In keeping with our approach to a balanced life with a little fun along the way, we like to remind our staff and clients to make some time to do a few simple things like go to the movies, read a good book or even see a live concert. Here are a few we have reviewed recently.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
It’s been a long time between films for production company Working Dog. Entering the movie business with ‘The Castle’ and ‘The Dish’, the local film-makers return after a 12 year hiatus. Maybe their time creating mass entertainment for commercial TV has blunted their comedic edge as ‘Any Questions for Ben?’ is sorely lacking laughs. Where ‘The Castle’ gently mocked suburbia and ‘The Dish’ softly lampooned country life, their new venture targets the Generation X brigade with less success.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
There’s a certain irony in watching ‘The Artist’. Where films initially had the gimmicks of moving pictures, sound and colour, ‘The Artist’ retreats to where it all began. Using silence as its selling point it harks back to a period where audiences genuinely had to engage with on-screen occurrences. In some ways talkies diluted cinema’s story-telling power as the dialogue spelt out what previously the viewer had to deduce. An ode to the type of movies from which the industry originated, ‘The Artist’ is a fine evocation of a classic cinematic era.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
‘
Martha’ provides an interesting examination of what happens when a member leaves a cult. Indoctrinated into the ways of such a group, how they function without this support base drives proceedings. Written and directed with low key intensity by Sean Durkin and acted by a fine ensemble it shows how a cult’s power can still grip long after a follower’s departure.
Friday, February 03, 2012
When handled well cinematic biographies can be compelling. A subject’s personality with many facets helps spin a story in any direction. ‘J. Edgar’ tries valiantly as it charts one of the 20th century’s most powerful men. Only vaguely succeeding, the measured study of power and its consequences attempts to paint an intimate portrait of someone whose influence was felt for generations.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
If the ‘Twilight’ movies have shown a romantic side to vampires and werewolves the ‘Underworld’ series has seen them at their most blood-thirsty. A high octane action franchise, its fourth entry sees the battle between the supernatural beasts kick up a notch. A celebration of noise and spectacle than acting, it does the job in ensuring fans obtain the most out of its heavily CGI-led monster mash.
