Film Reviews

By Rama Gaind

AGNEEPATH – (Path of Fire) – Bollywood film

When revenge is a driving theme, a movie must have a screenplay that’s distinctive and moves at a rapid pace.

Even though it is a remake of the 1990 film of the same name, this one stands alone, a modern-day success.

Vijay (Hrithik Roshan), who lives with his parents in the quiet village of Mandwa, has listened to inspiring, character-building principles about how one should always be prepared to walk through the path of fire and righteousness. When his father is killed he becomes an avenger.

Sanjay Dutt, as Kancha, is superb as a threatening avatar. Hrithik’s sense of direction is just as powerful.

Abbas Ali Mogul has to be commended for the action sequences; director Karan Malhotra’s narrative style is attractive; the songs by Ajay-Atul are situational (with a blockbuster item number Chikni Chameli) and blend perfectly with the earthiness of the film, adding to the energetic atmosphere.

PLAYERS – Bollywood film

Director duo Abbas-Mustan have produced a high-voltage action thriller that has dazzling visuals and daredevil stunts, but lacks an appealing screenplay.

That’s despite the fact that’s it’s a remake of The Italian Job.

Players are a smart group of people who successfully rob gold bullion from Russia. They are Charlie (Abhishek Bachchan), Ronnie (Bobby Deol), Spider (Neil Nitin Mukesh), Riya (Bipasha Basu), Bilal (Sikander Kher) and Sunny (Omi Vaidya), but one of them is a double crosser.

Then the team, joined by Naina (Sonam Kapoor), set out to settle scores and retrieve the valuables.

The acting is passable and Pritam’s music lacks dynamism.

The length, at just under three hours, should have been cut further.

A SEPARATION: A marriage breakdown and the resulting legal dispute makes for a successful formula in this film from Iran.

LIKE CRAZY: This romantic drama sees how visa problems can complicate the love between Anton Yelchin (from America) and Felicity Jones (Britain).

CARNAGE: Roman Polanski’s black comedy with Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster and Christoph Waltz shows how a schoolyard dispute brings about a breakdown in conciliatory talks between two sets of parents.

Film Reviews

By Rama Gaind

THE ARTIST: Oscar-winning performance from Jean Dujardin in this romantic silent movie that unfolds the fall of a silent cinema star and the climb of a star (Bernice Bejo) who loves him.

SAFE HOUSE: A trendy action thriller directed by Daniel Espinosa sees a rookie agent (Ryan Reynolds) and a rogue CIA man (Denzel Washington) on the run in Cape Town. Hooks you after a slow start.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN: This is a touching story in which Michelle Williams captures the spirit of Marilyn Monroe in a true story of a young assistant director (Eddie Redmayne) who befriended the star.

BUCK: There is wisdom about more than just horse training in this absorbing documentary about real-life horse whisperer Buck Brannaman.

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY: An absorbing film from John Le Carre’s 1970s espionage novel that stars Gary Oldman as mole-hunter George Smiley.

DVD Review

By Rama Gaind

The Hunter (Madman Entertainment)

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill, Frances O’Connor, Sullivan Stapleton, Callan Mulvey, Jacek Koman

Director: Daniel Nettheim

Producer: Vincent Sheehan

Screenplay: Julia Leigh (novel); Alice Addison and Wain Fimeri

Music: Andrew Lacaster, Michael Lira, Matteo Zingales

Martin David (Dafoe, The English Patient, Platoon) is a modern-day mercenary, who is hired to travel to Australia to track down the legendary Tasmanian tiger.

On the pretence of doing research, he ventures into the state’s spectacular wilderness and stays in a farmhouse where Lucy Armstrong (O’Connor, AI: Artificial Intelligence) lives with her two children talented Sass (Morgana Davies, from The Tree) and her brother, Bike (Finn Woodlock).

Lucy is anguished over the disappearance of her zoologist husband, Jarrah, and is watched over possessively by neighbour, Jack Mendy (Neill, The Piano).

Martin finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the troubled family and the treacherous landscape.

