film – NZ Film Freak

Boddybag: The Creative Kiwi Duo Bringing Joy Back to Film Sets

“Make stuff that is fun, make stuff that can impact someone in a good way, make stuff that is ridiculous, be curious in others and everyday things outside of what you know.”
– Julia Boddy // Actor

Julia and James Boddy are New Zealand’s hidden filmmaking gems who have recently returned to our shores from Ireland.

Former Hamilton police officer, Julia Boddy is now an emerging actor with formal training at Bow Street Academy (home to the acting coach whose clients include the likes of Orlando Bloom, Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp).

James Boddy hailed from Palmerston North, and graduated from the New Zealand Broadcasting School. His twenty five year long career was launched after writing a screenplay that won a national competition, and went on to work on the likes of our infamous L&P adverts, First Responders, and Location, Location, Location NZ.

“Dad owned a comic shop which is a pretty sweet way of immersing yourself into the narrative world,” James said. “Though my teenage brain wasn’t comprehending it at the time, a diet of comic books is one of the best teachers when it comes to writing for the screen.”

He is re-emerging into the film and television industry again after taking a step back to raise his daughter, Catherine Boddy who won New Zealand’s Young Designer of the Year in 2016. She has since settled in London as a fashion designer, so James has dived back into the film and television industry.

James and Julia have teamed up and operate under the name of Boddybag. Their freelancing outfit covers every basis of filmmaking, from writing to directing to acting.

The duo have been writing and developing new projects over the last two years. One of them is with Emmy winning and 2025 BAFTA nominated producer Liz DiFiore.

“We’ve been in this business for ages,” James said. “We know which way to point a lens, what lights not to stand under, what fade-in means, and where that clicking noise in the mag is from.”

They are currently filming a television series throughout New Zealand, but are available to work anywhere in the world.

“We have already been asked to return to Ireland in the New Year to work on a film in February and March. We are open to anything!” Julia said.

With a wealth of experience behind them, Boddybag are making fresh opportunities for themselves as creatives in their forties.

This new chapter in their lives has come with an upbeat and collaborative approach to filmmaking. Ensuring cast and crew are having a good time is essential to Boddybag’s signature environment on set.

“People always work at their best when they are able to have a laugh, have a voice and are actually valued as humans,” Julia said. “It’s so nice to have feedback that our projects are always a good time… People keep coming back, and want to collaborate together on their projects.”

Boddybag currently has availability in January 2026 for another project before they return to Ireland, so if you’re looking for a director, writer, actor or a hand on set, get in touch to see how the team can help via their website: boddybag.com

Otherwise, chuck them a follow on Insta to keep in the loop with their amazing work in New Zealand and beyond.

Are you an artist or a creative who wants their project seen? Get in touch with Jodie at Beach Marketing for a promotional article.

Lasting Flames (short film)

The grief of heartbreak is both a unique and universally relatable theme explored in the short film Lasting Flames. It perceives break-ups as a grieving process; mourning someone who is still alive.

Written and directed by Federica Alice Carlino – recently recognised as the most awarded director under 35 – Lasting Flames is a deeply personal project that almost wasn’t pursued.

“I wrote this project based on a very personal feeling and experience. It took me a while to decide whether or not to produce this short, as it came from a deep emotional place,” Carlino said.

Above: Federica Carlino

A story close to her heart, Carlino explained that as painters paint, and songwriters write, she processed her experiences through writing stories. She pursued the idea, knowing it was a universal experience many could relate to.

“It was an incredibly cathartic process for me, and I’m proud to have come to a place where I can share it with others… [As] I was explaining the concept to my cast and crew, I could see their minds travelling through their memories. Some of them told me they could definitely relate to it, and that was one of the first impressions that showed me I was on the right path.”

Lasting Flames follows ex-lovers Danielle and Jack, who have recently broken up and now experience the agonising loss of one another.

Above: Danielle and Jack played by Emeline Nsingi Nkosi and Jack Roper

However, through their emotional journey, the film explores the theme of hope.

As Danielle and Jack learn to live without each other, they find solace in cherishing their memories together, forever holding onto the love they once shared. The painful process of moving on is contrasted by the enduring power of love, memory, and the quiet promise that the past will never be forgotten.

Lasting Flames celebrates previous relationships that you look back on fondly. They’re the people who have taught you lessons that help you to become a better person for your future relationships.

“You learn to give your whole heart again,” Carlino explains. “This [short film is] for the good exes that you don’t resent in any way.”

Currently in pre-production, Carlino’s favourite part so far has been the casting process.

Danielle is played by Emeline Nsingi Nkosi and Jack is played by Jack Roper. Their new partners, Ashton and Mary are played by Nathan Bryant and Willow Zhao respectively.

Carlino will include English voiceover narration by Rory Kilgor from USA, and Italian narration by Michele Vitarelli from Italy.

“It was important for me to have it in my language as well,” Carlino said.

Born in Milan, Italy, Carlino first explored television before studying filmmaking, acting, photography, editing, visual effects, prothetics and makeup. In 2016, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she earned a BFA from the New York Film Academy. She further honed her acting skills at the Met Film School in Ealing, UK, and Pinewood Studios.

Despite living and working in Los Angeles, Carlino is shooting her new project in London, England. She had to start networking all over again and assemble a new crew to work with.

“The most challenging part is definitely finding my way in a new city. I had to find new people to collaborate with from scratch when I moved to London… Surprisingly it was smoother than expected, but it still had its challenges.”

Above: Ruby Ballantyne, Director of Photography.

Carlino always hoped to work with a predominantly female team, and on this project, it came together naturally.

The film is produced by Cameron Wight and shot by cinematographer Ruby Ballantyne. Gracie Herring handled hair and makeup, including the wig for Danielle’s character. Amy Reid (gaffer) and Chelsea Bernard (first assistant camera) played crucial roles in shaping the film’s visual style.

The film’s music is being composed by Victor Muñoz from Spain.

Being on set with the cast and crew is another of Carlino’s favourite parts of the process.

“I’ve been doing this for more than 15 years now, and it’s still the same feeling. There’s a sense of energy and creativity in the air, and it’s truly a magical experience to be a part of.”

Lasting Flames will be released on YouTube this year (2025), and within film festivals worldwide.

To stay up to date with the short film’s release, follow their Instagram account @lastingflamesmovie, and @federica.alice.carlino for sneak peeks behind the scenes.

With Carlino’s professional influences including Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton and Greta Gerwig, this short film is sure to be an emotional and visually transportive experience for anyone who has ever been in love.

“I hope to reach broken-hearted people with my work [and] offer them some relief, as I found it for myself. I want them to know that what they feel is valid and it’s part of life, but there’s hope.”

Above: Cameron Wight, Producer

All imagery by Leon Philipp.

This is a paid article.

Malibu Crush

Director: James Pratt
Writer: James Pratt
Released: 2021
Starring: James Pratt, Demitra Sealy, Hayley Gia Hughes, Jessica Ross and Aiden Mckenzie

Inspired by the writing style of the Farrelly Brothers’ (Dumb & Dumber), Malibu Crush is a labour of love by award-winning actor and director, James Pratt.

It’s a quirky Indie film about two best friends from Pasadena who pretend to be highly acclaimed film school students in order to declare their love for an ex-girlfriend living in Sydney, Australia.

With the physical comedy gags peppered throughout the movie, I can not only see the Dumb & Dumber-inspired sketches, but I’m also reminded of Seinfeld‘s Kramer. (Which, automatically makes me a big fan!)

I think the only thing it’s missing is a punchy soundtrack to set it apart a little more from other indies.

However, you wouldn’t know this movie was completed on a small but respectable budget (at least in comparison to mainstream Hollywood films) or during Sydney’s heavy Covid restrictions. Its high-quality camera work takes centre stage, and the bright colours steal the show.

