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Previewfilms.com.au http://www.previewfilms.com.au Fri, 24 May 2013 19:25:45 GMT The Hangover 3 (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-hangover-3-%282013%29-1522.htm Wed, 22 May 2013 12:01:23 GMT

GET THE POSTERDirector: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis
The audience realises in the opening sequence that everyone's favourite baddie, jail escapee Mr Chow, will feature heavily as the villain we all love to laugh at. He's the very funny and near huggable Asian nutcase from the previous movies who talks in third person. There are no weddings or bachelor parties but when the gang takes one final trip delivering Alan to a special clinic they end up in plenty of trouble. Involvement with murderous criminals is the pivotal storyline, where they demand the retrieval of millions of dollars in gold from Mr Chow else kidnapped Doug will never laugh again. Alan finding the love of his life is a hilarious adjoining storyline.

Fans should be more than satisfied with how this trilogy comes to an end. Starts off a bit slow, but when the fun escalates with all sorts of strange scenarios, the fanatics will be rolling down the aisles in laughter. The movie delivers what the audience demand - plenty of immature, childish, silly and gutter level humour followed by more of the same. Brain dead Alan sits up there with Mr Chow in extracting the most laughs from the audience.

Audiences have developed a fondness to this brand and this final outing feels like a tribute to the series. The final hilarious hangover scenes which roll during the credits make the audience aware that even though this is "the end” these characters will continue to carry on in the minds of the fans.
JAKE

]]> COMEDY http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-hangover-3-%282013%29-1522.htm The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-reluctant-fundamentalist-%282012%29-1521.htm Wed, 22 May 2013 10:55:32 GMT

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GET THE POSTERDirector: Mira Nair
Starring: Riz Ahmed, Kate Hudson
Changez (Riz Ahmed) is a Pakistani man who has graduated from university & has a high status well paid job as a financial analyst. He is living the American dream until September 11 2001, the day of the terrorist attack on the world trade towers. His life escalates into a nightmare owing to his nationality & appearance. He is wrongly arrested, strip searched & interrogated. This affects his relationship with girlfriend Erica (Kate Hudson) and he feels America turning against him, trying to force him out. His dream quickly deteriorates, where he feels his homeland drawing him home.

Filmed in flashback style, this movie is beautifully filmed and boasts high production values. Kate Hudson seems miscast but delivers, along with the rest of the cast, a good performance. On a lesser note, the movie lacks pace and excitement leaving the viewer somewhat exhausted and disinterested by the end. Grossly exaggerated as “riveting and thrilling” by some critics it's more aptly a dull and underwhelming experience.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist is obviously the sort of film which will only play at "art house cinemas". Quite understandable that it only managed to earn $280,000 at the American box office.
JAKE

]]> DRAMA http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-reluctant-fundamentalist-%282012%29-1521.htm Happiness Never Comes Alone (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-happiness-never-comes-alone-%282013%29-1520.htm Thu, 16 May 2013 06:55:34 GMT

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GET THE POSTERAKA. Un bonheur n'arrive jamais seul
Director: James Huth
Starring: Gad Elmaleh, Sophie Marceau
French cinema has had many notable successes recently, including Intouchables & Amour & now Happiness Never Comes Alone is the latest to join the winners circle. This surprise romantic comedy, hilarious at times, is a feel good movie which explores first time meaningful relationships.

Sacha (Gad Elmaleh) is a single man with no responsibilities, dating different women every night and vowing never to commit to the one lady - until he meets Charlotte (Sophie Marceau) a twice married woman. They start dating and all goes well until he discovers she has “baggage” in the form of 3 adorable children. His friend advises him to end the relationship, as he needs to devote more time at achieving his dream – to successfully produce a Broadway production. He’s falling in love not only with Charlotte, but also with her children.... can obstacles be overcome so that love can ultimately triumph?

This is a fun filled offbeat movie made to a clichéd but successful comedy formula. The humour constantly swings from funny to brief moments of slapstick comedy, which enhances its hilarity. The couple are perfectly cast and share a unique presence on screen, so much so that the audience quickly warm to them, hoping they find happiness together.
Happiness Never Comes Alone is thoroughly enjoyable and don’t be deterred by the subtitles – you quickly forget you’re reading them.
JAKE

]]> COMEDY http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-happiness-never-comes-alone-%282013%29-1520.htm Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-star-trek-into-darkness-%282013%29-1463.htm Fri, 10 May 2013 00:33:40 GMT

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GET THE POSTERDirector: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto
It's commonly considered by most that the second Star Trek movie was the best and with a multi - universe twist thrown into the equation nothing has changed. Now if your a Trekkie that was a spoiler, but then again if your a Trekkie you would have already seen this twice already - I'm going to!

