Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Observer Showbiz
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: MOTHER! Genre: Drama/Horror/Mystery. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer. Year: 2017. Rating: MA15+ Length: 121 Minutes. Stars: **** Verdict: A couple's relationship becomes increasingly tested when uninvited guests arrive unexpectedly at their eerily isolated house undergoing renovation, and what is seemingly a harmonious beginning soon disrupts their tranquil existence and things slowly spiral out of control. Oscar nominated writer-director Darren Aronofsky has created a complex, spellbinding, intensely searing and highly evocative journey of innocence and psychological horror of unrepentant and irredeemable evil. Comparable to such filmmakers as David Lynch, Terry Gilliam, Jean Cocteau, Stanley Kubrick and Roman Polanski, Aronofsky has excelled in controlling emotion, tension, and most importantly, commanding audience's attention throughout. Jennifer Lawrence as the increasingly concerned wife, Javier Bardem as her poet-writer husband, and veterans Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer as the mysterious couple, all shine in their respective and complex roles of what lies beneath. Aided superbly by its claustrophobic setting and isolated surroundings and by a haunting music score reflective of Gyorgy Ligeti (The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey), here is a work clearly inspired by a number of (unmentionable) classics. Alice in Wonderland meets Black Sabbath, if you like an audacious, exhilarating, dark, disturbing, shape-shifting, mind-bending and thought provoking horror of ambiguous surrealism filled with shock and awe, then this is for you. FILM: BLADE RUNNER 2049: Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller. Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Robin Wright, Jared Leto. Year: 2017. Rating: MA15+ Length: 163 Minutes. Stars: **** Verdict: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos, and K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for three decades. Sicario (2015) and Arrival (2016) director Denis Villeneuve and executive producer Ridley Scott have created an absolutely Spellbinding long-awaited (35 years) follow up to Scott's 1982s sci-fi classic "Blade Runner," which fans of the original and the science fiction genre will relish from the opening frame to the last. Ryan Gosling puts in a solid performance as K, the new LAPD replicant hunter "Blade Runner," along with Robin Wright as his superior, Lt. Joshi, Ana de Armas as K's holographic girlfriend, and Jared Leto as the (Replicant) Corporation CEO. Harrison Ford in his reprisal as blade-runner in hiding Rick Deckard from the original 1982 "Blade Runner" compels the film and story to dizzying heights as the secrets unfold and past meets the future, with shattering results. Director Villeneeuve, along with cinematographer Roger Deakins (The Shawshank Redemption), have combined to create a bold, lush, complex, surreal, mind-bending and visually eye-popping spectacle as enthralling and aesthetic as the original. "Blade Runner 2049" may not be perfect, length its main debated issue, but add to the mix a haunting and pulse-pounding music score by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch, the end result is a highly intelligent, original, thought provoking, poignant, and thrilling multi-layered tapestry that not only respectfully honour's its own legacy, but to the science fiction genre as a whole. FILM: BATTLE OF THE SEXES: Genre: Biography/Comedy/Drama. Cast: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Bill Pullman, Elizabeth Shue, Sarah Silverman, Alan Cumming. Year: 2017. Rating: M. Length: 121 Minutes. Stars: ***½ Verdict: Based on the true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs, in the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women's movement, and billed as "Battle of the Sexes" it became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world. Tremendously enjoyable entertainment, and even though the outcome of this legendary match is well documented in history, the inside story and overall outcome hits the mark, a real crowd-pleaser, and then some. Emma Stone gives an outstanding career defining performance as the beleaguered but brilliant Billie Jean King as she battles personal demons and champions for equality, however, it is Steve Carell as the chauvinistic and acid tongued clown prince of the tennis court, Bobby Riggs, one of the first self-made media-age celebrities, that lifts it to a whole new level in an unforgettable performance. Where the film also excels is off the tennis court, as it delves seamlessly into the personal lives, most notably with a beautifully sensitive performance by Andrea Riseborough as the hairdresser in her relationship with Billie Jean King. Also starring Elizabeth Shue, Bill Pullman, Sarah Silverman and Alan Cumming, this is an extremely thrilling, humorous, poignant and entertaining experience, a solid, finely tuned and well choreographed effort told with intelligence and respect, and whether you are a fan of tennis or not, "Battle of the Sexes" serves up a real treat!
