NZ Film Freak

ANOTHER King Kong Movie… Ugh!

Old King Kong film We’ve had so many Kong movies, and now they want another!

It began in America in 1933: King Kong
Nine months later came the little-known sequel: The Son of Kong
A Japanese remake called Kong vs Godzilla in 1962
Another Japanese remake, King Kong Escapes, released in 1968
Then another American remake, King Kong, in 1976.
Queen Kong was a British spoof that encountered legal problems in 1976 (resulting in a limited release).
King Kong Lives was made in 1986
The Mighty Kong was a straight-to-video animation in 1998
I assumed Peter Jackson’s remake in 2005 would put an end to it. It was certainly long enough!

But good Lord, here comes another. Kong: Skull Island is expected to hit screens in early 2017, with stars such as the glorious J.K. Simmons and Tom Hiddleson confirmed to be a part of it, with potentially Michael Keaton too.

It’s to be directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, who, after checking wikipedia, hasn’t done a huge amount of directing. The film he’s suposed to be known for is a Sundance film called The Kings of Summer.

Are they trying to compete with Planet of the Apes? That’s been remade and/or sequelled eight times since 1968 – with a ninth (a sequel to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) also reaching cinemas in 2017!!

Is this really necessary?? What’s this obsession we have?

No, I say. No!

Edit in March 2018: News flash! Godzilla vs. Kong is expected to be released in 2020. God help us all.

Jodie.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – Through the Eyes of a Humble Kiwi

Having finished the vacuuming, dishes and tidying, I found myself sitting in a spotless house – with my one-month-old bachelors degree certificate mocking me on the wall – watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - can't smile Have. You. Seen. This!

It’s not even a guilty pleasure for me. I marvel at the fact that these people – also rattling around spotless ~~houses~~ mansions – actually exist. It’s like a social study! This is too easy to mock, so I won’t go too mad.

My favourite parts are when they cry. Not because I’m heartless, but because their faces don’t move. They don’t! They are botoxed and nipped and tucked to the point of having frozen features. I actually came across this montage of them trying to cry to illustrate my point:

Cassandra and Rose in Doctor Who — They remind me of Cassandra: A Doctor Who villain who was nothing but face and skin stretched on a frame after 708 plastic surgery operations.

Secondly, I’m constantly frustrated when they try to say words that begin with the letter ‘w’. Because their lips can’t touch. They’re too taut.

I sometimes wonder what would happen if I rocked up to Beverly Hills in my un-lifted face, and un-branded conservative clothes. Would I get double takes? Or strapped down to a surgical bed to be turned into a Beverly Frankenstein?

Their conversations make me laugh though. I wonder how much of a role the producers have in pushing them to react and talk in certain ways, because they get upset over the most absurd things…

Hair flick in Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Such as when Joyce moved a bit of hair out of Lisa’s face, and Lisa shook her head and said ‘I don’t care, don’t worry about it’. Joyce was VERY offended and confronted her about it later, even reinacting it:

Are they aware of the things going on in the world that would benefit from the amount of attention they give to a strand of hair? I couldn’t survive there.

I’m also fascinated by the editing. If you’re edit-savvy, you’ll recognise the amount of unrelated reaction shots that are edited together. I’ve read papers talking about the manipulation involved in editing reality tv casts into stereotypes.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - I don't know what that means. Nevertheless, you have to acknowledge the skill involved. It’s an art. Combined with the music and sound effects, the edits are comedic regardless of who’s appearing in them. I don’t think editors get enough recognition.

I don’t want to treat these women as plastic people to point at… But are they aware of how they’re being portrayed? Maybe the amount of money I presume they get from the show helps them justify it.

It’s worth a watch. For educational purposes.

Jodie.

Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 film poster Directors: Don Hall and Chris Williams
Writers: Jordan Roberts, Dan Gerson and Robert L. Baird
Released: November 2014
Featuring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodrigeuz, James Cromwell and Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids)
—

2015’s new year animated film, Big Hero 6, is a perfectly adequate gate-way film to the Superhero genre.

It’s about an orphaned boy – because it would unravel the very fabric of the space-time continuum and destroy the entire universe (BttF2) if it was a hero who had parents.

This orphaned boy is called Hiro, and his brother made a robot, who is essentially a nurse, named Baymax.

Big Hero 6 film poster Anyway, one thing leads to another and Hiro has to get a super team together to catch the bad guy. The rest, I’m sure, you will be able to figure out.

The first half was typical Walt Disney: fun, whimsical with a dash of the warm and fuzzies. We had laugh-out-loud moments and knee-slapping scenes.

But by the time we got half way in, it was such a cookie-cutter, colour-by-numbers superhero film. The storyline was so obvious, and they had forgotten to make us laugh.

There’s a flying scene in it, which I’m certain was developed purely because they released a 3d version. Personally, I wouldn’t spend the extra dosh. It wasn’t that great of a scene.

Also, the city they’re in is San Francisco blended with Tokyo. They called it ‘San Fransokyo’. Which I think is STUPID. They should call it ‘San Tan Frokyo’ to ensure even distribution of both city names.

It’s better than Wreck-It Ralph and The Lego Movie, but not as good as How to Train Your Dragon or Megamind.

It’s one of the better children’s movies, but not the coolest. It’ll certainly encourage kids to go to university to become inventors though.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

The Interview: Could it Cause the Disappearance of Cinemas?

The Interview film advert The controversial film we’re all waiting for [here in New Zealand and Australia] is of course, The Interview.

I’m sure you’ve heard all about it. Directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the politcal satire comedy is causing quite a stir as the basis of the film is about the assassination of Kim Jong-un, leader of North Korea.

