Month: November 2013

The Canberra Film Diary: 28 November – 4 December 2013

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Welcome to the latest edition of The Canberra Film Diary, your one stop shop for all notable cinematic screenings within the ACT. For details on specific cinemas, check out the Canberra Page.

Highlights

After the disappointment of the unfortunate postponement of last weeks Body of Works, we have another new film festival, a crop of advanced screenings and a couple of real 80s classics to sink your teeth into this week.

Here are the highlights:

Delphi Bank 20th Greek Film Festival

The Delphi Bank Greek Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with a programme of the best contemporary cinema from Greece, screening at Palace Electric from 29 November – 14 December.  I must admit I know very little about Greek cinema, but you can check out the full program here.

Advanced Screenings

A cracking selection of advanced screenings will be on the Canberra screens this weekend, so catch them early before the rush.  Here is what you have to choose from:

The Spectacular Now – Very intrigued to see this tale of high school romance from the director of Smashed and the writers of (500) Days Of Summer, two of the best films of the last few years. Screening at Palace, Fri – Sun.

The Gilded Cage – Family, food and friendships are all examined in this delightful and charming tale of the importance of remembering your roots.  One of the highlights of CIFF for me.  Screening at Palace, Fri – Sun. ★★★★

Closed Circuit  – Straight from the recent British Film Festival, Eric Bana stars in a slightly stilted tale of legal ramifications in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in London.  A promising premise, but ultimately unsatisfying.  Screening at Palace, Fri – Sun. ★★

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 – The long awaited follow up to one of the most original and frankly bonkers animated films in years has finally arrived and it’s been worth the wait.  Think Jurassic Park, but with food and you’ll get the picture. Screening on Sunday at Hoyts Woden & Belconnen. ★★★★

Sunset Cinema – Top Gun

The delectable Sunset Cinema brings Tony Scott’s 80s classic to the outdoor big screen in the National Botanic Gardens.  Two Russian MiG 22’s couldn’t keep me away from this.  Wednesday night. ★★★★★

Honourable Mention

Gremlins

Dendy’s Cult Classic series continues with the monstrously good Gremlins, screening on Monday at 10am and 6pm.  See it once and you’ll never look at cuddly toys in the same way again. ★★★★★

Major Releases

Four new releases hit Canberra’s screens this week:

One Chance – Another film fresh from the British Film Festival, the true-life tale of Paul Potts, an amateur opera singer and the first winner of Britain’s Got Talent. Screening everywhere.

Carrie – Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore star in this remake of the 1976 horror classic about a young girl with a telekinetic powers and an aversion to Prom.  Screening at Hoyts and Limelight.

On My Way – Facing a failed relationship and a struggling restaurant, a woman hits the road with her grandson. Screening exclusively at Palace.

How I Live Now – More British Film Festival goodness as Saoirse Ronan stars in this tale of love and survival in the aftermath of a nuclear attack on London.  Screening exclusively at Palace.

