Articles + Quotes on Film & TV

Another Awards season has come and gone, and while they are enjoyable, some years more than others, for the most part it is merely a demonstration in movie politics. I.e. What is destined to win big, and what will never be nominated. Each year, I amuse myself by picking out who I think will win and also who I think should . Always a marked difference. This year, I got most of them right. Most notably, Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway for their awards in the "should" category and not so much, Daniel Day Lewis and the film Lincoln for production design, in the "will". My opinions on custom built films made solely for the winning of awards aside, I think there are a lot of films and TV shows that are, for reasons best left out of this, ignored completely. So, instead of a rant, I thought I would honour them here, in a list. It's not much, but a mention here might be better than nothing. So, a list of truly awesome films and TV shows, (in no particula...

This film was a first in more ways than one. For starters, it was a generally happy film. The main location, the mission in the country wasn't bleak, it was welcoming, a place you'd want to go to and stay with the people who live there. The story is set in Australia, in 1968, and therefore against the backdrop of racial inequality and ignorance. Even so, the main characters of the story, sisters and cousin, Gail, Julie, Cynthia and Kay (portrayed by Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Tapsell and Shari Sebbens, respectively) are all talented singers, determined and most importantly, passionate about their life and family. Their journey starts with a talent show in town, which is unfairly judged and the compere of the event is a very drunk/hungover Dave Lovelace (portrayed by Chris O'Dowd) who recognises their obvious talent and declares that he will help them. With the proviso that they stop singing country and western songs and sing soul instead. Quite literal...

This film had an interesting combination. The story is a simple one, with layers but it is confronting to watch, thanks to the realism of the disease of bipolar and of dsyfunctional and/or loving families. It is also funny, but sad. Bradley Cooper is superb as the main character, Patrick Solitano, recently released from a mental facility into the custody of his parents, both portrayed with such warmth and showing complete emotions by Robert de Niro and Jackie Weaver. Jennifer Lawrence, well and truly deserved her awards for acting from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild, her portrayal of Tiffany was tear inducing and also quite memorable. There are characters that stick with you, long after the film has finished, this will be one of them. The supporting cast includes a favourite of mine, Anupam Kher, who can always be trusted to turn in a good performance. Shea Whigham, Julia Stiles, John Ortiz were all great too, but the real surprise was Chris Tucker, who had the com...

After a while of trying to work out a Spiderman 4, they decided to to start again and reboot the whole thing. Take it back the beginning and start fresh. New actors, new storyline. And after watching what they came up with, I am really glad that they did. Director of 500 Days of Summer and and the writer of seven of the Harry Potter films come together (with a couple of others) to make a highly entertaining film. Andrew Garfield, not just a pretty face with a fair few extremely well acted films in his repertoire, is stunning here.  And I love that they gave the character a sense of humour and cockiness. He may have super powers, but at the same time, he's a teenager and all that that entails. Emma Stone is also great here as the love interest, with a brain and it goes without saying that the same goes for Rhys Ifans, as the conflicted scientist, trying to do good.  The rest of the supporting cast, Sally Fields, Denis Leary and Martin Sheen, are also notew...

Whether or not you believe in a religion, let alone the grail stories, this two part story will hold you spellbound. Based on the book by Kate Mosse (who has a small cameo and acts as consultant), the story switches between the town of Carcassone in 1209, when the crusaders have arrived, and present day, 2012. Jessica Brown Findlay, is at the centre in the 13th century story as Alais Pelletier, who let into the grail secret by her father, and is in even more danger as a result. The lord of the town, Viscount Trencavel, portrayed by an almost unrecogniseable Tom Felton, is a close ally to the family. In present time, Alice Tanner, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby, is a PhD graduate working on an archeological dig. All hell breaks loose when she wanders into a nearby cave and finds a ring and a skeleton. John Hurt and Tony Curran have a small role each in the present and past parts, respectively. Both are   excellent as always. This is a really well made production, the switching...