This reboot has to the be the greatest ever!. It just keeps getting better. J.J Abrams and the writers have out done themselves again and kept the original fans happy and new fans glued to the screen. Two hours just wasn't enough and five years is a long time so surely they should serialize it now.

I didn't read too much before seeing it and that payed off because the revealing of John Harrisons (Benedict Cumberbatch) true identity was the best, and nobody could play him better than Cumberbatch. There is a great scene where I swear Sherlock Holmes crept out of him and gave Spock a run for his money when it comes to logic. Great writing once again.

The action, the SFX, the story, the twist on old Star Trek canon - it's all here for young and old. Best of all, the classic trek references have been done smoothly without any cheesy cliches. This is as fresh as the first day Gene Roddenberry introduced us to the amazing world that is Star Trek all those years ago. Live long and Prosper.
ROB

]]> SCI - FI http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-star-trek-into-darkness-%282013%29-1463.htm The Call (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-call-%282013%29-1519.htm Thu, 09 May 2013 09:06:22 GMT

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GET THE POSTERDirector: Derek Cianfrance
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes
Halle Berry stars in this highly original and heart stopping thriller as Jordan, a LAPD Emergency Operator who receives a call from a girl (Abigail Breslin) who's been abducted and thrown in the trunk of a car. When all efforts in locating the girl lead to nothing, Jordan makes it a personal mission to go out and try to rescue the girl herself.

Berry , an Academy Award winning actress, delivers a very credible and tension filled performance. The audience feels her character's frustrations and desperate commitment to finding the abductee alive, as a girl she received a call from months earlier was eventually murdered. This serial killer (Michael Eklund) redefines the word twisted, portrayed as one of the most obnoxious and mentally unsound baddies of all time.

The Call is a riveting, creepy and disturbing low budget film, where scenes of the girl being brutally manhandled are so effective they will not be readily forgotten. Fast paced and highly suspenseful throughout, audiences will be nervously captivated as the story unfolds.

Unfortunately the movie takes a wrong turn towards the last quarter where silly moments actually had an audience of movie reviewers bellowing in laughter, hence annoyingly spoiling the overall effect of the movie. Regardless, The Call has been an overwhelming success at the US box office and a sequel has already been announced.
JAKE

]]> DRAMA http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-call-%282013%29-1519.htm Iron Man 3 (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-iron-man-3-%282013%29-1518.htm Fri, 03 May 2013 07:38:52 GMT

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GET THE POSTERDirector: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow
Move over James Bond, after an underwhelming 2nd instalment, Ironman returns to out thrill audiences and shatter existing box office records. Iron Man 3 is escapism at its best, with explosive action sequences and incredible visuals which tower in comparison to those of its predecessors.

Robert Downey JR's portrayal of Tony Stark recreates a likeable and funny character, enhanced by witty lines and humorous scenarios. Gwyneth Paltrow still shines as Stark's girlfriend who has more screen time being involved in many death defying scenes. Guy Pearce has come a long way since his early days on Australian soap Neighbours. In what is his biggest project to date he terrifies in the role of Villain Aldrich Killian, an evil visionary who's more aptly a maniac. Ben Kingsley is The Mandarin, a terrorist who seemingly causes death and mass destruction in America. Especially daunting and memorable is the scene where Stark's dream cliff side mansion is blown away by the villains.

This is a fun filled & thrilling 3D roller coaster ride which will leave audiences stunned & gasping for more. Well paced with plenty of twists & turns, be prepared for the shocking development in the climactic ending. Stay seated during the end credits as there's another 30 seconds of footage, at which point viewers will discover: TONY STARK WILL RETURN!
JAKE

]]> ACTION http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-iron-man-3-%282013%29-1518.htm The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-place-beyond-the-pines-%282013%29-1517.htm Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:22:55 GMT

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GET THE POSTERDirector: Derek Cianfrance
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes
This star studded crime drama is enormous and ambitious, hovering on near epic proportions. Ryan Gosling delivers an enthralling performance as Luke, a financially crippled motor cycle stuntman who upon hearing that he has fathered a baby with an ex flame quits his job to be near his child. He needs money to rekindle his relationship with his ex lover, so starts robbing banks with a newly acquired friend.

Bradley Cooper is the police officer who has also recently fathered a child & helps bring this criminal to justice. He quickly learns that being declared a hero undeservedly can be haunting & life changing. Getting involved in corruption also adds to his problems. The story continues 15 yrs later when these men's children meet and wounds from the past are reopened.