Other Notable Screenings

28 Nov – Palace BFF – The Third Man

28 Nov – Palace BFF – Good Vibrations

28 Nov – Dendy – Uncharted Waters – Wayne Lynch

28 Nov – ARC – Patrick

28 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Rush

29 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Planes

29 Nov – Palace BFF – Jump

29 Nov – Palace BFF – Blood

29 Nov – Palace – The Spectacular Now

29 Nov – Palace – The Gilded Cage

29 Nov – Palace – Closed Circuit

29 Nov – Palace  GFF – What If

30 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Thanks For Sharing

30 Nov – ARC – Absolutely Modern

30 Nov – ARC – My Winnipeg

30 Nov – ARC – Patrick

30 Nov – Palace BFF – Brief Encounter

30 Nov – Palace BFF – Great Expectations

30 Nov – Palace BFF – Still Life

30 Nov – Palace BFF – Le Weekend

30 Nov – GRU – The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child

30 Nov – Palace BFF – Romeo and Juliet

30 Nov – Palace – The Spectacular Now

30 Nov – Palace – The Gilded Cage

30 Nov – Palace – Closed Circuit

30 Nov – Palace GFF – Wild Duck

1 Dec – ARC – Tiny Furniture

1 Dec – ARC – Patrick

1 Dec – Palace Vintage: Scarface

1 Dec – Palace BFF – Lawerence of Arabia

1 Dec – Palace BFF – How I Live Now

1 Dec – Palace BFF – Philomena

1 Dec – Palace – The Spectacular Now

1 Dec – Palace – The Gilded Cage

1 Dec – Palace – Closed Circuit

1 Dec – GRU – The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child

2 Dec – Dendy Cult Classics – Gremlins

4 Dec – Sunset Cinema – Top Gun

4 Dec – Palace GFF – One Step Ahead

So that’s it, another bumper week of cinematic goodness.  Let me in the comments what you plan on seeing. Have a good week.

The Canberra Film Diary 21 – 27 November 2013

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Welcome to the second edition of The Canberra Film Diary, your one stop shop for all notable cinematic screenings within the ACT.  For details on specific cinemas, check out the Canberra Page.

A bit of an epic week in the Territory with the British Film Festival in full swing at the Palace Electric (check out my preview here), Sunset Cinema hitting its stride, the last week of this semester for the ANU Film Club, Harvey Weinstein’s Body of Work, plus the long-awaited release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and a couple of real hidden gems.

Highlights

So many highlights this week, I’m not sure where to begin:

Body of Work – Harvey Weinstein

This weekend sees the inaugural Body of Work which this year will honour Hollywood supremo Harvey Weinstein.  Body of Work ‘is a weekend long conversation on the importance of independence to the film industry – how independence breaks new ground through innovation, risk taking and the search for talent.’

Harvey Weinstein’s Body of Work will consist of a series of intimate discussions with the man himself alongside numerous high-profile Australian filmmakers and actors.  Additionally there will be screenings of the US version of The Sapphires, The Piano (including a Q&A with Sam Neil and Margaret Pomeranz) and the Australian Premiere of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.  Tickets are limited so you will need to act fast if you want to come along.  Click here for more details.

The Cult of ARC – Handmade by Stan: The Terminator and Aliens

On 23 November, ARC continues their homage to two of the most prolific and influential ‘analogue’ special effects masters: stop motion specialist Ray Harryhausen and classic make up artist Stan Winston.   In celebration ARC will be screening the 1984 classic The Terminator followed by the 1986 epic Aliens, for which Stan won the Best Visual Effects Oscar.  Both films will be screened in their gorgeous and original 35mm prints.

The Exorcist – 40th Anniversary Screening + Q&A with Linda Blair

Also on 23 November, GU Manuka offers you a unique opportunity to see one of the scariest films ever made and the first horror to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar on the big screen.  In attendance will be the one and only Linda Blair, who will introduce the film and talk about its making and the influence it had on her career during a Q&A after the film.  A must see for all horror fans.

Honourable Mention

I normally try to keep the highlights down to three events, but no one puts The Doctor in the listings.

Day of the Doctor – Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary Episode

On 23 November, Doctor Who, already the world’s longest running sci-fi series, celebrates its 50th anniversary with an extended and 3D episode in cinemas for the first time.  Starring Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jenna Coleman, Bille Piper and John Hurt, this is a must for all Whovians out there.  Playing at Dendy and GU Manuka.

Major Releases

Six (yes that’s right, six) major releases hit the capital’s screens this week:

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – the long-awaited sequel to 2011’s The Hunger Games, which to me contained one of the scenes of the year when Jennifer Lawrence was waiting in the tubes to enter the games.  Midnight screenings abound, however I’m too old to stay up that late, but I’ll be there Thursday night for sure.  Screening everywhere.

