Sunday, August 28, 2011

RED DOG: WOOF WOOF


At the conclusion of this movie, I finally decide to relinquish my attatchment to the opinions of Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton.
On reading a review,it was noted that both critics agreed for once and gave this Australian feature 4 1/2 stars a piece.
Incredible I thought.
Off I raced to see this supposed wonderful true story of a dog who saved a town called Dampier in WA back in the seventies.
After 92 minutes of complete crap I was deflated and confused.
The only conclusion I could reach was that it was a political move by the ABC presenters to put their full backing behind ANY Australian feature that comes out.
Which in my recall,they generally do.
COP OUT FOLKS!
I'd like to ask Kriv Stenders ( the director) are you trying to be the next Baz Lurhman or what?
This film,like a lot of Australian films translates like a celluloid musical. Remember
"Muriel's Wedding", "Strictly Ballroom" "Priscila Queen of the desert" and more recently the Aboriginal comedy "Bran nue dae" to name a few.
Their forced air of patriotism and overacting makes me CRINGE!
I personally do not respond to films of this nature (except perhaps for Terence Stamp's performance in Priscilla)
In my mind, a musical is much more powerful in a theatrical medium. The message simply does not translate when its placed in a movie format.
Christ, remember "Les Miserables"(the movie)!!!!??
In saying that,"Red Dog" did have one redeeming feature; its great soundtrack. (available now at all good music stores)
The story it seems is based on a red kelpie/cattle dog who became well known to the locals that encountered him throughout the Western Australia/Pilbara area.
In truth,Red Dog travelled alone a lot but still assumed two owners during his life time. Writers Louis de Bernières and Daniel Taplitz decided to focus on the second owner John Stazzonelli, played by American Josh Lucas ("A beautiful mind", "Hulk")
John in real life was very different than the depiction by Josh Lucas. He was actually a New Zealand native with three children who was extremely abusive to his wife.
In direct contrast,the movie portrays a love story between Johns character and his wife played by Rachel Taylor. (Yes she just keeps popping up)Getting better Rach,just want a little bit more earnesty in those beautiful eyes please.
This movie has no soul. These fabricated stories that Red Dog saved lives and searched for his missing master until his own death did not speak to me. There was always too much of a comical edge aligned for it to hold any dramatic value.

In fact, when Red Dog was about to die from strychnine poisoning, the whole cast broke into a corny version of "living and a workin on the land" ????!!!!
I also detested the CGI fight scenes between the cat and Red Dog. They were absolutely ludicrous!
Confirming for me that "Red Dog" was a big fat turkey!
Dont bother!
If you want to see a couple of moving Australian flicks with animals try "Storm Boy" or "Pharlap"

Until then

JAX

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

GOTYE-THE NEXT ONE MAN BAND.

Hello there.
Yes I know this is a movie blog but Im gonna break the rules today.
Today Im gonna talk about a very talented musician known as "Gotye".
A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to Sydney to see Gotye (still cant seem to pronounce it) at the Sydney Opera House.
It was his National release for his third album "Making Mirrors"
"Who?" I said.
He explained simply by showing me his latest film clip for "Somebody I used to know" (see video)
Sure I was mesmerized by the atypical visuals but more so by his piercing powerful voice. The film clip also features a brief cameo by the also talented New Zealand singer songwriter "Kimbra"
Its the sort of song you fall in love with on first impact and continue to play to death. I alledge I'm still not sick of it.
So off I went to Sydney with a vested interest.
I was NOT disappointed. Gotye's performances at the Sydney Opera House coincided with National Animation week.As an audience, we were not only treated to the magnificent sounds of Gotye but a large backdrop of animations that seemed to directly coincide with each song.
I was particularly moved by the animation for the song "Don't worry,we'll be watching you".
A young girl who is lost in the forest and like "Where the wild things are" finds her home again with the help of her forest friends.
Gotye writes beautiful lyrics. If he's not making us aware of the state of the planet in his first single "Eyes wide open". He sings earnestly about the dichotomy of Love. The harshness of a break up in "Somebody I used to know" and the gratitude of new love in both "I feel better" and "Save Me"
His unique voice is backed up by a tribute to music of generations past. His superb talent of sampling other work/artists creates a unique and enticing sound for the audience.
Like all great artists,one must have good people around them. Gotye is no exception.
With up to 15 equally talented souls on stage with him. He also notes the tremendous family support he receives. His Dad even doing the artwork for this latest album.
I was particularly fond of his three tracksuit clad backup male singers that were also able to kick some arse on their own individual instruments.
With that said and done, No Gotye= NO SHOW. A multi skilled lyricist,instrumentalist and singer got this once sad girl a tapping her feet to the beat.
For that Wally (his real name), I humbly Thankyou.xxx
His performance was worthy of the 5 minute standing ovation he received.

