasted on a rather dull role as a police inspector trying to work out Ed Norton’s tricks. If you are interested in this sort of tale, I would recommend you give this a miss and try The Prestige (Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine)- a much more intriguing and unusual filmic experience all together.

The Illusionist – 2 stars, The Prestige – 4 stars

Lions For Lambs – Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford

Worth seeing just for the interaction between Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise. Streep is on form interviewing Cruise’s ambition politician in this movie containing 3 stories examining war, politics, influence and choice. I personally found the story focusing on the 2 young soldiers too long, but it is relevant to the narrative to see their experience, and what their  choices lead them too. 3 stars

Pan’s Labyrinth – Sergei Lopez, Ivana Baquero, directed by Guillermo del Toro

Now this is one of the most original films I have seen in some time. Beautifully filmed, visually intense with vivid colour and character design,  dramatic and violent, yet touching and child-like in its fantasy, this is a must see. I mention the director’s name because his vision is integral to the film. Also directed Hellboy 1 and 2 – fantastic for similar but different reasons! If you are into creative visuals, his films are for you!

4 stars

Russian Ark – Sergei Dontsov, directed by  Aleksandr Sukorov

I know I should love this film, a walk through art, history and a unique opportunity to see St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, all filmed in one long sequence – a technical feat in itself –  but I must admit I found the making-of documentary far more interesting than the actual movie. Perhaps I was not in the right frame of mind for this film! I would like to hear what other people thought! Would love to give this more but only 2 stars

Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium – Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman, Natalie Portman, Zach Mills, written and directed by Zach Helm

I was so looking forward to this film when I heard it was coming out, but alas it is a disappointing and decidedly unmagical film about a magic toy store. Zach Helm wrote the screenplay for Stranger Than Fiction – one of my favourite films, unique, funny, tender with excellent dialogue and acting to boot – and I think he could have delivered a much better work than this. Perhaps he should have left the directing to someone else. The barely-saving graces are Dustin Hoffman’s obvious enjoyment in his role, and Zach Mills performance as a rather special boy. Natalie Portman is uncharacteristically untwinkly,  and about as interesting as a slap in the head with a smoked trout.  1 star

Kung Fu Panda – voices by Dustin Hoffman, Jack Black, and many more

Ok, I admit up front that I have a rather large soft spot for animated films that are not only great for kids but that mercifully have dialogue and imagery that adults can get tickled pink by. This is a perfect example! Beautifully and meticulously animated, with some very cinematic sequences, this film does not cloy or irritate with feel-good messages, but still gets the underdog-making-good gist across easily, and with humour. Loved it!! 5 stars

River of No Return – Frances Djulibing

This is a great doco on one of the stars of Rolf de Heer’s 10 Canoes. It follows Frances’  dream of becoming an actress spurned by watching Marilyn Monroe films as a girl. Not the easiest task if you happen to be a Yolngu girl living in a remote community in Arnhem Land. I haven’t seen 10 Canoes, and to be honest probably won’t, but this was fascinating.  3.5 stars

Persepolis – voiced by Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve and more

Based on the biographical graphic novels of Marjane Satrapi, this is a dramatic, funny and originally illustrated story of an Iranian girl’s struggle with her identity and her life in and out of Iran. A fascinating insight into the politics of this country from an Iranian’s point of view. I enjoyed this greatly! 4 stars

 

Well that’s it for now! See you soon folks!

SB

3.10.08

30 August Movie Scores and Quotes

Weeping Camel
Andy – 2.5
Sylvia – 2
Beck – 2
Wendy – 2.5
Clint – 3

Children of Heaven
Andy – 4
Sylvia – 4.5
Beck – 2.5
Wendy – 3.5
Clint – 3

Quotes

#1: Andy on Weeping Camel: “We really got to look at camels”

#2: Beck on the camel birth scene: “I was thinking, was that a prosthetic [baby] camel?, what, like they pushed it up its bottom and then pulled it out?”

#3: Beck: “I dreamt I was being eaten by a motorbike”

#4: Andy on his beloved violin “Sabina”: “…theres nothing wrong with Man-Instrument love!”
Beck: “You’ve got a problem, mate…”

June 28 Movie Scores

Donny Darko:

Bec       5

Andy    4

Maree   4.5

Clint     5

Barbara 4.5

Wendy  4.5

Sylvia   4

Dead Man:

Bec       2.5

Andy     2

Maree    1

Clint     4

Barbara 2.5

Wendy   3

Sylvia   3     

Movie Podcasts

Marc Fennell does some funny movie reviews for Triple J. Check out his podcast review section at this link,

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/listen/film_podcast.htm. I especially love when reviewers pan a movie well. This was Marc on Made of Honour starring Patrick Dempsey (wait for the ending..)

Ronaldo is Jar Jar Binks

Have you ever seen Ronaldo and JarJar Binks together in the same room?
No.
Ronaldo IS Jar Jar Binks!

(Whats this got to do with Movies? Not much -
just a side conversation during the Dead Man – to – Darko intermission)

Club Moofie Quotes

Click here to see Club Moofie quotes.

Add some of your own quotes in the comments box!

Ken Lee – like you haven’t heard it before…

For those who hadn’t seen it, here’s that Ken Lee video that Andy mentioned:

Also from Andy: an interesting link for Donnie Darko fans

May 3 movies – How the Moofie Clubbers rated them

Sophie’s Choice :
Bec – 2.5
Wendy – 2.5
Maree – 2.5
Andy – 4
Clint – 2.5
Sylvia – 4

Burnt By the Sun:
Bec – 2.5
Wendy – 3.5
Maree – 4
Andy – 4
Clint – 3.5
Sylvia – 3

Meryl Streep on Sophie’s Choice

Watch a Channel 4 clip from the interview with Meryl Streep in which she talks about her role in Sophie’s Choice and discusses why there are so few decent roles for women in Hollywood.

View clip of interview >>