Avatar

Leaving Avatar, I was acutely conscious that in the 3 hours (or so) that I was in the cinema, anything could have happened. Nuclear war could have been declared, natural disaster could have struck, the Jonas Brothers might actually have released a decent track!! Yes that's right... anything could have happened! Naturally I was anxious.

Let us cut to the chase, Avatar is astounding. It is so amazing for one reason and one reason alone - the animation. The 3D is like nothing I've seen outside of real life. It is a true breakthrough in film making. The sheer scale of the project is quite unlike anything ever realised before.

In addition to being astounding, Avatar is also a giant piece of crapola! The story is dreadful with a million clichés bundled into one. The acting was passable, but not impressive. And there were moments of sheer laugh-out-loud ridiculousness when, even though I'd been willing to buy the 8-foot tall blue aliens, I could suspend my disbelief no longer.

There were also moments when I wanted to hang myself because I was so sick of being lectured. Yes lectured. The subtext goes something like this "Blah blah war in Iraq is wrong... blah blah... Native Americans ripped off... blah blah no respect for nature..." Not the most subtle of messages. Do you remember the Narnia films when you expected to see that the thing was Vatican-funded because of the Christianity being shoved down your throat? Yeah. This is worse!

Every film has a message, but that doesn't mean it has to be so blunt. I felt like I was back in the lecture halls being pelted with useless personal opinion rather than fact. I remain convinced there are bruises on my brain because of the preachy assault of morality.

Enough though! Flaws aside, I have to commend James Cameron for his vision. What a massive undertaking! He may have spent a decade on this (and what's rumoured to be more than $500 million US) but he's set the bar at a new high and forged a new path for film makers.

And credit where credit's due - even while I was cringing at the terrible motivational speeches, or rolling my eyes at the native religious ceremonies, it's really quite difficult not to get caught up in the emotion Cameron wants you to feel. A great soundtrack always goes a long when when you're trying to sweep people along so well done James Horner!

One really interesting comment I heard while I was leaving was that for many people in the audience, this was their first 3D film. Having seen so many myself, I find this amazing. I am actually amazed by this! If you have a couple of seconds, please feel free to leave me a comment below: Have you ever seen a 3D film? If you've seen Avatar, was that your first 3D experience in the cinema?

I can't emphasise this point enough: Please see this film in 3D! Don't waste your time or money on the regular 2D experience - it won't be worth it. I myself saw it in IMAX and aside from the usual problems with dreadful seats, no leg room and a person sitting nearby that smelled like, well I won't tell you what they smelled like because even the internet isn't ready for that sort of language... apart from that, the sound and image (along with the 3D) makes this the perfect place to see Avatar.

Anyway, Avatar is quite something. Visually everything I could ever have wanted. It's just every other element that disappointed, though not quite enough to detract from the amazing 3D and visuals and affect the rating.

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4 Stars

The Resistance - Muse

One of the things I'm really enjoying at the moment, is discovering that there are a whole slew of really good bands out there that I'd previously incorrectly written off as samey-heavy-rock not worthy of my time.

The first listen to The Resistance was, for me, a revelation. Muse had been ascribed the before-mentioned status and it was really only hearing the single Uprising on the radio that made me consider giving them a listen.

They're brilliant! It's like a modern-day Queen. OK so if darling Freddie were still with us today I doubt he'd be writing exactly this music, but the sound is fairly close. You listen to United States of Eurasia / Collateral Damage and tell me you can't hear the influence there!!

The first four tracks of the album (Uprising, Resistance, Undisclosed Desires and United States of Eurasia / Collateral Damage) are all excellent. Catchy and memorable tunes, upbeat enough for a summer drive, guitar driven with a strong "hell yeah!!" factor. And then at the end of track four there's a classical piano sonata dropped in. Lovely. To my ear it sounded very Chopin. I was, of course, right.

Unfortunately from this point on it's all a little too repetitive. We've heard the sweeping vocals, the Edge-esque guitar work and the tunes begin to morph into one.

That having been said this is a very fun album with plenty of merit. One of the best things about it is that Muse don't take themselves too seriously - they just have fun and make the music they want to make.

Don't make my mistake and assume you know the band. I'm going to be picking up their last album too. They're just too good to ignore really.

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3 1/2 Stars

Sherlock Holmes

Back from the family Christmas and as ever, it has served as a wonderful reminder of just how lucky I am to have running water, electricity, the internet and big-city learnin' in my day-to-day life. I also allow myself a brief ironic chuckle at that thought that despite all their warnings to the contrary, more often than not it is the "weirdos on the internet" who seem more normal to me than my own flesh and blood.

But I digress...

Sherlock Holmes opens in cinemas today and having now had a few days to mull it over, I thought I'd offer you my opinion:

Meh.

Yes. That's my opinion of the film. Meh.

Perhaps Meh is a little harsh, but it's mono-syllabic and onomatopoeic to the point where is sounds like what I want to say about the film.

I really enjoyed director Guy Ritchie's last effort Rock n Rolla and had been looking forward to Sherlock immensely, while also managing to keep my expectations in check. I read some poor reviews out of the UK and that managed to really hammer said expectations into the ground.

As it turns out I should have left them right where they were, as while the film didn't "wow" me, it really isn't that offensive and it's generally entertaining.

Robert Downey Jr (adore!!) is fun and easily the best part of the film, however I didn't quite get my fix when it comes to witty dialogue delivered in quirky style.

Jude Law - is fine.

Rachel McAdams is completely miscast and really didn't need to be Rachel McAdams at all. I would have preferred to see the part to go an unknown actress who could probably have played the part with the same amount of skill.

It's a fun Sherlock Holmes we get to meet this time, although I couldn't recite a single passage back to you as it's all rather generic and forgettable. Bit disappointed.

I humbly submit that there are better films to watch at the moment, but you probably won't regret watching this if you do go.

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3 Stars

The Princess and the Frog

After complaints about the number of computer generated films they were churning out either through their own channels or with Pixar, Disney have gone back to basics with this charming hand-drawn animated film.

Was I sceptical? Sure. But I was also excited, and in the end I was won over by this fun film.

I guess it would help to know what my Disney benchmarks are. Well for me, Aladdin, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and The Jungle Book are the epitome of the best cartoon movies ever. The best Disney, and in fact anyone, has offered. I'm violently opposed to Tarzan, Mulan and Pocahontas (obviously excluding the Vanessa Williams parts of the later). My middle ground of being mildly enjoyable would include Hercules, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Robin Hood ... OK so you see where I'm coming from.

So where does The Princess and the Frog sit in comparison to these? I'd say truth be told closer to Hercules than Aladdin, however it gets full points for the rush of excitement I got when I began to watch. It's a movie that looks like one from when I was a kid!! Definite excitement quotient to factor into the final rating.

The story - nice. Unremarkable. Like most Disney cartoons it's very simple and easy to follow with a few scary moments, some ups, some downs and some romance. Perfect really.

The script - I think one of their better efforts of late. It really did feel like an old-school Disney classic.

The animation - Fantastic. It's hand drawn, but it's advanced from the days when Mickey and Donald would build boats together.

The music - Just OK. I really want to emphasise that the music really plays a big part in my enjoyment of these cartoons. Look at my list - Lion King (come on! Elton John!!), Aladdin, brilliant songs! Little Mermaid - Alan Menken!! They make an effort to theme the music in a New Orleans style so it was always going to be tough to get me to like it. Randy Newman was a poor choice in my opinion. Basically - I tapped my feet, but I didn't leave the cinema humming, let along belting out The Circle of Life like I did as a 9 year old leaving the Lion King having seen it for the first time.

I know what you're thinking... Wrap it up you fussy, rambling fool. You're right to think that. So I will.

I enjoyed the film, but perhaps what I enjoyed more was the idea of the film and the nostalgic value. Still a decent family watch of course.

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3 1/2 Stars

Glee: The Music - Vols 1 & 2

I couldn't possibly continue on without putting in a small plug for the best new show to come out of 2009 - Glee!

