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The Worlds Fastest Indian – Movie Review

April 10, 2020 By Tracey Leave a Comment

The World’s Fastest Indian is an inspirational sports film based on the true story of gutsy old codger Burt Munro and his dream to take part in Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with his ancient Indian scout motorcycle. For anyone that thinks dreams can’t come true in old age, this true inspiring story will make you see that it is never too late.

Anthony Hopkins portrays Burt Munro impeccably as the quirky determined coot who defies his doctors, old age and dire financial situation to make the journey from his Invercargill shed in New Zealand, to the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA to time trial his motorcycle. Burt embarks on the long journey through America where he meets a plucky widow who is happy to take him in for the night and a car salesman who wants to hire him. Adamant he will not die before testing the true speed of his motorcycle on the salt flats, Burt pops Nitro pills to keep his heart going and finds a way to turn every challenge into a mission accomplished.

With such gritty determination and an impenetrable will to succeed, Burt Munro is an inspirational character to both young and old. Even the ridicule of the rich fancy pants crowd with their modern flashy machines at Speed Week doesn’t deter him. His diffidence, knowledge and focus eventually start to win over people as they acknowledge ‘he’s the real deal’.

A Magnolia Pictures Release. Image courtesy of Chuck Zlotnik.

But Burt hasn’t registered for Speed Week – didn’t know he had too. Now officials won’t allow him to test the speed of the old Indian scout. With a little help from friends he makes at Bonneville, Burt is given the go-ahead to for a safety inspection where it is discovered Burt has used kitchen parts to put his bike together and simply cut the tread off tyres to make them faster. No modern technology has been used, and the officials and fans shake their heads in disbelief.

This is the kind of story that makes one wonder why Hollywood keep writing fictional scripts when there are so many real stories which are far more dramatic, intriguing and inspirational that would make amazing films. Why make up heroes when real people like Burt Munro have already paved the trail?

Best inspirational sports film - the worlds fastest indian

A Magnolia Pictures Release. Image courtesy of Chuck Zlotnik.

In many ways, this film was twenty years in the making, with writer and director Roger Donaldson having first directed a short documentary about Burt Munro called Offerings to the God of Speed. Donaldson’s deep knowledge and understanding of Burt’s character and life enabled him to create a film with many authentic layers that serve to naturally bring the story and character to life. If there is such a thing as a perfectly told engaging story, The World’s Fastest Indian might just be it.

Please don’t read on if you can’t stand spoilers. Whether Burt set a land speed record at Bonneville or not, the man is to be greatly admired. As it happens, against all odds, Burt Munro did indeed go on to time trial his motorcycle at Speed Week and wow the crowds with a land speed world record in the category of ‘streamlined motorcycles under 1000 cc’ that I understand has still not been broken to this day.

The World’s Fastest Indian is one of those ‘must-see’ films that tells a powerful and fascinating story that will appeal to the broadest possible audience with a range universal themes which everyone can relate too.

Note: Thank you Roger Donaldson, writer and director of The World’s Fastest Indian, for making this film happen. It is a truly exceptional film that I know many people watch over and over again, including myself.

Blood Diamond – Movie Review

April 10, 2020 By Tracey Leave a Comment

Leonardo DiCaprio is brilliant in his role as hardened diamond smuggler Danny Archer, who unites with African fisherman Solomon Vandy on an extreme quest to find a hidden blood diamond in poverty stricken Sierra Leone. These desperate men both have their own unique motivations to gain possession of the diamond, for Danny, it is both greed and to escape this war ravaged zone, and for Solomon, it is to find his family.

Blood Diamond movie review

Soaked with gut wrenching scenes of the atrocities of war, unbridled greed, fierce love, and unstoppable determination, this movie takes viewers on a gripping and powerful journey which is poignant, electrifying and educational. Those who were previously not aware of the violence and slavery revolving around illegally mined diamonds to fund rebel warfare will certainly be woken from their slumber by this movie. While Dounsou contributes an impeccable performance as Solomon, it is Di Caprio who gives the performance of a lifetime as he slowly fights his own greed and emotions to the point where his actions reveal he is not completely without mercy. Blood Diamond movie review

It is the viewer’s hope that Di Caprio’s character Danny Archer with his swagger and brimming confidence will crack and show something more than the brutal lusty self-serving traits that initially characterize him. We all want to believe that there is always some good in everyone, and every human has the capacity for empathy and kindness. Quietly, we plead for some slivers of light to arise from Danny Archer’s character to symbolise hope for all mankind.

