Triplux

Stanley Kubrick’s Boxes (2008) As a huge Kubrick fan I was intrigued by the prospect of a documentary that promised to reveal further insight into his genius. However in this rather unsatisfying exposé we learn little more than the fact that Stanley had a staggering amount of boxes filled mostly with location shots for films (including some which never eventuated). Yes, we see more evidence of his infamous attention to detail, but with the incredible access this filmmaker had to these files I had far higher expectations. Average


Director:	Jon Ronson
Genres:	Documentary
Languages:	English
Runtime:	UK:48 min
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Plot:	(Source: IMDb)
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The Informant (2009) “The gluconate guy, he’s out of a job.” - I’m not sure that Steven Soderbergh was aiming for a laugh-out-loud film, but Matt Damon’s utterance earned a rare one from me (not a spoiler - it’s in the trailer). I liked that we have a more realist portrayal of corporate whistleblowing - it’s dull and the humour is in the mundane detail. Unfortunately there was not enough of the kitschy quirky detail to last the distance. Average


Director:	Steven Soderbergh
Genres:	Comedy \| Crime \| Drama \| Thriller
Languages:	English
Runtime:	108 min
Tagline:
Plot:	The U.S. government decides to go after an agri-business giant with a price-fixing accusation, based on the evidence submitted by their star witness, vice president turned informant Mark Whitacre. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	The Informant! (2009)
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"It is a rich mix of ideas which strike and collide to create poetic moments that speak, despite the remote location, to all of us today. With fantastic charismatic performances all around, including a striking moustache on the director."

New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi was awarded the Grand Prix, Best Feature Film (Generation Section) at the Berlin Film Festival. He was likely overheard remarking "They like me, they really like me", or something similar after the ceremony.

Be sure to check out the trailer for Boy over at Flicks.

The Young Victoria (2009) I was never going to have a lot of enthusiam for a film that retold the early days of Queen Victoria’s rule - but I still found the events engrossing, even if the passion was lacking. It’s as beautifully made as you would expect - the costumes and sets are stunning. Interesting sidenote, this is the followup film from director Jean-Marc Vallée’s cult favourite C.R.A.Z.Y in 2005. Average


Director:	Jean-Marc Vallée
Genres:	Biography \| Drama \| History \| Romance
Languages:	English \| German
Runtime:	USA:105 min \| Germany:100 min (European Film Market)
Tagline:
Plot:	A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	The Young Victoria (2008)
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The Lovely Bones (2009) If this film, about the murder of a young girl, had been made with the sincerity and tone of last year’s acclaimed ‘Changeling’, instead of Peter Jackson’s attempt to target the Twilight crowd, then I might have seen the best film of the year. Instead the result is a collection of beautifully crafted dramatic scenes intercut with long and garish fantasy scenes that take the film nowhere and severley dimish the emotional impact. Obligatory snarky comments: Hey Peter, save some of those endings for the DVD. Oh, and Mark Wahlberg, your line reading and presence were just awful. Average


Director:	Peter Jackson
Genres:	Drama \| Fantasy \| Thriller
Languages:	English
Runtime:	135 min
Tagline:
Plot:	Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	The Lovely Bones (2009)
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Amreeka (2009) An immigrant solo mother and her teenage son move from occupied Palestine to Illinois in order to create a better life. The cultural conflict that arises will surprise no-one and what results is essentially a ‘through-the-eyes’ film expressing writer/director Cherien Dabis’s impressions of US/Arab race relations post 9/11. There’s a crowd-pleasing resolution that belies the tension that film works hard to create, but it’s still a compelling drama with honest emotions. Average


Director:	Cherien Dabis
Genres:	Drama
Languages:	English \| Arabic
Runtime:	USA:96 min
Tagline:
Plot:	A drama centered on an immigrant single mother and her teenage son in small town Illinois. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	Amreeka (2009)
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Roman de gare (2007) A French drama and wannabe murder-mystery about a best-selling author and her ghost-writer. There is a lot of promise shown, but the tension that the film depends on is lost to a poor series of plot twists that are more smug than clever - and far from unpredictable. Average


Director:	Claude Lelouch
Genres:	Drama
Languages:	French
Runtime:	103 min
Tagline:
Plot:	A popular novelist researches unlikely sources to find characters for her next bestseller. (Source: IMDb)
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"To transform into the hirsute Wolfman, actor Benicio del Toro had to sit still two hours each day while makeup artists shaved him." #

From the cracked.com article Werewolves vs. Vampires vs. Zombies.