This breakout show features a young cast singing old and new songs as a show choir for their high school. Now let's be frank - if you're not a fan of the show, you ain't gonna like the music. For those of us with discerning taste who adore the show, these CDs are must haves! If you don't know the show, maybe give the music a listen and see what you think. You can find Volume 1 here and Volume 2 here.

Some of my favourite tracks include:

Vol. 1

• Don't Stop Believing (the song that stole our hearts in the pilot episode)
• Take A Bow
• Taking Chances
• Maybe This Time (with the aye-may-zing Kristin Chenoweth)
• Sweet Caroline
• Defying Gravity (from the brilliant show Wicked)

Vol. 2

• Endless Love
• I'll Stand By You
• Don't Stand So Close To Me / Young Girl (great mash-up of the two songs)
• And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going (from Dreamgirls)
• Don't Rain On My Parade (from Funnygirl)

So go go go! Buy buy BUY! Enjoy! (that last word was two syllables so didn't get the extra repetitions, but it did get to be in bold.)

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4 Stars & 4 Stars

Backspacer - Pearl Jam

First up my apologies for leaving it so long in between posts. I've just finished a rather massive project at work which has stopped me from being able to see, hear or attend anything let alone find the time to formulate opinions and then put them down in writing. I see a few of you have been checking in regularly so thanks for that!

Backspacer is, I'm afraid to say, decidedly average.

My first Pearl Jam album was No Code, way back in 1996. Who remembers those heady days long since past? Clearly not Pearl Jam, who have lost their edge and their ability to release memorable tracks.

Have you liked the tracks released as singles? The Fixer and Just Breath. One heavier and the other a little more laid-back and introspective. Both alright aye? Yeah well the pretty much sums up the whole album. Just alright. These two tracks are easily the best, but are, I'm sorry to say, forgettable.

Yes they've still got Eddie Vedder, genius behind one of the best original movie soundtracks ever Into the Wild. But they don't have a great deal more than that.

I didn't hate it, but I probably won't listen to it again. Give it a go if you're a die-hard fan, but if not maybe just give it a skip!

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2 Stars

New Moon

I'm just this second back from the premiere of New Moon and, truth be told, I'm a leeetle bit tipsy. Irrelevant comment? Never! For this film, if ever I saw one, illustrates the importance of being half cut when going into a movie with low expectations. As someone who did not enjoy the first Twilight film, I thought it was important to have one or two before embarking on this new journey.

God help me it worked (to a certain extent) because, as things were starting, I felt myself getting caught up with the excitement. There's something about sitting in a cinema full of people who are all looking forward to seeing the film they're about to be screened.

With all of this anticipation, would I enjoy it? God no! It's terrible. But much like my pre-movie daiquiri, it was also quite intoxicating. I do worry though that this could be the first movie franchise which has been based solely on its beef-cake quotient rather than story, acting, humour, anything! It's a serious concern for the industry as a whole.

Was it better than the first film? Absolutely. Twilight was poorly directed and painful to watch, while New Moon was just painful to watch.

Seriously though, the dialogue is abysmal and has some terrible moments of "you did not just say that?!" The acting is not worth calling acting. Crack Whore Stewart and Wrinkled Foot Pattinson are hard to endure. I will confess however that every moment with Taylor Lautner is a visual delight. And yes... I do mean that in a strangely paedophilic, sexual way.

The effects were also good. Not ground-breaking, but of a quality you'd expect to see in a movie and light-years ahead of its predecessor.

New Moon will however still make mega-bucks and fans will love it despite its many failings. Simply put, it has a simple audience not attune to spotting continuity errors, poor scripting or any of the classic distractions filmmakers use to distract from flaws in their projects. I was shocked to hear an audible gasp from across the aisle when one character proposed! It's a book people! Despite the fact that they've crammed the contents of a rather long book into a rather short film, I couldn't explain the story. There isn't one!

So in summary. It's crap. But entirely engaging and I'm sure it will do well. You can, and possibly will, like it. You won't like yourself for liking it. Please go and watch a real film afterwards! My current suggestions would be Away We Go, Fantastic Mr Fox or The Lovely Bones as a nice cleanser for the mind.

Team Jacob all the way!

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2 Stars

The Fantastic Mr Fox

Wes Anderson is a nutcase. It makes for very good viewing.

The Fantastic Mr Fox is based on the book by Roald Dahl but it is most definitely a Wes Anderson film, unmistakable in it's humour, it's pacing and it's otherworldliness.

Sure it's an animated feature, but it's like no animated I've yet seen. If I hadn't had a pack of children sitting behind me laughing away, I would have seriously doubted the family friendly nature of the film, but they loved it. I'm not embarrassed to say neither did I.

It's hilarious, it's grown-up, it's quirky and it's entirely original.

The voice cast is as impressive as it is long, lead in spectacular fashion by George Clooney who could well have been born to play the part of an over-confident clay animated fox. Throw in Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, Michael Gambon and even Jarvis Cocker.

I won't go into the story, it's based only loosely on the book. What I will say is that this is one of the most entertaining films of the year. It sets a cracking pace and the laughs are there from start to finish.

I'll be going back to watch it again. I hope you'll see it at least once.

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4 1/2 Stars

Away We Go

I make it my usual policy never to comment on Universal or Paramount films, for obvious reasons. I want to make an exception today because Away We Go is out in cinemas this weekend.

Away We Go is one of my favourite films of the year and I would encourage you all to find some time to go and watch it.

A young couple (John Krasinski and Maya Rudolf) are expecting a child. After his parents drop the bombshell that they're moving to the other side of the planet they decide to go in search of the perfect place to put down roots and start their family.

It's almost a road-trip film, but it has that special something that can make a film special. Remember that feeling you got when you first watched Little Miss Sunshine or 500 Days of Summer?

The characters are quirky and likable and the film features some truly great cameo performances from the likes of Catherine O'Hara, Jeff Daniels, Allison Janney, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Melanie Lynskey.

Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is rich and flows beautifully. It is funny in a way that only these independent films can be, and it's got warmth and heart. An acoustic soundtrack from Alexi Murdoch perfectly suits the mood and tone of Away We Go and I've made sure to get a copy of that too.

Please please please do yourself a favour and see this film. You won't regret it.

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5 Stars

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

A 3D animated movie with a B-grade voice cast that really delivered and blew my socks off!

I really didn't have high expectations for this film - the best cast member was Neil Patrick Harris who was providing the voice of a monkey! It probably goes without saying then that Anna Faris and Bill Hader didn't exactly promise to deliver a Shrek, Finding Nemo or Up!

Well colour me judgemental - the film is jolly good!

It's a far fetched story sure, but filled with a great deal of humour for the adults with plenty of one liners early on that came back to amuse the attentive. For the youngin's? Plenty of slapstick comedy and the kids sitting near me were thoroughly entertained.

The animation is also very strong. When you learn that the plot centres around various items of food raining from the sky you'll quickly realise why the title was perfect for 3D. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs never tries to make it's animation "photo-real" but tries to use a more cartoon animation style.

Bloody surprised and bloody entertained would have to be my short, if slightly profane, summary. A great little film to cure your Sunday morning hangover.

Still not convinced? Did I forget to mention Mr T provides a voice?!?!

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4 Stars

Autobahn - A Short-Play Cycle

This is a review I wrote for Coup de Main which they've kindly allowed me to reprint below.

I was to attend a play at The Basement; a place where I’ve been many times before, mostly to see quality performances, but also a place which I really don’t fit into well. It is a strange world of skinny jeans, assorted 1960’s hats and black-painted-brickwork. It is an underground, studenty, artistic kind of place; so it goes without saying that my t-shirt with an orange butterfly on it... well it stood out.

I was at The Basement to see AUTOBAHN – a short-play cycle. And just what the frick is a short-play cycle? I wondered the same thing myself and happily, I can now report that it is one play made up of a series of short ones. In this case, six short-plays all set in cars.

