This Thursday, a slew of films are making their way into cinemas across Australia:
The Wrestler
Gran Torino
Doubt
Role Models
Bride Wars
Hotel For Dogs
Can’t make up your mind which one to see? We’ll help decide for you!
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The Wrestler (MA15+)
Drama/Sport
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Micky Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
Plot: A drama centred on retired professional wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson as he makes his way through the independent circuit, trying to get back in the game for one final showdown with his former rival.
Recommended if you’re a lover of cinema. This is a must see film!
My opinion: The verdict from my review: 4.5/5 stars
“It’s brutal yet sincere, funny yet solemn – Darren Aronofsky has made a remarkable film that expertly depicts the reality of a sport it both honours and berates. At the center of its success is Mickey Rourke, giving not only a career defining performance, but also one of the year’s best. I predict an Oscar with his name on it.”
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Gran Torino (M)
Drama/Thriller
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley
Plot: Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbour, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski’s prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.
Recommended if you’re fond of Eastwood’s previous dramas, or if you too are a disgruntled neighbour.
My opinion: Not since Million Dollar Baby has Clint Eastwood starred in his own film, and we all know how well that went down. The film has already received a great deal of praise, in particular Eastwood’s performance.
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Doubt (M)
Drama/Thriller
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams
Plot: Set in 1964, Doubt centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him abusing a black student. He denies the charges, and much of the play’s quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality and authority.
Recommended if… you’re one to want to see all of the likely Oscar nominees.
My opinion: It’s on my must see list; not only because Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman are fantastic actors, but because it’s a likely candidate at the Oscars.
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Role Models (MA 15+)
Comedy
Director: David Wain
Starring: Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd
Plot: Wild behaviour forces a pair of energy drink reps to enroll in a Big Brother program.
Recommended if you enjoy laughing… so long as you are not easily offended.
My opinion: Verdict from my review: 4/5 stars
“Role Models might use an archaic formula to deliver to deliver racist, sexist and every other kind of derogatory joke possible, but it does so with a vibrant coat of undeniable wit and an added sparkle of humanity, ultimately making it more accomplished than most comedies of the last year. It’s just the kind of mindless fun needed to break up the endless line of Oscar-baited dramas this awards season.”
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Bride Wars (PG)
Comedy/ Romance
Director: Gary Winick
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson
Plot: Two best friends become rivals when they schedule their respective weddings on the same day.
Recommended if you’re clinically insane. With so many fantastic releases this week, a B-grade chick flick should be the last thing on your to see list.
My opinion: There is nothing about this film that is remotely appealing. I feel sorry for Anne Hathaway, as she is currently an Oscar hopeful for her performance in Rachel Getting Married, but audiences are currently subject to seeing her in this.
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Hotel For Dogs (PG)
Comedy/ Family
Director: Thor Freudenthal
Starring: Don Cheadle, Emma Roberts, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, Johnny Simmon
Plot: Two kids secretly take in nine stray dogs at a vacant house.
Recommended if you’re with kids. This is the only family friendly film being released this week.
My opinion: Yet another summer film starring canines, Hotel For Dogs actually has some promise to it. With early reviews being warm, there’s a good chance dog loving families will enjoy this live-action comedy.
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