Rust and Bone

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

Finally got around to watching this one. An unconventional romance with some interesting characters played by Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts, who was amazing in Bullhead.

This one really takes its time but is punctuated by key dramatic moments that seemingly come out of nowhere. Some great visual effects work that really sell the reality of certain situations.

They are characters that you don't always like but some how you really end up hoping they'll make it work, I guess in the end that's what matters the most and the film is certainly effective to that end.

Amazon Women on the Moon

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: No

This one came up in the extra features of The Invisible Man when I watched it the other week. I'd been meaning to check it out for a while now so I finally took the plunge.

Sketch comedy movies are odd things. The humour in this one feels very outdated but there are a few nice moments here and there.

The Place Beyond the Pines

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

This is much bigger in scope than Blue Valentine. It's divided into 3 sections. The first follows Ryan Gosling trying to find a way to provide for a son he just found out he had. The second follows Bradley Cooper as the cop he gets into trouble with and the final section is set 15 years later when both of their sons are now in high school. Dane DeHaan, who was so great in Chronicle, is one of the boys. The other is Emory Cohen, who I amusingly recognised from the television show Smash but am pleased to say he fares far better here in a role much more suited to his talents.

It's beautifully put together and photographed. The opening sequences were almost hypnotic. And that feeling permeates through the naturalistic drama of action and consequence. The story risks becoming melodramatic but the style and great cast keep it in check.

Perhaps another viewing is in order at a later date. At the moment it feels like there were a lot of ideas there that weren't refined enough before the film was completed. Ultimately the drama didn't engage me as much as I'd hope but there's still a lot to like here.

Miami Connection

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Leith

This one's the real deal. So many so-bad-they're-good films seem to come out now, people trying to cash in on the grind-house resurgence. This, however, is a lost gem, a community made film that is actually from the period and has real authenticity. Self-released to a handful of screens in Florida and then never to see the light of day again, until someone from the Alamo Drafthouse team picked up a print on e-bay and decided to see how a midnight crowd would react to it.

It's a very bad film, but easy to see why a crowd would get so much enjoyment out of it. With a plot beyond ridiculous, hilarious "acting" and some fine examples of poor cinematic grammar there's plenty to keep you amused. But the best thing is that everyone involved seems so sincere and there is a surprising amount of heart that come through all the clunkiness.

And there's some rockin' songs too.

For you lovers of this kind of cinematic punishment, you're in for a real treat with this one. Best watched with rowdy friends for maximum enjoyment.

The Big Wedding

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

The shit wedding.

Beyond the Black Rainbow

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

This one actually came out a few years back but I'm still unaware of an Australian release. I read about it when it was at festivals a few years back and then again more recently when after its initial release, Mondo made a special VHS version. Very cool, and so appropriate for the film.

I'm glad I went into this one slightly prepared. I was ready for the slow pace and really trippy imagery. Reaaalllly slow pace. But then a could of things creep up on you at the end there.

A film set mainly in 1983 and they've done a remarkable job of making it look like it was actually made then as well. Very old school effects and beautiful sets and colours. It was like finding a lost little sci-fi gem that would sit happily on a shelf next to something like THX-1138, Solaris or 2001: A Space Odyssey.

There was also a lot about the company in the film, Arboria, that reminded me of the Dharma Initiative from Lost. That mix between science and 70's cult. Love that kind of stuff. And enjoyed the film too. Definitely not for everyone, but if you're into those kinds of things there's some beautiful and freaky stuff in this one.

Song For Marion

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

Had trouble finding the IMDB page. Apparently it's called "Unfinished Song" in the states. Oh well, never question the Weinstein brothers.

And this is totally one of their films. This movie is knows exactly what it is supposed to do to manipulate the target audience. It's almost complacent in how formulaic it is, and yet it's still going to work gangbusters with the material and that cast who manage to keep most of it sincere and fun. You only need to watch the trailer to know instantly if this is something you'll be into or not. It's that and nothing more and it's not ashamed to show it.

Would not have pegged this as coming from the same filmmaker that made the awesome films The Cottage, Cherry Tree Lane and The Children.

Bad Kids Go to Hell

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

Based on some comic book, this is an edgy modern take on the Breakfast Club formula with a much darker cynical tone and some added possible supernatural spookiness and horror. They even went so far as to cast Judd Nelson as a teacher.

A nice effort but the comedy isn't that great and the twists and turns are convoluted. It just doesn't really work for me.

Promised Land

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

Gus Van Sant has a new movie out. Did anyone else know about this? Hasn't been much fanfare for it. And stars John Krasinski and Matt Damon wrote the screenplay. It's good too.

Fracking. Before this film, all I knew about it was that it was a swear word from Battlestar Galactica. And while the film primarily explores this issue the creative team are aware that it means nothing without some good characters and an actual story for an audience to be involved in. While they certainly make their point, they also manage to present both sides of an argument and leave the audience with a lot to chew on.