THE FIGHTER

Rated: MA
Duration: 116 mins
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Director: David O'Russell (Three Kings 1999, I Love the Huckabees 2004, Soldiers Pay 2004, Nailed 2011.  Once again only a handful chosen among many more.) 

 

I challenge anyone to go watch this film and not want to box later, or skip or just take steroids.  Not taking anything away from Mark Wahlberg it is Christian Bale’s film. He doesn’t do things by halves and once again he has shed the kilos and made himself look truly like a man on the edge of existence.

For those of you that don’t know, The Fighter is based on the true story of Micky Ward a fighter who could never break the big time and the family that relied on him for their livelihood.

Christian Bale who has been nominated for an academy award in a supporting role plays Micky’s Brother, Dicky, who was once a fighter also but life’s temptations got the better of him.

The mum is played by Melissa Leo, (TV: Homicide: Life on the Street, Film: 21 Grams and Frozen River) and although l did not recognise her in this particular role, (l did realise who she was after researching for this blog) is amazing.

All the hype you may have heard is all true.  Go see.

BOY

Rating: M

Duration: 87 mins

Genre: Drama, Family, Humour

Director: Taika Waititi (Eagle Vs Shark 2007) Boy was nominated for a Grand Jury prize at the Sundance Film festival.  He didn't get it though Animal Kingdom won.

I was meant to watch this NZ film on the rooftop cinema situated on the top of Curtain House in the city on the 13^th of January with about 7 of my friends. However Mother Nature had other ideas and that was the week of the heavy rain that went for 4 days non-stop only to stop on the 14^th!!!!!!!!

Forging ahead l made a friend of mine take the DVD out and made her watch it with me (thanks Robyn).

Set in 1984, it tells the story of brothers Boy (played by James Rolleston) and Rocky (Te Aho Eketone-Whitu) and how they cope with the absence of their father who is in Jail.  The eldest boy 'Boy' has imagined this idealistic view of his dad while the younger brother, Rocky doesn’t really remember him at all and finds his return somewhat disconcerting. The dad, Taika Waititi, who not only directed but also wrote the screenplay, has returned from his stint in jail with only one mission in mind and while the mission looks hopeful, so does the mood, however things don’t go according to plan and the mood turns sour.

This is a lovely film and the performances from the boys, in particular Rocky,  beautiful.

Add it to your DVD list.

Sarah's Key (Original Title 'Her Name was Sarah')

Rating: M
Duration: 111 mins
Genre: Drama, Family
Director: Gilles Paquet Brenner (The Pretty Things 2001, Walled In 2009. l have only mentioned two in a long list.)


No film about the Holocust is going to be uplifting, Sarah's Key is no different.  The film tells the story of the torture the French jews were subjected too in July of 1942 not by the Germans but by their own people.


Kristen Scott Thomas has made a few french Films of late 'Leaving' and 'l've Loved You So Long' (add that to your DVD list) and her versatility as an actor shines once again in Sarah's Key.  Her French husbands family own an apartment in a suburb of France and they are due to move in after some renovations are done.  However the apartments renovations will not hide what is behind the walls.


As an audience you go on a journey with 'Julia' as she starts to unravel a mystery she had no idea was right on her doorstep.


This is not an easy film to watch but remember you only have to watch.  However if it's an uplifting and a happy sensation you want to feel after a movie, don't go see this one.

Gulliver's Travels. Special Guest Reporter, Ava Grist.

Rated: PG
Duration: 115 mins
Genre: Comedy
Director: Rob Lettermen (Monsters vs Aliens 2009, Shark Tale 2004, Shrek 2001, Lake Placid 1999)


I went to see Gulliver’s Travels with a friend who had been to the same film the day before but liked it so much wanted to see it again. I thought it was a classic movie for kids and a laugh for the adults.

It stars the big kid himself, Jack Black, Emily Blunt and Jason Seqel, together along with Rob Lettermen they make a great film.

Gulliver has a pretty ordinary life running the mail room in a large company but has a major crush on the girl that runs the reports and writing room. When she gives him a task to go to sea, he gets swept away and ends up in a land where the people are as small as ants. When he becomes known as 'The Beast' and gets carried away with his own size, he tells the King that the land that he came from he used to be the President. This of course leads to an expectation that he can fight off all the enemies, which is easier said than done.

I thought the length of the film was just enough to not bore me. In my opinion Jack Black fits the role perfectly, a funny yet a bit stupid at times, he comes together to make the perfect Gulliver.

I would happily recommend this movie to anyone.

Movie Night

2nd of April afternoon session.
Location: Como
Time: 4pm
Movie: Barney's Version
Drinks: 3pm for those that want to meet at Como Bar for a drink beforehand.  If l don't hear from anyone then l will be there from 3.30pm.

Hope to see you there.
PS: Have a BBQ/Dinner on that night hence the afternoon session.

Bernice Farrugia
CEO Bernsbackrow
04 100 626 74

A Single Man

Rated: M
Duration: 99 mins
Genre: Drama
Director: Tom Ford


Once upon a time there was a man who was a fashion designer for one of the biggest houses, Gucci and YSL who decided to pack it all up and direct movies.   Welcome Tom Ford.  He had never directed anything before other than the models on a catwalk but obviously this was enough of a training ground because this first time effort is good but more to the point, stylish.  Some may not like how neat and clean the movie is and how nothing is out of place.  However this seemingly orderly and calm world clashes with the character of George Falconer who is feeling anything but peaceful.

Colin Firth was nominated for Academy Award for his role as George Falconer in 2010 but missed out because it was 'Jeff Bridges time'. 

This film is slow in parts so be prepared.  The movie takes place over one day only but that's enough to give you an understanding of how long a day can be when you are tormented. 

I liked this film because of the love that is expressed, the set design and of course Colin Firth.  He manages once again to immerse himself into the character so deeply you forget where one ended and the other began.

Next film please Tom Ford.

Brothers

Rated: M
Duration: 104 mins
Genre: Drama, Thriller, War
Director: Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot 1989, In the Name of The Father 1993, The Boxer 1997.  He has alot more films to his name but l chose these as they are among three great films if you haven't seen any of them please do.)

l wanted to see this film because it had Natalie Portman in it, not kissing a girl this time.  l missed seeing this at the movies when it came out so have managed to view it while on holidays. 

I knew it would be good and it did not disappoint.  The three actors are all fantastic and give powerful performances.  Tobey Maguire sheds his Spiderman outfit quite dramatically, Jake Gyllenhaal proves he is a man for all seasons and Natalie Portman is captivating as a woman struggling with loss, renewal and the unknown.  The two little girls are worth mentioning because one of them is just divine and her sadness pulpable.   

This is not an altogether uplifting film but it has it's joyous moments.  It is about war, family, loss, change, comfort, uncertainty but ultimately love.  I would highly recommend.