Film

Ant-Man (2015) Review

Summary: Life isn’t going well for Scott Lang (Paul Rudd). After famously being arrested for a modern day Robin Hood crime his release from prison finds himself unable to keep down a job – a big issue since his ex-wife, Maggie (Judy Greer), and her new partner Police Detective Paxton (Bobby Cannavale) won’t give him any form of custody to his daughter, Cassie (Abby Ryder Forsten).

He finally gives in to his best friend’s urges and decides to help out with a heist that suddenly finds him being recruited by Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to become ‘Ant-Man.’ While Pym’s daughter, Hope (Evangeline Lilly), thinks it is a bad idea soon Scott is being trained to help prevent the money hungry Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) from selling technology that is destined to be used for evil.

Year: 2015

Australian Cinema Release Date: 16th July 2015

Australian DVD Release Date: TBA

Country: United States

Director: Peyton Reed

Screenwriter: Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd, Stan Lee (comic), Jack Kirby (comic), Larry Lieber (comic)

Cast: Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), Carlos Aviles (Carlos), Nicholas Barrera (Ernesto), Bobby Cannavale (Paxton), Joe Chrest (Frank), Robert Crayton (Peachy), David Dastmalchian (Kurt), Martin Donovan (Mitchell Carson), Michael Douglas (Dr. Hank Pym), Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America), Abby Ryder Fortson (Cassie Lang), Judy Greer (Maggie Lang), Dax Griffin (Young Pym), Wood Harris (Gale), Tom Kenny (Hideous Rabbit), Lyndsi LaRose (Emily), Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon), Cesar Mendoza (Gabriel), Jordi Molla (Castillo), Michael Pena (Luis), Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), John Slattery (Howard Stark), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Corey Stoll (Darren Cross/Yellowjacket), T.I. (Dave), Gregg Turkington (Dale), Danny Vasquez (Ignacio)

Runtime: 117 mins

Classification: PG

OUR ANT-MAN REVIEWS & RATINGS:

David Griffiths:

The Marvel universe has been chugging along quick nicely for a while now. The franchise has peaked with amazing films like Guardians Of The Galaxy and Captain America: Winter Soldier and even it’s weaker films, Thor 2 etc, are films that are worth more than one watch. But now comes the film that many would consider the problem child for Marvel, Ant-Man.

So why is Ant-Man the film that seems to have been causing Marvel the most amount of trouble. Well first of all the fanboys have been all over the film, criticizing the casting of Paul Rudd (like they did with Robert Downey Jnr. before Iron Man) and seemingly being outraged that they would even entertain inserting comedy into the film (yep because nobody had a chuckle during Guardians Of The Galaxy). But like is the case with so many problem children the real root of the issue was happening behind closed doors. See Ant-Man was supposed to be a Edgar Wright film. Yes the man who is largely responsible for the Cornetto Trilogy was supposed to be at the helm, but because he didn’t fall into Marvel’s line found himself turfed out and replaced with Peyton Reed (the man who brought us Bring It On), but the good news is that despite all this upheaval Ant-Man turns out to be a pretty decent film.

Now before you go into the cinema to feat on Ant-Man be aware that the problems behind the scenes have resulted in Ant-Man being very different to any of the other films in the Marvel universe, but that actually ends up being a good thing. Gone are the epic scenes of large flying ships crashing to Earth or the destruction of a major city and instead we are left with an action packed scene that occurs in a little girl’s bedroom but will have you laughing out loud as a giant Thomas The Tank Engine goes crashing out of the side of the house. Yes it is scenes like that has Edgar Wright’s finger prints all over it.

There are things that let Ant-Man down a little, the most annoying being that Michael Pena and Bobby Cannavale are simply playing walking clichés, but the plusses certainly outweigh the negatives. The screenwriting team have inserted the much needed heart that was missing from Avengers: Age Of Ultron as both Hank and Scott try to repair the relationships with their daughters while the well-written script has allows some of the cast to bring their A-Game to the acting stakes as well.