James Pratt is the star of Malibu Crush, both on and off-screen. He was born in Sydney and attended the acting school there. In 2012 he made a $200 short film in the outback of Australia, which was a finalist at the 2012 NBC Universal Shorts Fest in San Francisco. Since then, he has since won more than 23 acting and directing awards in Hollywood.

Malibu Crush is a must-see Indie Comedy. It’s scheduled for release in Australia and NZ on 7 September 2022, and in October across America and Europe. Watch the trailer below!

Jodie

Follow James Pratt to stay up to date:
Instagram: james_pratt7
YouTube: Jamesprattpofficial

This was a paid review.

Hot Fuzz

Director: Edgar Wright
Writer: Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg
Released: July 2007
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent
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A brilliant action-comedy from writers Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg. It’s one of my favourite films, and I can’t believe I’d never gotten around to review it.

Hot Fuzz is the second instalment of what is referred to as the ‘Cornetto trilogy’ by Edgar Wright fans (due to the ice cream’s frequent appearances). Shaun of the Dead being the first, The World’s End being the third.

This is my favourite film of the three because it is so cleverly written and very funny. It follows the story of goody-two-shoes London policeman (rather “police officer. Being a man has nothing to do with it.”) named Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) who gets transferred to a small, rural village against his wishes.

Sergeant: …we’re making you sergeant.
Nicholas: I see.
Sergeant: [mumbles]
Nicholas: In where, sorry?
Sergeant: In Sandford, Gloucestershire.
Nicholas: But that’s in the country…
Sergeant: Yes! Lovely!

The straight-laced Sergeant Angel is frustrated by the Sandford police who prefer to turn the other cheek rather than causing a fuss when someone breaks the law. He soon discovers there is a reason for this.

So, with amateur officer Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) as his sidekick, Angel’s love for the law is put into full swing as they begin a full-on investigation into what is going on in the village.

Inspired by stereotypical action films, the writers have made fun of the genre by including all the sorts of characters you’d usually see in an action film. They even go as far as re-enacting popular action movie scenes, or quoting them. They’ve studied the genre very well!

Danny: Where’s the trolley boy?
Nicholas: In the freezer.
Danny: Did you say “cool off?”
Nicholas: No I didn’t say anything…
Danny: Shame.
Nicholas: Well, there was the bit that you missed where I distracted him with the cuddly monkey then I said “play time’s over” and I hit him in the head with the peace lily.
Danny: You’re off the fuckin’ chain!

This entertaining and fast-paced film is littered with hilarious one-liners and nods to action film tropes and quotes. The script for this movie is so clever – it must have taken ages to work out how it was all going to piece together.

The script has a lot of fore-shadowing all through it, weaved through an intriguing mystery of murders and outrageous characters. My favourite being two officers, both named Andrew – AKA ‘The Andes’ played by Paddy Considine and Rafe Spall.

The editing is incredible, which is classic Edgar Wright. We studied his work for an entire year at high school; I can see his influence a mile off now, even in his most recent film, Baby Driver.

If you love gun fights, car chases and a good belly laugh, then this is the perfect film! A classic date night movie too, I think. Just like Shaun of the Dead and The World’s End, it’s a great blend of genres to keep everyone happy.

For me, some of the action scenes were a bit long-winded, and just when you think the film is finished, it doesn’t. But maybe that’s because I don’t actually like action films all that much.

Danny: Have you ever fired two guns whilst jumping through the air?
Nicholas: No.
Danny: Have you ever fired one gun whilst jumping through the air?
Nicholas: No.
Danny: Ever been in a high-speed pursuit?
Nicholas: Yes, I have.
Danny: Have you ever fired a gun whilst in a high speed pursuit?
Nicholas: No!

I love films that make fun of themselves, and this is the king of them all. I can recite the whole film, I think – I’ve watched it so many times!

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Murder on the Orient Express

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Based on Agatha Christie’s novel. Screenplay by Michael Green
Released: November 2017
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley
—

‘Um. No.’ – My review in brief of both the film and book.

I read the book then immediately watched the film, but ultimately they were both disappointing. (The film, more so.)

I am a huge Agatha Christie fan and have read a fair few of her books, but despite its fame, Murder on the Orient Express is by far the biggest disappointment – mostly due to the ending.

CHARACTERS
Basically, in regards to the film, there are far too many characters to keep track of and far too many details to ponder for it to be an enjoyable murder mystery film. Whereas in the book, it is an intriguing and baffling mystery – because you have time to think about everything and consider all the possibilities before the conclusion.

In addition to this, I’d like to add that there are many big names in this film, who seemed to have been cast despite their obvious lack of similarity to the characters in the book.

For example, Mrs Hubbard is described as a plump, humorous, brash, loud and excitable woman, but also motherly and thinks highly of her daughter. Quite clearly, I imagined Kathy Bates would play the role (with her performance of Molly Brown in Titanic in mind), who is the opposite of Michelle Pfeiffer who played Mrs Hubbard in the film as a flirtatious cougar:

Several characters that are included in the book are excluded in the film, or are merged into one character, which became somewhat confusing and disappointing. I was quite attached to the sobbing, ‘sheep-faced’ Greta Ohlsson, who was totally removed from the film.

“She’s like a sheep, you know. She gets anxious and bleats.”

The detective, Hercule Poirot, gets things wrong in the film and accuses people too early. He comes across as a bit of an amateur, which is absolutely not accurate. Totally unlike the calm, level-headed, particular Hercule Poirot who knows the answers long before he says so.

DIALOGUE
In the film, there is a few action scenes that echo Sherlock Holmes. I felt this was jarring and unnecessary (and are not in the book, I might add!).

I was disappointed by this tone of the film because I was expecting a The King’s Speech kind of feel. Where the dialogue becomes a character of its own, where it is so captivating that you find yourself totally lost in what the character is saying – looking for clues in the way they choose their words. Where the dialogue is isolated by extreme close-ups and static camerawork during dry, but captivating monologues.

It’s a shame really! I can see so clearly what I would change about this movie. There is so much important dialogue, but its treated as a nuisance that is rushed through and forgotten about and interjected with pointless action scenes.

ENDING
The ending was the biggest let-down – in terms of the book and film. Without giving it away completely, I will say that if ‘…and he woke up and it was all a dream‘ is the worst ending to a story ever, then the ending to Murder on the Orient Express is the second to worst ending ever. It was a massive deflation after a long, climactic, uphill hike.

In regards to the film, it was more than just the ending that was disappointing. It was the film in its entirety. Basically, there are around 15 main characters in this story, and all of them need to be given almost equal attention as they are all suspects and they all need to be interviewed.

So, as you can imagine, this means there is a lot of detail that needs to be told to the audience in a very short amount of time!

I don’t mean to do the cliche thing of saying ‘it was not as good as the book’, because although this is true, I think Murder on the Orient Express is a story that is simply unsuitable for the screen. It just doesn’t work – there’s too much information that needs to be conveyed.

Basically, if you haven’t read the book, you’re probably going to be quite lost in the film because they skim over the dialogue – which is all disguised in heavy accents anyway. So even if you do catch some important detail, you probably won’t be able to decipher the meaning of it anyway.

MY CONCLUSION
Overall, not Agatha Christie’s best ending, and not an enjoyable film. Too confusing and without the ‘gasps’ and intrigue of the book. Perhaps if Kenneth Branagh picked between playing the main character or the director, instead of doing both, then perhaps more time would have been spent on the script.

I know no one intends to make a bad film… But y’all made a bad film.

Jodie’s rating: 3/10

Dunkirk

dunkirk_1

Directed: Christopher Nolan
Written: Christopher Nolan
Released: July 2017
Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy
—

I don’t know where to start – I’m about to word-vomit on the page! There’s so much to say, so I’ve broken it up with little titles so that you don’t get too overwhelmed…

Well firstly, I’ll set the scene: I went to see this film with my significant-other in the town of Wareham, Dorset. We went to the REX Cinema, which is an independent cinema that was built in 1889. The small hall was packed when we went – I even had to book tickets two weeks in advance! The showing attracted many locals, likely due to the local film locations such as Swanage railway station and Weymouth.

