Enjoy this podcast taken from my film news and review spot on Radio CurtinFM 100.4 with the wonderful Jenny Seaton where I discuss this week's film stuff. You can subscribe or access this also on iTunes: iTunes or on Google Play by downloading the PodBean app and searching for Film & Book Google Play
This has been an interesting week or so for my writing career. Since releasing Deadly Messengers last October, my books started to sell pretty well. Being an independent author is a pretty tough gig. Then again, being an author is, at times, tough regardless. You write stories, never knowing whether they are any good or if people will enjoy them or hate them. So occasionally, I like to take stock and tell myself: Wow!
I went along to see 13 Hours with my fifteen-year-old son.
He loves shoot-em-up games and this looked to be the film version of the games
he played. Even though the reviews have been fairly scathing, I was in the mood
for a military take-no-prisoners drama and American ra-ra. Michael Bay,
director of the battling robots, Transformers,
certainly delivered. My son thoroughly enjoyed it, as well. As it is a true recent story, it is a sobering film and hellishly violent. I don’t know how
many people died in it, but they were dropping like flies. A day later, thoughts
of it still crossed my mind. I like to rate films based on whether they deliver
to their intended audience. I think this one really does, even though it’s not
going to win any awards. If you are in the mood for a film like Lone Survivor, Hurt Locker, or Zero Dark Thirty, this one will do the
trick.
If you’ve seen the trailers, you will
probably groan at the mention of this film. It looks B-Grade bad, right?
However, Gods of Egypt pleasantly
entertained me (and my fellow reviewers, and it had nothing to do with the
muffins and Gold Class treat).
Deadpool opened two weeks ago, but
last weekend was the first chance I could catch it. It’s very good, very
irreverent, and a load of fun, if watching people get beaten to a pulp by a
wise-cracking superhero is your thing. My family enjoyed it, but it didn’t
scale the heights of other Marvel franchises for us. We all agreed it was
entertaining, but there was something missing. It’s funny, but not hugely funny
(not like Ant-Man), the CGI is a
little wobbly, and the nemesis is not that scary; his super talent is not
feeling pain (big deal). To me, the film felt like the pre-teenage, younger
brother trying to hang with the cool big brother of Marvel hits and grab their
attention by trying too hard. It works and is fun, but only just. I am told by comic book geeks that it is very
true to the comics. So it might be it was made for its core audience. Still you
will enjoy if you are curious.
Ah,
now, I will state for the record, I am a huge Coen Brothers fan and, from the
trailers, this looked like it would be one of their finest: an homage to old
Hollywood and the business of filmmaking. I’m still hoping for another Burn After Reading (such black comedy it
sucks in all light).
Emma Thompson read the first page
of this script, based on a series of books, and was in. I agree with her. It’s
witty and dark English humor in the vein of Shallow
Grave (I still think that’s one of the best British black comedies ever.)
Robert Carlyle is so very good as poor Barney Thomson who keeps accidentally
killing people. Ray Winstone as the cantankerous, weary detective who knows
he’s got his man, but just can’t prove it.
See my review Here: CLICK
This has been an interesting week or so for my writing career. Since releasing Deadly Messengers last October, my books started to sell pretty well. Being an independent author is a pretty tough gig. Then again, being an author is, at times, tough regardless. You write stories, never knowing whether they are any good or if people will enjoy them or hate them. So occasionally, I like to take stock and tell myself: Wow!
When I wrote Deadly Messengers, I didn't think it was anything particularly amazing. It's a police thriller, which isn't even my genre, although the serial mass killings I write about are definitely my kind of thing to explore So I really thought it was just another book, not destined to be the book that would begin the snowball effect of selling all my books in the thousands every week, and so many readers worldwide finding my work and loving it.
Humbling, thrilling, overwhelming, and terrifying, too, because surely the next book will have all this expectation attached to it. Readers are actually waiting for it. Yikes! (It's coming everyone, later than I'd hoped, but April/May for sure).
 |
Anyway, yet again, in the past week a couple of books rocketed up to the top #200's on the Amazon USA chart and a little short story Scenic Route knocked Mr. Stephen King off his #1 Horror Short Story perch again. I jokingly say move over Mr. King, Queen May is taking the crown. That's a way off, though. Just for now, I glimpse a hope that one day it may come true.
