Haunted Hills Tours: A History of Small Town Crime

I'm not entirely sure why, but I've always had a profound fascination with Yallourn North. Perhaps it's the scenery or the fact that I often liken the quiet little town to many of my favourites works of fiction. 

Since February last year, Haunted Hills Tours has unearthed much of the deep seeded history of what was formally known as 'Brown Coal Mine'. Deviating slightly from the regular ghost tours, owner and ghost whisperer, Tegan Dawson has recently begun exploring varying stories of crime, from general thievery to bizarre acts of ghoulish behaviour. Many were of an interpretive nature, some even falling into the category popularised by numerous TV shows, such as cold cases. One particular story which stood out to me has it's origins deep within urban myth, with some living residents still in firm belief of it's macabre element. Unlike past tours, there was much interaction this time round, with participants being asked to guess a crime's charge, penalty and in some lesser cases, the amount of the fine. This gave a striking perspective in comparison to today's standard of lawful punishment; not to mention the staggering rate of monetary inflation.       

 Walking up Boundary Road. - Photo by Lynton Gale

Yallourn North's rich and often colourful history proves that criminal acts can occur anywhere under a multitude of circumstances, but also that people have chosen the predominantly peaceful community as a place of refuge or for starting over due to past mistakes throughout one's life. Tegan reiterates these sentiments very well, in a professional and informative manner.

Details for the 'Crime in the Brown Coal Mine' tours can be found at www.hauntedhillstours.com.au and on Facebook.  

You can follow me on Twitter @cinematic_rand
or
'like' my Facebook page cinematic randomness where you can see all my cinematic exploits.

Review: The Revenant (2015)

With the Oscars steadily approaching many of us movie fans embark on the frantic race to see as many Best Picture contenders before Hollywood's biggest night. The latest one I ticked off my list was 'The Revenant', which tells the story of Hugh Glass, a famed frontiersman who is left for dead after a vicious bear attack by the members of his party while on a fur trading expedition in the northern Louisiana territory during 1823.

The tall tales of legendary Mountain Men have for generations been etched in America's psyche, brought to life thanks to the grand scope of cinema on numerous occasions; most famously the Sydney Pollock classic, 'Jeremiah Johnson' from 1972, which stared Robert Redford. While 'The Revenant' takes a more realistic approach, there are still moments that defy belief, staying true to the myth. Recurring visions and dreams are factored into the film's story, bringing a spiritual subtext reminiscent of 'Gladiator'. However the frequency may take viewers out of the action. Seamlessly shifting back and forth from terrifying perspective shots to a much broader view, impeccable camera-work hurls the viewer amongst the chaos and gun-wrenching savagery. Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu encompasses the agony of both psychical and mental pain through a cast of diverse characters as they navigate the harshest of environments while avoiding relentless adversaries. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Hugh Glass is one of tremendous endurance and hardship. He not only personifies the film's central theme of revenge but the length of a parent's love. Will he win an Oscar for Best Actor? Probably, but I really wish he 
had won for playing Jordan Belfort in 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Also I must acknowledge the exceptional performance from Will Poulter, who out of the entire supporting cast was by far the most relatable to the audience, while displaying a number of admirable attributes.

If you have the chance to see 'The Revenant' in theatres by all means do so. It doesn't need to be seen on the big screen although it certainly enhances the overall experiences, especially in regards to the breathtaking cinematography, and the wintry chill is a nice distraction from the blistering heat.

★★★★

You can follow me on Twitter @cinematic_rand
or
'like' my Facebook page cinematic randomness where you can see all my cinematic exploits.

Review: Take Away (2003)

We all have our favourite 'Fish & Chips' takeaway, whether it be a simple corner shop within a small country town or a more up market establishment in the suburbs. For generations they've been the social hub for many communities; it's where you go to get the latest gossip and of course, an oil soaked parcel of deep fried gold. In the fast food oriented comedy, 'Take Away', two family businesses maintain a long standing rivalry along a lone strip of shops in outer Melbourne. Trev (Stephen Curry) is known for his burgers, with a traditional approach to his cuisine and a very relaxed attitude towards food and personal hygiene. His counterpart, Tony (Vince Colosimo) is a hard working self motivator who strives for excellence in his beloved field of fish and chips. However with the unexpected arrival of a Hungry Jacks style fast food chain called Burgies, Trev and Tony reluctantly join forces to try and save their business before being crushed by the fierce competitor.