Up in the Air (2009) Jason Reitman follows up Juno with a film that is both deeper and more mature, and yet still retains the biting dialogue and humour we have come to expect of his productions. Coupled with Clooney at perhaps his best and Reitman’s ability to portray female characters as intelligent, we have one of the best films of the year. It’s a long way from perfect, but the way it taps into the social milieu makes it a must see of contemporary cinema. Essential


Director:	Jason Reitman
Genres:	Comedy \| Drama \| Romance
Languages:	English
Runtime:	USA:109 min \| Canada:108 min (Toronto International Film Festival)
Tagline:
Plot:	With a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him. (Source: IMDb)
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Where the Wild Things Are (2009) Regular readers will know I’m generally not a fan of a) films with angry kids, and b) the fantasy genre. But Spike Jonze has succeeded here in capturing the wonderment of the world of a nine year old - and there are few directors working today who possess the imagination to pull this off. The melancholic tone and themes of escape may be a bit much for the younger audience, but I couldn’t have hoped for a better adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s book. Recommended


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The Blind Side (2009) Based on the true-life story of American football player Michael Oher and his progression from living on the street to college football fame. Sandra Bullock picks up her first Oscar nom for this role, and while her performance is a bit jarring in the early scenes, once the film settles in her performance is genuinely well acted. They story itself is as uplifting as you would expect (though not strictly adhereing to the real life events) and I found it refreshing to see a Hollywood film that promotes hard core Republican values in a positive manner. It’s these values and the way the film makes fun of prejudice that will likely turn a lot of people off, but for the rest it will be a fun heartwarming tale. Recommended


Director:	John Lee Hancock
Genres:	Drama \| Sport
Languages:	English
Runtime:	USA:128 min
Tagline:
Plot:	The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	The Blind Side
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"We're going to take the same 3D technology James Cameron used in Avatar and stick it up Steve O's butt" - Johnny Knoxville on Jackass 3D #

List of Academy Award nominees for 2010 - ordered by Box Office takings. #

I've seen all ten nominees for Best Picture and will be posting up my reviews shortly. I'll also be putting up my predictions and favs again this year. I have six films left to see to cover off the top six categories.

"I have a thing about Chinese folk music, OK?" - What's on David Bowie's iPod? #

44 Days ago

Invictus (2009) Morgan Freeman is well cast in this hagiographic look at Nelson Mandela who engages with the Springbok captain (Matt Damon) over the course of the 1995 Rugby World Cup to inspire unity in the country. Clint Eastwood does a sound job with direction but the one-dimensional script and complete lack of tension makes for dull viewing. The subject matter would however make for a great documentary where the issue of life after apartheid and “that game” could properly be explored using the perspective of the players and team management. Average


Director:	Clint Eastwood
Genres:	Biography \| Drama \| History \| Sport
Languages:	English
Runtime:	133 min
Tagline:
Plot:	Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. (Source: IMDb)
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45 Days ago

35 Rhums (35 Shots of Rum) (2008) French auteur Claire Denis presents a beautiful and simple film about the lives of four characters living in the outskirts of Paris. In true voyueristic style you see their ineractions which are not always in context, or full understood, but this just places more emphasis on the atmosphere and the unspoken moments. A bittersweet gem. Recommended


Director:	Claire Denis
Genres:
Languages:	French \| German
Runtime:	100 min \| Canada:100 min (Toronto International Film Festival)
Tagline:
Plot:	The relationship between a father and daughter is complicated by the arrival of a handsome young man. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	35 Shots of Rum ( 35 rhums ) ( Thirty Five Shots of Rum ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ]
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45 Days ago

Still deciding on my favourite alternate history film of 2009. Narrowed it down to Inglourious Basterds and Invictus. #

45 Days ago

The Limits of Control (2009) Critics may argue that Jim Jarmusch is out of ideas and has resorted to a self indulgent film stripped bare of dialogue and loaded with obscurity in an attempt to snare a little critical acclaim. Perhaps that’s what Ebert was suggesting when he awarded it half a star. Certainly compared to his last film, Broken Flowers, this offering appears to insist more on using whatever you bring to it. I was bringing a lot. The landscape and soundtrack alone make the journey more than worthwhile. Recommended