The Interview film Having worked in a cinema leading up to the release of The Interview, I came to hear of the general LACK of buzz the film was receiving (before it’s release was postponed).

I heard people say – or maybe I just heard myself say – that it was going to be a typical Rogen film: crude, immature humour identical to that of This is the End, Pineapple Express, 40 Year-Old Virgin…

I honestly didn’t think many were super keen to see it.

That was, of course, until Sony Pictures got hacked.

The US FBI determined that the “North Korean government is responsible for these actions.”

The actor who looks like Jonah Hill, but I've forgotten his name... Apparently the major cinema chains pulled out and said they weren’t going to show the film. So the release was cancelled.

Suddenly, this film was the only thing we wanted to see! By telling us we can’t have it, makes us want it more.

That’s when Sony Pictures released the film for digital download, and made a record $15 million! It was the top online film ever. I wonder how much they would have made on opening night in the cinemas if there was no controversy or cancellations?

It begs the question: is this a turn in how we watch films, particularly new releases?

Black books tv show - cinema If we had the choice, would we bother going to the cinema at all? A loud audience, over-priced popcorn and day-old hotdogs… Why would we? We could just microwave popcorn and sit in the comfort of our beds watching new releases on our tablets.

If premieres meant a digital download rather than a cinema ticket, what would the industry look like?

No cinemas. Imagine that.

I’m sure we’re nearing the point of having hundreds of files on our laptops instead of wall-to-wall DVDs. Maybe we will invite friends over to each other’s flats for the film premieres.

As a side note, does this mean we are becoming independent, reclusive, or just plain impatient?

Michael Jackson eats popcorn at cinema gif Very interesting! It just goes to show that ‘they’ can cancel the release of movies, but a viewership is still inevitable, if not more inevitable.

Perhaps The Interview is the wake-up call the industry needs. I think we’re ready to jump into the next phase of movie-watching: what we want, when we want it. Even if it does mean the downfall of cinemas.

What do you reckon? Will the big screens stay no matter what?

(I bet you’re busting to see The Interview now, aren’t you!)

Jodie.

Never Tear Us Apart – Paloma Faith’s cover

Paloma Faith - Never Tear us apart song Never Tear Us Apart was written and performed by Australian rock band INXS in 1988. However, it was originally written in a bluesy genre with a similar sound to Fats Domino.

Oh how I would have loved to hear that version.

I do like the INXS version, but mostly because of the gnarly saxophone solo – which simply isn’t long enough!

However, Paloma Faith covered their song in 2012. She brought her jazzy/pop/blues sound to it, making it spine-tingling. I love it. Particularly the high note she pulls on this line:

I told you, that we could fly. ’cause we all have wings, but some of us don’t know WHHHHHY!

The only thing that’s missing from Faith’s version is a lengthy saxophone solo! Perhaps I’ll try to edit INXS’ sax solo into the bridge of Faith’s version.

Check it out:

Jodie.

The American Garage (web series)

The American Garage (online series) The American Garage is an online DIY show about woodwork and restoration. Some of their projects include restoring planes and building boats, as well as more affordable projects that are “at grass roots”.

They are currently looking for $26,200USD to continue their project, and are currently at $110. Episodes have already been produced and can be found on YouTube.

My favourite part is their motto and the reason behind their plea for funding: they want to relieve our reliance on conglomerates for products that could be built or modified at home.

They want people to stop being consumers and return to being producers!

The American Garage (online series) — Screenshot from The American Garage

For them to get funded, the quality of their filming needs to be improved, but this is an area the makers say they’ll work on.

The audio is shallow and distant – perhaps from using an in-camera microphone – and the quality of the footage looks like it was recorded on a 90s video camera.

Apart from that, I can see many people will find the projects interesting, and I could see viewers would be inspired to make a change to their consumerism.

If you’re interested in supporting this plea on Kickstarter, you can find it here.
Check out their website to find out more: www.theamericangarage.net

Jodie.

Back to the Future’s Prediction of 2015

Flux capacitor in Back to the Future movie 2015 My fellow time travellers and time travel enthusiasts! ’tis 2015 – the year that Back to the Future 2 predicted and depicted!

Before I begin, I would like to make it clear, in the defence of Back to the Future‘s creators, that the 2015 shown is merely a possible future. In the same film, we see how easily it can be changed. Therefore, perhaps their prediction is totally accurate, just not the reality that came to be.

Now, I know there are many angry fans who are aware of the lack of hover boards and flying cars. But don’t get fangry. I’m sure we’ll get what we were promised. One day.

In the movie, they showed October 21st, 2015. So we do still have some time up our sleeves to make all our dreams come true. But let’s see how accurate they have been so far…

They got these right:

Phones in our glasses
We have Google Glass.

Self-service
Just as Marty ordered a Pepsi at the cafe via a screen, we have self-service check-outs in many of our supermarkets.
(Axing minimum wage jobs for your convenience.)

Voice-activated devices
We have voice activated phones and Xboxes.

Thumb print plates
They exist. No jokes. I wouldn’t be surprised if they catch on to residential use soon.

Video calling
We have Skype. Also, I noticed that, like Facebook, the video call showed details of the caller including their likes and dislikes.

Drones
I’m not sure what they are called in the movie, but they are seen documenting Griff’s hover board crash. Today the police force use drones, at least in the US.

Home automation systems
They are actually here. You can link the system to your smart tablet, meaning you can adjust the temperature and turn on devices remotely – even from work. Voice controlled systems are also available.

3d holographic adverts
Now, this one is on the fence for me. We have been able to create Michael Jackson as a hologram on stage, but what about an almost interactive one in broad daylight… What do you reckon?

