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My third review is on a lesser known but very recent documentary called Salute, directed by Matt Norman.
Plot Synopsis
Given that this is a documentary the 'plot' is naturally a true story, and in this case mostly a flashback to the events surrounding a particular incident and time: the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and the actions of Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Peter Norman.
What these three 200 metre runners did would be etched into history.
In a tribute to the African-American voices that were seemingly unheard in the United States' civil rights movement, the men chose to give a public 'salute' on the world's most public stage.
The film outlines the social environment that clouded the United States in the 1960s, how that impacted on American athletes such as Carlos and Smith, the repercussions of their actions and how an unknown Australian, Norman, got involved.
Matty T's Rant
In terms of iconic Olympic moments, this one from 1968 would rank among the very best. For sporting greatness and triumph the race itself was not really all that important, with the main surprise being that Peter Norman, a late blooming sprinter and white Australian, would come close to his two more highly fancied African-American counterparts. However, in terms of politics and social significance this moment is one that needs to be remembered.
That Matt Norman - Peter Norman's nephew - chose to document this story and make a film that could itself potentially spark controversy and re-ignite debate on whether politics and sport can or should be separate is a credit to him.
Mixing contemporary interviews of his three main stars, Smith, Carlos and of course, Norman, alongside those with other modern and past athletes and officials, with historical footage of the race and the deeper issues of race back in the United States sees the movie cover this issue as thoroughly as could be imaginable. At a runtime of exactly two hours, my chief criticism of the film is that it perhaps goes into that much depth that at times it repeats itself and goes on for a little too long.
Yet in 2008, when both Australia and the United States would consider the events of Mexico City and the arguably racist social policies of their countries in that era to be long behind them, the background behind the iconic moment makes compelling viewing.
Perhaps most interesting to watch and hear are the opinions of those who still believe that the 'salute' was an unnecessary, attention-seeking act that had no relevance or significance at the time. This is a far cry from a majority of what the film is about: equality of all people, the fight against racism and standing up for what you believe in.
While all documentaries to some extent attempt to portray something that actually happened in a particular light, this film really is wonderful for the fact that along with the iconic image of the act, it is an account of an event that has seen not nearly enough light in public.
Matty T's Recommendation:
Admittedly this film won't be everybody's cup of tea. Some might find it to be too tedious. Others probably just don't care enough about the Olympics or want to know who Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Peter Norman are. To be honest, when I saw this film me and my three friends were the only people in the entire cinema! Yet the greater issue, isn't the nail-biting 200 metre race but race in general and civil rights.
That the repercussions of this event remain are just as amazing as those of 1968, with Norman not invited to his country's own Olympic games in Sydney 2000, although he remains Australia's supreme 200 metre sprinter. This film certainly proves that politics in sport exists, no matter how much some people try to shy away from it.
Matty T's Rating:
Matt Norman has created a moving film that will serve as both a beacon on social justice and important historical document.
I only hope that more people take notice of this movie and go and see it whether at the cinema or on DVD.
Given that I am a big fan of 20th century history and sport I found Salute to be a likeable and interesting movie that captures the significance of an important event; yet also throws up a number of questions about politics, sport, the Olympics and civil rights.
* * * * (4 stars)
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My second review is on the ever-popular new film in the Christopher Nolan Batman franchise, "The Dark Knight".
Why So Serious?
Plot Synopsis:
Batman (the returning Christian Bale) is well and truly back and the Scarecrow from "Batman Begins" is now gone. Yet within a year there returns a more violent, destructive and disturbed criminal than Gotham City has ever seen before - the Joker (played extraordinarily by the late Heath Ledger).
With a new villain however comes a new hero, District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), who with the help of Lieutenant Gordon uses the courts rather than his fists to rid Gotham and its people of criminals. It seems as though the lawyer is the answer to the underground crime that is tearing the city apart, and that Batman can hang up his boots and commence being only billionaire Bruce Wayne. That is until the Joker begins to test the Dark Knight's psychological mettle, leading him down a path of self-reflection. All the while the caped crusader has to stop chaos from ensuing, as Dent goes through a transformation of his own.
Matty T's Rant:
Skeptics will say that the Dark Knight's popularity is based more on the tragic death of its star, Heath Ledger, rather than anything else. They will also argue that this is the reason for the high esteem it is being held in by Hollywood and their reviewers. Yet they would only be missing the point.
