Review: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

Never underestimate the DVD bargain bin; to me it's the retail gift that keeps on giving. Few things gives me more of a buzz than watching a great movie that no one is currently talking about; it's an intimate kind of feeling, especially if you're a film buff like me. This happened recently over the past weekend, when my girlfriend and I sat down to watch the Clint Eastwood vehicle, 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot'. In which a bank robber on the lamb, with the help of a irreverent young sidekick, gets his old gang back together to organise a daring new heist.

If you follow my Facebook page you may have seen a short post I made prior to seeing the film, in which I pondered upon what makes classic heist films stand above their modern incarnations. Having now see it I can say that much of the credit goes clearly to the story.   

Director, Michael Cimino delivers an immensely fun melodrama-comedy with a tough guy edge; taking a viewers on an eventful journey across the rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes of America's Midwest. The highlight of the film is by far the developing friendship between the two lead characters. Clint Eastwood as the seasoned thief, Thunderbolt, is in fitting contrast to his unexpected protégé, Lightfoot, played by Jeff Bridges who is regarded by many to be the film's true star. Eastwood himself has stated that he felt upstaged by Bridges's energetic and spontaneous performance, which lead to a second Oscar Nominated for the young actor. The typical male banter between the two, in addition to moments of light action throughout the well paced script, keep viewers consistently entertained as the film shifts gear towards unfolding the plans for an intricate climatic sequence of events. Also worth noting are the two very distinguishable supporting characters played by George Kennedy and Geoffrey Lewis, who passed away earlier this year in April.   

Like many films of it's time, 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' ends on a bitter-sweet note; steering away from those old fashion Hollywood endings where the heroes ride off into the sunset in search of new horizons. These a tenderness to this story which leaves an impact on those who view the film for the fist time. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I recommend the $6.98 purchase from JB Hi-Fi where I had to good fortune of finding it.  

★★★★

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Review: Open Cut (2004)

I'm not old enough to remember Yallourn, but I've had a strong fascination towards the former town for many years. Perhaps it's the collective memory, fondly shared amongst local residents which beckons out to me. Fortunately the documentary short, 'Open Cut' has managed to satisfy much of my lingering curiosity. Serving mostly as a reflective piece for it's director, Phil Burke; the 26 minute feature explores both the emotional and logistical significance of Yallourn.

Built between the 1920s and 1950s, Yallourn was a company town owned by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SEC) to house the many employees who operated the nearby power station complex. However with the demand for brown coal increasing, the subsequent expansion of the adjacent open cut mine lead to the town's closure in the 1980s. This sombre final chapter in Yallourn's history is shown through archive material in which the residents at the time express their personal feelings towards the matter. You can feel the sense of sadness and loss leading up to the town's pending destruction, although there is surprisingly little resentment towards the SEC given the age of the many citizens. By far the most fascinating aspect of the town is the community itself, which 'Open Cut' effectively illustrates, once again through archival footage. Almost utopian like in nature, Yallourn was the very model of a booming industrial economy. Everyone had a job and a roof over their head; life was sweet within the confines of this well-oiled machine.
And one cannot deny the immeasurable contribution to the national progress of Australia during the post-war years was.

Overall and quite fittingly Phil Burke's journey into the past feels like a dream; resonating themes of loss and displacement throughout, as we follow a small group of former residents returning to the fringe of where Yallourn once stood proud. If you have a love of local history or just simply feel like reminiscing over a simpler time, 'Open Cut' will give a very personal insight into a town that is gone but certainly not forgotten. 

★★★★

NOTE: If you wish to purchase a DVD copy of 'Open Cut' visit www.filmcamp.com.au for details.

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Haunted Hills Tours: Traralgon's Spooky Past

A gloomy tale of unjust murder while the trees gently rustled above, set the tone for Friday night's walking ghost tour in Traralgon; the first of what I'm sure will be many for ghost whisperer Tegan Dawson who runs Haunted Hills Tours. 

After the brief but humours formalities, the group of 27 attendees began their journey into Traralgon's rich history by our friendly spirit guide. There were 19 stories told throughout the night talking us all to a variety of locations around the rural city. One notable site was that of the Star Hotel (Cafe Stellina), which is widely known for being Traralgon's oldest building. As I walked past the lively establishment I felt for a moment that I had stepped back in time due to it's striking architecture, reminiscent of a bygone era. Many of the ghosts in Tegan's stories, such as the one supposedly inhabiting the former hotel, were regarded as more of a lingering presence as opposed to something more unsettling. The common theme of the night was how film and popular culture portray ghosts and spirits as having a general malevolent nature, especially children, whereas in local reports, most spirits were either friendly or playful. One of which was told outside the eerie remains of an old kindergarten, which I had no idea even existed. While other stories recounted the hearing of laughter, the running up of stairs and other seemingly innocent activity. 