Adoration – Described as a gripping tale of love and lust starring Naomi Watts and Robin Wright.  Screening at Palace and GU Manuka

20 Feet From Stardom – Tells the true stories behind the back up singers who have supported some of the greatest music legends of our time.  Screening at Palace and GU Manuka

After May – Described as a loosely autobiographical and incisive drama about a young French student caught up in a whirlwind of politics, art and sex in the wake of the electrifying events of May 1968.  Exclusive to Palace

Filth  – Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Scotland, James McAvoy stars as a bipolar, bigoted and slightly barmy Scottish policeman who sets out on a campaign for promotion like none other. Fresh from CIFF, this is worth seeing for McAvoy’s performance alone.  Screening at Palace and Dendy

Blackfish – Another CIFF alumni and by all accounts a powerful documentary which chronicles the life of a male Orca, who after seven years in captivity turned on and killed his trainer during a routine performance.  Screening at Dendy.

Other Notable Screenings

21 Nov – ARC – La Maison de la Radio

21 Nov – ARC – Downloaded

21 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Before Midnight

21 Nov – Palace Electric BFF  – Still Life

21 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Mission To Mars

22 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Private Peaceful

22 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Closed Circuit

22 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Turbo

22 Nov – ANU – Gravity

22 Nov – ANU – Riddick

23 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Runner Runner

23 Nov – ARC  – Opal Dream

23 Nov – ARC – NFSA – Decalogue Nine, Ten

23 Nov – ARC – The Cult of ARC – Handmade by Stan: The Terminator and Aliens

23 Nov – ANU – White House Down

23 Nov – ANU – Groundhog Day

23 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Brief Encounter (High Tea Event)

23 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Blood

23 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Dom Hemingway

23 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Good Vibrations

23 Nov – GU Manuka – The Exorcist, including a Q&A with Linda Blair

24 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – The 39 Steps

24 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Austenland

24 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – How I Live Now

24 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Closed Circuit

24 Nov – Palace Electric Vintage – Annie Hall

24 Nov – Palace Electric – Body of Work – The Long Walk To Freedom

24 Nov – Day of the Doctor – 50th Anniversary Episode

24 Nov – ARC – The Sapphires (US Version) (BoW)

24 Nov – ARC – The Piano (BoW)

24 Nov – ARC – Fellini’s Roma

24 Nov – Limelight – Sixteen Candles

25 Nov – Dendy Cult Classics – Fight Club

25 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Private Peaceful

25 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Mission To Lars

26 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – One Chance

27 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Jump

27 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Austenland

27 Nov – Palace Electric BFF – Romeo and Juliet

27 Nov – Sunset Cinema – 2 Guns

27 Nov – Limelight – Titanic

27 Nov – GU Manuka – The Delivery Man (advanced screening)

So thats it, a bumper week of cinematic goodness.  Let me in the comments what you plan on seeing. Have a good week.

British Film Festival 2013 – Preview

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Film festival programs can be daunting documents.   Contained within their lovingly designed pages is an assortment of cinematic goodness, which tug at your inner cinephile heartstrings whilst gently leading you towards the subdued lighting.  Before you know it 10 days have passed, you are seeing a doctor for a vitamin D deficiency, a growing addiction to choc tops and a semi persistent cramp in your legs.

Therefore to ensure both a healthy as well as a fiscal balance I tend to break down the programme into four distinct categories:

–                Films which I am keen to see asap

–                Films which are unlikely to be released in Australia

–                Films which I am keen to see, but have a scheduled Australian release date or I can access to elsewhere (VOD etc)

–                Opportunities to see classic films on the big screen

With this is mind here are my thoughts on the upcoming inaugural British Film Festival, which will be screened at the Palace Electric in Canberra, between 19 November – 1 December 2013.  Note: some film descriptions courtesy of the film festival programme.

Films Which I Am Keen To See ASAP

These are my standout picks from the festival:

Philomena:               Probably the stand out film from the festival.  The true-life tale of one mother’s (Dame Judi Dench) search for her son, assisted by a BBC journalist (Steve Coogan).  Philomena has received a plethora of 5 stars reviews as well a British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) nomination for best film.  With a 26 December 2013 Australian release date, this is a must see.