Although, I feel like we’ll still be waiting a few more years for these developments:

Hover boards
Man, I am so bummed-out about this. I have seen a spoof featuring Tony Hawk, despite fooling many (including me), it is in fact fake. Hover boards do not exist, bar a magnetic one that hovers a few inches for 7 minutes, but obviously confined to metal floors.

Flying cars
I reckon the Google driverless cars will replace the automobile of today before we even begin to think about making them fly. Like in I, Robot.

Gardens in the kitchen
Smart idea! Keeping fruit and vegies ripe by growing them in a machine above the dinner table.

Auto-serving Pepsi
Beverages rising from the centre of the table on command. I’m not sure if I really see this coming any time soon… What’s the benefit?

Cycling while eating
We’re way too lazy to be doing this sort of shenanigans.

Hydrating pizza machine
In goes the small, dehydrated pizza, and within seconds, out comes a big, juicy hydrated one. I know everyone is praying for this to arrive. One day, folks. One day. Although, we are 3d printing food. So, perhaps we’re not far off at all.

Weather service
Controllable weather. Despite theories that a US army funded project, HAARP, was capable of moifying weather patterns, this is not something that is openly a part of 2015.

Lawyers are abolished
A corrupt government that removed power and justice from the people? Or getting rid of one of the least trusted occupations?

Self-walking dog leads
This has to be a thing one day. Most people want a dog, not everyone wants to exercise them in all weather. In fact, it’s probably a drone. So you could say this has basically been invented..?

Moving rubbish bins
A handy invention!

Some things have accurately remained the same:

Newspapers
Despite most of us reading news online, and despite the physical paper’s decrease in thickness, newspapers still exist. Specifically USA Today, which was shown in the film.

Fax machines
We certainly don’t rely on fax machines as much as the film thought we would. But they are still in operation, nevertheless.

Dogs
Owning pets. We haven’t been put off by the cost, stained carpets or aggravation they bring..

As a side-note, here are the fashion trends in the film that will probably only ever be replicated at sci-fi themed dress-up parties:

Inside-out pants
Self-adjusting jackets
Self-drying vests
Self-lacing shoes
I lie! Nike is developing these shoes as I type! Transparent ties
Weird hats
Vests that make sound effects
Wearing two ties at once

However, wearing colourful, high-waisted skirts with cropped tops are in, as predicted.

Despite this over-analysis and nit-picking, I love Back to the Future. It is my favourite trilogy. I hope more time-travel themed movies continue to be made, to ensure the continuation of fangry sci-fi fans, and blog posts like this one.

Let me know your thoughts!

Jodie.

James Herman Banning: Greatest Story Never Told (short film)

James Herman Banning: Greatest Story Never Told (short film) On Indiegogo, a group are asking for funding for their short biographic about James Banning; the first African American to fly coast-to-coast.

The makers are looking for $45,000USD to cover costs of filming, they have currently raised almost $4,000. Keeping the wardrobe accurate is going to be difficult as Banning’s story takes place in the thirties.

His story is certainly inspirational. After being rejected from flying (due to being African American) he made his own plane using a 14-year-old engine, with help from donations.

Four months after Banning’s record, he died as a passenger in a plane. He was refused piloting the plane at a air show where it went into a tail spin and crashed.

The makers want to get Banning’s story honoured in hopes of inspiring young adults to be motivated and passionate.

If you’re interested in donating, check out their Indiegogo plea: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/telling-the-untold-story-of-james-herman-banning

They have already shot some footage. It’s top quality stuff, but the dialogue is a tad cheesy. Nevertheless, it seems like a worth while cause.

Jodie

Sayonara, 2014!

The Beatles wave while walking off of the plane
Three years of blogging on NZ Film Freak. Not a bad achievement!

I graduated from uni! (Thank Christ for that.) — Jodie’s graduation: I got caught in the rain… Hence my hair looking the way it does.

I have completed my Bachelor of Communications degree, majoring in journalism, which has led me to amazing opportunities such as working for a community newspaper, and a legit film reviewing site called Flicks.

I have rediscovered my love for photography, and creative writing – not sure if you’ve read my poems… They get a wee bit crazy pretty quickly.

I’ve also found a previously unexplored knack of mine doing voice overs. My voice is being played on podcasts and indie radio stations all around the world! Very exciting. Most of them via Fiverr.

Just get a job. Since graduating, the question I have been asked like a broken record is:

“So… what next?”

And fair enough; what am I going to do with my life?

(Perhaps university doesn’t prepare you for answering this giant question because they want you to feel so overwhelmed with the real world that you end up turning around and enrolling in an expensive post-grad course.)

I do take inspiration from movies when having to make a big decision. For example, after watching Julie & Julia I decided to create this very blog!

In the case of post-uni life, I seriously considered doing what the main character did in Into the Wild. But that was before I watched the ending.

Wendy in Peter Pan Disney cartoon- But Mother, I don't want to grow up. I wasn’t smart enough in uni for my life to turn out like Good Will Hunting. Nor was I grunge or cool enough to be Becca in Pitch Perfect.

However, I shall find my path as a grown-up!

I’m going to continue Film Freaking, and I hope to work in the exciting world of radio! Perhaps reviewing films, or writing on websites or talking about music or…

I love the idea of working in radio, (not just because the guys on The Boat that Rocked looked like they had so much fun), but also because I’ve become a bit more familiar with it since doing voice overs.

Also, I’ve been listening to a lot of The Ricky Gervais Show, which features Karl Pilkington. Working around great, charismatic people seems like a grand thing to be a part of.

Enough of me, though!

2014 has brought us a lot of animated films, and a few more epics like last year! But ultimately, it’s a mixed bag.

