Jacki Weaver gets a ‘Best Supporting Actress’ nomination for her stellar performance in ‘Animal Kingdom’.
By Rama Gaind
Madman Entertainment – Australia’s leading independent home entertainment and theatrical distribution and rights management company – continues to be at the top of its game with more Oscar-nominated films in its portfolio.
In the nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards on February 27, there’s a host of prestigious nods for Madman distributed and sub-distributed releases.
Australian actress Jacki Weaver has received a ‘Best Supporting Actress’ nomination for her stellar performance in Animal Kingdom after already having received multiple high-profile international award nominations, worldwide critical acclaim and an AFI Award for ‘Best Actress’.
Following numerous short animation awards in 2010, and most recently, the prestigious AFI Award for the same category, The Lost Thing, co-directed by world-renowned Australian author and illustrator Shaun Tan, has appeared amongst the nomination list for ‘Best Short Film (Animation)’.
Meanwhile, in the ‘Best Actor’ category, Javier Bardem has received a nomination for his powerful role in the March 24 Madman Theatrical release Biutiful, which has also been recognised in the ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ category. In addition, Dogtooth and Outside The Law [Hors-La-Loi] have also received nominations in the ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ category.
In the ‘Best Documentary Feature’ category, Exit Through The Gift Shop, the incendiary debut by Banksy – the notorious British street artist – is in the running for a gong alongside Palace Films’ Gasland, the eye-opening account of the devastating environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) and National Geographic’s Restrepo, the harrowing true story of Second Platoon’s operations in Afghanistan, which plays out like a real-life version of 2010 Oscar winner, The Hurt Locker.
Also coming in 2011 from Madman, nominated in the ‘Best Animated Feature’ category, is The Illusionist, the new feature from director Sylvain Chomet (The Triplets of Belleville) based on an unproduced script by Jacques Tati.
This year’s list of nominations represents the largest-ever potential slate of Oscars for films distributed and sub-distributed by Madman. The 2011 Academy Awards ceremony will take place at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles on February 27, 2011.
The complete list of award nominations for Madman distributed films is as follows:
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Javier Bardem, Biutiful
BestActress in a Leading Role – Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine (Palace Films)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom
Best Animated Feature Film – The Illusionist
Best Short Film (Animation) – The Lost Thing, Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
Best Documentary Feature:
Exit Through The Gift Shop, Banksy
Gasland, Josh Fox (Palace Films)
Restrepo, Tim Hetherington
Best Foreign Language Film:
Biutiful (Mexico)
Dogtooth (Greece)
Outside The Law [Hors-La-Loi] (Algeria)
Best Costume Design – I Am Love, Antonella Cannarozzi
‘The Lost Thing’ is directed by Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann.
Based on one of the most controversial murders in India, No One Killed Jessica is the story of the murder of model Jessica Lall and the events which followed.
It dramatises the April 1999 murder of Jessica and the turbulent events which followed the bungled court case, acquittal of those charged and circumstances which allowed the prime suspect Manu Sharma (son of a wealthy politician) to walk free.
This resulted in nationwide protests following a media-led campaign seeking justice that resulted in a retrial and life sentence.
The Jessica Lall murder was a significant event in New Delhi and director Raj Kumar Gupta has used the plentiful material and delivered a film that is, in certain parts, poignant and evocative.
However, it is also noisy and simplistic almost as if the director couldn’t decide on a hard-hitting path – choosing instead to merge fact and fiction through overbearing drama and modest realism.
Gupta makes a bold move and uses two female leads – Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan – in a hero-dominated industry. Vidya skillfully plays Jessica’s crusading sister Sabrina, unglamorous but distressed and strong-willed.
Even though no female journalist is credited with this campaign, Rani as the feisty television reporter Meera, talks and acts tough and single-handedly pushes the authorities into reviewing the case. Rani’s portrayal lacks conviction.
Rajesh Sharma (Parineeta, Ishqiya) is noticeable as the policeman on the case.
As the cameras move relentlessly, Gupta makes a social comment on the intricate layers of power and how quickly and ruthlessly the defenceless are silenced.