Yes that is right everybody it seems that throughout this film that Michael Douglas forgets that he is in a comic book movie and actually turns up his acting output to that of what we recently saw in Arbitrage. Douglas is on fire here and it seems to have a carry on affect on some of the actors around him as well. Evangeline Lilly brilliantly plays a character with divided loyalty and it is Hope that much of the suspense centres around. Is she really on Pym and Scott’s side or is her loyalty to Darren Cross more than what they bargained for? She plays the double agent well and you can only hope that both her and Douglas are used more in the Avengers franchise now.

Then there is Paul Rudd, who as I previously mentioned had the fanboys baying for his blood before the film was even released. Now I will admit that I was skeptical about Paul Rudd’s ability to play an action hero, but he well and truly made me eat my words with his performance. Rudd not got buff for the role but seems to become Ant-Man with complete ease. He manages to pull off the action sequences awesomely well, while it is also some of his quick wit and one liners that make the film a please to watch. Apparently we should also be thanking him for helping the script run smoothly after Wright’s departure… so Mr. Rudd from the bottom of our heart we thank you.

So the best way to approach Ant-Man is to go into the cinema not expecting anything like you have seen in the Marvel universe to date. Yes Ant-Man has two Avengers appear (one in the main frame of the film, the other in the credits) and there are a few references to the Avengers and Spider-Man, but this is very much a film that is out there on its own. Yes this is a child that is very different to its siblings, but sometimes they make the best friends, right? Ant-Man is enjoyable enough to make you hope that the character appears again somewhere… very soon.

Adam Ross:

You can hear Adam’s full Ant-Man review on The Good The Bad The Ugly Film Show Ep #138

Greg King:

You can read Greg’s full Ant-Man review on www.filmreviews.net.au

Nick Gardener:

You can hear Nick’s full Ant-Man review on The Good The Bad The Ugly Film Show Ep #138

Average Buzz Rating (out of 5):

July 19, 2015 0 comment

Film Interviews Featured

Nancy Rizk Interview

written by David Griffiths

Actress Nancy Rizk stops by to talk to us about not only production that is she is currently in… but. Nacy chats to us about new television series Emergency L.A., Counter Play and her new feature film She’s Not So Ordinary.

You can listen to or download our Nancy Rizk interview right here.

March 21, 2017 0 comment

Film Interviews Featured

Melbourne Queer Film Festival: Justin Kelly Interview

written by David Griffiths

ilmmaker Justin Kelly is a guest of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. He has two films screening in the festival – the true life story I Am Michael, which was chosen to open the festival, and King Cobra, a true story of murder set against the backdrop of the gay porn industry, which has been described as “the Boogie Nights of gay porn.” Greg speaks to Justin about what appealed to him about these two true stories, about working with James Franco who stars in both films, and about his responsibility towards the real life characters who are still alive.

You can listen to or download our Justin Kelly interview right here.

March 21, 2017 0 comment

Film Interviews Featured

Orange Is The New Black: Jessica Pimentel Interview

written by David Griffiths

Orange Is The New Black star Jessica Pimentel talks to Dave Griffiths about how she copes with the emotional and dramatic scenes in the prison drama and how she juggles being an actress with performing in a hardcore band.

You can listen to or download our Jessica Pimentel interview right here.

March 21, 2017 0 comment

Film Featured Crime In Cinema Nova Thriller

Cut Snake (2014) Review

written by David Griffiths

Summary: Set in Melbourne in the mid-1970s, Cut Snake tells the story of Sparra Farrell (Alex Russell), an ex-con in his twenties trying to make a life for himself in a new city. He has found honest work and becomes engaged to the beautiful Paula (Jessica De Gouw). But the prospect of his new life is challenged when the charismatic, dangerous Pommie (Sullivan Stapleton) tracks him down. Sparra finds himself drawn back into a world that he thought he had left behind.