The battle Danny Archer wages within himself between being somewhat ethical, or cruelly self serving, is demonstrated with ferocious conviction by Di Caprio. Director Edward Zwick has admitted that Di Caprio and Hounsou gave themselves so utterly to their roles that the film actually took a physical toll on both actors.

It is hardly surprising Blood Diamond got five academy award nominations including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor; it deserved every single one of them.

Blood Diamond (2006)

Screenplay by Charles Leavitt, Directed by Edward Zwick, Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, Djimon, Michael Sheen, Arnold Vosloo.

The Intouchables – Movie Review

April 10, 2020 By Tracey Leave a Comment

The Intouchables is an original, uplifting comedy-drama based on the true story of an unlikely friendship between disabled millionaire aristocrat Philippe, and Driss, a poor, ex-con immigrant. Two men from different realms marginalised by society for different reasons find a connection with each other which changes both their lives. Touching, captivating, hilarious, fast moving, entertaining, and completely unexpected, this movie sweeps out onto the screen and reels in the viewer tightly and effortlessly.

It would be almost criminal to write about this film without mentioning that the wealthy quadriplegic Philippe, was played to absolute perfection by Francois Cluzet. After watching The Intouchables, it is easy to see why it was the toast of Europe upon its release, being nominated in almost every main category at France’s equivalent of the Oscars including Best Film and Best Actor. I’d never heard of Omar Sy before this film, but now it is impossible to forget his magical and heart-warming performance as the unemployed deadbeat Driss.

Driss first refuses the call to adventure (the job offer) as he is mortified at the thought of work and fearful of entering a different world he knows nothing about. This refusal is often a fear of anything different and is reflective of most people experience at stages throughout their lives. Many of us wonder ‘what if I’d taken that path, that chance, that job, that relationship, that opportunity, how would my life be different?’

The Intouchables, being based on truth, gives us a peek into the possibilities of what could be if you just take a chance and connect. It inspires confidence and hope for a better life due to stronger human connections, however impossible they may seem at the time. Ultimately, this is a movie about humanity that highlights the development of a unique, special and rewarding friendship characterized by humor.

Although the film is in French with English subtitles, I wasn’t even aware of it and actually forgot it was in French when asked about it. I believe this is a testament to how engaging, visual and well communicated this story was. Adapted from the true story of Abdel Sellou (Driss) and Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, this fascinating story lays a strong foundation for the making of the film.

The Intouchables is one of those rare films where everything seemed to work as a well oiled machine from the writing to the editing, casting choices and direction to create a movie that is absolutely dynamic from beginning to end.

The Intouchables (2011): Written and Directed by duo Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledana. Starring Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Nye

For further reading on the true story on which this film is based, check out ‘You Changed My Life‘, a memoir by Abdel Sellou (Driss), and A Second Wind: The True Story that Inspired the Motion Picture The Intouchables by Philippe Pozzo di Borgo (Philippe).

Big Wednesday – Movie Review

April 10, 2020 By Tracey Leave a Comment

Set in the California surf culture over a twelve year period in the sixties and seventies, Big Wednesday follows the lives of three surfer buddies whose lives are in the midst of massive change. It has been described as an accurate depiction of the surf culture in California during that period, which is not surprising given Writer/Director John Milius was a surfer in Malibu.

Big Wednesday

In an IGN interview, John Milius admits that many of the things that happen in Big Wednesday are taken from his real life experiences. Maybe that’s why the film is so believable.

I had the pleasure of first seeing Big Wednesday at Cape Paterson Life Saving Club in Victoria, Australia when I was a young teenage girl. I still remember the goose bumps I got as the man known only as Bear makes Matt, played by Jan Michael Vincent a special board in expectation of a rare twenty foot swell hitting the Californian coast. The soundtrack is stirring and depicts the mood to perfection. You don’t need to like surfing to fall in love with this film. It is a story of growing up and accepting that change is a part of life.

Although Big Wednesday was considered a box office flop due to the harsh reviews of critics and what many consider a really bad trailer, word of mouth spread as people rented the video in droves and it became an absolute cult classic over time. The film really was far better and more intelligent than the trailer depicted.

The question is “why does this film resonate with so many people?” I think it’s because we see a bit of ourselves in all of the characters, we all have a bit of dreamer and hero in us. We all have our weaknesses and struggle internally and externally with the choices we are forced to make in life. Each character in the story could be you, someone you know, someone you admired, and someone you loved.

