Just under 10 years after the last chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was released in cinemas, audiences were catapulted back into the world of Middle Earth.
Originally penned by JRR Tolkien and visually embraced by Peter Jackson, Middle Earth is home to what we consider mystical or mythological creatures - elves, dwarves, and of course, the child-sized hobbits.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is based 60 years before the events of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings. The story focuses primarily on a younger Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman).
It mostly follows Tolkien's literary version of the story, with bits and pieces of the appendices from Lord of the Rings: Return of the King interwoven into the story.
Bilbo leads his normal life in the Shire when one day Gandalf the Grey (Sir Ian McKellen) tricks him into hosting a party for Thorin (Richard Armitage) and his company of dwarves.
There he is recruited as the company's "burglar", and they set off on a cross-world adventure to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch).
As you would expect from any adventure, the group have to overcome danger at every turn, with threats ranging from trolls, who they narrowly avoid, to orcs, who's chieftain Azog the Defiler beheaded Thror and has vowed to break the line of Durin, which includes Thorin.
The most familiar aspect in this film for those who have not read the original text is Bilbo's discovery the One Ring. He finds the ring when he comes across another familiar character in Gollum (Andy Serkis), overcoming his adversary in a game of wits and riddles before escaping with the tainted jewellery.
The biggest talking point with the film was the release of a high frame rate version - that is, shot at 48 frames per second rather than the industry standard 24. It is one of the first films with a wider release to be shot with the higher rate, and you can see why. It is supposed to make the film even more real than a regular 24 frames per second film does, and that genuinely detracts from the quality. It has been described as forcing a film to lose its "cinematic feel" and I have to agree. I'll talk a bit more about this in my review of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Apart from that obvious setback, my other criticism revolves around the first 30-40 minutes.
The whole thing stays in Bilbo's house?! I get that it is building the story and developing (presenting) the different characters' traits, but it just went WAY too long. What makes it so much more of an issue is arguably one of the best sequences in the film - a musical section involving the dwarves and flying cutlery - is buried in amongst the stay.
I can't complain about anything else.
As you come to expect from Peter Jackson's big screen epics, the visuals are simply stunning; the idyllic locations not only an outstanding advertisement for New Zealand (and by extension Middle Earth) but presented beautifully on screen. The action sequences are mind-blowing, the escape from the Great Goblin awe-inspiring despite pushing the limit of what we're happy to believe, and the integration of the interweaving stories sublime.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Ender's Game
ENDER’S Game is the latest novel to embrace the cinematic realm and the latest which was much better than I imagined.
I am usually critical of how much of a film’s plot is given away by trailers and how they use up all of their best material trying to hook us in without having anything extra to present.
Ender’s Game was not like this at all; instead it had so much more up its sleeve the trailers did not do it justice.
The film is an adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s 1985 novel of the same name, revolving around an intergalactic war left to child Andrew “Ender” Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) to fight.
Humans repel an invading species called the Formics in 2086, their attack brought to a halt by Mazer Rackham who sacrifices himself in a successful kamikaze run.
Fifty years following that attack, humans are still in search of the weapon that will repel the Formics when they attack again.
Instead of using brute strength, the military (led by Harrison Ford’s Colonel Hyrum Graff) exploit the inquisitive, intelligent minds of only the world’s smartest children.
Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) directs Ender’s Game, and his collaboration with Card and Australian cinematographer Donald McAlpine makes this one of the surprises of 2013.
Wiggin is another recent cinematic character to put up with bullying, and the “Wiggin v the world” motif is repeated throughout the film.
Bullying victims can relate to the way his loneliness is presented, regularly visualised with a lonesome Wiggin against a group – whether they be the first batch of bullies, military personnel, another batch of bullies, more military, or the Formics.
One of the take-home messages from these sequences is Wiggin rises above his opponents every time – but not without consequence.
There are other themes mixed in with the anti-bullying, with the limitless mind (the power to do whatever you set your mind to), and the depletion of natural resources just two.
In this film’s setting – which is about 120 yers from now – most battles are fought using the mind. Instead of manned craft, pilots can be on a completely different planet and control drones in battle.
That freedom, and lack of human loss, allows those in charge to make decisions that push the realms of reality.
Natural resource depletion is a running theme of recent films, with a dry, barren Earth usually the central figure to the story.
In Ender’s Game the shoe is on the other foot, with the Formics invading because they had exhausted their water supply due to overpopulation.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Draft NRRRL draw has Lower Clarence Magpies at home in season opener; grand final replay in round five
Published: The Daily Examiner
LOWER Clarence Magpies will open their season on home turf according to a draft Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League draw.
The draft draw, which has not yet been officially released, has the Magpies open their season against Kyogle Turkeys at Maclean Showground on the weekend of April 6.
They will then travel away to Byron Bay Red Devils, before returning home for a clash with the Troy McLean-coached Casino Cougars.
Read more here.
LOWER Clarence Magpies will open their season on home turf according to a draft Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League draw.
The draft draw, which has not yet been officially released, has the Magpies open their season against Kyogle Turkeys at Maclean Showground on the weekend of April 6.
They will then travel away to Byron Bay Red Devils, before returning home for a clash with the Troy McLean-coached Casino Cougars.
Read more here.
Delivery Man
I'm not going to write too much about Vince Vaughan's latest attempt to grow up.
Delivery Man centres around a delivery truck driver David Wozniak who used to donate sperm under the pseudonym Starbuck.
One day Wozniak, played by Vaughan, returns home to discover a lawyer in his house with some rather unsettling news: 533 children were conceived/born thanks to his donation, and 142 have joined a class action to reveal his identity.
There are quite a few laughs throughout - it is an above average film - but I can't exactly say I liked it.
Vaughan is solid in the role of Wozniak and plays the part exactly as you expect him to, which is exactly where the problem lies.
For too long now Vaughan has been pulling the same jokes, playing the same type of characters and delivering the same mediocre performances.
At what point does he grow up?
I loved Vaughan when he starred in Dodgeball - it ranks as one of my favourite Vaughan films - but he has been trying to do the same thing ever since.
The somewhat small starring cast have a few great appearances, and they do deliver a few laughs, but it is tough to leave much of an impression when it feels like you're watching a Vaughan comedy special for the full 104 minutes.
Now I think about it, Vaughan has grown up a little bit, and it is his scenes with wheelchair-bound Ryan (Sebastien Rene) and Kristen (Britt Robertson), who is walking the tightrope of life and death.
His interactions with both goes beyond of what he has ever shown; the compassionate, deep Vaughan replacing the childish high school humour-laden Vaughan we see for the rest of the film.
Adam Chandler-Berat's Viggo is an absolute crackup.
His physical appearance is that of your classic goth, but he is ultimately the one who questions Wozniak and forces him to change.
I wasn't moved by Delivery Man, nor do I think I will go out of my way to watch it again, but it is worth one look.
Delivery Man centres around a delivery truck driver David Wozniak who used to donate sperm under the pseudonym Starbuck.
One day Wozniak, played by Vaughan, returns home to discover a lawyer in his house with some rather unsettling news: 533 children were conceived/born thanks to his donation, and 142 have joined a class action to reveal his identity.
There are quite a few laughs throughout - it is an above average film - but I can't exactly say I liked it.
Vaughan is solid in the role of Wozniak and plays the part exactly as you expect him to, which is exactly where the problem lies.
For too long now Vaughan has been pulling the same jokes, playing the same type of characters and delivering the same mediocre performances.
At what point does he grow up?
I loved Vaughan when he starred in Dodgeball - it ranks as one of my favourite Vaughan films - but he has been trying to do the same thing ever since.
The somewhat small starring cast have a few great appearances, and they do deliver a few laughs, but it is tough to leave much of an impression when it feels like you're watching a Vaughan comedy special for the full 104 minutes.
Now I think about it, Vaughan has grown up a little bit, and it is his scenes with wheelchair-bound Ryan (Sebastien Rene) and Kristen (Britt Robertson), who is walking the tightrope of life and death.
His interactions with both goes beyond of what he has ever shown; the compassionate, deep Vaughan replacing the childish high school humour-laden Vaughan we see for the rest of the film.
Adam Chandler-Berat's Viggo is an absolute crackup.
His physical appearance is that of your classic goth, but he is ultimately the one who questions Wozniak and forces him to change.
I wasn't moved by Delivery Man, nor do I think I will go out of my way to watch it again, but it is worth one look.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Morgan Pilley set for bumper 2014
Published: The Daily Examiner
HE MAY be one of Australia's least recognised sporting champions but Morgan Pilley can barely cover a few hundred metres in his home town of Yamba without being noticed.
Pilley's been back in town for just over a month, enjoying a few months off following a tough season tackling some of the toughest environments in Europe.
The world-class endurance mountain-biker started the season late because of a few travel issues, making his transition from 24-hour races to marathons that little bit more difficult.
But that did not stop the 27-year-old from turning in a good season, chalking up several solid results in the marathons and winning the Rome 24 hour - and the accompanying Roman Legionnaire sword - for the second time.
Read more here.
HE MAY be one of Australia's least recognised sporting champions but Morgan Pilley can barely cover a few hundred metres in his home town of Yamba without being noticed.
Pilley's been back in town for just over a month, enjoying a few months off following a tough season tackling some of the toughest environments in Europe.
The world-class endurance mountain-biker started the season late because of a few travel issues, making his transition from 24-hour races to marathons that little bit more difficult.
But that did not stop the 27-year-old from turning in a good season, chalking up several solid results in the marathons and winning the Rome 24 hour - and the accompanying Roman Legionnaire sword - for the second time.
Read more here.
"That'll do Piggs" Westlawn pleads as father-son duo put them to sword
Published: The Daily Examiner
IF MI Organics Westlawn could have struck off one name from GI Hotel Tucabia-Copmanhurst's line-up, you would have to think they would go for Pigg.
Father-son duo Matt and Joey Pigg tormented Westlawn all day, leading Tucbia-Copmanhurst to a big win.
"It's great being able to play with him (Joey)," Matt Pigg said.
