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The team made a 3 minute film showing our admiration for two of our favourite movies that we reviewed here on the blog. Those two movies were Catch Me If You Can and Fight Club. Both movies exemplified their respective genres really well and were a joy to review.

Member contributions:
Brady: Tree guy #1 / Voiceover guy #1 / Blog poster / Twitter poster
Jack: Tree guy #2 / In charge of Wikispaces / Blog poster / Twitter poster
Victor: Tree guy #3 / Voiceover guy #2 / Blog poster / Twitter poster
James: Tree guy #4 / In charge of group report / Blog poster / Twitter poster
Jon: Tree guy #5 / Camera man / Blog poster / Twitter poster
Damian: Tree guy #6 / Video editor / Blog poster / Twitter poster

The Hunger Games (2012)

Based on the book by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross, is a film about a survival competition where young representatives must participate in a fight to the death. The story sets in the nation of Panem, which is divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year, 2 "tributes" from each district are chosen at random to participate in The Hunger Games. The story follows 16 year old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) as she volunteers to take her sisters place in the games. Along with her male counterpart Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), they face multiple tributes in a cruel fight to the death that is broadcast throughout all of Panem.


I found the plot of the film rather interesting as the development of the story was quite fast. However when you come to realize that we are watching children kill each other, the story becomes rather dark and brutal. The story has several cliches that suit more of a teenage audience, there are multiple action scenes which make the film exciting and fast paced. Overall, I think the the film can motivate one to read all the books to follow the series as I enjoyed how well it portrays people living in a totalitarian nation.

Rating: 8/10

The Hunger Games (2012) - IMDb

Moon (2009)

Moon, directed by Duncan Jones, is a film which follows Sam (Sam Rockwell) on his personal encounter while at the end of his three year journey. His goal is to send packages to earth to help with their power plant problems. It is a classic Sci-Fi film with a baffling mystery that challenges the viewer to live in the shoes of the protagonist. This Drama Sci-Fi doesn't receive the credit it deserves compared to those Hollywood blockbusters such as Interstellar and Gravity.

Sam's isolated three year posting is about to come to an end and he longs to return to Earth to see his wife. His only company throughout this sojourn has been that of Gerty, the base's HAL-like robot voiced by Kevin Spacey. Unfortunately, the final weeks and days are proving to be the most difficult, and Sam finds himself going a bit squirrelly, leaving both he and the audience to wonder if what's unfolding is actually happening, or merely a drama taking place in his addled mind.


I highly recommend all Sci-Fi lovers to watch this film, you will not regret it. Although the CGI and effects aren't as flashy as some would like, the film takes away those elements and focuses on the plot, in specific the eerie scenes which leaves the audience with a lot to comprehend.

Rating: 8/10

Moon (2009) - IMDb

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

What is a movie review blog without a classic oldie? And what better movie to review than a Monty Python one!
King Arthur and his Knights seek out to find... The Holy Grail... or so we are told by the cartoon God in the sky.
This movie is without doubt one of the most hilarious movies which will keep you stitches from all the laughter. Its complete randomness and strange happenings in the background with cats being banged against poles and collecting mud in a field adds to the comedy element, keeping the viewers in a cheerful and laughing mood.What is brilliant about this film is that many actors play multiple roles, and the first time you view it, you often do not know that they are the same person. Combined with the clever writing style and humour, it makes this movie one for the ages that can be watched countless times and still provide laughs for everyone.

 Rating: 9.5/10

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) - IMDb

The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is a Psychological Thriller directed by Jennifer Kent about a widow whose 6-year-old son becomes obsessed with an imaginary monster but when a children’s book called “Mister Babadook” mysteriously appears, the monster becomes all but imaginary.

This thriller is different to other movies of the genre such as ‘Sinister’ by avoiding any gore or violence for basically the whole film, and not using gimmicky jump scares that the genre has come to rely on. Instead the film uses the foreboding music and use of darkness to create an eerier atmosphere which results in slow burning tension akin to Alfred Hitchcock films. The film however isn't devoid of twists as the ending is one of the most interesting endings I've seen in a thriller before.

The Babadook has been critically acclaimed since it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014, with many praising it as one of the best films of the year. Even the director of arguably the best horror movie ever made William Friedkin (The Exorcist) said “I've never seen a more terrifying film. It will scare the hell out of you as it did me”, showing the calibre of this small budget Australian film.

Rating: 6.8/10

The Babadook (2014) - IMDb

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pan's Labyrinth, directed by Guillermo del Toro, is an international film that takes place in Spain 1944 during the civil war. The movie focuses on a girl and her "fantasies" who is sent with her pregnant mother to live with her sadistic and ruthless captain step-father in the country-side. During the night, Opehlia (Ivana Baquero) meets a fairy who takes her to an old faun in the center of the labyrinth who says she is a princess of another world and needs to prove her loyalty through a series of three gruesome tasks.