Despite being an overall silly film, 'Take Away' does a nice job at encapsulating the best qualities of this much loved part of our culture; opening with a very amusing scene which depicts it's humble origins. There's good dynamic between Tony and Trev who regularly take shots at each other despite an unspoken connection. The sense of community is pleasant and easy for viewers to relate to, and for a low grade feature it's shot remarkably well, creating a seasonal feel. Fundamentally it's the satirical take on fast food giants that I found to be most entertaining. Aggressive marketing, low wages, staff mistreatment and corporate greed are just some of the many aspects that are hilariously parodied throughout the feature, which cleverly caters to people's sentimental attitude towards local small business. Performances from supporting cast members such as Nathan Philips and a pre-Hollywood Rose Byrne bring some added enjoyment in addition to a nice dose of Aussie humour and language.   

While it's far from our greatest cinematic achievements, 'Take Away' it will no doubt conjure up fond memories of Friday night takeaway, which begins with a greeting of that intoxicating aroma as we step through plastic fly strip door.

★★★½

You can follow me on Twitter @cinematic_rand
or
'like' my Facebook page cinematic randomness where you can see all my cinematic exploits.

Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

As I sat down in my seat on the night of December 18, it quickly became obvious that many in the audience had returned for their second viewing of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' due to the amount of specific chatter about the movie. I almost felt the need to block my ears to avoid hearing any spoilers, which I had successfully managed to do since the release almost two days prior. This is just one example of how ridiculously popular the film has become in just a short period of time, with life long fans riding high on the roller coaster of nostalgia. Feelings of excitement and child-like giddiness swept over me as I watched the opening scroll, eagerly awaiting what lies beneath. Set 30 years after the events of 'Return of the Jedi', director J.J. Abrams takes us back to a galaxy far, far away where the remnants of the Galactic Empire have evolved into what is now The First Order, who pose a grave threat to The Republic. Their only hope is a few reluctant heroes with the help of the Resistance.   

There's no denying that characters make up a huge part of the Star Wars universe. Their shining attributes in the original trilogy of films have generally allowed the audience to love them despite which side they fight for. Unfortunately in the case of this long awaited follow up, it's a very mixed bag. The two new leads, a destitute young scavenger name Rey (Daisy Ridley) and a disillusioned Stormtrooper known as Finn (John Boyega) are both relatable to modern audiences through numerous acts of bravery, whilst dealing with feelings of uncertainly and the longing for a better life. They developed a good rapport early on, but their dialogue is very contemporary mixed with juvenile humour, which often took me out of dramatic moments. Amongst the returning cast members, Harrison Ford as fan favourite Han Solo does not disappoint, retaining his trademark charisma and sarcasm often in the face of danger. Carrie Fisher on the other hand as Princess Leia sadly underwhelms due to a flat performance and the lack of characterisation contributes very little to the story. The antagonising force of the film, proves only to be a pale imitation of the Galactic Empire, who I would often secretly root for in the previous instalments, so you could imagine my disappointment. Kylo Ren as the central villain suffers mostly from the very questionable casting choice of Adam Driver, who delivers a performance uncomfortably similar of Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker. Actions sequences are engaging, impactful and generally well paced through the feature; many of which to the benefit of Oscar Isaac as gung ho X-wing pilot, Poe. The mixture of CG and practical effects weren't as balance as I had hoped, but the emphasis on returning to traditional means is something I greatly admire and find very encouraging. 

In many ways 'Star Wars: The Forces Awakens' has a similar plot structure to 'A New Hope', but very much its own film and a worthy entry into the continuing Star Wars saga, now safely in the capable hands of J.J. Abrams. While it didn't quite meet my expectations, I do encourage those who are on the fence to go see it. The unique cinema experience of a Star Wars film alone is well worth the price of admission.

★★★½

You can follow me on Twitter @cinematic_rand
or
'like' my Facebook page cinematic randomness where you can see all my cinematic exploits.

Childhood Nostalgia: Christmas Light and History Tour

We all love a good slice of nostalgia every now and then. As a film reviewer, I experience it regularly through the variety of movies I revisit from my youth. Last Thursday night I took a trip down memory lane like never before, thanks to Tegan Dawson of 'Haunted Hills Tours', who took small number of locals on a guided tour of Yallourn North's unique history, whilst admiring the many spectacular Christmas light displays on show by proud residents. Most notably, Arthur and Colleen's Christmas wonderland on the corner of Anderson Ave and Boundary Road, which I watched evolve over many years from a modest display of a fairy lights to attraction it is today, mostly through the window of my grandparent's kitchen who live directly opposite.
After a glimpse of the eerie last remains of the old Scout Hall, we proceeded over to the town's steep north side, which was where my decent back to childhood began. Under the cover of darkness it was like stepping into an alien world. I felt like James Mason in 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', looking on in wonder at the unusual street designs, which seem to defy all conventional engineering as if they were conceived within the mind my an obscure artist. Memories of swinging on a front gate and attending wood-chopping competitions with my dad behind the Rossmore Hotel were conjured up by our guide's flair for local history.