Director:	Jim Jarmusch
Genres:	Crime \| Drama \| Thriller
Languages:	English \| Spanish \| Hebrew \| French \| Japanese
Runtime:	116 min
Tagline:	For every way in, there is another way out.
Plot:	The story of a mysterious loner, a stranger in the process of completing a criminal job. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	The Limits of Control (2009)
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51 Days ago

The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) This must have sounded great on paper - a funny and intelligent satire that isn’t too far from the truth. George Clooney playing an agent who is part of an experimental U.S. military unit trained in the use of psychic powers. And parts of it worked - mostly just the parts with goats unfortunately. Average


Director:	Grant Heslov
Genres:	Comedy \| War
Languages:	English
Runtime:	94 min
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Plot:	A reporter in Iraq might just have the story of a lifetime when he meets Lyn Cassady, a guy who claims to be a former member of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army, a unit that employs paranormal powers in their missions. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	The Men Who Stare At Goats [Theatrical Release]
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51 Days ago

List of the 46 women who won Golden Globes for acting, but didn't win (or get nominated for) an Oscar. #

52 Days ago

It was already the best film I'd seen this year - and then Sam Elliott made an appearance. Bravo, team Reitman! #

52 Days ago

Favourite Albums of 2009

2009 was a great year for discovering new music for me. I bought my fourth iPod, iTunes Genius improved on its accuracy to find gems from my library, and I took a six month break from work to mooch around home. So here are the albums I enjoyed the most - music for every mood:

Junior - Röyksopp
Hard to believe it’s been four years since The Understanding, but the wait has been worth it. The band have described the new album as having a “spring feel” - it’s energetic pace is as good as anything they have done. Guest spots from Robyn, Lykke Li, and The Knife’s Karin Dreijer.

Grace/Wastelands - Peter Doherty
Set aside the Pete Doherty you know from The Libertines and Babyshambles - this is the understated personal album of haunted melodies and simple expression that affirms him among the best songwriters of this generation.

Elvis Perkins In Dearland - Elvis Perkins In Dearland
It seems to me that this is the best folk-rock album from an American singer-songwriter that surfaced in 2009.

Este Mundo - Rupa & the April Fishes
Wildly diverse world music from a San Francisco based band who display influences from French chanson, Argentinean tango, Gypsy swing, American folk, Latin cumbias, and more.

Fever Ray - Fever Ray
The debut solo release from The Knife’s Karin Dreijer Andersson extends the enigmatic mood and dark beats she developed with her brother - though here there is minimalism and isolation.

Lungs - Florence And The Machine
When I think of the albums that became the soundtrack to my year, foremost will be this debut release from London based newcomers, led with energy and passion by Florence Welch.

Also worth a spin...

11:11 - Rodrigo y Gabriela
Hoodoo You Do - The Devil & Abbe May
Sun Gangs - The Veils
The XX - The XX
Mi Plan - Nelly Furtado
Or, The Whale - Or, The Whale
Music For Men - Gossip
Manners - Passion Pit
Luck - Wiretree
She Wolf - Shakira
Josephine - Magnolia Electric Co.
Two Suns - Bat For Lashes
Girls - Girls
Lightning Dust - Infinite Light
Holy Smoke - Gin Wigmore
Frankencottage EP - Dark Mean

See also: Favourite Albums of 2008

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) Wes Anderson’s love for the richness of details combined with Roald Dahl’s unique storytelling abilities are a winning match here. The lovable characters rendered in quirky stop-motion animation appear to have more life in them than anything blue you might see this year in 3D CGI. Anderson sticks with his regulars for the voice talent, and complements the lineup with George Clooney and Meryl Streep. Recommended


Director:	Wes Anderson
Genres:	Animation \| Adventure \| Comedy \| Family
Languages:	English \| French
Runtime:	87 min
Tagline:
Plot:	Angry farmers, tired of sharing their chickens with a sly fox, look to get rid of their opponent and his family. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	The Fantastic Mr. Fox [Blu-ray]
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Food Inc. (2008) Perhaps the most unfortunate after-effect of the Michael Moore era of mainstreaming the documentary has been the lack of serious unbiased debate about issues. The corporatisation of the food supply is a great target for discussion, but instead the filmmakers here attacked the subject with a scattershot collection of fears and anti-capitalist rhetoric without any rebuttal. So we end up with a film made by food radicals trying to push an idealist agenda which ultimately damages the credibility of the serious points that needed to be made. For better and more rational coverage check out King Corn made a year earlier. Avoid


