Here's an odd assortment: a stupendous and unmissable exhibition on one of the modern era's greatest film-makers, Martin Scorsese, an important and disturbing doco on the shameful way in which our government treats refugees, and a (possibly) crowd-pleasing buddy/caper movie.
(Plus late addition of a brilliant New Zealand comedy, 
Hunt for the Wilderpeople).

ACMI presents Scorsese 
 

Photo courtesy ACMI

Cinephiles should not miss this spectacular insight into master filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The exhibition takes audiences through Scorsese's life, from his early influences in New York's Little Italy, through his entire filmmaking career. Background information is revelatory, including letters, storyboards, posters, and film stills along with fascinating early photos from the lives the Scorsese family - but best of all there are countless fabulously presented clips from most of his films, all organised in a way that underscores the themes that run through Scorsese's work.
Allow plenty of time for this expo - I spent nearly two hours there and could have spent much longer.
Along with the exhibition, ACMI will be running special film events and talks. Friday nights from June 17 until mid September will be Scorsese Cinema Nights, while the sublime film Hugo will be on constant offer.

Now until 18th September
For further details visit www.acmi.net.au
 
5 - Unmissable!

Chasing Asylum
Director: Eva Orner
Length: 96 mins

Whatever your attitude to the refugee situation, you will not avoid being deeply affected by this disturbing documentary looking at Australia's treatment of refugees in detention. Using secret cameras, the film-makers have gone into the camps and produced never-before-seen footage of the horrendous conditions, which amount to a breach of basic human rights. Hearing the stories from those affected, those working in the camps, and even higher up officials who are totally disillusioned with the system is a sobering eye-opener. One can only hope this film will force some action to be taken.

4- Wholeheartedly recommended!

Full season now on at Cinema Nova Carlton, Sun Yarraville and Elsternwick Classic. 


The Nice Guys
Director: Shane Black
Length: 116 mins

Are these two interlopers also nice guys or film critics?

Ryan Gosling (Holland March) and Russell Crowe (Jackson Healy) team up in this private detective buddy caper that has delighted many critics, but has left me a bit ho-hum. The film is set in the 70s and centres around the attempt to find a missing girl who has been  trying to elude a bunch of scumbag crooks involved in the porn industry. For me the plot is seriously muddled, or maybe I'm missing something. However, a strength in the film comes from the drolly understated lines delivered by the two lead men, while most impressive is the performance of Angourie Rice as Holly March, Holland's 13-year-old daughter, a kid wise beyond her years and playing parent to the two blokes' childish antics. There are some fun chases, a lot of bad 70s fashion, but overall I didn't really care about anyone much except young Holly. 

2.5 - Maybe!

Hunt for the Wilderpeople 
Director: Taika Waititi
Length: 93 mins

This New Zealand comedy about a foster kid Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) is a total delight from go to whoa!  Ricky is a serial pest  who is sent to live with Bella and Hector (Sam Neill), but after a family tragedy, Hector and Ricky take to the the wilderness finding themselves on the run from the child care authorities. Everything works in this film, from the brilliant performances by Neill and Dennison, (and the entire cast!) to the often hilarious script with its gentle digs at all and sundry, while keeping a strong emotional underbelly that is real and very touching. The fabulous soundtrack and superb cinematography are an added bonus.   

4 - Wholeheartedly recommended!

For a full review from Chris Thomson:

http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_review.php?movieid=6025