While the children are glad to have a man around the place, the loggers (thinking he’s a greenie) are unhappy and set to make his life miserable.

Daniel Nettheim has directed a convincing and attractively made film.

As expected, Willem Dafoe is effective (though an Australian actor would have been more logical) getting excellent support from Frances O’Connor and Sam Neill.

Tasmania is the real star of this gripping film, an extraordinary wilderness landscape resplendently photographed for the wide screen by Robert Humphreys.

Atmospheric, absorbing and astounding!

Snowtown, based on the true story of Australia’s most infamous serial killings, has been recognised at the inaugural Samsung Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA) at the Sydney Opera House on January 31.

Of its initial 10 nominations, Snowtown took out six of the prestigious awards including Best Direction (Justin Kurzel), Best Lead Actor (Daniel Henshall), Best Adapted Screenplay (Shaun Grant) and Best Supporting Actress (Louise Harris).

Snowtown also picked up the Best Sound and Best Editing awards at the inaugural Samsung AACTA Awards Luncheon held earlier last month.

Also known as The Bodies In The Barrels murders, Snowtown is Justin Kurzel’s directorial debut and the first local production from Warp Films Australia.

When 16-year-old Jamie is introduced to a charismatic man, a friendship begins. As the relationship grows so do Jamie’s suspicions, until he finds his world threatened by both his loyalty for, and fear of, his newfound father figure, John Bunting: Australia’s most notorious serial killer.

It is vailable now from Madman Entertainment on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital platforms.

Television category

In the television category, SBS’s gritty Sydney-based crime drama, East West 101 Season 3 – A Hero’s Journey has added another accolade to its long list of previous AFI Awards with the Best Television Drama Series AACTA Award. East West 101 seasons 1-3 are available now on DVD.

According to Madman’s managing director Paul Wiegard, “We are thrilled the industry has recognised these films and productions, and the abundance of talent behind them. The AACTA awards are a boon for the profile of Australian films and the Australian film industry.” – Rama Gaind

Film reviews

By Rama Gaind

Film: The Iron Lady

Stars: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Alexandra Roach, Harry Lloyd, Olivia Colman, John Sessions

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Golden Globe-winning actress Meryl Streep has come up trumps, again, in the lead role of The Iron Lady.

Her imitation of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is word-perfect and bears an uncanny resemblance to a woman who broke all barriers of class and gender to be heard in a male-dominated world.

This is an insightful portrait of an astonishing and multi-faceted woman.

No opinions are evident about Margaret Thatcher. She was a reality, always in control, so dominating in her manner that she commanded respect – from one and all.

Her formal declarations were accepted as truth.

While Streep is faultless as Lady Thatcher, director Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!) and screenwriter Abi Morgan appear to be uncertain as to how to portray her.

Instead, with the aid of period footage, flashbacks, dialogue bites and sequence of overlapping film clips, the movie follows her rise, and rise. She held office for an unprecedented three terms.

The narrative concerns power and the price it exacts. When you revisit the key chapters in her life, there are also scenes that suggest an emotional distance from her children and reserved husband (Broadbent).

Margaret Thatcher had quite a life!

Film: The Descendents

Stars: George Clooney, Amara Miller, Beau Bridges, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, Michael Ontkean, Nick Krause, Robert Forster, Shailene Woodley

Director: Alexander Payne

Moving family drama in which George Clooney (Golden Globe winner) plays Matt King, a lawyer, with two daughters and a wife who is in hospital after a skiing accident.

He tries hard to continue living life as normal and handle the children – Scottie, 10, (Miller) and Alexandra, 17, Woodley).

However, attitudes take a turn when he learns that his wife was having an affair at the time of her accident.

While the pace sags at times, the film gives a whole new meaning to family and inheritance.

Clooney is incredible, the children are wonderful and Nick Krause manages to steal some scenes as Alexandra’s friend, Sid.

WAR HORSE: Steven Spielberg gives us a thrilling subject with a horse’s adventures on both sides of the trenches of World War I.

THE MUPPETS: Assisted by Jason Segel and Amy Adams, uncontrollable laughs are the order of the day as Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and gang reunite.

