ross-547-585754 Reviews

June Again (2020)

Brought a tear to my eyes

[9/10 · 13 May 2021]

Having seen The Father with Anthony Hopkins, it was with reservations I saw June Again. Another movie about old age and dementia? Am I glad I overcame my reservations.

This film was poignant and believable. Noni Hazlehurst is the rock around which this sad and funny movie is based. Her performance is outstanding and she is ably supported by Claudia Karvan and Stephen Curry. In fact all the cast add to a strong cast that keeps the narrative purring along.

The premise that a woman with vascular dementia 'suddenly' comes good is apparently medically quite sound.

What June does with her short time of lucidity is the crux of the story. Her family have fallen apart and then it's June to the rescue (admittedly not with the support of her children).

The film is heart-warming, sad and funny. The fall back to dementia, though expected is very sad.

As an older person myself, this film is quite hard to watch. Still I am glad I did. Well done to all concerned.

Six Minutes to Midnight (2020)

A good 'spy' film based on pre WWII.

[8/10 · 21 April 2021]

Creditable performances, a good plot and just enough Hitler Youth to make you want to see their plans undone.

The film was set in 1939, and played out like a spy drama from that era.

I was with it the whole way and the dramatic final scenes kept me interested.

Glad I saw it.

Nobody (I) (2021)

Rollicking fun

[8/10 · 15 April 2021]

You can't take this movie too seriously. It is over the top and exaggerated, but it too does not take itself too seriously.

Hop on and go for the ride. It's fun.

The Father (I) (2020)

What a film!

[9/10 · 15 April 2021]

I am 67 so this was a tough watch. It is brilliantly acted and the script masterful. Where did reality start and dementia takeover? Makes you realise that for some it is gonna be a hard path.

The Marksman (2021)

Had me from the start

[8/10 · 22 January 2021]

This movie took me on a journey that was at times suspenseful, at others sad. In the end the narrative was well constructed and strong performances from the cast. I'm glad I saw it.

Penguin Bloom (2020)

Lovely family friendly movie

[8/10 · 22 January 2021]

I enjoyed this. No swearing, guns, fighting etc. Just a heart strings tugger of a lovely film.

The Dry (2020)

Watch this movie

[8/10 · 3 January 2021]

Great film! Good well paced ploy, excellent performances all round and beautifully photographed to capture rural Victoria during a drought. As an Aussie and a Victorian this film is very honest. I reckon I've been to everyone of the locations and met the locals. The way Eric Bana's character is drawn into the story and how they intertwine the history he left behind in his now estranged hometown is masterful. Do yourself a favour and go see this flick.

The War with Grandpa (2020)

Good fun

[8/10 · 13 December 2020]

Obviously it is a little far-fetched, but the comedy both scripted and 'slap-stick' is genuine and good fun. The people in the session I attended were laughing out loud. Don't expect Shakespeare, but relax and enjoy 90 minutes odd of happiness.

Unhinged (I) (2020)

Gripping

[9/10 · 25 November 2020]

I went to this movie without researching it, and boy I'm glad I did. Even though there are a few minor plot holes that keep the narrative going, on the whole this was a well constructed and believable drama. Russell Crowe was great as the menacing road rage aggressor. Caren Pistorius and Gabriel Bateman were well cast as the (not so) hapless victims. Sure a couple of early decisions set in train the unfolding of the plot, but hey doesn't everyone make a few bad calls occasionally? I found the pace of the movie and the building tension to be gripping. It really had me on the edge of my seat until the 'climax'. Definitely worth a visit to the cinema to watch this, if you can forgive a few necessary plot accelerators.

Tenet (2020)

Confusing and soooooo long

[5/10 · 13 November 2020]

Sadly I couldn't understand or hear the dialogue, and I could not follow the interminable plot. Far too long, I was just waiting to be able to leave. Some beautiful photography, but a lacklustre cast. Give it a miss.

The Invisible Man (I) (2020)

A real thriller that grabs you from the start

[9/10 · 3 March 2020]

I am not a fan of horror films, as they tend to become blood lust epics. Whilst there is some blood in this, the film excels in building the thrills through tension and good story telling. There are some clever Special Effects, but the film does not become a slave to them. Instead you are swept along with Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss), as she tries to navigate the ever increasing insanity that is foisted on her. Strong performances by the whole cast and a storyline, that once you accept the 'invisibility' premise, is fairly persuasive that the narrative is more or less inevitable. Good horror works by letting you do the work. Scenes where there is no visible threat, but you know it's there means you help create the tension. If you like suspense/horror without too much blood and mayhem, this is for you.

Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears (2020)

Stylish and exotic

[8/10 · 26 February 2020]

I had no expectations apart from having seen many of the excellent TV shows of the same character. This movie was a surprise. Instead of being firmly set in 1920's Melbourne, this movie had so many exotic locations and just one 'purportedly' shot in Melbourne. The story was a 'Boy's Own Adventure' - taken expertly by the stylish and confident Miss Fisher. The plot and dialogue at times were a little too contrived, but the net result was a satisfying romp through England,London and Palestine. The cinematography was excellent and made seeing the film on the big screen worthwhile. Visually it was a joy and production values were very high so all scenes, locales and events were a treat. The plot proceeded at a good pace and the audience was slowly led to the 'Indiana Jones' like intrigue. Gentle humour and soft farce meant that the film didn't take itself too seriously. A good job all round, with good performances from the whole cast. I'm glad I got a chance to see it in the cinema.

1917 (2019)

In a word -WOW

[9/10 · 12 January 2020]

Ignore the implausible 'boys own adventure' premise and just let this amazing film immerse you in the horrors that must have been WWI trench warfare. Magnificent cinematography and choreography take you on a seemingly unending 'ride along' with our protagonists as they negotiate a terrifying journey through a ravaged and horrifying region of war torn France. A must see.

Last Christmas (2019)

A Christmas Carol it's not

[6/10 · 12 November 2019]

Pleasant enough but lacking a proper narrative to get to the ending you're served. The actors did a good job and the George Michael soundtrack was tolerable. Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding were likable and had good chemistry. Emma Thompson and Michelle Yeoh were strong supports. A pleasing way to pass some time. Don't go to see this if you're expecting 'A Wonderful Life'.

Judy (II) (2019)

Moving and entrancing

[9/10 · 3 November 2019]

Zellweger is JUDY. Beautifully told, and compassionate story of a very tragic woman. Emotional, sad, uplifting at times, but ultimately tragic. A must for fans of Judy Garland.

Ad Astra (2019)

Luckily it was a digital movie - no film was wasted on this dross

[2/10 · 30 September 2019]

This is the first bad review I have written for a movie on IMDb, but this movie is a must miss. I went because Brad Pitt was lead in a good cast. He wouldn't sign up a stinker would he? How wrong I was. The plot was ridiculous, the science alarming, the script execrable, and the ending ludicrous. I was waiting for it to finish as walking to the car was more entertaining. If you like good Sci Fi don't waste your time and money. 2 hours of my life I'll never get back. I'm sad because I was looking forward to it.

Ride Like a Girl (2019)

Win win

[9/10 · 27 September 2019]

I have always been a fan of the actress Rachel Griffiths, but now I add Director to her remarkable C.V. I am not a racing fan but I found this film captivating from the get go. The performances of all characters were terrific, especially Stevie Payne (who played himself). The story was (to my knowledge) very accurately told, and right from the beginning they began with real video and audio of the real Michelle Payne. The horse racing was gripping, and the trials and tribulations of Michele were sympathetically dealt with. It brought more than the odd tear to the eyes of this middle aged man. Well worth a look, especially on the big screen.

Palm Beach (2019)

An enjoyable 100 minutes

[8/10 · 16 August 2019]

Sure this has been done before, most notably The Big Chill, but this was a refreshing Aussie version. The cast was distinguished and they all contributed to a satisfying and entertaining movie. The plot of old friends getting together over an extended weekend in a beautiful part of the world and then years of dramas in the group bubbling to the surface is not new, but this treatment worked. I enjoyed the revelations and must admit they were sometimes unexpected. The locale was spectacular and I can see why it was supported by NSW tourism. All told I'm glad I saw it. Well done to the team.