Dunkirk is definitely the best war-based film I have seen since Saving Private Ryan.

Before I continue, I must mention that ‘yes’, this film is based during the war – as are plenty of films. But this one is different. It’s not full of blood and gore – it feels more like an emotional documentation of a snapshot in time. A remarkable story indeed.

This is an incredibly moving and haunting survival film about British soldiers desperately trying to escape the ever-approaching Nazi German forces. They’re attacking by air and land. The British soldiers attempt to evacuate France at Dunkirk to England via ship, despite all odds.

How the story is told:
The film is told by intertwining three stories, which transports you back in time by putting you in the shoes of various characters:

Land
“You can practically see it from here… Home.”
Soldiers evacuating the beach. This story is told within a time frame of one week through the eyes of Tommy* (Fionn Whitehead). The sky is dark and the sea is just as unwelcoming as the freezing cold beach they’re stranded on. With enemy planes flying over-head, the foot-soldiers must have felt insignificant and vulnerable as the British await for an overcrowded ship to take them home.
* Named after the slang term for a common British Army Solider.

Sea
“Men my age dictate this war. Why should we be allowed to send our children to fight it?”

Brave, unarmed civilians journeying from Dorset into the rough channel on their wooden boats. They try to save as many men as they can from overturned Navy ships that are bleeding oil into already blackened seas, with men fighting to escape the ruins in a blind panic. This story is told within the time frame of 24 hours from the point of view of Mr. Dawson (Sir Mark Rylance) and his son Peter (Tom Glynn-Carney).

Air
“Why [would the Germans] waste precious tanks when they can pick us off from the air like a fish in a barrel?”

Dunkirk film review

Royal Air Force pilots flying planes over the English channel, protecting the ships and boats carrying soldiers from Dunkirk as they aim for England’s shore. The Spitfires scream overhead, not immediately knowing if they’re British or German… The feeling of claustrophobia from being strapped inside a plane without fuel, or being stuck in the cockpit of a sinking plane… It creates an atmosphere thick with anxiety that can be felt all the way to the cinema chair. This section of the film is told in a time frame of one hour from the point-of-view of RAF pilot, Farrier (Tom Hardy).

These intertwining stories of various time windows was genius. Just enough time to understand each character and what they were risking, but not so dragged-out that it becomes a Peter Jackson marathon movie.

I really felt like I got a glimpse into how the soldiers, pilots and civilians felt in that moment in time.

Audio:
The first thing that struck me was the audio (this movie is a cinematic essential – don’t wait for the DVD! Buy a ticket! You need the surround-sound). The sound of ships creaking, the sound of the Spitfires over-head, the sound of distant gunfire. All of which clearly inspired the Hans Zimmer soundtrack. The audio of this film is an art within itself. Incredible.

Commander Bolton: “The tide’s turning now.”

Captain Winnant: “How can you tell?”

Commander Bolton: “The bodies are coming back.”

Casting:
I didn’t recognise many of the actors apart from half of the Inception and Batman cast, of course (Michael Cain’s voiceover, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy).

Dunkirk film review - Harry Styles

But the actors were all fascinating to look at – they have interesting faces (particularly Barry Keoghan’s character, George) that makes you want to study and stare at them.

Of course, there is Harry Styles – Nolan reckons he didn’t have the faintest Scooby-Doo about the level of Styles’ fame before casting him. Poppycock if you ask me. Nevertheless, he doesn’t exactly steal the show, and he doesn’t look too out of place either.

Conclusion:
This is a once in a lifetime film. It’ll make you jump, it’ll make you cry, it’ll send chills down your spine, but most importantly it makes you think about what could have been.

Blind Man: “Well done lads. Well done.”

Alex: “All we did is survive.”

Blind Man: “That’s enough.”

I got so choked up at that line. “That’s enough.” I was gone, and so was my mascara.

After the Dunkirk screening at REX cinema, the audience (predominately Baby Boomers) were vocal post-showing as they discussed their stories amongst themselves. One gentleman even slapped my fiancé on the back and said: “it would have been you should the war have happened today!” Chilling. Particularly because we walked out on to the old, narrow streets of Wareham, which made me feel like I was still being transported back to war-time Dorset.

The next day I took out a book called ‘World War II for beginners’ and a book called ‘Frontline Dorset’ to educate myself more on this unfathomable time.

Jodie’s rating: 9/10

Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby film review

Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers: Paul Haggis (Based on F.X. Toole’s story)
Released: December, 2004
Starring: Clint Eastwood Hilary Swank Morgan Freeman

—

I have heard references to this movie within multiple movies (Pitch Perfect in particular), but had never bothered watching it. From the outside, I figured it’s just a violent, shallow and dark tale of a female boxer. So I never showed much interest before I was leant the movie, so I thought I should give it a go.

Nevertheless, after watching Million Dollar Baby, I realised that my assumption was correct. It is certainly dark and violent.

However, the story is far more engaging and more emotionally satisfying than I thought it would be. I had assumed it would be like a Bourne action film, but instead of the endless bullets and guns and shooting, it would endless hits, punches and toothless, bloody grins. Thankfully this film held more substance though.

I should have known that if Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood are in it, then it would be a decent film.

Million Dollar baby film

Despite Maggie’s (Hilary Swank) jarring Southern accent, I enjoyed watching a female protagonist being as successful as a typical male protagonist would be. It was also refreshing to see a strong woman retain her femininity within the male-dominated sport of boxing.

It was gruesome at times, particularly the part where Maggie gets her nose broken. (Very realistic though.) Then it’s deeply philosophical at other times. It’s a great underdog movie.

That is until the ending…

Her final round was hard-hitting (no pun intended). It only took one second for a dirty swing from a dodgy competitor to result in such permanent damage. I found this scene quite moving actually; how in a split second, a decision can massively change a person’s fate.

Disappointingly, the conclusion is far from what I hoped. Was it really necessary to build our main character up that high, only to let her fall so devastatingly? Bit grim. Bit depressing.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

Sully: Miracle on the Hudson

Sully movie with Tom Hanks Director: Clint Eastwood
Writer: Todd Komarnicki
Released: September 2016
Starring: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart and Laura Linney
—

If this film was a human, it would be:
A white American male holding the US flag in one hand with a hamburger in the other, a bald eagle perched on his shoulder, while sitting on a mustang, wearing a cowboy hat and a shirt that reads ‘God bless America’, with keys in his back pocket to his Chevrolet and his white-picket-fenced suburban home in the distance… This movie was an all-American film indeed.

Based of course on the spectacular events of January 2009 where Chesley Sullenberger (Sully) landed a commercial plane on the Hudson river after an birdstrike took out both the plane’s engines. All 155 souls onboard survived.

What Sully: Miracle on the Hudson focusses on is the aftermath where our hero is interrogated as questions over whether both engines really did stop working arise, and whether or not Sully really did make the safest decision to make a water landing.

Sully movie with Tom Hanks The reenactments of the plane crash were remarkable, and Tom Hanks did a marvellous job of portraying the self-doubt and desperation his character experienced as he tried to keep his reputation as a pilot and safety expert intact. But of course Tom Hanks did an incredible job; he’s Tom Hanks.

The actors playing the parts of the passengers, I reluctantly say, were particularly poor at acting. Over-acting made them extremely unbelievable.

Imagine if this incident happened in the UK – I would love to see that movie. Because Great Britain doesn’t hail heroes, we hail underdogs. As Ricky Gervais once said, that’s the difference between the English and the Americans – we love a good underdog story because we focus on the negative, whereas they focus on the positive. ‘Anyone can be the next president’ versus ‘it would never happen to you’ kind of attitude, which feeds into our society and films. As my media studies teach once said, films are the mirrors held up to society.

