The Sapphires [HD]

Bold Acting, Sensibly Handled Senstive Issues
This "gem" of a film is a treasure that's been buried under shallow box-office movies.

"The Sapphires" is not a glitzy Hollywood romp romanticizing the late 1960s. Neither is it a raw shock-value film of the Vietnam crisis. What it is is a gritty story about the conflicts of race issues, betrayal, family conflict, and the loss of innocence. And while the film doesn't shy away from the themes of exploitation, sexuality and confusion, it also doesn't saturate the screen with images to meant to overwhelm the viewer.

The based-on-life story of four sister/cousins (Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell) who boldly belly-up to the auditions for entertainers for the Vietnam Troops is inspiring. The fights between the girls are fast, furious and leave you breathless. The manager (Chris O'Dawd) pushes back with worthwhile pressure. The family dynamics are complicated and real.

The story stays focussed on the issue of the girls...

FAIR GO! Great movie, WRONG US dvd cover!
Not much more I can contribute to the very shabby treatment the great girls who are the Sapphires receive when it comes to the U.S. dvd cover that previous reviewers haven't already touched on.
I really like Chris Dowd but he is NOT 'the movie' as the dvd cover would strongly infer. I think the cover dismisses the girls as mere 'bit players' or 'backing singers' which is not the case at all. BUY the movie and see why the cover is an injustice to who the girls are, what they achieved and why it's so disrespectful! In Australia we always think that everyone is entitled to a 'fair go' so how about changing that cover eh?

"Dream Girls" Australian-style!!!
I refuse to spoil this movie for you, because you should experience it yourself at every level -- and there are many. What I will say is that, if you love American soul music and you hate racism of any kind, you'll like this film. Inspired by a true story, three aboriginal sisters and a cousin set out on the journey of their lives accompanied by the aspiring group's white "Soul Brother" manager. Their "dream" is to sing for the U.S. troops in Vietnam during the war.

This movie is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching! Sometimes, you'll laugh and, sometimes, you'll want to cry -- in between which you'll probably sing and dance. The power of music and the power of love mix here for a very "soulful" experience.

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Jeffrey Dahmer Files

The Serial Killer Next Door: An Effective Documentary Interviews Three Subjects Close To The Case
Even after twenty years, the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer still haunt us and exemplify the notion of the serial killer next door. By all accounts, Dahmer was a polite (if socially awkward) young man who committed the most heinous murders practically in plain sight. In 1991, he was arrested for killing and mutilating 17 victims over a thirteen year period and was sentenced to 957 years in prison. Dahmer has received such notoriety in the media and much coverage in other documentaries and news features, I wasn't sure what "The Jeffrey Dahmer Files" might offer that was unique. However, I must say, I liked the approach of this little film. It interviews three subjects that were close to either Dahmer, the investigation, or both and they share their recollections of the pivotal moments leading up to the trial. Within these contemporary interviews, the movie is intercut with recreated footage of Dahmer going about a rather mundane existence. It's a great device, these moments are played...

The movie itself should serve a 957-year sentence
Just as its subject, the film commits the cinematic equivalent of murder: It bores the audience to death. The movie has no goal, just simply lays out tidbits of mundane information that three interviewees present to the filmmaker (who prays the viewer will find substantial in some way). Perhaps the movie succeeds at showing the side of Jeffrey Dahmer we did not care to see before, but we are vindicated because there is simply nothing to see. Anyone with an interest in serial killers will find they are almost always human voids. Again, the film reflects its subject.

The filmmaker himself has presented this at festivals with the story of how he won a filmmaking grant and did not know what to do with the money, so he decided to just start shooting his buddy walking around Milwaukee dressed as Jeffrey Dahmer to see if anything would come of it. Nothing did.

Great Documentary, Mostly Focused on the Case Itself
No matter how many times I hear about this case it never ceases to amaze me.

The unbelievable dichotomy of Jeffrey Dahmer's two worlds: the inner monster capable of such hideous crimes and the meek loner harboring secrets of homicidal violence, homosexuality, and alcoholism.

His story is twofold. On one hand it's disgusting, shocking. On the other, sad.

This film briefly explores both sides of Jeffrey Dahmer through recreated vignettes. However, a majority of the film revolves around first-hand accounts from those who interviewed, lived next to, and collected the evidence piled up by Dahmer.

If you're looking for all the bloody, gory details, you may be sadly disappointed... but if you're looking for an overall account of the case, as it broke in the media, this documentary is a winner!