Year: 2014

Australian Cinema Release Date: 24th September 2015

Australian DVD Release Date: TBA

Country: Australia

Director: Tony Ayres

Screenwriter: Blake Ayshford

Cast: Ricahrd Anastasios (Wayne), Syd Brisbane (Ben), Christopher Bunworth (Mr. McGrath), Jessica De Gouw (Paula), Luke Elliott (Bruce), Megan Holloway (Yvonne), Graham Jahne (Len), Catherine Larcey (May), Paul Moder (Carl), Robert Morgan (Duck), Alex Russell (Sparra Farrell), Jim Russell (Neil), Sullivan Stapleton (Pommie), Brett Swain (Boss), Rosie Traynor (Mrs. McGrath), Antonius Verlaan (Bear), Kerry Walker (Mrs. Farrell)

Runtime: 95 mins

Classification: MA15+

OUR CUT SNAKE REVIEWS & RATINGS:

Greg King:

You can hear Greg’s full Cut Snake review on The Good The Bad The Ugly Film Show Ep #147

Nick Gardener:

You can hear Nick’s full Cut Snake review on The Good The Bad The Ugly Film Show Ep #147

Average Buzz Rating (out of 5):

September 28, 2015 0 comment

Film Interviews Featured

Our Kind Of Traitor – Susanna White Interview

written by David Griffiths

Our Kind Of Traitor is the latest John Le Carre spy thriller to hit the screen and as usual it is a more downbeat, moody and cynical take on the business of espionage and international intrigue. It stars Ewan McGregor, Naomie Harris, Damian Lewis and Stellan Skarsgard. The director is Susanna White, and Greg spoke to her to find out more about adapting the novel to the screen.

You can listen to our Susanna White interview right here.

July 16, 2016 0 comment

Film News Featured

Helen Mirren To Star In Winchester

written by David Griffiths

WINCHESTER, the new supernatural thriller from Peter and Michael Spierig (Predestination), today announced production would commence early 2017 following confirmation of Screen Australia Production Investment. Oscar®-winning actress Helen Mirren will play the role of Sarah Winchester, millionaire heiress to the Winchester Arms fortune who designed and built the renowned Winchester Mystery House.

Produced by Blacklab Entertainment’s Tim McGahan (Predestination) and Imagination Design Works’ Brett Tomberlin, WINCHESTER has secured Screen Australia Production Investment, with assistance from Film Victoria’s Production Incentive Attraction Fund and Production Investment from Screen Queensland. Australian/NZ distributor is StudioCanal. International sales by Diamond Pictures, Bullitt Entertainment and US Distribution confirmed via CBS Films.

Producer Tim McGahan said “This is such a great story and we are delighted to have the full support of Screen Australia, Film Victoria and Screen Queensland to help bring it to the screen.”

“Screen Australia is thrilled to be co-funding Winchester, which gives the Spierig brothers a chance to work with A-List international talent including Helen Mirren,” said Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia. “Films like Winchester telegraph to the international market the breadth of films that can be made in Australia, using not only our locations but our creative and producing talent.”

Writer/directors Peter and Michael Spierig said “There have been few haunted house stories that have captured our imaginations quite like the legend of the Winchester House. Sarah Winchester was an eccentric pioneer, an inventor, a woman plagued by her family’s legacy, we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Helen Mirren bring this fascinating character to life “.

WINCHESTER will shoot in Melbourne, Docklands Studios and surrounds in early 2017 before shooting on location at the real Winchester Mystery House, widely thought to be one of the most haunted houses in the world.

Jenni Tosi, CEO Film Victoria said: “We’re delighted the Spierig brothers will be back in Melbourne with their next film Winchester, and will again be working with our talented cast and crews. We’re equally thrilled to welcome the peerless Dame Helen Mirren to Melbourne, and hope she’ll also have time to experience our world-renowned culture and cuisine.”

Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira said “We are thrilled to be supporting Queensland-based producer Tim McGahan and Queenslander Writer-Director team, Peter and Michael Spierig, on Winchester. The production will spend over $3.5 million in Queensland with picture, sound and visual fx post production taking place at Queensland-based Cutting Edge.

We are proud of the success of the Spierigs and along with Tim, for the critical and commercial success they achieved with their last feature, Predestination, also supported by SQ. There is already considerable market interest in Winchester following the Cannes Film Market and we anticipate there will be good representation of Queenslanders in the heads of department. Winchester will again put the global spotlight on Queensland talent and bring huge long-term benefits to our state,” she said.

Chief Executive of STUDIOCANAL Australia and New Zealand, Elizabeth Trotman said “A fascinating and rousing story led by the wonderful Helen Mirren, this exciting production is sure to be a thrill. We look forward to bringing it to audiences in Australia and New Zealand with great anticipation.”

September 7, 2016 0 comment

Film Featured Drama Thriller

Wakefield (2017) Review

written by David Griffiths

Summary: A man’s nervous breakdown causes him to leave his wife and live in his attic for several months.

Year: 2016

Australian Cinema Release Date: N/A

Australian DVD Release Date: 6th September 2017

Country: USA

Director: Robin Swicord

Screenwriter: Robin Swicord, E.L. Doctorow (short story), Nathaniel Hawthorne (short story)

Cast: Pippa Bennett-Warner (Emily), Victoria Bruno (Taylor), Eliza Coleman (Gleaner), Bryan Cranston (Howard Wakefield), Beverley D’Angelo (Babs), Ian Anthony Dale (Ben Jacobs), Jennifer Garner (Diana Wakefield), Monica Lawson (Ellen), Issac Leyva (Herbert), Jason O’Mara (Dirk Morrison), Carinna Rossignoli (Young Taylor), Ellery Sprayberry (Giselle), Alexander Zale (Dr. Sondervan)

Runtime: 106 mins

Classification: TBC

OUR WAKEFIELD REVIEWS & RATINGS:

Dave Griffiths:

Every now and then a role comes along that allows an actor to really show what they are capable of. Think of the sadly departed Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight or Sir Anthony Hopkins in The Silence Of The Lambs. That moment has now come for Bryan Cranston, a man who has shown that he has many talents in the acting game – from outrageous comedy in the hit Malcolm In The Middle through to award winning dramatic acting at its best in the cult favourite Breaking Bad. Now comes Wakefield, a dramatic film that sees Cranston at his very best – in a role that would stretch the abilities of any actor.

From director Robin Swicord (The Jane Austen Book Club, Red Coat) Wakefield sees Cranston (Argo, Drive) play Howard Wakefield, a man who feels like he is not appreciated by his beautiful wife, Diana (Jennifer Garner – Dallas Buyers Club, Juno) and their two daughters. When he arrives home late one night from work and sees his wife throwing out his dinner and not acting too ‘worried’ he decides to fake his own disappearance and watch her from the attic.

During this time Howard reflects on things like how he dishonestly gained Diana’s affections while she was actually dating his best friend Dirk Morrison (Jason O’Mara – One For The Money, Resident Evil: Extinction) while speculating what her intentions are with their handsome friend and colleague, Ben Jacobs (Ian Anthony Dale – The Hangover, The Bucket List) and also the plotting that is going on between her and her mother, Babs (Beverley D’Angelo – American History X, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation).

While the film doesn’t strive to be an intense thriller there is an air of suspense that remains throughout the film. Robin Swicord’s screenplay does leave the audience asking a lot of questions throughout the film which only enhances that suspense. While the synopsis of the film reads that these events follow from Howard having a nervous breakdown that is not always clear during the film and at times you find yourself wondering what kind of cruel husband/father could put their family through such a psychological game. That is only enhanced when you see what Howard was willing to do his best friend Dirk in order to win the affection of Diana.

