Alice
In Wonderland
Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Crispin Glover,
Anne Hathaway, Director: Tim Burton - Animation PG 108
A magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of
all time. 19-year-old Alice, returns to the whimsical world she first
encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends. She
embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the
Red Queen’s reign of terror.
“Tim
Burton returns to his ‘A' game with this magnificent, visually stunning
movie that is not only one of his best, it is indeed a wonder.ueen's reign
of terror.” Hollywood Reporter
“A fantastical romp that proves every bit as transporting as that movie
about the blue people of Pandora.” James O'Ehley Sci-Fi Movie Page
Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver - Action Sci-fi ThrillerM 161
Avatar is the story of an ex-Marine who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an Avatar, a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people. More than ten years in the making, Avatar marks Cameron's return to feature directing since helming 1997's Titanic, the highest grossing film of all time and winner of eleven Oscars
Geoffrey Rush Magda Szubanski Ernie Dingo - 'Missy' Higgins - Comedy, Musical PG 88
The search for love and identity. It is a simple story where love and the joy of life triumphs against a background of mayhem and dishonour. It is my story but it is also yours and everybody else you know who seeks love and happiness in a world clouded by injustice.
“The energetic staging of the musical numbers is just one of the engaging elements in a film filled with unexpected delights, such as the performances of MISSY HIGGINS and DEBORAH MAILMAN, who are both excellent.” David Stratton
Peter Capaldi, Tom Hollander, Paul Higgins, James Gandolfini - Comedy MA 106
A wicked, fast-paced, lancet-witted ensemble comedy, based on satirical BBC sitcom The Thick of It. This film tears at the flesh of the debacle that was the Bush/Blair alliance which spawned yet another needless war. It tracks the lies, misunderstandings, bad intel, and PR blunders within in the corridors of British and American power that escalate into a full-blown (fictional) crisis in the Middle East.
“In the hands of British comic genius Armando Iannucci, the backroom chicanery of global politics mobilises a full-frontal assault on the funnybone.” Jake Wilson The Age
“The pace is relentless, the language foul and there are some genuinely inventive and hilarious ideas” Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun
Invictus
Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon. Director: Clint Eastwood - Drama PG 133
The inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the
captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite
their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains
racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing
he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport,
Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely
run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.
“There's
nothing superficial about this thrilling and powerful feel-good film that
transcends genres and soars as high as our hearts will fly.” Leigh
Paatsch Herald Sun
“It’s
an exciting sports movie, an inspiring tale of prejudice overcome and,
above all, a fascinating study of political leadership.”
It’s
Complicated
Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, - Comedy 118 min
Jane is the mother of three grown kids, owns a thriving Santa Barbara
bakery/restaurant and has – after a decade of divorce an amicable relationship
with her ex-husband, attorney Jake . But when Jane and Jake find themselves
out of town for their son’s college graduation, things start to get complicated.
An innocent meal together turns into the unimaginable – an affair. With
Jake remarried to the much young Agness, Jane is now, of all things, the
other woman.
“No one cries like Meryl Streep. And no one can make you laugh better when she's crying than the guileless icon that's defied Hollywood's inclination for putting actresses out to pasture at 40.” ColeSmithey.com
Nowhere
Boy
Kristin Scott-Thomas, Anne-Marie Duff - Drama/Biography M 95
A lonely teenager, curious and sharp, growing up in the shattered city
of Liverpool. Two incredible women clash for his love. Mimi, the formidable
aunt who raised him, and Julia, the spirited mother who gave him up. Yearning
for a normal family, John escapes into music. His fledgling genius finds
a kindred spirit in the young Paul McCartney. But just as John's new life
begins, the truth about his past leads to a tragedy he would never escape.
Poignant and powerful, the untold story of the boy who created The Beatles.
“Balancing
emotive drama, pop history and evocative period piece, the film is undeniably
engrossing and an illuminating addition to the Beatles mythology.” Simon
Reynolds Digital Spy
“Setting a cracking pace, Nowhere Boy is a joyful journey into the power
of personality, the finding of friends and the start of an amazing life,
and to top it off, is one of the best films of the year to boot.” Giles
Hardie smh.com.au
Percy
Jackson & The Olympians
Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, - Family Fantasy M 119
It's the 21st century, but the gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters
have walked out of the pages of high school student Percy Jackson's Greek
mythology texts and into his life. And they're not happy: Zeus' lightning
bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Even more troubling
is the sudden disappearance of Percy's mother. As Percy adapts to his
newly discovered status as a demi-god (his father is Poseidon), he finds
himself caught between the battling titans of Mt. Olympus. He and his
friends embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true lightning
thief, save Percy's mom, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the
gods themselves.