Our Sully movie would be down-to-Earth (no pun intended) and probably a lot of depressing. Which, strangely I would probably relate to more. Therefore, I enjoyed Sully, but it was a bit difficult to relate to as it was a tad ‘happy-clappy’ and a bit too intensely positive.

I wouldn’t say it’s an inspirational epic, but it was an enjoyable story.

Jodie’s rating: 6.5/10

Hidden Figures

hidden-figures-poster

Director: Theodore Melfi
Writers: Allison Schroeder & Theodore Melfi. Based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly
Released: December 2016
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge and Glen Powell
—

This was actually quite a funny film!

I was expecting a super dramatic biopic, but as compelling as the storyline absolutely is, it is intertwined with down-to-Earth humour. (Pun intended.)

A fantastically inspiring movie based on three real-life black women who worked at NASA in the sixties. It follows their triumphs and successes, despite being completely discriminated against for being black, and for being women.

A classic ‘human’ story, with particularly relatable and believable moments that are so easy to connect with emotionally.

Karl Zielinski: …Let me ask you, if you were a white male, would you wish to be an engineer?
Mary Jackson: I wouldn’t have to. I’d already be one.

Truly inspiring, shocking and sassy!

The three main characters are Katherine Goble Johnson (Taraji Penda Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer, The Help) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe).

Mary Jackson was my personal favourite because she had some of the best come-backs, and every dress she wore was absolutely beautiful. I want all of them please. (Look at everyone’s shoes too! I’m in love.)

The film is perhaps longer than needed… But having said that, there’s not a single scene I would be happy parting with!

Vivian Mitchell (Kirstin Dunst): Despite what you may think, I have nothing against y’all.
Dorothy Vaughan: I know, I know you probably believe that.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and so did my fiancé. We laughed a lot, I cried a lot (the proposal seen oh my Loooooord!!) and we walked away at the end of a mighty fine evening feeling uplifted.

We went to see Hidden Figures at a cinema in Wareham, Dorset called The Rex Cinema. I would thoroughly recommend paying a visit. The cinema was built in the 1800s, and the same grand and intriguing interior remains today. It was the perfect atmosphere to watch such a historical and proud film.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

Finding Dory

Director: Andrew Stanton
Writer: Andrew Stanton
Released: June 2016
Featuring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy
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I was more keen to see BFG if I’m honest, but mostly because I thought Finding Nemo was so good that ‘Finding Dory‘ was just going to be a cash-in. But due to a particularly over-excited boyfriend, we ended up seeing Finding Dory.

Sharing a small cinema with about 50 people – some of them peculiar, some of them creepy, and only a couple of them under the age of 13 – we unabashedly cracked open a couple of ciders and the movie began. And I was pleasantly surprised.

With new characters and a heart-felt story line, Finding Dory was another genius creation of Pixar.

We follow Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) as she slowly gets flash-backs to her home and parents. It leads her, Nemo (Hayden Rolence) and Marlin (Albert Brooks) across the ocean once again, and finding themselves in a Marine Life Institute. (Featuring Sigourney Weaver as herself).

My favourite character was probably Becky, who is a dotty bird who is rather simple.She is as creepy as she is quirky.

Although I did think Hank (Ed O’Neill (granddad in Modern Family)) the octopus was the most heart-warming character.

But my boyfriend’s favourite character was Bailey (Ty Burrell (aka dad in Modern Family)) the beluga whale due to the humour of watching him figure out how to be a whale, as well as the sounds he made.

Unfortunately, my boyfriend pointed out that the goofy sea lion Gerald has an uncanny resemblance to my good self… I was offended.

In between the genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, the storyline was heavy in parts. The emphasis on family and unity and support and friendship and acceptance and patience… Man! Please calm down on the wholesome messages.

Dory’s short term memory loss became a little irritating, as the ‘wait, what are we talking about?’ jokes began to seem over-used, and wearing thin.

But it’s a movie I would happily see again. I haven’t laughed that loudly in a movie for a long time! It’s certainly aimed at us older kids (in our twenties) who grew up watching Finding Nemo.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

Deadpool

Deadpool movie review

Director: Tim Miller
Writer: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
Released: February 2016
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand and Stefan Kapičić
—

I only had a vague idea of what Deadpool was. I hadn’t seen the trailer, but countless people had recommended the superhero film, saying it was hilarious.

Frankly, you’d have to have a bit of a dark side to you, tough skinned, if you will. A bit of black humour, to have a full-on belly laugh at this film.

The blood, gore and violence reminded me of Watchmen – no one warned me of this… So, consider this a warning to all the girlfriends who have been convinced by their boyfriends that this is a funny film.

It is…

But.

It’s also incredibly gory.
Deadpool film review For those of you non-comic-book people out there, basically Wade Wilson aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is a sarcastic, normal dude who has got mutated in some creepy underground experimentation lab.

It turns him into a super-human being, but with an incorrigible urge for revenge on those who made him the way he is; scarred and invincible. As well as an insatiable urge to win back his girlfriend, who currently thinks he’s dead.

The main character, Deadpool, is most certainly sarcastic, light-hearted, with a few funny come-backs. I can see why the protagonist’s cockiness can get on some people’s nerves though.

Deadpool film review This is mostly due to the film blatantly making fun of itself, breaking fourth walls frequently, and generally not taking itself seriously at all. It is essentially a mock-hero film. Like the film Vampires Suck – a spoof of Twilight. Or, The Starving Games – spoof of the Hunger Games.

Deadpool has been made with a far larger budget, of course. Taking the sarcasm and irony from Iron Man and the violence from Watchmen.

Fun fact: Ryan Reynolds was engaged to singer Alanis Morrisette, then he was married to Scarlett Johansson!

*No one cares*

I would say it’s pretty average over all. But this is a superhero film – which is basically a chick flick for men. As in, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

You can’t take it too seriously. It’s funny enough, and for men in their mid-twenties, early-thirties who are comic book, video games know-it-alls, it will be the peanut butter and jam sandwich with chocolate sprinkles of superhero films – you’ll love it.

For the rest of us, however, it was sufficient. Although, potentially irritating and gross.

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men film poster Director: Rob Reiner (Misery)
Writer: Aaron Sorkin
Released: December 1992
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Pollak, Wolfgang Bodison, James Marshall, J. T. Walsh and Kiefer Sutherland
—

“You can’t handle the truth!”

Well. Now I know where this famous quote actually comes from. I’ve heard it being referenced in Seinfeld (and probably countless other shows), and hadn’t the slightest clue it was from a good movie – not some Terminator, mindless action film that for some reason I always assumed it would be from.

A Few Good Men, a courtroom drama from 1992. I know, I know, I’m only 23 years behind.

Man, this movie is my favourite at the moment. I’m assuming I was the only person on the planet who hadn’t seen this film, but if you need a refresher of the plot without any of the court or Marine jargon…

Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men film Kaffee, (Tom Cruise), Galloway (Demi Moore) and Weinberg (Kevin Pollak) are defending two Marines – Dawson and Downey – who are accused of killing another Marine named Santiago, via a “Code Red”. Which is a “violent extrajudicial punishment”, according to Wikipedia. But it’s fundamentally where people of higher ranks turn their heads while Marines beat the crap out of each other for being late, or running slowly, or just being a dick in general.

Jack Nicholson in the final court scene of A Few Good Men Cruise’s character is over-confident, and he asks super awesome questions to people ranked way above him. But he has to be careful when he begins questioning Jack Nicholson’s character, because if he can’t get him to admit that he knew about the Code Red, then Tom Cruise’s character will be down the pan for accusing a Colonel… Basically.

Kevin Bacon in A Few Good Men film close-up Oh! And, Captain Jack Ross (Kevin Bacon) – not to be confused with popular Disney pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow – is the lawyer person on the other side, trying to get Dawson and Downey out of the Marines for supposedly murdering Santiago.

Anyway! Explaining any court-based story sounds boring on paper, but super cool in the movies.