Dom Hemingway:    Jude Law and Richard E Grant star in this funny and profane laden story of a notorious safe cracker who after serving 12 years inside is back on the streets and determined to reclaim the spoils from his earlier endeavours.  Currently scheduled for a 23 January 2014 Australian release date.

Le Week-End:             To celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary Meg (Lindsay Duncan) and Nick (Jim Broadbent) revisit Paris to revitalise their marriage.  Le Week-End has been called a poignant, sharp and funny film about a love that could either flicker out at any moment or continue to burn and has also received a BIFA nomination for best picture.  Not currently due to hit Australian shores till 20 February 2014, which is an awfully long time to wait.

Films Unlikely To Be Released in Australia

As these films will probably not be released Australia, I will try to catch as many of these as I can.  However it is with noting that some of these titles are available on VOD from the UK, if you have access to a UK iTunes account or something similar.

Blood                         When a young girl is brutally murdered in a small seaside town, brothers Joe (Paul Bettany) and Chrissie (Stephen Graham) investigate the case.  In no time, a perfect suspect is found, ex-con Buleigh (Ben Compton).  Directed by Nick Murphy (The Awakening) with a standout supporting performance from Mark Strong. (Available on UK iTunes)

Closed Circuit:         Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall and Jim Boradbent star in a gripping and thought-provoking political thriller, which explores conspiracy, terrorism and privacy in the modern age.  Eric Bana will be in attendance for one of the screenings for a special Q&A session.

Good Vibrations:     The critically lauded, unmissable chronicle of the legendary Terri Hooley – a chaotic but charismatic optimist, instrumental in developing Belfast’s independent rock scene. (Available on UK iTunes)

Jump:                         Its New Years Eve in Derry, Northern Ireland, and as the clock ticks relentlessly towards midnight three interlocking stories twist and turn in this comic crime thriller.

Mission To Lars:     A documentary, which follows three siblings on their challenging quest to meet Lars Ulrich from the heavy metal band Metallica. (available on UK iTunes)

Private Peaceful:      Private Peaceful is the second of Michael Morpurgo’s First World War novels to be adapted for the screen.  As in his first novel, War Horse, the beauty of Devon is juxtaposed with the violence of the battlefields, but at the centre of this moving story is the relationship between two brothers. (Available on UK iTunes)

Romeo and Juliet:    A modern retelling of the timeless story set against stunning northern Italian locations.  An impressive ensemble cast including Douglas Booth, Hailee Steinfield, Paul Giamatti and Damien Lewis amongst others.

Still Life:                    Still Life is a poignant and life affirming drama, starring the exceptional Eddie Marsden alongside Joanne Forggatt (Downtown Abbey).

Films With Current Australian Release Dates

As these films have confirmed and imminent Australian release dates, I will leave these till after the festival:

One Chance:              Opening night film and a rag to riches tale of Paul Potts, a Carphone Warehouse salesman and the winner of the first season of Britain’s Got Talent.  Whilst this will open the festival on 19 November, it also opens nationally on 28 November 2013

Austenland:              Keri Russell stars as a Jane Austen obsessed single woman who is desperately searching for her own Mr Darcy.  Austenland,  a regency Westworld, and the ultimate Jane Austen experience, seems to answer her prayers, so Jane spends her life savings to buy an old-fashioned love affair of her own.  Plays on both 24 & 27 November, but also opens nationally 28 November 2013

How I Live Now:      When New York teenager Daisy (Saoirse Ronan) is sent to stay on a remote farm with her English cousins, she falls for both the idyllic countryside and local boy, Eddie (George Mackay).  It seems like a perfect summer escape, until a reported nuclear attack in London signals the outbreak of World War III.  Plays on both 24 November and  December, but also opens nationally on 28 November 2013

Opportunities

In 1999 the British Film Institute surveyed 1000 people from the world of British film and television to produce the BFI top 100 list of the greatest British films of the 20th century.   The top five from this list will be showing throughout the festival so offering a rare chance to see these timeless classics on the big screen.