Uncomfortable with her new surroundings, suspicious of her stepfather and desperately concerned about the worsening condition of her mother, Ofelia uncovers a strange alternative world, and the chance to escape forever the pain and uncertainty of her everyday life. The film alternates between the world of Civil War Spain and the increasingly bizarre, dark and frightening world of the Pan's Labyrinth. As the twin plots progress, they intertwine, with the tasks of Ofelia becoming the choices faced by a Spain at the crossroads.

Overall, the movie isn't one that should be watched by children despite it's fantasy nature. The film looks at dark concepts of reality in a civil war and a child's way of escaping these harsh realities, however whether it is truly real or just her imagination is left for yourself to decide.

Rating: 9/10

Pan's Labyrinth (2006) - IMDb

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Directed by George Nolfi, The Adjustment Bureau presents to the viewer an unconventional love story in that fate isn't a matter of circumstance, but rather a meticulously controlled process governed by a higher order unbeknownst to all. David Norris (played by Matt Damon), a young politician running for governor of New York comes across Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) under peculiar circumstances. Finding himself inexplicably infatuated he's determined to be with her. However, it seems that this higher order has different plans for both of them, interfering with their lives to make sure it never happens. In discovering that his fate was never under his control, David is determined to ensure his life becomes his and be with the one he loves.

With such an enticing premise, this film is an incredible love story with an element of sci-fi. The chemistry between the two leads immediately has you rooting for their success and has you frustrated and wanting more as they attempt to be together. Addressing this philosophical question as to whether we really do have control over our fate by displaying the power of love, the film is somewhat relateable. It's through this that the audience becomes committed to the characters and the story.

Furthermore, with stylistic directing that effectively traverses the landscape of New York, the film is visually stunning and beautiful to watch.

Rating: 8.5/10

The Adjustment Bureau (2011) - IMDb

Allegiant (2016)

Allegiant follows Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) as they attempt to escape the decaying wall which surrounds their home 'Chicago' in hopes of fixing their rotting city. Once outside, they discover some life-changing secrets, altering their perception of the world as they know it. Meeting the people of the future, the small group is amazed at the technology and their plan to save children from the desert. Although it is not all as it seems, since the people of the future are wiping the memories of the kids from their families in order for them to start a new life. One may argue however if this second to last film in the franchise will live up to the standard of similar films such as Harry Potter; although this is yet to be discovered.

Rating: 6/10

Allegiant (2016) - IMDb

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller is the fourth film in the Mad Max franchise, set in the post apocalyptic desert wasteland, Max (Tom Hardy) joins Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to escape the clutches of the cult leader Immortan Joe and his army of fanatic warboys. Despite taking almost 20 years to develop the film was one of the most praised of 2015 winning 6 academy awards including Best Film Editing and Best Production Design making it the most successful Australian movie in terms of awards.

The film doesn't try to be anything more than a non-stop action fest with brilliantly choreographed fight scenes, with minimal use of CGI, instead relying on make up and stunt men to create a visual stunning film that feels real. However just because it is a high octane action movie doesn't mean it lacks in other areas, the story is engaging enough to keep the viewer wanting to know what happens next, with interesting characters like Nux which the audience want to succeed. The film also explores themes of the revenge (like the other Mad Max films) and female empowerment.

If you are looking for a fun movie full of stunning visuals, decent storytelling and interesting characters, Mad Max: Fury Road is the perfect movie for you, well worth the watch.

Rating: 8.1/10

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - IMDb

Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, is a film about a disgruntled white collar worker who forms a fight club with  soap maker Tyler Durden with other men who want to fight to relieve themselves of the stress of everyday life. The film was one of the most controversial of its time for its 'promotion' of violence and gory nature and a string of incidents of people trying to recreate 'project mayhem' and the fight clubs depicted in the movie.

This film became a cult classic because of its great storytelling, interesting use of camera angles, lighting and music to create a surreal experience for the viewer. It is one of the defining films of the 90s and is recognised as a innovative film for its use of CGI and cinematography. It was also unique in that it was one of the first films to gain popularity after its DVD release through word of mouth, which quickly solidified its status as a cult classic and one of the best movies ever made.

If you haven't seen this movie yet then you absolutely have to, as one of the defining movies of the 1990s with one of the biggest twists in cinema, its a roller-coaster of action and storytelling blended with interesting cinematography.

 Rating: 8.9/10

Fight Club (1999) - IMDb

The Martian (2015)

The Martian is a sci-fi adventure film directed by Ridley Scott about Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) who is left alone on Mars after being presumed dead by his crew after a fierce storm. Watch as  Watney survives alone on Mars  for 4 years with meager supplies, using his wit and ingenuity to find a way to contact Earth to tell them that he is alive.  Watch as Watney, a botanist, improvises a farm to make food and also retrieve an abandoned Mars probe to help him survive and communicate with Earth.

The movie is very engaging and has an overall optimistic mood. Although very intense at times, there are funny moments which lighten the mood, making the film very enjoyable. It was very interesting to watch Watney science his way out of every problem he encounters. I believe that this film is another one of Scott's finest works, celebrating the endeavors of human intelligence, science and technology. I would highly recommend this film to anyone if you love exciting drama with realistic action and a solid plot.

Rating: 9.5/10

The Martian (2015) - IMDb

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Steven Spielberg is renowned for his melodramatic explosive storytelling but Catch Me If You Can strays away from the norm and tells the true story of an 18 year old Frank Abagnale Jr. who successfully cons millions of dollars during his teenage years.

Leonardo Di Caprio plays Abagnale Jr. as the conniving teen who lives a life on the run from FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks); transitioning from job to job whilst forging checks. Did this was a true story? What's more incredible was that he was only 18 years old when this all happened. Incredible.

Find out how Abagnale Jr. lived his day to day life in Catch Me If You Can and experience the life of one of the most successful conmen in history.

Rating: 8.5/10

Catch Me If You Can (2002) - IMDb

21 Jump Street (2012)

21 Jump Street is an action comedy about 2 underachieving cops being sent back into high school to investigate a new synthetic drug ring. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, 21 Jump Street stars Schmidt (Jonah Hill) the geek and Jenko (Channing Tatum) the jock. Watch as they re-enter high school trying to fit in with other students and swap roles at being a geek and jock to bring down drug ring.

The film is packed full of stereotypes and the plot is well developed. As the story unfolds, there are several twists and plenty of laughs along with satisfying action scenes. Overall, 21 Jump street is almost perfect for the teenage audience, but people looking for a serious film might not be thrilled. I would not recommend this film for children as there is a fair bit of innuendo and drug references. Finally, I have to say that this is one of the best comedies I have ever seen as the humor and role reversal really makes this film brilliant and fresh.

Rating: 9/10

21 Jump Street (2012) -IMDb

Ride Along 2 (2016)

'Ride Along 2' is a 2016 comedy directed by Tim Story and written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi. This is the sequel to the 2014 film, 'Ride Along'. The film portrays new brother in laws' Ice Cube and Kevin Hart as they tackle crime based in Miami. Through the many car explosions and encounters with comedic aspects such as a pet crocodile in the mansion, the pair are able to create a mix between comedy and action that so many film junkies love to see. Although this film received rather negative reviews from critics, it has grossed over $122 Million of sales, showing how loved this film is within the movie community.

Rating: 7/10

Ride Along 2 (2016) - IMDb

Whiplash (2014)

Directed by Damien Chazelle, Whiplash follows the story of Andrew (Miles Teller) as he attempts to bring to fruition his undying dream to become a famous drummer. After being accepted at a prestigious music conservatory he begins to learn of the vicious teaching methods of his instructor, Fletcher (played by J. K. Simmons), which leads him down a road of mental torment and anguish as he continues to chase his dream.
It's the performances of the two leads, Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons that make the film a marvel to watch. Simmons presents a character so hateful and vile, you immediately want to find yourself rooting for Teller's character. However, its through Teller's portrayal of an ambition driven introvert who severes all social ties, that youre left to simply watch the gradual depredation of his character.
Despite the performances there is always the potential for a dialogue heavy script to become dry and boring however with a well written screenplay that always continues to move the story along while offering an underlay of suspense, the film never loses your attention.
Winning an number of Academy Awards, this film is a masterpiece and a must see for anyone looking for a story that has all the suspense and anticipation of an action with none of the action.

Rating: 8.5/10

Whiplash (2014) - IMDb

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)

Written and Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service stars Eggsy (played by Taron Egerton), a local delinquent, as he comes across the secret world of a shadow spy agency, The Kingsman. Codenamed Lancelot (played by Colin Firth), takes Eggsy under his wing in the hope of developing his potential and finding rank among the Kingsman all while attempting to uncover the villainous plot of Valentine (played by Samuel L. Jackson). With a cast of diverse and quirky characters, this film breathes new life into the spy film genre. Adding themes of satire intertwined with hard-core and exhilarating action, the film offers a fast paced story that keeps the audience engaged. The interesting heroes are pleasantly complimented by an equally interesting villain, who adds greatly to the general quirkiness of the film as well as provides a lot of the humour. The overall plot and screenplay however is what brings life to it all, with the world of The Kingsman completely immersing the viewer, presenting a universe that just fits within the realm of realism, making you wish it really did exist. This film ticks off all the boxes; a good villain, interesting heroes, a great plot and ridiculous action. A must see!