The film enlightens and entertains, opens up thought processes without losing sight of the cinematic values. It has a lot going for it: strong marketing, smart budgets, true portrayal of events and it tells a powerful story that is emotionally touching.
Gupta displays the same fearless resolve of realism which he showed in his fine directorial debut with Aamir in 2008.
No One Killed Jessica proves that Indian cinema is ready to genuinely tackle true-life subjects, even though filmmakers still shy away from naming names.
This political power thriller highlights the relentless pursuit for justice by two women and how it mobilises the whole nation, thereby, proving that in a democracy there is no greater power than the power of the people.
Whenever you visit Sydney, you are sure to have a memorable time with plenty of opportunity to participate in action-packed activities.
If you go in January, then one of the biggest attractions is the annual Sydney Festival.
What better way to savour the highlights and stay for a few days at the Swissôtel, a five-star deluxe hotel in Market Street, right in the heart of the central business district.
What’s more, it is located above one of Australia’s most iconic department stores and centrally positioned amongst Sydney’s prime tourist, shopping and entertainment districts including the newly-opened Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street Mall and Queen Victoria Building.
While views across the city are breathtaking from the higher floors, the welcoming service is efficient and personalised.
It is heartening to see staff go out of their way to be courteous!
The reception desk is a hive of activity: people constantly checking-in and out, others wanting answers to simple (even tedious) questions. The arrival area swells with numbers as airline crews register, but staff confidently go about welcoming them. Even those hovering are tended to within minutes. Those queues thinned out pretty quickly!
Swissôtel’s marketing and communications manager Maryam Awang certainly knows how to make a stay, albeit short, an enjoyable one. It’s the little things that make such a difference.
“We want our guests to have a memorable time during their stay … it’s all part of our hospitality services,” she said.
A case in point: ensuring that a hearty breakfast was sent up to my room in plenty of time to catch an early flight showed courteous regard.
Executive chef Justin Zammit created some delectable canapés including square cuts of watermelon with mint which was very refreshing, the prawns were a sure winner together with the oysters and those chocolate-dipped macaroons were oh, not so good for the waistline!
General manager Wayne Horbach must be commended for having such a considerate team.
Comfortable surroundings
Representing the essence of understated, contemporary living, guests are at the centre of both leisure and business activities at the Swissôtel in Market Street. Not far away is Myer, the department store (along with numerous other retailers) where a tight control has to be kept on the wallet!
Accommodation is comfortable with well-appointed rooms and suites (there are 359). Fashionable furnishings and uncluttered style will appeal to the discerning traveler, and the amenities are at a premium.
Luxury living is staying on one of the Executive Club floors feature on the top levels of 24 and 25 and enjoying the privileges. These include complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails and canapés in Club Lounge on Level 24, while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city skyline from the ‘top of the world’.
Along with personalised express check-out services, benefits also include daily newspapers. The room is neat and clean and the urge to relax is instantaneous.
Non-smoking and Swissôtel Kids Rooms are also available and if you prefer a caffeine shot or two, personal Nepresso coffee machines are in higher room categories.
There’s no doubting that fresh and innovative cuisine is full of flavour whether you relax at the Crossroads Bar over a selection of nibbles, light snacks and desserts and beverages or sample fine dining at Jpb Restaurant.
The hotel is the ideal venue for both corporate and social events with the conference and events facilities featuring the state-of-the-art technology.
There’s also easy access to the city’s transportation system. An underground walkway conveniently connects the hotel to Sydney’s railway hub – Town Hall station, whilst the monorail service is also just moments from the hotel.
The next visit to the Swissôtel Sydney must include time to try one of those pillows in the room billed as ones “you can dream on” and unwind at the Amrita Spa.
Festival highlights
When you visit the ‘beautiful Harbour city’ in January, the Sydney Festival’s innumerable events will leave you in a quandary: how will you be able to pack everything into one weekend?
Be discerning, pick what you want to see, and don’t panic. Have a relaxing weekend.
Many soaked up the best Sydney had to offer with music and dance on a summer evening under the stars.
There was so much to enjoy outdoors and Symphony in The Domain was something different this year. Take pleasure in your favourite tunes from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet before John Bell enacted scenes from the Shakespeare’s Henry V, accompanied by the Sydney Symphony and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.
