Bohemian Rhapsody Review

Bohemian Rhapsody


Release Date: 1st November 2018 - Australia


Production Companies
20th Century Fox (present)
GK Films
New Regency Productions (present)

TSG Entertainment (made in association with)
Queen Films Ltd. (uncredited)
Tribeca Productions (uncredited)

Distribution
20th Century Fox Australia


Genre: Musical/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 134 minutes


Budget: $55,000,000

Box Office Gross: $910,813,521 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary

In celebration of one of the greatest rock bands in history, Freddie Mercury, the band's lead singer, defied stereotypes and became one of the world's best-known entertainers.

It all started in 1970s London, when Freddie was a poor but talented Indian refugee who became the lead singer of a band that later changed its name to Queen. This began an incredibly successful career as their revolutionary musical style and iconic songs helped shape the world of rock 'n' roll. However, beneath that colossal fame is the inner turmoil of Freddie as he faces poor decisions and an AIDS diagnosis before reuniting with Queen once more in a Live Aid concert at Wembley that would go down in history as one of the legendary rock performances.

Cast
Rami Malek - Freddie Mercury
Lucy Boynton - Mary Austin
Joseph Mazzello - John Deacon
Mike Myers - Ray Foster
Ben Hardy - Roger Taylor
Aiden Gillen - John Reid
Gwilym Lee - Brian May
Tom Hollander - Jim Beach
Allen Leech - Paul Prenter
Jess Radomska - Cheryl
Aaron McCusker - Jim Hutton
Michelle Duncan - Shelley Stern

Meneka Das - Jer Bulsara

Ace Bhatti - Bomi Bulsara

Priya Blackburn - Kashmira Bulsara

Dermot Murphy - Bob Geldof

Max Bennett - David
Dickie Beau - Kenny Everett

Tim Plester - RT Baker

Jack Roth - Tim Staffell
Max Bennett - David
Neil Fox-Roberts - Mary's

Father
Matt Greenwood - Young Man at Clinic
Rosy Benjamin - Dominique
Leila Crerar - Chrissie
Katherine Newman - Veronica
Adam Rauf - Young Farrokh
Phillip Andrew - Reinhold Mack

John Ottman - Live TV Director (Cameo)
Adam Lambert - Truck Driver (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew
Executive Producer (Uncredited)/Director -
Bryan Singer
Story/Screenplay - Anthony McCarten
Story - Peter Morgan

Executive Producer/Director: Completion of

Photography and Editing (Uncredited) -

Dexter Fletcher
Executive Producers - Justin Haythe,

Arnon Michlan, Denis O'Sullivan and

Jane Rosenthal
Producers - Jim Beach and Graham King
Co-Producer - Richard Hewitt

Archive Consultant: Queen - Greg Brooks

Movement Coach - Polly Bennett
Production Designer - Aaron Haye
Supervising Art Director - David Hindle
Supervising Art Director: Additional

Photography - Stuart Kearns
Art Director - Alice Sutton

Art Director: Additional Photography -

Marco Anton Restivo

Standby Art Directors - Rachel Aulton

and Claire Shakespeare

Set Decorator - Anna Lynch-Robinson

Set Decorator: Additional Photography -

Sarah Whittle
Costume Designer - Julian Day

Makeup & Hair Designer - Jan Sewell

Prosthetic Makeup Designer - Mark Coulier
Director of Photography - Newton Thomas Sigel

Directors of Photography: Second Unit -

Nanu Segul and Rina Yang

"A" Camera/Steadicam Operator - Peter Robertson

Stunt Coordinator - James O'Donnell

Aviation Coordinator - Mike Woodley (Uncredited)

Special Effects Supervisor - Mark Holt
Special Effects Coordinator - Lucy Myers
Visual Effects Supervisor - Paul Norris

