Hursto's five minute films: January 2022

Saturday, 29 January 2022

January 30th

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Dear Rider (digital download)

Meet the Ricardos (streaming on Amazon Prime)

I've made a new year resolution to be a bit more ruthless in my scoring. (We'll see how long that lasts!) Despite not being in my famous 4/5 department, these three films all come well recommended and I enjoyed them all immensely. So don't be deterred.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Dir: Michael Showalter

Length: 126 mins

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

In 1960 18-year-old Tammy Faye, daughter of Pentecostal preachers, met Jim Bakker at Bible college. They soon married and embarked upon a career of spreading the word - Jim preaching and Tammy singing. They then founded a tele-evangelist news program called The PTL Club (Praise the Lord), and from then their fame and wealth burgeoned. But it was not to last, and allegations of fraud and worse brought their carefully built house of opulence and over-indulgence crashing down. The film tells the story in a very chronological and conventional way, but everything is made more interesting firstly by Jessica Chastain's extraordinary performance (much nominated and awarded) as Tammy Faye. Her make-up/hair department have also done an incredible job! Andrew Garfield as Jim neatly channels the smarminess of such preachers, always hustling for money, under the guise of religious do-gooding and soul-saving. This is particularly disturbing and resonant stuff, given the current rise of the religious right and their churches, which seem to bleed worshippers of their money, and to harbour far-right propaganda. Though the film feels a little in the realms of caricature at the start, it becomes stronger as it goes along, and one can only sit open mouthed in horror at such reprehensible hood-winking of people desperate to save their souls. Fortunately there is some redemption for Tammy Faye.

3.5 - well recommended

Dear Rider: The Jake Burton Story

Dir: Fernando Villena

Length: 91 mins

Available for digital download

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5Mpj73OVDE

Jake Burton was a pioneer of the sport of snowboarding. Fuelled by a passion for adventure and a dare-devil attitude, he was determined a person could "surf" on snow, and created his first snowboard. Soon his company was producing boards galore, slugging it out with rival companies, and Jake was successfully getting the sport accepted into the mainstream. (In 1998, the sport debuted at the Nagano Olympics). With truckloads of archival footage of the early days of the sport, through to footage of death-defying tricks performed by today's aficionados and professional athletes, this doco could well be any snowboarder's wet dream. All is suitably augmented by commentary from fans, friends and fellow riders. But at heart it is the story of a man with more drive and zest for life than imagined possible, and the very large challenges that came to beset him in his later years. It is also the story of that close-knit community of boarders, often seen as larrikins by those on the outer, but possessing a drive, fearlessness and talent that can can only be marvelled at.

3.5 - well recommended - (for boarders, probably unmissable!)

Being the Ricardos

Dir: Aaron Sorkin

Length: 131 mins

Streaming on Amazon Prime

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvrjCdtB0zM

I Love Lucy was a perennial TV favorite for so many people in the 1950s. So when the McCarthy era witch-hunts emerged, and Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) found herself in the naughty corner for supposedly being a Communist, it was a major threat to her career. This entertaining biopic covers not only that era of the famed comedienne's life, but also the backstory of her rise to fame, meeting husband Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem), and how she became the visionary for so much of the Lucy show. Kidman has just snaffled the Golden Globe for best dramatic performance, and justifiably so. She inhabits her character, as does Bardem, whose Desi is a great showman, musician and actor, but whose wandering ways are death to their high-profile marriage. The recreation of an era is magnificently done, from the Latino nightclubs where Desi played, through to the fab fifties sets and clothing. The film is also an informative insight into how a weekly comedy show was put together, through the creative process, rehearsals and up to the filming in front of a live audience. With excellent support performances from JK Simmons, Alia Shawkat and Nina Arianda as the writing team this is a terrific entertainment, even if we didn't really need the mockumentary insertions of characters in the modern era reminiscing.

3.5 - well recommended

Sunday, 23 January 2022

January 24th

Spencer

Macbeth

The Lost Daughter (streaming on Netflix)

Three gems on SBS World Movies

The royals are in the spotlight this week, with an unconventional biopic on Lady Diana, plus a new version of Macbeth, featuring Denzel Washington. Netflix continues to present most worthy films, while it is always worth checking SBS for what's on their World Movies and On Demand. They may be oldies, but they are goodies!