A wonderful supporting cast including Australia's Rose Byrne and Ben Mendelsohn, help make this a very intense and satisfying cinematic experience. Ray Liotta who can play the role of a corrupt cop like no other, is haunting and memorable. It's says a lot when a 140 minute drama with minimal action keeps an audience silently watching and captivated throughout. Derek Cianfrance director of Blue Valentine has left his signature mark on this film, with his strange style in direction. This is a small but magnificent film, which deserves a lot of accolade.
JAKE

]]> DRAMA http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-the-place-beyond-the-pines-%282013%29-1517.htm Spring Breakers (2012)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-spring-breakers-%282012%29-1516.htm Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:05:59 GMT

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GET THE POSTERDirector: Harmony Korine
Starring: Selena Gomez, James Franco
Faith (Gomez) is a nice religious girl attending college, who befriends 3 vivacious girls with unsavoury reputations. When they decide to take a spring break to Florida to escape the boredom of college life, the 3 girls rob a restaurant to fund their trip. They go on their spring break, where wild partying with nudity, raunchy sex, heavy drug and alcohol use, exhibit the dark and seedy side of American Youth culture. When they meet a rich thug (Franco) their downfall escalates, as they get heavily involved in violent robberies.

Spring Breakers will ensure that Gomez and Hudgens have their 'nice girl' reputations shattered. Fans will be astonished with all the violent and sexually explicit scenes they partake in. Bikini clad throu'hout, the "Disney darlings" participate in oral and group sex, wild orgies, marathon drinking, bong puffing sessions and use gutter level language.

The girls give entrancing performances in this strange and unlikeable movie. Franco is a standout as the lowlife mothers would not want their daughters to bring home. The unsteady and seemingly amateurish camera work bordering on the "found footage genre" is effective in giving the movie a sense of realism. Also adding to the realism is the intertwining of filmed footage with segments from actual spring break parties. The perverseness of this brave and haunting movie will leave audiences exhausted. If it shocks and offends it has reached its goal.
JAKE

]]> COMEDY http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-spring-breakers-%282012%29-1516.htm Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-olympus-has-fallen-%282013%29-1515.htm Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:15:07 GMT

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GET THE POSTERDirector: Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart
When The White House is seized by Korean terrorists, disgraced former presidential guard Mike Banning has the opportunity to redeem himself by rescuing the president and his son. He's the only person in the war ravaged White House who can restore order but along the way, he must come face to face not only with the terrorists but also with a vengeful traitor.

There was a horrible stench at the White House and it wasn't that of burning corpses. A cheesy and very mediocre script containing improbable scenarios and dialogue brought the movie to a halt. Many 'totally dumb' lines propelled the audience into steam rolling laughter which robbed the movie of all credibility. An obvious example was where Banning phones his wife (who's a nurse) at the hospital... knowing very well of the danger going on around her husband she asks: "How's your day going?" - As a result this movie lost all momentum and there was no chance of a reprieve.

It has an incredible amount of action, where the body count must be over a thousand. Blood curdling scenes of people being blown up and casually shot are enough to make the least sensitive of viewers turn away. Seeing the White House being bombed is also daunting and effective. However these factors don't compensate for all the script's deficiencies. The actors do their best and Morgan Freeman seems especially uneasy, possibly realizing that this movie was developing into a stinker.
JAKE

]]> ACTION http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-olympus-has-fallen-%282013%29-1515.htm Schlussmacher (2013)

http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-schlussmacher-%282013%29-1511.htm Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:12:25 GMT

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GET THE POSTERAKA. Break Up Man
Director: Matthias Schweighöfer
Starring: Matthias Schweighöfer, Milan Peschel
Reminicent of a British romantic comedy that Hugh Grant might have starred in, Break Up Man (AKA. Schlussmacher) has taken a similar formula and come up with a hilarious hit comedy that I am sure will translate well across all audiences and nations.

Up and coming German actor Matthias Schweighöfer (you might know him from The Red Barron and Valkyrie with Tom Cruise) plays a smooth talking consultant for a firm that helps couples break up with as little fuss as possible. Looking to be made partner, he is given a special case with a hopeless romantic played by Milan Peschel. What follows is a road movie with a difference that will have you in stitches.

There are a few cliche scenes throughout this film, and a montage near the end that wasn't really needed, but overall it's funny and that's what pulls it through. It took a bit for me to warm to the two lead characters, but by half way I was on board, anticipating the next disaster that Toto get's them into as he tries to convince us that love is all we need... ROBDIDO

AUDI GERMAN FILM FESTIVAL
AUSTRALIA - APRIL and MAY 2013

]]> COMEDY http://www.previewfilms.com.au/movie-schlussmacher-%282013%29-1511.htm