Read more here.
IF MI Organics Westlawn could have struck off one name from GI Hotel Tucabia-Copmanhurst's line-up, you would have to think they would go for Pigg.
Father-son duo Matt and Joey Pigg tormented Westlawn all day, leading Tucbia-Copmanhurst to a big win.
"It's great being able to play with him (Joey)," Matt Pigg said.
Read more here.
Nathan Pettit ready for new challenge as Lower Clarence Magpies coach
Published: The Daily Examiner
NATHAN Pettit is not one to shy away from a challenge.
The 35-year-old former halfback is a country boy through and through, born and bred in Cootamundra where he got his start as a footballer.
He moved to Sydney where he lived for 10 years, dividing his playing time between Cootamundra and new local club Moorebank Rams.
Read more here.
NATHAN Pettit is not one to shy away from a challenge.
The 35-year-old former halfback is a country boy through and through, born and bred in Cootamundra where he got his start as a footballer.
He moved to Sydney where he lived for 10 years, dividing his playing time between Cootamundra and new local club Moorebank Rams.
Read more here.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Carrie
I AM not sure I have the appropriate words to describe my wide array of thoughts on the latest remake to come out of Hollywood.
After digesting the trailers on multiple occasions, remembering the original flick and casting my eye over a series of previews, I decided Carrie was going to be a bore.
An unoriginal approach that merely follows the script of the first version to a tee, and was only released to milk a few more dollars from a franchise whose days had long passed.
While I was right in that it followed the 1976 original in terms of storyline - I was wrong about almost everything else.
I loved it.
Chloe Grace Moretz had massive shoes to fill in the title role, made famous by Academy Award-nominated Sissy Spacek. Spacek's rendition in the '76 original was sensational, but Moretz is not far behind.
There are times when Moretz is almost too creepy to be believable, especially during the climatic telekinetic outburst, but she nails the bullied victim.
Anyone who has ever been bullied knows how it feels - you can not forget the emotions that run through your head - and that helplessness is communicated by Moretz perfectly through her performance.
Judy Greer plays Miss Desjardin (Miss Collins in the original), who becomes one of the only people to stand up for and defend Carrie. Greer doesn't have too much to say or do in the film, but she is the one person who actively seeks to help the troubled Carrie.
Julianne Moore is hands-down the best part of this film.
Moore plays Carrie's mother Margaret, a self-harming deeply religious widow. She detests Carrie's existence, shown in the beginning of the film threatening to kill her child moments after birth.
Most of her dialogue revolves around the recitation of religious texts, prayers and rituals. The creepy room she locks Carrie in - under the stairs in true Harry Potter fashion - is terrifying; a solitary confinement in which Carrie's evil is restrained.
Less is more for Moore - she is not in every scene, but the ones she does appear in are stolen by her. Not even a few telekinetic actions and a crumbling house stop that.
Carrie doubles as one of the first horror films I've watched in a cinema for years, and I don't think I could've picked a better film of which to dip my toes back in the genre.
The special effects only makes Carrie's telekinetic revenge more intense, allowing her to things to fellow students the original could only have dreamed of. It is a welcome update of the first Stephen King novel to be turned into a film, and if you are going to see, take the 9.35pm timeslot at the Saraton Theatre on Friday and Saturday - the late night screening only amplifies its effect.
After digesting the trailers on multiple occasions, remembering the original flick and casting my eye over a series of previews, I decided Carrie was going to be a bore.
An unoriginal approach that merely follows the script of the first version to a tee, and was only released to milk a few more dollars from a franchise whose days had long passed.
While I was right in that it followed the 1976 original in terms of storyline - I was wrong about almost everything else.
I loved it.
Chloe Grace Moretz had massive shoes to fill in the title role, made famous by Academy Award-nominated Sissy Spacek. Spacek's rendition in the '76 original was sensational, but Moretz is not far behind.
There are times when Moretz is almost too creepy to be believable, especially during the climatic telekinetic outburst, but she nails the bullied victim.
Anyone who has ever been bullied knows how it feels - you can not forget the emotions that run through your head - and that helplessness is communicated by Moretz perfectly through her performance.
Judy Greer plays Miss Desjardin (Miss Collins in the original), who becomes one of the only people to stand up for and defend Carrie. Greer doesn't have too much to say or do in the film, but she is the one person who actively seeks to help the troubled Carrie.
Julianne Moore is hands-down the best part of this film.
Moore plays Carrie's mother Margaret, a self-harming deeply religious widow. She detests Carrie's existence, shown in the beginning of the film threatening to kill her child moments after birth.
Most of her dialogue revolves around the recitation of religious texts, prayers and rituals. The creepy room she locks Carrie in - under the stairs in true Harry Potter fashion - is terrifying; a solitary confinement in which Carrie's evil is restrained.
Less is more for Moore - she is not in every scene, but the ones she does appear in are stolen by her. Not even a few telekinetic actions and a crumbling house stop that.
Carrie doubles as one of the first horror films I've watched in a cinema for years, and I don't think I could've picked a better film of which to dip my toes back in the genre.
The special effects only makes Carrie's telekinetic revenge more intense, allowing her to things to fellow students the original could only have dreamed of. It is a welcome update of the first Stephen King novel to be turned into a film, and if you are going to see, take the 9.35pm timeslot at the Saraton Theatre on Friday and Saturday - the late night screening only amplifies its effect.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
North Coast New South Wales could support an elite sporting team
Published: The Daily Examiner
COULD an elite sporting team make its home on the New South Wales North Coast?
It may make me sound a little too fanatical about my sport, but it is a question I have considered on more than one occasion since I moved to the region.
The Clarence Valley, and by extension the NSW North Coast, has had a few visits from elite teams and athletes over the years but none of the major codes have ever set up shop in the region.
More here.
COULD an elite sporting team make its home on the New South Wales North Coast?
It may make me sound a little too fanatical about my sport, but it is a question I have considered on more than one occasion since I moved to the region.
The Clarence Valley, and by extension the NSW North Coast, has had a few visits from elite teams and athletes over the years but none of the major codes have ever set up shop in the region.
More here.
Mat Rogers and Nick Gates take on Big River Basketball
Published: The Daily Examiner
ONE HAS faced up to some of the best footballers in the world, playing for Australia in both rugby league and union.
The other has tackled the Tour de France on multiple occasions and was crowned Australian Road Race Champion in 1996.
But Mat Rogers and Nick Gates will tonight face up to one of their biggest challenges - Big River Basketball.
More here.
ONE HAS faced up to some of the best footballers in the world, playing for Australia in both rugby league and union.
The other has tackled the Tour de France on multiple occasions and was crowned Australian Road Race Champion in 1996.
But Mat Rogers and Nick Gates will tonight face up to one of their biggest challenges - Big River Basketball.
More here.
Exhibitionist may not have won the Puppy Classic, but it's been a ride for owner Darryl Chapman
Published: The Daily Examiner
AFTER 30-odd years training and judging showdogs, it makes sense Darryl Chapman's greyhound is the star of the show.
Chapman's aptly named Exhibitionist is preparing for the race of her life tonight, lining up in box two in the $75,000 Country Motor Company Puppy Classic (520m) final in Dapto.
Exhibitionist qualified fastest for the race and will likely start favourite after a thumping 14-length win in the semi-finals.
More here.
Lower Clarence Magpies to receive boost if Danny Wicks' ban overturned
Published: The Daily Examiner
FORMER Newcastle Knights prop Danny Wicks could be on his way back to the footy field next season.
A News Limited report suggests Wicks is considering applying to the NRL for clemency to have his ban lifted in time for the start of next year's Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League season.
Wicks is currently serving the final 12 months of a four-year ban following his conviction for drug offences in 2011, a ban that will end on September 20 next year.
More here.
FORMER Newcastle Knights prop Danny Wicks could be on his way back to the footy field next season.
A News Limited report suggests Wicks is considering applying to the NRL for clemency to have his ban lifted in time for the start of next year's Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League season.
Wicks is currently serving the final 12 months of a four-year ban following his conviction for drug offences in 2011, a ban that will end on September 20 next year.
More here.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Bring on Mockingjay.
That is all I can say after watching The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
We rejoin Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) after their success in the 74th Hunger Games - which we saw in the first film.
They are set to embark on a "Victory Tour", visiting the 12 districts to pay homage to those who fell (were killed) during the Hunger Games, and reaffirm the Capital's strength over the Districts. It is a ploy designed to keep the general population loyal to President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and quash any thought of an uprising.
A classic love triangle, as seems to be the common theme of young adult novels that make the silver screen, guides us through the film as Everdeen struggles through her emotions for Mellark - who she fell for in the Arena to help both survive - and fellow District 12-native and longtime love Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth).
The triangle is one of my chief criticisms of the film, but only because of its popularity in modern cinema. A lot of recent films directed at this target audience - City of Bones and the Twilight series are two off the top of my head - tend to have the triangle thrown in. Whether it is for extra drama, more character conflict or more material to play with I don't know.
Kudos must go to Lawrence, Hutcherson and Hemsworth for making it at least a little believable, but there is no doubting it is getting stale - for me anyway.
Snow's rule is akin to historically evil bad guys - your Hitlers and Stalins - with his attempt to thwart and quash "rebellion" the source of much contempt from the film's characters. Snow his driven by greed and his quest for absolute power, hosting large, lavish and ultimately expensive parties and events while much of the population suffers in poverty-like conditions. As is mentioned directly through dialogue in the film and visually by the set dressing, Snow and the wealthy few that live in the Capital live to excess. They even have a beverage is designed to be drunk only when you are full - "so you can keep on eating!".
Woody Harrelson continues his run of silver screen success (Hunger Games, Now You See Me, Zombieland) as Haymitch Abernathy, a former winner of the Games from District 12, who also acts as a mentor to Katniss and Peeta. He plays a drunk uncle type character: wise from his years of experience and always trying to look out for the best courses of action for Katniss and Peeta, but hitting the sauce for more than half of his screen time.