Spencer

Dir: Pablo Larrain

Length: 117 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lagauhb5GyY

Larrain is known for his rather unconventional depictions (think Jackie, the story of Jackie Kennedy, 2016). So don't expect a factual account of Princess Diana's life; in fact don't expect her life story at all. Rather, this is three imagined days over Christmas, spent at Sandringham Castle, at the point in her life when Diana realises it's time to end the marriage to Charles. We see the princess in all her psychologically disturbed glory - causing ructions at stuff-shirt family meals, vomiting up her food, having emotional meltdowns one after the other, and seeming only relaxed and happy in the company of her beloved sons William and Harry. Visually this film is ravishing, with German castles standing in for the British ones, indecently opulent beyond belief. The outfits worn by Diana are stitch-perfect, but it is Stewart's capturing of every tiny nuance of the tormented princess that is a tour de force - the tilt of the head, her deer in the headlights eyes, her idiosynchratic walk. Every member of "the firm" comes across cold as ice, Charles especially so, generating much audience sympathy for the unfortunate Diana. Her only friend in her royal prison is lady-in-waiting Maggie (an excellent Sally Hawkins). Even though aspects of the plot are created and fantastical, even whimsical at times, the whole gives a powerful glimpse into a life that must have been hell.

4 - highly recommended

The Tragedy of Macbeth

Dir: Joel Coen

Length: 105 mins

In cinemas and also Streaming on Apple +

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptqe7s6pO7g

I doubt I need to tell any of you the plot of Macbeth, but I do need to say I am not the ideal reviewer for this, never having been much of a Shakespeare buff. According to Wikipedia there are more than 20 film versions - so far. Several things set this version apart. The choice to shoot in black and white is inspired, bringing an unsettling brooding look to the film, its sparseness and impressive use of light and shadow somehow underscoring the heartlessness and coldness of Macbeth and his steely wife. Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as the murderous couple bounce powerfully off each other, as each goes through their arc of ambition, doubt, guilt and ultimately inner torment and near insanity. They both eschew loud histrionics, using a measured approach that makes them feel like real people we could relate to. The film's imagery is inspired, from the use of wheeling birds and foggy landscapes to the chilling depiction of the witches, whose predictions set Macbeth upon his path of treachery. All the cast are top-notch, while the timeless story reminds us yet again of the dire consequences of overreaching, a human trait that has always brought personal and widespread grief to the world. Advice: watch it with subtitles if you can.

4 - highly recommended

The Lost Daughter

Dir: Maggie Gyllenhaal

Length: 121 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNq9YOfL0Zs

Literature professor Leda (Olivia Colman) takes a solitary Greek holiday, which is disrupted when a rowdy American-Italian family turns up. Leda becomes fixated upon the relationship between mother Nina (Dakota Johnson) and her little girl, Elena. Dark memories of Leda's own struggles with motherhood and a broken family rise up. It's best not to reveal too much of this complex plot, which in fact challenges viewers to make their own interpretations of character's motivations, and even of actual events. The film is a psychological insight into life's frustrations and regrets, particularly for women struggling with motherhood. Young Leda, seen in many flashbacks, is superbly portrayed by Jessie Buckley, and needless to say Colman, is, as always, flawless in her nuanced performance. Ed Harris makes a welcome appearance as Lyle, manager of the holiday apartments. The film won't be for everyone; its slow and steady pace belies the depth of the turmoil for Leda (and Nina) who harbor secrets and inner challenges. It's great to absorb in a film which, though confined in its physical scope, is broad-reaching psychologically.

4 - highly recommended

Gems on SBS World Movies

Adam: An understated beautiful story of
compassion, set in a Moroccan bakery

In case you don't have streaming services, and feel reluctant to venture into the cinema, remember SBS is always awash with wonderful films - for free!! On my regular SBS newsletter, my attention was drawn to three films which I reviewed in the past, all highly recommended and showing this week. (They are usually to be found On Demand if you miss them.)