Rourke’s Reviews: Bill Paxton ■ It is hard to believe that it's almost a year since beloved character actor Bill Paxton suddenly and tragically passed away on February 25 2017, due to complications that arose during heart surgery. He was incredibly well-liked by colleagues and movie-goers alike, and it was a massive loss that fans are still getting over. Mr Paxton was only 61 years old. To commemorate this fine actor, who also pursued a career behind the camera, here are some of my favourite Paxton films. It is fun to try and spot him in fleeting parts in Jonathan Demme's second feature Crazy Mama (1975), and the Bill Murray comedy smash Stripes (1981). Streets Of Fire (1984) (M). 93 minutes. Walter Hill's glittering homage to 50's Drive-In fare is a wonderful mix of motorcycle gangs, catchy music, and young love. Bill Paxton plays Clyde, Michael Pare's old bartender friend. Also stars Diane Lane and Willem Dafoe. The Terminator (1984) (M). 107 minutes. The film that put James Cameron on the map is a relentless sci-fi/action/thriller, about a cyborg set from the future to kill the mother of the future leader of the human resistance. Mr Paxton's role is brief but memorable, and is the one who feeds Arnie one of his famous lines. Weird Science (1985) (M). 94 minutes. Not the best film from teen expert John Hughes, but has enough insightful moments to be worth a look, and Mr Paxton gives a committed performance as one of the main character's obnoxious older brother. Commando (1985) (R). 90 minutes. Mr Paxton is only in one scene, but it is a worthy excuse to recommend this outrageous Arnie action/ comedy, which always puts a smile on your face. Aliens (1986) (M). 137 / 154 minutes. The film that properly introduced the world to Mr Paxton, who is superb as the faux-tough Private Hudson, with a multitude of lines that millions of people still quote today. Near Dark (1987) (R). 94 minutes. One of the best and most unusual vampire films ever made, written by Eric Red (The Hitcher) and directed by Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty). Mr Paxton commands the screen throughout. Predator 2 (1990) (R). 108 minutes. Colourful, explosive sequel is somewhat under-rated, and helmed with energy, style and skill by Aussie Stephen Hopkins. Mr Paxton is the talkative newcomer who joins Danny Glover's close-knit group of L.A. cops who battle the dangerous alien. Beware of the cut version that was originally shown in Australian cinemas. One False Move (1992) (R). 105
● Bill Paxton minutes. Arguably Mr Paxton's finest work as an actor, playing a spirited southern cop who attempts to help the FBI capture a trio of killers. Costars and is co-written by Billy Bob Thornton. A cult favourite that deserves to be seen. Trespass (1992) (R). 101 minutes. Mr Paxton re-teams with director Walter Hill for this tough, violent action/thriller, written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, of Back To The Future fame. Another film that is very under-rated. True Lies (1994) (M). 141 minutes. His role may be relatively small, but Mr. Paxton walks away with the film, absolutely hilarious as a sleazy used car salesman who infuriates super spy Arnie. Apollo 13 (1995) (PG). 140 minutes. Solid retelling of the troubled Apollo 13 mission, featuring reliable performances from Paxton, Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon. A Simple Plan (1998) (M). 121 minutes. Sam Raimi's tale of greed ruining friendships may be uneven, but it is worth watching for Mr Paxton's outstanding central performance. Frailty (2001) (MA). 100 minutes. Mr Paxton stepped behind the camera to direct this eerie, unsettling thriller, while offering a strong, measured performance as a father who may or may not be receiving heavenly messages to kill demons who appear to be human. 2 Guns (MA). 109 minutes. After disappearing from the big screen for several years to star in the hit TV series Big Love, Mr Paxton made a welcome return in this Lethal Weapon-style action/ comedy, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg, and once again steals the film, this time as the main villain. Edge Of Tomorrow (2014) (M). 113 minutes. Big budget alien invasion movie, where Mr Paxton is certainly having fun as Tom Cruise's loudmouthed sergeant. Nightcrawler (2014) (MA). 118 minutes. Bill Paxton plays a veteran news videographer who sets newcomer Jake Gyllenhaal on a very dark path indeed. Dan Gilroy's scathing thriller has a typically transformative performance from Gyllenhaal, but Mr Paxton is also a stand-out.
Top 10 Lists FEBRUARY 18-24 THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. FIFTY SHADES FREED. 2. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. 3. I, TONYA. 4. INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY. 5. DEN OF THIEVES. 6. JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE. 7. MOLLY'S GAME. 8. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. 9. DARKEST HOUR. 10. THE 15:17 TO PARIS. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: FEBRUARY 15: BLACK PANTHER, CODE GEASS LELOUCH OF THE REBELLION MOVIE, LADY BIRD, THE MONKEY KING 3: KINGDOM OF WOMEN. FEBRUARY 22: 2:22, A FANTASTIC WOMAN, ANOTHER MOTHER'S SON, ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS, FINDING YOUR FEET, GAME NIGHT, THE BBQ, WINCHESTER. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS AND SALES: 1. BAD MOMS 2 [Comedy/Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn]. 2. SUBURBICON [Comedy/Mystery/Drama/ Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac]. 3. BLADE RUNNER 2049 [Sci-Fi/Mystery/ Drama/Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright]. 4. THIS BEAUTIFUL FANTASTIC [Comedy/ Fantasy/Drama/Jessica Brown Findlay]. 5. BRAD'S STATUS [Comedy/Drama/Ben Stiller, Michael Sheen, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer]. 6. GEOSTORM [Action/Thriller/Sci-Fi/Gerard Butler, Ed Harris, Abbie Cornish]. 7. THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM [Horror/Thriller/ Bill Nighy, Olivia Cooke, Douglas Booth]. 8. MOTHER! [Mystery/Horror/Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Harris]. 9. BATTLE OF THE SEXES [Comedy/Biography/Drama/Emma Stone, Steve Carell]. Also: BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99, HOME AGAIN, TOMMY'S HONOUR, THE SNOWMAN, ANOTHER MOTHER'S SON, JIGSAW, THE LOVERS, THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, THE FOREIGNER. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN [Biography/Drama/Domhall Gleeson, Margot Robbie]. DETROIT [Crime/Drama/Thriller/John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie]. SHOT CALLER [Crime/drama/Thriller/Nikolai Coster-Waldau, Jon Bernthal]. 6 BELOW [Biography/Adventure/Drama/Kale Culley, Sarah Dumont, Josh Hartnett]. CHASING THE DRAGON [Action/Crime/Biography/Andy Lau, Donnie Yen]. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN [Biography/Drama/Domhall Gleeson, Margot Robbie]. DETROIT [Crime/Drama/Thriller/John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie]. 6 BELOW [Biography/Adventure/Drama/Kale Culley, Sarah Dumont, Josh Hartnett]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: None Listed for This Week. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: BERSERK: The Complete Series. LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!!: Season 1. ONE PIECE VOYAGE: Collection 7. SEARCH PARTY: Season 1. POWER: Season 4.