Director:	Robert Kenner
Genres:	Documentary
Languages:	English
Runtime:	USA:94 min \| Argentina:94 min (Mar del Plata Film Festival)
Tagline:
Plot:	An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry. (Source: IMDb)
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Io non ho paura (I’m Not Scared) (2003) Beautifully set in Southern Italy in the late seventies - a ten-year old discovers a small boy held captive in a hole near an abandoned farmhouse and gets drawn into helping him. It’s a well made coming-of-age thriller with a unique perspective, let down only slightly by a lacklustre ending and, on occasion, a little too much gratuitous imagery of the Italian countryside. Recommended


Director:	Gabriele Salvatores
Genres:	Drama \| Mystery \| Thriller
Languages:	Italian
Runtime:	108 min \| Canada:101 min \| Argentina:107 min
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Plot:	While playing outside one day, nine-year-old Michele discovers Filippo, who is chained to the ground at the bottom of a hole... (Source: IMDb)
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This chapter in my life will be documented with analogies referencing inverted umbrellas and attempts to fold fitted sheets. #

"Obama To Wait For Next Bruce Springsteen Album For Word On Economy" - The Onion #

62 Days ago

Most popular living Michaels according to Facebook fans: Michael Phelps (2,869,951) then Michael Jordan (2,042,483). #

65 Days ago

11 Most Popular Blog Design Styles - great list of talent and 'twas nice to get a mention. via: @hongkiat #

65 Days ago

How the West Was Won (1962) This ambitious Western epic, complete with four directors and an astounding ensemble cast of A-listers from the era, is one of the greatest visual spectacles of cinema history. The story itself is largely inconsequential to the experience, even some of the performances are not up to scratch (James Stewart is never convincing in this genre), but the overall accomplishment is timeless. One of only two dramatic feature films to have been produced using the three-strip panoramic Cinerama process. It has now been restored and had distortion adjustments made for viewing on a flat screen. Essential


Director:	John Ford, Henry Hathaway, George Marshall, Richard Thorpe
Genres:	Adventure \| Drama \| Romance \| Western
Languages:	English \| Arapaho
Runtime:	162 min
Tagline:
Plot:	A family saga covering several decades of Westward expansion in the nineteenth century--including the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the building of the railroads. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	How the West Was Won (1963)
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Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) Fans of the first will likely be happy to get more of the same, albiet with a slightly more contrived storyline this time around. All the original cast are back and this time there is the added bonus of Amy Adams who plays Amelia Earhart - and is generally the highlight. It's an easy to watch family drama the plays it close to the well worn formula. Average


Director:	Shawn Levy
Genres:	Action \| Adventure \| Comedy \| Family \| Fantasy
Languages:	English
Runtime:	105 min
Tagline:
Plot:	Security guard Larry Daley infiltrates the Smithsonian Institute in order to rescue Jedediah and Octavius, who have been shipped to the museum by mistake. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (Single-Disc Edition) (2009)
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Planet Terror (2007) Robert Rodriguez's zombie comedy/horror half of the Grindhouse double feature. Not as strong as the Tarantino directed contribution, but it works well as a tongue-in-cheek B-movie fantasy. Average


Director:	Robert Rodriguez
Genres:	Action \| Horror \| Sci-Fi \| Thriller
Languages:	English
Runtime:	105 min (international version) \| 95 min (original release)
Tagline:
Plot:	After an experimental bio-weapon is released, turning thousands into zombie-like creatures, it's up to a rag-tag group of survivors to stop the infected and those behind its release. (Source: IMDb)
Amazon:	Grindhouse Presents, Planet Terror - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition) (2007)
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La Mujer Sin Cabeza (The Headless Woman) (2008) Argentinian film in which a woman hits something with her car, then lapses into a form of amnesiac state. We follow her through an enigmatic dissociative journey and interactions with people. It's a beautifully crafted metaphysical abstract work unlike anything I have seen recently. Recommended


Director:	Lucrecia Martel
Genres:	Drama \| Mystery \| Thriller
Languages:	Spanish
Runtime:	Argentina:87 min \| USA:87 min
Tagline:
Plot:	After running into something with her car, Vero experiences a particular psychological state. She realizes she might have killed someone. (Source: IMDb)
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