It’s very easy to sit back and point the figure at Iron Sky’s ordinary special effects, a cast of unknowns or even the fact the story is so far-fetched it’s hard to believe that a human could conceive it, but there is still something that you have to love about a film that despite its weaknesses still keeps you entertained for its entire running time.

The ‘out there’ plot tells the story of ‘moon Nazis’, a party of Nazis who in the closing stages of World War II left Earth and set-up a base on ‘the dark-side of the moon’. Now days the base is inhabited by Nazis including the determined (and in line to be Fuhrer) Klaus Adler (Gotz Otto – TV’S The Last Cop & Stuttgart Homicide) and his bride-to-be, the naïve Renate Richter (Julia Dietze – 205: Room Of Fear, Berlin Angels).

While the Nazis plan for an attack on Earth their plan is rushed forward, in the year 2018, when a space-shuttle containing astronaut, James Washington (Christopher Kirby – I Love You Too, Mao’s Last Dancer) lands near the base. The Nazis believe that it is a sign that there base is under attack when it is actually a political-stunt by U.S. President (Stephanie Paul – Separation City, The Frequency Of Claire) and her PR advisor, Vivian Wagner (Peta Sergeant – TV’S Satisfaction & Canal Road). The result is inter-galactic war.

The reason that Iron Sky works is because the screenwriters and director, Timo Vuorensola (Star Wreck: In The Pirkinning, Norjalainen huora) doesn’t let the film take itself too seriously. They know that the film is ‘out there’ and they film it in such a way that they are making fun of themselves without ever dipping into complete parody.

In fact when you take a look at the script it actually has some ‘intelligent’ aspects. The Sarah Palin-esque President is a great touch, but it is when the film takes a mighty swing at U.S. politics and the U.N. that you begin to realize that the screenwriters have used ‘comedy’ to mask a pretty serious message… one that you may or may not agree with.

It is also worth noting that the screenwriters don’t really make light of the Nazi party so nobody should be too concerned that the film will offend anyone. It’s a thin line that the screenwriters skate, but they do it remarkably well.

Some of the acting is a little wooden and at times poor old Christopher Kirby has to suffer wearing some very ordinary special-effects make-up but the star of the show really is Julia Dietze. She is brilliant from start to finish and even if Iron Sky does nothing else it has certainly put this talented actress on the map.

Iron Sky isn’t for everybody but if you enjoy a sci-fi that is a little left-of-centre but doesn’t become a farce than you certainly won’t be disappointed if you give it a glance.

Year: 2012

Director: Timo Vuorensola

Stars: Julia Dietze, Peta Sergeant, Stephanie Paul, Gotz Otto, Christopher Kirby

Classification: M

Runtime: 93 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

With any ordinary director at the helm, Dark Shadows would have become the shallow comedy that its trailer hinted it could be. But Dark Shadows isn’t directed by any ordinary director, no it has the legendary Tim Burton (Alice In Wonderland, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) in charge… and with his unique sense of humor infused into this dark tale you have a very good film indeed.

Based on a television series Dark Shadows tells the story of Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp – 21 Jump Street, The Rum Diary) a young man who is cursed by a witch, Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green – Perfect Sense, Womb), and becomes a vampire whom is then imprisoned for 200 years.

When Barnabas is awakened her finds that Angelique has destroyed his family’s business and now pretty much ‘owns’ the town that his family set-up. Even the mansion he once lived in is in ruins as his distant relatives struggle to make a dime.

Barnabas arrives back at his old home and encourages his relatives, Elizabeth (Michelle Pfeiffer – New Year’s Eve, Personal Effects), Roger (Jonny Lee Miller – TV’S Emma & Dexter), Carolyn (Chloe Grace Moretz – Hugo, Hick), David (Gulliver McGrath – Hugo, The Long Night), the family doctor, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter – Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Toast) and the butler, Willie (Jackie Earle Haley – Louis, A Nightmare On Elm Street) to help him rebuild his family empire and destroy Angelique.