For the most part it’s unimportant that each of these vignettes is based in a car, they could just as easily take place on a bus, or on a park bench... or even waiting in line at a Joseph Gordon-Levitt convention. (I know deep in my heart that if I just believe hard enough, I can make such dreams come true.)

What is important, as we find out in the final scene when the brilliant Annie Whittle wraps everything up into one neat package for us, is that by joining each couple in their car, we are essentially breaking into a sealed cocoon. Private conversations are opened up to the public and dirty laundry is aired.

I don’t want to say too much though. Each story begins half-way through as we join the characters at a time when they clearly know things we don’t and, very slowly, the full extent of their conversations; their worries, their lives and problems, is revealed to us. Clues? I can do clues! Skip to the next paragraph now if you’re a lover of surprises! Sociopathic alcoholic, a helpless grammar Nazi who bites off a little more than he can correct, a potty-mouthed John Goodman (with a perm) impersonator, an adulterous drunk, paedophilia, and a couple of suspicious foster parents.

If you finished reading that paragraph you’ll see this is heavy stuff. If you skipped ahead then... the play’s about bunny rabbits. Thankfully there are plenty of laughs and some very good performances to keep us entertained. In addition to Annie Whittle, Todd Emerson stands out in my mind. I’ve seen him five or six times this year (most recently in 'The History Boys') and he’s proving himself to be a very versatile young actor.

This is heavy stuff, but head along before November 14th if you like a little dose of human emotion, a sniff of drama, a touch of intrigue and a night at the theatre. Do yourself a favour though, ditch the butterfly t-shirt and wear a beret!

The Vintner's Luck

I have never been so disappointed by a film as I was at the New Zealand premiere of The Vintner's Luck.

The 1998 Elizabeth Knox novel of the same name is one of my all time favourite books. Not just mine as it turns out - the book has won several awards and been nominated for many more including the prestigious Orange Prize. It has also been described as 'unfilmable' by many.

If this Niki Caro version is anything to go by, the doubters of the world may well have been right in their assumption. It's dreadful and my heart broke when I saw what had become of this promising opportunity.

I'm not one to complain about movies which differ from their original books. This happens. I'm going to make an exception in this case and voice my discomfort on the grounds that the film is a complete antithesis to the novel. Where the written version is sensual, compelling and elegant, it's big screen spawn is hurried, forced and self-indulgent.

The first thing we hear in the film is birdsong. The second is heavy breathing. If that was the worst of Caro's attempts at sensuality that would be fine, but for some reason (which seems completely divorced from artistic merit) she insists on having pet-actress Keisha Castle-Hughes naked in every other scene. Friends of mine will confirm that I'm generally quite pro-nipple, but for a film like that, I do think that it should be justified in context of the story or themes. Or perhaps she was just feeling frisky that day.

The acting performances themselves are particularly blunt and lacking in any subtlety. Each line of dialogue is delivered with an air of over-importance which you'll understand only too well if you've ever seen bad actors do Shakespeare and suddenly realise they're about to deliver one of the bard's immortal lines.

This isn't helped at all by poor editing. Criminally fast cuts drive the film on without giving the dialogue an opportunity to resonate and leaving the viewer feeling like they're in the middle of a three legged race with one leg tied to a ride-on mower.

Words fail me when it comes to the cinematography which swings wildly from stolen National Geographic stock footage of flowers, bees and grapes growing, to grainy, muddy (dirty!) footage which I'm sure was shot on 16mm handheld cameras and then converted for the modern "talkies".

Even the colour of the wine was wrong!

Niki Caro seems to have completely misread the book and I'm alarmed at her cowardice in cutting out some might-be controversy when it comes to the angel-winemaker relationship. At the end of the day, the novel was about their relationship, not that of the man and his wife. Caro seems to have milked an opportunity to pen a larger part for Castle-Hughes.

Another New Zealand film maker is due to release a movie based on an "unfilmable" novel this year. Have a look at the trailer. I have absolutely no doubt that this will be an amazing work of cinema. Haunting and compelling. Which really goes to back up my point: I'm not convinced that The Vintner's Luck was unfilmable at all. I do wish to goodness she hadn't tried to though!

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0 1/2 Star

Holy Smoke - Gin Wigmore

I've been a fan of Gin ever since her EP Extended Play was released last year. Anyone who's seen my last.fm page will see that other artists have a lot of work to do before they catch up on any of her tracks!

That having been said I was a little lukewarm on the first single off the album Oh My. That didn't last long. For whatever reason, as soon as I stopped listening to the song on the radio and put it in my car and on my iPod... I love it! It's catchy and up-beat and is the perfect way to start an album. (I should really apologise now to other motorists who have had to endure my singing this song at the top of my lungs at various red lights throughout the city. Nah not really. You love it!)

After Oh My Gin serves up Hey Ho; a dirty, sexy guitar, a trumpet blasting in the background, a bevy of backup singers and her unmistakable voice. About as different a track could be from anything on Extended Play! While that's not a criticism by any stretch of the imagination, I'm thankful that we don't need to choose between the softer more folk focused debut EP and the harder, rock-chick side that she demonstrates on Holy Smoke - they've included last year's EP for us!!

What's with the harder sound? Well I think part of it is trying to balance out the more downbeat offering that we heard last year, but I imagine a big part of that is Gin's new band The Cardinals. (yeah! As in Ryan Adams and the...) Connections at her Australian record company put the EP in front of the band and they loved her. Not hard to see why.

I like to listen to the album I'm writing about while I work on these posts. It helps me to pick out high points, low points, pick up adjectives here and there, that sort of thing. By now I'd expect to have heard a bad track but I'm struggling here. I'm being quite patient.

Some favourites from the ten track album? Oh My, Hey Ho, New Revolution, Don't Stop, Mr Freak Show and Dying Day. Blues, Rock, Folk, Pop, Country... the album and EP have it all!

It's not just her voice, which is often compared to Duffy, Macy Gray and Amy Winehouse, but her songwriting ability which combines poignant, fun and brutal lyrics, catchy melodies and the entire spectrum of instruments from those dirty guitars and trumpets to the ukulele.

As much as anything else, the music is a reflection of Gin herself - a trait missing from more and more musicians these days. Giant smile, wild and gorgeous eyes and with a touch of crazy, she's a blast and personality just pours out of her on stage. Charisma and a touch of self-doubt - what a combination!

Call my biased, but I love this album. I really do believe that Gin will be the next big thing to come out of New Zealand and storm the world! Buy it and enjoy it. I know you will.

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4 Stars

Bird & Bone (EP) - The Artisan Guns

Having made a very bad first impression with Artisan Guns front-man Matthew Hope I knew that I owed it to them to pick up their EP Bird & Bone when it came out. The truth is that having seen them play a couple of times and having thought that they were pretty good really, I probably would have bought it anyway. (But that hardly makes for an interesting introduction does it?!)

So who are the Artisan Guns? They're a young and upcoming four-piece band who have sprung up out of East Auckland. They're country-alt-rock and the EP presents five very catchy songs, with tight harmonies that range from laid-back to more up-tempo rock numbers.

My personal favourite off the disc (and the current single) is Autumn for it's great sweeping vocals that show off Hope's gravely and aggressive instrument, while Tuesday Night is a great way to start the disc. Ballad of Red Man farewells us with one of their country influenced tracks.

I'm not a big fan of buying New Zealand music because it's New Zealand music, but this is a good first offering from the band and these guys could really go places. I really would recommend giving it a listen.

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3 1/2 Stars

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Fuck!

I'm sorry to start with an expletive, but that's the word that I kept thinking to myself as I watched This Is It. I cursed Michael Jackson's premature death and the loss to entertainment. I cursed my unappreciative self for ever forgetting how amazing MJ was. Most of all though I cursed anyone who has bagged the film for being "fake".