So if you're one of the wonderful readers who've supported me by leaving a review, buying a book, or telling a friend, my heartfelt thanks. We are in this together, and I know that. As I always say: without readers, my stories are just words on a page.
Now to my other great love ... the movies. Quite a few good ones this week, and varied. Enjoy, and see you next week.
13 HOURS: THE SECRET
SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI ✪✪✪½ (opens February
25 Most cinemas)
I went along to see 13 Hours with my fifteen-year-old son.
He loves shoot-em-up games and this looked to be the film version of the games
he played. Even though the reviews have been fairly scathing, I was in the mood
for a military take-no-prisoners drama and American ra-ra. Michael Bay,
director of the battling robots, Transformers,
certainly delivered. My son thoroughly enjoyed it, as well. As it is a true recent story, it is a sobering film and hellishly violent. I don’t know how
many people died in it, but they were dropping like flies. A day later, thoughts
of it still crossed my mind. I like to rate films based on whether they deliver
to their intended audience. I think this one really does, even though it’s not
going to win any awards. If you are in the mood for a film like Lone Survivor, Hurt Locker, or Zero Dark Thirty, this one will do the
trick.
Film Blurb
An
American Ambassador is killed during an attack at a U.S. compound in Libya as a
security team struggles to make sense out of the chaos. Based on a true story.
Gods of Egypt ✪✪✪½✪✪✪½ (opens February
25 Most cinemas)
If you’ve seen the trailers, you will
probably groan at the mention of this film. It looks B-Grade bad, right?
However, Gods of Egypt pleasantly
entertained me (and my fellow reviewers, and it had nothing to do with the
muffins and Gold Class treat).
It might surprise you to learn this polished
adventure fantasy was directed by an Aussie Alex Proyas and made in Australia.
It’s so Hollywood, yet it’s mostly populated with Australian actors. Brenton Thwaites
(Home and Away, The Giver) is really
making some inroads into Hollywood. Bryan Brown makes a brief but good
appearance. Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury
Road) plays the love interest, and she’s a Bunbury girl. So, bravo,
Australia!
Aren’t we growing up in the film industry?
Several more big films are being made here as well next year. The new Alien and
the next Marvel Thor production, and don’t forget last year the next Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed on
the Gold Coast. It’s the dollar and the quality of the talent here. Then
there’s the $47 million grant the NSW Government has offered Hollywood studios
to bring productions here. This is expected to create 3,000 jobs and generate more than $300
million in investment in Australia. Good move Mr. Turnbull.
This is B Grade massive fun with good CGI
and engaging characters. While it doesn’t advance the genre any, it certainly
doesn’t detract. I even had some flashbacks to one of my childhood faves 1963 Jason & The Argonauts, which I
actually saw at the cinema when I was a kid. Those skeletons coming out of the
ground at the end terrified me and were pretty well done for the era. And yes,
I know this is dating me. Go buy some popcorn and water (no Coke; filled with
sugar), and have a Godly good time at Gods of Egypt.
Film Blurb
In this spectacular
action-adventure inspired by the classic mythology of Egypt, the survival of
mankind hangs in the balance as an unexpected mortal hero Bek [Brenton
Thwaites] undertakes a thrilling journey to save the world and rescue his true
love. In order to succeed, he must enlist the help of the powerful god Horus
[Nikolaj Coster-Waldau] in an unlikely alliance against Set [Gerard Butler],
the merciless god of darkness, who has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the
once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. As their
breathtaking battle against Set and his henchmen takes them into the afterlife
and across the heavens, both god and mortal must pass tests of courage and
sacrifice if they hope to prevail in the epic final confrontation.