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Place Beyond the Pines

A rare occasion where EVERYONE should listen to the VERY positive reviews
Stunning. Amazing. Beautiful. Powerful. Genuinely Effective. That my friends is what can be said about The Place Beyond the Pines. I had been hearing very good things about this movie for a long time and today I finally got to watch it. My oh my what a movie. I have yet to see Man of Steel, American Hustle, or any other movie besides 42 that has really impressed me. But this is already one of the best films of 2013. Ryan Gosling took a big leap from his lackluster performance in Gangster Squad and gave a strong standout performance as Luke Glanton. Supporting cast includes Eva Mendes as Romina, Bradley Cooper(he is getting better with each role as an actor) as Avery Cross, Ray Liotta as Delucca who also did a great job (there has to be a guy everyone loves to hate) and Dane Dehaan (who is also a great actor for his age) as Jason Glanton. The whole cast did a beyond superb job. The Place Beyond the Pines makes you forget that the people in it are just characters; you generally come to...

The first exceptional film of 2013
Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling) has a good thing going with a traveling carnival. He's got a pocketful of fame thanks to his motorcycle stuntman status and makes just enough money to get by. He meets up with Romina (Eva Mendes), an old fling, in Schenectady, New York and finds out that their one night together resulted in a little one year old boy named Jason. Luke quits the carnival and intends to provide for his son, but Romina has moved on and is currently in a relationship with Kofi (Mahershala Ali). Luke crosses paths with a mechanic named Robin (Ben Mendelsohn) who talks Luke into robbing a few banks to get some quick cash to support his newfound fatherhood. But Luke gets addicted to the thrill of the hunt and the money and gets overzealous, which attracts the New York police department and rookie cop Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper) in particular.

Director Derek Cianfrance last worked with Ryan Gosling in "Blue Valentine" from 2010, which got a noticeable amount of attention...

Another great film portraying the weight and cruciality of fatherhood
This movie had me from beginning to end. I loved the depth of all the underlying themes that intersected throughout the movie. The significance of a man's role in the family and in a marriage is heavily explored from start to finish. All the main characters appeared very raw and believable. The casting was expert and the complexities of each character were portrayed very subtly without the need for much dialogue, which is always the genius of a well-written movie. The sins of our fathers was a reoccuring theme throughout, and you can feel the inadequacies, hopes, and fears of each character as time unfolds. What gets me the most is witnessing the sweetness and kindness behind each character despite their depravity or past mistakes. This is a very moving story of humanity. You can't help but empathize with each character.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Between Us

Awesome, intense film with great performances
This is a terrific film with amazing performances. It's a super intense look at two couples going through tough times, played to perfection by all four of the actors. Definitely the best performance I've seen Julia Stiles do in years, plus Melissa George nearly steals the movie for me. I saw the film with an audience at a film festival, and it gets quite a lot of awkwards laughs, but make no mistake, it's not for the feint of heart. If you've ever been through a tough relationship or made difficult life choices, this hits you hard. Hats off to the director and playwright for doing an adaptation that's way less claustrophobic than Carnage. It feels like a real movie.

Two couples share a complicated relationship
Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, this is the intricate story of two couples who know each other well; perhaps too well. Finally, a film without outlandish CGI or other special effects, which simply tells a story of how people get along - or sometimes don't. This is the way people really are, with little pretense.

I Hate "Artistic" Movies
This movie is so annoying because the characters seem to only care about themselves. I felt the script was flimsy as well. It was like the two couples had the same experience with their spouse on 2 different nights 2 years apart. I didn't feel like there was any meaning to the movie. I didn't "get" the message. Maybe there wasn't one. But that annoys me, too. I don't like movies that are so "art house", and that don't have a point to them.

Click to Editorial Reviews

What Maisie Knew

Excellent movie
No laws, or social programs, exist to protect children from emotional abuse. In 'What Maisie Knew' the Maisie character is in the center of a collapsing adult world of increasing desperation, where emotional abuse is the final weapon. The story line follows Maisie as the sometimes intended, sometimes accidental, victim as she copes with life.
Excellent acting, casting and directing. The girl who played Maisie is brilliant.