Big Wednesday is a film that truly connects with its audience and hits smack on many universal truths that run deep within us all.

Almost Famous – Movie Review

April 10, 2020 By Tracey 1 Comment

Almost Famous writer/director Cameron Crowe was at one stage, a teenage rock journalist for Rolling Stone magazine, and his inside knowledge of the subject matter infiltrates every aspect of the movie, resulting in a charismatic intriguing film which keeps its audience spellbound from beginning to end.

In Almost Famous, fifteen year old William Miller, played with an engaging raw innocence by Patrick Fugit, manages to hustle an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to write a feature article on up and coming band Stillwater. After hiding rock albums from his ‘rock is evil’ mother for so long, William is suddenly thrust into the heart of rock and roll in the seventies as he hits the road to join the band Stillwater on their tour. Almost Famous Movie Review

Struggling to find the story for Rolling Stone as he oscillates between being a fan and a journalist in the midst of taking ‘don’t do drugs’ phone calls from his protective mother, and ‘just make us look cool’ comments from the magnetic lead guitarist, William turns to his cantankerous mentor, rock purist Lester Bangs. Played with unbridled passion by Philip Hoffman Seymour, Bangs barks at him “You cannot make friends with the rock stars. These people are not your friends!”

During the excitement of the tour, a besotted William watches on hopelessly as the elusive and very alluring elite groupie Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) puts her heart on the line in a romantic tangle with married lead guitarist, Russell (played by the magnetic Billy Crudup).

A cross between a coming of age story and a tribute to the days where the essence of rock and roll meant something, Almost Famous, uses a dazzling cast, character driven story, and Cameron Crowe’s priceless rock experiences as a rock journalist in the seventies, to bring home the bacon with a triumphant bang!

Almost Famous (2000): Comedy/Drama,

Director and Writer: Cameron Crowe,

Starring: Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Patrick Fugit, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Cinematography by John Toll, Original Music by Nancy Wilson,

Four Academy Award Nominations and Won the Academy Award for best original screenplay

Other films written or directed by the unstoppable Cameron Crowe:

Jerry Maguire (Starring Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jnr)

Vanilla Sky (Starring Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Starring Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh)

We Brought A Zoo (Starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannsson)

Elizabethtown (Starring Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon)

Singles (Starring Bridget Fonda, Kyra Sedgewick, Campbell Scott)

Say Anything (starring John Cusack)

Books by Cameron Crowe

Led Zeppelin: Light and Shade (book by Cameron Crowe)

Conversations with Wilder (book)

Pearl Jam Twenty (book)

The Cutting Edge – Movie Review

April 10, 2020 By Tracey Leave a Comment

The Cutting Edge showcases some of the most gripping chemistry ever seen on the big screen as D.B. Sweeney (Doug) and Moira Kelly (Kate) strut their stuff both on and off the ice. Fiery chemistry between an arrogant ex ice hockey player and a rich snobby figure skater who can’t keep a partner sets the screen ablaze with a tension that spans the entire film.

Image: Courtesy of MGM

The Cutting Edge is an inspirational sports movie, a wonderful romance and an uplifting crowd pleaser. It depicts two individuals from different worlds who loathe each other reluctantly joining forces in a bid to win an Olympic medal. The dialogue between blue collar worker Doug and spoilt rich Kate is incredibly witty, hilarious and believable as their conversations resemble something akin to a dirty alley cat in a heated exchange with a haughty stuck up show cat. You can feel the underlying sexual tension every step of the way, which is a real draw card.

I’d never heard of this film until one night, I rocked up at the Drive-In with a group of friends and family to see whatever was playing that night. Once the film began and some realised ice-skating was involved, there were exasperated moans and groans. By the end of the film, the whole tribe were completely won over: “brilliant film”, “loved it”, “wow, I didn’t expect that”, “that was a really great film” and so it went. I, myself am not ashamed to say (although perhaps just a tad embarrassed) that I have watched this film almost every year since its release. I even own two copies.

For other screen writers, filmmakers and actors, this movie could well serve as a lesson in how to create onscreen chemistry. For the viewer, we get the live a kind of fantasy relationship that you might read about in a superbly written romance novel. Then we get to experience honing our skills, making sacrifices and reaching for the ultimate sports destination – the Olympics. Turn off the lights, put on the film, and go on this journey.

Most men may be surprised at how much they enjoy The Cutting Edge and Doug’s smart wise cracking comments which take ice queen to boiling point. All the men I know that have seen this film, have unexpectedly loved it as much as the women. You could hate ice-skating and still love this movie.