If you have read Suzanne Collins' trilogy you should already have a fair idea as to what happens, but there's no need to feel alienated if you haven't.
The first installment was produced in such a way that you do not need to have read them - sure there are always parts of the novel that are a thousand times better than the film but The Hunger Games is one instance where the differences do not matter too much.
It is a bit lengthy at 146 minutes, but it is entertaining enough for the time to fly by.
Catching Fire is one of the rare instance where the sequel is as good, if not better, than the original.
That is all I can say after watching The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
We rejoin Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) after their success in the 74th Hunger Games - which we saw in the first film.
They are set to embark on a "Victory Tour", visiting the 12 districts to pay homage to those who fell (were killed) during the Hunger Games, and reaffirm the Capital's strength over the Districts. It is a ploy designed to keep the general population loyal to President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and quash any thought of an uprising.
A classic love triangle, as seems to be the common theme of young adult novels that make the silver screen, guides us through the film as Everdeen struggles through her emotions for Mellark - who she fell for in the Arena to help both survive - and fellow District 12-native and longtime love Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth).
The triangle is one of my chief criticisms of the film, but only because of its popularity in modern cinema. A lot of recent films directed at this target audience - City of Bones and the Twilight series are two off the top of my head - tend to have the triangle thrown in. Whether it is for extra drama, more character conflict or more material to play with I don't know.
Kudos must go to Lawrence, Hutcherson and Hemsworth for making it at least a little believable, but there is no doubting it is getting stale - for me anyway.
Snow's rule is akin to historically evil bad guys - your Hitlers and Stalins - with his attempt to thwart and quash "rebellion" the source of much contempt from the film's characters. Snow his driven by greed and his quest for absolute power, hosting large, lavish and ultimately expensive parties and events while much of the population suffers in poverty-like conditions. As is mentioned directly through dialogue in the film and visually by the set dressing, Snow and the wealthy few that live in the Capital live to excess. They even have a beverage is designed to be drunk only when you are full - "so you can keep on eating!".
Woody Harrelson continues his run of silver screen success (Hunger Games, Now You See Me, Zombieland) as Haymitch Abernathy, a former winner of the Games from District 12, who also acts as a mentor to Katniss and Peeta. He plays a drunk uncle type character: wise from his years of experience and always trying to look out for the best courses of action for Katniss and Peeta, but hitting the sauce for more than half of his screen time.
If you have read Suzanne Collins' trilogy you should already have a fair idea as to what happens, but there's no need to feel alienated if you haven't.
The first installment was produced in such a way that you do not need to have read them - sure there are always parts of the novel that are a thousand times better than the film but The Hunger Games is one instance where the differences do not matter too much.
It is a bit lengthy at 146 minutes, but it is entertaining enough for the time to fly by.
Catching Fire is one of the rare instance where the sequel is as good, if not better, than the original.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Jackass: Bad Grandpa
I remember watching the first Jackass movie when I was younger and loving the pranks and "stunts".
It was all so original and fresh - impossible for a teenage boy to resist.
Then came two more films, along with their television show, and the countless other copycats that hit the market and it all went stale.
I have not seen any of the Jackass crew since that first film, but I was reintroduced to a sample of their whacky antics thanks to Johnny Knoxville's Bad Grandpa.
Just as I was in awe of the mindless stupidity of the stunts in the first Jackass film, Bad Grandpa hit all the right notes for me.
What made it so great was there was actually a storyline/plot involved, and not just a collection of umpteen wild stunts just tacked onto each other.
The Jeff Tremaine-directed film weaved the stunts in and out of the storyline, making them relevant to what Knoxville - who you can barely recognise as 86 year old grandfather Irving Zisman - and sidekick Jackson Nicoll - the eight year old grandson Billy - experience.
The plot? Zisman ends up stuck with Billy after Billy's mum Kimmie (Georgina Gates) is ordered back to prison for violating parole. While she is in jail, Billy is supposed to stay with his dad Chuck (Greg Harris), and Zisman is all too happy to be rid of his young sidekick. The news is broken very loudly, shockingly and ultimately humorously at Zisman's wife Ellie's (Catherine Keener) funeral.
Sounds horrible, would be quite bad if it happens in real life, executed brilliantly and hilariously on the big screen.
As Zisman and Billy travel across the United States on their way to Chuck's, they have a few ordinary stops along the way (food and drink shops, petrol stations, motels). Being a Knoxville movie with the Jackass brand attached to the title, you already know where the pranks will take place.
Knoxville's transition into an 86 year old sleazy grandpa is seamless - the makeup, the attitude, the dirty jokes and blatantly rude pick up attempts. He has got it all. But while he may be the star of this film, it is completely stolen by Nicholl as Billy.
Billy wandering around asking strangers to be his dad, Billy helping his dirty old grandpa hit on unsuspecting (and completely uninterested) women, Billy asking what whores are in an awkward conversation in the car - completely inappropriate and utterly hilarious. He's a cute little kid by appearance, and it's that innocence that adds so much more to everything he does on screen.
Knoxville's greatest moments come in a male strip joint (I'll leave that there) and later in a restaurant over an early morning meal.
But the very best of the movie comes at the very end. Kudos to Tremaine and his editing crew, as many comedies, in my experience, often reach their highest comical points about 50-70% of the way through the film. Other films even have their best gags cramped into the opening third, leaving the rest for the character's self discovery and "growing up". Bad Grandpa's best is saved for the very end, and it is young Billy again in the spotlight.
If you have seen the trailers, you know what I am talking about (more on that rant later). The whole beauty pageant section is an absolute blast. I don't want to say much about it, but the reactions of the audience - especially the judging panel - are amazing.
Bad Grandpa caters to a very specific sense of humour, so if you don't like being shocked, better to avoid this one. For everyone else, the laughs will keep coming for the whole 90 minutes.
It was all so original and fresh - impossible for a teenage boy to resist.
Then came two more films, along with their television show, and the countless other copycats that hit the market and it all went stale.
I have not seen any of the Jackass crew since that first film, but I was reintroduced to a sample of their whacky antics thanks to Johnny Knoxville's Bad Grandpa.
Just as I was in awe of the mindless stupidity of the stunts in the first Jackass film, Bad Grandpa hit all the right notes for me.
What made it so great was there was actually a storyline/plot involved, and not just a collection of umpteen wild stunts just tacked onto each other.
The Jeff Tremaine-directed film weaved the stunts in and out of the storyline, making them relevant to what Knoxville - who you can barely recognise as 86 year old grandfather Irving Zisman - and sidekick Jackson Nicoll - the eight year old grandson Billy - experience.
The plot? Zisman ends up stuck with Billy after Billy's mum Kimmie (Georgina Gates) is ordered back to prison for violating parole. While she is in jail, Billy is supposed to stay with his dad Chuck (Greg Harris), and Zisman is all too happy to be rid of his young sidekick. The news is broken very loudly, shockingly and ultimately humorously at Zisman's wife Ellie's (Catherine Keener) funeral.
Sounds horrible, would be quite bad if it happens in real life, executed brilliantly and hilariously on the big screen.
As Zisman and Billy travel across the United States on their way to Chuck's, they have a few ordinary stops along the way (food and drink shops, petrol stations, motels). Being a Knoxville movie with the Jackass brand attached to the title, you already know where the pranks will take place.
Knoxville's transition into an 86 year old sleazy grandpa is seamless - the makeup, the attitude, the dirty jokes and blatantly rude pick up attempts. He has got it all. But while he may be the star of this film, it is completely stolen by Nicholl as Billy.
Billy wandering around asking strangers to be his dad, Billy helping his dirty old grandpa hit on unsuspecting (and completely uninterested) women, Billy asking what whores are in an awkward conversation in the car - completely inappropriate and utterly hilarious. He's a cute little kid by appearance, and it's that innocence that adds so much more to everything he does on screen.
Knoxville's greatest moments come in a male strip joint (I'll leave that there) and later in a restaurant over an early morning meal.
But the very best of the movie comes at the very end. Kudos to Tremaine and his editing crew, as many comedies, in my experience, often reach their highest comical points about 50-70% of the way through the film. Other films even have their best gags cramped into the opening third, leaving the rest for the character's self discovery and "growing up". Bad Grandpa's best is saved for the very end, and it is young Billy again in the spotlight.
If you have seen the trailers, you know what I am talking about (more on that rant later). The whole beauty pageant section is an absolute blast. I don't want to say much about it, but the reactions of the audience - especially the judging panel - are amazing.
Bad Grandpa caters to a very specific sense of humour, so if you don't like being shocked, better to avoid this one. For everyone else, the laughs will keep coming for the whole 90 minutes.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Nathan Pettit to take on tough challenge of Lower Clarence Magpies in the NRRRL
Published: The Daily Examiner
A HORRIFIC knee injury not only ended Nathan Pettit's playing career in 2011 - it almost cost him his leg.
The newly appointed Lower Clarence Magpies coach was captain of the Moorebank Rams in the Sydney Combined Competition when he was injured, and spent the next two weeks in hospital.
"Surgeons actually talked about cutting the whole leg off," Pettit said.
Read more...
A HORRIFIC knee injury not only ended Nathan Pettit's playing career in 2011 - it almost cost him his leg.
The newly appointed Lower Clarence Magpies coach was captain of the Moorebank Rams in the Sydney Combined Competition when he was injured, and spent the next two weeks in hospital.
"Surgeons actually talked about cutting the whole leg off," Pettit said.
Read more...
Grafton Ghosts sign pair for debut Group 2 season
Published: The Daily Examiner
HE HAS been one of the best players for the Lower Clarence Magpies for the past few seasons but for Ryan Binge, now it is a time for change.
Binge is the biggest new signing in the Ghosts' camp, and is champing at the bit to get onto the field.
"Different competition, different players and a new club - I'm looking forward to it," Binge said.
Read more...
HE HAS been one of the best players for the Lower Clarence Magpies for the past few seasons but for Ryan Binge, now it is a time for change.
Binge is the biggest new signing in the Ghosts' camp, and is champing at the bit to get onto the field.