The Dark Knight is not your average 'blockbuster' film. While it has gone on to smash box-office records and has been one of the most popular movies in recent times, Christopher Nolan has made a superhero movie based on a comic book dissimilar to anything you've seen before. Iron Man, Transformers, X-Men and the Incredible Hulk it is not.
CGI is important to the final product but there is never a sense that it oozes right through or takes away from how the audience sees the characters or setting, for Nolan wants to maintain them as blurring and shifting preconceived notions of reality and fantasy.
In terms of genre, the film drifts readily and regularly between action, suspense, thriller and even pure drama, with the odd dash of comedy. Christian Bale gives so much to the role and is the perfect Batman because he can sit comfortably in any of the aforementioned genres and deliver the goods. As Batman he brings his cheeky humour from American Psycho, his psychological turmoil from the Machinist, his mystery from the Prestige and his outlaw hero persona from 3:10 to Yuma to understate the famous character, which could not be said for Keaton, Kilmer and (gasp!) Clooney before him.
And while the film's supporting cast is remarkable, with the return of the charming Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and the legendary Sir Michael Caine, as well as the arrival of Maggie Gyllenhall to play Bruce Wayne's love interest - who replaces the stiff and expressionless Katie Holmes - it is Heath Ledger as the Joker that inevitably captures your attention. Ledger's accent, posture, facial expression, rage and humour are each so intricately crafted to perfection, re-inventing a character we all thought we knew. Jack Nicholson was great in the role in Tim Burton's Batman; Ledger however, is absolutely phenomenal, exploding out of the screen in each scene he is in.
Without taking anything away from his wonderful co-stars and the intense world Nolan has created in this picture, it is the late star that carries the film and makes it a truly magnificient movie.
Matty T's Recommendation
Everyone knows how good Freeman, Oldman, Caine, Bale and Maggie Gyllenhall are, but how good is/was Heath Ledger? If anyone has any doubts as to how great an actor the Australian had become they obviously are yet to see this movie. When you put this amongst his performances in Brokeback Mountain, Candy, I'm Not There and Two Hands it is clear that Ledger was a star on the rise and someone that will be truly missed.
Chris Nolan is also quickly turning into a genius. With a catalogue of work that includes the underrated Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins, the magic of the Prestige and now this, he is becoming one director whose movies are entering cinemas with a "MUST SEE" tag - the Dark Knight certainly has one.
Matty T's Rating
A genuine must-see. It's power-packed full of action, yet it's also thrilling, suspenseful and dramatic. Heck, there's even a handful of hilarious moments, particularly when Ledger frolics about in nurse's uniform. At the end of the day, you couldn't want anything more in a modern-day film, let alone expect to get it in a modern-day blockbuster.
While IMDB.com fans are so fond of it that it has risen to become the third best film of all-time (in terms of user votes), there is no doubt that this film will stand the test of time. Right now it is a classic.
* * * * * ( 5 stars)
Hi again guys. I just want to apologise for a long, long absence from this blog. I've been remarkably busy with university studies, and that coupled with a bit of travel has made maintaining this site more difficult than I originally anticipated... However, I'm back and look forward to start maintaining some regularity with these reviews. As a result of my lengthy disappearance, I'm going to basically write six or seven reviews at once of a number of films I've seen in the meantime. Some of the films are older films I've newly seen, a couple are favourite films of mine and basically outline why I like them, and the others are new flicks I've seen at the local cinema.
(Plus, while I get the feeling that most of you that read this site are expecting film reviews only, you will also get regular music reviews also, following on my "Please Tell Me You Bought this Album in 2007" series - though updating it for 2008. I hope you don't mind)
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First of all I would just like to say thankyou for your comments thus far. I am a very keen film and music enthusiast, and thus hope to post as many reviews on here as possible. The films, particularly, may not necessarily be new films but rather movies that I have newly seen.
The first such film is "Run Fat Boy Run", directed by former Friends star David Schwimmer.
Plot Synopsis:
English comedian Simon Pegg plays Dennis, the unfit, unhealthy and unlikely ex-fiance of the stunning Libby (Thandie Newton). You see, although he had the woman of his dreams, the smoking, swearing security guard left her at the altar on their wedding day... oh, and she was pregnant. But while generally we would be expected to see Dennis as a villain because of such an act, the audience cannot help but sympathise with him in his mission to win her and his son, Jake, (Matthew Fenton) back, albeit 5 years later.