I love how Demi Moore’s character isn’t a typical downtrodden, infatuated female. She’s as strong, competent and as funny as the men, and does well in her job without being the damsel in distress, or totally boring.

Oh! And how she asks Tom Cruise’s character on a date, because she’s a strong, independent woman who don’t need no man to ask her! *Snaps fingers in a sassy fashion*. But it doesn’t get lovey-dovey at all – such a breath of fresh air.

Galloway: But my feeling is that if this case is handled in the same fast-food, slick-ass ‘ Persian Bazaar manner with which you seem to handle everything else, something’s gonna get missed. And I wouldn’t be doing my job if I allowed Dawson and Downey to spend any more time in prison than absolutely necessary, because their attorney had pre-determined the path of least resistance.

Kaffee: Wow… I’m sexually aroused, Commander.

Demi Moore in A Few Good Men film Although, through all three viewings of this film within a week, I could not figure out Demi Moore’s hair… Is it short? Is it long and tied back? Is it actually Travolta’s hair from Grease..? It broke my brain a little bit. Looks pretty cool, nevertheless.

I’m typically not a fan of Tom Cruise, but he is comical, intense, and plays the part of the spoiled, cocky, lawyer remarkably well. He’s so sassy, with smart-mouthed come-backs.

Kaffee: Oh, hah, I’m sorry, I keep forgetting. You were sick the day they taught law at law school.

The only thing that dates this film is the repeated music that is quite obviously from the late 80s/early 90s. Apart from that, I think it’s held its own very well indeed. It’s just as entertaining now, as I’m sure it was back in ’92.

Keifer Sutherland in A Few Good Men film I almost forgot – Kiefer Sutherland is in it! He’s so intense. Everyone is! I definitely could not survive in the Marines… But, doesn’t Sutherland just look SWELL. *Swoon* I still prefer him in The Lost Boys though…

I love courtroom dramas. Just when you think Cruise’s character is out, he finds a loophole. It’s like Sherlock Holmes meets Judge Judy!

“It doesn’t matter what I believe. It only matters what I can prove!”

So much sass, so much awesomeness. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Scary, nail-biting, funny, inspiring. So amazing.

Kaffee: I know what you’re going to say – You don’t have to. We’ve had our differences. I said some things I didn’t mean; you said some things you didn’t mean, but you’re happy I stuck with the case. And if you’ve gained a certain respect for me over the last three weeks… well, of course, I’m happy about that. But we don’t have to make a whole big deal outta that – you like me? I won’t make you say it.

Galloway: I was just going to tell you to wear matching socks tomorrow.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

The Town

The Town film poster Director: Ben Affleck
Writers: Based on the novel Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan. Screenplay: Ben Affleck, Peter Craig and Aaron Stockard
Released: 2010
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper
—

Not to be confused with The Village…

I think this movie has everything in it – a compelling love story, fantastic action scenes and Ben Affleck *swoon*. You also can’t go wrong with a rough Boston accent either!

A story about a town in Boston named Charlestown. Where, for some, bank robbery is a way of life and treated as an art handed down through the generations.

The Town film - robbery scene In the first robbery of the film, a masked Doug (Ben Affleck) is calming Claire (Rebecca Hall) who is franticly opening the safe, while the rest of the robbers intimidate the hostages.

A few days after the robbery, Doug ‘bumps into’ the woman to see how much she knows about the robbers and what she’s told the police. Which, I thought was a super cool part of the film. By getting close with one of the few witnesses Doug had the inside scoop of how far off the police were.

Anyway, she basically falls in love with Doug – who, little does she know, was responsible for one of the most traumatic experiences of her life.

The Town movie - nun costume scene I like movies where you’re on the side of the ‘badies’. Kind of like in Gone Girl where I found myself rooting for the mad killer. It was the same as in this film – I was backing the robbers the whole time. but what The Town did differently was that they went a step further and villainised the ‘goodies’ – the police.

It’s a thorough insight into a vastly different culture. The robbers are brutal, tough, but incredibly loyal toward each other.

Doug: I need you to do something with me. I can’t tell you why, you can’t ask me about it after and we’re gonna hurt people.”
Jem: Whose car we gonna take?

God, but bloody Affleck. Being the main character, director and one of the writers, OF COURSE he had to write himself a saucy love scene. Boys, eh!

Lovable, exciting – yet violent – characters, a believable love story with fantastic action sequences between uplifting scenes. A cool twist to the average cold, stale bank robbing film. I like how, although it is scary and violent and intense, it’s still personable and emotional.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

Inside Out

WELCOME TO MY 300th POST!

Director: Pete Docter
Writer: Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen
Released: June 2015
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Richard Kind, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan
—

What a fantastic premise!

I am fascinated by psychology and why people behave the way they do, and this film has simplified our complex behaviours into an entertaining and interesting animation.

It’s about a young girl… Well, more like the emotions that make up a young girl. We see inside her head and see who controls her moods, decisions and feelings:

Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger and Fear.

Each are relatable and lovable, each with pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses. No mood is less important than the other, or more favourable than the other. Which is a moral within itself.

My favourite character was Sadness. Because she seems so helpless and incorrigible, but she’s not self-loathing or deceitful.

Joy was my least favourite… She is positively irritating.

However! I was surprised to notice there are more female characters than male characters.

I love how much we find out about this world – the subconscious, personal values, suppressed memories, even her imaginary friend. But my favourite part is the explanation of dreams…

“Action!”

By turning the brain from a wibbly-wobbly system, a complex map – if you will – of intertwined motorways, power lines, unpredictable traffic jams and road rage. This movie physicalises many components of what makes you, you!

All that is natured and nurtured, all that is influential and permanent. This movie has assigned a character to represent it.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. I think perhaps, on a deeper level beyond the entertainment value, perhaps this film could shine a new light on why people are the way they are. Hopefully increasing understanding and acceptance among us… That’s wishful thinking…

But you should see it.

My only hope is that an R16 version comes out where it’s not an animation, but a real person. Who is a psychopathic murderer like Hannibal… IMAGINE THAT. Watching what Hannibal Lecter is THINKING…

Perhaps a sequel?

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Why not a 10/10? Because it sagged a little at times, and at the end, you realise you spent $18.50 on a children’s movie…

My Lonely Me

My Lonely Me short film poster review

Written and directed by Joe Scott, who also wrote Tamla Rose.
Released: 2015
Production company: Ace Film
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A slightly abstract musical about a young woman uncovering mysteries of her childhood.

Reiga (Sabrina Dickens) is a music student suffering from flashbacks and hallucinations, particularly of a little girl. As the movie goes on, it gets darker and even rather creepy.

The little girl is Reiga’s younger self, who helps her uncover family secrets and come to terms with the tragedies of her past that she has mentally blocked out.

A fantastically lit, well-made feature-length film. I thought Sabrina Dickens was a believable actress whom I enjoyed watching.

Although I’m not a fan of musicals – usually because they get mellow-dramatic rather quickly – I found that the songs not only fitted in very well with the tone of the movie, but actually carried the story further. Particularly because the protagonist was experiencing surreal delusions, so the realism wasn’t broken when the actress began singing.

Despite the occasional shot hinting at the film’s low budget, I think it was a creative and an incredibly brave storyline that was pulled off well.

I think the only way this film could have been improved, would be to play around with the lighting a little, or even using simple in-camera tricks to highlight the creepiness and uneasiness of the situations.

Despite that, I think it is a great film with great songs. But I am particularly impressed with the continuity and set lighting. Even though there wasn’t a huge amount of creativity within the set design, the crew certainly stuck to what they know and do best. Limitations are an important thing to recognise on a low budget, and these guys used it to their advantage.

Check out their Facebook page and website: www.mylonelyme.me.uk

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Top 5: Film Pet Peeves

Community tv show

For the sake of all the Abeds out there…

Spotless shoe soles
This obviously happens because the shoes are brand new, bought for the actor and the character they’re playing. But I’m tired of never seeing a scuff, scratch or smudge. No dirt or wear to the shoes at all. Work them in a little!

