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Reviews
Big Mamma's Boy (2011)
Come along for the ride...and the lasagna
My hat must be taken off to Frank Lotito and the rest of the cast and crew of Big Mamma's Boy. They have pulled off a fantastically funny and fresh Italo-Australian film that crowds of people will enjoy. Whilst I can somewhat understand why certain critics aren't wrapped in the film, I do think they are expecting too much from what is aimed at being a light hearted romp, focusing on the lives of many young Australian men that too can call themselves Mamma's Boys.
Lets take a look at the actors involved. Firstly we have the man himself, Frank Lotito. Aside from starring as Rocco he also produced and wrote the screenplay. Frank is a comedian I have followed for years, ever since his big break gigs opening for Joe Avati. Frank is sensational in this film.
Next we have Carmelina Di Guglielmo who plays Roccos Mamma. It takes a special kind of person to play the role of Mamma, and boy can she do it. Her on screen presence and ability to make you laugh and cry at once is her greatest attribute.
I will stick to Roccos family for now and go onto Nonno, played by Osvaldo Maione. Every Italian kid, be them 5, 15 or 55 will always remember their Nonno walking around in his mutande (underpants). Osvaldo is brilliant as Nonno, and he even teaches a valuable lesson we can all take on board.
We will finish off family (although some might find that term used loosely in this part) with Pia Miller's character, Maria. I am sorry but I will stick to my guns and say that Rocco should have gone with the second cousin. Pia is absolutely stunning on screen.
Roccos love interest Katie (played by Holly Valance) is your typical, Australian power-woman, something a good little Mammas boy should steer clear of...but not Rocco. Holly is very believable in this role.
Two of my favourite characters would have to be Mr & Mrs Cotoletta (played by Costas Kilias and Maria Venuti). Your typical, across-the-road Italian couple who spend their days washing the pavement (during water restrictions) and their nights drinking coffee and eating lasagna. Maria is delightful as is Costas (not bad for a Greek playing an Italian) Finally we have Greek Australian comedian George Kapiniaris who plays Roccos boss, Theo. Theo is a real womanizer with a passion for Roccos Mammas food. George plays the role perfectly and his on screen chemistry with Frank is awesome to watch.
The story is very simple, some may say predictable, however I want to commend Frank on keeping the story true to what he intended it to be. A great film for the entire Famiglia to enjoy.
9/10 from me.
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
Tis the season to be jolly ! ! !
Look, I recommend that everybody just take a chill pill and relax for a second. This movie is not trying to be anything more than a fitting finale to what has proved to be a great trilogy of films. Too many people are being too critical and expecting too much from this film. The story is fine, a nice pleasant easy to follow plot with help from some nice additions to the cast, especially Alan Arkin as Santa's father-in-law.
Tim Allen continues to impress as the big man himself and Martin Short is great as Jack Frost. I strongly recommend this one as a holiday pleaser and whilst a number of adults will sigh at the films relatively corny ending I strongly recommend staying around for the bloopers during the final credits.
Overall I would definitely say that this is a movie worth seeing, ignore the critics and make your own mind up on this one, you wont be disappointed.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
And so the trilogy is over...FOR NOW!!!
Well well well, what do we have here??? Finally a trilogy in which the climax truly has been spellbinding. The actors (as was expected) were truly stunning and the introduction of Kelsey Grammar as "Beast" proved successful in so many ways.
The story continues smoothly with the help of some great scriptwriting and the characters become very key components of the overall intellectuality of the third installment of the X-Men trilogy.
I am going to go out on a limb and state that this was better than its predecessors and is a must see for anyone who evenly remotely enjoyed X-Men 1 and X-Men 2. Well done to everyone involved :-)
Last Holiday (2006)
A truly touching comedy for viewers to enjoy
After watching Last Holiday I left the cinema feeling something different, something warm inside. This feeling made me stop and think about what this movie meant. This film can mean so much to so many people all around the world. Queen Latifah explored some new territory in this film and I honestly believe she has come out of it a much better person.
The story is simple, a fairly shy young women finds out she has around a month to live, it is only now that she truly starts to live. I am going to go out on a ledge here and state this is the best thing Queen Latifah has ever done (including Chicago)!!! Overall a delightful romantic comedy with a great supporting cast including LL Cool J and Gerard Depardieu truly puts this in my top 10 must see comedies. Well done guys :-)
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
An absolutely amazing film, A must see for everyone ! ! !