And while trying to get used to the culture of the 1970s Barnabas also tries to find out how to impress the 1970s’ female when he finds himself falling for the Collins family governess, the mysterious girl who calls herself Victoria Winters (Bella Heathcote – In Time, Beneath Hill 60).

Tim Buton’s cool imagination runs riot with Dark Shadows and it is one of the things that makes the film work. The film’s humour works, and despite some of the jokes being really obvious it seems to fit with the films style. But more importantly Burton gets the right mix of comedy and darkness. As a result you like Barnabas as a character despite the fact that he does in fact kill innocent characters throughout the film.

The screenwriters need to be congratulated for that, but they also need to be thanked for not taking away any of the suspense that this film needs either. Together with Tim Burton they really have created a surprisingly good film.

As a credit to what a fine actor he is Johnny Depp manages to outshine everyone else even though this is an ensemble cast. He is unrecognizable as Barnabas, a role he seems to totally lap up. Eva Green gets the chance to announce herself as the ‘baddie’ but so many of the rest of the cast, such as Chloe Grace Moretz, really aren’t given enough screen time to allow them to shine. You especially feel sorry for poor Bella Heathcote who does nothing wrong but at times it feels like her character has been forgotten about by the script. Let’s hope that if a sequel gets made some of the other characters get a look in as well.

As far as a good mix of horror and comedy goes Dark Shadows works absolute wonders and is a joy to watch. Dark Shadows is a lot better than its trailer suggest and really does deserve to be seen on the big screen.

Year: 2012

Director: Tim Burton

Stars: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Chloe Grace Moretz, Gullivar McGrath

Classification: M

Runtime: 113 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

When it comes to the world of films there is ‘good absurd’ and ‘bad absurd’. The sad thing about The Woman In The Fifth is that the film is going along nicely until director, Pawel Pawlikowski (My Summer Of Love, Last Resort) decides to take it into the absurd area and fails miserable.

The film tells the story of Tom Ricks (Ethan Hawke – Sinister, Exit Strategy) an American novelist with some suggested mental problems who travels to France to try and see his daughter, Chloe (Julie Papillon – newcomer), but his ex-wife, Nathalie (Delphine Chuillot – Mozart’s Sister, Pursuit) soon puts a stop to that.

After he is robbed Tom finds himself in Paris with nothing. He is then befriended by a gangster, Sezer (Samir Guesmi – My Worst Nightmare, The Counsel) who provides him with a strange job. When not locked in the room watching his screen he pursues relationships with the mature and erotic, Margit (Kristin Scott Thomas – Bel Ami, Salmon Fishing In The Yemen) as well as his young muse, Ania (Joanna Kulig – Elles, Maraton Tanca).

As mentioned previously The Woman In  The Fifth starts off as a very good film. As Nathalie cowers away from Tom you find yourself wondering what has happened in the past and why he can’t see his daughter. However Pawlikowski has such a desire to take this in a similar direction to Fight Club that he loses sight of the answers that the audience wants to see… and sadly the film collapses into the heap and rewards its audience with an ending that is confusing and disappointing to all extremes.

The film does serve as a good platform to remind everybody that Ethan Hawke really is one of the forgotten actors of Hollywood. Hawke commands the screen in every scene he is in. He is well supported by Joanna Kulig who proves she is a talented up and comer, however you can’t help but think that Kirsten Scott Thomas is wasted in her role…in fact it is a shame to such a talented actress given her best for so little in return.

If The Woman In The Fifith had finished fifteen minutes earlier it may have worked, but at the end of the day its weird ending just ruins it for everyone. A disappointing film that is only saved by Ethan Hawke.