"Different competition, different players and a new club - I'm looking forward to it," Binge said.
Read more...
Grafton Derby penned in for May 25
Published: The Daily Examiner
GRAFTONIANS will have to wait until May 25 for the next Grafton derby, according to a draft Group 2 draw.
The draw was released after Wednesday night's Group 2 meeting, where the existing clubs unanimously approved Grafton Ghosts and South Grafton Rebels' application to join the Coffs Harbour-based competition.
While it is only a draft and clubs are allowed to apply to Group 2 management for a change, both the Rebels and Ghosts have ruled out any opposition to the draw.
Read more...
GRAFTONIANS will have to wait until May 25 for the next Grafton derby, according to a draft Group 2 draw.
The draw was released after Wednesday night's Group 2 meeting, where the existing clubs unanimously approved Grafton Ghosts and South Grafton Rebels' application to join the Coffs Harbour-based competition.
While it is only a draft and clubs are allowed to apply to Group 2 management for a change, both the Rebels and Ghosts have ruled out any opposition to the draw.
Read more...
Luke Douglas scores first international try for Scotland
Published: The Daily Examiner
Yamba's Luka Douglas scored his first international try to help lead Scotland to a 22-8 comeback win over USA.
Down 8-0 at half time in their Rugby League World Cup match at AJ Lee Stadium, Salford, Scotland rallied through tries to Brett Phillips and man of the match Brett Russell, which was converted by Danny Brough, to take a 10-8 lead in the 56th minute.
The Clarence Valley's time to shine came in the 62nd minute, when Douglas took a seemingly straight forward hit up from a penalty tap.
Read more...
Yamba's Luka Douglas scored his first international try to help lead Scotland to a 22-8 comeback win over USA.
Down 8-0 at half time in their Rugby League World Cup match at AJ Lee Stadium, Salford, Scotland rallied through tries to Brett Phillips and man of the match Brett Russell, which was converted by Danny Brough, to take a 10-8 lead in the 56th minute.
The Clarence Valley's time to shine came in the 62nd minute, when Douglas took a seemingly straight forward hit up from a penalty tap.
Read more...
The Counselor
I have never been in a more awkard situation than I was for the first five minutes (or so) of The Counselor.
The key to enjoying film is the experience of watching them in a darkened theatre on the big screen with a group of people. But there quite a few other things you should do before walking through the door.
The first lesson: make sure you watch or read at least one trailer or review before inviting two work colleagues, both in superior positions, to join you in enjoying a film.
If you're not careful, and the movie is The Counselor, the entire pre-title sequence is going to be one of the longest and most uncomfortable few minutes of the year.
A quick glance at the film's Wikipedia page reveals some controversy over "an explicit sex scene involving the film's female antagonist and a Ferrari windshield", another period of complete and utter uncomfortably you would be much better off avoiding.
And explicit is quite the understatement.
Another lesson: take note of the rating or classification.
They often leave a big (see obvious) clue about the film's content - which you would've seen if you saw a trailer. In the case of The Counselor, there is no better description - or warning - than "strong bloody violence".
Cormac McCarthy (The Road, No Country For Old Men) hits the spot by coming up with some interesting and unique exits for several characters, the most effective of which is known as the "bolito". The explanation of how the device works is superbly delivered by Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt in the role of Westray, an associate of Michael Fassbender's The Counselor.
We even get to see it put to use.
Fassbender leads the cast brilliantly as The Counselor, whose name we half-frustratingly half-awesomely never learn. I believe that's a masterstroke from McCarthy, director Ridley Scott and anybody else on the decision-making panel. While we connect slightly with the lead character as it's his life we've been thrust into, it also allows us to objectively judge him and his actions. This is an extremely good thing, especially given the consequences. Fassbender, who worked with Scott on science fiction hit Prometheus, will return to the big screen next year in the much anticpated X-Men: Days of Future Past (trailer here).
Javier Bardem (Skyfall) is solid as one of the more bizarre and "out there" characters in Reiner, an entrepreneur doubling as a drugs boss by night, while Penelope Cruz achieves similar success as Laura, The Counserlor's fiance.
My biggest criticism is the casting of Cameron Diaz as Malkina, Reiner's girlfriend. The role is similar to that of Katey Sagal's Gemma Morrow in Sons of Anarchy: an attractive, smart woman in a relationship with a powerful figure who is actually more dangerous than their kingpin lovers. Diaz looked slightly ridiculous in the part, and I personally found it hard to believe in her character at all.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Sharknado
I have not had as much fun with a movie since Sharktopus, and before that Chicken Park.
Judging by the numbers, especially in the US, I wasn't alone.
In the vein of Roger Corman's filmic legacy (Sharktopus, Dinocroc, etc), Sharknado is a Syfy original movie obviously based on a doomsday combination of sharks and tornadoes (who would've thought?!?!). It pits Tara Reid and Ian Ziering in the lead roles, an estranged married couple who, like the rest of Los Angeles, are at risk of hilarious death via tornado-delivered sharks - tiger sharks, hammerheads - take your pick!
I don't even know what to write about this brilliance.
The screenplay is utterly hilarious, delivering such pearlers as "why is there a retirement homenext to an airport? Because old people can't hear" and "your son wants to go into a helicopter and drop a bomb into the tornado" - SPOILER ALERT - and it freakin works?!?!
There are a whole lot more ripper lines in there but you have to see it, or read a transcript.
Dodgy special effects only enhance the awesomeness and the comedic value.
Reusing identical footage time and time again has the same effect, as does the completely awkward interactions between the characters.
I can't even finish this. Do yourself a favour and enjoy it - it will be the best 86 minutes of your year.
Sharknado: 86 minutes (2013)
Judging by the numbers, especially in the US, I wasn't alone.
In the vein of Roger Corman's filmic legacy (Sharktopus, Dinocroc, etc), Sharknado is a Syfy original movie obviously based on a doomsday combination of sharks and tornadoes (who would've thought?!?!). It pits Tara Reid and Ian Ziering in the lead roles, an estranged married couple who, like the rest of Los Angeles, are at risk of hilarious death via tornado-delivered sharks - tiger sharks, hammerheads - take your pick!
I don't even know what to write about this brilliance.
The screenplay is utterly hilarious, delivering such pearlers as "why is there a retirement homenext to an airport? Because old people can't hear" and "your son wants to go into a helicopter and drop a bomb into the tornado" - SPOILER ALERT - and it freakin works?!?!
There are a whole lot more ripper lines in there but you have to see it, or read a transcript.
Dodgy special effects only enhance the awesomeness and the comedic value.
Reusing identical footage time and time again has the same effect, as does the completely awkward interactions between the characters.
I can't even finish this. Do yourself a favour and enjoy it - it will be the best 86 minutes of your year.
Sharknado: 86 minutes (2013)
Saturday, September 21, 2013
White House Down
A WILD action ride that mixes the gung-ho action sequences, a few ripper laughs and more betrayals than an ALP leadership ballot.
White House Down pits Channing Tatum in the driver’s seat of our wild ride through the heart of Washington DC.
Tatum plays Capitol policeman John Cale with a dream to protect President James Sawyer (played by Jamie Foxx) as part of his Secret Service detail.
Cale’s personal life is a bit more complicated, as he struggles to forge a better relationship with his daughter Emily (Joey King) who conveniently has a love for politics.
Cale’s interview for a Secret Service position is a disaster, but he lies about the outcome to impress Emily. To help his ruse succeed, he secure tickets to a tour of the White House.
Their relationship, as well as Cale’s ability, is put to the ultimate test when a group of mercenaries take control of the White House in an effort to kidnap the president.
White House Down is a much better film than what the trailer gives it credit for.
Where the trailer shows a predictable, action flick filled with cringe-worthy one liners, the film is a fun ride through the heart of American politics.
The jokes are timed to perfection, more of a reflection of James Vanderbilt’s writing (Zodiac, The Amazing Spiderman) than Tatum’s on-screen delivery – though Tatum’s charm and charisma and give them that extra oomph.
Foxx is simply awesome as President Sawyer, portraying an influential president who publicly inspires, but is as laid-back and chilled as everyone imagines Barrack Obama to be.
The trailer shows a sequence where Sawyer drops a rocket launcher from a bulletproof presidential vehicle, but the real gold is where he defends his precious Jordans.(basketball shoes)
Maggie Gyllenahaal supports the leads brilliantly as Secret Service agent Carol Finnerty.
Finnerty has a history with Cale, which is exploited for comic exchanges early on in the piece but becomes a central point of Cale’s evolution.
Joey King’s role as Emily is one to keep and eye out for as well.
Emily is a bit of a rebel without a cause when we first meet her, but she becomes a completely different person before our eyes when she arrives at the White House.
Her obsession with politics is made obvious from the outset, but it’s her undying passion that turns everybody’s life around.
Director Roland Emmerich sticks true to his “let’s blow up iconic American buildings” mantra from Independence Day, 2012 and The Day After Tomorrow, and delivers 130 minutes of awesome.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
The era of converting young adult fantasy books into films is well and truly alive - but that may not necessarily be a good thing.
Cassandra Clare's six-part fantasy series The Mortal Instruments is the latest to receive the Hollywood treatment, following last Thursday's release of City of Bones.
Director Harald Zwart thrusts us face first into the main plot, which centres around a teenage girl named Clarissa "Clary" Fray starts to see strange symbols.
Fray's symbol spotting takes a supernatural turn almost immediately when she witnesses an intense murder at a nightclub - which only she can actually see.
Much like fellow novels-turned-film series Harry Potter's muggles, Fray is classed as a "mundane" - a seemingly ordinary human with an ability to see the Shadowhunters, demons and other beings that inhabit the world.
But unlike the way Harry Potter steadily builds a narrative and develops the characters to a point we can't imagine being without them, City of Bones' plot flies at a million miles an hour and it is easy to feel no connection to any of the characters.
Coty of Bones shares more in common with Twilight than you may think.
The battle between good and evil, the romantic relationship between an ordinary human and a "supernatural being", and fights between demons, vampires, werewolves and the like.