After watching The Da Vinci Code I must admit that I truly was impressed simply with the great transition from book to the screen. The actors were top class and the casting truly helped to make this film a top 10 for me.
I am however extremely upset by these critics and religious tycoons who state that by seeing this movie you will surely end up in hell and not to believe the lies this film is telling. To you let me say this, The Da Vinci Code IS FICTIONAL. The characters ARE FICTIONAL, the storyline IS FICTIONAL you have nothing to worry about. The Catholic Church wont lose any revenue care of The Da Vinci Code. I wont put any less into the collection plate this Sunday at church. So just back off and let everyone enjoy this film for what it truly is, a great treasure hunt adventure with truly stunning acting and great story that will keep you all on the edge of your seat.
A 10/10 in every way.
Meat Pie (2005)
A classy Australian film with a lot going for it
I saw Meat Pie at an advanced screening and all I can say is WELL DONE GUYS!!! This film was absolutely amazing. A great teen comedy romp with a story that will keep you laughing. Australia has never really tried to do anything like this and for a first attempt I must say the gang has done a great job here.
My hats off to such a young Australian cast too, well done to them all for a great job with this film.
I'm going to recommend this film to everyone who wants a great Australian film full of laughter and the like. So sit back relax and get ready to laugh with MEAT PIE!!!
Wolf Creek (2005)
Well at least we tried
I just left the cinema after watching wolf creek and really it wasn't THAT good or THAT scary. I have no idea how under Australian ratings it was given R18+ as it was not as scary as Texas chainsaw. Really it made Australians look like absolute gooses.
But hey at least we tried to create the same fear that America has so strongly achieved (Texas Chainsaw) and also failed (House of Wax). The acting was good throughout especially by john Jarrett. Overall a little disappointing but hey I guess it was a bit of fun for Australians to watch something a little closer to home. Definitely see it but don't expect too much.
Saw II (2005)
A horror film the way they were intended to be!!!
Firstly let me begin by saying that this was a lot more front on and in your face than Saw ever was. I absolutely loved Saw however Saw 2 really excelled itself.
It is always hard to create a sequel that can match or even excel its predecessor but Saw 2 has done just that.
I loved everything about this movie, from the acting, to the set direction as well as the script this movie had it all. The best part of it all was the way the writers tied Saw 2 into Saw. They really tied the story lines into each other well and this proved to be the strongest point in the film.
Overall Saw 2 is most definitely the horror flick of the year. Nice job boys I give you two thumbs up.
Well Done from Down Under
The Mask (1994)
this movie is smmoookkkiiinnn
Now come on!!! This film is absolutely amazing, Jim Carrey steals the show. He really is quite an actor. The way he portrays his character is second to none one of the best examples of comedy genius in todays world. He really is something special and after the truman show, liar liar, dumb and dumber, bruce almighty, lemony snickets a series of unfortunate events, me, myself and irene, ace ventura, ace ventura when nature calls, once bitten, earth girls are easy, man on the moon, pink cadillac and sooo many more we can all come to realise how this one man pertains so much talent. Jim thankyou for everything you have given to the world through laughter. We really do owe a lot to this rubber faced (no pun intended) man with all the talent money cant buy.
Thanks
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
The way movies were intended to be made, A true classic
I recently viewed this masterpiece and let me say one thing...WOW!!!
Jim Carrey is absolutely amazing as Count Olaf, he plays all of his characters really well and gives one of his truest performances to date. I have always been a huge fan of Jim's ever since The Mask and this movie really shows why. His amazing sense of humour and acting abilities are put to the ultimate test in Lemony Snicket's A series of unfortunate events.
However he really pulls it off to a tee. Jim's facial and physical movements can be compared to that of Jerry Lewis. A true comedy actor. Well don't Jim.
Young Emily Browning was amazing as Violet. She is definitely the next Nicole Kidman (Something I never thought I would hear myself say). She is somebody that as an Australian I am very proud of. She was brilliant in her role and she too was really really funny. I hope to see more of her in the future.
Liam Aiken was wonderful as Klaus. He seemed to fit into the role smoothly and really gave it his all. An absolutely amazing performance definitely worth commending.
Kara and Shelby Hoffman were great as Sunny. Sunny really was more of a central character than what one would expect. Sunny was an extremely funny element in the film.