HUGO: Martin Scorsese’s fanciful 3D family film about an orphan who lives within the walls of a Paris train station in the 1930s.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO: A touching comedy-drama, co-starring Scarlett Johansson, in which a widower (Matt Damon) moves with his kids into a zoo.

By Rama Gaind

Sounds of the Arabian Sea were soothing as the waves rushed to shore on Juhu Beach, in Mumbai. Even at 6.30am, walking along the beach, feet sinking in the soft sand, I did not escape the humidity of Mumbai.

I could not escape the shrill noises made by young boys playing cricket. Every spare spot – on sand – had a cricket pitch. Running fast appeared effortless for these eager youngsters. It was fascinating to watch their eager faces as they hit the balls and scored high.

No doubt, they were aspiring to become ‘great’ cricketers in the future, emulating the success of India’s cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Maybe one of them will beat the record set by the ‘master blaster’ who is the highest scorer in the history of Test cricket with 15,183 runs and the first player to score a double century in the history of One Day International cricket.

It was prime time for reflection, watching families bonding during their morning walks, dogs running around with their handlers or making the acquaintance of stray canines – some roamed aimlessly while others slept oblivious to the activity around them.

Elsewhere along the beach, small shops were slowly opening their doors for trading that’s at its most brisk in the evening.

A coconut vendor stood by his cart, piled high with thirst-quenching coconuts, keeping a keen eye out for early morning customers. He didn’t have to wait for long.

Eager to get an early start, a lone beadmaker was busy putting out his wares on display in anticipation of quick sales. He also took the time to make new bracelets. There was an assortment of colourful and dainty beads to suit all tastes, styles and ages.

It was getting hot and sticky, time was marching on and my feet felt heavy as I ploughed through the sand. It was 8.30am – and time to take refuge indoors – at the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.

This is the flagship property of Novotel in India, opening its doors in July 2009. The prime beachfront property, sprawled over 2.5 acres, offers 203 rooms and suites with breath-taking views overlooking the Arabian Sea. Epitomising luxury, this was a comfortable home-away-from-home where I savoured not only the service in the lounge on the Premier floor, but also the wide-sweeping views of the beach and the city in the distance.

While there’s a lot to see and do on the beach, Juhu is also one of the most famous suburbs of Mumbai. It’s well-known for its affluence. Juhu is the address for wealthy business identities and some of the most famous stars of the Indian film industry including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Amrish Puri and Dharmendra. West of Juhu is flanked by the mighty Arabian Sea and Santa Cruz and Vile Parle are in the east.

While in Juhu, pay homage at the Shiv Mandir or visit the ISKCON Temple which is just opposite. Every day about 5,000 pilgrims visit the temple and on Sundays the number swells to more than 10,000.

Get spiritual and visit one of Mumbai’s oldest temples, Mahalaxmi Temple in Bhulabhai Desai Road. It is dedicated to the three shaktis – Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Kali.

Set aside some sightseeing time in Mumbai. Get a sense of the city’s colonial history in Colaba and Fort, home to the iconic Gateway of India and ornate High Court, and see ancient sculptures and miniature paintings in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum in Kala Ghoda. This dynamic city is overpowering from the Gateway of India!

See nature at its resplendent best. You must not leave without seeing the spectacular sunset. Watch the horizon light up against the vast seemingly endless expanse of the Arabian Sea as the deep red, orange and yellow hues of the setting sun mesmerises you!

DETAILS BOX

Getting there:

Get a tailor-made tour package from the Flight Centre in Australia. Call 133 133 or visit http://www.flightcentre.com.au

In a new venture, the Indian arm of the business is growing fast. Locally known as Flight Shop, five retail stores have already opened in Delhi with more to follow.

How to fly

Qantas Holidays have packages, call 13 14 15

Thai Airways flies to 14 cities in the Indian subcontinent, including Mumbai

Check out: www.thaiairways.com.au

Where to stay

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach

Balraj Sahani Marg

Juhu Beach

400 049 Mumbai

India

Tel: (+91) 22-6693-4444

Fax: (+91) 22-6693-4455

Email: [email protected]

Australians can make bookings on the Accor reservations number in Australia on 1300 65 65 65

By Rama Gaind

WHEN you travel frequently, it’s vital that your hotel sojourn offers some comforts of home.

