Releases 19/05

There are four films opening in Australian cinemas tomorrow: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Snowland, Oceans and Angele and Tony. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - I really really liked The Curse of the Black Pearl. I remember it being one of the most enjoyable film experiences of that year. The second in the series, though still fun, was pretty ordinary. I chose to forget all about the awful third instalment. Well, here we are again, with an unnecessary new addition to the franchise. This time it is in Disney Digital 3D. Jerry Bruckheimer is back as the producer, but this time he has Rob Marshall (Chicago) in the directors chair. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow in what is sure to be an overlong action-packed adventure, riddled with big special effects, predictable gags and all-round silliness. Sparrow crosses paths with the enigmatic Angelica (the beautiful Penelope Cruz), who forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge", the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane). He finds himself on an unexpected adventure to find the fabled Fountain of Youth, and has trust issues with Angelica who may or may not be in love with him. It has just premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, but is currently sitting on 42% on RT. I think most people know what they are walking into here. Geoffrey Rush returns also, but this seems to already be better than the third one with the substitution of Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom with Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane. Will pull huge Box Office numbers.

Snowtown - A bleak, gritty and uncompromising Australian suspense thriller from first time director Justin Kurzel. The film follows a teenager who befriends and finds a father figure in John Bunting, Australia's most notorious serial killer. His world is altered when confronted by fear and loyalty for the man. It was winner of the Audience Award at the 2011 Adelaide Film Festival, but this seems to be an ordeal to sit through.

Oceans - From DisneyNature, the studio that presented the record-breaking film Earth. Directors Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud dive deep into the very waters that sustain all mankind, exploring the playful splendour and the harsh reality of the weird and wonderful creatures that live within. Featuring spectacular never-before-seen imagery captures by the latest underwater technologies, Oceans offers an unprecedented look beneath the sea. If you're in the mood for a nature documentary, it should be amazing.

Angele et Tony - Having done reasonably well at the French Film Festival, independent romance/drama Angele et Tony has now secured a small theatrical release. Angele, a beautiful young woman with a past, arrives in a small fishing harbour in Normandy. She meets Tony, a professional fisherman, who finds himself attracted to her although he likes her blunt ways. Tony hires her as a fishmonger, lodges her and teaches her the tricks of the trade. The young woman gradually adapts to her new environment and little by little Tony Angele manage to tame each other. It has received solid reviews, but I doubt this will do very well.

Weekly Recommendation: Everyone will see Pirates, and no-one will see the other three releases. I intend to check out Pirates and Angele et Tony, though I don't think I can 'recommend' either.