To Swicord’s credit though she allows her audience to never truly hate Howard as she also shows his softer side by befriending the disabled teenagers from next door, Emily (Pippa Bennet-Warner – Harlots, Sick Note) and Herbert (Isaac Leyva – Any Day Now), when they seem to be shunned by the rest of the neighbourhood. The screenplay also allows a great insight into Howard’s mind with some well written, a never boring, monologues which are delivered throughout the film and by the time Howard’s stay in the attic hits winter and has a negative effect on his health we know that there is something seriously wrong with the man.

What sets Wakefield apart from the similar story in the great Australian film Tom White is the style. Swicord takes some pretty big risks in Wakefield, and luckily they all work. Having a lot of voiceover and monologues in a film has the real risk of boring the audience but that is never the case here and instead they become an impressive way for Howard to voice his thoughts to the audience. Likewise the fact that we see everything from Howard’s point-of-view, we rarely hear what Diana is saying to anyone throughout the film, gives a real one-sided view of events that only enhances how the audience warms to Howard despite his actions. Then of course there is the constant suspense throughout the film as the audience wonders what is going to happen when (if) Diana ever learns that Howard is living in the attic.

The great screenplay also allows for a brilliant acting performance from Bryan Cranston. Despite the prescience of Jennifer Garner and the occasional other actor in scenes this very much feels like a one-man movie. Cranston delivers monologues like a seasoned theatre actor while he uses body language and facial expressions amazingly well during scenes where Howard is all alone. The biggest battle for Cranston in this film is to make Howard likable to an audience where they are plainly seeing him psychologically torturing his family, and to his credit he does that remarkably well. This is an acting performance that deserves to be considered ‘one for the ages.’

The stylistic approach of Wakefield might mean this is a film not enjoyed by everybody but if you are a serious film lover who likes a good character driven film then this may well be a film that you will enjoy. An intriguing screenplay is only made better by a performance that shows the world just what a great talent Bryan Cranston really is.

Average Buzz Rating (out of 5):

September 7, 2017 0 comment

Film Featured Thriller

Black Butler: Book Of Murder (2016) Review

written by David Griffiths

Summary: At the behest of the Queen, Earl Ciel Phantomhive hosts a lavish dinner party attended by several of the finest members of polite society—as well as struggling author, Arthur. But as the party reaches its high, a terrible murder takes place and none other than the Earl himself is suspected of the crime.

As a violent storm rages on outside, the death count continues to climb. The Phantomhive household and their eminent guests find they must cooperate in order to solve this mystery before they too fall prey to the mysterious murderer. However, it seems that not even the perfect butler, Sebastian Michaelis, is safe from this horror.

Year: 2014

Australian Cinema Release Date: N/A

Australian DVD Release Date: 6th July 2016

Country: Japan

Director: Noriyuki Abe

Screenwriter: Yana Taboso

Cast: Shintaro Asanuma (Arthur (voice)), Yuki Kaji (Finnian (voice)), Emri Kato (Mey-Rin (voice)), Ryohei Kimura (Charles Grey (voice)), Jamie Marchi (Irene Diaz (voice)), Mana Miyamoto (Irene Diaz (voice)), Daisuke Ono (Sebastian Michaelis (voice)), Maaya Sakamoto (Ciel Phantomhive (voice)), Shinnosuke Tachibana (Soma), Eiichiro Tokumoto (Grimsby (voice)), Hiroki Yasumoto (Agni (voice)), Koji Yusa (Lau (voice)),

Runtime: 58 mins per ep

Classification: M

OUR BLACK BUTLER: BOOK OF MURDER REVIEWS & RATINGS:

Harley Woods:

Black Butler: Book Of Murder is a 2 part miniseries, originally shown in Japanese cinemas, which acts as the fourth instalment of the ‘Black Butler’ anime franchise. It is released on DVD and BluRay in Australia by MadMan Entertainment.

The story revolves around a dinner party at the Phantomhive manour, as ordered by the Queen. Ciel Phantomhive is the Queen’s ‘watchdog’ and although just a boy he always carries out his orders and protects her majesty with the aid of his demonic butler, Sebastian.

In this instalment his loyalty is under scrutiny so the Queen order Ciel to host a dinner for her cousin, where trouble is expected. The trouble in question takes the form of an old-style murder mystery, of the kind seen in classic British mystery novels of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle and Agatha Christie. This genre has been recreated particularly well, with the added twist of grand scheming and devilry that one expects from the Black Butler series.

Although this very genre-specific story is a slight departure from the usual style of the series, it is a faithful follow-on to the previous 3 instalments. A few inferences in the plot do incorporate details from the previous chapters, so knowledge of these makes for a more rewarding viewing. I found the story to be highly engaging with plot developments that keep you on the edge of your seat to discover the resolution.

Great characters fill this tale with most development being given to the guest cast, being that this is a finite miniseries. The regular cast have already been well developed so it is more important in this instance to get the bit-players across in a way that rounds their characters enough to understand their reactions and behaviours in the context of the narrative. That said, there does seem to be a little more impetus for Ciel to function on his own without relying on Sebastian.

I think the only loss in this regard is not seeing more of the Phantomhive staff have their unique character moments which usually come out more towards the end of each series as a bit of a surprise twist, but this time is incorporated from the start in more subtle ways. However, this leaves little wastage and things proceed naturally toward the ultimate resolution.

The Japanese voice cast are always impeccable and this is how I choose to view my anime. However, I did take the take to check out the American dub for the sake of this review. I don’t think a lot of the voices fit the characters too well – Sebastian for example sounds a little too old and less smooth as his character is often revealed to be.

However, props should be given to the American cast for taking the time and effort to provide suitable accents for each character and their background (predominantly British, with Chinese and Germanic characters). I appreciate that level of effort as it would be otherwise jarring to the audience who are supposed to be immersed in a drama in old England.

The art and animate was brilliant as usual, and the creators have successfully made reference to past elements and tied loose ends. This allows the series to move forward in a new chapter where they can, perhaps, create a new feel or a new beginning.

The characters are unique and their styles and those of Victorian London have been well presented and recreated, with a little bit of ‘anime flair’ to spice it up.

The settings are interesting and beautiful and help to immerse the audience in the world being presented. Action and animation are top quality and always a joy to watch. It’s always hard to look away, especially when Sebastian and the Phantomhive staff get into action.

The DVD is lite on special features, being more of a ‘special miniseries / movie collection’ rather than a full series in its own right. Included on this DVD release are the US trailer and Feature commentary on the second instalment by members of the US voice cast.

The commentary is good for those who watch the dubbed version and enjoy these performers, but for someone like me who enjoys the original soundtrack and the production as a whole it might have been nice to have a featurette or something.

On the whole, this is a very enjoyable anime, and I give it 4 out of 5.

Average Buzz Rating (out of 5):

July 28, 2016 0 comment

Film Featured Kids/Family Sci-Fi

A Letter To Momo (2011) Review

written by David Griffiths

Summary: Clinging to an unfinished letter written by her recently deceased father, young Momo moves with her mother from bustling Tokyo to the remote Japanese island of Shio. Upon their arrival, she begins to explore her new habitat, meeting local children and learning their routines and customs. However, it’s not long before several bizarre occurrences crop up around the previously tranquil island. Orchards are found ransacked, prized trinkets start disappearing and, worst of all, each morning after her mother leaves for work, Momo hears strange mumblings coming from the attic of their home. Annoyed by these creepy goings-on and her mother’s refusal to believe them, Momo embarks on a strange and supernatural adventure to discover the source of the mischief, which leads her to a trio of troublesome imps: the flatulent lizard Kawa, the childlike Mame and their hulking ogre leader Iwa. Momo also learns that her visit to the island is in some way connected to her father’s mysterious letter.