I haven’t reviewed an awful lot this year, so I do apologise! But I have to say, I think last year’s assortment was better.

2014 reviewed movies:

Gold, Jerry, Gold!
9.5/10
Thelma & Louise

9/10
Interstellar

Hoochie Mama!
8.5/10
Captain America: The Winter Soldier

8/10
The Way, Way Back
Nightcrawler
Her

7.5/10
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Young Adult

7/10
Fault in our Stars
Frozen
Julie & Julia

Giddy-Up!
6.5/10
American Hustle

6/10
Hercules

5/10
The Lego Movie
22 Jump Street

Yada, Yada, Yada…
4.5/10
Deliver Us From Evil

4/10
Lucy

A Show About Nothing!
2/10
Transformers: Age of Extinction

—

Indie films:
Sunshine
Tissue
Chinese Penhold
Love Thy Neighbour
Pizza Shop
Broken Record
The Louise Log
Wild Girl Waltz
Reza Abdoh – Theatre Visionary
Lost Angeles
Príncipe 69
Film Premiere at Cricket World Cup
The One Minute Fly Show (Web Series)
Invert: Origin of the Telepathic Hero

Expect to see more posts on my blog, anyway. I love getting good ~~or bad~~ feedback, so please vote on the polls, comment on my posts and like my Facebook page. It means a lot!

Good luck for 2015, guys.
Jodie.

Julie & Julia

Julie and Julia film poster Director: Nora Ephron
Writer: Julie Powell, Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme. Screenplay by Nora Ephron
Released: August 2009
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond and Jane Lynch
—

I can NOT believe I haven’t reviewed this! I was so certain I had because this movie was the inspiration behind me starting this very blog!

Julie and Julia film - scene with Meryl Streep So! Julie & Julia, it is a typical rom-com drama, with a twist! The twist being the gorgeous, wonderful, classic Meryl Streep.

It follows two story lines – both of them based on true stories:

One is about Julia Child (Meryl Streep), an American living in France during the 40s. (That means trilling accents and beautiful dresses). She is struggling to adapt to French culture, so we follow how her love of food provided a comfort, and her plans to write a cookbook.

The second story is of Julie Powell (Amy Adams) in the modern day, a government worker by day who starts a cooking blog as an outlet. She uses Child’s cookbook as a guide: 524 recipes in 365 days.

(But if you look hard enough, you’ll find edits of Julie & Julia online without Julie Powell’s storyline at all!)

The intertwining stories mirror each other. Despite being worlds apart, Julie and Julia have much in common. Their love of food, and their journeys to become ‘unlost’ is the main point. However, their strong, supportive husbands is the other. (Julia’s husband Paul is played by the wonderful Stanley Tucci. I love him.)

My favourite person is Meryl Streep’s character. I’d love to have her as a best friend. She is so forgiving, embracing, loud, positive and reminds me of Beatrix Potter’s Jemima Puddle-Duck.

And what a gorgeously charasmatic person Julia Child really was! Meryl Streep impersonated her perfectly!

Julia makes me titter to the point of chortling in this movie. The way she speaks is like she’s stretching and kneading her words on her tongue. Goodness! I’m a poet.

Julia’s sister: From the beginning, you just don’t fit in. Literally. So then you don’t!

Now, I am not a foodie. I don’t enjoy food. I don’t look forward to meals. I don’t like cooking… I eat toasted sandwiches. Julie and Julia - scene with Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci And microwavable things. So, the fact that this is a story about cooking is not attractive to me.

I hate how noisy this film is. Every smack of their lips, every slurp and slap. It makes me cringe. Nevertheless, after every viewing I become starving, and crave things my eight-year-strong vegetarian diet strongly forbids.

Paul: What is it that you really like to do?
Julia: Eat. It’s what I like to do!
Paul: I know, I know, I know. And you’re so good at it! Look at you!
Julia: I am good at it… I’m growing right in front of you!

But ultimately, I love this movie. I love the relationship of Julia and Paul Child, and Julie’s courage to not only begin a blog, but to stick with it.

I think it’s the lovable characters and inspirational passion that I love about this film.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

Thunderbirds Are Go! – 2015 Remake

Thunderbirds are go Have you heard?

The iconic Thunderbirds show filmed in the 60s is being revamped using a mixture of live action and CGI.

Thunderbirds Are Go! is being created with help from New Zealand’s own Weta Workshop and Pukeko Studios – no more puppets here!

Oddly, almost all of the released cast members have worked on the 50-year-old Doctor Who series. It includes actors such as David Graham, Angel Coulby and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (the list goes on). Both of the composers worked on Doctor Who as well.

(Rosamund Pike (Made In Dagenham, The World’s End) seems like the perfect choice to voice Lady Penelope.)

The release date is Spring 2015… New Zealand’s Spring or UK’s Spring? Who knows. Nothing is being given away in haste.

This is the only teaser we have for the moment! EXCITEMENT!

Jodie.

Top 4: Favourite Christmas Songs

Best Christmas songs

I’m honestly not a massive fan of festive music. However, here are four (and a half) songs in my December play list:

Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Written by Frank Loesser in 1944, the original was sung by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams, which I just think is a gorgeously dramatic and almost comedic rendition. I love this!

Although the second part is by Betty Garrat and Red Skelton, their version just looks creepy…

However, the first version I heard was by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone, which I heard in the hilarious movie, Elf.

Updated 2015: Just found this song done by Sharon Van Etten and Rufus Wainwright (he’s on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack)… This is definitely awesome.