Other famous actors in the film included Meryl Streep, Jude Law, Billy Connolly, Catherine O'Hara and Dustin Hoffman. Each playing their individual characters really well.
The set design in the film was absolutely stunning. They really captured the spirit of the book well through use of colour and placement in every scene.
I have heard many people complaining about Jim Carrey being too funny as Count Olaf. That is absolute rubbish. As I have said Jim was perfect, nobody could have done this well in this particular children's film. If you want to see poor acting in a kids film take a look at Mike Myers in the Cat in the Hat!!!!
Overall here we have a true gem of a film. Made for both the youngsters and guardians I strongly recommend it to both groups of people.
A solid 9 out of 10 in every way possible.
Please do not hesitate go and see it You will love it!!!
Connie and Carla (2004)
!!!A real little Gem!!!
Now before I begin let me say that I loved My Big Fat Greek Wedding, however I went into Connie & Carla with a fresh mind, a clean slate. I feel this is the only way to watch this movie, Nia Vardalos is a very talented woman it is a shame that people criticised this movie because it wasn't up to par with Greek Wedding. Shame in you!!!
Anyway back to my review.
Connie and Carla are two very close friends who have known each other since school and have always loved performing in front of an audience. When they witness a murder they rush off and disguise themselves as drag queens (yes drag queens, men dressing up as woman) or as Connie put it Women dressing up as men dressing up as women.
That is the basic storyline.
Vardalos really gives it her all in the script department, whilst some parts are a bit sloppy overall it has been cleverly written with some very witty dialogue in between.
The acting is absolutely brilliant, Nia Vardalos is perfect as Connie and Toni Collette is absolutely amazing as Carla, she really shows America how brilliant and versatile some Australian actors are.
Overall I give Connie & Carla 8.5/10
A great movie for everyone to enjoy. Don't listen to the critics, be your own person and give this little gem a chance.
Raising Helen (2004)
!!! A feelgood movie that will leave you with that fuzzy feeling inside !!!
The story was soooo touching and down to earth and the acting really was spot on in this sentimental light-hearted comedy from director Garry Marshall who brought us some great movies such as Pretty Woman, Beaches and Dear God.
I went and saw this movie with my sister-in-law and we both got a lot out of this movie. Most times that I took a glance at my sister-in-law in the seat next to me she was in tears tissues in hand ready to wipe her sobbering eyes, and rightfully so. The impact that this particular movie had on myself was gastronomical. I found the story very believable and interesting. The movie on a whole was just a little gem.
I must commend all of the actors in this movie, a genuinely heartful performance given as always by a very underrated actress in Joan Cusack. Kate Hudson did a magnificent job as The trying Aunt Helen attempting to keep everyone happy whilst sacrificing everything she has worked so hard for.
The three kids Hayden Panettiere, Spencer Breslin & Abigail Breslin did magnificent jobs as the struggling kids attempting to get answers to one of life's saddest fates.
Some great supporting actors including John Corbett and Hector Elizondo also helped this movie keep a strong, believable story.
Overall I would strongly recommend this as a keeper, I recommend you don't look at the rating on the IMDb (I mean they gave Runaway Jury 6.8/10) as it is definitely a 9/10
A great movie with a lot of heart 10 thumbs up.
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
NEXT!!!!!!
What the hell is this mess???????
They started off alright introducing the characters and setting up relationships.
However there was one point where the movie fell apart... When the Cat entered the scene
The story just turned into one big muddle of lunatic sentences poor humour (three quarters of which kids under 10 wont understand).
Overall I was dissapointed that this movie could take away 90 minutes of my life... I want it back
0/10
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
NEXT!!!!!!
What the hell is this mess???????
They started off alright introducing the characters and setting up relationships.
However there was one point where the movie fell apart... When the Cat entered the scene
The story just turned into one big muddle of lunatic sentences poor humour (three quarters of which kids under 10 wont understand).
Overall I was dissapointed that this movie could take away 90 minutes of my life... I want it back
0/10
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
A movie with plenty of heart and even more soul(s)!!!
I must admit I expected alot after viewing the trailer of The Haunted Mansion, anything made by Disney and starring Eddie Murphy is sure to be great and this was no exception.
Right from the word go I enjoyed this movie. The acting, the story, the catchy tunes, the special effects it all came together well.
The important thing with this movie was that its main target audience were kids... so how do you create a scary movie for kids??? They have definately hit the nail on the head with this one :-)
Firstly keep it as short as possible, whilst it wasnt extremely short it was always happening so time seemed to just fly by whilst I watched the movie.