There is more than just Libby's heartbreak and reluctance standing in the way of a reunion however, with a confident, charming and affluent American having entered her life. Hank Azaria portrays Whit, who in many ways is the anti-Dennis. On paper he's the perfect guy for Libby with no noticeable chink in his armour, yet Dennis seeks to show Libby what she and Jake truly mean to him. Enlisting the help of his good-humoured Indian neighbour and sardonic, unemployed friend (played by Black Books genius Dylan Moran), Dennis wants to run a London marathon. Finishing would at least win back Libby's respect and prove a point to both her and Whit - that he's fed up with running away. Failure to do so, however, would quash any chance of completely reconciling with ex-fiance and prove fitness fanatic Whit right, since he believes Dennis won't finish the race.
Matty T's Rant:
I will admit that it was not a deliberate decision to see this film. Having arrived at the cinemas with no concrete choice yet made on what I was about to see, the fact I knew it was a comedy starring Simon Pegg essentially made my decision. After all, Pegg's unique and very English style of humour made Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz memorable, after he had previously starred in a string of UK television comedies. Even from the title of the film, one gets the feeling that Pegg's fame is beginning to cross oceans, namely the Atlantic. The title would be more at home in an American schoolyard than English street, evoking memories of the famous scene from Forrest Gump. Regardless, the Americans are taking notice of the man and a Hollywood career perhaps beckons after a stint in Mission Impossible III and now with "Run Fat Boy Run" the launching pad for future success.
It is no surprise with Schwimmer behind the camera that "Run Fat Boy Run" employs the blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt drama that made Friends so memorable. At times Pegg engages in ludicrous comedy, particularly in the confines of his department store workplace. His bubbly and cuddly Indian neighbour and wise-guy friend also provide various doses of insane humour, sometimes involving nudity. Yet, in true Friends style, moments between Jake and Dennis and Dennis and Libby produce emotions that show both Pegg's range and Schwimmer's intent. For "Run Fat Boy Run" is not merely a comedy but too a didactic tale about letting go of your fears and stepping up to the plate.
Azaria, while adequate, possibly understates the Whit character slightly. Neither his moments that are meant to be humourous nor his scenes that are supposed to show his irritating arrogance are quite up to Pegg, Newton and Moran's standards. The American is slightly lost, perhaps in London's translation, amongst that delightful trio. (Note: Newton is South African, not English).
"Run Fat Boy Run" is unlikely to be placed on any "Must See Films of 2008" list. It won't be as funny as a number of upcoming releases and not nearly as dramatic as most. But its charm lies in Pegg's stand-out performance. Newton is warm throughout and there is no doubting her on-screen presence. However, the lead character's scenes with the witty Moran and Indian neighbour (Harish Patel) are reminiscient of a modern-day Three Stooges or "Odd Trio", with the three men providing much of the film's comedy. Unlike the other two, though, it is the co-writer of the film Pegg, who makes this worth seeing by being both comedic and dramatic. He plays an ordinary man well enough to make other Hollywood producers laugh, smile and indeed take note: there is an Englishman we should look at.
Matty T's Recommendation:
Go see this, if only for Pegg. He's as smooth as a cactus and as good-looking as an old boot but brings Schwimmer's big-screen directorial debut to life. He is supported by a warm cast, with several cameos by English television celebrities and the movie will make you laugh because of its awkward, sarcastic comedy.
I'd like to know what anyone else who has seen "Run Fat Boy Run" thinks of the film, and if you have any opinion on Azaria's casting as Whit.
Matty T's Rating:
A nice film. It perhaps doesn't pack the punch or popularity of others but at the same time, leaves similar obvious and obnoxious American comedies in its wake. * * * 1/2 (3 and a half STARS)
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Hi again,
In terms of films, I do like a wide variety of films from across most genres. There is not one sort of film that I generally prefer over other; however, having said that, I am a big fan of particular directors
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When will South Australian sporting teams learn? Is it that difficult to look outside our own state? Continuing in the South Australian sporting tradition of national league teams hiring local coaches, the Adelaide 36ers have hired former player and safe option Scott Ninnis to take the reins in the wake of Phil Smyth's departure.
