Few things kill the otherworldly mystique of a fantasy or sci-fi film as quickly as an Aussie accent. Rarely has this been more apparent than in the ambitious but hideously clunky and ultimately painful Australian-made alien invasion flick Occupation: Rainfall. Adapted from yet another video game, this awkwardly named film attempts to emulate variously Star Wars, Terminator, Battlestar Galactica and
Read moreThe trailer for Promising Young Woman suggests a violent I Spit On Your Grave-style revenge thriller drenched in garish iridescent colours. One scene aside, however, this is a much less confronting film than that, which is a mixed blessing. On one hand, the film is less thrilling than expected and even a little leisurely. On the other hand, the restrained
Read moreThis week on ‘Built For Speed’ we give our verdict on the Australian box office no.1 film ‘Penguin Bloom’. We also take a look at another new Aussie cinema release, sci-fi adventure ‘Occupation: Rainfall’. There’ll also be plenty of fine music with new releases, more 2020 favourites and indie and classic rock selections from across the decades. Don’t forget our
Read moreThis week on ‘Built For Speed’ we speak to Sally Ingleton, the director of the new Australian documentary about environmental activism, ‘Wild Things’. We’ll also take a look at the much talked-about new drama ‘Promising Young Woman’ and family film ‘Elfkins: Baking a Difference’. There’ll also be plenty of fine music with the latest in indie rock and classic rock
Read moreAdapted from a video game, the ridiculous sci-fi action flick Monster Hunter has nothing to do with the Norwegian mockumentary Troll Hunter. Many will be alarmed to learn it comes from director Paul W. S. Anderson who inflicted upon us the seemingly endless Resident Evil franchise. Despite a larger and slightly more interesting canvas of a desert planet and giant
Read moreNomadland depicts a largely unseen but apparently growing subculture, people who have forgone the dream of home ownership and suburban security to travel the country, working itinerantly and living in their vans. Written and directed by Chloe Zhao and based on Jessica’s Bruder’s book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, this wonderfully rugged, humane and moving film has rightly
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