Rating: 8/10

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) - IMDb

Shutter Island (2010)

Who doesn't love a Scorcese-Di Caprio partnership in film? Their first collaboration was in 2002 with the release of Gangs of New York and soon followed the production of The Aviatior, The Departed and their latest film The Wolf of Wall Street.

However a particular film springs to mind whenever both their names are uttered - Shutter Island. The 2010 thriller is set around the disappearance of mental patient Rachel Solando (Emily Mortimer) from an isolated psychiatric facility on Shutter Island. The film follows the hunt of Solando led by U.S. marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo Di Caprio) and partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo). Scorcese lays out the setting with dramatic cinematography which bodes well for the rest of the film ensuring us that Shutter Island's sinister-like feel is a force not be reckoned with. 

Scorcese really does a brilliant job in making us feel as if we are alongside Teddy and Chuck trying to aid them in solving the mystery of the missing Solando. Shutter Island is a film where you have to wait until the last few lines to understand everything.

Rating: 8/10

Shutter Island (2010) - IMDb

The Road (2009)

The Road, based of the best seller novel, is directed by John Hillcoat, follows a man (Viggo Mortensem) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) on a travel through the sea. Set in a dangerous post-apocalyptic world, where cannibalism and lack of shelter haunt the pair, only a single gun and each other protect them.

The audience is never told about how the apocalypse happens, not even hints in dialogues between characters, leaving viewers to play with their imagination. However while watching the film, this doesn’t bother the viewer as Hillcoat puts focus on the relationship between the father and son. The intense scenes showcased makes the viewers feel connected with the pair as they journey their way to the coast.

The movie is emotionally draining. Flashbacks of a once happy life is quickly destroyed when the mother rather kill her self than be a victim of cannibalism. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie that it will continue to sadden the audience, and no spoilers, but the ending will do just that and even more.

Overall, the film is a depressing one, leaving people who watch it feeling sadness when they finish watching. It is a great drama set in a post apocalyptic world and I highly recommend it to anyone to watch it.

Rating: 9/10

The Road (2009) - IMDb

Mr.Right (2015)

After Martha (Anna Kendrick) breaks up with her cheating Ex-boyfriend, her personality turns for the worst as she sobs about her life, parties out of control to extreme proportions and tries to get over her horrible life through cooking. At this point she meets Francis played by Sam Rockwell; an awkwardly social human who is crazy in his own right. Although this looks like a match made in heaven, she finds out that her newfound boyfriend Francis is a professional assassin. Not just any hitman; he takes out the person who order’s the hit on their victim, showing a comedic aspect to the film. As this relationship heats up, Martha needs to ask herself if she is willing to consume herself within his lifestyle and have fun, or run for her life before it is too late.

Rating: 7/10

Mr. Right (2015) - IMDb

Midnight Special (2016)

Midnight Special, directed by Jeff Nichols, is a sci-fi which follows a child, Alton, and his father, Roy, on an adventure to find home, running from government officials. The 112 minute film takes viewers on a journey with Alton and his supernatural powers, challenging their beliefs of the extraterrestrial life.

It takes a while for the audience to find out the relationship between Alton and Roy, however their connection and Roy's over protection of Alton is something which the audience loves to see.

Nichols leaves the audience baffled of the origins and powers of Alton, being reluctant to give the audience any clue of who or what he is. Instead he leaves it until the end to reveal it all, leaving the audience wanting more of Alton.

Going into the movie, I wasn't sure what to expect. A PG13+ movie that has had no media coverage? Sounds like a horrible movie that would put me to sleep half way through only to wake up during the plot twist to some cliche and give up on the film entirely. However, overall, the movie is intriguing, craving the need for the movie to elaborate on certain sections of the film. However, for a movie labelled as PG13+, it is surprisingly appealing. I would recommend this movie to friends as it is an entertaining film.

Rating: 7/10

Midnight Special (2016) - IMDb

Introduction

The blog members include:

• Victor Del Vecchio
• Brady Dent- Mcclean
• James Gerrard
• Jack Jandzio - Has an interest in Sci-Fi movies and future dystopia societies. Doesn't mind the odd drama film. Favourite movie: Prometheus
• Jon Lai
• Damian Messenger 

The purpose of this blog is to review movies, TV shows as well as online videos. These reviews will be a mix of our favourite and also disliked movies, as well as recently watched. Take a journey with us while we explore a variety of genres and movies.