The finest display of lights and festive cheer on Kelso Road.

Should the 'Christmas Light and History Tour' become an annual event, I shall definitely be attending and I'll be encouraging others to do so. We go your whole lives with things right under your nose. 

You can follow me on Twitter @cinematic_rand
or
'like' my Facebook page cinematic randomness where you can see all my cinematic exploits.

Review: A Christmas Story (1983)

Imagine a Christmas movie so popular that it's broadcast annually for 24 hours straight. This is the case for 'A Christmas Story', which began it's marathon run on American's TNT way back in 1997. Despite the immense popularity overseas, it never really caught on here in Australia upon it's initial release in 1983. However in recent years the seasonal favourite is finding a place in more and more DVD collections, including my own. I've seen it twice over the past two years and I'm looking forward to my third viewing later in the month. 

Most of us can relate to the trials and tribulations of wanting that perfect Christmas, mostly the presents and food. For little Ralphie Parker it all hinges on a Red Ryder B.B. Gun, and convincing his parents, and most importantly Santa, that it's the perfect Christmas gift for a nine-year-old boy. Ralphie's vibrant imagination and exaggerated narration of an average family Christmas, perfectly encapsulates the mischief and mayhem of childhood, which unfortunately hinders his chances at receiving his desired gift, despite his best efforts to be "good". The eccentricities of his parents further evoke feelings of nostalgia amongst older viewers, widening the film's appeal to both children and adults. Hilariously the antics of Ralphie's father are especially relatable to anyone with a parent who exceeds all practical means to achieve that perfect holiday. Christmas wouldn't be complete without some disappointment, which is often a result of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and others; such as waiting in a seemingly endless line of kids only see a Santa who is anything but jolly, or a family dinner that is everything but edible. These sentiments are portrayed in 'A Christmas Story' with such a humour and charm, reminding us of the importance of taking the good with the bad.   

If you're looking for something a little alternative for your festive viewing line-up, I cannot recommend 'A Christmas Story' enough. It wonderfully mirrors all those Christmases that were uncountably eventful, but not perfect.

★★★★

You can follow me on Twitter @cinematic_rand
or
'like' my Facebook page cinematic randomness where you can see all my cinematic exploits.

Review: Spectre (2015)

They come around quick don't they? It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting inside the Mid Valley cinema watching 'Skyfall' with much enthusiasm. Now here we three years later with highly the anticipated 'Spectre', which is now playing around the country. In this 24th Bond adventure, Agent 007 receives a cryptic message from his past, sending him on the trail to expose the mastermind behind a secret, and of course very sinister organisation.

I consider myself a casual fan of the long running spy franchise, but since the previous film set the bar higher than any other before it, I was naturally very curious like most people to see what 'Spectre' was going to bring to the table, however I was left feeling ultimately disappointed as I walked out of the theatre. While the film is in many ways a return to the traditional style and flair of earlier entries, the biggest problem is an unimaginative plot that desperately tries construct this strange and intricate story-arch for Daniel Craig's incarnations of James Bond. This came across to me as very thin, allowing little room in the script for surprise and and some much needed depth. Despite the underwhelming narrative, there's a good variety of thrilling action sequences, sporting the usual level of fun and sophistication in addition to pushing the limits of vehicle endurance, both on land and in the air. Cleverly offsetting the two house plus runtime, regular supporting characters play a more active role as they battle political forces to keep the secret service alive, in what is fundamentally a surveillance oriented film. Daniel Craig commands the screen once again Bond; his hard edge demeanour and subtle humour are perfect fit. His latest adversary is played by Oscar winner, Christoph Waltz who is an intimidating villain but grossly underused. Ralph Fiennes steps into the shoes of M with great authority and of course Bond girls, Monica Belucci and rising star, French actress Léa Seydoux bring a good amount of class to the picture.

Traditional fans are likely to enjoy what 'Spectre' has to offer with all the various throwbacks, however those expecting something in the same vain as 'Skyfall' may be dissatisfied.  

★★★

You can follow me on Twitter @cinematic_rand
or
'like' my Facebook page cinematic randomness where you can see all my cinematic exploits.