Year: 2012

Director: Pawel Pawlikowski

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Kristin Scott Thomas, Joanna Kulig, Samir Guesmi, Delphine Chuillot, Julie Papillon

Classification: M

Runtime: 80 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

If you don’t like films that will make you think or are likely going to frustrate you then Café De Flore certainly isn’t the film for you. This is a film that will make you think so hard that it is likely that it will actually hurt your brain.

Café De Flore is actually told in two parts. In modern times we see famous DJ Antoine Godin (Kevin Parent – newcomer) and the trouble that has been caused to his family after he left his first wife, Carole (Helene Florent – Lance Et Compte, TV’S La Galere) for a woman he met at a whim and unexpectedly felt that he needed to be with, Rose (Evelyne Brochu – Frisson Des Collines, TV’S Mirador).

The second half of the story is set in 1969 and finds a young, single mother, Jacqueline (Vanessa Paradis – Dubai Flamingo, A Monster In Paris) who refuses to give up her disabled son, Laurent (Marin Gerrier – newcomer).

If you want to see how the two stories are linked you’ll have to watch the film because it would be a crime for me to give it away here.

Early on Café De Flore looks like it is going to be a serious film about music. But despite the fact it contains a beautiful soundtrack that is made of bands such as Sigur Ros, The Cure and Pink Floyd but director, Jean-Marc Vallee (The Young Victoria, C.R.A.Z.Y.) somehow manages to lose complete control of this film and it ends with an ending that you can tell will frustrate those who have stuck with the film.

It really is a shame because the 1969 storyline in Café De Flore is terrific. Not many films have ever sown the relationship between a disabled son and a mother so well and this storyline alone would have made an absolutely terrific film. The modern storyline and the whole link seems to drag the film down badly.

Marin Gerrier has to be one of the most talented youngsters to ever grace the big screen. He is obviously handicapped in real life and he manages to standout in every scene he is in. Along with Vanessa Paradis’ performance he is one of the things that will make this film so memorable for me.

At time Café De Flore is a sensational but it is dangerously let my an ending that makes its audience stretch their imagination a little too far. That may be okay in the realm of sci-fi but not in drama. In the end Café De Flore becomes a hit and miss affair.

Year: 2012

Director: Jean-Marc Vallee

Stars: Vanessa Paradis, Kevin Parent, Helene Florent, Evelyne Brochu, Marin Gerrier

Classification: MA15+

Runtime: 129 mins

Rating:  

Dave Griffiths

The political unrest in Burma has been going for so long now that you would think there have been a string of films made about it. Sadly, that isn’t the case so it is refreshing that a film like The Lady has now surfaced. The unfortunate thing is that while The Lady portrays the problems of Burma quite well the film just isn’t strong enough to have a lasting impression on its audience.

Technically The Lady is a biopic that tells the story of Aung San Suu Kyi (Michelle Yeoh – Kung Fu Panda 2, Reign Of Assassins) and her husband Michael Aris (David Thewlis – War Horse, Anonymous).

When Aung San Suu Kyi leaves England to return to her homeland, Burma, she goes for two weeks to help bring her mother back to health. But while there she witnesses atrocities that make her realise that her true mission in life must be to follow in her father’s footsteps and bring peace to Burma.

The new regime hates the threat that she poses to them and soon she finds herself stuck in Burma unable to see Michael who is left to look after their two sons, Kim (Jonathan Raggett – TV’S Dani’s House) and Alexander (Jonathan Woodhouse – newcomer).

Together director Luc Besson (Joan Of Arc, The Fifth Element) and screenwriter, Rebecca Frayn (Killing Me Softly, The Ghosts Of Oxford Street) do a wonderful job showing the epic love story between Aung San Suu and Michael but in doing so they go dangerously close to trivializing the events in Burma as it skirts over major events when it really should have paid them credit.

Parts of The Lady reveal it as a well-written film that early on threatens to be a masterpiece, but it feels like Frayn tries to wrap up the script way to quickly and in doing so it becomes dangerously repetitive and at the end of the day you feel that you are watching a ‘fluff piece’ that is designed to show Aung San Suu and Michael as saints… which may mean it is not quite as historically correct as it should be.