Lady Gaga and the handsomely dashing Joseph Gordon-Levitt have done a cover of it too, but I don’t think it was that great…

—
December Will Be Magic Again
Okay, sure, Kate Bush is a little on the peculiar side, but so is Fiona Apple and Joanna Newsom, and yet we have enjoyed their music. Or at least covers of their songs like when The Decemberists covered Newsom’s song: Bridges And Balloons. So, give Kate a chance with this one, please.

I found it the most magical song to listen to, particularly when reading the lyrics along with the song. Her stories are so enchanting.

Upon the black-soot icicled rooves,
Ooh, and see how I fall.
See how I fall…

Come to cover the lovers.
(But don’t you wake ’em up.)
Come to sparkle the dark up.
(With just a touch of make-up.)
Come to cover the muck up.
(Ooh, with a little luck.)

—
Merry Christmas Everybody
Written and composed by Slade in 1973 – I love this song. It’s a tad melancholy, but I think Christmas can be slow, reflective time of year anyway.

—
Sleigh Ride
Composed by Leroy Anderson during a heat wave in 1946, the lyrics were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950.

However, my favourite version is by KT Tunstall. She’s made it rockier.

—

Just as a side note, although not a Christmas song as such, 17 by Kings of Leon weirdly makes me think of Christmas..? Maybe it’s just the use of bells.

So those are a few to add to your play list this Christmas! Enjoy!
Jodie.

Top 3: Favourite Festive Films

My Favourite Festive Films The holidays are nigh!

Here in New Zealand there will be no snow. No cold nights indoors by the fire. No hot roast dinners at three in the afternoon. Because it’s summer during December. We have humid tropical rain storms, and barbecues on the deck or on the beach.

It’s horrible.

So! I reminisce about white Christmases and relate to fellow Scrooges and Grinches by watching my top three favourite December flicks.

Because I haven’t reviewed any of these movies before, I’ll create short reviews in this piece.

A Christmas Carol
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: Charles Dickens
Released: 2009
Featuring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Collin Firth and Bob Hoskins
—

“Humbug!”

An enchanting tale directed by one of my favourites: Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump and Back to the Future) using motion capture – like Time Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Charles Dicken’s novel, A Christmas Carol (published in 1843), was brought to life with every bit of wonder, magic and fantastical detail intact.

Scrooge was perfectly played by the comical Jim Carrey. Carrey played multiple characters including all three ghosts: Christmas Past, Present and Future. Some scenes were pretty scary, and other scenes were really comedic; Carrey plays both genres easily.

I remember seeing this at the movies when it came out. It was extraordinary in 3D.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

——————————————————-

The Polar Express
Director: Robert Zemeckis (Again! Genius.)
Writer: Chris Van Allsburg
Released: 2004
Featuring: Tom Hanks and Josh Hutcherson (before he was cool)
—

Another motion capture film by Robert Zemeckis!

The Polar Express is about a child (Josh Hutcherson) who has serious doubts in the existence of Santa, and the magic of the holidays is slowly fading for him. One Christmas eve, the deafening sound of a train wakes him up. It’s the Polar Express destined for the North Pole.

I think it is such a magical film. Along the way, the most bizarre things happen, with some beautiful shots. My favourites being the ‘hot chocolate’ scene where the children on the train are served hot cocoa in the most extravagant way!

My second favourite scene is when we follow the journey of a lost train ticket: out the window with the wind, settling on the snow before being kicked up by a pack of wolves, snatched by a swooping eagle… In 3D it was fantastic.

My favourite characters include the ‘hobo’ (Tom Hanks), and the two train drivers. But the conductor (also Tom Hanks) has some great lines. Hanks has the best voice for children’s stories.

“One thing about trains: it doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” – Conductor

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

——————————————————-

Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Director: Ron Howard
Writer: Dr. Seuss
Featuring: Jim Carrey
Released: 2000
—

A comedy about the Grinch: a Christmas-hating recluse. The story explores the idea of commercialism and what Christmas is really about. Despite this heavy, typical ideology, it’s such a pick-me-up story.

“Max help me… I’m feeling!”

It’s bright, absurd, funny and crazy! I love it.

[opens phone book] Alphabetically! Aadvarkian Abakeneezer Who, I… HATE YOU!
Aaron B. Benson Who, I hate you.
[looking into book]
Hate, hate, hate. Hate, hate, hate. Double hate…
LOATHE ENTIRELY!

Probably the best family Christmas comedy.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Despite these being my favourites, they all have a 6 or 7/10 on imdb… Perhaps I don’t have good taste in Christmas entertainment.

I think the best festive films are enchanting, magical and a tad bizarre. Which is why I picked these, and not the likes of Frozen or Bad Santa.

Anywho!

Have a jolly time.
Jodie.

Invert – Origin Of The Telepathic Hero

Invert - Origin Of The Telepathic Hero This is a sci-fi, action, superhero film that is looking for funding.

This movie is about a neuroscientist whose experiment backfired, and equipped him with the ability to manipulate minds.

An action-packed feature with Inception-esk scores. I have now noticed that the director/writer, Joseph Mbah, is a fan of Christopher Nolan which explains that similarity.

I’m impressed to see how young the director is – only 24!!

Invert - Origin Of The Telepathic Hero In order for the feature film to be completed, they need $250,000USD. Depending on how much an individual donates, depends on what prize you get – and some of the prizes are pretty decent!

I think the quality of this film is up there, and it could be a strong movie with the financial support.

I’m a superhero nut too, so I’m keen to see how this one turns out.

If you want to donate to the making of their film on Indiegogo, click here. Check out the footage they’ve got so far in their promo here.

Jodie.

Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking? – Bernie Journey

Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? - Bernie Journey Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking? is a funk/electro track being released by Bernie Journey. He is New York-based and a self-described dance/pop singer-songwriter.