Tegan Dawson recounting local history on Seymour Street.

On the opposite end of the spectrum many of the stories mention the troublesome occurrences by more active forces. Those of which disturb inhabitants of a certain location by the switching on and off of lights and appliances to the moving of furniture along with the locking and unlocking of doors and cabinets. Our journey then proceeded to what was my favourite part of the tour; a stroll through the alleyways connecting Seymour Street with Hotham. The unflattering rear exteriors of the various stores and restaurants in addition to the lack of adequate lighting made for somewhat unnerving experience, reminding me of a classic scene in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'.  

 Chased through the alley. 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984) New Line Cinema

As someone who knew next to nothing about's Traralgon history, I was thoroughly intrigued by what Tegan had to offer. It was an overall fascinating and atmospheric night, an experience I would highly recommend to others with a flair for local myth and legend.

The next tour runs on Sunday November 15th starting at 8PM. For more details and additional tour dates, visit Haunted Hills Tours on Facebook or the official web site www.hauntedhillstours.com


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Review: Bridge of Spies (2015)

It's been three years since Steven Spielberg's last film, which makes going to see one of his immense productions more of an event as opposed to just another trip to the movies. Starring my all time favourite actor Tom Hanks, 'Bridge of Spies is a Cold War drama which tells the true story of American insurance lawyer, James B. Donovan's courageous efforts to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union.

Your mood going in to a movie can either be a hindrance or an emotional advantage. I'm grateful that for me for me it was the latter, as I enjoyed one of the best woodfired pizzas I've ever eaten, a couple of hours prior to seeing the film. If you're ever in Warragul I highly recommend Pepe's Woodfire on Queen Street. About 30 minutes in, my heighten state of satisfaction was soon eclipse by what was unfolding on screen. I can safety say that 'Bridge of Spies' reaffirms Steven Spielberg as the master cinematic storytelling that he is. It's a perfectly balanced film, evolving from what first appears to be a developing courtroom drama, to an immerse and atmospheric tale of mild-mannered espionage. An accurate picture of the fragile and paranoid social climate is presented in stark detail through the actions and motives of opposing sides, both politically and militarily. There's a lingering sadness throughout the piece, which is mostly derived from the unfair persecution of innocent lives who are caught under the oppressive vale of the Iron Curtain. The warm charisma of Tom Hanks who delivers another exceptional performance brings a humane element to the overall story through the character of James B. Donovan. Cinematography plays a significant part in highlighting the shadowy sub-plot with silhouette like shots of government and military oriented characters, symbolic of their ambiguous agenda. 

I consider 'Bridge of Spies' as Spielberg's best film since 'Catch Me If You Can' from 2002 and I wouldn't be surprised if it's nominated for Best Picture at next year's Oscars. It marks the fourth collaboration between Tom Hanks and the veteran legendary director and hopefully it won't be the last.

★★★★★


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Back to the Future Part II: A Childhood Reflection

Each time I sit down to watch 'Back to the Future Part II' I feel very lucky and grateful to have been able to see in theatres when I was 5 years old. My most vivid memory of that momentous occasion is staring up at the screen in complete awe, mesmerised by the opening credits racing through the clouds to Alan Silvestri's magnificent score. Arriving in Hillvalley 2015 was an experience of sheer amazement, my first vision of the future. Although not a very accurate one as it turns out. However, I do remember being under the odd impression that all the flying cars on screen were also time machines. Probably because the Delorean, looked far less out of place in the very advance time period.
  

Having only been recently antiquated with the original 'Back to the Future' a short time prior, my understanding of time travel was limited, but I was able to grasp the basic idea. That was until Marty, Doc and Jennifer returned to what we eventually learn to be an alternate 1985, which left me very confused to say the least. Further more, the sudden dark turn the film took at that point was particularly shocking to me. Thankfully the dramatic middle act was short lived and while the subsequent journey back to 1955 didn't ease my level of confusion, the fun and excitement returned. I remember getting a kick out of seeing numerous scenes from the original film playing out from different points of view, plus the glimpse into Biff's personal an social life I thought was hilarious. The saddest part for me came when the Delorean was suddenly struck by lighting, following Marty calling to Doc through his walkie-talkie, hearing only an eerie silence in response. Fortunately in the matter of only few minutes, I once again sat poised in my seat as hope arrived in the form of an old letter. Then unexpectedly I was being primed for what would be the concluding chapter in the 'Back to the Future' trilogy. 