And what a ridiculous criticism that is. The argument is that from 100 hours of footage, the 1 hour 51 minutes that made the cut has been chosen to paint Michael in a good light and has ignored that errors, the tears and the other negative aspects of the four month rehearsal period. Well no freaking kidding! Name me one film or even album where the worst cuts get picked and released to the public as finished product. Morons!

To me, This Is It just brought home what an amazing, amazing performer Michael Jackson was. Here's a man of 50 who can still dance better than I will ever be able to and has maintained his voice to a standard that no one will ever replicate. He still had it. Anyone who would have seen one of his 50 shows on the This Is It tour were in for a treat. A concert of epic proportions was in store.

We're painted a picture of a Michael Jackson who's a perfectionist. He's demanding and he knows what he wants. I certainly wouldn't want to mess up while performing for him. He's also forever apologising for his own mistakes, warning people in advance that he's saving his voice, or hasn't warmed up. Truth be told, for most of this film he's giving it 50%, just working on getting the musicians, the dancers, the lighting techs and everyone else involved in the production, up to his standards. He knew he'd get it right (after 40 years performing some of the numbers, no surprises there!) but even at half-strength he's the only one who matters. Such charisma.

Half documentary, half concert and fleshed out with some of the animations and clips to be used at the live concerts. While capturing the essence of a behind-the-scenes making of a music concert, it's all about Michael and his music. I was blown away and left with an overwhelming sense of loss for us all. What a star he was.

Why didn't I buy a ticket for one of his 50 shows? I guess you just don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. See this movie. It's entertainment at it's best.

Surrogates

I went looking for a mindless popcorn flick. I certainly found that.

A cross between the Stepford Wives and Minority Report, Surrogates presents a world where humans sit at home during the day and use robot surrogates (yep... there it is!) to go about their daily lives. It seems that everything is working fine, until two surrogates are killed, their "operators" suffering the same fate in their homes.

When faced with the first murders in who knows how long, what are you going to do? Well if you're the Chief of Police and you have Bruce Willis on your force... you're going to send him to investigate aren't you?! He really does have a proven track record for by-the-book, run-of-the-mill, professional investigations. And he gets results!

What follows is a conspiracy theory which never really ramps up into something worth considering. Similarly themed, Enemy of the State had twists, turns and political intrigue as well as posing some questions about technology and what we really know about it's usage. Surrogates on the other hand provides one red herring and a handful of plot flaws poorly cobbled together, and seems to be a soap-box for someones mild paranoia about societies "disconnect" from reality.

I can only imagine this petrified leftie to be the one or all of the writers who must, I'm sure, spend a lot of time looking over their shoulders while they use a large electro-magnet to clear their computer of any historic data.

One day I too hope to be a cranky old man who complains about the youth of today and frets for the fate of mankind. I'll probably do it differently though; I'll pull on my beige corduroy pants and yell "take out those headphones you damned junkies." And "stop twitterfacing," while puncturing the footballs of neighbourhood children with the sword I'll hide in my cane. It just seems simpler than going to all the effort to make a film out of it. I may also wear a tinfoil hat.

It's not that Surrogates is the worst film ever made, it's just not as entertaining as you'd like it to be. A disappointing way to spend 88 minutes and $15.50. (you know... plus $25 on popcorn and candy!)


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2 Stars

Draw the Line - David Gray

Poor old David Gray. He struggled and struggled to make a name for himself before hitting it big with White Ladder. The story goes that it was his final effort before throwing in the towel and quitting professional music. He recorded it in his London apartment, an apartment that was to get substantially bigger when the album shot to number one and spawned eight singles. Not a bad effort for an album with only ten tracks.

Personally I prefer to listen to his collection of singles and EPs from 1992-1994. There's a touch more of that Irish singer-songwriter, classic folk musician feel to it with fun lyrics, catchy melodies and a bit of grit to it. (for the record - yes I do realise he's English)

I found it for $10 at a small CD store and thought I might take a chance on an artist I'd heard little from. To this day it's one of the best buys (impulse or otherwise) that I've ever made.

White Ladder was Gray's fourth studio album and with Draw the Line we're now at number eight. I'm a little sad to say that not much has changed. Gray's voice still shifts from impassioned yells to a surging moan track by track and songs, mainly ballads, are alternately driven by guitar or piano. It is exactly the kind of album I should like.

Draw the Line is an innocuous album and there's the rub. While melodies are catchy, they're instantly forgettable. Lyrics don't penetrate the consciousness. The album feels a little like he's getting a little tired of the whole game and is clumsily trying to replicate the 1998 success of White Ladder.

Perfectly pleasant as background music, Draw the Line won't stand out as a memorable album. I might play it again. Perhaps while I'm reading and want to listen to something without the risk of distraction or temptation to sing along.

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2 Stars

LOOT

I was invited along to the opening night of Loot at the Silo Theatre by my friend from Coup de Main. She was late and I was surprised to learn that if you arrive after the show has started, you can still catch the performance from 'The Crying Room' - a handful of seats in a small room separated from the main theatre by a pane of glass.

Eager to avoid this lachrymose relegation, I decided to employ my not-insignificant powers of flirtation to woo an employee at the theatre and have the start of the play delayed. I downed my beer, checked my smile in the glass of the main door and set my eyebrows at a cheeky slant before sauntering over to the helpless usher. Having been told to take my seat immediately I was delighted to see my friends being shown in after the curtain went up after all - eyebrows 1, house-rules nil!

The first thing that caught my eye was the set. Meticulously designed in black and white, it makes excellent use of the unusual shape of the Silo; the stage being a square in the corner of the theatre with two sides exposed to seating. It was functional and simple, yet also lead to the unusual staging decision of having a chair at the join of the two audience-facing sides of the stage. This meant that characters sitting in it effectively had their backs to the audience while carrying on a dialogue with the other players. The theatre is intimate enough for this not to be a problem, but it's an interesting choice nonetheless.

The black and white theme was continued in the costuming where it was evident great care had been taken to ensure only the two tones and shades of grey were used. Just two exceptions were made; a flash of bright red lipstick and a flash of bright red bra strap. Coincidences? I think not.

A good farce is a wonderful thing, which may, as an aside, explain some of my relationship choices. This one is a deliciously dark dig at the Roman Catholic Church, the police force and death along with the way people deal with it. A son refuses to go to his mothers funeral because he fears it would upset him. A policeman poses as an employee of the water board because while a policeman would need a warrant to search a house, the water board does not. And a nurse, prevented by her religious beliefs from euthanising her terminal patient decides to murder her instead as this would not conflict with her faith.

Well directed by Michael Hurst and with superb performances by Mia Blake and Cameron Rhodes along with the rest of the cast, this is a thoroughly good night at the theatre. Loot may be monochromatic in it's setting, but it is anything but colourless.

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4 Stars

Final Destination 4

I always like a movie with a nice ironic title. You know... when Failure to Launch didn't take off. When I Love You Man left me completely unwilling to like either lead actor. When Great Expectations was a little... meh. Final Destination 4 - Well how could this go wrong?!

I was well aware going into this that I wasn't in for finely honed thespian talents, razor-sharp scripting or Edith Head's following costuming, however I was still left cold.

The point of these types of films is, of course, that perfectly every day things - like trips to the speedway or a day at the country club (both of which I do on a regular basis) - are suddenly transformed into potentially life threatening situations. Death's bony finger could beckon at any time and when that scythe falls there ain't nothing you can do to stop it.

For you see in these films it is death and not love that ultimately wins in the end. A true, if somewhat bleak outlook on life. One supposes that when the former calls, the most you can hope for is to have experienced plenty of the later earlier on in the game.

To be fair, the 3D made the film bearable, if not enjoyable, and there was plenty of cheesy gore to have a giggle at.

In the film a message, seemingly from death itself, gives the characters false-hope that "through action they were saved". I'm afraid that when purchasing your ticket at the box-office, it is through inaction that salvation may truly be found.

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1 Star

500 Days of Summer

It has taken me forever to go and see 500 Days of Summer. It shouldn't have because I knew I'd enjoy it. What I didn't anticipate was how much I'd enjoy it!