Visual Effects Producer - Tim Field

Visual Effects Production Managers - Ana Grgic

and Louise Simpson
Editor - John Ottman

Supervising Sound and Music Editor - John Warhurst

Supervising Dialogue/ADR Editor - Nina Hartstone

Production Sound Mixer - John Casali

Sound Effects Editors - Alistair Hawkins,

Andy Kennedy and Alastair Sirkett

Re-Recording Mixer - Tim Cavagin

Re-Recording/Music Mixer - Paul Massey

Foley Mixers - Glen Gathard and

Jemma Riley-Tolch

Foley Artists - Peter Burgis

and Zoe Freed

Executive Music Producers - Brian May

and Roger Taylor

Music Supervisor - Becky Bentham

Conductor/Orchestrator/Score Producer -

James Shearman


Review
I've been listening to Queen for as long as I can remember, with favourites like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," "We Are the Champions," and "Don't Stop Me Now." Named after the famous song that spawned the iconic music video and, in the early '80s, launched MTV. I wasn't sure about BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY after its release amid a range of issues noted by other critics. These include inconsistent direction, plot holes, and several historical inaccuracies. It isn't the biopic I was hoping for, but it has a few redeeming moments, such as the recreation of the Live Aid concert performance.

Rami Malek was incredible as Freddie Mercury and did a great job channelling the singer's flamboyance and body language. On a fascinating note, Mike Myers plays a record executive, reminding viewers of his Wayne's World character. Here, there's no headbanging.

If you're a stickler for history, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY may not be your cup of tea. If you're passionate about Freddie Mercury, Queen, and their music, Bryan Singer's latest production is a fitting glam rock tribute. The show must go on for BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. And in this case, there's no doubt about that.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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A.I. Artificial Intelligence Review

A.I. Artificial Intelligence


Release Date: 13th September 2001 - Australia


Production Companies
Warner Bros. Pictures
DreamWorks SKG
Amblin Entertainment
Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation (Uncredited)
Stanley Kubrick Productions
The Kennedy/Marshall Company (Uncredited)


Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: M

Runtime: 146 minutes


Budget: $100,000,000

Box Office Gross: $235,926,552 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
David is the first robot boy programmed to love. A Cybertronics employee and his wife adopted him as a test case. Although he begins to become their child, a series of unexpected events makes David's life difficult. Unacceptable to either man or machine, David sets out on a journey to discover where he truly belongs and discover a world in which the line between robot and human is both broad and profoundly fragile.


Cast
Haley Joel Osment - David
Frances O'Connor - Monica Swinton
Sam Robards - Henry Swinton
Jake Thomas - Martin Swinton
Jude Law - Gigolo Joe
William Hurt - Prof. Hobby
Ken Leung - Syatyoo-Sama
Sabrina Grdevich - Sheila
Theo Greenly - Todd
Ashley Scott - Gigolo Jane
Brendan Gleeson - Lord Johnson-Johnson
R. David Smith - Welder
Jack Angel - Teddy (Voice)
Robin Williams - Dr. Know (Voice)
Ben Kingsley - Specialist (Voice)
Meryl Streep - Blue Mecha (Voice)
Chris Rock - Comedian Robot
(Voice)

Matt Winston - Executive

Eugene Osment - Supernerd

Clark Gregg - Supernerd

Enrico Colantoni - The
Murderer
Paula Malcomson - Patricia in
Murdered Room

Kathryn Morris - Teenage Honey

Adrian Grenier - Teen in Van
Michael Berresse - Stage
Manager
Hunter King - Amanda
John Provsky - Mr.

Williamson, the Bellman
Brian Turk - Backstage Bull
Lily Knight - Voice in the Crowd (Voice)
Michael Shamus Wiles - Cop
Clara Beller - FemMecha Nanny
Eliza Coleman - General Circuita
R. David Smith - Welder
Bobby Harwell - TV Face
Billy Scudder - Mechanic
Michael Mantell - Dr. Fraizer

at Cryogenic Institute
Matt Malloy - Robot Repairman

Crew
Screenplay/Producer/

Director - Steven Spielberg
Based on the Short Story "Supertoys Last All Summer Long" - Brian Aldiss
Concept - Stanley Kubrick (Uncredited)
Based on a Screen Story - Ian Watson