Festival Inside Out was Sydney Festival’s newest addition to its annual free outdoor program.
Two of Australia’s finest performing arts companies, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company came together for a thrilling double bill.
Under the direction of assistant leader, Satu Vänskä, the Australian Chamber Orchestra performed a special Festival program created around Summer from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, before Sydney Dance Company took to the stage for an explosive performance of 6 Breaths, artistic director Rafael Bonachela’s stunningly athletic 2010 creation with music by Ezio Bosso.
In between, some of Western Sydney’s brightest young talents joined the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Thinking about Forever, a new composition by Matthew Hindson with choreography by Kay Armstrong. The work featured youMove Company, Parramatta String Players and Department of Education Dance Off! students.
Confirming itself as the Sydney summer live music destination, Beck’s Festival Bar once again served up eclectic sounds and cutting-edge music.
Enthusiasts made the most of summer and experience some of the world’s best bands and DJs over 14 balmy, star-lit nights at the historic Hyde Park Barracks Museum.
The Beck’s Video Project returned to animate the façade of the Hyde Park Barracks Museum with mesmeric scaled projections by New Zealand artist Michel Tuffery M.N.Z.M.
Physical theatre at its finest, Kneehigh Theatre’s take on Hans Christian Andersen’s wondertale The Red Shoes was well received. The list of entertainment highlights was endless.
January offered a fresh start, the turning of a page and optimism for the year ahead.
Can’t wait for January 2012 – and another innovative program of events!
Actual events of 2001 in Ohio were the inspiration behind Unstoppable, an action-packed ride from director Tony Scott.
Two ordinary people find themselves at the centre of circumstances that are extraordinary. Human stupidity resulted in runaway train 777 heading for disaster as it careered driverless down the track.
The situation is more complicated when it’s realised that 777 is carrying several cars of molten phenol, a highly toxic chemical that will devastate Will’s home town of Stanton if the train crashes there.
Twenty-eight-year railway veteran is train engineer Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) and Will Colson (Chris Pine), a young conductor, is on his first day on the job.
Together they have to race the clock and stop an unmanned runaway train before it hits a train full of school children on a field trip or the ordinary freight locomotive manned by Barnes and Colson.
We also get a chance to get an insight into their personal lives. Will is estranged from his wife and child and Frank is a widower with two teenage daughters.
Heading for fame as a result of averting disaster, they are aided by Connie Hooper (Rosario Dawson), the railway traffic controller at the base headquarters. She is constantly frustrated by the unimpressive attempts of boss Galvin (Kevin Dunn) to find the cheapest way to solve the problems.
This is an adrenaline-fuelled reality of ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances.
An impressive old-fashioned action thriller.
MORNING GLORY
Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams star in this barely tolerable romantic comedy set in the dysfunctional world of morning television.
When Becky (McAdams) decides to revitalise the show by bringing on legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy (Ford) sparks fly between him and co-host Colleen Peck(Keaton).
How she goes about saving the show, her job and her personal life makes for average viewing.
This is an enchanting adaptation of the Brothers Grimm tale Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore.
Done the best, as only Walt Disney Pictures can, Tangled sees Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi) taken hostage in a mysterious tower by the beautiful and spirited with 70-feet of magical, golden hair
Since she has been locked up in the tower for years, Rapunzel is eager to escape from the tower and makes a deal with the handsome Flynn.
Their action-packed adventure includes some ingenious characters including an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of thugs.
Tangled has lots of heart, some humour and plenty of hair!
The devastating floods in Queensland has resulted in death and destruction, but generous donations by Australians will go a long way to assist victims of this tragedy.
One company – EMI Music Australia – has trawled its offices for ‘exclusive, signed and money-can’t-buy’ items to be auctioned to raise money for the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
This is a rare opportunity to bid for that valuable signed album from your favourite artists including limited edition vinyl, CDs, posters and other exclusive items which have unearthed in the search for this much-needed cause.
