Articles + Quotes on Film & TV

 There is a special kind of joy when an adaptation of something you love, is done so well. It doesn't happen often, a good example was when the film adaptation was released. It wasn't bad (mostly), it just missed the point of what the book was saying. Thankfully, for this one we had Steven Moffatt at the helm and he is someone who knows what it means to adapt a book he loved - just look at what he accomplished for the Sherlock series, another passion project for him and Mark Gatiss. They were both real fans of those books and their excitement in bringing it to life shows in every frame. And so too with this series, Mr Moffatt has most definitely captured the spirit of what Audrey Niffenegger wrote in what he has brought to the screen. It's not the usual love story by any means, so having it adapted as a mini series works wonders and allows for the story to include all the parts that delight but also the parts that sting and bring a tear to your eye. Theo James and Rose Lesl...

Properly portraying conditions of the mind is very difficult. And as we've seen recently, autism spectrum disorder is definitely one of them. It is real and as varied and affects so many people around the world. A world that is not very kind to those who are different and see that world in a different way than others do. I think this might be the first production (that I've seen) that actually does portray people with autism properly, not just autistic people. Not only that, it's a seriously good detective series set in Paris with a twisting and turning plot for each episode with the overarching friendship between the title character, Astrid and Commander Coste that starts a little shakily in the pilot and keeps on growing from there. There are moments of difficulty for both characters, each battling the world and trying to understand the other's needs and differences, not just solving a crime, which often takes a back step to their very real drama.  But each persist, r...

 I think it is only fair to begin by stating, quite categorically, that I have been an avid admirer of Kristen Stewart's work since I was sixteen. The first film I saw her in was Speak. It was already different from all the other high school themed films at the time (and since, if I'm being honest) as it was not about a nerdy kid who took off her glasses and went to the prom and fell in love with the most popular guy at the school. It was about a girl on the outside, with a hidden trauma and struggling to just survive what a nightmare high school is. For me, I both empathised with the character and was singularly impressed by Ms Stewart's performance. Seventeen years later, I am still impressed and I'm still an admirer of Ms Stewart's growing body of work, both independent and big studio productions.  Especially and including this most recent addition to the list, where Ms Stewart completely disappears from the screen for nearly two hours and we are presented with D...

 Well, it took its time, but finally we have a Ghostbusters film that honours the original and manages to stand on its own two feet as a pretty damn good film. The main impression I got, was that of respect. They had fun, yes, but they were careful and polite with the source material and it definitely shows.  The writing is solid, and takes a honest step forward with the ideas of the first, while introducing some fun new characters. While the special effects have definitely taken quite a few (hundred) steps forward, they haven't gone overboard. They've retained the feel of the original - same car, just with a more advanced engine.  It's a special little story, with a whole lot of heart and it definitely tugs at the heartstrings - I definitely got a little teary at some parts. I won't spoil it for you, go and see the magic for yourself. 

 The aforementioned film's title had a change for Australian audiences (SAS - Rise of the Black Swans) but to avoid confusion, I'm using the original title for this review. I'm still not sure what part of the original wasn't suitable - is this another Burger King/Hungry Jacks scenario? Hard to say. Anyway, onto the film itself. I did not have high expectations for it at all. While other genres have moved on in the years and (for the most part) grown more clever and modern, action thriller is one that seems to plod alongside, seemingly a melange of guns and shouting, with a couple of diamonds in the rough, making it a proper struggle to find a good one that stands the test of time. This one, was actually a lot better than I gave it credit for and was pleasantly surprised. Sam Heughan, Tom Hopper, Andy Serkis, Ruby Rose, Hannah John-Kamen and Tom Wilkinson lead the charge and bring a great deal of electric energy to the film.  It's based on an Andy McNab novel, which ...

 It's nice that even with two and half minute long trailers, a film can still surprise you. And keep you guessing. Which is precisely what happened with this newest turn of bringing one of the better villains to the screen and giving us her own backstory, complete with lots of attitude and the best outfits. And quite possibly the best film soundtrack since the Guardians of the Galaxy films. And I'm going to say it, Emma Stone's portrayal of Cruella is better than what she did in La La Land. The only recognisable part of Ms Stone, is her well known energy that she brings to every role but in this, it's up a notch. I imagine the joy of bringing a villain to life added a few levels of fun - the rest is pure sass, class and rebellion all in one slightly off kilter character that keeps you going back for more. Superb supporting cast, Emma Thompson leads the others in a fun and crazy ride with some proper crew at the helm to make sure the cartwheels don't spin off complet...

 Something that has become increasingly clear, that when the great pendulum swung in one fell swoop in popular movies, from camp to gritty, the movie makers forgot something rather important. Humour. True, there are moments of comic relief in Marvel films and DC and they are quite funny. No arguments here. One could make the argument that Robert Downey Jr's main purpose was to provide the levity when everyone else was in a brooding stare. But there is a difference between a few moments of levity and imbuing each of the characters with heart and a sense of humour. And that is important, especially with a character like Superman. Sure, he has the weight of the world on his shoulders and that's all well and good. But if he's just a strong guy working hard to prop up a few buildings full of people and rescuing cats up trees, then they've missed something crucial. And the basis for Superman, of course, being Clark Kent, means giving that character a real smile and the abilit...