Add to that some seriously over-acted sequences and unimaginative dialogue, and it is easy to understand why it holds a 13% rating online film aggregator "Rotten Tomatoes".
Having not read the books I can not give a judgment on how true to Clare's work the film was, but I can confirm 23 year old males may not be the target audience.
If you enjoyed The Twilight Series, you may well enjoy City of Bones.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: 130 minutes (2013)
Cassandra Clare's six-part fantasy series The Mortal Instruments is the latest to receive the Hollywood treatment, following last Thursday's release of City of Bones.
Director Harald Zwart thrusts us face first into the main plot, which centres around a teenage girl named Clarissa "Clary" Fray starts to see strange symbols.
Fray's symbol spotting takes a supernatural turn almost immediately when she witnesses an intense murder at a nightclub - which only she can actually see.
Much like fellow novels-turned-film series Harry Potter's muggles, Fray is classed as a "mundane" - a seemingly ordinary human with an ability to see the Shadowhunters, demons and other beings that inhabit the world.
But unlike the way Harry Potter steadily builds a narrative and develops the characters to a point we can't imagine being without them, City of Bones' plot flies at a million miles an hour and it is easy to feel no connection to any of the characters.
Coty of Bones shares more in common with Twilight than you may think.
The battle between good and evil, the romantic relationship between an ordinary human and a "supernatural being", and fights between demons, vampires, werewolves and the like.
Add to that some seriously over-acted sequences and unimaginative dialogue, and it is easy to understand why it holds a 13% rating online film aggregator "Rotten Tomatoes".
Having not read the books I can not give a judgment on how true to Clare's work the film was, but I can confirm 23 year old males may not be the target audience.
If you enjoyed The Twilight Series, you may well enjoy City of Bones.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: 130 minutes (2013)
Elysium
Class warfare takes on a whole new meaning in Matt Damon's new science fiction flick Elysium.
The story is set in 2154 on a dystopian and downtrodden Earth that has been neglected for decades.
There appears to be near anarchy on the planet's surface, with a large percentage of the population either former prisoners or too sick to work.
But high above the planet, Elysium is where everyone on Earth dreams of going, much the same way as kids want to go to the moon, or a literal adaptation of shooting for the stars.
Elysium is a space station, home to the "haves" who exist in a world of privileged plenty without disease or war.
Damon's character Max De Costa is fatally exposed to radiation in a work accident on Earth. His only hope is to go to Elysium where technology can cure him.
The gap between the upper and lower classes is physically represented by Elysium being out of reach of the common man or woman, but it is not the only social issue director Neil Blomkamp tackles.
Asylum seekers and illegal immigrants are targeted by Elysium's secretary of defence Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster) for destruction as they attempt to land on Elysium in a spacecraft.
Elysium is a well-crafted film which forces you to think a bit more about the way society works and your own place in it.
It is not a mindless action or comedy where you go simply to be entertained by explosions for the duration - is it 109 minutes of deeply engaging, multilingual cinema that is highly recommended.
With all that said, however, Elysium feels as if there is something missing.
It could be the plot direction or the strange performance of Sharlto Copley as Kruger, an unbalanced mercenary with a mission to capture and kill Da Costa.
Whatever it is, I can't quite put my finger on it - which could be exactly how we're supposed to feel.
Touché Mr Blomkamp, touché.
The story is set in 2154 on a dystopian and downtrodden Earth that has been neglected for decades.
There appears to be near anarchy on the planet's surface, with a large percentage of the population either former prisoners or too sick to work.
But high above the planet, Elysium is where everyone on Earth dreams of going, much the same way as kids want to go to the moon, or a literal adaptation of shooting for the stars.
Elysium is a space station, home to the "haves" who exist in a world of privileged plenty without disease or war.
Damon's character Max De Costa is fatally exposed to radiation in a work accident on Earth. His only hope is to go to Elysium where technology can cure him.
The gap between the upper and lower classes is physically represented by Elysium being out of reach of the common man or woman, but it is not the only social issue director Neil Blomkamp tackles.
Asylum seekers and illegal immigrants are targeted by Elysium's secretary of defence Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster) for destruction as they attempt to land on Elysium in a spacecraft.
Elysium is a well-crafted film which forces you to think a bit more about the way society works and your own place in it.
It is not a mindless action or comedy where you go simply to be entertained by explosions for the duration - is it 109 minutes of deeply engaging, multilingual cinema that is highly recommended.
With all that said, however, Elysium feels as if there is something missing.
It could be the plot direction or the strange performance of Sharlto Copley as Kruger, an unbalanced mercenary with a mission to capture and kill Da Costa.
Whatever it is, I can't quite put my finger on it - which could be exactly how we're supposed to feel.
Touché Mr Blomkamp, touché.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Now You See Me
NOT EVERY film can bluntly tell the audience they will be
lied to for the next two hours of their lives and get away with
it.
But much like lead characters “The Four Horsemen”, a
Travelling Wilburys-type supergroup of illusionists, it is exactly what they do
time and time again.
Now You See Me is a 116 minute mind-bending ride riddled with
crime, deception, and a slight hint of magic.
If you follow the instructions of J. Daniel Atlas (played by
Jesse Eisenberg of The Social Network fame), get in and take a closer look,
because the real tricks are happening somewhere else.
His advice to audience members is applicable to the film’s
stars, as while Eisenberg has top-billing in the film and leads the Four
Horsemen, the real magic comes from the supporting cast.
Woodey Harrelson and Isla Fisher encapsulate the fun aspects
of their roles as illusionists Merrit McKinney and Henley Reeves
respectively.
Dave Franco steps above and beyond as the fourth and final
Horseman Jack Wilder, providing much of the laughs and jaw-dropping stunts
including lethal card throwing, ninja-style close quarter combat and rolling a
car.
Generally speaking, every magician has a secret that, once
revealed, unravels the rest of the act.
This film is no different, as we witness minimal character
development after the opening 10 or so minutes.
Everything we know about the group is revealed in that time,
leaving them to merely go through the motions for the rest of the
film.
There is some potential that I had too close a look and
missed it, which you could argue is the film’s intentions.
And with a sequel already announced, it is fair to suggest
they had to leave a few tricks up their sleeve.
Now You See Me: 116 minutes (rated M)
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
The World's End
The end of the "Three Flavours Cornetto" trilogy could not come quick enough.
Following the successes of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, the team of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost combine to bring their third film collaboration to life - The World's End.
It tells the tale of a group of high school friends who return home at Gary King's (Pegg) behest to complete an epic pub crawl they started as younger lads. Whilst completing said quest, the group discover an alien invasion, and have to do what they can to save the day.
Pegg and Frost have built a reputation as a powerhouse duo who create well thought out, intelligent comedies of which Britain have been famous for over the years, but also keep the laughs coming with almost every scene.
Bluntly, The World's End seems to lack some of its predecessor's punch.
A lot of the jokes miss the mark and when that happens in a comedy you know you're in trouble. On top of that the execution of the story is lacking.
Given those shortfalls, there is some genius in the film.
Another former Bond star makes an appearance as one of the "bad guys" with Pierce Brosnan turning out as former teacher Guy Shepherd. Brosnan's role is much the same as Timothy Dalton's turn as Skinner in Hot Fuzz, and is just as brilliant.
There is a great sequence in one of the fight scenes when all King wants is to sink a pint, but is continually interrupted by a crazy bar fight happening all around him. A diamond-like sequence in the rough that is The World's End.
The World's End: 109 minutes (2013)
Following the successes of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, the team of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost combine to bring their third film collaboration to life - The World's End.
It tells the tale of a group of high school friends who return home at Gary King's (Pegg) behest to complete an epic pub crawl they started as younger lads. Whilst completing said quest, the group discover an alien invasion, and have to do what they can to save the day.
Pegg and Frost have built a reputation as a powerhouse duo who create well thought out, intelligent comedies of which Britain have been famous for over the years, but also keep the laughs coming with almost every scene.
Bluntly, The World's End seems to lack some of its predecessor's punch.
A lot of the jokes miss the mark and when that happens in a comedy you know you're in trouble. On top of that the execution of the story is lacking.
Given those shortfalls, there is some genius in the film.
Another former Bond star makes an appearance as one of the "bad guys" with Pierce Brosnan turning out as former teacher Guy Shepherd. Brosnan's role is much the same as Timothy Dalton's turn as Skinner in Hot Fuzz, and is just as brilliant.
There is a great sequence in one of the fight scenes when all King wants is to sink a pint, but is continually interrupted by a crazy bar fight happening all around him. A diamond-like sequence in the rough that is The World's End.
The World's End: 109 minutes (2013)
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
The Wolverine
Hugh Jackman goes on a Japanese holiday to learn about the Samurai, fight Yakuza gangs, and battle ninjas in a quest for redemption.
Have I got the plot correct?
You can make your own mind up about the film after you go to your local cinema and enjoy the 130-odd minutes of a Japanese family feud interspersed with silky sword swinging action starring our favourite mutant.
I feel like I have so many more questions about The Wolverine after watching it than I did beforehand.
Of course we have Jackman reprising one of his most famous roles as the adamantium-infused hero Logan - better known as Wolverine, but that is the only character from the series to appear in this film (ignoring the mid-credits sequence).
He is an older Wolverine than what we are used to (even though he doesn't age), but more crucially he is a lot more embattled by inner demons. He is plagued by hallucinations of Jean Grey (Famke Janssen reprising her role from the three original X-Men films), and lives a hermit-like life.
It is the battle with inner demons that becomes the focal point of the film.
His inner battle is shown with countless visions or Jean Grey-interrupted dreams, and a physical battle with an inner demon-like device/creation continues to hammer the importance of his battle.
While this forms the main theme of the film, the plot itself leaves the United States of America as soon as possible, after Wolverine is asked by Yukio (Rila Fukushima) to accompany her to Japan to pay final respects to Ichiro Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi), a man he saved in Nagasaki in World War II who is now on his death bed.