Yesterday (III) (2019)

What a year for music movies

[9/10 · 27 June 2019]

Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star is Born, Rocketman and now Yesterday. I've died and gone to heaven. The great music acts of my time given sensitive and wonderful cinematic treatment. This film is not so much a story of the Beatles music, but a romance film with the Beatles music featuring heavily in the plot line. Himesh Patel does a good job with the vocals. He doesn't try to be John, Paul or George, but does instead steady covers. The staging begins slowly as an unknown also-ran from Suffolk, but rapidly ascends into the heavens when 'he' is discovered. The big delivery of the Wembley concert where is given the stage by a very generous Ed Sheeran (who happily plays a great second fiddle to Patel) was wonderful. The music was a good selection of the original oldies to the more modern tracks as their music became more complex was comprehensive. Aficionados will recognise the crescendo from A Day In The Life as Patel is hit by the proverbial bus that makes all this happen. An all round pleasing movie with a romance and the rapid 'stardom' of unassuming Patel culminating in a solid ending. Well worth seeing. Highly recommended, at least to people from the era.

Rocketman (I) (2019)

Not what I expected

[9/10 · 26 May 2019]

Don't think you're going to see another Bohemian Rhapsody. This is a raw portrayal of a 'warts and all' Elton John. The sound track covers much of his extensive repertoire, but instead of being faithful 'copies' of the originals they are sung to further the narrative, giving a deeper understanding to the lyrics. Taron Egerton does an amazing job, but don't expect his singing to be a dutiful copy of Elton John. Like Les Miserables, the songs are 'acted out' and are often brilliantly choreographed. The movie covers Elton from his boyhood as 'Reginald Dwight' to his heady days as an out of control rock star. The film leans heavily on his family, relationships and his hedonistic days prior to the breakdown of his career. The final scenes are wonderful and the final performance fitting. As an Elton fan I learned much. Do yourself a favour, go see it.

Bloom (2019–2020)

Sci-fi with heart

[8/10 · 4 January 2019]

Suspend belief and be transported to an idyllic country town in Victoria, Australia. The town is run down and many of the residents affected by a flood 12 months earlier. Slowly the story evolves to yield a complex web of connection between the main cast. The sci-fi is understated. No clever morphing or over the top blue screen special effects. This is old school film-making where the plot slowly exposes the frailities of the characters and their decisions to revisit their youth. The photography and settings are visually pleasing, the acting great. If you analyse the plot development too much it has a number of holes even if you accept the initial fountain of youth concept. A little too long, it is a commitment but worth the journey. I am not generally a sci-fi viewer, but this one captured me.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Fabulous

[9/10 · 2 November 2018]

Best film of the year for me. Congratulations to all who made it.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Glitzy and colourful

[6/10 · 8 September 2018]

I did some research before I went and saw this movie, but all told it was a disappointment. The plot was pedestrian and had no unique characteristics to keep the interest up. The cast whilst 'pretty' were a little wooden and the acting a little 'tried'. They were pleasant enough but the over the top stereotypes were a little too typical. I was looking forward to seeing Singapore showcased, as it is a favourite holiday spot of mine. This did not disappoint. The Singapore street scenes were well photographed and conveyed the variety of life in this bustling capital. At times I wondered whether the Singapore Tourist Authority had made the film as an advertisement to encourage visitor. The party scenes were well choreographed and filmed and were visually exciting, even if the actors were not themselves convincing. I really wanted to like this film, but at best it was 2 hours of distraction from real life. Sorry guys.

Darkest Hour (2017)

Stunning and gripping

[9/10 · 14 February 2018]

I have just seen Dunkirk (another brilliant film), and Darkest Hour seemed to be a brother movie, that teased out much more of the back story to the evacuation of Dunkirk. Gary Oldman's performance was stunning. The script tight and witty. The drama was present at all times with respite with Churchill's outrageous behaviour. Perhaps the only weak spot for me was the Underground train journey to Westminster. It seemed to be too contrived. A great film that is amust see for any serious cinefile.

I, Tonya (2017)

A documentary or a movie. This film couldn't make up its mind

[6/10 · 14 February 2018]

Firstly let me say if the topic interests you go and see this film. I found the mixture of 'interviews' and 're-enactments' a bit confusing and it seemed the filmmakers couldn't decide on a documentary or a scripted movie. The result 'mash-up' was somewhat unsatisfying. That said the performances (especially Allison Janney) were strong. The characters were at once repulsive yet watchable. I wouldn't be rushing to see it. Wait for it to get a TV release.