February 13th

Escape from Extinction

The People Upstairs

Another Round

Oh dear! Lockdown again! Going to the movies over these next few days may be a no-go for Victorians, but put these films on your to-see list post-lockdown. 

Escape from Extinction
Dir: Matthew Brady

Length: 90 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=cb7iVXzGics&feature=youtu.be

© Kismet  - don't let these iconic guys
disappear from the planet.

Compellingly narrated by Dame Helen Mirren, this topical doco examines the existential threats to numerous animal species, and the efforts zoos and aquariums across the world are making to conserve and protect them. Yes, we think we know all about it, but watching a film of this nature hammers home the catastrophic effect that humans have upon their animal neighbours: destruction of habitat, climate change, and illegal trade in wildlife. From Australia to the Amazon and the entire planet in between, nearly one million species are under threat. Scientists refer to this as the "sixth mass extinction", and it's horrific. Some people bang on about zoos being negative for animals, but we learn here that they are the last bastion for many species against obliteration from our planet, as specialist breeding programs help repopulate the wild (or what's left of it). The film features incredibly beautiful and rare footage of many fabulous animal species, and helps us realise our visit to accredited zoos and aquariums can be our way of doing our bit to help.

4 - highly recommended

The People Upstairs
Dir: Cesc Gay

Length: 82 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4mxHlXBy_g

© Vendetta - anyone for an orgy with
the neighbours? Witty Spanish
relationship dramedy. 

Laura (Belen Cuesta) invites the neighbors from upstairs for drinks, much to the dismay of her husband Julio (Javier Camara). He's annoyed because they are often disturbed by the noisy lovemaking of said neighbors.  When Salva (Alberto San Juan) and Ana (Griselda Siciliana) arrive, the conversation gets pretty intense, with propositions for a foursome and subsequent revelations that threaten to disrupt Laura and Julio's marriage. In the same way that The God of Carnage was a ripper of a four-hander, so is this much-nominated clever story, with smart dialogue, plenty of humour, and biting observations of marriage and  sexuality and how people variously handle their relationships. The style of film-making is intelligent and low-key, and highly dependent upon the strength of the script and the acting, all of which are top-notch. Funny, at times confronting, even moving, this is a real enjoyment for those willing to have a good chuckle while turning the gaze inwards. 

4 - highly recommended

Another Round
Dir: Thomas Vinterberg

Length: 117 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40X5EX6Us7c

© Umbrella - gotta love a good bottle of
champers!

Four friends, all teachers, decide to test a hypothesis by a Norwegian psychotherapist and professor that humans function best with a constant blood alcohol level of .05%.  Initially the enhanced relaxation and greater enjoyment of life and work seems good, but as they up the ante on the drinking, so a tipping point is reached. Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) and his friends Tommy, Nikolaj and Peter are characters we can easily relate to but all the men seem to be going through some sort of mid-life crisis, especially Martin with his marriage. Acclaimed director Vinterberg adapted the film from his own play. While on the one hand it has funny moments, looking at the effects of alcohol in a light-hearted way, there is also a depth of emotion and an underlying questioning of the Danish culture of binge-drinking, especially among the youngsters. Although lengthy, this film flows along effortlessly, none of the dialogue feels forced, and the four lead actors are all terrific, with Mads a stand-out (as usual). The mens' friendships and the depiction of the way they relate emotionally is a refreshing change from the often macho style of many mainstream films. The movie that may encourage audiences to question their own values around alcohol, but settle in with a glass of red and enjoy!

4 - highly recommended