Year: 2011

Australian Cinema Release Date: N/A

Australian DVD Release Date: 6th July 2016

Country: Japan

Director: Hiroyuki Okiura

Screenwriter: Hiroyuki Okiura

Cast: Daizaburo Arakawa (Kazuo Miyaura (voice)), Frank Ashmore (Great Uncle (voice)), Bob Bergen (Mame (voice)), Kota Fuji (Yota (voice)), Kanoa Goo (Yota (voice)), Katsuki Hashimoto (Umi (voice)), Mia Sinclair Jenness (Umi (voice)), Karen Miyama (Momo Miyaura (voice)), Yuichi Nagashima (Mame (voice)), Toshiyuki Nishida (Iwa (voice)), Takeo Ogawa (Koichi (voice)), Amanda Pace (Momo Miyaura (voice)), Yoshida Sakaguchi (Great Uncle (voice)), Philece Sampler (Great Auntie (voice)), Stephanie Sheh (Ikuko Miyaura (voice)), Dana Snyder (Kawa (voice)), Ikuko Tani (Great Auntie (voice)), Fred Tatasciore (Iwa (voice)), Kirk Thornton (Kazuo Miyaura (voice)), Koichi Yamadera (Kawa (voice)), Yuka (Ikuko Miyaura (voice)), Rick Zieff (Koichi (voice))

Runtime: 120 mins

Classification: PG

OUR A LETTER TO MOMO REVIEWS & RATINGS:

Harley Woods:

A Letter To Momo is a Japanese animated feature, produced by Production I.G. and directed by Hiroyuki Okiura. It is released on DVD and BluRay in Australia by Madman Entertainment.

A Letter To Momo is a beautiful story and very true-to-life in it’s character portrayal and relationship aspects. This then melds with the fantastic and supernatural as Momo meets her ‘guardian angels’ who have taken unique forms from an old comic she was reading.

Shocking and hilarious moments ensue as she tries to deal with an unreal situation on top her own emotional ordeals after the death of her father and sudden move to a new home.

As we settle into life at the same time as Momo we experience childhood again and feel her bashfulness as her mother tries to force a friendship with local children (only to embarrass Momo) and relive all of the typical moments of childhood.

The real stirring begins when we learn what has brought Momo and her mother to this new life and how deeply the impacts of recent tragedy still play on this child’s heart and mind. The natural and ‘everyday’ way that the storytelling works is something the director and writers should be commended for.

The characters are brilliant – the humans are believable and ‘true’, while the otherworldly are fantastic and engaging and lovable despite their mischief.

One cannot help but care for Momo and want the best for her in each situation. A few moments I wanted to cry for the emotional jolts and later again for the pure joy and enjoyment I took from this movie.

As usual, I watched the production in the original Japanese which I think is an absolute must for this movie. The portrayals are true for each character and not ‘hightened’ like mass media anime. This is a real character piece with honest emotion and performances which I think would be harmed by dubbing over language and mannerisms of an entirely different culture.

The honesty in which it is played makes for a unique and touching experience.

The production overall was, in a word: beautiful.

The unique style, much different than the usual anime ‘manga style’ adds to the believability and draws the viewer more deeply into the story. The production staff have made every effort to bring the audience into the story.

Beautifully painted backdrops, realistic characters and a realistic sense of movement in the animation show just how great the thought and effort has been in the making of this film. The simpler character style and painting creates a more realistic look than expected, with the more predictable and fantastic stuff left for the supernatural figures.

Great direction and storytelling has paid-off for a highly rewarding and encapsulating viewing experience.

This is a great DVD from Madman, which includes Featurettes on the making of the production (which is really great to watch to see how this splendorous movie came to life from concept to completion).

Also included are an art gallery, test clips and trailers. All of these make for a value-packed DVD and an intensely enjoyable and uplifting experience which has quickly become one of my favourite movies.

Average Buzz Rating (out of 5):

July 28, 2016 0 comment

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