Buy his latest album "Making Mirrors" NOW
His other solo albums include "Like Drawing Blood", "Boardface" and Mixed Blood"
This magical man also manages to fit in time to play with a rockin band called The Basics.
CHECK THEM OUT TOO.


JAX

Gotye- Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)- official film clip (HD)

Sunday, August 7, 2011

An Idiot Abroad Mexico - Cowboys

KARL PILKINGTON in An Idiot Abroad.

TWO WORDS.
FUCKING HILARIOUS!
I knew very little of Karl Plkington before I arrived at this series. I can now safely say I have indeed met my soul mate.
KARL is a wonderfully honest,hilarious doubting Thomas that leaves us begging for more of his eternal whingeing.
The idea for the show arised from good buddies Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant agreeing to send Karl to visit the Seven wonders of the world. Fair enough you say?
The trouble is Karl is a man who likes to stay in his comfort zone and has rarely left his hometown of Manchester for nearly 40 years albeit for some childhood Holidays in Wales.
Ricky cheekishly admits he WANTS Karl to hate every moment of it; if for his own amusement.
Accordingly Karl does and Ricky and Stephen are constantly sending their comrade up the garden path. Yelling at him down the line "this is not a holiday mate"-GET TO WORK!
Shoving him in caves,sticking him on camels and promising him a night in the Honeymoon suite. The suite turns out to "smell like shit" and have an ensuite shed. Here we see Karl hit an all time low.
What I love about this series is its commitment. It had a very clear vision and it was executed by Mr Pilkington with an innate precision.
Ive long debated whether Karl himself is a "character" that comically pandas to the needs of Gervais and Merchant.
If he is -so what! Give the guy an Oscar!
If he's actually himself-where do I meet him!?
It so refreshing to be introduced to someone who literally cant lie. He does not claim to be a well travelled Historian like his colleagues. Rather, a man with simple tastes who calls it as he sees it.
The reason it resonates is;its often what we the audience are actually thinking ourselves.
For instance,why take a 10 hour camel ride when you can drive there in half an hour!!???
Yes Karl you were certainly out of your comfort zone on several occasions. But you dug deep and as an audience member I'm truly grateful.
Despite the constant tyranny,there were moments of real tenderness. Karl was able to laugh at himself (not a common thing for Poms)He had a natural affinity with the people he came across and this was clearly reciprocated. I loved his meeting with the Elephant Baba. A potentially difficult interview which Pilkington breezed through. I also enjoyed his brief time with an Indian guru who insisted he swim in the Ganges and reminded Karl "to love himself".
Good advice for all.
When Ricky mentions to Karl that Sky 1 are keen to do another season-Karl VEHEMENTLY protests!
He feels he couldn't possibly after all the fuck ups.
Luckily for us there will be a new series based around the idea of a Bucket List. Things people want to do before they die. I heard a rumour Karl will be gracing Australian shores to swim with sharks......
An Idiot Abroad gets 5 stars from me. Sure not every episode had me rolling in the isles but most of the stuff here did. A deep throaty,thigh slapping laugh that simply heals.
Do yourself a favour people and introduce yourself to the uncompromising idiot abroad-
MR KARL PILKINGTON- NOT a simple man!

JAX