Deadpool ✪✪✪½ (opens 11th February 2016 Most
cinemas)
Deadpool opened two weeks ago, but
last weekend was the first chance I could catch it. It’s very good, very
irreverent, and a load of fun, if watching people get beaten to a pulp by a
wise-cracking superhero is your thing. My family enjoyed it, but it didn’t
scale the heights of other Marvel franchises for us. We all agreed it was
entertaining, but there was something missing. It’s funny, but not hugely funny
(not like Ant-Man), the CGI is a
little wobbly, and the nemesis is not that scary; his super talent is not
feeling pain (big deal). To me, the film felt like the pre-teenage, younger
brother trying to hang with the cool big brother of Marvel hits and grab their
attention by trying too hard. It works and is fun, but only just. I am told by comic book geeks that it is very
true to the comics. So it might be it was made for its core audience. Still you
will enjoy if you are curious.
Film Blurb
Based upon Marvel Comics' most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells
the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade
Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with
accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new
abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who
nearly destroyed his life. (C) Fox
Hail Caesar! ✪✪✪ (opens 25th February 2016 Luna Cinemas)
Ah,
now, I will state for the record, I am a huge Coen Brothers fan and, from the
trailers, this looked like it would be one of their finest: an homage to old
Hollywood and the business of filmmaking. I’m still hoping for another Burn After Reading (such black comedy it
sucks in all light).
While it is entertaining, it just doesn’t
nail the premise. The Coens seemed to get very caught up in their star-studded
cast and finding them small vignettes so they could be included. When you put
them together, though, the pieces just don’t quite fit.
We are talking the whos who of Hollywood
here: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill,
Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Channing Tatum, so it
should be a five star winner. However, despite it being amusing and reasonably
entertaining, it’s proof that an all-star cast doesn’t guarantee a hit. Good,
but Coens, you can do better.
Film Blurb
Four-time Oscar-winning filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for
Old Men, True Grit, Fargo) write and direct HAIL, CAESAR! an all-star comedy
set during the latter years of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes,
Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Channing
Tatum, Hail, Caesar! follows a single day in the life of a studio fixer who is
presented with plenty of problems to fix -
a slate of productions under pressure, a gossip-chasing columnist,
temperamental filmmakers and a movie star that has been kidnapped by... The
Future.
The Legend of Barney Thomson ✪✪✪✪
UWA
Somerville: Monday 29th
February—Sunday March 6
ECU
Joondalup: Tuesday 8th
March –12th March
Emma Thompson read the first page
of this script, based on a series of books, and was in. I agree with her. It’s
witty and dark English humor in the vein of Shallow
Grave (I still think that’s one of the best British black comedies ever.)
Robert Carlyle is so very good as poor Barney Thomson who keeps accidentally
killing people. Ray Winstone as the cantankerous, weary detective who knows
he’s got his man, but just can’t prove it.
The real star performance, though, comes via Emma Thompson. She is just
fabulous as Barney’s awful mother Cemolina who is more interested in playing
bingo and going away for a weekend than helping her son. She’s just a nasty
piece of work and has a few secrets of her own. If you are in Perth, do see
this at Somerville or Joondalup outdoor cinemas. It’s one of the best films Lottery
West Films has offered this season.
Film Blurb
Barber Barney Thomson (Robert Carlyle, The
Full Monty) has a problem – his banter is so tedious that he’s become a liability
at his Glasgow workplace. As events take a grisly turn and customers and staff
start to disappear, Barney, with blood on his hands, turns to his bingo-loving
mother, played by a near-unrecognisable Emma Thompson (Love Actually, Nanny
McPhee) for help. A salty, Scottish black comedy, enhanced by Thompson’s
macabre matriarch.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Bolshoi Giselle
Date: 26th Feb &
Sun 28 Feb
Time: 10:30am Friday and Sunday (check Luna Cinemas site for exact times)
Location: Windsor Nedlands Details and Booking
BOLSHOI
BALLET CAPTURED LIVE IN HIGH DEFINITION, DIRECT FROM MOSCOW 2016 CINEMA SEASON.
Giselle
is one of the oldest and most beloved ballets opens the spectacular new 2015-2016 season of
Bolshoi Ballet exclusively at the
Windsor. Captured live in high
definition, the Bolshoi comes direct from the historic Bolshoi Theatre in
Moscow
World-famous
prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova dances the title role. Her partner is Bolshoi guest Sergei Polunin,
who featured last year in David Lachapelle’s video collaboration with pop star
Hozier (13 million + views YouTube) Music Adolphe Adam | Choreography Yuri
Grigorovich | Libretto Theophile Gautier and Jean-Henry Saint-Georges | Cast
The Bolshoi Principals, Soloists and Corps de Ballet.