If you are lover of fine acting though you may want to see The Lady because David Thewlis puts in a sensational performance that hopefully he will be rewarded for with award success.

The Lady is an epic that should have been a lot more powerful if it wanted to get it’s important message across for all, being strong on the romantic’s emotions doesn’t quite make up for that.

Year: 2011

Director: Luc Besson

Stars: Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, Jonathan Raggett, Jonathan Woodhouse

Classification: MA15+

Runtime: 132 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

Perhaps one of the worst named films in cinema history but don’t let that put you off because Salmon Fishing In The Yemen is a beautiful romance that has an intriguing quality about it that most films lack.

Harriet (Emily Blunt – The Five-Year Engagement, Your Sister’s Sister) is an investment advisor who is helping Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked – Contagion, Hekayet ElThawra) put together a most ambitious project – to introduce salmon fishing into the Yemen.

Fisheries expert Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor – Haywire, Perfect Sense) originally scoffs at the idea. But when pressure is placed on his department by the forceful Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas – Bel Ami, The Woman In The Fifth) he is pushed into action and soon finds himself working on the project fulltime.

However when Harriet’s boyfriend Captain Robert Mayers (Tom Mison – One Day, Steve) goes missing in action in Afghanistan and Alfred begins questioning his relationship with Mary (Rachael Stirling – Centurion, The Young Victoria) other possibilities are also opened.

Director, Lasse Hallstrom (Dear John, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale) does everything right with this film. The film does have its comedic moments and Hallstrom lets them play out without ever letting them get in the way of the film. The character of Patricia is obviously written as virtual-characterture yet for some reason this never distracts from some of the very important things and messages that the film is trying to portray.

At times this film goes into some very deep subjects such as exploring ones faith, yet it is through comedy that the filmmakers take their biggest swipe of all… and it’s directed right at the British Government. A script that has the potential to make you both laugh and cry like Salmon Fishing In The Yemen can is extremely rare. Add that to some wonderful shot selections from Hallstrom and you’ve got a film that is likely to stimulate all your senses.

Emily Blunt also recovers from a recent form slump to show that once again she is capable of some great acting but even she is shadowed by a hopefully-award-winning performance by Ewan McGregor. McGregor absolutely shines in the role of an extremely interesting character… now who thought you could ever say that about someone who a character who works in the fisheries department. It is impossible to fault his performance and the film is worth seeing for him alone.

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen is a beautiful romance that oozes with charm and that unique British comedy. A stunning film that will become a favorite for many people.

Year: 2012

Director: Lasse Hallstrom

Stars: Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, Amr Waked, Tom Mison, Rachael Stirling, Kristen Scott Thomas

Classification: M

Runtime: 107 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

One thing is for certain, there will not be many more films released in 2012 that have a script finer than This Must Be The Place. People complain that there is nothing different in cinema these days… well that something different is here right now, and it is bloody brilliant.

Cheyenne (Sean Penn – The Tree Of Life, Fair Game) is an aged goth rockstar in the vein of Ozzy Osbourne or Marilyn Manson. In his heyday he was one of the most recognized musos in the business… even Mick Jagger wanted to perform with him, but he quit his career after two boys committed suicide after listening to his music.

He now lives in the U.K. with his wife, Jane (Frances McDormand – Burn After Reading, Transformers: Dark Of The Moon), and while she works as a firefighter he shuffles around the village catching up with people such as Mary (Eve Hewson – For The First Time, The 27 Club)… he’s happy out of the spotlight.

But then comes the news that his father is dying in New York. Cheyenne travels there but is too late. With his father now dead he decides to take up the challenge of his father’s Nazi tormentor that saw him end up in concentration camp.

An already brilliant screenplay is made even better by some fine filmmaking from director (and co-writer) Paolo Sorrentino (Napoli 24, La Partita Lenta) who really announces himself to the world with a film that is as good as it is different.