It's the romantic comedy which isn't a romantic comedy. And much like our titular female lead, the film is quite upfront about the fact that it isn't looking for something serious.

Tom (the always amazing Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a lover not a fighter who believes that he's met "the one" when Summer (Zoeey Deschanel) breezes into his office and his life. They share the same taste in music, they laugh at the same jokes and they spark without shag-carpet generated static electricity. The only hitch is that she doesn't believe in love. This is the story of boy meets girl, but it's not a love story.

The greatest strength of this film is the characters (and actors) who are both immediately likeable while also quirky. Both somehow out of place in the world, they seem the ideal match for one another and heads never fail to turn when they are together, life spilling out of them. Both actors, but particularly Gordon-Levitt, turn in perfect and charming performances.

Surprisingly for a romantic comedy, the direction and cinematography also rate a mention in 500 Days. Beautifully shot, with some interesting angles and some nifty animations throughout.

The script is fine, but again what really makes it crackle is the chemistry between Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel. The fact that it didn't follow the usual conventional, well-worn path is also a HUGE plus in my mind.

The soundtrack! Oh the soundtrack! How could it be so far into this that I mention the amazing soundtrack?! This is definitely one of those films for which the soundtrack was considered during production and not just an after though. I shall be acquiring this soundtrack!

So to wrap it all up and stop waffling, this is one of my favourite films of the year. It's unique, it's funny and it's brimming over with heart. Ultimately it's not a love story, but it's not a film without hope.

Check out one of my favourite scenes from the film here.

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5 Stars

Fighting

I don't want to waste too many words on this one. I was forced into watching it because of friend's scheduling issues. Only the length of relationship has saved said friend from the chopping block. No one should be forced to endure this film.

So let's focus on the positive shall we? They cast Channing Tatum in the pivotal role of "boy who fights". He takes his shirt off. End of list.

Story? Nil!

Soundtrack? Crap!

Terrance Howard? As always - ever so slightly more painful than plucking off one's fingernails with chopsticks.

Reasons to watch? Just the one.

Simply 105 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

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1 Star for Channing's chest.

Far - Regina Spektor

I wanted to much to like this latest offering from Soviet-born American singer-songwriter Regina Spektor. Apparently an "anti-folk" artist (I love that term - it conjures up in my mind, hoards of protesters all carrying signs with Bob Dylan's face crossed out in bold red) Spektor first came to public attention when her song Fidelity featured on a couple of TV ads. You remember - do-do dee-do-do dee-do-do-dee do-dee-dee-do. No? This help?

Ok well that was from her excellent album Begin to Hope. I really enjoyed that album and wanted to like this one. I did... but I didn't love it.

Spektor maintains a lot of her quirkiness and originality - two traits to be much admired. This is particularly notable on the tracks Folding Chair, One More Time With Feeling and Two Birds. For me, these are two stand-out tracks on the album, showcasing the singers gift for unusual lyrics, up-beat catchy melodies and piano driven ballads showcasing her unique voice.

Laughing With is a beautiful and thought-provoking track about the scepticism and beliefs in tough time. This one made me stop everything and listen. Easily the track I'll remember most.

Other tracks such as Human of the Year and Machine seem a little too over-thought and over-produced. They come across as preachy and tacky.

Not an unpleasant listen by any means, the album is still far from her best.

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2 Stars

Wicked - The Musical

Work took me to Sydney last week. I wish, oh I wish I could tell you about the work related things I'd seen and done, but as that's not an option I'll have to content myself with telling you about the other truly wondrous thing I saw over there... hot Australian surfers - scratch that, Wicked - the musical!

When all the hype first hit about this show I jumped straight onto iTunes and bought the soundtrack. I wasn't impressed. However... now having seen the show all of the music has come alive!

The plot is far too convoluted to try and explain here, it would be pointless anyway as I'd just be reproducing the content of this Wikipedia article. Suffice to say the show is very well written working itself seamlessly into the story already known well thanks to The Wizard of Oz. Full of puns and laughs and great characters. Plot and dialogue - full marks.

The music, as I said, had disappointed me when I first heard it. Now I can't get it out of my head! Highlight for my in terms of music and overall staging is the Act 1 finale "Defying Gravity". It's over the top, catchy, rich music that was made to entertain.

The cast were superb, the sets insanely elaborate and detailed, as were the costumes.

To summarise and save on my word limit - everything about this show is delicious, camp, fun and entertaining from first note to last. It is the best of musical theatre in one show.

If you get the chance to see this in Sydney DO. (and feel free to invite me along too)

For those who can't make it to the theatre then I suggest you grab a copy of the album. You might not appreciate it at first, but you will one day!

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5 Stars

The Boy Who Knew Too Much - Mika

I'm not sure what I was expecting with The Boy Who Knew Too Much, Mika's follow-up to 2007's brilliant Life In Cartoon Motion. You couldn't say it's a completely new direction for the singer, but there are some differences. Above all, the album seems more mature than his debut effort. Less exuberant, but certainly not lacking in energy.

The album contains less catchy numbers than the last, but it doesn't take long until you're caught up in Mika's sweeping legato voice as it glides up the register, usually with rich violins, or songbirds above a solemn piano.

Some top picks for me

Blame it on the Girls - A high energy [will-be]-single which would fit well on his first album.

Blue Eyes - A number from his EP in between albums which shows off strong melodic lines, neat harmonies and the voice of the artist as well as simple orchestration he does so well.

Good Girl Gone - Probably the track that best shows off his vocals. Just a man having a good time but a band to back him up.

Toy Boy - A fun and quirky approach to the subject of love and being used. Definitely a piece that doesn't take itself seriously.

Pick Up Off The Floor - Some cool blues-jazz inspired vocal lines and some poignant lyrics.

It doesn't quite have the magic of the first, but The Boy Who Knew Too Much is fun! Really fun! And with every listen I enjoy it more. If you liked the first album, grab yourself a copy of this one for sure!

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3 1/2 Stars

Fantasy Black Channel - Late of the Pier

I knew I'd hate the album as soon as I saw it. How wrong I was.

With an opening track that could be taken directly from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and a closing number that could be Duran Duran's undiscovered single, Fantasy Black Channel is all over the place. And it's great!

The styles are as wide ranging as you can possibly imagine. I've already mentioned Elton John and Duran Duran, but how at various times you feel they're channelling The Killers, The Darkness, David Bowie, The Thrills, The Beatles, Rammstein, the list goes on! Most of all though I was reminded of the Arcade Fire debut album Funeral - fresh, experimental and contagious.

The retro revolution continues and I for one am very happy to enjoy the ride. Favourite track might have to be The Enemy are the Future. Lyrically not that complex, but it's a Bowie-esquetrack which could well have been penned in the late-seventies, early eighties. Wailing guitar, a little bit of synth and a vocal line that's all attitude.

It turns out that while I have quite successfully in the past judged books by their covers, CD'sare a very different kettle of fish. I don't imagine anyone can have learned a great deal about the album from this, but I do urge you to have a listen for yourself and let me know what you think!

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3 1/2 Stars

Shaka Rock - JET

I loved JET's first album Get Born. Love it. It was everything a modern rock album should be; catchy, with great guitar riffs, harmonies and a wicked cover emulating that of the classic Beatles album Revolver.

In the 3 years since that 2003 release my enthusiasm, I regret to say, had wained. I didn't listen to Shine On - it just didn't have a single that grabbed me - and from the sales figures, it seems I wasn't alone.

A further 3 years on (that's now - 2009!!) and we find ourselves presented with Shaka Rock. What should we make of the third release from the Aussie band?

Well... it's ok. The good tracks are very good; they remind me why I liked the band's first album and how good some rock bands can be. The not so good songs are entirely forgettable.

The album kicks off well with some faux-ACDC stylings on KIA (Killed in Action) and then drops the level down a bit channeling the Clash on Beat on Repeat.