Items include (but are certainly not limited to) the original and actual electric chair used on the cover for the classic Hoodoo Guru’s album ‘Electric Chair’ through to a vintage Triple J hottest 100 plaque awarded to the Virgin team for sales of the 2nd Triple J Hottest 100 CD; an ultra limited edition signed Air vinyl box set; signed block mounted posters and CDs by numerous celebrities; various merchandise items, and vinyl from the likes of Hot Chip, Arcade Fire and Massive Attack.
Dangerfield – The Complete First Series (Madman Entertainment)
One can only be amazed at the boundless energy exuded by Paul Dangerfield: a successful GP and police surgeon.
Dangerfield, played with calm determination by Nigel Le Vaillant (Casualty), also assists with forensic investigations, examines victims – dead or alive – and appears as a witness in court.
With two teenage children dealing with the death of their mother and his work commitments, he has little time to pay attention to glamorous solicitor Kate Durrani.
What’s more, the fiesty Joanna Stevens (Amanda Redman, New Tricks) does not hide her anger at having to cope with staff shortages at the surgery.
The picturesque Warwickshire countryside makes a fine backdrop for this production that cleverly merges police investigations with medical issues and the complexities of personal and family relationships.
This two-disc set includes all six episodes of the popular BBC drama. They brought back some treasured memories!
Be prepared to feel emotionally gutted after watching this excellent thriller that successfully combines compelling writing, convincing acting and gleaming photography.
This is an inventive thriller in 10 episodes from Danish Radio TV Drama. In the course of 20 gripping days we follow leads and observe the consequences of a heinous crime that sees intense ramifications throughout Copenhagen. The Danish capital unfolds to reveal secrets and power struggles that are astounding.
It all starts when head of investigations in the homicide department has her last day at work before embarking on a new chapter in her life.
An all but normal family at Vesterbro are minding their everyday life and contemplate moving, when the parents are suddenly thrown into their worst imaginable nightmare. At the same time a top politician is involved in a ruthless but promising election campaign. They all become part of the same story as the police follow the leads. A homicide case begins and so does the hunt for the perpetrator, which changes the lives of everyone involved forever.
Very different people are bound together in the same fateful story as the investigation intensifies. The wide-reaching consequences touch bureaucrats at town hall, the blocked surrounds affecting immigrant circles, high school students’ concealed plan and those involved in ruthless election campaign.
This three-DVD set uncovers an emotional drama that’s not only character-driven with insights into their personal lives, but a crime drama with an absorbing mature intelligence.
Jim Hutton as 'Ellery Hutton' is out on DVD from Madman Entertainment.
Ellery Queen: The Complete Series, 7 DVD Set, (Madman Entertainment)
By Rama Gaind
What an amazing way to interact – by matching wits with a great detective from the past – Ellery Queen!
Set in 1946-47 New York, Jim Hutton takes on the title role of the mystery writer and helps his Police Inspector father Richard (David Wayne) to untangle the clues and solve the cleverest of crimes. Ellery has astonishing powers of observation, dwelling on minute details and a brilliant mind.
In recent years we’ve seen similar mystery formats unfold in such television series as Murder, She Wrote and Columbo. A long list of clues follow a mysterious murder and, in these cases, many suspects from an array of weekly guest stars, not to mention some red-herrings to challenge viewers to guess whodunnit!
Hutton makes a decent Ellery Queen, convincingly lost in his own thoughts, matter-of-fact in his pronouncements and he’s a likeable man who’s also modest.
David Wayne is perfect as the proud father who manipulates his son so he can be king of the crime division. Wayne appeared in The Adventures of Ellery Queen (1951-54) and The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen (1959). Their relationship isn’t full of banter or as intricate as the 1970s team of Jim and Rocky Rockford, but the running gags about Ellery’s poor driving for one help lighten the mood.
The attention to period detail is impressive from long sedans to the taxi cabs. There are certain charms around Ellery, but it will appeal only to those who look at murder mysteries as a puzzle to be solved and not a crime-based reality show to appreciate. Some may say it’s an old fashioned way, too tedious, of solving a crime.
It was a wholesome period series that that put the focus on investigation and deduction, not chasing suspects, hip action and interrogations as seen in Starsky and Hutch.