Secondly keep the laughs up and for that Eddie Murphy did really well.
Thirdly keep the scares distant and few.
Altogether the movie did an amazing job and I would like to congratulate everybody involved for such a brilliant and enjoyable flick.
I gave The Haunted Mansion 10/10
Love Actually (2003)
If you LOVE love then you'll LOVE love actually
Let me just start by saying that I expected alot from this movie, with actors like Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Kiera Knightly, Laura Linney, Rowan Atkinson, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson as well as the one and only Hugh Grant you can't possibly go wrong.
The movie lived up to my expectations and exceeded them immensely. From start to finish this (just over two hour movie)amazing movie keeps its audience entertained with non stop laughs, tears and overall enjoyment.
I must admit that since "I am Sam" I have never left a movie feeling as happy as I did with Love Actually. It has a good, positive feeling about it which really is the centre of this masterpiece.
The storylines sound confusing but really they are simple to follow and comprehend. 8 different love stories that interwine and end on an amazing climax on Christmas Eve.
The actors, the story, the scenery, the overall spectacle of this brilliant film have definately added it to my top 10 list alongside The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.
For a feel good, funny, dramatical masterpiece I strongly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
A Solid 9/10
Identity (2003)
Identity brings a new meaning to the term "A Psychological thriller"
Let me tell you that I will give away nothing about the plot in this review and no spoilers will be included.
The movie is really a multi genre film. Thriller, Suspense, Horror but I would definately put it more into the mystery category.
The story is hard enough to explain but trust me see the movie and you will not regret it.
The acting is perfect, each character is played extremely well by their respective actors, Ray Liotta, John Cusack, Amanda Peet and many others really do make this a top notch movie and one that will keep you guessing right till the final credits.
I must also state that this movie involves one of the biggest twists that I have ever seen in a movie since the sixth sense or even the others. The twist is unforgettable and is enough of a reason to go out and see this amazingly written and directed edge-of-your-seat-thriller.
Let me finish by saying that I gave this movie a perfect 10, you cant beat it and for a genuine shock and thrill see this one because I know that you will enjoy it.
Wag the Dog (1997)
A great script, great actors and an all-round great film!!
I had high hopes going into the cinema for this particular movie, especially with the like of De Niro and Hoffman on the poster I knew it was going to be great, and it actually was...
The movie itself is based on a novel and the screenplay adaptation really deserved accolade.
The movie was up for 2 Academy Awards best Actor (Hoffman) & Best-adapted screenplay. Whilst it didn't win either of them it really deserved to.
The story actually isn't that hard to understand, the president touches a young girl and the press are onto it like hotcakes. So the presidents right hand man (or in the case girl) Heche gets the presidential adviser De Niro in to help fix the problem, and with election on in 11 days it isn't going to be easy to fix.
De Niro gets cutthroat & eccentric Hollywood producer Hoffman in on the scene and to divert the countries attention away from the sex scandal they decide to create a war. Hiring actresses to play young girls in the bombed wreckage and bringing in singers to create full-hearted songs to bring America back on the president's side, the three amigos (Heche, De Niro and Hoffman) actually do a magnificent job.
Watch the movies for the laughs, watch the movies for the music (which unfortunately is not on CD) but overall watch the movie to escape reality and to have a great hour and a half.
An amazing movie a solid 9/10
*I would like to personally congratulate the actors on a remarkable performance.
John Q (2002)
A movie that catches your breath whilst taking your heart (Literally)
Well what can I say except WOW!!
I really didn't know what to expect going into a packed out cinema and being seperated from the rest of family due to the dispersed seating (I ended up sitting next to a real sensitive girl, hey I wasn't complaining
The movie itself is amazing right from the storyline to the acting it is really top notch. I dont think you can get a bad movie with actors like Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche and Ray Liotta.
The story isnt too complex a boy needs a major heart transplant to live. The parents cant pay and the insurance wont cover the $250, 000 cost, what is a father to do, I know hold up the hospital. As its tagline goes 'Give a father no options and you leave him no choice'
Overall this movie will make you laugh, cry and sit on the edge of your seat. I strongly recommend it to both sexes as it really opens your eyes to see how lucky we really are and exactly how the world is based on value ($) instead of values.
A solid 9 out of 10, A MUST SEE