His sound reminds me of a psychedelic/glam 90s band. So certainly not a typical ‘pop/dance’ sound, but a perfect karaoke track. I think a heavier bass and bit more variety would make it the JAM.

Check out the promo for the single here:

The song, produced by Phunk Junk Records, is to be released on December 30, 2014.

Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? - Bernie Journey — Bernie Journey

In addition to this single, there are two remixed versions that will be available by Ros Garcia and El Brujo.

P re-order it from Amazon or wait for its release on iTunes.

Jodie.

The One Minute Fly Show (web series)

Uploaded ToThe One Minute Fly Show - Web Series You know what? This animation looks like it could be a really great series.

The One Minute Fly is based on the 2008 One Minute Fly animation. It’s about a fly – with 60 seconds worth of life – and his attempt to accomplish everything he wants before he dies.

If you haven’t seen the original, it’s worth a watch! It’s pretty funny. And weirdly humbling.

The One Minute Fly Show - Web Series The creator, Michael Reichert, is crowd-funding via Indie Go Go here. They are hoping to raise 32,615 Euros (approx. $40,500 USD) by December 22nd, 2014 to produce six episodes over the course of a year. They have raised almost 10,000 Euros so far.

Each of the six episodes will cover the short life of a different character.
The animations will be 2-3minutes long and free to view on their YouTube site.

I’m really keen to watch this! It represents everyone’s life struggle to ‘live it to the fullest’… Whatever that really means… And the race against the clock.

I think this is worth giving generously to. Animation is a fascinating art form, and I think they’ll do it well.

Jodie.

Crazy Film Premiere at Cricket World Cup

Crazy Film Premiere at Cricket World Cup Yeah, this is a weird one!

On Pozible, a film fund raising site, there is a plea for help from a Norwegian cricket team. Their team is failing fantastically and hope to get in contact with a famous cricket player, Sachin Tendulkar, to ask him for his help and expertise.

Crazy Film Premiere at Cricket World Cup I don’t know of Sachin Tendulkar. But I hear he’s pretty famous…

If you’re like me and know nothing about cricket, this may not be of interest to you. However, I invite you to watch the plea they have made. It’s quite humorous.

This amateur team wants to raise $25,000 (USD) for flights to Adelaide where Sachin Tendulkar will hopefully be playing. They plan to present him with a ‘love letter’ in film form to ask for his help and support.

Why does this matter? Well. I think the fact that the failing cricket players have so much passion for the game, practising in the snow and darkness, is enough to realise they deserve the support.

Currently at almost $11,500, they have eight days left to raise the remaining $13,500.

If you want to find out more, go here.

Jodie.

My Idol: Karl Pilkington

Karl Pilkington - head like an orange Yes, we all know he has a head as round as an orange and we know he’s not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed. But he certainly comes out with some very interesting views of the world.

“Parrots have gone a bit quiet since pirates have gone.“

He’s really funny on The Ricky Gervais Show. But my favourite video of him is when he talks about the fridge he has to replace here:

You may have seen him in Idiot Abroad. He’s so comically underwhelmed with everything.

“I came face-to-face with a gorilla which was quite good, but it was a 10-hour trek in bad weather, up hills, covered in mud, with mosquitoes everywhere and when we got there the gorilla’s just sat there doing nowt.”

Bullshit man - Karl Pilkington And he comes up with pretty amazing superhero ideas… Like Bullshit Man (check it out on youtube):

I’d be bullshit man. There’s so many meetings going on where, you know people are bullshitting. I’d just like to walk in. I wouldn’t need a special costume, just dressed like this and I would fly in and I’d go, “Bullshit. He’s talking bullshit.” And they’d go, “Oh. He’s Bullshit Man.” And I’d go, “Yea. It is Bullshit Man. You’re talking bullshit.” And eventually, people would stop talking bullshit. Anything that’s going on in the world: A bloke selling a car that’s knackered, and he’s going to say it’s a great one, and it’s – *whoosh* – “Bullshit!”

You won't get anything done by planning - Karl Pilkington I like him because on the surface, you could say he’s dim. But, I actually think he’s interesting. Plus, he makes me feel better about saying stupid things. He’s taught me that you can get away with saying anything if you’re committed and keep a straight, gormless, emotionless face.

“If you keep talking, your mouth will come out with stuff.”

I like Karl Pilkington. He makes me feel happy. I just want to hang out with him for a coffee. And stare at him while he talks about his ideas and perceptions of the world. He seems like a kind and genuine person.

Jodie.

PS. Here is a photo of my uncle. I can see some resemblance. And before you ask, ‘yes’, he is holding a bag of cheese.
Karl Pilkington lokkalike

Her

joaquin phoenix in Her film poster
Director: Spike Jonze
Writer: Spike Jonze
Released: October, 2013
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde and Scarlett Johansson
—

(Prepare to see a lot of screen grabs with quotes from this film around. The script is so poetic.)

Her is a sci-fi romance, drama hybrid that premiered at the 2013 New York Film Festival.

It’s set in the near future where rather than keeping one’s head down – staring at a phone screen – people now have an ear piece that respond to voice commands.

joaquin phoenix in Her film The operational system – or OS – that performs the requests now have personalities, and for all intense and purposes, are a personal assistant with feelings and emotions equal in complexity to humans.

This new update is something that the main character, melancholy and lonely Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), becomes immediately interested in.

By day, Theodore is a professional personal letter writer, which is an occupation where people who feel unable or unwilling to compose heart-felt and genuine letters to loved ones pay letter writers like Theodore to do so on their behalf.

joaquin phoenix in Her film (I’m really hoping this job gets invented soon. I’d be on that like white on RICE!)