However, there are some interesting guest stars, some of them suspects and others victims. Look for people like Betty White, Larry Hagman, Ed McMahon, Sal Mineo, Cesar Romero, Dick Sargent, Bill Dana, Troy Donahue, Vincent Price, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Victor Buono, Norman Fell, Bob Crane, Carolyn Jones, Tom Bosley, Eve Arden, Tab Hunter and Gary Burghoff.
Never before available on DVD, this seven-disc collection of the complete 1975-76 television series presents all 22 episodes of the classic mysteries including the rarely seen feature-length pilot movie Too Many Suspects. Another bonus is the original 1971 Peter Lawford TV movie Ellery Queen: Don’t Look Behind You.
Each episode begins with a voiceover from a radio-style announcer who invites viewers to “Match wits with Ellery Queen and see if you can guess . . . who done it!” Then, we’re introduced to the victim (still alive) and the suspects, as the voiceover proceeds to ask several questions about the killer. Before the big revelation at the end of every episode, Ellery Queen asks, “Have you figured it out? Do you know who the murderer is?”
The pilot offers Magnum, P.I. regular John Hillerman as radio star Simon Brimmer, who writes the mystery scripts that he and a cast perform for a popular radio serial.
Twenty-three episodes are included on six single-sided discs, which are housed overlapping in a fold-out cardboard-and-plastic case that tucks inside a cardboard slipcase with a ‘viewing notes’ booklet.
Here’s a brief summary of the first six episodes:
1) ‘Too Many Suspects’: Ellery Queen tracks down the killer of noted fashion designer Monica Gay.
2) ‘The Adventure of Auld Lang Syne’: Marcus Halliday is murdered at the Hotel Astor on New Year’s Eve, 1946.
3) ‘The Adventure of the Lover’s Leap’: Wealthy heiress Stephanie Kendrick is dead . . . but was it murder or suicide?
4) ‘The Adventure of the Chinese Dog’: While trying to enjoy their fishing trip, Ellery and Inspector Queen are enlisted to solve a small-town murder.
5) ‘The Adventure of the Comic Book Crusader’: Ellery Queen finds himself among the suspects in the murder of a comic book publisher.
6) ‘The Adventure of the 12th Floor Express’: News mogul Henry Manners has been found murdered in the express elevator to the 12th floor of his building.
Colin Firth and Helen Bonham Carter in 'The King's Speech'.
By Rama Gaind
Film:The King’s Speech
Stars: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Geoffrey Rush
Director: Tom Hooper
The King’s Speech is elegantly staged, driven by brilliant performances from Firth and Rush as the most unlikely of friends.
It is based on the true story of George VI’s battles to overcome a dreaded stutter that hampered both his confidence and ability to communicate with the public.
Bravery comes in many forms as the troubled Royal turns to an eccentric Australian speech therapist for help. It is their relationship, though adversarial at first, that understandably develops into something vital and binding.
The film is set during the mid-1930s with England on the brink of war with Nazi Germany. Firth plays King George VI, but at the time he was only the Duke of York and known as ‘Bertie’ by his family. His speech impediment prohibits him from speaking in public or to almost anyone at all, without stammering and freezing up.
Dr Lionel Logue (Rush) comes admirably to the rescue with a set of unexpected techniques. As a result, ‘Bertie’ finds his voice in time to deliver an important speech to the British Empire and boldly lead the country to declare war.
This splendidly crafted period drama has light comic moments and compelling acting. Firth gives his best performance yet, Bonham Carter (as ‘Bertie’s ever-supportive wife) has never been better and Rush is brilliant too.
Other facets of the film were equally outstanding: Tom Hooper’s taut, brisk direction, David Seidler’s incredible screenplay, Alexandre Desplat’s fantastic score, the extraordinarily bright dialogues between Firth and Rush and the elegant compositions of cinematography by Danny Cohen. Those close-ups make you feel as if you’re in the same room with them!
Even the costumes and period set decoration are perfectly on the mark.
The King’s Speech has received seven Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture, Director, Actor (for Firth) and Screenplay. Hopes are high of it being bestowed with many awards in 2011 – and they will be well deserved.
'Mother' is a fine mystery on DVD from Madman Entertainment.'Genova' from Madman Entertainment.'Noodle' from Madman Entertainment is full of surprises.