If you take into account some additional fringe benefits, then here are seven accommodation houses in Australia that are a cut above the rest.

1) Medina Executive, Brisbane, Queensland

LOCATED at the east-end of the city centre, the Medina Executive in Brisbane  offers sweeping views of the Brisbane River, the city skyline and the iconic Story Bridge.

Our one-bedroom apartment on the 8^th floor was the ideal spot to witness the best of Riverfire 2011 in September; we had ringside seats, sitting on the balcony, overlooking the Story Bridge!

Medina was the perfect location from which to view the firework displays on the bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the pontoons on the Eagle Pier stretch of the Brisbane River and some of the tall buildings along the waterfront.

This is an ideal location from which to view the new year celebrations and making it a base for when the musical Mary Poppins arrives in January 2012.

Medina Executive Brisbane

15 Ivory Lane

Brisbane Qld 4000

(07) 3218 5800

[email protected]

www.medina.com.au

2) Diamant Hotel – Sydney, NSW

IT’S effortless to feel on top of the world at the Diamant Hotel in Sydney – in the luxury penthouse – and easy to soak up the urban vibe.

Overlooking the city’s skyline and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the 12^th floor three-bedroom penthouse combines contemporary luxury living with rock star glamour, located moments from Sydney’s most pulsating quarter.

The Diamant is located in the heart of Kings Cross, Potts Point and Darlinghurst triangle, offering Sydney’s biggest and eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, cafés and nightclubs.

Designed by renowned architects Burley Katon Halliday, the state-of-the-art entertainment systems, floor-to-ceiling windows, sun-drenched living spaces and private access with high-tech security creates an oasis in the sky for the sophisticated world traveller.

The three bedrooms are designed with practicality in mind: the lounge and dining areas, in the middle, are flanked on the one side by two bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bathrooms, a massive kitchen (almost of commercial proportions) and the main bedroom which has its own separate wing with a large en-suite bathroom with spa bath, powder room and a smaller balcony.

If you don’t want to cook, the penthouse comes with a butler service, on request!

Diamant Hotel (part of 8Hotels group)

14 Kings Cross Road

Potts Point NSW 2011

Telephone: (02) 9295 8888; freecalll 1800 037 544

Email: [email protected]

www.diamant.com.au

www.8hotels.com

3) Wrest Point – Hobart, Tasmania

AUSTRALIA’S first legal casino, Wrest Point opened in February 1973, in a prime waterfront location on the Derwent River.

Its iconic tower has represented accommodation excellence in Hobart for the nearly four decades and now the hotel’s entertainment precinct has been enhanced.

Indulge in a fine dining experience at the award-winning Point Revolving Restaurant where head chef Kent Sullivan adds his own Tasmanian twist to traditional French-style cooking.

A must-see for any visitor is the Museum of Old and New Art – or MONA – which opened in Hobart in January 2011.

It houses a collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world’s most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art. The owner, David Marsh, wants to change the way Australians view contemporary art and has adopted an unconventional and challenging curatorial approach.

It has to be seen to be believed.

Wrest Point

410 Sandy Bay Rd

Sandy Bay 7005

Hobart Tasmania

1800 703 006 (free call)

www.wrestpoint.com.au

4) Vibe Hotel Rushcutters – Sydney

MY one-bedroom suite overlooked Rushcutters Bay Park and the Cruising Yacht Club Marina, with the hotel surrounded by Sydney’s most exclusive shopping and nightlife spots.

The options were endless: chill out and stay up late in Kings Cross, Double Bay, Paddington, Woollahra and Potts Point or escape the action and head to the rooftop swimming pool which has been voted among the ‘Top Five’ pools in Sydney.

It was a Vibe-rant sojourn in Rushcutters!