By far the best song on the album is She's A Genius. A true "turn that up" track with driving bass and guitar riffs, a singable chorus line and entirely head-bangable.

On other tracks, such as Black Hearts and Let Me Out, singer Nic Cestor loses some of the tonality and edge in his voice - not something the band can afford to do as there simply aren't enough hooks on the album to get you completely on their side.

My advice is to enjoy the highs and put up with the lows. There are definitely a few tracks on here worth listening to. Their next album will be make or break though. With 3.5m of their 4m record sales to date coming from their first effort - they need to do something to break back in before they're left out in the cold for good.

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3 Stars

The Ugly Truth

Have you ever noticed how some introductions write themselves? When thinking about what to say about The Ugly Truth a few interesting headlines sprung to mind. Luckily for me (and the film) I don't do headlines so that wasn't really something to be considered for long.

Harmless and charmless. (it may read like a headline but it's in the middle of my review so it can't be!)

The story is and was always going to be fairly predictable wasn't it? Girl and boy meet. Girl dislikes boy but fancies hunky other boy. Boy helps girl win other boy and in the process unwittingly woos girl with his roguish charm. Boy and girl end up together. Leave to cool and season to taste.

There's the harmless. Now here's the charmless:

Katherine Heigle - considered by many the most talentless actress on the planet. I personally disagree, however I won't be entering this film as Exhibit A!

Far worse than dear old Izzie is Gerard Butler. Before I watched the film, a friend helpfully pointed out to me that he has a terrible habit of talking out of one side of his mouth when he puts on an American accent. (Thank you oh so helpful friend - you know who you are!)

Unfortunately she's right and for the entire film I found myself comparing his mouth to that of Pacman, only facing towards me and with a permanent 5 o'clock shadow.

This Popeye impersonation would, possibly, have been tolerable if the accent had stuck. When the pronunciation war began to go the way of the Scottish however, all was lost.

In order to balance out my Y chromosome ("you men just don't understand") I was there with two female friends. For more charitable and willing to forgive than myself - they enjoyed the film, but also wouldn't recommend it to friends.

There were a couple of times when I thought the film might stray towards the smutty, but they managed to stay well clear so credit where credit is due.

The single saving grace of this film comes in the form (the near-perfect form) of 'hunky other boy' Eric Winter. In many places on the planet, it must surely be illegal to be so good looking. Up until this moment in time I have refused to believe that such people exist. The competition Mr Winter offers and the standards he set bode very badly for all men. Though... if that is the ugly truth referred to in the title, I for one am happy to keep looking at it!

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1 Star

Julie & Julia

So confessions first of all... I think both Meryl Streep and Amy Adams are amazing. Both have consistently turned in fine performances in the majority of their body of work and I'd watch basically anything with either of them in it. Admittedly Streep has a slightly larger body of work, but Adams has yet to disappoint (see my review of Sunshine Cleaning).

The film is essentially two stories in two different times, told simultaneously. The first is of Julia Childs, the Martha Stewart before Martha Stewart. Julia Childs is credited as the woman who brought French cuisine to the masses - simplifying it, cataloging it and selling it as a guide for "servantless American women".

A large than life Meryl Streep is in her element flamboyantly taking charge in the kitchen after learning to cook while bored in Paris and looking to occupy time and satisfy her love of food and eating. Her relationship with husband Paul (Stanley Tucci also perfect for his part) was adorable. Clearly they are perfect for one another and a couple of their tender moments certainly touch deep.

The second story is that of Julie Powell, a bored call centre operator and failed novelist. Sick of taking abuse during the day and tired of the unremarkable, Julie is challenged by her husband to start writing again and uses Julia Child's legendary cook book for the source material; she must cook all 524 recipes in a year and blog about her experiences.

Julie has some ups and downs over the course of 365 days and while the relationship with her husband Eric (Chris Messina) seems sweet, it never really has the spark and chemistry and Streep and Tucci achieve.

The film is fun with larger than life characters (a brilliant appearance from Jane Lynch is, as I believe the vernacular would have it, a hoot) and showcases some pretty scenery from Paris. It offers no surprises, but is well paced and has a lot of heart.

Unfortunately for an otherwise lovely story, Julia Childs doesn't really approve of Julie Powell's blogging efforts, a point the film tries to brush over, but fails to adequately address.

Nevertheless I smiled most of the way through and left feeling hungrier than I have in a long time! A perfectly charming watch.

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4 Stars

Young Victoria

By now that beautiful purple artwork should have caught your attention in the cinema. Emily Blunt's profile on proud display in its regal fineness.

The film opens at the coronation of Queen Victoria. She is seated serenely on her coronation throne atop the Stone of Scone, orb and sceptre in hand. Zadok the Priest suddenly reveals itself, bursting out from the soundtrack. We know where and when we are. Flash back one year and a young Victoria (see what I did there?) is refusing to sign away her right to rule to her mother and her manipulative estate manager.

From here we follow Victoria as her journey to the throne and beyond wends its way. It's an interesting story filled with some historical points of note, however it's around Victoria's burgeoning love with Albert that the film centres.

Emily Blunt is charming, delicate and strong as Victoria, Rupert Friend is also excellent as Albert and Miranda Richardson perfect as the naive mother and Duchess of Kent. Paul Bettany is a superb Lord Melbourne - charming, witty and earnest - but I would be remiss if I didn't mention Jim Broadbent who is hilarious as the failing old King William.

It really should go without saying that the costumes and settings are very fine indeed - the film is an excellent example of a period piece that's completely accessible. Some of the finer points of history have, I'm sure, been set aside in favour of a love story, however this is a film that will appeal to us oldies who love a good royal drama and also us youngsters who are suckers for a story of true love.

A lovely way to spend an evening.

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4 Stars

The Orphan

Orphan hits NZ cinemas on Thursday 27th August and probably won't set the world on fire either at the box office or for fans of the horror/thriller genres.

For those of you that haven't seen one of these films before let me outline the plot(s):

Happy couple/family/individual decide to add to their lives and a young girl comes into the picture. Said young girl seems oddly mature for her age and adjusts quickly to her new situation. For a while at least, everything seems to have worked out for the best. Then, unexpectedly, the parent (usually the mother) starts to notice some things are just not quite right. Her protests are ignored because of past problems involving drinking, the loss of a child or some other reason that kills off their credibility. Insert false climaxes, a few shocks and a twist revealing the child as evil. The doubted parent is proved to be right in their accusations and despite some minor loss of life, all is once again right with the world.

(feel free to recycle this for future films of a similar nature)

The strength of the film is that it has a good twist, despite being pick-able in the lead up. For the rest of it I'm afraid it's all very much of a muchness and can't be said to be any better than Case 39 which hit cinemas two weeks ago.

The weakness is that it seems long. I mean loooooooooooong. I felt every minute that I was in the cinema and my mind wandered on several occasions. The climaxes were a little too easy to pick as false or genuine, but there was some decent gore for those of us with desensitised minds.

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1 1/2 Stars

La Roux - La Roux

I was somewhere in between Wellington and Dunedin, being hauled through the air by a twin-propellered relic which may have been found in the Wright Brothers' garage, previously discarded as impractical. This was the setting in which I was to listen to La Roux's self titled album.

Not unlike my bi-plane, La Roux is an album that achieves momentum thanks solely to two drivers; the singles 'In for the Kill' and 'Bulletproof'. Both of these are fun catchy numbers you've no doubt heard on the radio.

The rest of the album tries desperately to achieve the same sing-ability in vain. Every song is the same and every song is forgettable.

Sure the words change, but each lyric is as bland as the last.

Sure the drum beat changes, but any song could be... well any song in the world!

Sure the tune changes, but you'd have to jerk awake from the faux-pop induced coma you've lapsed into to notice any difference.

Painful drum machines and desperate synthesisers. Love the singles, couldn't listen to the album one more time.

My only hope is that this album is removed from circulation before my trusty old Wright-Boeing 1-Series.