I think his job is an example of how emotionally distant we are becoming as technology becomes the middle-man in human interactions.

It’s also the perfect job for this introverted character, who clearly expresses his emotions best when done so indirectly. I think this is a characteristic that allowed him to get so attached to his personalised OS, named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson).

Before long, Samantha and Theodore have bonded and their relationship grows.

Considering Samantha isn’t a physical character yet still a main character in the movie, Her is fantastically written and shot.

Amy Adams - Her movie OS/human relationships become a common phenomenon, and certainly makes the viewer question what makes a relationship, and what love is.

If you think about it, meeting people online was frowned upon not too long ago. I think the OS relationship story parallels the shift in society’s thinking about online relationships.

Or, a colder interpretation of this story is how we are avoiding personal relationships by hiding behind screens all the time. Where people are ‘being in love with their lap top or phone’. But I don’t think this is the writer’s ambition, according interviews I’ve seen.

I found Her a really thought-provoking film. I enjoy movies that focus on characters, human behaviour and social development, and I think this is quite an accurate depiction of what the future could look like.

Her is an interesting insight into the future of romantic relationships, an interesting reflection on what relationships fundamentally are, what the most important components are, and what the common obstacles are.

It’s a fascinating and compelling analysis of the human heart and its complexities.

Sorry, I know I’m babbling on – I could say a lot more – but my final point is about the clothes. I bet this is accurate of what we will wear in the future. No silver jump suits, but a mix of old fashioned pants and bold shirts.

Oh wait! This is my final point: the music by Arcade Fire is AMAZING.

Her may be a little too abstract or boring for some watchers. But I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Príncipe 69 – A Plea for Funding

This is a humble plea for funding of a feature film about Cuba named Príncipe 69.

A woman named Hannah Imbert is raising money to begin filming her story about Cuba.

It’s a story that will avoid the stereotypical palm trees and beaches. Judging by the description of her feature film, it’s going to be about “an island that is left alone, ageing in time without make-up.”

To be frank, I don’t know exactly what Príncipe 69 is because she speaks in Spanish. But all I’m going on is her written plea, and it sounds genuine and personal.

“When it comes to art, film making is the most expensive one. If I were a painter, I would paint a huge island on every wall of this planet, if were a singer, I would stand on any corner and rise up my voice up to reach everyone. But it turns out to be that I am film producer”

So if you’re interested in contributing to the making on this feature film feel free to donate your spare pesos.

Find out more here.

Jodie

Young Adult

Director: Jason Reitman
Writer: Diablo Cody
Released: December 2011
Starring: Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser and Collette Wolfe
—

Another classic Diablo Cody script! I love the dialogue she writes for characters who are (for lack of a better word) ‘real’. Jason Reitman is the director of this comedy-drama, who is responsible for the likes of Juno and Up in the Air.

Young Adult is about a ghost writer, Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron), who returns to her home town to try and get back with an old flame, Buddy. Buddy, however, is married and has just had a baby and is in no way interested in what Mavis is so obviously implying.

Mavis’ mum: That new baby of his is just darling.
Mavis: Have you seen it? …up close?

Her pessimistic and delusional outlook is something that [unfortunately] I love about her. She is rude, aloof and doesn’t care what people think of her.

Her language is just great though. The way she talks about marriage and children is like she’s talking about a disease that needs to be avoided. Mavis tells Buddy that ‘we can beat this thing together’ referring to his family. I’m tickled by that. This really isn’t a typical comedy at all.

Thankfully, during her crisis, Mavis meets a guy who she also used to go to high school with, Matt (Patton Oswalt).

Matt was severely attacked during high school resulting in him being disabled. But they bond over hating the same things. Mavis projects her hatred outwardly, and Matt eventually realises he has nothing to lose by expressing his anger around her too.

Mavis is such a lost soul though. She tortures herself by forever reminiscing about her high school days, when she was popular. It doesn’t help that she writes a ‘young adult’ series about popularity in high school, which becomes her diary disguised as a fictional teenage novel.

I love this movie because it’s character-based. It’s not fast-paced, just like real life, and hangs on to every emotion of the unstable Mavis, which makes you squirm. She’s so immature… But entertaining because she’s so expressive.

It’s not a movie for everyone. But I enjoy analysing behaviour, and I find the subtleties in this film interesting. She’s entertainingly perpetually disgusted with everything.

Check out my favourite scene in the movie here. It’s when Mavis Gary loses the plot at Buddy and Beth’s (Elizabeth Reaser) baby shower. It’s oddly empowering. Although I feel like I’m doing the wrong thing by taking her side.

I suppose this is a movie where the protagonist is the ‘bad guy’, and you can’t help but support and relate to her.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

Top 7: Best Movie Meltdowns

Disclaimer: Contains frequent bad language!

I’m sure everybody has fantasised about flipping out. Here are some characters who release their wrath on our behalf.

“I didn’t get to try this F***ING COOKIE!”
I’m sure you all remember Annie’s (Kristen Wiig’s) flip-out in Bridesmaids. I can so relate. So hilarious.

“What is WRONG with you people!?”
Young Adult is a wicked film by the same director who did Juno. Charlize Theron plays her delusional character so convincingly.

“That’s all you’ve got, lady! Two wrong feet and f***ing ugly shoes!”
Erin Brockovich is scattered with sassy one-liners. I love this scene though. Julia Roberts is fantastic in this.

“You were HITTING ON HER!”
Prudie’s (Emily Blunt’s) emotional break-down is so well done in The Jane Austen Book Club. (You’re never gonna get me to shut-up about this movie.) I can’t find the scene on YouTube, but those of you who have seen the movie will know what I’m talking about.