There he meets Yashida's granddaughter Mariko (played by Japanese model Tao Okamoto in her film debut), and protects her after her life becomes threatened due to her inheriting everything her grandfather owned.
Wolverine/Logan and Mariko grow closer as the film progresses, their relationship developing as they face whatever is thrown at them - including Wolverine's sudden morality.
Despite a fun action sequence inside, on the side, and on top of a bullet train, the first hour or so of the film could not go any slower.
It is supposed to be set after X-Men: The Last Stand, so one would assume we would pick up where we left off with the title character. Instead we're reintroduced to Wolverine almost from scratch, including the tired obligatory scene where our hero confronts a few men at a local bar.
Thankfully the pace picks up a bit in the second half, with one of the best sequences of the film shared between a fully fit Wolverine and Shingen Yashida (Mariko's father, played by Hiroyuki Sanada).
Svetlana Khodchenkova plays the role of mutant villain Viper well, but even she is eclipsed by Will Yun Lee's Kenuichio Harada. Harada is a childhood friend of Mariko and is head of the Black Ninja Clan, a group of ninjas sworn to protect the Yashida family. Lee's plays his part well - he doesn't overact the role, and he lets his skill with sword and bow do the talking.
Finally, the 3D option may be better left untouched. Sure it's great to watch the film and see the landscape have some depth, but it does not seem to add much to the viewing experience. It is as if it was released in 3D "just because they could", but all that does is lessen the product.
The Wolverine: 126 minutes (2013)
Have I got the plot correct?
You can make your own mind up about the film after you go to your local cinema and enjoy the 130-odd minutes of a Japanese family feud interspersed with silky sword swinging action starring our favourite mutant.
I feel like I have so many more questions about The Wolverine after watching it than I did beforehand.
Of course we have Jackman reprising one of his most famous roles as the adamantium-infused hero Logan - better known as Wolverine, but that is the only character from the series to appear in this film (ignoring the mid-credits sequence).
He is an older Wolverine than what we are used to (even though he doesn't age), but more crucially he is a lot more embattled by inner demons. He is plagued by hallucinations of Jean Grey (Famke Janssen reprising her role from the three original X-Men films), and lives a hermit-like life.
It is the battle with inner demons that becomes the focal point of the film.
His inner battle is shown with countless visions or Jean Grey-interrupted dreams, and a physical battle with an inner demon-like device/creation continues to hammer the importance of his battle.
While this forms the main theme of the film, the plot itself leaves the United States of America as soon as possible, after Wolverine is asked by Yukio (Rila Fukushima) to accompany her to Japan to pay final respects to Ichiro Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi), a man he saved in Nagasaki in World War II who is now on his death bed.
There he meets Yashida's granddaughter Mariko (played by Japanese model Tao Okamoto in her film debut), and protects her after her life becomes threatened due to her inheriting everything her grandfather owned.
Wolverine/Logan and Mariko grow closer as the film progresses, their relationship developing as they face whatever is thrown at them - including Wolverine's sudden morality.
Despite a fun action sequence inside, on the side, and on top of a bullet train, the first hour or so of the film could not go any slower.
It is supposed to be set after X-Men: The Last Stand, so one would assume we would pick up where we left off with the title character. Instead we're reintroduced to Wolverine almost from scratch, including the tired obligatory scene where our hero confronts a few men at a local bar.
Thankfully the pace picks up a bit in the second half, with one of the best sequences of the film shared between a fully fit Wolverine and Shingen Yashida (Mariko's father, played by Hiroyuki Sanada).
Svetlana Khodchenkova plays the role of mutant villain Viper well, but even she is eclipsed by Will Yun Lee's Kenuichio Harada. Harada is a childhood friend of Mariko and is head of the Black Ninja Clan, a group of ninjas sworn to protect the Yashida family. Lee's plays his part well - he doesn't overact the role, and he lets his skill with sword and bow do the talking.
Finally, the 3D option may be better left untouched. Sure it's great to watch the film and see the landscape have some depth, but it does not seem to add much to the viewing experience. It is as if it was released in 3D "just because they could", but all that does is lessen the product.
The Wolverine: 126 minutes (2013)
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Lockout
A science fiction film directed by Luc Besson - what could possibly go wrong?
That is not a sarcastic rhetorical question, I am actually quite the fan of Besson's work on The Fifth Element and, even though it isn't science fiction, Taken.
So forgive me for having some highish hopes for Lockout.
The story for Lockout is not a bad one.
In 2079, a CIA Agent named Snow (Guy Pearce) is arrested for the murder of undercover agent, and is threatened with incarceration in an orbiting maxiumum security prison (MS One) - which happens to be located in space and the prisoners serve their sentences in stasis.
The daughter of United States President Warnock Emilie (Maggie Grace) happens to be on board MS One where she is investigating claims the stasis is affecting the prisoners minds and causing dementia and psychopathy.
A psychopathic prisoner escapes custody after being brought in for questioning, then releases all prisoners in the facility. Snow is convinced to go in and save Emilie, and the rest of the film follows their fight out of the complex.
You probably missed Lockout when it was released, but the less you know about it the better.
The script is terrible, the jokes are bland and the path the story follows is quite predictable.
The only good thing is the performance by Pearce, who does a fantastic job with the tools he's been given.
Lockout: 95 minutes (2012)
That is not a sarcastic rhetorical question, I am actually quite the fan of Besson's work on The Fifth Element and, even though it isn't science fiction, Taken.
So forgive me for having some highish hopes for Lockout.
The story for Lockout is not a bad one.
In 2079, a CIA Agent named Snow (Guy Pearce) is arrested for the murder of undercover agent, and is threatened with incarceration in an orbiting maxiumum security prison (MS One) - which happens to be located in space and the prisoners serve their sentences in stasis.
The daughter of United States President Warnock Emilie (Maggie Grace) happens to be on board MS One where she is investigating claims the stasis is affecting the prisoners minds and causing dementia and psychopathy.
A psychopathic prisoner escapes custody after being brought in for questioning, then releases all prisoners in the facility. Snow is convinced to go in and save Emilie, and the rest of the film follows their fight out of the complex.
You probably missed Lockout when it was released, but the less you know about it the better.
The script is terrible, the jokes are bland and the path the story follows is quite predictable.
The only good thing is the performance by Pearce, who does a fantastic job with the tools he's been given.
Lockout: 95 minutes (2012)
Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim may not be the best film of 2013, but it's certainly one of the most enjoyable.
It is a spin on the popular alien invasion plot, but instead of them from coming space, the "kaijus" come from a portal located between two tectonic plates in the Pacific Ocean - hence the title. According to the dates used throughout the film they first appeared in 2013, and have continually assaulted coastal cities over a seven year period (most of the film is set in 2020).
The science fiction adventure pits Guillermo del Toro in the director's chair for the first time since Hellboy 2 in 2008, with Charlie Hunnam (Green Street Hooligans, Sons of Anarchy) taking on lead status as Raleigh Becket.
We meet Raleigh and brother Yance at the start of the film as two of a group of people that enjoy rock star profiles. They are Jaeger pilots, and together control the giant machines (Jaegers) designed to combat the kaijus. Pilots are linked to each other by neural links, sharing memories, experiences and feelings so they can control the Jaegers.
The brothers go out to stop the attack of a kaiju, but are soon overpowered. Yance is killed in the attack while they are still connected, while Raleigh spends the next five years working on the construction of a great wall the length of the Pacific coasts to keep the attacking kaiju out.
The screenplay for this film is not exactly an Academy Award-winner, but the film's fight sequences are fantastic, even if del Toro over-indulges in destroying every city he can lays his eyes on.
I was not overly sold on supporting characters Dr. Newton Geiszler (Charlie Day) and Dr. Hermann Gottlieb (Burn Gorman), who I did not think added too much to the story at all. Sure they were written into the script to give us a more scientific understanding of the kaiju (and how can you defeat aliens with science?), but their fast-talking presences were simply bizarre. Ron Perlmann's cameo as Hannibal Chau adds some more laughs to the film, including his post-credits sequence.
Idris Elba steals the show as Stacker Pentecost, the tough, battle-hardened African-American commanding officer. Elba gets all the one-liners, including an Independence Day-esque speech which you may recognise from the commercials ("Today, we cancel the apocalypse!"). Rinku Kikuchi performs brilliantly as Mako Miri, who becomes Raleigh's partner in the Jaeger Gipsy Dancer.
My biggest gripe with the film is nothing to do with the story, instead it's the casting of an American and an Englishman as the Australian Jaegar's crew.
No disrespect to Robert Kazinsky and Max Martini, but they pull off potentially the worst Australian accents I have ever heard. Sure they play their roles well, but if you want an Australian crew for the Australian Jaeger, consider a pair of Australian actors.
If you're a fan of the Michael Bay-produced Transformers series, kaiju films and stories (like Godzilla) or of science fiction in general, you'll love Pacific Rim.
Pacific Rim: 132 minutes (2013)
It is a spin on the popular alien invasion plot, but instead of them from coming space, the "kaijus" come from a portal located between two tectonic plates in the Pacific Ocean - hence the title. According to the dates used throughout the film they first appeared in 2013, and have continually assaulted coastal cities over a seven year period (most of the film is set in 2020).
The science fiction adventure pits Guillermo del Toro in the director's chair for the first time since Hellboy 2 in 2008, with Charlie Hunnam (Green Street Hooligans, Sons of Anarchy) taking on lead status as Raleigh Becket.
We meet Raleigh and brother Yance at the start of the film as two of a group of people that enjoy rock star profiles. They are Jaeger pilots, and together control the giant machines (Jaegers) designed to combat the kaijus. Pilots are linked to each other by neural links, sharing memories, experiences and feelings so they can control the Jaegers.
The brothers go out to stop the attack of a kaiju, but are soon overpowered. Yance is killed in the attack while they are still connected, while Raleigh spends the next five years working on the construction of a great wall the length of the Pacific coasts to keep the attacking kaiju out.
The screenplay for this film is not exactly an Academy Award-winner, but the film's fight sequences are fantastic, even if del Toro over-indulges in destroying every city he can lays his eyes on.
