A NIGHT-IN WITH TIM WAKELY This month at Civic Video Ponsonby the British are abroad; while the Yanks stay at home to defend planet earth. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN Salmon fishing in the Yemen is a beautifully crafted film with an equally exquisite storyline. From the start I was pulled in hook, line and sinker, as the realistic feeling of the film entranced me, and I couldn’t help but get sucked into it. Traditionally, I have always been on the fence when it came to Ewan McGregor but I was surprised to like the film as much as I did. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that fly-fishing would actually interest me; I have never been interested in fishing and the virtues of fishing had never crossed my mind. McGregor plays Dr Alfred Jones who is forced by the British Government, who are in dire need of a good story to put in the press, to help a wealthy Yemeni Sheikh to bring salmon to the wadis of the Yemen. The storyline has an overall feel good inspirational vibe to it, which doesn’t feel silly or overplayed. The simplistic colour palette, and the easy mysticism embedded into the film gives it a sense of calmness. The acting is top notch; Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor give realism to their characters’ balanced sensitivity. Now don’t get me wrong, the characters aren’t boring, they are relatable with banal flaws. I recommend that you make any excuse to see this film; rain, hail or shine this film is a must see.
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is an inoffensive flick about a group of retirees who travel to India to stay at a retirement retreat. However, after the group of strangers get over their initial frustrations of the hotel most of them begin to seek out what they originally intended to do in the country. Overall, I am in two minds about this film as I am unsure of whether I liked it or not. The westernised portrayal of India didn’t really excite me as I felt that I was watching an advertorial of the country. Every time Judi Dench spoke all I could think of was ‘ASB commercial, ASB commercial’. What I liked about the film was that it wasn’t entirely unpredictable and the hidden storylines and the vast array of colourful characters made it enjoyable. The veteran cast is what makes this film pleasurable. However, my favourite character would be Muriel Donnelly, played by Maggie Smith. I loved this character, as her old-fashioned misguided offensive views seem somewhat comedic. Plus, I have this theory that Maggie Smith was born old, because every film I have ever seen her in, she has always played an uptight old maid. This film is worth a watch, as its light-hearted humour and wonder is good for the soul.
THE AVENGERS Marvel you’ve done it again. If you liked Ironman, Thor and Captain America then this is for you. Packed full of all the original casts of these movies, The Avengers takes all of these movies and merges them successfully into one film. What is great about it is that you don’t have to question, the film makes you believe all these superheros existed at the same time. If you’re a sucker for those over the top, loud, spandex loving, super hero movies, then The Avengers is the right movie for you. Nick Fury, director of the espionage agency S H I E L D must re-activate The Avengers initiative to help save the world. This movie is a fast and jam-packed adrenaline ride with special effects and larger than life characters hypnotising your gaze as you watch the film. Everything in this film is out of this world; the characters, the storylines and some of the back-stories are gripping. The movie is packed full of A-list Hollywood babes, so if you’re into a bit of soft eye candy then by all means rent this film. Everyone should watch this film, as it’s just so damn cool. (TIM WAKELY) PN
122 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2012
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)