Script Supervisor - Ana Marie Quintana
Executive Producers - Jan Harlan and Walter F. Parkes
Producers - Kathleen Kennedy and Bonnie Curtis

Casting Director - Avy Kaufman
Production Designer - Rick Carter
Conceptual Artist - Chris Baker

Illustrator/Product Designer - James Clyne

Illustrator/Vehicle Designer - Tim Flattery

Illustrators - John Bell, James Carson,

Warren Manser, James J. Martin,

Christopher S. Ross and Oliver Scholl

Art Directors - Richard L. Johnson,
William James Teegarden and Thomas Valentine

Assistant Art Directors - Ramsey Avery,

Jann K. Engel, Elizabeth Lapp, Andrew Menzies,

Harry E. Otto, Patrick M. Sullivan Jr. and

Suzan Wexler
Set Decorator - Nancy Haigh

Property Master - Jerry Moss

Assistant Property Master - Andrew Petrotta
Costume Designer - Bob Ringwood

Key Makeup Artist - Ve Neill

Makeup Artist - Joel Harlow
Photographer - Janusz Kaminski

Director of Photography: Blue Screen Unit -

David Drzewiecki

Underwater Photography: "Flesh Fair" Crew -

Pete Romano

Unit Production Manager - Patricia Churchill

First Assistant Director - Sergio Mimica-Gezzan

Second Assistant Director - David H. Venghaus Jr.

Stunt Coordinator - Doug Coleman

Choreographer - Francesca Jaynes
Robot Character Design and Animatronics -

Stan Winston
Effects Supervisors: Stan Winston Studio -
Lindsay MacGowan and Alan Scott

Key Concept Artists: Stan Winston Studio -

Mark 'Crash' McCreery, Aaron Sims,

John Eaves and Christopher Swift

Art Department Coordinator: Stan Winston

Studio - Scott Stoddard

Animatronic Designers: "Teddy", Stan Winston

Studio - Matt Heimlich, Richard J. Landon,

Bob Mano and Bud McGrew

Key Animatronic Designers: "Mecha",

Stan Winston Studio - Eric Fiedler,

David Kindlon, Mike Elizalde, Christian Ristow

and Rick Galinson

Model Department Supervisor: "Mecha",

Stan Winston Studio - David Merritt
Special Effects Supervisor - Michael Lantieri
Visual Effects Supervisors - Scott Farrar and

Dennis Muren

Visual Effects Supervisor: PDI - Henry LaBounta

Visual Effects Associate Supervisor: ILM -

Douglas Smythe

Visual Effects Producer: ILM - Ginger Theisen

Associate Visual Effects Producer: PDI - Daniel Brimer

Visual Effects Executive Producer: ILM - Mark S. Miller
Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - David Nakabayashi