I was not overly sold on supporting characters Dr. Newton Geiszler (Charlie Day) and Dr. Hermann Gottlieb (Burn Gorman), who I did not think added too much to the story at all. Sure they were written into the script to give us a more scientific understanding of the kaiju (and how can you defeat aliens with science?), but their fast-talking presences were simply bizarre. Ron Perlmann's cameo as Hannibal Chau adds some more laughs to the film, including his post-credits sequence.
Idris Elba steals the show as Stacker Pentecost, the tough, battle-hardened African-American commanding officer. Elba gets all the one-liners, including an Independence Day-esque speech which you may recognise from the commercials ("Today, we cancel the apocalypse!"). Rinku Kikuchi performs brilliantly as Mako Miri, who becomes Raleigh's partner in the Jaeger Gipsy Dancer.
My biggest gripe with the film is nothing to do with the story, instead it's the casting of an American and an Englishman as the Australian Jaegar's crew.
No disrespect to Robert Kazinsky and Max Martini, but they pull off potentially the worst Australian accents I have ever heard. Sure they play their roles well, but if you want an Australian crew for the Australian Jaeger, consider a pair of Australian actors.
If you're a fan of the Michael Bay-produced Transformers series, kaiju films and stories (like Godzilla) or of science fiction in general, you'll love Pacific Rim.
Pacific Rim: 132 minutes (2013)
Monday, July 15, 2013
Mutant Chronicles
You know you're up shit creek when you have Ron Perlman in the starring role.
Now don't get me wrong, Perlman is one of my film heroes. Whenever there's a film with him in it I know it's going to be awesome - even if it's in a bad way.
Mutant Chronicles takes the cake.
There are "bad but so good" films, and there are "no seriously shithouse" bad films. Mutant Chronicles is of the latter.
Going for $6.98 at JB Hi-Fi Coffs Harbour I shouldn't have been surprised, and I remember mentioning at the time it was going to be bad but I was still keen.
But just how bad wasn't a reality until I sat through it.
The budget must've been sent on swords, green screen and software, as the severely lacked in every other department. The only relatively good part of the film was the idea behind the plot.
Mutant Chronicles is set in 2707 after humans have exhausted the Earth's natural resources. The human population split into five corporation-led factions who fight over whatever is left. Now, there was an ancient battle between humans and mutants which the humans won, sealing the mutants beneath the surface of the planet. That gets us to the start.
You can predict what happens.
Two warring factions are fighting somewhere (they never say) and reopen the seal, releasing the mutants who then over-run human settlements. A "fellowship" of human representatives from each faction go down to the mutant stronghold where they seek to shut down the machine which is turning captured humans into the mutants.
The script is terrible, with too many poorly executed, non-funny jokes, while the representation of blood is comical. It's as if they've added it in paint on a Windows Me computer or something, it's terrible.
I love a bad film every now and again, and I usually get a ripper of a laugh out of them, but you'd probably want to avoid Mutant Chronicles like the plague.
Thank Christ the film only went 105 minutes instead of the 200+ it had advertised on the cover.
Mutant Chronicles: 111 minutes (2008)
Now don't get me wrong, Perlman is one of my film heroes. Whenever there's a film with him in it I know it's going to be awesome - even if it's in a bad way.
Mutant Chronicles takes the cake.
There are "bad but so good" films, and there are "no seriously shithouse" bad films. Mutant Chronicles is of the latter.
Going for $6.98 at JB Hi-Fi Coffs Harbour I shouldn't have been surprised, and I remember mentioning at the time it was going to be bad but I was still keen.
But just how bad wasn't a reality until I sat through it.
The budget must've been sent on swords, green screen and software, as the severely lacked in every other department. The only relatively good part of the film was the idea behind the plot.
Mutant Chronicles is set in 2707 after humans have exhausted the Earth's natural resources. The human population split into five corporation-led factions who fight over whatever is left. Now, there was an ancient battle between humans and mutants which the humans won, sealing the mutants beneath the surface of the planet. That gets us to the start.
You can predict what happens.
Two warring factions are fighting somewhere (they never say) and reopen the seal, releasing the mutants who then over-run human settlements. A "fellowship" of human representatives from each faction go down to the mutant stronghold where they seek to shut down the machine which is turning captured humans into the mutants.
The script is terrible, with too many poorly executed, non-funny jokes, while the representation of blood is comical. It's as if they've added it in paint on a Windows Me computer or something, it's terrible.
I love a bad film every now and again, and I usually get a ripper of a laugh out of them, but you'd probably want to avoid Mutant Chronicles like the plague.
Thank Christ the film only went 105 minutes instead of the 200+ it had advertised on the cover.
Mutant Chronicles: 111 minutes (2008)
Mercury Rising
The premise of Mercury Rising is a unique one to say the least.
A top-secret United States government code called Mercury - which happens to be uncrackable by any computer on the planet - is hidden inside a common puzzle book. It remains hidden for some time until a nine year old autistic boy named Simon Lynch (Miko Hughes) cracks it - sending the NSA into damage control.
We are introduced to Special Agent Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis) as one of a group of bank robbers in the middle of a heist. He's protecting an 11 year old named James, who was dragged into the situation by bank robber Edgar. Jeffries begs his superiors for more time to resolve the situation, but just as he finds a peaceful solution, the FBI task force storms the building and kills both Edgar and James.
Lt Colonel Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin) despatches assassins to eliminate Simon and his parents, who he sees as a grave liability to security.
The assassin (Peter Burrell, played by Lindsey Lee Ginter) gets two thirds of his job done, but leaves the house before eliminating Simon due to approaching sirens. Jeffries is sent to investigate what is believed to be a murder-suicide at the Lynch premises, but finds Simon hiding in a closet.
Jeffries and Simon grow closer together as the film progresses, and they are joined by a woman named Staceey Siebring (Kim Dickens) at a coffee shop. All the while Jeffries gets help from fellow agent Tommy Jordan (Chi McBride), who knows Jeffries is not guilty of an assumed crime (the warrant of which was sent out by Kudrow).
It is an interesting film with a predictable end, and it follows a somewhat predictable path. The fact Simon is autistic gives the plot another branch to explore, as Jeffries encounters several problems associated with the condition along the way (need for routine for example). One thing I didn't understand was the need for Simon to walk around with his eyes looking up to the sky or an angle the whole time. Whether I don't know enough about autism to comment, that was the belief at the time, or it was just a way for the director to show he "was not normal" I'm not sure. It didn't seem right though.
In terms of the rest of it, it's pretty much what I expect a normal Bruce Willis film to be like. He gets to kill some bad guys but be the most human and he'll almost certainly knock off his one of the major villains, while the other villain perishes in spectacular fashion. Classic Willis.
Mercury Rising: 111 minutes (1998)
A top-secret United States government code called Mercury - which happens to be uncrackable by any computer on the planet - is hidden inside a common puzzle book. It remains hidden for some time until a nine year old autistic boy named Simon Lynch (Miko Hughes) cracks it - sending the NSA into damage control.
We are introduced to Special Agent Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis) as one of a group of bank robbers in the middle of a heist. He's protecting an 11 year old named James, who was dragged into the situation by bank robber Edgar. Jeffries begs his superiors for more time to resolve the situation, but just as he finds a peaceful solution, the FBI task force storms the building and kills both Edgar and James.
Lt Colonel Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin) despatches assassins to eliminate Simon and his parents, who he sees as a grave liability to security.
The assassin (Peter Burrell, played by Lindsey Lee Ginter) gets two thirds of his job done, but leaves the house before eliminating Simon due to approaching sirens. Jeffries is sent to investigate what is believed to be a murder-suicide at the Lynch premises, but finds Simon hiding in a closet.
Jeffries and Simon grow closer together as the film progresses, and they are joined by a woman named Staceey Siebring (Kim Dickens) at a coffee shop. All the while Jeffries gets help from fellow agent Tommy Jordan (Chi McBride), who knows Jeffries is not guilty of an assumed crime (the warrant of which was sent out by Kudrow).
It is an interesting film with a predictable end, and it follows a somewhat predictable path. The fact Simon is autistic gives the plot another branch to explore, as Jeffries encounters several problems associated with the condition along the way (need for routine for example). One thing I didn't understand was the need for Simon to walk around with his eyes looking up to the sky or an angle the whole time. Whether I don't know enough about autism to comment, that was the belief at the time, or it was just a way for the director to show he "was not normal" I'm not sure. It didn't seem right though.
In terms of the rest of it, it's pretty much what I expect a normal Bruce Willis film to be like. He gets to kill some bad guys but be the most human and he'll almost certainly knock off his one of the major villains, while the other villain perishes in spectacular fashion. Classic Willis.
Mercury Rising: 111 minutes (1998)
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
The Lone Ranger
Gore Verbinski's "The Lone Ranger" has been savaged by critics.
Before my viewing at Grafton's Saraton Theatre on Tuesday night, I had read a review that called it "a train wreck", and heard another commentator say it's score of "25% on film review website Rotten Tomatoes was generous".
For some part I can see exactly where they are coming from.
A large percentage of the jokes are quite tacky and some aren't even funny. The composition of the film's plot with several interruptions of an ageing Tonto (Johnny Depp) retelling parts of the story to a young boy who idolises "The Lone Ranger" is unneeded, adds minimal and merely serves to break up what could be a fun action adventure ride.
Johnny Depp's performance as Tonto has copped a bit of flak of sensitive and cultural grounds, but I see it more as an almost identical portrayal to how he is Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
But maybe we are all being a little bit too serious.
After all, it is technically a Disney film.
If you look at it from that point of view - as I did after the first few sequences - you can have a lot of fun with the film.
The Lone Ranger is a fun western film, featuring the typical "western" themes of cowboys, outlaws, murder and revenge, watered down and injected with a lot of humour to make it accessible to kids.