Empty coffee cups
This annoys me to no end. It’s usually those take-away cups where it is obvious there is nothing in them. Put some water in them or something! Because no matter how great an actor is at drinking pretend coffee, (Brad Pitt is quite talented at this) when they set that cup down on a table – it wobbles. Act your way outa that one!

Drivers that never look at the road!
The passenger may have very intriguing things to say, but it’s been like… a solid six seconds since you last looked where you’re driving. The last time I saw this was on that incredible political TV show, House of Cards. But, it happens in a lot of films and shows.

People not eating or drinking
I know, I know, having actors eat and drink during every take is a continuity nightmare. But twirling pasta and pushing it around the plate is so frustrating to watch. Up in the Air is a fantastic movie and one of my favourites, but there’s a scene where George Clooney and Anna Kendrick are in a restaurant staring at food and tapping it with forks.

The scene is long, my friends. That food is cold, and uneaten.

The Up in the Air director (Jason Reitman) probably learned his lesson from when he did Juno though. In that movie, he asked Jennifer Garner to drink the red wine in her hand take after take. She eventually started to bung-up her lines, sway and slur her words. But it looked realistic, nonetheless!

In Julie & Julia the director was adamant that the actors must eat the food. A chef was on site, and the food was apparently delicious. But take after take, the actors did begin to feel sick from the amount they were eating!

The Very Hungry Hannibal In the most recent TV show Hannibal, the actors had to eat the food because it had to look legit. You can’t exactly skimp on the eating part in a show about a cannibal! But man did the crew work for it! The dietary requirements of the actors must have been an annoyance. Making it look like everyone is eating the same thing, but some being vegetarian or gluten intolerant or vegan… Phwah! For the love of art, right?

Flawless make-up during battles and strenuous exercise
This annoys me more than any of the rest. I get it. Women are supposed to be flawless in movies. I know there are unrealistic beauty standards, but that aside. Lipstick fades. Eye shadow smudges. Mascara bleeds. Ugly crier If anything, seeing a character sweat without the make-up shifting breaks my suspension of disbelief. In action scenes like in Edge of Tomorrow or the fourth Transformers (God, there’s so much wrong with that film, invincible make-up is the least of its worries), putting a bit of dirt on their face doesn’t count. Tussle the hair! Uneven the eyeliner! Streak the foundation! Do something!

Add your pet peeves in the comments section below!

Abed: I can tell life from TV, Jeff. TV makes sense, it has structure, logic, rules, and likeable leading men. In life, we have this. We have you.

Jodie.

Hector and the Search for Happiness

Director: Peter Chelsom
Writer: Peter Chelsom,Tinker Lindsay and Maria von Heland. Based on the novel of the same name by François Lelord
Released: September 2014
Starring: Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike and Toni Collette
—

I thought this was going to be an English version of Walter Mitty… I think that was the aim anyway, but it certainly wasn’t the final product.

Unfortunately, this potentially deep and meaningful storyline was not achieved due to the general lack of believability, and the distaste toward the main character, Hector (Simon Pegg).

Basically, Hector is a psychiatrist and he finds himself unfulfilled. So he goes on a journey around the world, visiting countries including China and Africa, to find out what makes people happy.

But right off the bat, the audience stops rooting for the protagonist when he cheats on his wife in China, then meets up with an old flame in America. Suddenly, we no longer think well of Hector and the story goes down hill from there.

So the suspension of disbelief has plummeted, and for the rest of the film I’m hoping his wife Clara (Rosamund Pike) tells him he’s a disgusting excuse for a man and dumps him.

To save you the suspense, here are some of the things he learns makes people happy. Like most other films in the ‘runaway’ genre, he writes down his experiences.

Making comparisons can spoil your happiness.
A lot of people think happiness is being rich or important.
Many people see happiness only in their future.
Happiness could be the freedom to love more than one woman at the same time. (Which I’m sure will result in the unhappiness of people around him!)
Nostalgia is not what it used to be.

Anyway. I was disappointed because I love Walter Mitty so much and I thought this would be just as inspiring. Although, the fact it wasn’t shown in the major theatres here in New Zealand should have been a clue.

A great excuse to travel the world for some lucky cast and crew.

Jodie’s rating: 4/10
1) Because I still enjoy movies about travel, 2) it has Simon Pegg in it, 3) it has Rosamund Pike in it, and 4) the trailer is pretty awesome.

What We Did on our Holiday

What We Did on our Holiday film poster Directors: Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
Writers: Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
Released: September 2014
Starring: David Tennant, Rosamund Pike and Billy Connolly
—

Like my horse, it’s funny at the beginning, saggy in the middle and a bit crappy at the end.

This is a film – featuring the spectacular David Tennant (Dr. Who!!) and Rosamund Pike – about a family of five going on holiday to Scotland for the grandfather’s 75th birthday party.

Long story short, the parents are having a divorce but only the children know, and they are sworn to secrecy while visiting their sickly grandfather so as to keep his final years pleasant.

What We Did on our Holiday film with David Tennant and Rosamund Pike Pike plays the mum, Abi, Tennant as the dad, Doug, and Billy Connolly as the granddad, Gordie.

Abi and Doug have three children, the easiest way to describe them is as the intelligent and serious one, the creative one and the youngest and funniest one. Sort of like in that Lemoney Snicket movie A Series of Unfortunate Events.

I found the first third of the movie hilarious – such a typical English comedy. It reminded me of About a Boy. I was laughing out loud watching it on the plane and everything. (Although, that was after two bourbon and cokes…)

After that, it got quite slow. The drama began to set in, but there wasn’t enough at stake, perhaps, for the audience to feel to effected?

What We Did on our Holiday film Nevertheless, the script was amazing. Some fantastic one-liners! For example, the youngest child has a brick and a rock as friends:

Doug: Have you seen anybody about this?
Abi: Like a geologist?

And a whooooooole other bunch of funny lines, which I can’t find on the internet for you because it’s a newish film.

I think this movie has great intentions, and it was almost awesome from beginning to end, with philosophical and comedic moments.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

In the Mood for Love

In the Mood for Love film poster Directed: Wong Kar-Wai
Written: Wong Kar-Wai
Released: September 2000
Starring: Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung
—

Because this movie isn’t in English, I’m just going to do a fat dissection of the visuals… Enjoy!

A story about two married couples who move into an apartment next door from one another. One couple is Chow Mo-wan, a journalist, and his wife. The other is Su Li-zhen, a secretary, and her husband.

Chow and Su both have a spouse who works over-time often, leaving them alone in their rooms most nights. However, their absence slowly brings Chow and Su together, and they speculate over unfaithfulness in their respective spouses.

In the Mood for Love Japanese film scene Based in Hong-Kong during the 1960s, their closeness is frowned upon so, even though only friends, Su and Chow begin a more secretive relationship.

I love how the director portrays the story visually. The spouses of Chow and Su are never seen, their faces are forever unrecognisable, with only their voices heard. This reinforces their lack of identity within their respective marriages, and their lack of presence.

I’m not familiar with Asian film, but it is a fantastically shot movie, although veeeery slow in pace.

The use of slow-motion is used often, emphasising Chan and Su waiting for their spouses to come home every night. A great scene is when the two begin to work out that both of their spouses are having an affair with each other. The camera movements get faster and closer while sitting in a cafe, and then Chan and Su leave together in slow motion, emphasising their shared heartbreak and unity.

The slow motion scenes occur regularly to mark chapters, married with the same piece of suspicious/melancholy music. Although repetitive, it works well to portray the characters growing and moving closer.

In the Mood for Love Japanese film scene Food is a very important symbol in the film. Chan’s and Su’s first meal together parallels them coming to terms with their spouses infidelity. Where they used to get take-out from the same place and eat alone, this first meal is an important milestone.

