July 19th

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
The Gospel According to Andre
Brothers' Nest
See You up There
Scandinavian Film Festival

Lunacy prevails! Yesterday I saw FOUR films in one day. That's the self-sacrificial dedication involved in a catching-up frenzy. Some of what I review today has been out a while, but being strong films, they are still on the circuit. Catch them while you can. The two new ones are chalk and cheese: mainstream fun and a powerful French drama. And what would life be without a festival? This time it's the best from the Nordic countries.  

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 
Director: Ol Parker
Length: 114 min

© Universal - Abba songs plus Cher on the 
big screen has got to be good! 

Guilty confession time: I had a great time with this slightly silly, relentlessly upbeat and ultimately joyful sequel to the first film, both movies based around the music of Abba and set on an imaginary Greek island (though it was filmed in Croatia). This time we find out all about Donna's wild teenage years (played as an adult in the first film by Meryl Streep, and here by the lovely Lily James). We discover the background to the romances with the three "fathers" of Sophie, Donna's daughter. The story toggles between flashbacks of Donna's hippie years, and the present, in which Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is undergoing life-changing events. The film is bristling with one infectious song after another and dance numbers almost good enough for Bollywood. The appearance of Cher as the platinum blonde Grandmother is a winner, as is the return of the three dads, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard. The young men chosen to play these guys in their youth(s), are perfectly cast. You can choose to look down on mainstream fare like this, or simply surrender and go along for the ride, which is pretty well guaranteed to put a big smile on your face. (great to see Andy Garcia ageing so nicely too!)
3.5 - well recommended!

The Gospel According to Andre
Director: Kate Novack
Length: 93 min

© Icon - Andre is a surprisingly complex guy
who is both deeply philosophical and a fashion icon. 

Few people would have expected a poor black kid from the segregated south to grow up to be a highly esteemed trendsetter of the fashion world. Yet this is what happened to larger-than-life personality Andre Leon Tully. This entertaining doco traces Andre's life, and showcases his personal philosophies of fashion, style, racial issues and more. You don't have to be a fashionista to be intrigued by this guy and his extraordinary story. The film cleverly weaves in many connections, from how the black southern churches influenced Andre's lifelong concept of style, how his strict grandmother taught him elegance and etiquette, and in some very poignant moments how his eccentric presentation has caused him pain. With fabulous fashion, as well as glimpses of Andre's friendship with other icons such as Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour, this is an entertaining piece of cinema.
3 - recommended!

Brothers' Nest
Director: Clayton Jacobson
Length: 97 min

© Label Distribution - no Kenny niceness here. 
Just two angry brothers with murder on their minds.

Two brothers Terry (Shane Jacobson) and Jeff (Clayton Jacobson) return to their childhood home in the country with one evil intent - to murder their step-dad Roger (Kim Gyngell) and prevent their dying mother from leaving the home to him. This is a very black comedy-thriller, with the emphasis more on darkness than laughs. Yes, there is a certain dry amusement in the increasingly tense way in which the brothers relate and the inanity and illogicality of their plan. But as the plot progresses a serious revelation of fraught and credible family dynamics emerges, and the tension really ramps up. The Jacobson's are excellent actors, and if you only think of Shane as amiable plumber Kenny, think again. He plumbs emotional depths in his performance, with both lead characters being well-written and portrayed. The overall atmosphere and setting are broody and tense, with an effective soundtrack, and a winning final line of dialogue to listen out for!
3.5 - well recommended!

See You up There
Director: Albert Dupontel
Length: 117 min

© Umbrella - a stirring and beautiful piece of cinema. 

Truckloads of awards have gone to this French drama, the story of a friendship forged in war, and continued in crime. At the war's end, ex-accountant Albert (played by the director) rescues fellow soldier  Edouard, who emerges alive, but with horrific facial injuries. While Edouard hides behind a carnival mask, the pair devise a scam involving selling plans for war monuments that will never be built. This is a bizarre mix of dark humour, quasi-surreal visions and settings, (reminiscent of Jeunet's Delicatessen) and moving themes of war, friendship, loss and desire for paternal acceptance. The inclusion of a young girl in the friendship adds yet another level to this intricate and multi layered plot, while the production is lavish and beautifully shot, capturing the era well.
4 - highly recommended!

Scandinavian Film Festival
Melbourne - until July 29
Palace Como, Brighton Bay and Westgarth
For other states, times and bookings, visit ScandinavianFilmFestival.com

© Scandinavian FF - The Swan is a  dark coming of age
story from beautiful stark Iceland. 

Already underway for a week now, it's well worth mentioning this terrific festival with diverse films from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. 
The Swan: Adapted from a popular Icelandic novel, this unusual and mesmerising film is the story of a young girl sent to work on her aunt's farm to develop her independence and resilience. Much of the cruelty and complexity of the adult world is revealed to her.  There is nothing mainstream here about the style or storytelling. The film is slow, exquisite in its look, and often mystical and haunting, with a voice-over telling of troubling dreams and Icelandic legends. The film is so unusual and at times disturbing, it has stayed in my mind for days after seeing it.  
A  Horrible Woman: Brace yourself for a story some of you may recognise. This award-winning Danish drama/comedy explores a love affair that quicky turns into a dysfunctional relationship. When happy-go-lucky beer-swilling, footy-playing Rasmus meets Marie, they are passionately attracted and she moves in. His life and apartment are turned upside down as she becomes progressively more controlling. The filmmaker challenges us to ask is it really her that is so horrible or is he so insecure and non-assertive that he allows the situation to happen? A wonderful and often uncomfortable examination of passive aggression and the dynamics of co-habiting. 

The festival is highly recommended!