Sorrentino tells the story in a slow way, both storywise and visually, but not once do you ever find yourself bored or tuning out, quite the opposite actually. As an audience you find yourself constantly questioning Cheyenne as a character and marveling at the fact that Sorrentino has created such a mesmerizing being. Be warned though Sorrentino also leaves the audience hanging a little with an ending that doesn’t quite answer each question.

Also making This Must Be The Place a must see is a fine performance by Sean Penn, one of the finest in his career actually and that is really saying something. Penn totally becomes Cheyenne and never slips up despite the fact that his character is tested. Penn should feel hard done by by the fact that his performance hasn’t garnished more awards talk because this is one of the finest acting performances to grace our screens in quite a while.

This Must Be The Place is a fine drama that won’t let it’s audience done. A terrific script and a tantalizing performance by its leading man results in a fine dramatic experience.

Year: 2012

Director: Paolo Sorrentino

Stars: Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, Eve Hewson

Classification: M

Runtime: 114 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

Highly regarded for his unique sense of humour director, Aki Kaurismaki (Lights In The Dusk, The Man Without A Past) you always know you are in for something special when you sit down to watch one of his films. This time around Kaurismaki not only delivers that humour but has also served up a film with real heart in the form of a great little filmed called Le Havre.

The film tells the story of Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms – Ameicano, La Travesee) an elderly shoe-shiner that lives on the poorer side of the French city of Le Havre. He makes a modest living that is just enough to keep himself, his wife Arletty (Kati Outinen – Backwood Philosopher, The House Of Branching Love) and dog alive.

However the softer side of Marcel is revealed when a container load of illegal immigrants is discovered at the wharves. As the Police raid the container one immigrant, a young boy named Idrissa (Blondin Miguel – newcomer) escapes. Marcel befriends the young boy and takes him into his home and as Arletty discovers she is dying Marcel (with the help of his community) decides to see that Idrissa makes it to London to be with his mother and isn’t caught by highly-respected Police Detective, Monet (Jean-Pierre Darroussin – De Bon Matin, The Well Digger’s Daughter).

With his traditional witty script at hand Kaurismaki creates unique characters that make Le Havre a must see. You instantly fall for Marcel despite the fact that he has faults and it is certain that some people will be dabbing at their eyes when they hear that Arletty is terminally ill.

But the power in this film is that Kaurismaki brings across a strong message of community without really trying and through characters that at times have you laughing out loud. Kaurismaki also remembers a forgotten art in scriptwriting, and that is the beauty of a scene that truly tests a character, and without spoiling anything lets say that certainly happens for Monet.

While Andre Wilms really does a great job in the lead role he is overshadowed by Jean-Pierre Darroussin who is unforgettable in the role of Monet, one of the most interesting characters to grace our screens over the last few years. Darroussin finds the right mix of humour and drama to make Monet such a walking cliché that it makes him even more memorable.

Le Havre really is great film that raises some very important questions. This little gem just reminds all of us what a special filmmaker in Kaurismaki. A sensational little drama with just a hint of comedy… this is one of the surprise hits of the year.

Year: 2012

Director: Aki Kaurismaki

Stars: Andre Wilms, Kati Outinen, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Blondin Miguel

Classification: PG

Runtime: 90 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

To some a film about two of the most influential men in the world of psychology may seem like a snooze-fest but such is the power of the screening writing of A Dangerous Method it is guaranteed to be the one of the best films of the year.

Based on John Kerr’s novel and Christopher Hampton’s play A Dangerous Method begins with the ‘troubled’ Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley – London Boulevard, Last Night) who is sent to Dr Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender – Haywire, Shame) so the cause of her problems can be identified.

At the same time Jung starts a close friendship with the man he idolizes, Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen – The Road, Good) and while the two men’s beliefs sometimes clash it is obvious that they respect one another.

However soon Jung’s life and his relationship with his wife, Emma (Sarah Gadon – World Without End, Dream House) is thrown into turmoil when a patient referred to him by Freud, Otto Gross (Vincent Cassel – The Monk, Our Day Will Come) encourages him to begin a sexual relationship with the now cured Sabina.

Director, David Cronenbeg (Eastern Promises, A History Of Violence) does a fine job making sure A Dangerous Method stays on the path of being a serious biographical film and not turning it into borderline porn. Sure he explores the relationship between Sabina and Jung and throws in a couple of erotic scenes but he never loses control of the film at hand.

The real power in this film comes from the screenplay which is written by the same man that adapted the novel into a play, Christopher Hampton (Chei, Antonement). Hampton’ script delivers some powerful dialogue that guarantees the audience won’t lose their concentration even in some of the in-depth conversations between Jung and Freud… and you may even learn something.

Aside from a little overacting from Knightley early on A Dangerous Method is made even stronger by some amazing acting performances. Fassbender and Mortensen are terrific in their roles and deserve high praise for some of the scenes they share together.

A Dangerous Method is a biographical film made into something special by a brilliantly written script and two lead actors that really step up to the plate. A powerful drama that will leave you spellbound.

Year: 2012

Director: David Cronenberg

Stars: Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassel, Sarah Gadon

Classification: MA

Runtime: 99 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

Move over Snowtown and Animal Kingdom a new Aussie film has just blown you out of the water. Wish You Were Here is one of the finest Aussie movies to surface in a long time, it is nearly impossible to fault and is five stars all the way.

For Alice Flannery (Felicity Price – TV’S Rescue Special Ops & My Place), her husband Dave (Joel Edgerton – The Thing, Warrior), her sister Steph (Teresa Palmer – Take Me Home Tonight, I Am Number Four) and Steph’s boyfriend Jeremy (Antony Starr – Bliss, TV’S Rush) a trip to Cambodia seems like a fun week in paradise.

But then the unthinkable happens. After a party in a small coastal town one night Jeremy goes missing and the others are forced to return to Australia without him. Soon it is revealed that some of the remaining three have secrets about that night and with a Federal Police Officer, Jon Canane (Nicholas Cassim – Dealing With Destiny, TV’S At Home With Julia) sniffing around it’s obvious even more dark secrets will soon surface.

Director/screenwriter Kieran Darcy-Smith (The Island, Bloodlock) has delivered an absolute blinder of a film, a thriller that has all the elements of a European thriller and leaves you breathless throughout. Darcy-Smith teases the audience giving us titbits of what happened in Cambodia but never lets you fully know what happened until he is ready for the big reveal… and there is no way that you can pick what is going to happen. And yes there are a few times where you’ll jump.

Darcy-Smith has also created some terrific characters. You instantly care for Alice and hate the situation that she finds herself in. At times you will grow suspicious of (and maybe even hate) Dave but by the end of the film you’ll be loving him as well… such is the power of the writing in the screenplay. As far as thrillers go this script nails it to a tee.

Acting wise Edgerton and Price are brilliant. Price really shows that she deserves to be included amongst Australia’s top actors with a performance that should guarantee a few award wins. The same has to be said about Edgerton. Sometimes it feels that Australians take him for granted but here he shows that he is not just one of the best actors on our show but one of the best actors in the world at the moment. His performance is guaranteed to take you on a journey.

Wish You Were Here is not a film for the faint hearted. It will stir up emotions and takes the audience into some dark places, but at the end of the day this is a fine thriller that is at the top of its game. If you love a good dramatic film that keeps you guessing then you simply have to see Wish You Were Here. Five stars all the way!!!

Year: 2012

Director: Kieran Darcy-Smith

Stars: Felicity Price, Joel Edgerton, Teresa Palmer, Antony Starr, Nicholas Cassim

Classification: CTC

Runtime: 100 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths