Studio New Line Cinema/ Director Ted Demme/ Starring Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Jordi Molla, Rachel Griffiths, Ray Liotta, Ethan Suplee/ Genre True story, Drama.

Set in the US and South America during the 1970’s and 80’s, Blow tells the story of George Jung (Johnny Depp), a young man who moves from the east coast to California with nothing but his high school buddy Tuna (Ethan Suplee), and ends up importing marijuana from Mexico to sell on California’s beaches. As Jung’s fortune and renown as a smuggler grow, he becomes involved with the cocaine trade and the notorious Columbian drug boss Pablo Escobar. Jung’s climb cannot last, however, and he falls away into heartbreak and obscurity.
Based on a true story, Blow gives an intriguing account of a chapter in popular culture and history. Johnny Depp gives a believable performance as the all - American boy gone astray, and is backed by a great supporting cast which includes Ray Liotta and Australia’s Rachel Griffiths as Jung’s father and mother.

www.getsomeblow.com/index2.html

Studio Universal/ Director Neil LaBute/ Starring Morgan Freeman, Renee Zelweger, Chris Rock, Greg Kinnear/Genre Comedy, Thriller

Nurse Betty is an unusual and intriguing film that combines elements of the comedy, fantasy and thriller genres. The Nurse Betty of the title (played by Renee Zellweger) is a housewife who witnesses the murder of her used car salesman husband at the hands of hitman Charlie (Morgan Freeman) and his sidekick Wesley (Chris Rock). As a defense against the trauma of the event, Betty lapses into a fantasy world based around the T.V. soap “A Reason To Love” which she was watching at the time of the murder. Trading her own identity for one of the characters in the show, Betty heads for LA in search of her adopted ex fiancé, TV doctor David Ravell (Greg Kinnear).
The events that follow swing between light hearted humour and graphic violence as Betty bumbles her way into a hospital job and onto the set of “A Reason To Love” with the hitmen in tow. My first response to the level of violence was that it was out of place and simply unnecessary in what is essentially a comedy, but I warmed to the schizophrenic nature of the film and the rapid effectiveness with which director Neil LaBute changes the mood. Zellweger is perfect as the confused and shiningly innocent Betty, as is Chris Rock in the role of the volatile Wesley.

http://www.nurse-betty.com/



Studio Dendy/ Director David Caesar/ Starring Ben Mendelsohn, Susie Porter, Andrew S. Gilbert, Kris McQuade, Tony Bray, Belinda McClory/ Genre Comedy, Drama

Mullet tells the story of Eddie Maloney (Mendelsohn), a young man who returns to his hometown after 3 years’ absence to find things do change, even in Australian country towns. Eddie’s former sweetheart Tully (Porter) has married the town’s police seargeant (Gilbert) who also happens to be Eddie’s brother, and family tensions rise slowly to the surface. The “Mullet” after which the film is named is not the haircut but the fish. We see plenty of them, and they become a metaphor for Eddie’s character - no one quite likes him, yet they can’t quite bring themselves to throw him out either.

Like Caesar’s last film Idiot Box, Mullet tells its story with subtle brilliance, and a laconic sense of humour that is uniquely Australian. An excellent ensemble cast brings the film’s characters to life and faithfully recreates the quirks and idiosyncracies of life in an Australian coastal town, and of human relationships in general. A beautifull original score by Paul Healy and some superb cinematography round out what is a standout piece of Australian filmmaking.

 

 

www.mullet.net.au/welcome.html

Studio DreamWorks/ Directors Andrew Adamson & Vicky Jenson/ Starring Voices of: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Peter Dennis/ Genre Children's comedy

Shrek is an animated comedy that follows in the tradition of films such as Toy Story and A Bug's Life, combining stunningly realistic computer animation with the voices of well known actors. In Shrek it is the voices of Mike Myers (who plays the Ogre anti-hero Shrek), Cameron Diaz (the imprisoned princess) and Eddie Murphy (Shrek's self-appointed sidekick) that bring the animated characters to life, with Murphy's familiar brand of humour one of the highlights of the film.
The film combines all of the familiar fairytale elements that we would expect from any self-respecting hero's quest tale - the reluctant hero, the evil prince with designs on kingship, the princess in dire need of rescuing - but puts its own spin on these familiar themes, and succeeds in adding enough original elements to keep the audience entertained if not encapsulated by suspense.
Kids will love the animation and the overflowing personalities of the characters, while the beautifull images, and at-times bitingly funny dialogue of Myers and Murphy, should keep most adults involved in the film. Shrek is a sweet story told with original wit and humour. Gentle good fun.

www.shrek.com/

 

Director Michael MacKenzie/ Starring John Sebastien Pilakui, Nathan Daniels, Sean Munungur/ Genre Drama

Lorrpu (John Sebastien Pilakui), Botj (Nathan Daniels) and Milika (Sean Munungur) are three teenagers who set out on an epic journey through North Eastern Arnhem Land after Botj's petrol sniffing habit lands him in trouble with the white man's law. As they travel through the wilds of Northern Australia, the boys come are immersed in the land and culture that has drifted away from them. When they reach Darwin, however, they once again face the difficulties of living in the space between two cultures.
Stunningly filmed on location in Northern Australia, Yolgnu boy is infused with the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this country. The film tells a simple, honest and touching story that is enriched by the unique character and power of Indigenous storytelling. This film deserves to be regarded as a classic of Australian cinema.