Chan orders for Su, picking out a dish his wife likes, and Su picks out a dish for Chan that her husband would usually eat. They frequently ‘play’ each other’s spouses, almost as though to keep their growing friendship a make-believe, so as not to take responsibility.

Food is something to share and something that expresses themselves. Where Chan enjoys noodles and sesame soup, his cheating wife prefers steak with hot mustard, for example.

This is a story about coincidence, and people who have the courage to pursue chance encounters and near-missed opportunities. Chan and Su are both frequently referred to as being too polite. Their almost cowardliness natures lead to them being perpetually unhappy in their already broken marriages, too scared to make the first move.

A film that perfectly illustrates the tug-of-war between, ‘what’s meant to be, will be’ and ‘make it what you want’. A right to be happy and honest, versus secrets and unhappiness.

That turned out to be a bit longer than expected! It’s worth a watch, the full movie can be found on Youtube at the moment.

In the same way that English and American films are completely different in tone and humour, even if in the same genre, this Chinese film is different again. I’m having difficulty rating it as I’m not familiar with the culture, humour or film production, with nothing for comparison. 6/10 perhaps?

Into the Wild

Into the Wild film poster Director: Sean Penn
Writer: Sean Penn based on Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Brian Dierker, Vince Vaughn, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Stewart, Hal Holbrook
Released: September 2007
—

WARNING: THIS FILM MAY GIVE A GIANT REALITY CHECK TO MANY ASPIRING TRAVELLERS. YOU MAY END UP CANCELLING YOUR ADVENTURE PLANS AND BECOME CONTENT WITH A SECURE, SAFE 9-5 JOB.

This took me soooo long to sit down, and watch successfully from beginning to end. I attempted watching it twice, about two years ago. But I found it slow-paced and uneventful.

Oh boy was I wrong.

Based on a true story, Into the Wild is about a privileged young man, Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who graduates from university. He has the world in his hands, from the outside he has a top-class education, and wealthy, supportive parents. Into the Wild film - hitchhiking scene

But his deepest desire is to distance himself from the material world of money and ‘things’. So he sets off on a journey in search of adventures in the Alaskan wilderness.

I’m gonna be all the way out there, all the way f*cking out there. Just on my own. You know, no f*cking watch, no map, no axe, no nothing. No nothing. Just be out there. Just be out there in it. You know, big mountains, rivers, sky, game. Just be out there in it, you know? In the wild.

A few months ago I took the time to watch it properly. I watched it just before my graduation from university, which was probably why I loved it so much; the story seemed to parallel my life at that point.

I think everyone’s had that desire to break away from the life they know and rough it out in East Jesus nowhere. And, just like every other ‘runaway’ film, Into the Wild lives out your secret fantasy.

Society, man! You know, society! Cause, you know what I don’t understand? I don’t understand why people, why every f*cking person is so bad to each other so f*cking often.

Into the Wild film - bird scene It’s certainly a sad story, and it bursts your idealistic bubble of living in the wilderness. As it turns out, being in the wild is a brutal place to be. Especially all alone.

But, in Christopher’s eyes, he did exactly what he wanted to do. He created his own challenges and hurdles, his own dreams and goals. I feel he was in complete control of his life for once. And despite the tragedies along the way, at least you can say he truly led a free life.

Check out Christopher’s real-life story, there’s a few interesting facts you’ll find out about him… But it’s probably best to read the true story after watching the film. Otherwise you’ll kill the magic in the film.

Into the Wild film scene A classic ‘runaway‘ film that nods to Thelma and Louise, with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Wild following in its epic, glorious and inspiring footsteps.

With this gorgeous song leaving you at the end of the film, I found myself to feel extremely humbled. Christopher’s story was an incredible one to say the least, but as I said, it will smash your travelling dreams with one heavy swing of reality.

This is a ‘quieter’ film to Wild, which is why the rating is a smidgen lower. I think the lack of dialogue and music works for this film, but I ultimately prefer Wild‘s soundtrack and use of dialogue more.

Jodie’s rating: 7.5/10
Please watch the trailer – the score and the editing just punches you in the face with awesomeness.

Wild

Wild film poster Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Writer: Nick Hornby (screenplay), Cheryl Strayed (novel)
Released: December 2014 (USA), January 2015 (NZ)
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Michiel Huisman and Gaby Hoffman
—

Based on a true story, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) battles the ghosts of her past: heroin addiction, divorce, the death of her mother and the abandonment of her father. As a way to start fresh, she goes on a 1000-mile journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Reese Witherspoon in counselling scene in Wild film To be frank, the flashbacks made me feel really uncomfortable. But… I guess the world of heroin addicts shouldn’t exactly be attractive.

A classic ‘runaway movie‘, although I’m not entirely sure if this is actually a sub-genre. Nevertheless, Wild fits into this category along with Into the Wild, Thelma and Louise.

Find out more about the runaway genre here!

Wild film with Reese Witherspoon In fact, if you enjoyed Into the Wild (also a biographic), then you’re likely to enjoy Wild. It’s basically the same story but from the perspective of a woman, with different life problems.

I honestly had little doubt in Reese Witherspoon. I knew she would play this complicated character well. I’ve really enjoyed her more serious roles ever since Walk the Line.

When I walked out of the cinema, I needed time to process. I really felt moved by this film, not only because I love the ‘runaway genre’, but because the film makers portrayed Strayed’s emotions so convincingly that I started to take her problems on board.

Wild Reese Witherspoon film I’d like to point out that the screenplay was written by Nick Hornby, who wrote About A Boy. Whatta guy!

Wow, almost forgot to mention the soundtrack! The songs include a perfectly fitting Portishead song (Glory Box) that plays during flash-backs to Strayed’s lowest of times as an addict.

Other amazing artists on the soundtrack include Simon & Garfunkel, an R.E.M cover by First Aid Kit, Wings, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen… It goes on.

I think the best movies make you laugh, cry and leave you with something to ponder. Wild certainly does. Some parts are hard to watch (not quite on par with the dreaded Requiem for a Dream though), but for the most part, I enjoyed it.

Life, eh!

Jodie’s rating: 9/10

Gone Girl

Gone Girl film poster

Director: David Fincher
Writer: Gillian Flynn (based on her novel of the same name)
Released: October 2014
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry and Carrie Coon
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Let me just begin by saying, oh my Lord, Gillian Flynn wrote the screenplay to her own novel! That never happens!

When writing my last post, What are you like, Rosamund Pike? (about actors whose public perception changes based on the roles they choose), I wondered how I was going to write this review…

I was so shocked by Rosamund Pike’s performance – she was fantastic of course – but I wasn’t prepared for her to pick this role.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t the mystery/detective/Midsomer Murders deal I was expecting. This is a story of a manic, psychopathic panther disguised as a house cat.

Pike’s character, Amy, is the wife to Nick (Ben Affleck), when she goes missing. They were a seemingly perfect couple who live in the suburbs, but how happy were they really before this tragedy happened?

Their house is a gory crime scene on the day of her disappearance, so it’s assumed that a brutal murder has taken place and her body has been hidden, but who did it?

Gone Girl film - Ben Affleck's speech It gets dark very quickly by this point as they outline the characters’ backstories, and how it came to this.

Nick is thrust into the spotlight of the media, who struggles to be the likeable and concerned husband that the public expect. He is quickly labeled as number one suspect, and Nick gets lawyered-up!

It is certainly a tragic and unnerving film, with some scenes being particularly distressing so this thriller is not a sleepy Sunday afternoon kind of film.

Nevertheless, this is a psychological thriller, which is always one step ahead of you; it has you flip-flopping between characters as to who to root for.

Amy is portrayed as a trustworthy and humble suburban woman on the outside, but has a twisted mind. I was a bit terrified of her as we realise the full potential of her off-kilted psyche. But I still kind of liked her – she has a bit of Thelma & Louise in her storyline.

Nick is a good-looking, albeit, quietly egotistical, depressed and selfish man, so he’s not all that great either. But that doesn’t necessarily make him guilty… Does it?

