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Reviews
Dead Europe (2012)
Very disappointing.
I saw this last night at the Melbourne Film Festival and had to be on my best behavior because the cast and crew were sitting directly behind me.
I haven't read the book this is based on so I can't comment on it's adaptation but I did walk away thinking that this 84 minute film was about 10 minutes too long.
Plenty of arty farty pretentious scenes that just had no need to be there IMO.
None of the characters have been fleshed out - a glaring weakness by the writer and the lead, Leslie, delivered a frustratingly one note performance. There is only so many times one can deliver the 'F' word in a performance.
There apparently is a very interesting story about people's pasts in the book - but this sadly didn't come across in the film.
A very disappointing film.
Antichrist (2009)
Front runner for Palme D'Or?
Haven't seen the film yet - but the mixed reviews to date must surely give it front-runner status for the coveted Palme D'Or??? Cannes always pushes the envelope when awarding the top prizes. I recall Pulp Fiction, Fahrehnheit 911 and 4 months, 3 weeks 2 days were also very controversial movies when they won.
I have seen the trailer and I dismissed the film as Von Trier delivers an American box office horror flick - but I seem to be very very very wrong.
It'll be shown in the US on the festival circuit - but the censored version will be the one that gets mainstream release.
Here in Australia - I believe it might be banned. The explicit violence and sex scenes mentioned in other posts remind me of the hoo-hah about films like Pasolinni's Salo, Ken Park and Romance. The former 2 were banned outright here in Australia and Romance I think was heavily censored when it was screened.
Out of curiosity - how would AntiChrist compare to films like Salo and Ken Park? I've only seen Salo (overseas - not in Australia) and have seen a heavily censored Ken Park (it's all blurred in some scenes).
And will von Trier possibly get an Oscar nomination for Best Director next year???
The Jammed (2007)
Interesting
The Jammed has created much controversy here in Melbourne, Australia - where it was shot.
For some bizarre reason it was rejected by the Melbourne Int'l Film Festival (MIFF) organisers this year - very strange since they brag they promote and support the Australian Film Industry.
It has been given a VERY LIMITED cinema release - 10 days in one cinema only.
It has not been entered in the 2007 AFI awards (probably because the makers have to pay a $1000 entry fee or because of deadline issues...).
Some film critics have labelled it a dog and others are waxing lyrical on it as being the best Australian film of 2007.
I saw it today in a sold out session and although sitting in row 2 - i found it to be a very well made and acted film. Not a masterpiece but still worth seeing.
Considering I sat through some questionable films at the recent MIFF and sure to sit through a few duds at the AFI festival starting this weekend - I am surprised a film of this quality - and examining a very important topic - has been treated so poorly here in Melbourne.
Ghost Rider (2007)
A truly bad film
I popped into see this on a stinking hot day here in Melbourne and the only reason i didn't walk out after 5 minutes was because i was enjoying the lovely air conditioning in the cinema.
The acting - goddawful - and the story and screenplay - dreadful.
The only good thing about the movie was because it was filmed in my hometown Melbourne and was nice to see some of our landmarks.
And yes - I am aware it is based on a comic book character and not meant to be Shakespeare - but it is an insult to one's intelligence.
Shame Cage has sunk to such a low - all because of the almighty $$$ - cos he can actually act! And the less said about Peter Fonda the better.
Make room for your Razzie Awards guys - cos you are now front-runners! If you are into mindless action, motor bikes, special effects and wooden acting - by all means - go see this! Roll on 2009 - Ghost Rider 2 will DEFINITELY be out!