“With
a top-notch cast and dazzling special effects, this will tide the kids
over until the next Harry Potter instalment.” Jim Schembri The Age
“...great fun for the whole family. And if it introduces you and any young
readers in your home to the books, so much the better.” ColeSmithey.com
“It’s apparent that Potter may at last have a worthy successor.” Birmingham
Post
Shutter
Island
Leonardo Di Caprio, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Mark Ruffalo Director:
Martin Scorsese
Mystery / Thriller MA 137
From director Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island" is the story
of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, who are summoned to
a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate
the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island's fortress-like
hospital for the criminally insane.
“An adult, insightful, tense, complicated psychological thriller.”
Anton Bitel Eye for Film
“Scorsese delivers the tension from first frame to last with a deliberately
low-key mood that amps up the eeriness. It imbues even the most benign
actions with a sinister ambiguity.” Patrick Kolan IGN Movies AU
Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw - Drama PG 128
Depicts the remarkable true story of football star Michael Oher. Teenerage Michael Oher is surviving on his own, virtually homeless, when he is spotted on the street by Leigh Anne Tuohy. Learning that the young man is one of her daughter's classmates, Leigh Anne insists that Michael - wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of Winter - come out of the cold. Without a moments hesitation, she invites him to stay at the Tuohy home for the night. What starts out as a gesture of kindness turns into something more as Michael becomes part of the Tuohy family despite the differences in their backgrounds.
“It's a wonderful role for Bullock, who delivers her best performance yet” Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun
“Even if it weren't true, The Blind Side would be a special film.” Betsy Sharkey LA Times
The
Princess & the frog
Oprah Winfrey, John Goodman - Animation G 97
set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of "The Little
Mermaid" and "Aladdin" comes a modern twist on a classic
tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately
wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a
hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.
“Disney have turned the funeral march for old-school animation into a
jolly hand-crafted pageant that shows vibrant signs of life even in the
age of Avatar.ming and fun tale for children and adults alike.”
Ann Hornaday Washington Post
“Disney's The Princess and the Frog is like a visit from an old friend
after a long time spent apart.” PopMatters
George Clooney - Comedy, Drama M 109
Ryan Bingham's job is to fire people from theirs. The anguish, hostility, and despair of his "clients" has left him falsely compassionate, living out of a suitcase, and loving every second of it. When his boss hires arrogant young Natalie, she develops a method of video conferencing that will allow termination without ever leaving the office - essentially threatening the existence Ryan so cherishes. Determined to show the naive girl the error of her logic, Ryan takes her on one of his cross country firing expeditions, but as she starts to realize the disheartening realities of her profession, he begins to see the downfalls to his way of life.
“Up In The Air is engaging, by turns witty and serious, unpredictable and surprisingly moving. Definitely recommended” Margaret Pomeranz At the Movies
“There aren't that many mainstream directors who have the courage to allow you to indulge in slick Hollywood escapism but are also prepared to pull the rug out from under you when you least expect it.” Sandra Hall SMH
Valentine's
Day
Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts,
Jennifer Garner
Comedy, Romance M 124
Valentines Day, is not a national holiday, but it is one of those days
that must be celebrated. There are "special someones" in your
life who expect to receive romantic gifts from their lovers. Commercialism
has put a tremendous amount of pressure on men to give their lovers a
romantic day with all the trimmings. Women are under pressure to have
a man, or they feel desperate and unloved. Valentines Day follows the
lives of several couples during this day.
“Just like true love, a good romantic comedy is hard to find, but 'Valentine's Day' is sure to be one of those classics that will become a tradition this time of year for many years to come.” jackiekcooper.com
• Men Who Stare at Goats • The Hurt Locker
• How To Train Your Dragon • Crazy Heart
• My Name Is Khan • Shrek Forever After
• Wall Street 2 • Bounty Hunter • Dear John