The Third Man – directed by Carol Reed

Brief Encounter – directed by David Lean

Lawrence of Arabia – directed by David Lean

The 39 Steps – directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Great Expectations – directed by David Lean

What about you guys, anyone planning on attending and if so which films? Let me know in the comments section below.

The Canberra Film Diary: 14 – 20 November 2013

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It’s been a while I know, for which my apologies.

During my rather long hiatus I have been discovering the various cinematic gems contained within the ACT. One thing I discovered during this process is that there was a lot more going on in the ACT than I had realised and I had been missing out on some real fun.  Therefore in order to make sure I was up to date on all available options I put together a list, which I named ‘The Canberra Film Diary’.   I used this diary to highlight all notable cinematic events across the Territory and I thought it might be nice to share this on a weekly basis with all you fine folks out there.

Therefore welcome to the first edition of ‘The Canberra Film Diary’, which will be posted each Wednesday and will cover the following (Thurs-Weds) cinematic week.  It will contain news on latest releases, festivals, special screenings and the occasional hidden gem.  I personally have found it very useful and I hope you do to, though I suspect it will only be of relevance to Canberra-based cinephiles. I will cover all cinemas within Canberra and please see here for their full details.

So off we go.  There are two major cinematic events kicking off this week, plus three major releases:

Firstly it is time to welcome back to Canberra the simply delightful Sunset Cinema, which is back in the capital for its second year. Screening from 15 November – 21 December, Sunset Cinema provides the opportunity to relax in the outdoor setting of the gorgeous National Botanic Gardens and watch a wide variety of recent releases, as well as a smattering of modern-day classics.   Full details of the programme can be found here.  My personal highlight: Top Gun, you can’t beat a bit of Maverick outdoors.

Secondly, Palace Electric will be hosting the British Film Festival, which will screen from 19 November – 1 December.  The festival kicks off with One Chance, and closes with the highly acclaimed Philomena.  Sandwiched in-between is a cracking selection of British fayre including screenings of the BFI Top 5 and a Q&A session of Closed Circuit with Eric Bana.  Full details of the extensive programme can be found here and a preview of the festival will be up later on in the week.

Major Releases

Three major releases hit the capital’s screens this week:

Enough Said – James Gandolfini’s penultimate performance, and by all accounts one of his best.  Currently receiving rave reviews, this has been called a sharp and insightful comedy that humorously explores middle-aged romance.  Screening at Palace and Dendy.

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa – Another Jackass character spin-off.  Never seen the original show, see no reason to start now. Screening at Dendy, both Hoyts and Limelight. 

The Fifth Estate – Is this the real story behind Wikileaks?  From the reviews I have read so far, the answer seems to be a resounding no. Screening at Palace and Greater Union Manuka. 

Other Notable Screenings

15 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Diana

15 Nov – ANU – R.I.P.D.

15 Nov – ANU – Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life

16 Nov – Sunset Cinema – About Time

16 Nov – ANU – Turbo

16 Nov – ANU – Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters

16 Nov – Palace Electric – Stephen Sonheim’s Merrily We Roll Along

17 Nov – ARC – Decalogue Seven, Eight

17 Nov – ARC – La Maison de la Radio

17 Nov – Palace Electric – Vintage screening of Oklahoma!

17 Nov – Palace Electric  – Mary Meets Mohammad (Special one-off screening)

17 Nov – Palace Electric – Stephen Sonheim’s Merrily We Roll Along

18 Nov – Dendy Cult Classic – Barbarella

19 Nov – Palace Electric – One Chance (opening night of the British Film Festival)

20 Nov – Sunset Cinema – Gravity (Gravity outdoors in the dark sounds superb)

20 Nov – Palace Electric  – BFF – Jump

20 Nov – Palace Electric – BFF – Blood

20 Nov – GU Manuka – Merrily We Roll Along

So that’s it, hope everyone has a good week and let me know what you fancy seeing in the comments below.