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robjohnwolfe
Reviews
Wrong Kind of Black (2018)
This story is important.
I thought I knew of the struggle of the Aboriginal people but after watching THE WRONG KIND OF BLACK, I realised I knew nothing. Set in the 70's, this is the true story of an ordinary Aboriginal man from Townsville who became truly extraordinary. Boori Monty Pryor is a young DJ in a thriving Melbourne metropolis, trying to find his way, fit in and stay out of trouble. He finds himself thrust into the evolving face of modern Australian culture and ultimately becomes a powerful instrument of change. For the most part this story makes it's point in a very funny and entertaining way, however I must warn you, it does sneak up on you and punch you in the guts. It is a punch that you need to feel. At least I needed to feel it. Regardless of your culture, race or background you will be able to relate to this story because it is a personal story... a human story. THE WRONG KIND OF BLACK will make you laugh, make you think, make you cry and leave you a better human being than you were before you saw it.
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
Don't burn that bridge!
"We'll burn that bridge when we get to it." is the stand out line from MISSION IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT. But dialogue comes second to the building intensity of fists, knives, guns, motorbikes, helicopters, tall buildings and cliff faces. Yes there is actually action in this movie that is done in ways we haven't seen and a motorcycle chase second to none. Regardless of your personal feelings towards Tom Cruise, he is certainly a master of his craft and the 'Mission' movies certainly bring out his best. Supported by a great ensemble of Simon Pegg, Ving Rhymes, Alec Baldwin and, try not to drool girls, Henry Cavill. If you're looking for an action treat, this is the most thrilling ride in the park, worth every penny you pay and you will come out of the cinema humming the theme.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
It's good!
Well you know you've been inspired when you get in your car, pretending it's the Millennium Falcon, make preparations for the jump to light speed, then fly down the street evading imaginary Tie Fighters... Or maybe it's just me.
Yes I've just come out of SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY where we finally get a glimpse into the origins of most people's favourite Star Wars character. Given that it's impossible for anyone to fill the boots of Harrison Ford, a third of the way through the movie Alden Ehrenreich's performance has me convinced. Donald Glover is a brilliant Billy Dee Williams aka Lando Calrissian right from the time we hear his voice. A story all it's own that only hints at the larger Star Wars story with just a few references, my favourite being to Episode 1 which really gets your imagination going... I shall say no more... Co written by Lawrence Kasdan who also wrote Empire Strikes Back, what I consider to be the original 'Han Solo' movie. A thoroughly entertaining experience that I didn't want to end.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
A beautiful Cinderella story
"You're a banana. Yellow on the the outside and white on the inside." I'm told this is a genuine expression used by Asians who live in Asia to describe Asians who grow up in Western countries. I, of course, would never use this expression except that I am quoting the movie CRAZY RICH ASIANS. A wonderful boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl Cinderella story set in a 'traditional Chinese culture' verses 'modern, western-influenced Chinese culture' backdrop. It highlights and challenges stereotypes in a very funny and entertaining way. The wonderful thing about this movie though is that it's so relatable because regardless of whether you are Asian or rich, most of us know what it's like to try to reconcile a dysfunctional family. Strangely enough my personal back story is almost the same as the main character's back story. This caught me off guard and even brought out a few tears. Brilliant cast headed by Constance Wu although my personal favourite is 'villain' Michelle Yeoh who's been everything from Bond girl to martial arts hero to mentor and still looks great. This movie has something everyone can relate to regardless of your background, culture or class.
Do You Trust This Computer? (2018)
Must See
'What is the last ANALOG thing in a digital world...? HUMANS.'
Even when it comes to the basics like social media, google and GPS, I've had to ask myself, "Do I control it? Or does it control me?" Or substitute the word 'control' with 'depend on.' At best the lines are blurred. To say that we are like infants suckling at the teat of technology may not be overstating things. And then there is the inevitable concept of A.I. Artificial Intelligence which already exists. A fascinating documentary that explores the current human/AI condition is: DO YOU TRUST THIS COMPUTER? From the makers of Who Killed the Electric Car, this doco asks the leading minds in the field all the hard questions while referencing relevant movies such as Terminator, Matrix, Ex-Machina and even Robocop. Just to clarify, this is not a 'conspiracy' doco, but it's scarily confronting and definitely worth the watch!
Tomb Raider (2018)
Girl Power
So while we're on the subject of strong independent women that can kick ass... You can't get more independent than estate, mansion and title, and you can't get more badass than arrow shooting, future gun toting LADY LARA CROFT in the new TOMB RAIDER! Beautifully brought to life by Ex-Machina's Alicia Vikander, we see young Lara in search of her true identity. This movie plays out more like a prequel or an origins movie to the character we know and love. It also wets the appetite for great things to come. Refreshingly 'realistic' and more serious than most current hero movies. Also very... very... Indiana Jones, which I totally love! Perhaps you will too!