You can revisit my reviews in the blog archive for:

Adam: August 1, 2019 - MIFF reviews

Blinded by the Light: August 16, 2019

Woman at War: April 5, 2019

Sunday, 16 January 2022

January 17th

King Richard

Limbo

Sing 2

Two recent films garnering plenty of awards are here for your consideration: one a timely true tale of tennis stars and their ambitious dad, the other a refugee story that is both funny and heart-breaking. With time still to go for school holidays there's also a fun animation to take the kids along to.

King Richard

Dir: Reinaldo Marcus Green

Length: 144 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKP_0z52ZAw

Serena and Venus Williams, superstars of the tennis world: would they have ended up as such greats without the driving force of their father Richard Williams? His vital role in shaping his two talented daughters, against all odds and expectations (they hailed from outa Compton), is the subject matter of this terrifically acted and highly engaging film. No, you don't have to even like tennis to love the film, which is anchored by one of Will Smith's best performances ever, not to mention the impressive turns from teenagers Saniyya Sidney as Venus and Demi Singleton as Serena. The narrative follows a fairly traditional arc, but it's the underlying themes that make the film richer than a mere superstar biopic. Richard, often overbearing and infuriating, uses doggedness and determination to ensure that his kids will be given opportunities thanks to their talent, not just by virtue of being black. The whole background of the Williams family dynamic also adds to the interest. The movie is inspiring, uplifting, and a fine testament to parental love and support, not to mention sporting prowess and determination.

4 - highly recommended

Limbo

Dir: Ben Sharrock

Length: 104 mins

Exclusive to Cinema Nova

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O--8AuuhgA

Omar (Amir el Masry) is a Syrian refugee stuck on a bleak remote Scottish island, awaiting the outcome of his application for asylum. Back in Syria he had been a well-known and talented musician, playing the oud. Now his life consists of attending English classes, ringing his family (now living in Istanbul), and sharing his sparse living quarters with three fellow refugees - Farhad (Vikash Bhai) from Afghanistan and two African men. His precious instrument however, is merely carried everywhere, but has not been played. The film is touted as a comedy, and while it certainly has plenty of amusing moments, it is also a deeply moving tale that is so timely in today's world of displaced people. The director, with experience of living in Syria and working with refugees, wanted to explore the idea of the loss of one's identity when reduced to refugee status. He does this in a pitch-perfect way, using Omar's constant flashbacks to a life where he was "something". Shot on an island in the outer Hebrides, and with much help and involvement from the locals, the film looks stunning - long shots of bleak windswept natural areas, contrasting beautifully with the many tableau-style scenes of the the men, walking, talking or part of Cultural Awareness 101 classes led by Helga and Boris. The imagined presence of Omar's brother Nabil, (Kais Nashif) who headed back to Syria to fight, adds an extra dimension of dramatic and emotional tension, while Farhad's obsession with chickens and Freddie Mercury makes for many witty and absurd moments. Masry gives a nuanced and heart-wrenching performance as Omar. The evocative soundtrack enhances everything, and all in all this is a fine (and much-awarded) film, totally worth trekking out for.

4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended

Sing 2

Dir: Garth Jennings

Length: 110 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPZu5MA2uqI

Ambitious entrepreneurial koala Buster Moon (Matthew McConnaughey) is back, with his team of musically-minded animals, auditioning for wily media mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale). The team promise to get reclusive one-time singing legend Clay Calloway (Bono) into the show, but there are only three weeks to get it all together. As you'd expect, the usual obstacles must be overcome. Fans of the first Sing should really enjoy this one, even if it is an excuse to string excerpts of countless popular songs together. High profile actors pepper the voice cast: Scarlett Johansson as Ash, the punk porcupine, Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, the pig who gave up dreams of stardom to become a mother to 25 piglets, and Taron Edgerton as Johnny, a singing/dancing gorilla. Plus the director himself as Miss Crawley, an iguana who, despite being elderly and one-eyed gets things done for Buster (and provides many of the laughs). Some ruthless and dour critics have panned it, but as a lightweight fun entertainment with color, movement, endearing characters, good music and plenty of gags, it is something to entertain adults and kids alike.