Visual Effects Directors of Photography: ILM -

Martin Rosenberg and Pat Sweeney
Animation Supervisor - Hal T. Hickel

Computer Graphics Supervisors: ILM -

Barry Armour and Curt I. Miyashiro

Computer Graphics Sequence Supervisors: ILM -

Christopher Townsend, Tom Martinek and

Joakim Arnesson

Model Supervisor: ILM - Steve Gawley

Senior Model Makers: ILM - Dave Fogler,

Aaron Haye, Grant Imahara, Victoria Lewis,

Ben Nichols, Lorne Peterson and Mark &

Melanie Walas

Digital Matte Artists: ILM - Jonathan Harb

and Yusei Uesugi

Lead Concept Designers: ILM - Warren Fu,

Joshua Rosen and Wilson J. Tang

Concept and Storyboard Artists: ILM -

Christian Alzmann and Aaron McBride

On-Set Visualisation: ILM - Andy Hendrickson,

Seth Rosenthal and Mike Sanders

3D Matchmove Artists: ILM - Duncan Blackman,

Brian Cantwell, Dave Hanks, Steve Sauers

and John Whisnant

Editor - Michael Kahn

First Assistant Editors - Richard Byard

and Patrick Crane

Assistant Editor - Michael Trent
Sound Designer/Supervising Sound Editor/

Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Rydstrom

Assistant Sound Designer - Shannon Mills

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard Hymns

Sound Effects Editors - Kyrsten Mate,

Teresa Eckton and Christopher Scarabosio

ADR Supervisors - Larry Singer and

Gwendolyn Yates Whittle

Sound Mixer - Ron Judkins

Re-Recording Mixer - Andy Nelson

Additional Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Summers

Foley Artists - Dennie Thorpe and Jana Vance

Foley Mixer - Tony Eckert
Music - John Williams

Music Editor - Kenneth Wannberg

Music Scoring Mixer - Shawn Murphy


Awards

2002 Academy Awards
Best Original Score - John Williams (Nominated)
Best Visual Effects - Dennis Muren, Scott Farrar,
Stan Winston and Michael Lantieri (Nominated)

Review
Shortly before he died in 1999, the legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick was developing a film called A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. The film was in the early stages when he envisioned it as a futuristic take on Pinocchio. Unfortunately, it took Kubrick three decades to find the right team to help him achieve the emotional resonance for A.I. His directorial reins got handed over to his friend Steven Spielberg. Unfortunately, Spielberg encountered a similar problem, failing to have the right talent to handle the technological advancements for the film's calculated artistry. He returned it to Stanley, who later put A.I. on hold as he was committed to producing Eyes Wide Shut, his last picture. Spielberg took over the famous director's masterwork after his death and did his best to salvage what was supposed to be Kubrick's vision of the future.

In its initial release, A.I. elicited mixed responses from critics who complained about the ending, finding it strange and uneven. They believed Spielberg intended to create that finale to emulate Kubrick's vision, given Kubrick himself had come up with the idea. Recently, I discovered this fact during my research into the film's production, when I came across tidbits of information. Though Spielberg kept A.I. alive and warm in memory of his dear friend, his sentimentality gets in the way of Kubrick's cold bleakness, as this feature was a stylised mixture of their creative talents. I compliment the visual eye candy, and it fits the futuristic setting.

Haley Joel Osment was fresh from the success of The Sixth Sense. Here, he plays a childlike android named David, who acts like a robot but has the heart of a child, thanks to his programming. Under Spielberg's guidance, Haley can portray the character's transition from robot to human emotions, delivering an extraordinary performance. Jude Law's character, Gigolo Joe, is an android prostitute framed for murder. The actor brings authenticity to the role, and Frances O'Connor is David's primary caregiver, Monica, for whom she serves as a mother figure.

While A.I. is far from the best movie, it combines Kubrick's genius with Spielberg's heartfelt optimism. It is a must-see film for fans of Kubrick's and Spielberg's work.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Smokey and the Bandit Review

Smokey and the Bandit

Release Date: 25th August 1977 - Australia

Production Companies

Universal Pictures

Rastar Pictures

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Action/Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 96 minutes

Budget: $4,300,000

Box Office Gross: $300,000,000 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary
Two truck-driving southerners, Bandit and Cledus, are hired by Big Enos to pick up a shipment of illegal beer in Texas and deliver it to Georgia within 28 hours. The Bandit has even picked up a hitchhiker named Carrie, who happens to be a runaway bride. Sheriff Buford T. Justice is out to get her for refusing to marry his son. Thus, a high-speed chase with the Bandit has just begun.