 

Studio Paramount Pictures/ Director Lee Tamahori/ Starring Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott / Genre Thriller

Alex Cross (Freeman) is a detective and forensic psychologist called in to investigate the kidnapping of a US Senator's daughter. With the help of Secret Service agent Jezzie Flanagan (Potter), Cross sets out following the trail of clues left by a kidnapper set on becoming known for committing the "crime of the century." Still haunted by the death of his partner, Cross is drawn into the web of the megalomaniac kidnapper.
Along Came A Spider stays close to the Hollywood thriller formula, yet is well executed enough to appeal to fans of the genre. Fast - paced and visually explosive, the film delivers all that is expected from a film in it's mould, including the obligatory sting-in-the-tail. Lacks the psychological intensity of Memento, but nevertheless offers the audience an enthralling ride.

Studio Newmarket Capital Group/ Director Christopher Nolan/ Starring Guy Pierce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Stephen Toboloski/ Genre Thriller

Memento is a fragmented, flashback driven thriller that follows in the tradition of films like Pulp Fiction and the Usual Suspects, opening with Guy Pierce's character Leonard committing a murder, then taking the audience through the chain of events that proceeded the crime. Leonard suffers from a condition that wipes his memory of events more than a few minutes old, and relies on a collection of facts tattooed on his body and polaroids scribbled with messages to guide his actions. As Leonard sifts through these instructions, the audience learns that Leonard is a former insurance investigator whose condition was caused by an injury sustained in an attack in which his wife was raped and murdered. Driven by the urge for revenge, he attempts to piece together the puzzle formed by his memory aids and kill the man responsible for his wife's death.

Natalie (Carrie - Anne Moss) and Teddy (Joe Partoliano) drift in and out of Leonard's life under the guise of helping him, but the audience, and Leonard himself, are never certain of their true intentions towards a man left so open to manipulation. This film poses some fascinating questions regarding the nature of memory and the role that it plays in our lives, and it's intricate plot demands the undivided attention of the audience. You're likely to be discussing the plot details all the way home from the cinema.

 

www.otnemem.com/

Studio Touchstone Pictures/ Director Michael Bay/ Starring Ben Affleck, Josh Harnett, Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin, Cuba Gooding Jnr / Genre Action & Romance.

http://www.miramax2000.com/chocolat/index.html

 

Studio Sony Picture Classic/ Director Ang Lee/ Starring Chang Chen, Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yow, Zhang Ziyi / Genre Drama

Ang Lee's sensational action film is based upon a novel that was published over 100 years ago and is set in the early periods of the 19th century during the Ching Dynasty. The film's pure grace, sound effects and innovative cinematography is compelled to grasp viewers undivided attention to the very end.

It is a story based upon two women Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) a martial artist and Jen (Zhang Zi-Yi) who is from an aristocrat family and about to marry. Their lives become intertwined in their struggle for freedom, from personal and social constraints. Chow Yun whom many may recognise form Anna and the King plays Li Mu Bai a hero who has returned to give up his sword and rekindle his love with Yu Shu Lien. The sword has been stolen and a quest to capture the thief has begun. The search is concealed with confused identities, hidden truths and unrequited love. The film's choreographed fight scenes are exhilarating and stunning, it is the pure magic of computer technology which will keep you enthralled whilst observing a mirage of 'invincible sword goddess's' flying over rooftops. Every tale has a moral and within this film there are many prophetic lines, which strike a chord " A faithful heart makes wishes come true" is just one that keeps the imagination turning.
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon attention to all aspects of design of filming and screenplay have created a quality action film which promises to captivate you right from the opening frame.

http://www.spe.sony.com/cthv/crouchingtiger/flash4.htm

 

Studio Paramount Pictures/ Director Thomas Carter/ Starring Cheryl Edwards, Sean Patrick Thomas, Bianca Lawson, Fredro Star, Kerry Watson / Genre Romance

Save the Last Dance is a perky romance about living your dreams and over coming fears to achieve desired goals. A cross-cultural blend of dance and relationship, which aims to express racial concerns and tensions surrounding love. Julia Stiles plays Sarah Johnson a young dancer whose mother dies on the way to her audition for the elite Juilard School in a car crash. Her death forces Sarah to move from her comfortable lifestyle in Vermont to the ghettos of Chicago where she shares a dilapidated apartment with her muso father. In school she links up with a single mum Chenille Reynolds played by Kerry Washington whose brother Denis captures her heart. Chennile invites Sarah to their local hip-hop dance club Steps, where Sarah is introduced to a new style of dance. In Denis's spare time he teaches Sarah the moves and she blends ballet and hip-hop creating a style that she hopes will impress the judges for her second try auditioning for Juillard. The last choreographed dance scene evoked memories of Flashdance; be your own judge after all our likes and interpretations of film differ.

http://www.savethelastdance.com/