3.5 - well recommended

Thursday, 6 January 2022

January 7th

Don't Look Up (Netflix)

Swan Song

I'm Wanita

Happy New Year to you all, dear movie lovers! We may have been taking it easy over the festive period, but movies never sleep! Relentless, continuous, more and more of them, inundating our streaming channels and bursting off the big screens. However, I only have three for you this week, all worthy contenders - yet again. I've pretty much decided it's not worth wasting time watching or writing about crappy films - hence the constant high scores for those I do see (perhaps too high, when I look back over 2021!)

Don't Look Up

Dir: Adam McKay

Length: 138 mins

Streaming on Netflix

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL9aJcqrtnw

McKay (director of The Big Short and Vice) has succeeded again with this witty satire, that is a nothing like what you expect when you start watching. Astronomy student Kate (Jennifer Lawrence) makes a startling discovery that a giant comet is on track to hit earth, creating an extinction event. When she informs her professor, Dr Mindy (Leonardo Di Caprio), the two take it to the highest office in the land, President Orlean (Meryl Streep). What you imagine could be yet another apocalyptic disaster movie, quickly turns into a biting satire, full of wit and out-loud laughs. Streep's Trump-esque president is another winning turn from the brilliant actor, while Jonah Hill as her son, installed in a high (nepotistic) position plays dumb really well. Added star power like Timothee Chalamet, Mark Rylance and an almost unrecognisable Cate Blanchett, all blitz in their roles. Social media along with TV talk shows get a lampooning, but what is really scary is the way that government and big business team up to find an economic and political advantage to something that threatens to wipe out the planet. But hey . . aren't we used to this by now!!??

4 - wholeheartedly recommended

Swan Song

Dir: Todd Stephens

Length: 105 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heN0JtJu4pE

Once a prominent hairdresser in the town of Sandusky, Ohio, Pat Pitsenbarger (Udo Kier) ekes out his days in a retirement home, folding serviettes, sneaking cigars and giving up on life. Then the lawyer to prominent socialite Rita Parker Sloane (Linda Evans) tells him that his former client is dead and her will requests that Pat style her hair for the funeral. Exiting the home, he embarks upon an adventure that takes him to the places of his youth and causes him to confront people from his past (rival hairdresser Dee Dee, played by Jennifer Coolidge). Gradually a passion for a life he thought was long gone is revived. Kier is a 76-year-old German actor with almost 300 acting credits to his name, and a face you remember, but are not sure from where. But here he is unforgettable as a man who was a beacon of flamboyant queer culture in his local town. The thing is that Mr Pat was a real-life character who left a big mark upon the director's young life. Kier totally inhabits his character, capturing humour along with a deep poignancy and vulnerability. Pat's performance in the local drag bar crowns a film that is enchanting, funny and deeply moving.

4 - wholeheartedly recommended

I'm Wanita

Dir: Matthew Walker

Length: 88 mins

Trailer: https://www.facebook.com/WanitatheMovie/videos/1054899058599790/

Wanita Bahtiyah grew up in NSW, listening to country music greats like Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams and dreaming of stardom. Moving to Tamworth, she gained limited local success and so decides to head to the mecca of country music, Nashville, and record there. This highly original doco showcases a one-of-a kind hard-living, hard-drinking, kind-hearted and driven woman who has never got the recognition she deserves. Wanita has a wonderful voice, but her in-your-face style makes her sometimes her own worst enemy. She announces that she is autistic and a sex worker and we discover she is, through very odd circumstances, married to a much older Turkish immigrant, Baba. But her defining image is as the self-proclaimed "Queen of Honky Tonk". Walker spent five years filming Wanita's quest, accompanied by fellow musos Archer and Gleny Rae Virus, also Wanita's long-suffering manager. The film has already garnered well-deserved awards at various festivals, no doubt for its refreshingly creative style plus the director's ability to let the star of the whole shebang just be herself and run the show, just like she does in life.

4 - wholeheartedly recommended