Cast

Burt Reynolds - Bo "Bandit"

Darville

Sally Field - Carrie

Jerry Reed - Cledus

Mike Henry - Junior

Paul Williams - Little Enos

Pat McCormick - Big Enos
George Reynolds - Branford
Macon McCalman - Mr. B
Linda McClure - Waynette
Susie Ewing - Hot Pants
Laura Lizer Sommers - Little Beaver

Michael Mann - Branford's Deputy

Lamar Jackson - Sugar Bear

Ronnie Gay - Georgia Trooper

Quinnon Sheffield - Alabama Trooper

Jackie Gleason - Sheriff Buford T. Justice of Portague County

Crew

Story/Director - Hal Needham

Story/Executive Producer - Robert L. Levy
Screenplay - James Lee Barrett, Charles Shyer and Alan Mandel
Producers - Mort Engleberg and Jules V. Levy (Uncredited)
Art Director - Mark W. Mansbridge

Set Decorations - Tony Montenaro

Director of Photography - Bobby Bryne

Director of Photography: Second Unit -

George Boulliet and Robert C. Jessup

Second Unit Director - Alan Gibbs
Stunt Coordinator - Stan Barrett

(Uncredited)
Special Effects - Arthur Brewer
Film Editors - Walter Hannemann

and Angelo Ross

Sound Editor - Anthony Magro

Sound - John Speak and Ray West
Music - Bill Justis

Music/Writer/Singer: Songs - Jerry Reed


Awards

1978 Academy Awards
Best Film Editing - Walter Hannemann and Angelo Ross (Nominated)

Review

I watched SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT on Netflix as an ongoing tribute to the late actor Burt Reynolds after his untimely death. Released in 1977, when Star Wars held the #1 spot at the box office, BANDIT is the #2 highest-grossing film of that year. However, the movie has several classic high-speed car chases and is energetic and hilarious. The plot is of no importance whatsoever. The feature's popularity may have inspired the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard. The show features old-fashioned car chases similar to those in BANDIT.

The performances of Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, and Jackie Gleason are great. I dare say Burt is wild, more irresistible than ever. He has the top billing over the other actors. Gleason is fun to watch as the elderly Sheriff Buford, who wants to catch the Bandit but can't seem to manage it. Sally Field is attractive as the runaway bride. Jerry Reed plays the trucker. As a funny ensemble, these legendary actors (except for Jerry Reed) would go on to do much bigger and better things.

SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT may seem like an ordinary, average movie, but its popularity 41 years later shows its value. People like escapism and the idea of running away from it all, which Hal Needham's fun flick captures perfectly.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Flash Gordon Review

Flash Gordon

Release Date: 16th April 1981 - Australia

Production Companies

Starling Films (made by)

Dino De Laurentiis Company (Uncredited)

Famous Films (copyright)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: PG

Runtime: 114 minutes

Budget: $27,000,000

Box Office Gross: $27,186,541 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary 

When a gravitational wave threatens to tear the moon from its orbit and destroy Earth, Doctor Zarkov embarks on a desperate rocket ride with two reluctant passengers, New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon and the beautiful Dale Arden. The trio arrives at their destination: Mongo, where strange energy waves originate and the despotic Ming the Merciless rules.

The evil Ming has been causing Earth's natural disasters, and he intends to destroy it. When Flash realises Earth and humanity are at risk, he decides to unite Mongo's warring kingdoms and join forces with his rivals, Prince Barin and Prince Vultan, to rescue Dale, whom Ming intends to marry, and save Earth from destruction.

Cast

Sam J. Jones - Flash Gordon

Melody Anderson - Dale Arden

Max von Sydow - The Emperor Ming

Topol - Dr. Hans Zarkov

Ornella Muti - Princess Aura

Timothy Dalton - Prince Barin

Brian Blessed - Prince Vultan 

Peter Wyngarde - Klytus

Mariangela Melato - Kala

Richard O'Brien - Fico

John Hallam - Luro

Philip Stone - Zogi, the High Priest

Suzanne Danielle - Serving Girl

William Hootkins - Munson

Bobbie Brown - Hedonia

Ted Carroll - Biro

Adrienne Kronenberg - Vultan's Daughter

Stanley Lebor - Mongo Doctor
John Morton - Airline Pilot 
Burnell Tucket - Airline Co-Pilot