Vibe Hotel

100 Bayswater Road

Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011

Tel: (02) 8353-8988

Email: [email protected]

www.vibehotels.com.au

5) Lyall Hotel – Melbourne, Victoria

MELBOURNE offers a cultural feast with a variety of latest international exhibitions, theatre productions and popular festivals together with plenty of great shopping and sports.

Add to this, a tour to discover why Melbourne is Australia’s coffee-drinking capital with Maria Paoli from Evolving Success and your two-day stay is jam-packed with activity.

The chic Lyall Hotel and Spa in South Yarra is Melbourne’s only privately-owned and operated five-star hotel in a fashionable address that’s tucked away from the busy main road.

The welcoming ambience is appealing, but most unusual is the mini art gallery on each level with fireplace and oversized armchairs from where you can admire the original works.

Voted Australia’s ‘Leading Boutique Hotel’ by the World Travel Awards, the hotel has 40 suites of contemporary oriental design.

Being obsessed with getting a good night’s sleep, it was reassuring to know that the high quality mattress and non-allergenic pillows were in addition (or instead) of the pillows that dressed the bed. The choice was wide: feather and down, contour, anti-ageing and rubber core foam. Opting for the anti-ageing pillow, for obvious reasons, I had a comfortable, dreamless night’s sleep – but didn’t look any younger for it!

The Lyall Hotel

14 Murphy Street

South Yarra VIC 3141

Telephone: (03) 9868 8222

www.thelyall.com

Evolving Success

Find Maria Paoli’s historical coffee trek and coffee making classes at www.evolvingsuccess.com.au

6) Crowne Plaza – Canberra

OVERLOOKING Glebe Park in the nation’s capital, Crowne Plaza’s central location places it within two minutes’ walk from Canberra’s National Convention Centre and near the city’s many shops, lively bars and restaurants.

Parliament House is three kilometres away, explore artistic treasures at Australia’s National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, look at walking routes around the shimmering waters of Lake Burley Griffin and the chime of the National Carillon and the Captain Cook Memorial fountain will be lasting memories of Canberra.

One of the best times to visit the nation’s capital is during Floriade in September.

Benefit from one of the great special summer sale packages and have a fabulous stay at the Crowne Plaza!

Crowne Plaza Hotel

1 Binara Street

Canberra ACT 2601

Tel: (02) 6246 8999

www.crowneplazacanberra.com.au

7) Swissôtel Sydney

THERE’S no such thing as a holiday with young children that’s hassle-free. Going to the beach and staying at a seaside resort offers many options, but one is hard-pressed when it comes to staying in a hotel.

Options are further restricted if you want to stay in the vibrant heart to the city. Well, that’s not the case any more – at least, not in Sydney.

The Swissôtel Sydney, in Market Street, is one deluxe five-star hotel that is very family-friendly.

Its kids room will delight those aged two to 12 years. They’ll be transported into a children’s wonderland where the rooms are bright with an abundance of plush toys, a children’s desk, colourful bed linen, special menu of DVD programs for young ones, bath amenities for junior guests, separate play area, children amenities and much more. The room is interconnected to a separate luxurious bedroom for the parents. There’s even chocolates and milk in the mini bar fridge!

What’s more, from every kids room booking, $20 goes to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.

As well, the honeymoon suite at the Swissôtel is indulgent: the rooms have spectacular views of the city, the bed is more than comfortable, bathroom is spacious, there was a Nespresso coffee machine and the room even came with a Wii!

It was the extra-special gestures that are appreciated: champagne on ice, the colourful bouquet with lilies, roses and gerberas were “really big, spectacular, and super fresh” and the chocolate-covered strawberries were a delicious touch.

To further enhance the hotel experience, have dinner at Jpb Restaurant and sample the best gastronomic feasts created by executive chef Justin Zammit.

This first-hand testimony from my newly-married son, Rajesh, and his wife, Beth, says it all: there was “really nothing about the room that wasn’t great!”

Swissôtel Sydney

68 Market Street, Sydney

Telephone: (02) 9238 8888

Email: [email protected]

www.swissotel.com.au

By Rama Gaind

Film: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg

Director: Brad Bird

In the fourth installment of the Mission Impossible series, super-spy Ethan Hunt (Cruise) accepts another assignment after a break of five years.