As Pike said in an interview about this “social satire” film, we are all editing ourselves – on Facebook and in public – so who are we all really? What are we capable of?

Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl film

Gone Girl does challenge you to acknowledge the major social issues and kinks in human nature within society. As we’re rubbing shoulders with the best and the worst of humanity.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Top 5: Films Based in the Sixties

Films based in the 1960s I love the 1960s… I feel like my huge amount of posts regarding this era may have given that away.

So! Here are my top five favourite films set in the 1960s. (Presented in no particular order).

American Graffiti (set in 1962)
Look, creep. You want a knuckle sandwich?
Uh, no thanks. I’m waiting for a double Chucky Chuck.

This is a bitchin’ 60s film through the eyes of American teenagers with an ear for rock ‘n’ roll! I mean… This has to be my favourite 60s film. It’s bright like a jukebox with great music highlighted by Wolfman Jack. The cars, the dresses, the language, the people..! I just… Can’t even. When I watch this film, I feel like I’ve got a backstage pass to my favourite band’s show. I get all giddy and nostalgic

Made in Dagenham (set in 1968)
Cope? How will we cope? We’re women. Now, don’t ask such stupid questions.

Documenting the fight for equal pay for men and women in the UK – obviously a major change for this era – focussing on the working class. I like how the filmmakers illustrated the two generations: the older characters who lived through or fought in the war with their 40s, duller dresses. And the younger generation wearing bright sixties dresses and big hair. This divide is illustrated in one short scene: the power cut at the disco (for those of you who have seen it).

The Boat That ROCKED poster The Boat that Rocked (set in 1966)
Remember folks, it ain’t simple bein’ cool, but it’s cool bein’ simple.

From the point of view from the rock stars of the era: pirate radio DJs. It’s about the fight between pirate radio entertainers (and their fans) versus the English government who shut them down. Fantastic soundtrack of course. With every 60s music genre represented by a DJ on board the boat. Certainly a dreamy ideal of what the era was, but the film crushes your dreams at the end.

The Help (set in 1963)
Eighteen people were killed in Jackson that night. Ten white and eight black. I don’t think God has colour in mind when he sets a tornado loose.

The dark side of the sixties in the South. Every time I say “I want to live in the sixties”, the typical response is: “Yeah, but what about the racism?” Now I’m not saying the sixties are perfect, and racism in this time was devastating and unimaginable. The Help certainly puts this side of the sixties into perspective. Every era has its dark side (even the twenty-teens). A fantastic film nonetheless, with an uplifting and inspirational ending.

Good Morning, Vietnam (set in 1965)
Speaking of things controversial, is it true that there is a marijuana problem here in Vietnam?
No, it’s not a problem, everybody has it.

Why have I not written about one of my favourites? Well. I suppose It’s because it’s so dialogue-heavy that it’s more of a radio show – Robin Williams really is the star and his ad-libbed script just takes the cake. A fantastic angle of the devastating Vietnam war, from the point of view of the radio hosts. It’s bound to put a smile on your dial.

Films that didn’t quite make the cut:

Catch Me if You Can (set in 1963)
Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned. The second mouse, wouldn’t quit. He struggled so hard that eventually he churned that cream into butter and crawled out.

Sadly, I haven’t reviewed this one yet. But I think it’s so inspiring. A young man (Leonardo Dicaprio) ran away from home and used his charm to fake being a pilot, doctor and lawyer. After being caught years later, he was hired by the FBI to help them catch cheque forgers. I love this true story because it shows how much freedom they had. (Unlike today where everyone is watched and documented). It didn’t make the top five because my love for Good Morning, Vietnam got the best of me.

Forrest Gump (set in 1960s)
Why are you so good to me?
You’re my girl!

Of course, not all of this movie is set in the 60s, but there is a large chunk of the hippie movement portrayed. A theme also shared in Made in Dagenham, is that it was just a time of complete change and challenging authorities. This didn’t get to the top 5 because, let’s be honest, haven’t we heard enough about this epic?

Walk the Line (set in 50s – 60s)
Hi, I’m Johnny Cash

I was going to put this film in the mix too, but I relealised all the best scenes were set in the fifties, and only the ending is in the sixties. But I would like to acknowedge it as being friggin’ awesome, with fantastic actors portraying the kings (and queen) of rock ‘n’ roll.

Take five! Take that!
Jodie.

Chandelier – Sia

Chandelier song video of Sia's While we are on the topic of Sia, I love her earlier song: Chandelier.

It’s just as emotionally-charged and high energy as Elastic Heart. In fact, I see Chandelier as the prequel to Elastic Heart, because the videos are both directed by Sia and Daniel Askill and features the same dancer in the music video, Maddie Ziegler. You can definitely tell the dancing was choreographed by the same person too, Ryan Heffington, as some of the moves are the same, and so is Ziegler’s costume.

It’s still fantastic though. The video was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Video, and became the seventh most watched YouTube video of 2014.

The lyrics are great. It reminds me of Tove Lo’s song High, because it’s about the plights of a party girl. (Which, I personally find a frightening subject matter after seeing the music video to High.)

I’m gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier
I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist
Like it doesn’t exist
I’m gonna fly like a bird through the night, feel my tears as they dry…

But I’m holding on for dear life, won’t look down won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light, ‘cos I’m just holding on for tonight
Help me, I’m holding on for dear life, won’t look down won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light, ‘cos I’m just holding on for tonight…

I’ve found a lot of covers – including one by Sara Bareilles. But they’re either too slow, which I don’t think gives the song justice, or (in the case of some of the singing contestants on tv) are just plain out of tune.

Sia’s original performance is the best, and I don’t think it will be beaten. No one can match her vocals – especially live!

Jodie

Elastic Heart – Sia

Elastic Heart music video Sia I am so slow to the party.

This song was on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, and boy is it powerful.

I think the song can speak for itself, but it’s a chilling story of the singer’s two emotional versions of herself. Each side wrestles to become dominant.

I imagine it’s the side that’s strong, flexible, and can cope with trauma, versus the side that’s negative and fragile:

I’ve got thick skin and an elastic heart
But your blade it might be too sharp
I’m like a rubberband until you pull too hard
I may snap and I move fast
But you won’t see me fall apart
‘Cos I’ve got an elastic heart

Gorgeous voice.

The music video is equally as powerful – but has been rather controversial. Shia in Elastic Heart Sia music video

This concept of dominance is portrayed by 28-year-old actor Shia LaBeouf and 12-year-old Maddie Ziegler through interpretive dance. It is directed by Sia and Daniel Askill, and choreographed by Ryan Heffington.

Wearing nude-coloured clothing, they dance inside a giant cage, that I assume represents Sia’s head. Ziegler being the protective, flexible side, LaBeouf portraying the aggressive and restricted side.

They both try to fight to be the one that gets outside the cage and be expressed. But at the same time they do want to work as one and get out together. Unfortunately, opposite emotions can’t be expressed at the same time.

Shia LeBeouf in Sia music video (Toward the end of the video, Ziegler softly hits LaBeouf on his forehead. Each time she does so he changes his expression to show the emotions he represents: scared (he’s holding his breath – claustrophobia?), sarcastic, angry and depressed.

Some (in the twittersphere) are saying the video is referring to paedophilia, or could offend victims because a young girl is dancing with an older man.

It is a video that looks primal and raw, but I don’t really think it’s sexual at all.

Elastic Heart music video with Shia LeBeauf Personally, I didn’t realise how young the girl was until I read about it. However, it hasn’t changed my view on the video. I find it creative and expressive. But I suppose you can read into anything if you have an angle in mind.

I think the video shows an incredible amount of talent and power to match an energetic song.

Sia has since tweeted an apology to those who were offended.

All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play these two warring ‘Sia’ self states. I [apologise] to those who feel triggered by ‘Elastic Heart’. My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody.

A behind the scenes video of Elastic Heart has been released.

Jodie.

And what it would sound like without music: