Call it slow, call it a talk-fest, call it what you will but Margin Call is the Wall Street of the new generation, this is a film written about events that are happening right now, and it is so well written that it just has to be one of the films of the year.

The film is set in a respected financial firm and begins with a massive amount of downsizing. Juniors in the company, Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto – What’s Your Number?, Girl Walks Into A Bar) and Seth Bregman (Penn Badgley – Easy A, The Stepfather) watch as many of their colleagues, including their boss, Eric Dale (Stanley Tucci – The Hunger Games, Captain America: The First Avenger) make the long walk down the corridor.

However just as he is leaving Eric tells Peter he was running some risk assessments and that he should take a look at them. Peter does and what he discovers sends a ripple effect through out the company’s hierarchy, including Sarah Robertson (Demi Moore – Another Happy Day, Bunraku), Will Emerson (Paul Bettany – Priest, The Tourist), Sam Rogers (Kevin Spacey – Inseparable, Horrible Bosses) and Jared Cohen (Simon Baker – The Killer Inside Me, Women In Trouble) until it is finally time to call in the big boss, John Tuld (Jeremy Irons – The Words, Eco-Hollywood). Now decisions have to be made and they may not all be legal or ethical.

Director/screenwriter, J.C. Chandor (Despacito) has created what is close to being the perfect screenplay. This film packs a punch not through action but with dialogue that should be a lesson for any screenwriter and how to write. You are easily drawn in because even though the topic at hand is finance Chandor explains it in such a way that even an idiot could work out what is happening.

Add that to the fact that Chandor knows how to draw suspense out of even the slightest scene and you can see why this film works so well. Even the fact that Chandor has Eric disappear for so long sucks the audience into thinking that he has done the stereotype and topped himself.

Chandor’s cast also well and truly comes to the party. There is not a weak performance to be seen but Tucci and Bettany are standouts while Quinto really announces himself as an actor who is able to step-up when he is required. To his credit he is never overshadowed by his much more experience co-stars. Chandor also takes some risks in casting the likes of Demi Moore… but to his credit it pays off.

Margin Call deserves to be a sleeper hit. The fact that it centres around the world of finance may scare off some people, but it shouldn’t. This is a sensational film that is accessible to all… the fact it is made of one of the best ensemble casts assembled in years and a one of the best screenplays you are ever likely to come across is just a plus. One of the films of the year!

 Year: 2012

Director: J.C. Chandor

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci

Classification: MA15+

Runtime: 107 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

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When you throw together some of the finest actors to grace our screen over the last 50 years and then add a script that is designed to tug at the heartstrings of its audience then you are certainly going to get something special…the result here is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel a film that works on all levels.

Based on a novel by Deborah Moggach the film follows a group of retirees who all arrive in India for different reasons. Muriel (Maggie Smith – Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2, Gnomeo & Juliet) is a racist who has been forced to travel to India for medical treatment. Graham (Tom Wilkinson – The Samaritan, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) is in search of a lost love. Madge (Celia Imrie – Acts Of Godfrey, Hacks) is searching for new love. Douglas (Bill Nighy – Wrath Of The Titans, Arthur Christmas) and his wife of 39 years Jean (Penelope Wilton – TV’S Downton Abbey & Masterpiece Theatre) are searching for somewhere they can afford to live after their daughter has ‘used up’ their money. While Evelyn (Judi Dench – J. Edgar, My Week With Marilyn) wants to be able to stand on her own two feet for the first day.

They all flock to ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ that is run by the dreamer, Sonny (Dev Patel – The Last Airbender, Slumdog Millionaire) however the hotel looks nothing like its pictures in the brochure.

Director, John Madden (The Debt, Killshot) has done something really special with this film… he has made a movie that actually stands for something. The films message is clear… if society could outsource the elderly we would, but we forget that they are people with feelings and still have a lot to give. Madden makes sure the message is at the forefront of this film but never rams it down the throats of his audience… and as a result he has created a brilliant film.

The screenplay allows you to feel for all the characters at hand, although is let down a little by the fact that Sonny is almost made into a comedic cliche. But the best part of the scripts even allow you feel for some of the, well lets just say, not-so-nice characters. Together with the way that Madden has captured India on film and you are really onto something special.

As you would expect that acting here is top notch however it is Maggie Smith and Judi Dench that steal the show. Their performances are a notch above outstanding and yes their portrayals of their characters could actually reduce you to tears at times.

This is a film that is designed to wake-up emotions in its audience and it is does its job remarkably well. With interesting characters and filmed beautifully this is one film that you don’t want to miss.

Year: 2012

Director: John Madden

Stars: Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Dev Patel, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie

Classification: PG

Runtime: 123 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

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To be blunt The Raid makes any movie that Quentin Tarrantino or Guy Ritchie has ever made look like they are films aimed for children. The Raid is violent, action-packed and much to the surprise to many… well made.

Set in Jakarta The Raid follows an elite SWAT team led by Jaka (Joe Taslim – Rasa, Karma) as they raid a 15-storey apartment building run by one of the city’s most influential gangsters and is home to a heap more. Jaka soon realises that his squad has been set-up by corrupt Police Officers and are now sitting ducks in what is quickly becoming a killing spree, it is going to be up to him and tough cops such as Rama (Iko Uwais – Merantau) if they are going to make it home that night.

The first thing that hits you about The Raid is what a sensational director Gareth Evans (Merantau, Footsteps). Evans should be placed on the first plane back to the U.S. and be made show American filmmakers how to make an action film.

Evans does everything right with The Raid. Production wise it looks sensational, he comes up with creative shots and despite the fact the film has a basic storyline he uses just enough characterization to make you want some of the officers to walk away from the massacre. However best of all Evans will most certainly have you suspense… all the way through.

Even Evan’s script works really well. Once you realise that they have been set up by corrupt cops you find yourself trying to pick out who the bad egg is and Evans is smart enough to just drop little titbits for his audience throughout. And yes while it is a cliché the fact that Rama’s wife is pregnant is more than enough to have you wanting him to survive. Even better is the fact that Evans shares that bit of information in a stunning opening that he should really be proud of. The plot point that reveals that one of the cops is related to one of the gangsters inside is just icing on the cake.

The second thing that is a standout in The Raid is the performance of Iko Uwais… halt production on The Expendables II because this is one action star that needs to be in it. Uwais is sensational – his fighting skills are sensational and lo-and-behold the man can actually act. He is one of the first ever genuine actors that can actually pull off some martial arts moves that will leave you breathless.

The Raid is one of the best action movies ever made. Yes the violence will scare off some but this is one of the few action films that can actually make you gasp as you watch the twists and turns (and punches and kicks) unfold on the screen in front from you. Don’t allow the fact that this is Indonesian scare you off this is an absolute classic that will reveals the skills of Uwais and Evans to the world. Action fans don’t miss this one!

Year: 2012

Director: Gareth Evans

Stars: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim

Classification: MA15+

Runtime: 100 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

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Delicacy is a delightful surprise in the world of romantic comedies, as it seems to point out all the flaws in the Hollywood rom-coms that flood our screens. It certainly doesn’t seem like that was the films intent but in a funny way that is the end result.

The film begins with sadness when Nathalie (Audrey Tautou – Beautiful Lies, Coco Avant Chanel) loses the love of her life Francois (Piro Marmai – A Happy Event, Contre Toi) in an unexpected accident. Francois was close to be the perfect man, he was thoughtful, attractive, intelligent and was completely devoted to Nathalie.

Nathalie slumps into depression and locks herself away from the world. She shuts herself off from family and friends and concentrates on her work. There are potential suitors including Nathalie’s sleazy boss, Charles (Bruno Todeschini – Bankable, Switch) but Nathalie swats them all away.

So it comes as some surprise to everyone including Nathalie when out of the blue she kisses her awkward Swedish colleague, Markus (Francois Damiens – Torpedo, The Rabbi’s Cat). None is more surprised than Markus, why would such a beautiful woman be interested in him?

Director David Foenkinos’ (Une Historie De Pieds) screenplay takes a huge swipe at modern society. What is it such a big deal that an attractive woman goes out with an unattractive man. Foenkinos really plays up people’s opinion of Nathalie and Markus getting together in both a comedic and at times serious, hurtful dramatic way. And by highlighting what is wrong with society Foenkinos has also exposed how shallow most rom-coms are by normally only featuring the ‘sexy’ and ‘good-looking’ people of this world.

At times it feels that Delicacy is a little long but Foenkinos seems to always know the perfect time to drop in a bit of comedy and once again draw his audience’s attention back to the screen. The fact that he has made Markus such a lovable character also helps a great deal.

The breath of fresh air here is Francois Damiens who shows more than enough to indicate that he is on his way to becoming one of France’s finest comedic actors. Some of his comedic moments with Tautou will have you in stitches.

Maybe a little overlong but for the most part Delicacy is a comedy that will have you laughing throughout.

Year: 2011

Director: David & Stephane Foenkinos

Stars: Audrey Tautou, Francois Damiens, Bruno Todeschini, Pio Marmai

Classification: CTC

Runtime: 108 mins

Rating:

Delicacy is screening in the 2012 Alliance Francaise French Film Festival which is being held in Sydney (6-25 March), Melbourne (7-25 March), Brisbane (14 March-1 April), Canberra (14 March – 1 April), Adelaide (20 March-8 April), Perth (21 March-9 April)

Dave Griffiths

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It’s hard to believe but the film of the year may just come from Iran. A Separation is streets ahead of most of the dramas that hit our screens this year and should it take home an Oscar it certainly deserves it.

Nader (Peyman Maadi – Mourning, About Elly) and Simin (Leila Hatami – Narenji Poush, Saadat Abad) are a couple of war. While she wants to take their daughter, Termeh (newcomer) to live abroad but Nader wants his family to stay in Iran so he can look after his severly disabled father (Ali-Asghar Shahbazi – newcomer).

When Simin moves out though Nader hires the pre-occupied Razieh (Sareh Bayat – newcomer) to look after his father when he isn’t at home. But an alarming incident leads to Nader being blamed for a crime and Razieh’s husband Hodjat (Shahab Hosseini – Barf Rooye Shirvani Dagh, Just An Hour Ago) coming after him seeking blood. But did Nader do the crime that he is accused of?

Director/writer Asghar Farhadi (Trial On The Street, About Elly) has created a script of complete intrigue that is so realistic it is scary. The fact that Farhadi chooses to not show the audience what actually occurred with the incident makes the court process even more suspenseful. And having Hodjat as a hot-headed violent man capable of doing anything means that you genuinely worry for the safety of Nader and anyone around him.

Only adding to the suspense of the film is some brilliant acting performances by Peyman Maadi and Shahab Hosseini. Nader’s performance is Oscar-worthy while Hosseini’s performance is also incredible. The scenes in which he depicts Hodjat losing his temper are highlights and will be lapped up by anyone that enjoys dramatic acting at its best.

A Separation is sensational from start to finish. If you love crime drama you will find yourself totally engrossed by the film while you desperately try to figure out whether Nader has committed the crime he is accused of or not. A Separation is one of the films of the year!

Year: 2012

Director: Asghar Farhadi

Stars: Peymann Maadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayet, Shahab Hosseini, Sarina Farhadi, Ali-Asghar Shahbazi

Classification: CTC

Runtime: 123 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

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It is easy to get blown away with The Artist. It does look spectacular on the big screen, and while it is an enjoyable watch it is hardly what you could call a great film. So why does it generate such Oscar Buzz? Because it is a good film with a fair bit of novelty-factor attached to it, as you seldom see silent films these days (you can’t really say never because the odd short film does show up from time to time).

The Artist does explore a golden age in cinema. It is Hollywood, 1927, and film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin – The Players, A View Of Love) together with his faithful dog and producer, Al Zimmer (John Goodman – Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Happy Feet Two) are the talk of Hollywood, each film they make together produces gold. However George’s life changes forever when he meets the beautiful and talented Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo – Prey, Bouquet Final). And while she causes personal problems they pale into insignificance compared to the fact that she is one of the new talents that is at the forefront of ‘talky’ films which are making silent film stars like himself obsolete.

Director, Michael Hazanavicius (OSS 117 Lost In Rio, OSS 117 Cairo: Nest Of Spies) really has taken a massive step forward in his career but to label him a visionary is incorrect seeing the silent film style of filmmaking has been around for a long, long time. And while many are applauding the fact that Hazanavicius has attempted such a film, it should be pointed out that The Artist would be no harder to film then any period piece. Hazanavicius has not really created a work of art, he has just re-created something from the past, and the novelty seems to have worked on audiences.

The most important thing about The Artist is that the story does hold-up, proof that the script does work without dialogue… just remember the key to good story-telling is to show not tell and that is something that Hazanavicius does remarkably well with his script. The fact that there is no dialogue also seems to, on some level, make you closer to the characters at hand.

Acting wise, both Jean Durjardin and Berenice Bejo seems to breeze through their roles with ease, and the films success should see that both will now have a huge chance of making it in Hollywood. However it seems to be John Goodman that steals the scene in the comedy stakes. Goodman steals every scene he is in and it seems a shame not to mention that this is one of his finest efforts, in a career that has now spanned a great deal many years.

The Artist may not be a film you will class as your all-time favorite but it certainly is a great watch and will only be enhanced if you go and see it in an old-time cinema… just for nostalgia sake.

Year: 2012

Director: Michael Hazanavicius

Stars: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman

Classification: PG

Runtime: 100 mins

Rating:

Dave Griffiths

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