There are several cuts of The Grandmaster at the moment. The original film ran approximately 130 minutes, but the version featured at the BIFF was the American cut of 109 minutes. While each cut has its own ‘uniqueness’ to it, the featured version at BIFF felt like an incomplete film. The cinematography was beautiful and the action sequences were spectacularly crafted, but the whole film was muddled by poor storytelling. Continue reading
Author: J
BIFF2013: Patrick
Unless you’re an Australian and/or a horror film nut, you probably won’t even know that Patrick is a remake of a 1978 Aussie flick. Despite following the usual horror movie tropes, Mark Hartley’s remake is moody, loud, unapologetic and a whole lot of fun! Continue reading
BIFF2013: Don Jon
As some festival goers would say, Don Jon is the most ‘mainstream’ or most Hollywood film at the Brisbane International Film Festival this year. Both screenings attracted a sold out crowd and there is a good reason for it. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has demonstrated that he is a fantastic actor and through Don Jon, he also showcased his writing and directing skills as well. His feature debut Don Jon, is a smart and funny commentary on how the media can negatively consume both men and women in our society. Continue reading
BIFF2013: Labor Day
It’s okay to let yourself be happy, because you never know how fleeting that happiness may be. Jason Reitman’s latest effort Labor Day is a moving film that looks into how desperately we seek happiness and how quickly that happiness can be torn away once it is achieved. It is a snapshot of the happiness found with the storm clouds looming on the horizon. The film carries a melancholic tone to it, even during moments when things are seemingly good. Continue reading
BIFF2013: Short Term 12
“Look into my eyes so you know what it’s like to live a life not knowing what a normal life’s like.” Those harrowing words came from the rap lyrics that Marcus (played by Keith Stanfield) delivers in one of the most powerful scenes in the film. Sure it was laced with coarse language, but the raw emotion from the song about parental abuse and his estrangement from his family was like a big punch to the gut. The film is uplifting yet heartbreaking and it knows how to grip so tightly in our hearts and never let go. Short Term 12 delivers an emotional powerhouse through superb direction, touching script and brilliant performances from the actors involved, in particularly Brie Larson. Continue reading
BIFF2013: The Spectacular Now
Ida Scott Taylor once wrote “Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering”. All this sounds quite beautiful, but let’s be honest here, the whole ‘live in the present’ philosophy is not exactly a good one. Often we have to think about tomorrow because we expect to still be here. The Spectacular Now is a wonderful film that explores the ‘live in the now’ mentality while taking a look into high school romance and the anxiety of escaping our shells in the teenage years. Led by the wonderful performances of Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, The Spectacular Now is a charming yet powerful coming-of-age story about the fear of looking into the future and simply staying in the safety net of the present. Continue reading
Entertainment Link-Off: One More Time
It’s rare that I go with the same person to kick off the ELO for two consecutive weeks but Jamie Alexander’s appearance at the Thor premiere deserves another look. Wow.
After the jump, catch Wolverine’s classic costume in The Wolverine, explaining that post-credits scene in Thor: The Dark World, Saw is making a comeback, CW’s Arrow is better than Agents of SHIELD, new trailers galore and check out an awesome Daft Punk medley from Pentatonix. Continue reading
Entertainment Link-Off: In Darkness
Folks in North America can enjoy the sci-fi actioner Ender’s Game while here in Australia, Thor: The Dark World is out!!! In the film, you’ll catch Jaimie Alexander reprising her role as Sif. The film has a nice balance of action and comedy. It’s worth checking out. Anyway, let’s kick off this ELO with Jaimie’s latest photoshoot with Esquire.
After the jump, there may be some Thor connections to an upcoming episode of S.H.I.E.L.D., the new X-Men trailer is out, a potential spin-off for How I Met Your Mother, check out The Simpsons opening credits (Hobbit style) and a hilarious look at the size difference between Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman. Continue reading
Entertainment Link-Off: Let the Games Begin
Sorry for the delay. Between working full time and checking out an epic Yellowcard throwback concert, I found little time to sit down and work on the ELO this week. On the bright side, I did finally get around to it and huge thanks to Steve for working out a swap. Bad Grandpa is taking over the box office at the theatres this weekend, but it might be noteworthy to check out The Counselor where you get to see Cameron Diaz get off on the car windshield.
Anyway, after the jump, that Chinese Food song makes the Billboard Hot 100, get the 42 track Arrested Development soundtrack, and check out an awesome Disney medley. Continue reading
Entertainment Link-Off: Finding A Way Out
This weekend we got a Sly and Ah-nold teaming up for Escape Plan. Given their solo features this year were duds, maybe a team-up can spark their box office fortunes. On the other end is the remake of Carrie. While there were formidable performances from the stars including Chloe Grace Moretz, the general consensus is that the remake was unnecessary and doesn’t add anything new to the table. Also featured in the movie is Gabriella Wilde, so let’s kick this all off with her.
After the jump, Darren Aronofsky doesn’t want to tell the story of Noah from the Bible which worries the movie studio, Community returns in January, Batman mocks Superman and Stan Lee rants about 3D movies. Continue reading
The Lowdown 