OUTDOOR
CINEMAS
 |
| Moonlight Cinemas at King's Park |
Moonlight
Cinemas
Details and Booking
Date: December - March
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm Film commences 8pm
Location: Synergy Parkland in Kings Park and
Botanic Garden. Enter from May Drive.
Films of note this week:
The Lady in the Van
(Advance Screening) Fri
Feb 26
Triple 9 (Advance Screening) Wednesday March 2
Burswood
Outdoor Community Cinema
Details and Booking
Date: Runs to April
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm Film commences 7:45pm
Location: Burswood, Bassendean, Mandurah,
Murdoch.
Run
by over 700 volunteers, they proudly donate all profits to kids charities. To
date we've raised over $6 million for kids in a health or physical crisis.
Films of note this week
Spotlight Friday Feb 26
The Danish Girl Sunday Feb 28 & Tuesday 1
Rooftop
Movies
Details and Booking
Date: Runs to April
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm Film commences 8pm
Location: City of Perth Roe St car park LEVEL
6 NORTHBRIDGE
Films of note this week:
The Revenant Friday Feb 26
Room Saturday Feb 27
Camelot Outdoor
Movies
Details
and Booking
Date: Runs to April
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm Film commences 8pm
Location: 16 Lochee Street, Mosman Park
Films of note this week:
The Big Short Thursday
Feb 25 & Sunday Feb 28
The Lady in the Van Wednesday
March 2
Jazz & Oysters night
Luna Outdoor Movies
Details and Booking
Date: Runs to April
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm Film commences 8.15 pm
Location: 155 Oxford Street, Leederville (tickets
& entrance Luna Cinemas)
Films of note this
week:
Hail Caesar! (most of the week)
The Big Short
LOTTERY
WEST FILM FESTIVAL
Details and Booking
Date: 23rd November
to 10th April
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm Film commences 8pm
Location: Somerville UWA & ECU Joondalup
Pines
Films this week:
The Legend
of Barney Thomson (See review above)
UWA
Somerville: Monday 29th
February—Sunday 6TH March
ECU
Joondalup: Tuesday 8th
March –12th March
Film Blurb
Barber Barney Thomson (Robert Carlyle, The Full
Monty) has a problem – his banter is so tedious that he’s become a liability at
his Glasgow workplace. As events take a grisly turn and customers and staff
start to disappear, Barney, with blood on his hands, turns to his bingo-loving
mother, played by a near-unrecognisable Emma Thompson (Love Actually, Nanny
McPhee) for help. A salty, Scottish black comedy, enhanced by Thompson’s
macabre matriarch.
LA BELLE
SAISON (SUMMERTIME) Not Reviewed (FRENCH)
UWA
Somerville: Monday 22ND
February—Sunday 28TH February
ECU
Joondalup: Tuesday 1ST
March –6th March
Film Blurb
That giddy, all-consuming thrill of first love
is conveyed with great empathy in La belle saison. It is 1971 and smart, young
Delphine is bored at home on her parents’ farm in the verdant French
countryside. She flees to Paris and immediately falls for older Carole (Cécile
De France, In Harmony, 2016 PIAF), a leader in the emerging women's rights
movement. La belle saison is many things all at once – a swoon-worthy love
affair, a fascinating snapshot of the 1970s and a window to female friendships
across a cultural divide.
THE END OF
THE TOUR ✪✪✪½ (USA)
ECU
Joondalup: Tuesday 23rd
February –28th February
See my review Here: CLICK
Film Blurb
Teeming
with ideas to swell the heart and dazzle the mind, this film relives the 1996
meeting-of-minds between author, David Foster Wallace, who was hurtling to
unprecedented fame for Infinite Jest, and hotshot journalist, David Lipsky.
During their road trip through the wintry beauty of the American Midwest, these
two smart but fragile minds debate everything, from art, writing and ego to
candy, TV and Die Hard. It was, in Lipsky’s words, ‘the best conversation I
ever had’ and now, thanks to two enthralling performances, it has borne one of
the best films of the year.
