J. Edgar - Clint Eastwood's new film explores the public and private life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th Century. As the face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. DiCaprio, I believe, gives an excellent performance (and at the time of writing, is an Oscar candidate, and on revision missing out on a nomination) but the consensus is that the film is a mess with it's through-narrative, distracts with poor make-up and is generally mediocre.
Underworld Awakening - Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warriorness Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.
A Few Best Men - A 2011 Australian comedy written by Dean Craig (Death at a Funeral) and directed by Stephan Elliot (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). While on holiday, David (Xavier Samuel) and Mia (Laura Brent) meet and fall in love. By the end of the week, David proposes to Mia and they will be married within a few days. David travels back to England and rounds up his three best friends, and they trek to Australia for the wedding. I haven't heard much feedback. Judging by the trailer, it might have its moments.
Weekend - Weekend follows Russell (Tom Cullen, Best Actor winner at Nashville), who, after randomly picking up Glen (Chris New), an artist, at a nightclub on a Friday night, unexpectedly spends most of the next 48 hours with him in bedrooms and bars, telling stories and having sex, while developing a connection that will resonate throughout their lives. This affecting and naturalistic romance is beautifully realised, earning comparisons to Richard Linklaters Before Sunrise in its exploration of how two people can come together only briefly, yet impact each other in a profound way.
Weekly Recommendation: Weekend is worth a look, if you can track it down. Fans of Clint Eastwood, DiCaprio or those history buffs interested in a portrayal of Hoover's life will be attracted to J. Edgar, and it might not be as bad as many have claimed. I'll be checking it out.
I'm usually not one to take Australia Day seriously either but will be tomorrow, leaving J Edgar to Friday. Hopefully it's not as bad as we've heard.
ReplyDeleteThere's an advance screening of The Artist on Friday as well, not sure when you are planning to see it but I've got my ticket booked!
I'm seeing The Artist at a media screening on Monday!! Hate Australia Day but still managed to drink lots and muck around with a Nintendo64 after a hard days work haha.
DeleteSounds great, love getting the N64 out!! Saw J Edgar last night and thought it was average but I didn't hate it.
DeleteI'm going to see it tomorrow. Stay tuned.
DeleteI've heard some surprisingly good things about A Few Best Men. I know Stephen Elliot did a couple of other films apart from Priscilla that weren't very well received though, so hopefully this will be alright.
ReplyDeleteUnderworlds another franchise that needs to be left alone, really....
I haven't seen any of the Underworld films and I don't intend to start here. I have heard some awful things (mostly through Popcorn Junkie) about A Few Best Men. I am content to check out J. Edgar and avoid the Aussie one. But, if you do seek it out, hope you enjoy it.
DeleteI was gonna go and see J. Edgar, but since Leo didn't get nominated, I won't be making a special trip. Instead, I'll have to see Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Thank you Academy.
ReplyDeleteI was always going to see J.Edgar, but my motivation is now almost non-existent. I have decided to see it tomorrow, though. It is unlikely I will have seen ELAIC before the Oscars. Hits Aussie cinemas in March (I think).
DeleteI see it's January in Australia as well ;)
ReplyDeleteWe're not at the end of the world. There is civilisation here haha. It's bloody hot but.
DeleteI might rent J Edgar as I'm curious about Hoover's story but it seemed like a boring one to sit through on the big screen.
ReplyDeleteJust saw J. EDGAR then. Not a necessary cinema experience. Strong performances, but the story is messy and confusing, the make-up distracting, and the film genuinely dull. There are some poignant moments, but it is predominantly a bore.
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