Mini Reviews
Empties (out now) is an odd little film from Jan Sverak, who won the best foreign language film Oscar in 1997 for Kolya. Its the story of an ageing teacher looking for a life change. He quits his job as a school teacher and starts working as a bottle recycler in a supermarket. It goes in some strange directions at times but there are also some nice moments. Grade: B-.
Sleepwalking (out now) is a slow paced film about a young girl who has been abandoned by her mother and left in the hands of her uncle. I couldn't get into it and believe it has no hope of making any money with its tiny release here in Brisbane. Grade: C+.
Case 39 (out now) proves once again that Renee Zellweger can't act. Grade: C.
A Christmas Carol (out now) is based on the novel of Charles Dickens and tells the tale of a miserable old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Will Scrooge find redemption? This is a pretty grim animated film and may not be suitable for young children. It's well made though and looks great in 3D. Grade: B+.
Prime Mover (out Nov 12) is an Australian movie about a wanna be truckie named Thomas who is in a world of trouble. He's working too hard, spending no time with his wife and has hired goons on his tail. Will things get better for Thomas? They didn't for me while watching this. Grade: C+.
The Boys Are Back (out Nov 12) is from Scott Hicks, director of Shine and Snow Falling On Cedars (two amazing films). This isn't as good but worth a look... perhaps. It's the tale of a father (Clive Owen) who must overcome the death of his wife and find a way of reconnecting with his two sons. Grade: B.
2012 (out Nov 12) is abhorrent. If the world really did end tomorrow, I would die happily knowing that I never have to watching rubbish like this ever again. Grade: F (yes, that's an F, and there's no option to take the test again).
The Time Traveler's Wife (out Nov 5) is about a guy who "travels back in time for some reason." After 50 minutes, I thought the only thing that would have made less sense was a talking pie. Ah, but the film finds its feet and develops into a moving love story. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams are wonderful. Tears may be shed. Grade: B+.
The Box (out now) is "an enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in mystery". I don't know if I loved it or I hated it. There's definitely stuff wrong with it but it's so intriguing, so puzzling. It's reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Will require multiple viewings... for those who didn't walk out the first time. Grade: B.
Into The Shadows (out now) is an Aussie doco which looks at the problems with our film industry. It has a say on everything from financing through to distribution. There are a lot of good interviews but it didn't leave me with many realistic solutions. Definitely worth seeing if you are a budding actor or filmmaker. Grade: B+.
Genova (out Nov 5) is a drama about a man who moves to Italy with his two daughters following the death of their mother. I have respect for director Michael Winterbottom but this was incredibly boring. Does anything happen? It's just a tourist video for the city of Genova. Grade: C+.