I have said for this some time and the proof is in the pudding, our prominent South Australian-based sporting teams are too locally conscious and rarely hire interstate candidates, even if they appear the better choice
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Welcome to my new blog. I've always been one to say it how it is. I am not one to be swayed by public opinion, nor am I an outwardly compassionate person, just for the sake of being compassionate. I often say what others shy away from and touch on take aim at delicate subjects deemed untouchable. And thus, my opening post is no different, and will set the standard for posts to come.
I have been affected personally by cancer. I haven't had it and wouldn't wish it upon myself or anybody close to me, but people close to me have been hit with the disease and died from it
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Morrissey sang so long ago about "Panic on the streets of London". Yet it's March 1st, 2008 tomorrow and his tune seems oh so relevant, as the end of the English Premier League season draws near.
As per usual, it appears that only Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea can win the 2007/08 League title, in what one anticipates will be as exciting a finish as any in recent history. The Gunners seemed at the beginning of the season to be the most unlikely of the trio to finish on top yet they are 3 points clear of the Red Devils, their nearest rivals. However, the draw to cellar-dwellars Birmingham City at the weekend has brought a sense of alarm amongst certain members of the Arsenal community and London media. An untimely penalty and a captain's dummy-spit have aroused calls for William Gallas' head. Yet in a topsy-turvy season, the last thing Arsene Wenger's side needs is axe-swinging and rash decisions. It shall be the "sook" Gallas who will steer the Gunners to the top of the table.
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New Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has had the shortest of time to prepare his squad for tonight's crucial match against a relatively unknown Qatar outfit. His European-based players have only recently jetted back into the country and have attended merely one or two short trainings. Undoubtedly, the rise in popularity of the round-ball game in this country has put pressure on the national team to perform and to reach the lofty and unexpected heights of the 2006 World Cup. Jet-lag and missing key components Viduka and Kewell aside, Verbeek and these newly led Socceroos have to win tonight and win comprehensively, or otherwise face an uncertain and ill-fated World Cup Qualifying campaign.
No-one can deny that soccer, as it has been known on Australian soil, has well and truly got the nation's attention since John Aloisi's penalty against Uruguay saw us depart for the World Cup. Long-time fans had waited 32 years for that. Progressing beyond the Group Stage in Germany heaped fame onto the players and media and popularity onto the sport and national A-League. We all knew Kewell, Viduka and Schwarzer but suddenly Culina, Bresciano, Emerton, Grella and Cahill were household names. The dramatic loss to Francesco Totti's penalty against Italy hurt the Australian sporting nation more than the Ashes loss to England four years ago. Why? Well because deep down, we always knew that the supreme Test cricketing team were always going to get the Ashes back when Fletcher's men came Down Under. Winning the ultimate in the "world game" is much, much harder, and there are no guarantees on qualification for the Football World Cup, let alone success in it
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The most dominant player in men's tennis today is an unbackable favourite to win his third straight Australian Open tournament. The first Grand Slam of the year kicked off at the beginning of the week with Swiss Roger Federer starting at $1.65 with bookmakers across the host country. And, with form, crowd support and history on his side, you'd think he'd win it again this year, wouldn't you? But you'd be wrong. The Grand Slam tournament synonymous with upsets and surprise finalists will produce another one this year. The mighty and seemingly unbeatable (except on clay) Federer will not even reach this years final.
A likeable, charming character and effortless tennis player, the Swiss is attempting to match Pete Sampras' Grand Slam titles record of 14 this year, currently sitting on 12 after taking the Australian, Wimbledon and US Open crowns in 2007. His record at Melbourne Park has been typically impressive. Since his breakthrough victory there in 2004, he has won the tournament on two more occasions and made a semi-final appearance three years ago. Overall, his performances on hard-court have been nothing short of outstanding, taking on all comers and emerging triumphant. And, after easy wins in the first two rounds again this year and admissions from the champ himself that he is "100% fit", the winner looks obvious once more
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Comment by Matt 1
on A Background on The Reviewer - My Favourite Films
A Tactless Opinion
Review, Review!
Debate Sport
* Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antionette"
* Wes Anderson's "The Darjeeling Limited"
* The Cohen Brothers "No Country for Old Men", "Raising Arizona" and "Miller's Crossing"
* PT Anderson's "Magnolia" (I've seen only half)