By Rama Gaind
Mother (Madman Entertainment)
Stars: Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin
Director: Bong Joon-ho
From the director of such classics as The Host and Memories of Murder, this gripping Korean mystery has a slow start and a shocking end.
How far would you go to prove the innocence of your child if he was accused of a horrific crime? Hye-ja is one single mother who leaves no stone unturned.
After a teenage girl is found dead in an abandoned building, 27-year-old Do-joon is accused of her murder.
Hye-ja is horrified when her son is arrested. Do-joon is mentally slow, but she is convinced of his innocence, and sets about finding evidence to set him free, regardless of the cost.
Delivering an excellent performance, Hye-ja treads a fine line between being emotionally delicate and tough.
Stick with the action and you will be suitably surprised.
As well, you will enjoy the special DVD features including the making of Mother, a look at behind the scenes, during the shooting, interview with the film’s director, main and other characters and the first and last days of shooting.
Genova (Madman Entertainment)
Cast: Colin Firth, Catherine Keener, Willa Holland, Perla Haney-Jardine, Hope Davis
Director: Michael Winterbottom
A well-directed drama with passive emotions, this film sees brilliant performances from Firth, Holland and Haney-Jardine.
Firth is Joe, who after the tragic death of his wife, goes to Genoa with his two daughters – Kelly (Holland) and Mary (Haney-Jardine). He has accepted a 12-month university position and meets up with a former colleague Barbara (Keener).
While Mary is haunted with guilt over her mother’s death, Kelly is quite the opposite and wastes no time in joining the social set.
As the family gets around the city, we see a never-ending stretch of Genoa streets but the story is devoid of required sentiments.
British director Michael Winterbottom certainly provides variety: three of his films — Welcome to Sarajevo, Wonderland and 24 Hour Party People — were nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
BaoQi Chen is lovable in the title role – even though he doesn’t speak English or Hebrew.
Avital plays flight attendant Miri in this Israeli film who unexpectedly finds herself looking after her Chinese cleaner’s six-year-old son. She had only left him with her for an hour, but she hasn’t returned.
Miri carries her own grief and lives with her sister, Gila, who has recently separated from her husband.
Frustration at being saddled with Noodle gives way to a fiercely maternal love and the realisation that she must track down his mother.
It proves to be a heart-wrenching journey with a satisfactory ending.
Here are two DVD titles which are different in subject matter, but are still excellent viewing.
Bronson (Madman Entertainment)
Stars: Tom Hardy, Kelly Adams, Luing Andrews
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
This is a remarkable story of resilience. Michael Peterson is a hot-headed 19 year old who makes a name for himself by robbing a post office in 1974.
Of the 34 years he has been behind bars, 30 have been in solitary confinement.
During that time the boy in Petersen fades away and his superstar alter ego ‘Charles Bronson’ comes to centre stage, after he was re-named Charles Bronson by his fight promoter.
Narrated with humour, the line between comedy and horror is blurred.
Starring Tom Hardy (Rocknrolla, Layercake), this is the English language debut for Nicholas Winding Refn, director of the acclaimed Pusher series.
DVD special features are noteworthy including an exclusive Australian interview with the director.
Love The Beast (Madman Entertainment)
You don’t have to be a revhead to watch this film. Australian actor and car enthusiast Eric Bana tells a great story with his very own Ford GT Falcon Coupe – The Beast.
The simple story is about him, his first car, a lifetime of ownership and friendship.
Documenting his 25-year-long love story takes us through a gruelling motor race and a little disappointment.
Unwillingly Eric casts himself in his own real life drama as we follow him from inside the race car to the surreal world of the red carpet.
This true story is convincing as we follow Eric’s progress as a car lover and as a person conflicted by what he has done. He directs himself well.
Eric Bana in 'Love the Beast' from Madman Entertainment.'Bronson' is out on DVD from Madman.
As the social and personal pressures increase in the face of re-building his car, he seeks guidance and wisdom from not only his three life-long friends, but also Jay Leno, ‘Dr Phil’ McGraw and Jeremy Clarkson.
Watch out for the special highlights in this DVD pack.