My eldest cousin David took me to see 'Back to the Future Part 2'. The venue was the Village Twin Cinema in my home town of Morwell. He may not remember that day as well as I do and while it may have been only a small gesture of kindness on his part, it remains a significant and treasured memory. I attribute my love of movies and everything I'm doing now with film critique to experiences such as that one. As today is October 21st 2015, the day Marty, Doc and Jennifer arrive in the "future"; I'm celebrating the long awaited cinematic date by watching the film itself with a small group of friends. 

Happy Back to the Future Day!

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Nineties Nostalgia: Son in Law (1993)

You don't necessarily have to love a movie in order to look back upon it fondly, as it's the memories you associate with it that matter. The 1993 Pauly Shore vehicle, 'Son in Law' is one such movie for me. I have a vivid memory of staring at the poster with mild curiosity through the window of the old Yallourn North video store as a child. Little did I know a few months later I would be watching the film was with my two eldest cousins. The memory of that occasion is a little hazy, but I clearly remember laughing hysterically at one particular line, only because my young mind didn't understand the context of what was being said, leading to my cousins laughing at me. Moving on to the film itself; after a whirlwind introduction to college life, a now changed and cultured farm girl named Becca returns home for Thanksgiving break accompanied by her best friend, Crawl. An eccentric party animal who finds himself in a classic fish out of water scenario. 

Revisiting 'Son in Law' recently with a group of friends, I was surprised by how much I got into it, despite the questionable comedic talents of the film's star. There's a sentimental quality about the film which I found particularly enjoyable, in some instances almost serving as time capsule of the early '90s culture. Shore's improvised and bizarre style of comedy unleashed on the film's rural setting, resembles that of an extra-terrestrial stranded on earth. The sheer level of lunacy on display, not to mention the puzzling lingo will either irritate or amuse viewers. Furthermore, a loose narrative allows for our outlandish supporting characters to delight in their share of hilarious mayhem. Performances are generally consistent with Carla Gugino (recently appearing in the disaster flick, 'San Andreas') giving the strongest as Becca. Pauly Shore on the other hand is likeable as the kind natured Crawl, however his acting ability leaves lot to be desired.

With an overall theme of acceptance despite personal differences, it's an easy film to watch regardless. If you're feeling nostalgic, this simple slice of Americana with a side of insanity is worth revising. 

★★★

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Review: The Visit (2015)

Since my weekly trip to the cinema last Thursday to see the latest cinematic offering from M. Night Shyamalan; I've been amused and disappointed by the amount of irrational dislike it's received from movie fans. Despite controversy surrounding his previous films, I've always been a fan and great admirer of the director. In this found-footage feature,(Shyamalan's first) we follow the point-of-view of two young siblings who are visiting their grandparents for the first time. Despite some initial awkwardness upon the children's arrival, they're met with kindness and open arms. However as the sun goes down on the secluded and very beautiful Pennsylvanian farm on which they're staying, the eldest sibling Becca, notices her grandmother acting very strangely. Further more, the two are firmly advised by their grandfather not to leave their room after 9:30pm.

My girlfriend who has a keen eye for film trivia, noted that three full cuts of 'The Visit' were prepared by Shyamalan. The first was "pure comedy", the second was "pure horror", and the final cut being a balanced combination of both. The film's comedic element which comes from the two young leads may be lost on some viewers, but I found it particularly realistic as children often resort to humour when faced with something they're afraid of or don't understand. On the other hand, it's the increasingly bizarre and disturbing behaviour from our two elderly characters who attribute to the film's intensity and scare factor, in addition to a constant unsettling vibe. Another device which adds to the film's eerie tone is it's found footage format which acts as an effective tool in the right hands. Thankfully this is the case in 'The Visit'; cleverly derived from the fact that Becca is both filming and editing a documentary during her stay, despite ridicule from her brother, Tyler. Not only does this allow for a more realistic view-point, but a candid and personal insight into the characters. Performances from the cast are impressive, particularly from Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould as siblings Becca and Tyler, who both hail from Melbourne. Also Deanna Dunagan and character actor Peter McRobbie are effectively creepy as the Nana and Pop Pop.

With a number of clues and subtle hints placed throughout, long time fans of Shyamalan will enjoy trying to solve the mystery before all is reviled, in what is an overall exceptional horror film. Apparently it's still trendy to dismiss the ambitious director, but 'The Visit' is well worth seeing and serves as a fun cinema-going experience. Now playing across Australia as of September 24th.

★★★½

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