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1 Star

Music for Men - The Gossip

Why do I like this album?! I shouldn't because traditionally it's really not my thing, but I do. I really do. After days of speculation the only reason I can think of is that Music for Men is funky.

It's fun! In many ways the album reminds me of listening to the Scissor Sister's first album or Mika's brilliant debut because it's peppered with references to various decades gone by. Some high points would be such lyrics as "I heard it through the bass line", a melodic line mirroring "I was made for loving you baby you were made for loving me" and the opening to the single Heavy Cross could well be taken from Edge of Seventeen!

My first thought on singer Beth Ditto was that she yells the whole time. A couple of listens later however, I'd completely changed my mind... well perhaps not changed it, but I now LIKED the voice. It's amazing! A little bit Stevie Nicks, a little bit Janis Joplin, a whole lot awesome!

My picks off the album: Love Long Distance, Heavy Cross, Pop Goes the World, Vertical Limit, For Keeps, 2012 (yes there are a few on here aren't there?!).

Fun, funky songs with a strong 80's influence that push all the right buttons and will have you bobbing your head in appreciation. I'm still no closer to nailing down the reasons why I like this album and don't like others of a similar genre, but why not give it a nudge?

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4 1/2 Stars

District 9

High expectations always scare the living bejebus out of me, but District 9 is compelling cinema and one of the front runners for best film of the year.

Based on director Neill Blomkamp's short film "Alive in Joberg" (all six and a half minutes of which you can see here) District 9 is sci-fi at it's best. When an alien space ship appears and breaks down over Johannesburg, its 1m+ crew are transported from the stalled craft and housed in medical camps in the city. These camps quickly become slums and the inhabitants are fenced in. A private security firm is contracted to move the "prawns" to a new camp established 200km from the city but something goes wrong.

Essentially the story of apartheid South Africa (but with aliens), District 9 has an unknown writer, an unknown director and an unknown star. What it does have however, is Peter Jackson, who found Blomkamp's short film, thought the young chap had talent and put him to work on the now-defunct Halo project. When that fell over, plan B came into effect. Thank god it did!

The film is utterly unindulgent in any way. Made on a shoe-string budget but matching the scale and scope of a Hollywood epic. It manages to build momentum and intensity throughout and you really begin to feel for the themes, if not the characters.

Possibly the most impressive aspect of the film is how it employs amazing graphics and animation in the most off-hand, non-showy way, integrating them into the film as real life characters would appear and not making show pieces of them.

Quick summary: Great concept, great story, great graphics, great fun!

District 9 ends set up for a sequel. Fans may demand it, but integrity would dictate it shouldn't happen.

Blomkamp is clearly a man of talent and a good find. Personally I'm still hanging out for PJ's next project.

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4 1/2 Stars

Sunshine Cleaning

Despite being billed as the next next next next next next next Little Miss Sunshine, Sunshine Cleaning is not. It is entirely enjoyable and the reasons that the comparisons have been drawn are all obvious but it lacks any of the magic, the charm that the former surprised us with.

Amy Adams turns in yet another compelling performance as Rose Lorkowski a single mother who's having the point made that life just ain't fair. In order to raise some extra money so she can send her son to a private school, Rose starts a business with her unreliable (and recently fired) sister Norah (Emily Blunt) cleaning up crime scenes after the bodies have been removed. Her father Joe (played by Alan Arkin) is off chasing his own money making schemes attempting to wheel and deal his way through life.

Easily the greatest strengths of the film are the performances that Adams and Blunt turn in. Arkin has some nice scenes, but simply not enough of them and the result is the lasting impression that he has been underutilised.

The story has been criticised for being too predictable, and it is that, but the bigger failing is in the film's inability to deliver enough sweet in the bitter-sweet genre it attempts to occupy. There are laugh out loud moments, but not enough of them and ultimately the strings begin to show when the closing credits roll to the tune of Spirit in the Sky - a cheap trick to make the audience leave with a smile on their faces.

Pleasant, but unremarkable.

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3 Stars

Alice by the Moon - The Checks

I was completely unaware of The Checks' first album Hunting Whales. In fact I was completely unaware of the band completely until an invitation to their ZM Live Lounge set during NZ Music Month. A quick look at the band's website quickly convinced me of their pedigree - they've opened for such big names as REM and The Killers - and I quickly signed up to come along.

Well... so good was that gig that I quickly acquired the album.

The second album is always said to be the tricky one, and if that's true I cannot wait to go and discover their original offering. The album is blues-rock driven and completely compelling - it won't be leaving my car rotation for weeks!

Highlights include:

• You and Me - A catchy rock song lamenting the inevitable attraction to the bad girl [or boy!]
• Crows - Starting with a grungy guitar riff it just grows! Much heavier than the previous track, Crows has a brilliant chorus with awesome harmonies that you'll be caught singing at the lights.
• Ballroom Baby - Again kicking off with a great guitar lick, this track gives singer Edward Knowles a chance to show a softer side to his voice and also his range.
• Back of the Restaurant - Solo bass guitar starts us off once more (seeing a pattern here?) and Knowles' vocals switch easily from soft to hard. Queen-like vocal harmonies from the other band members compliment yet another catchy tune.
  *It's worth noting at this stage that these are four of the first five tracks on the album!*

Given the four tracks above that I'm picking as some highlights are all within the first five tracks on the album, I'm going to give up at this point and tell you that every track is solid! Well honed harmonies, vocal work, guitar and drums, as well as some damned fine (and catchy) tunes are everywhere throughout this album. (Any Man Here Will Run You In, Till the Dance is Over and Holy My Head are other favourites).

Some elements brought a few comparisons to mind including The Beatles, Jet, Franz Ferdinand and Midnight Might though while the later would fall closer to pop, The Checks definitely spill into the rock category.

One of the best albums of the year to date. Just you try and stop me from Hunting Whales!

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5 Stars

Public Enemies

John Dillinger lives again in Michael Mann's 1930's gangster flick.

Never having been much of a fan of the director, but a big believer in stars Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard, I was a little unsure exactly what to expect going into this.

The major criticism I have is his use of digital film. I do understand that it's the way of the future. I do understand that Mann wanted the film to be so real that one is transported back to the era and can practically smell the gunpowder. I don't however feel that the digital filming added anything to the film. Quite the opposite in fact. I found the digital hard to watch and quite jarring. It took me out of the moment.

Aside from that I found the film to be excellent. The story and script are compelling, the action spine chilling and the performances all very very fine. I've heard Oscar rumours swirling around Depp and it's fair to say that this is the film in which he once again proves he can indeed act.

There is some romance and the 1930's costumes and scenery for the ladies, and some action and shoot 'em up hair raisers for the gents. Well worth the price of admission.

Now I'm off to buy a fedora!

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4 Stars

God of Carnage @ The Maidment (ATC)

The men rule the roost in this domestic comedy/social horror which runs for one more week at Auckland's Maidment Theatre. Both Peter Elliot demonstrates superb comic timing and, though I'm never one to celebrate the replacement of Craig Parker, Dave Fane is also superb. Behind every great man there is said to be a great woman and this is also true when it comes to the performances of Miranda Harcourt and Hera Dunleavy.

This is the show for anyone who's ever wanted to break the ranks of etiquette and hurl abuse (or indeed any nearby nick-knack) at another. God of Carnage begins with the two couples meeting to discuss a fight their two boys have recently had and they agree...for the most part. Spiraling out of control the play delivers line after line that will make you gasp and laugh both at the same time.

The writing is what gives it it's strength and the show is beautiful to watch; a dance where sides agree, take a few twirls, and then fracture forcing a change of partners. From united married couples, to masochist-feminist face-offs, to cheeky threesomes with a long individual fighting the good fight - allegiances, opinions and seating arrangements are forever changing.

I would recommend the play to anyone after a fun night out at the theatre. A little to think about, but a whole lot to enjoy!

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4 Stars

Up

Disney/Pixar's UP is magic. It stands head and shoulders above the rest as this year's best family film.