As a member of the IMF team, they race against time to track down a dangerous terrorist called Hendricks who is planning an attack on the US.  One attempt to stop him ends in tragedy after an explosion causes severe damage to the Kremlin. This results in the president involving Ghost Protocol under which the IMF is disavowed and being offered no help or back-up.

Ethan and his team brave the odds with a fearless attitude, constantly in motion, undertaking some spectacular stunts along the way including Cruise dangling outside the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The plot moves at break-neck speed between Budapest, Moscow, Dubai and Mumbai.

With Ghost Protocol, director Brad Bird delivers something extraordinary out of a recognisable storyline.

Cruise, who is surprisingly agile, is the real star (and the film’s executive producer), but the role of the female co-star is underplayed with Patton being one-dimensional.

However, Bollywood star Anil Kapoor is impressive in the small, but significant role of a Mumbai-based tycoon.

Puss in Boots: A delightful spin-off from the Shrek series, you will have fun trying to find out how Puss (Antonio Banderas) became an outlaw.

Arthur Christmas: A lively animated comedy in 3D, Santa’s younger son (James McAvoy) dashes across the world to deliver a misplaced present.

Restless: Gus Van Sant’s unusual, bittersweet romance for which you will need a pack of tissues. Australia’s Mia Wasikowska is a star.

Bollywood film: Don 2

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor, Om Puri

Director: Farhan Akhtar

This sequel sees Shah Rukh Khan return to anti-hero roles he carried off with aplomb earlier in his career (Anjaam, Baazigar, Darr).

This character is attractive, but wicked and immoral. SRK dons several disguises from looking debonair to being dishevelled.

The intrigue surrounds a scheme involving the robbery of currency printing plates from a bank.

The Don appears in Malaysia, gets arrested in order to get convicted Vardhan (Irani) out of jail as he has the keys to a video they is used to blackmail a bank VP to get access to the security system of a German bank.

This is an action film that sees the Don’s one-man army being introduced in Thailand, then there’s the convenient escape from a Malaysian prison and some predictable car chases in Germany.

Jason West does wonders with the exotic locations with some eye-catching cinematography through the French Riviera, the jungles of Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Zurich and Berlin.

In this heist film, the bland first hour lacks thrills, while the energetic second keeps you on the edge of the seat.

It comes in a sleek package, has witty dialogues and worthy action sequences, but it needed a tight reign on the script.

The ‘wow’ factor is missing from the music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, even though the score has plenty of vigour.

Don 2 emulates the changing trends in Hindi cinema and redefines ‘slick’ in Bollywood.

Farhan Akhtar proves, yet again, that he is one of Hindi cinema’s stylish director/storytellers.

By Rama Gaind

Film: The Adventures of Tintin

Cast: Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis

Director: Steven Spielberg

FOR more than 80 years, Tintin and his loyal dog, Snowy, have been delighting readers of all ages with their adventures – garnering a legion of fans across the globe.

Now, Madman has released The Adventures of Tintin remastered on DVD and Blu-Ray for a whole new generation.

Intrepid reporter by trade, adventurer and detective by circumstance; Hergé’s Tintin is one of the world’s most popular and beloved comic book characters.

Together with Snowy, they have appeared in more than 120 million books, published in over 50 countries, and translated into 45 languages.

Featuring all 21 classic Tintin adventures across 39 episodes and five discs, The Adventures of Tintin animated series  is  highly-respected  and fondly remembered for its authenticity which effortlessly captures the globe-trotting, adventurous spirit of the original comic books.

The intricate plotlines of the series visit a variety of genres from swashbuckling  adventures on the high seas, to mystery, science fiction and political thrillers all  thrown in along the way.

This is an essential pick‐up for collectors, or even the casual Tintin fan, eager for more of his escapades.

Touch of finesse

The viewing experience is more memorable knowing that Steven Spielberg is at the helm. The maestro has always been at the cutting edge of film technology and special effects.

He is ahead of the game, working alongside CGI pioneer (Lord of the Rings) producer Peter Jackson and delivering bold action sequences that exceed expectations in terms of ingenuity, boldness and creativity.