'Prime Mover' from Madman Entertainment.'Eden is West' from Madman.'Camino' (Madman Entertainment) makes for compelling viewing.
By Rama Gaind
Film on DVD: Prime Mover(Madman Entertainment)
Stars: Michael Dorman, Emily Barclay, William McInnes, Ben Mendolsohn, Gyton Grantley
Director: David Caesar
A bittersweet story about the love, responsibility and ambition shared by a man, a woman and his truck.
Australian director David Caesar (Mullet, Dirty Deeds) extracts the best from Michael Dorman (Suburban Mayhem, Daybreakers) and Emily Barclay (Suburban Mayhem, In My Father’s Den).
Worthy support is also given by McInnes (Unfinished Sky) and Mendelsohn (Animal Kingsom, The Year My Voice Broke).
Eden is West (Madman Entertainment)
Greek director Constanin Costa-Gavras gives us a serious theme wrapped up as an enjoyable fairytale with modern overtones.
Tackling the hardships suffered by illegal immigrants to Europe, the film also explores the magical nature of a world where experiences are both full of guarantees and hazards.
The adventures of Elias (Riccardo Scarmarcio) begin on the Aegean Sea: on a trawler packed with men, women and children who covertly approach the beaming lights to an unknown shoreline. They are full of hope for a new life in the west.
How he undertakes his extraordinary journey to reach Paris, crossing the continent, is what gives this odyssey a fulsome heart, wit and amazing complexities.
Camino – An Angel Lives Among Us (Madman Entertainment)
A heartbreaking glimpse into the life of 13-year-old Camino, whose life (along with those around her) is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with a rare cancer of the spine.
Her mother is a devotee of the Opus Dei sect, her father cannot control his sorrow over the impending loss of his daughter and her older sister appears disinterested.
As Camino’s life changes in unexpected ways, her active imagination is her consolation. For this is where she retreats to live out her harmless fantasies of happiness, romance and stardom.
Stars: Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, Teri Polo, Barbra Streisand, Laura Dern, Jessica Alba, Harvey Keitel
Director: Paul Weitz
Laughs coming furiously our way is sadly lacking in this film. The third installment sees another take in the test of wills between Jack Byrnes (De Niro) and Greg Focker (Stiller). There’s nothing like a little misunderstanding to fuel the fires of suspicion.
When the young Focker twins celebrate their birthday, the entire clan including Pam’s (Polo) love-lorn ex Kevin (Wilson) get together for the party.
The cranky former CIA agent Jack continues to be distrustful and loath to accept Greg as head of the family.
When an opportunity to moonlight for a drug company comes his way, the cash-strapped male nurse is again a target of mistrust.
This star-studded offering has lost its shine and drags a bit.
Film:Gulliver’s Travels
Cast: Jack Black, Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly, Chris O’Dowd, T.J. Miller, James Corden, Catherine Tate
Director: Rob Letterman
Black plays Lemuel Gulliver, a newspaper mail-room clerk, who gets a travel assignment to the Bermuda Triangle but washes ashore on Lilliput.
He is a giant on an island that’s home to tiny, industrious people. The ruler is the ineffectual King Theodore (Connolly) whose daughter Princess Mary (Blunt) is being wooed by Horatio (Segel), a feeble suitor, and a pompous General (O’Dowd).
Who else but Gulliver (through Black’s clowning antics) can save them from their miserable fates?
This is not a faithful adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s 1726 novel, but the cast breathe some life into a lifeless story which moderately entertains.
Peter Highman desperately tries to get to LA for the birth of his first child and Ethan Tremblay needs to get there to start his acting career.
However, this chance encounter turns into a cross-country road trip where combining two men – one, a clumsy fool and the other, highly strung – fails to hit the mark. Instead, the journey ends up damaging Peter’s nerves, destroying many friendships and demolishing several cars.
Film:3D Megamind
Stars: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Brad Pitt
Director: Tom McGrath
After Megamind (Ferrell) defeats his archrival Metro Man (Pitt), he is filled with despair.
Since life is meaningless without a rival, he creates a new superhero.
However, trouble soon follows when the new hero also wants to be a super villain.
Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller in 'Little Fockers'