For several reasons last year's Wall-E failed to move me, Ratatouille didn't impress me as much as it seemed to everyone else, but Up ranks right up there with Finding Nemo and Monster's Inc. as one of my favourite Pixar films.

Up breaks the mould in terms of family entertainment as our hero and main character Carl Fredricksen is a grumpy, not particularly attractive old man. A beautiful montage takes us on a journey through Carl's life from age 8 where he meets his future bride Ellie, their courtship, marriage and happy life until her passing at a ripe old age.

Feeling disconnected from the world Carl decides to honour his promise to Ellie and take them on an adventure to South America. He attaches thousands of balloons to his house and lifts off. However it is not long until he discovers he is not alone - Russell, an eight-year-old Wilderness Explorer has come knocking on Carl's door looking to earn a merit badge for service to seniors and has inadvertently been caught up in the adventure.

The characters are fun, caricatures that aren't overcooked and the film provides glorious moments for them all. Carl, Russell, a mummy-bird Russell names Kevin and Dug the Dog (who can talk thanks to the invention of a handy electronic collar) set out on the biggest adventure of their lives with plenty of drama and slapstick comedy with warm glowing moments to warm the heart.

As of yet the film has only been screened here in 2D, but the animation was excellent and I can't wait to see how it looks in full Disney 3D. The colours are bright, the detail is flawless and the characters, props and scenery are impeccably designed.

This is the kind of film I wish Disney would make more of - humour, heart and brilliant characters. Fun for the whole family.

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4 Stars

Starlight Express

As this was my first viewing of Starlight Express I've decided that probably the fairest way to structure this review in two parts: part one as a review of the show itself and part two of the performance I attended. That way my status as a Starlight Express virgin won't reflect on the performers themselves.

I don't want to list my credentials, but I feel that I'm fairly well qualified to cast judgement on musicals.

The Show

The show tells the story of a boy's dream about an epic race between his toy trains. It's a classic tale of love, conflict and a plucky underdog.

Story wise I failed to find the magic. Yes I understand that it's about a child's imagination running wild, but I didn't feel the heart in the concept I had hoped for. It just felt absurd.

Too many characters are introduced in too short a time. The result? A massive ensemble of nameless soloists and a complete lack of any investment in any of them. By far the best character was that of Electra - the new model electric train who's over-the-top persona made for on-stage fun.

I didn't know any of the songs coming in and I didn't know any more when I left. The songs lack any memorable, hummable tune - no catch. The lyrics are middle-of-the-road at best. Not one of them has stuck with me and that's just not good enough from a Lloyd-Webber musical.

It's no Phantom, Joseph, Jesus Christ, Evita. Thanks to the magic of the movies I've been able to discover a few amazing musicals recently (Hairspray and Sweeney Todd for example) - so it's not just that I'm unwilling to expand my repertoire. Unfortunately the show is memorable only for it's mediocrity.

The Performance

Vector arena has been eviscerated for it's poor acoustics and I would like to think that it was this and not the performers that so underwhelmed me. Either way the net result is a very sub-par vocal and orchestral showing. The parts of Rusty and Electra has by far the strongest voices although the former had a nasty habit of sounding like a 12 year old girl.

The skating was fun. It added something to the show which the songs, story and singing did not. Much credit for this should go to the stunt skaters - professionals, I assume, who did not singing. The remaining attraction of the skating was more to do with half-fears (or perhaps hopes) that skaters would fall off the stage. Special mention goes to the hip-hop freighters.

I really don't know what to say beyond this. I'm at a loss to explain the show's success and hope like anything that Mama Mia! proves more entertaining when it graces our stages later in the year.

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1 Star

My Year Without Sex

My Year Without Sex is an Australian dramedy which screened at this year's NZ Film Festival.

I don't want to waste too many minutes typing this up - it's simply not worth it.

The comedy is forced when it comes at all, it provides few insights into the lives or hearts of our main characters and fails to move me or speak to me on any level. All in all you'd say that those were the three key things any drama-comedy meld would hope to achieve.

I'm willing to concede that IF you are a woman AND you are of a certain age AND you have had or are having marriage difficulties AND you have had health scares... you may like this film, but to me it was just a waste of celluloid.

Thank god for the company at the screening!

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1/2 Star

My Life In Ruins

No. Just no!

Actress Nia Vardalos is hoping lighting will strike twice with this comedy set in her native Greece. I say comedy... but the laughs were few and far between.

You've seen this before. SO many times, but this version lacked any of the charm and warmth that many of its contemporaries have. Stale, predictable and a waste of an hour and a half.

The one saving grace was Richard Dreyfuss - it's just nice to see him on the screen again.

Certainly no Big Fat Greek Wedding.

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1 Star

Coco Avant Chanel

Audrey Tautou is Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel what more needs to be said?!

The actress best known for her roles in Amélie and A Very Long Engagement (forgetting for a second about The Da Vinci Code) is mesmerising. Charming, funny, beautiful... I have no idea if she was anything like Coco Chanel but she manages to capture the spirit of what Chanel has always stood for.

The film other than it's lead actress is enjoyable. It's set in France, it's a period piece, it has great humour, but it lacks some momentum and at times dragged and lost its way.

Coco Before Chanel contains very little of the fashion it's namesake is best remembered for. Hardly surprising given the title of the film, but sad nonetheless.

I would recommend the film, but not over An Education which also features in this years festival and releases shortly after Coco.

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3 Stars

Adventureland

My run of excellent films at the New Zealand Film Festival continues with Adventureland - almost a cross between Superbad (the previous project of Greg Mottola) and Almost Famous.

I was offered tickets to Adventureland very last minute by a friend so I went in a little cold; sure I'd head that it was by the writer/director of Superbad, but what was his next film doing in the festival!?

Yes the film is that familiar blend of filth, smut and humour but it's also got a lot of heart and warmth and despite my best efforts to write it off as more of the same, I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear for the whole film.

Jesse Eisenberg is a perfect everyman - awkward and charming and much to my surprise Kristen Stewart was very easy to fall in love with along with our bumbling romantic lead. Ryan Reynolds, Bill Hader and an excellent support cast make every character a gem.

This admission may set me up for a whole lot of grief - but I want the soundtrack! It's an embarrassment of riches from the 1980's including Falco's Amadeus and swathes of Lou Reed. Hideous and perfect!

I didn't want to like Adventureland, but what choice did I have?! It's hilarious and tender.

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4 1/2 Stars

In The Loop

In The Loop is the spin-off film from the BBC's hilarious series The Thick of It which I've likened to friends as a beautiful collision of The Office (the British one obviously) and Yes [Prime] Minister.

The Thick of It has, for a little while now, been the gem that I could pull out when breaking into the recommendations competition with fellow lovers of British comedy. While I'll admit that I'm a little sad to lose the series into 'mainstream' there are also a few other points that didn't sit right with me.

I really enjoyed the film, I want to say that before any criticism - it's great, it's very funny, it's just not the TV series.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing for me was the disappearance of most of the characters we'd known from the series. We lost the minister when the Christmas specials came around so I was fine with that, just as I was very pleased indeed to see the brilliant Peter Capaldi return as foul-mouthed spinman Malcolm Tucker. What I think irked me was the retention of Chris Addison and other supporting cast from the series, but as different characters. It disrupted my ability and willingness to delve into the world of the movie when the same actors were interacting but with only one playing the same character they had in the past.

Audiences (if they're anything like me anyway) may have some trouble figuring out where the plot is headed as the film takes some time to get going. Once it does though we're in familiar territory watching the political wheelings and dealings, this time on a global scale.

Hesitantly I'll also level the complaint the the film "sold out" a little (and I do mean a little) and lost it's niche edge to cater for the mass audience a movie must. Inevitable I suppose. And yes it was a little more American than a good British comedy should have been.

In The Loop was a good film and I would certainly not turn people away from watching it. I enjoyed the whole thing, albeit with certain pangs of loss from the series.

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3 1/2 Stars