The team has been astute in replicating the sparkling, vivid look of Herge’s original comic books and the sense of humour.

It’s also worth the effort in watching the eye-catching action sequences!

By Rama Gaind

Two insightful new documentaries, released on DVD by Madman, witnesses the collision of the world of media and marketing.

Pom Wonderful and Page One are different when it comes to the tone and subject matter, but each excels in peeling back layers of the intrinsically linked worlds of media and advertising.

From Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock (Supersize Me), Pom Wonderful: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold is a feature length documentary that was fully financed through product placement, marketing and advertising.

With his trademark wit and insight, Spurlock jumps head first into the covert world of movie marketing, allowing audiences to look into the pitch meetings and product placement presentations that ultimately inform our everyday entertainment decisions.

He has an irresistible offer for the brands involved – for the right price, he will make the entire movie about them. No questions. No catches … but before he can make good on his pitch, he will have to face the everyday trials and legal ramifications of juggling so many brands in one basket.

On the other side of the media fence sits Page One: Inside the New York Times, a timely story of the struggle to maintain the relevance and integrity of newspaper journalism within a world that is increasingly pulling away from the printed word.

Page One gains unprecedented access to The New York Times newsroom and the inner workings of the media desk as the paper’s writers, editors and publishers grapple with existential challenges from players like WikiLeaks, new platforms in Twitter and tablet computers, and readers’ expectations that online news sources should be free.

Page One skillfully paints a nuanced portrait of journalists continuing to produce extraordinary work—under increasingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of the film is the burning question on the minds of everyone who cares about a rigorous press: what will happen if the fast-moving future of media leaves behind the fact-based, original reporting that helps to define our society?

Both films have to be seen to gain some shrewd insight.

By Rama Gaind

A swag of SBS program (now available on DVD from Madman) are among nominations for the inaugural Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts Awards (Samsung AACTA Awards – formerly the AFI Awards) which were announced earlier this month.

The program are East West 101, Rockwiz and Immigration Nation, as well as The Tall Man, coming to DVD, 8 February, 2012.

The Tall Man has taken out four nominations in the feature-length documentary category including Best Feature Length Documentary.

Based on Chloe Hooper’s award-winning book, and from the makers of First Australians, The Tall Man is the story of Cameron Doomadgee, a resident of the tropical paradise of Palm Island who swore at a police officer one morning and lay dead in a prison cell 40 minutes later. It is also the story of that policeman – the tall, enigmatic Christopher Hurley and the struggle to bring him to trial.

Review of The Tall Man

A convincingly sad story, this film did not receive the attention that it was its due.

Adapted for the screen by Tony Krawitz, The Tall Man vividly hones in on life in the Palm Island community. In so doing, it draws outrage over the investigation into the death of Cameron Doomadgee, who was taken into custody and on entering the police station supposedly tripped. He was found dead with horrific injuries in his cell. The death of Cameron Doomadgee in the Palm Island police station in 2004 was tragic.

Many a court case has dealt with the numerous accounts of how he sustained those injuries.

This is an important film, in a fine documentary style, that has been dealt with sensitively.

The Tall Man was also recently awarded the prestigious Walkley Award for Excellence in Documentary. The Walkley Foundation introduced this new award category for Australia’s most highly regarded media accolades in 2011, as a part of the celebrations in the centenary of Australian journalism.

Other titles

Immigration Nation: The Secret History of Us, SBS’ in-depth exploration of our untold immigration story and the dramatic saga of how modern Australia came to be, has also picked up a nomination in the Best Documentary series category.

In the television category, the third series of the rivetting Sydney-based crime drama, East West 101 (which has taken out numerous AFI Awards in the past), has received four nominations in total, including Best Television Drama Series and Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama.

Meanwhile, Australia’s longest-running music trivia series, and also previous AFI Award winner, Rockwiz, took out a nomination in the Best Light Entertainment Television Series.

The winners will be announced at a red carpet ceremony to be held in Sydney and broadcast on the Nine Network on January 31, 2012.