The filming of the skating sequences is seamless, and there is never a moment where you can tell a double might be onscreen. Charismatic, engaging and wonderfully directed, shot, and edited with great skating action, The Cutting Edge doesn’t need any bells and whistles to capture an audience – the pieces all fit, the soundtrack is great , the dialogue scintillating and the chemistry between the lead characters are unforgettable.

The Cutting Edge (1992): Written by Tony Gilroy, Directed by Paul M Glaser, Starring D.B.Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Roy Dotrice and Terry O’Quinn.

Titanic – Movie Review

April 3, 2020 By Tracey Leave a Comment

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Titanic in the cinema. As it ended, the packed theatre audience sat motionless in hushed silence. Then, abruptly, one girl seated near me suddenly erupted into a choking cascade of tears while the rest of us madly fought back ours. James Cameron’s impossible dream had come to fruition leaving a global audience spellbound. Many would go on to see it multiple times at the cinema and experience the full thrust of James Cameron’s exquisite poetry in motion.

Titanic is an epic masterpiece about the beautiful but engaged aristocrat Rose meeting and falling in love with struggling artist Jack aboard the decadent unsinkable ship, Titanic, on its maiden voyage. The talented Leonardo Di Caprio and radiant Kate Winslet literally sparkle onscreen as spirited Rose and irresistible Jack with an incandescent chemistry that is fascinating to watch. Not only is their relationship believable but it is life-changing for both of them. Witty dialogue, fiery characters, a glorious luxury setting, heartfelt love story and the impending disaster as the Titanic looms closer to a massive iceberg keep the audience hypnotized until well after the credits roll to a gut-wrenching soundtrack. Di Caprio was the perfect Jack and impossible not to fall in love with. I rode the emotional tidal wave all the way to the end of the film, and it was a journey I’ll never forget. Most movies, most endings, we all eventually forget, but never Titanic.

Being the researcher, writer, director, producer and editor, James Cameron was able to plaster his captivating vision across every aspect of the film. The pieces all fit together beautifully and the diamond clad storyline and characters are a testament to Cameron’s tireless work ethic on this film both well before, during and after production. In fact, the history of the making of this film and how James Cameron sacrificed everything he had physically, mentally and financially (forfeiting his director fees and his profit sharing points), essentially working himself into the ground for no pay over three years to finish the film, is an inspiring story in itself.

Cameron’s passionate unwavering belief in his vision saw him fight as though it was a life and death situation to finish the film (and perhaps for him, it was). To understand Cameron’s attachment to story and the making of this movie, it is relevant to remember that long before production began, James Cameron made his first dive to the actual 1912 Titanic shipwreck and was so emotionally affected he shed tears. Cameron’s connection with the personal stories of the individuals who perished when the Titanic unexpectedly sunk in 1912 is powerfully reflected in the movie and goes further to explain why he was able to write and direct such an emotionally stirring film.

I have never seen so many people leave a cinema so affected after Titanic first screened. The mood was accentuated by the haunting Titanic theme song that sounded throughout the credits. When Titanic was finally released and became the highest grossing movie ever at the time, it was only right that Fox eventually made the decision to gift Cameron a large figure (tens of millions) to compensate him for all his effort – no doubt to ensure he would work with them again in the future. It was a good decision by Fox, because James Cameron created and directed Avatar for Fox in 2009, which smashed box office records once again and grossed over two billion dollars world-wide.

Titanic (1997) was written and directed by James Cameron, produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau, edited by James Cameron, Richard Harris and Conrad Bluff, the music was by James Horner, cinematography by Russell Carpenter, and it starred Kate Winslet, Leonardo Di Caprio, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, and Bill Paxton. Academy Award Nominations: 14 Won: 11 Oscars

For the fascinating full story regarding James Cameron and Fox, the book Titanic and the Making of James Cameron by Paula Parisi, is an absolute must-read.

The book ‘Titanic and the Making of James Cameron’ is an absolute gem and a must-read for anyone interested in the hell James Cameron went through to get this film to the screen and the sacrifices he made that drained the life out of him in the end. To quote the books blurb on the back cover: ‘this is the story of obsession, passion and one man’s visionary quest for perfection’. Cameron invited Paula Parisi to document the three year making of the film and this book is a result. I personally found it very revealing and a real page turner.

Bottom Line: Titanic is a film I have watched at least seven times, and there are many more viewings in my future. Thank you James Cameron for your hard slog, and the blood, sweat and tears you shed to get this film made.