Archive for May, 2008
Released 6th June 2008
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Wonderfully frank, no-frills, authentic and explosive tale sparked by a missing child - any parent’s nightmare - that marks a solid and highly admirable directorial debut for actor/screenwriter Ben Affleck that goes to establishing his fledging directing career. Echoing Clint Eastwood’s acclaimed Mystic River for its high dose of ‘reality’, Affleck’s film sets the scene for the gritty, poignant and controversial drama ahead with images of the tough neighbourhood of Dorchester, South Boston and its citizens. Above all, this film highlights some uncomfortable moral and social dilemmas, questioning your stand on the difficult subject matter that unravels after the little 4-year-old girl, Amanda, goes missing.
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Released 22nd May 2008
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At last, the hotly-anticipated evening of Tuesday 20th May arrived, introduced by one of the film’s biggest stars, John Hurt who plays crazed Professor Oxley: “Hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it!” says an enthusiastic Hurt. And, strangely enough, yes, this reviewer actually did, regardless of less than favourable feedback from others after sneak previews. It may well have something to do with being a massive Indy fan, willing to embrace any return to the silver screen of this charismatic post-war action hero, or it may be the waves of nostalgia and feel-good vibes that wash over you when the infamous music begins… Ba-De-Da, Ba-De-Da-De-Daaaa, Ba-De-Da, Ba-De-Da-De-Da… When Indy grabs his hat, you know you’re off on an adventure!
Continue reading "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" 
Released 29th May 2008
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What could be more relevant today than a film about the Dalai Lama’s fight for the Tibetan people? This will probably be the most influential and inspiring film you will see all year. An intense insight into the inner workings of the Dalai clique, this is His Holiness, the Dalai Lama in an unseen light. Previous films have focussed on his famous chuckle and his Buddhist duties, but is there something behind the laughter? Does he use it to evade difficult questions? Joshua Dugdale in his first feature film, The Unwinking Gaze, portrays a very political Dalai Lama, despite Joshua’s rejection of traditional narration. Whilst being a hard-lined documentary you’re not overwhelmed with political-speak. Despite his position as leader of the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is unlike any politician as his Buddhist practices of compassion lightens every situation. He is a Buddhist monk first and foremost making it impossible to ignore the effect this has on his leadership.
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Released 16th May 2008
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Will we ever tire of American teen heroes who manage to reach out and touch the disillusioned and unheard school populous? Probably not, because such films provide a fictitious feeling of temporary euphoria as they tackle teen angst head on. There isn’t a person of teen years or older who cannot relate to the frustration of not being heard and the feeling of being undeniably ignored. Sadly, however, the initial response from some will be to throw their hands up in horror at what is, on first glimpse, a teen flick controversially portraying the irresponsible glorification of underage prescription drug taking. But let’s take a deep breath and a step back off the soapbox first…