Prudie’s break-down is just after her mother’s funeral where she thinks her husband was flirting with a girl she went to high school with. Just imagine Prudie punching you in the face with emotion as you read the script:

Dean: I talked to her… I talked to her for like five minutes.

Prudie: Longer. Longer, Dean. And with those ridiculous plastic boobs. Is that what you go for?

Dean: Prudie, you know, I was just trying to be nice to your friend. Okay.

Prudie: Chloe Baher is not my friend, Dean. Chloe Baher came to my mother’s funeral to gloat. “Ha-ha! Your mother’s dead.” And you hit on her! You hit on her!

Dean: I was not hitting on her.

Prudie: You know, when I was in the 10th grade, I wrote an entire paper on Julius Caesar in iambic pentameter. And Chloe Baher removed it from my locker and she read it aloud to the whole class. And everyone laughed at me.

Dean: Baby, high school’s over.

Prudie: High school’s never over.

“No dad, what about you!?”
Of course I couldn’t leave out The Breakfast Club. Finding out what it’s like in the Bender family household.

“I’m in the dark, here!”
I love Al Pacino’s character, Colonel Slade in Scent of a Woman. He’s blind and “can’t chew the leather any more.”

“A human life doesn’t mean as much to them as it does to us!”
You know what. 12 Angry Men is one of my favourite movies of all time. Don’t write it off because it’s old or black and white. It’s so powerful. Look it up! This is a great scene:

I’m sure you can think of more. But these are a few of my favourites.

Jodie.

My Favourite Character: Elaine Benes

Sassy, smart, cynical, silly and hysterical! Seinfeld‘s Elaine Benes is just the coolest. She’s confident and crazy, yet successful and feminine.

Seinfeld is my favourite TV series because it is based on nothing. It’s just four people going about their lives, focussing on the odd things that happen from day to day. From these occurrences comes addictive catch-phrases that I’m sure you’ve heard before. “Serenity now!” “Festivus for the rest of us!”

Please refer to this extensive list for the full collection of Seinfeld phrases.

Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is my favourite character because she’s one of the guys, without compromising her femininity. She’s independent, a successful writer with a thriving social life.

Yes, she’s promiscuous, but she always ends up with the upper-hand in every relationship. I don’t think there’s an episode where she is genuinely upset when a relationship ends.

I love her because she is so negative about everyone and everything, yet she still manages to make hilarious, witty remarks about every situation without making herself appear egotistical.

“I had to take a sick day, I’m so sick of these people.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays her SO well. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job. She’s versitile and does comedy so well.

Have you seen some of the weird faces she pulls? Or even Elaine’s dancing! Louis-Dreyfus is so talented, and so hilarious.

Also, her hair is spectacular.

I love Seinfeld. I love Elaine. *Sigh*

Jodie.

Lost Angeles

A Leonardo Leon film.

Lost Angeles is an independent film that is looking for funding. It is about a woman who went to Los Angeles in search of a modelling career, but through a series of trip-ups she finds herself homeless.

I was under the impression it was a documentary when I read the summary:

“The City of Los Angeles has the highest homeless population in America. It is constantly growing by thousands of people who are in search of an elusive Hollywood Dream. These people find themselves in compromising situations where work is hard to find and housing is exceptionally high…”

I was a bit disappointed that it wasn’t non-fiction because of the effort the cast and crew went to to make the film authentic; they gave up their apartments to experience homelessness during the shoot.

Looking at the trailer the acting appears quite theatrical. I hope this doesn’t let the film down because it seems like a great way to look into the serious issue of homelessness in America.

Via IndieGoGo, the film makers are asking for $50,000 to complete filming and post production. If this sounds like a film you’re interested in seeing, feel free to donate.

You can also find the trailer here:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lost-angeles-the-film

Jodie.

Nightcrawler

Director: Dan Gilroy
Writer: Dan Gilroy
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed and Bill Paxton (the dude from Titanic)
Released: November 2014

This film is by far one of the creepiest films I’ve seen. It’s not so much scary, but it does put you on edge and makes your skin crawl. I guess, hence the film title.

Jake Gyllenhaal with his goggly, baby-bird eyes and sharp cheek bones, is enough to make you squirm. Let alone the control he has over everyone. It is so captivating.

He lost more than 13kg (30 pounds) to play the ‘literally and figuratively hungry’ character, Lou Bloom. Gyllenhaal did so by running a lot and eating only kale and chewing gum. He said the diet was completely safe and healthy.

Lou Bloom, is searching for a job he’s really good at. He soon discovers the media industry where freelance camera operators use police scanners to find car crashes, shootings and what-not, to film and sell to local news outlets.

Bloom dives into this career and quickly makes a sweet sum.

He basically represents the media industry and the control they have over broadcasts and the law. He steps on and manipulates every relationship, smudging the lines of ethical coverage along the way.

Having recently gained a degree in journalism, I found the subject relatable. I don’t think I’ve seen a movie like Nightcrawler before where the story is from the media industry’s point of view.

It’s a fascinating film that is quite difficult to explain. But it certainly gets you thinking. But if you just want to be entertained, you’ll certainly find yourself laughing at Bloom quite often! His intense delivery of lines is sure to give you fits of nervous giggles.

Actually, come to think of it, his character sometimes reminds me of Jim Carrey’s Andy Kaufman character in Man on the Moon.

The only thing I was disappointed about was how there were no consequences for Bloom – which I know is the point because he represents the gigantic conglomerate of the untouchable media. But just when there was a major conflict, the movie ended.

Despite that, I loved it, and I am definitely going to watch it again.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10