Armie Hammer's John Reid is returning home to Texas via the uncompleted Transcontinental Railway when it is attacked and hijacked by Butch Cavendish's gang. Cavendish (William Fichtner) is being transported in the train as a prisoner with Tonto, with both set to hang face punishment for their crimes. A derailment and arrest later, Reid is enlisted to join the Texas Rangers by older brother Dan, who then set out with six other rangers to bring Cavendish to justice.
It is after this Reid takes on the persona of The Lone Ranger, joining Tonto as they seek revenge for a lifetime of pain caused by Cavendish.
Let yourself become fully immersed in the story and in Armie Hammer's portrayal of The Lone Ranger and you will find yourself having a good belly laugh at his noble white steed Silver's antics.
The Lone Ranger is as fun a ride as you let it be.
The Lone Rangers: 149 minutes (2013)
Before my viewing at Grafton's Saraton Theatre on Tuesday night, I had read a review that called it "a train wreck", and heard another commentator say it's score of "25% on film review website Rotten Tomatoes was generous".
For some part I can see exactly where they are coming from.
A large percentage of the jokes are quite tacky and some aren't even funny. The composition of the film's plot with several interruptions of an ageing Tonto (Johnny Depp) retelling parts of the story to a young boy who idolises "The Lone Ranger" is unneeded, adds minimal and merely serves to break up what could be a fun action adventure ride.
Johnny Depp's performance as Tonto has copped a bit of flak of sensitive and cultural grounds, but I see it more as an almost identical portrayal to how he is Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
But maybe we are all being a little bit too serious.
After all, it is technically a Disney film.
If you look at it from that point of view - as I did after the first few sequences - you can have a lot of fun with the film.
The Lone Ranger is a fun western film, featuring the typical "western" themes of cowboys, outlaws, murder and revenge, watered down and injected with a lot of humour to make it accessible to kids.
Armie Hammer's John Reid is returning home to Texas via the uncompleted Transcontinental Railway when it is attacked and hijacked by Butch Cavendish's gang. Cavendish (William Fichtner) is being transported in the train as a prisoner with Tonto, with both set to hang face punishment for their crimes. A derailment and arrest later, Reid is enlisted to join the Texas Rangers by older brother Dan, who then set out with six other rangers to bring Cavendish to justice.
It is after this Reid takes on the persona of The Lone Ranger, joining Tonto as they seek revenge for a lifetime of pain caused by Cavendish.
Let yourself become fully immersed in the story and in Armie Hammer's portrayal of The Lone Ranger and you will find yourself having a good belly laugh at his noble white steed Silver's antics.
The Lone Ranger is as fun a ride as you let it be.
The Lone Rangers: 149 minutes (2013)
Friday, July 05, 2013
Defence leads Queensland Rangers to memorable victory
When it comes to defence, Queensland do it best.
It is a part of the game that Queenslanders pride themselves
on, the famous Maroon wall that stops anything Blue in its tracks.
Queensland Rangers proved it again at Lismore’s Oakes Oval,
running in five tries to register a 24-12 win over the New South Wales Ron
Massey Cup representative team.
The game itself was an absolute cracker.
New South Wales controlled the early stages of the game and
scored first through centre Cecil Mackenzie.
Queensland stood their ground and repelled further attacking
raids, building up a defensive effort the 17 Maroons will remember for some
time.
They took a 10-6 lead into half time, before producing arguably
the best defensive effort displayed by a Queensland Rangers team in recent memory.
The Ron Massey Cup team were camped in their attacking
third, pounding the line and coming within inches on several occasions. The Maroons
held them out for what seemed like an eternity, and you could sense all they
needed was an opportunity.
A sniff came in 50th minute when they forced an
error and earned a penalty to march downfield. They worked their way up to
within 10m of the try line, before a cross field kick on the last found a
flying Justin Castellaro in the right corner.
In the blink of an eye Castellaro doubled his haul, setting
up a memorable victory for the men north of the border.
Coach Paul Lowe
agreed Quensland built their win on the defense, saying the extra work during
camp paid off.
“We worked on our defence during camp and they showed it
tonight,” Lowe said.
“They were outstanding all night. Shaun Maloney was
monstrous up front. He made every hit up count. The boys were brilliant right
across the park, especially in defence.
“Justin has Queensland Cup written all over him. He was
great tonight but he was all week. He brought enthusiasm to every task we set
him.
“Mitch Seri and Jody Henry’s kicking games were outstanding.
They controlled the game with their
kicking.”
Players to watch
Ron Massey Cup Rep
Cecil Mackenzie (Wentworthville): Best in a beaten lot. Great footwork to score crucial tries in heavy traffic. Solid defence.
Aaron Fluke (Wentworthville): Never gave up on searching for the win. Wasn't helped when halves partner Jake Fitzpatrick was sin binned. Gallant effort.
Francis Tuigamala (Wentworthville): Handful for defence when on ground and hits like a ton of bricks. Poor temper got better of him. Damaging ball runner and makes a lot of metres.
Queensland Rangers
Justin Castellaro (Northern): Can score a try from nothing. Safe under the high ball, great vertical leap, handful for defence.
Shaun Maloney (Poinsettias): Front-rower from years past. Displayed complete disregard for personal safety in bringing ball back from kickoff for huge gain. Hits as hard in attack as he does defence.
Jody Henry and Mitch Seri (Poinsettias and Northern): Had the ball on a string and dictated terms through superior kicking games. Got Qld back on front foot with pinpoint kicks. Set up several tries. Great combination.
Players to watch
Ron Massey Cup Rep
Cecil Mackenzie (Wentworthville): Best in a beaten lot. Great footwork to score crucial tries in heavy traffic. Solid defence.
Aaron Fluke (Wentworthville): Never gave up on searching for the win. Wasn't helped when halves partner Jake Fitzpatrick was sin binned. Gallant effort.
Francis Tuigamala (Wentworthville): Handful for defence when on ground and hits like a ton of bricks. Poor temper got better of him. Damaging ball runner and makes a lot of metres.
Queensland Rangers
Justin Castellaro (Northern): Can score a try from nothing. Safe under the high ball, great vertical leap, handful for defence.
Shaun Maloney (Poinsettias): Front-rower from years past. Displayed complete disregard for personal safety in bringing ball back from kickoff for huge gain. Hits as hard in attack as he does defence.
Jody Henry and Mitch Seri (Poinsettias and Northern): Had the ball on a string and dictated terms through superior kicking games. Got Qld back on front foot with pinpoint kicks. Set up several tries. Great combination.
QUEENSLAND RANGERS 24 (Castellaro 2, Templemen, Maloney,
Cooke tries; Seri, Joass goals) def NSW Ron Massey Rep Team 12 (Mackenzie 2
tries; Fluke 2 goals) at Oakes Oval, Lismore.
Queensland wall stands tall to repel Country
Queensland Maroons under-18s ran roughshod over Country New South
Wales to win 24-8 in a dominant display at Lismore’s Oakes Oval.
A tense clash saw the game halted twice for fighting in the
first half as Queensland took a 10-4 advantage to the break thanks to tries to
Tim Wolens and Chris Law. Kyle Laybutt kicked one goal.
The game continued in physical fashion in the second half
with plenty of heavy hits, solid defence and a typical backs to the wall effort
of which Queenslanders would be proud.
Queensland was left with 12 men on the field shortly after
the break as Country took the ascendency.
They conceded one try through Country winger Zac Leonard,
but managed to hold out in a period coaches and managers agreed won them the
match.
“I thought our defence was strong the whole game but those
10 minutes were brilliant,” coach Steve Sheppard said.
“It was pretty tough going in patches and the middle of the
ground was pretty heavy. The boys kept up their efforts and did us proud.”
Manager Darryl Swan agreed.
“That defensive effort won us the game,” Swan said.
“They were down to 12 players but they stayed strong and
showed real guts to hold Country at bay.”
Hooker Chris Law was a standout for Queensland,
orchestrating the attack from dummy half and nabbing a try for himself.
“He was great,” Sheppard said.
“I think Timmy Wolens was brilliant as well. He did some
really good things all game. Bradyn Torpy had a great game as well but I think
we had 17 positive contributions tonight.”
Players to watch
Country NSW:
Jayden Connors (Tingha): Pocket rocket at the back. All class. Plenty of speed and stood tall in well beaten team.
Kirren Roughly (Milton Ulladulla): Big step and proved handful for defence in centre. Made plenty of metres when given ball in space. Good defence.
Qld Maroons:
Kyle Laybutt (Central): Controlled Queensland's attack with poise beyond his years. Plenty more development to come. Exciting prospect.
Josh Beehag (Redcliffe): Outstanding at the back. Defused attacking kicks with ease. Kept popping up in support.
Chris Law and Jack Brock (Townsville): Hooker and prop respectively. Law orchestrated attack and gave halves great service. Pinched plenty of metres. Brock extremely strong up the centre of the park.
Tim Wolens (Gold Coast White): Very strong kid with big future. Must have been close second for man of the match. Heaps of metres, very aggressive and strong defence.
Players to watch
Country NSW:
Jayden Connors (Tingha): Pocket rocket at the back. All class. Plenty of speed and stood tall in well beaten team.
Kirren Roughly (Milton Ulladulla): Big step and proved handful for defence in centre. Made plenty of metres when given ball in space. Good defence.
Qld Maroons:
Kyle Laybutt (Central): Controlled Queensland's attack with poise beyond his years. Plenty more development to come. Exciting prospect.
Josh Beehag (Redcliffe): Outstanding at the back. Defused attacking kicks with ease. Kept popping up in support.
Chris Law and Jack Brock (Townsville): Hooker and prop respectively. Law orchestrated attack and gave halves great service. Pinched plenty of metres. Brock extremely strong up the centre of the park.
Tim Wolens (Gold Coast White): Very strong kid with big future. Must have been close second for man of the match. Heaps of metres, very aggressive and strong defence.
QUEENSLAND 24 (Hargreaves, Perry, Wolens, Law, Brock tries;
Laybutt 2 goals) def COUNTRY NEW SOUTH WALES 8 (Roughly, Leonard tries) at
Lismore’s Oakes Oval.
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