July 21st - this week:  
Love and Friendship
Demolition

It seems I and my colleague at www.cinephilia.net are quite at odds with how we perceived the two films I review this week. There are so many factors in how to assess a film and I tend to go for the emotions - if it moves me and/or entertains me, then that makes me feel favourably disposed, while I find it hard to get on board with films that don't convince me plot-wise or fail to touch a heart string (even if they are worthy in other ways)! 

Love & Friendship
Director: Whit Stillman
Length: 92 mins

© Transmission - Aussie heart-throb Xavier Samuel charms the gals

I've never been a huge fan of the mannered style of Jane Austen's films or novels, despite their pointed digs at societal mores of the 18th century. However this latest film, based upon an Austen novella, has amused me well. It's a deliciously mischievous story of Lady Susan (Kate Beckinsale), widow and arch-manipulator, who sets out to find a wealthy husband for herself and her daughter Federica. The film looks good, and sports a strong cast, (including new Aussie heart-throb Xavier Samuel), with the stand-out being Beckinsale.  The dialogue, a mix of witty, biting and sometimes downright silly,  makes for plenty of laughs.  Don't be deterred by the plethora of characters thrown at you in the opening scenes, they soon sort themselves out! 

3 - Recommended!
For a full review from Bernard Hemingway:
http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=6059

Demolition
Director: Jean Marc Vallee
Length: 101 mins

© 20th Century Fox

Wealthy financier Davis (Jake Gyllenhaal) loses his  wife in a car accident. He goes into total denial, carrying on as if nothing has happened. But gradually his life unravels, as he starts to vent his repressed feelings by demolishing all manner of things. He alienates his father -in-law (the ever-watchable Chris Cooper), and makes new friends with Karen (Naomi Watts), who works for a vending machine company (to which he is writing complaint letters).  Through his relationship  with Karen and her off-beat young son Chris (Juddah Lewis), Davis gradually gets in touch with his feelings. There is a lot to like here, especially the fine performances, BUT I had a huge problem with the credibility of the central plot concept of Davis taking a sledgehammer to his very ritzy house. Just didn't ring true for me, nor did his totally irresponsible dealings with the kid. Still, for fans of quirky left-of-centre films and the spunky Jake G, it could be a goer.     

2.5 - Maybe!
For a full review from Bernard Hemingway:
http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=6045