"You are my 6th favorite girl!": Unlikeable Characters Course 101
"What Maisie Knew" (2013 release; 93 min.) brings the story of Susanna (played by Julianne Moore) and Beale (played by Steve Coogan) and their young daughter Maisie (played by newcomer Onata Aprile). As the movie opens we see Susanna, an aging (has-been?) rock singer, and Beale, an arts dealer, arguing frequently and loudly, and in front of Maisie. It doesn't take long before Susanna changes the locks on the front door, and Beale gets his own place. Maisie finds some relief with Margo, the sitter. Susanna and Beale go to court, where Susanna gets denied sole custody, so off goes Maisie between Susanna's place and Beale's place. Maisie is very surprised to find out that Margo has moved in with Beale. At that point we are about 35-40 min. into the movie and to tell you more would surely ruin your viewing pleasure, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: first and foremost, this is a tough child custody drama in which the child sadly...

A perfect example of why everyone should not be allowed to have children. A must see with amazing performances. I say A.
"None of this is your fault." Susanna (Moore) and Beale (Coogan) and going through a bitter and nasty divorce. Stuck in the middle is their 6 year old daughter Maisie. While they focus on their own lives and how to one up the other their new partners are left to care for the little girl. There are some movies that after you watch leave you speechless because words don't do the movie justice. The two for me that come to mind are The Passion Of The Christ and We Need To Talk About Kevin. This is in another category of movie where it leaves you speechless because there are so many things you want to say about it but find it hard to express. The little girl who plays Maisie really steals the movie from Moore and the other big names by portraying a girl with such innocence that you really want nothing but the best for her in the hell she is going through. Besides being a very great movie it will also make you feel different about being a parent and why putting your child's welfare ahead of...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Art & Copy [HD]

Masterfully presented
Excellent. This documentary carries a message that redeems much of what global advertising fails to do, which is mainly to connect us with something artful and truthful, something that joins us in the journey as opposed to assaulting us along the way. The individuals interviewed were thoughtful and subtle in their explorations and it took the greater part of the film for them to reveal the beliefs that drive them and some few others in their profession to success. I feel their message applies to whatever path one walks through life: if you wish to live a meaningful life and do meaningful work, you have to retain the courage continually to reconnect your life and work with creative and truthful intent. Thank you for this inspiring film!

The real mad men
Excellent list of important ad agencies and clearly got good access and caught their passion for their work very well!

Fun to Watch
Upbeat, rosy-hued take on marketing. Refreshing and fun, though not extremely depthy or provocative. Argues that advertising, done right, rises to the level of art, and even at times, activism.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Oblivion (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet)

(BLU RAY UPDATE) 4 1/2 stars for a visually arresting sci-fi beauty
There may be spoilers.

Some critics have panned this new film from director and co-writer Joseph Kosinski, in this his second film ("TRON: Legacy"), as being highly derivative. But let's face it, how many films are so fresh and new that they delve into uncharted territory? In any case, don't care. Whether it's a drama, a comedy, a horror movie or even a romantic comedy, it's how well it is delivered that counts. And this film delivers.

Like "TRON" the film is visually arresting. Seen on a big screen, the sets are huge but sparse, drawing the audience in. Set in a war-ravaged Earth of 2077 devoid of humans, all of whom have resettled on a moon of Saturn, only Jack (terrific Tom Cruise) and Victoria (Andrea Riseborough) remain. They are partners (both romantic and professionally) whose mission is to watch over the drones that patrol the area for a smattering of "Scavs" who were the defeated invaders. While Earth won the war, they lost the planet which...

Entertaining Sci-fi Flick!
Oblivion wasn't a dynamic bang `em up, annihilate the universe sci-fi. It was steady, uncomplicated and extremely enjoyable. Cruise's performance is good (not a big fan of his, but he does have that charisma that is caught on film and makes it work extremely well). The premise was really good; the plot was a twist I did not even anticipate, but it was a really nice surprise for a sci-fi flick. The visuals and special effects are outstanding! Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable and entertaining Saturday night movie. For you sci-fi fans who need a fix, give this a look-see! Highly Recommend!

Oblivion in IMAX
When I first saw a trailer for Oblivion, I felt like it was custom made for me. Then, last night, while watching it in IMAX,they started playing a Led Zeppelin song in the movie, I knew it was made for me. Oblivion was a mix of the greatest Sci-Fi already made and yet it was still unique in its own way. Other reviewers have said that the writing is better in the first half and that the movie becomes predictable or not as strong in the second half. I completely disagree. I felt like the script, while borrowing bits from other Sci-Fi, remained engaging and well-done through out the whole movie. If you see this movie in IMAX, in addition to being blown away by the incredible surround sound, you will actually see more of the picture than in a traditional theater. They opened it up for most of the movie. There were a few parts (only one I noticed was around the beginning) where it was the more narrow widescreen picture. For the rest of the time it filled up the huge IMAX screen. The...

Click to Editorial Reviews