Robbie Coltrane - Man at Airfield

Peter Duncan - Young Treeman

Ken Sicklen - A Treeman

Tessa Hewitt - Hawk Woman

Venetia Spicer - Hawk Woman

Francis Mughan - Wounded Hawkman

Oliver MacGreevy - Klytus Observer No. 1

John Hollis - Klytus Observer No. 2

Paul Bentall - Klytus' Pilot

Leon Greene - Colonel of Battle Control Room

Tony Scannell - Ming's Officer

David Neal - Captain of Ming's Air Force

Bogdan Kominowski - Lieutenant of Ming's

Air Force

George Harris - Prince of Ardentia

Colin Taylor - King of Frigia

Doretta Dunkley - Queen of Frigia

Sally Nicholson - Queen of Azuria

Deep Roy - Princess Aura's Pet

Crew

Director - Mike Hodges

Based on the Characters - Alex Raymond

Adaptation - Michael Allin

Screenplay - Lorenzo Semple Jr.

Script Supervisor - June Randall

Executive Producer - Bernard Williams

Producer - Dino De Laurentiis 

Casting Director: UK - Mary Selway

Production, Set and Costume Designer -
Danoli Donati

Artists: Skies & Clouds - Tom Adams

and Count Ul De Rico
Supervising Art Director - John Graysmark

Director of Photography - Gilbert Taylor

First Assistant Director - Brian W. Cook

Second Assistant Directors - Terry Needham

and Michael Stevenson

Co-ordinator of Action and Movement -
William Hobbs

Special Effects Supervisor - George Gibbs
Special Effects Consultant - Glen Robinson

Supervisor: Special Photographic Effects -
Frank Van Der Veer

Special Photographic Effects Assistant -

Barry Nolan
Special Effects: Models and Skies - Richard Conway

Film Editor - Malcolm Cooke

Sound Editor - Jonathan Bates

Dubbing Mixers - Gerry Humphreys

and Robin O'Donoghue

Original Score - Howard Blake

Music - Queen

Marketing Director - Charles Lippincott

Review

For those modern science-fiction fans who were probably too young to remember FLASH GORDON as a newspaper comic strip in the mid-1930s, this 1980 cinematic version is the one you remember best. It spawned a series of famous movie serials and two television shows. Director George Lucas had long been a fan of the series and the comics and had envisioned his take on the titular character. Unfortunately, much of that changed when he failed to secure the rights from Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis, who first bought them in the late 1960s. Ironically, Lucas would create his science-fiction franchise, Star Wars, by taking inspiration from the series.

After its success, FLASH GORDON didn't come out until 1980. It flopped overseas (except in the UK). However, the film became a cult classic after its initial release. Since then, many people have warmed up to its campy tone and silliness. While some parts of the movie haven't aged well, much of its appeal comes from Lorenzo Semple Jr.'s humorous and cheesy script. It wasn't the biggest science fiction movie ever. But it still stands out for its unintentional comedy, remarkable set design, and lavish costumes.

The cast was genuinely terrific and perfectly suited to their respective roles. While everyone follows the pantomime and over-the-top direction, Max von Sydow is the only actor who delivers a sincere performance, relishing his sinister side as Ming the Merciless. Another standout is the music by Queen, who, while probably not the first rock band to score a movie, did a great job.

FLASH GORDON is worth seeing after all these years, even if it is nearly impossible to find. You may stumble across it on DVD, Blu-ray, and YouTube. While the movie is far from a flop, I recommend watching FLASH GORDON for its fun factor without taking it too seriously.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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In Memory of Gary Kurtz (1940-2018)

Gary Kurtz (1940-2018)

Hi, it's me again! It is a solemn day to announce that Gary Kurtz, the man responsible for producing the first two instalments of the "Star Wars" series and "American Graffiti," has died after losing a battle with cancer on September 23, 2018. He was 78 years old. His producing efforts didn't go unnoticed, but he was underappreciated. Gary was instrumental in developing a franchise that his then-collaborator, George Lucas, had conceived. It marked the beginning of the monopoly "Star Wars" became known for. It was a pop-culture phenomenon. In a 2010 interview, Kurtz later said the movies had become overly focused on memorabilia.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940. In 1965, he began working as an assistant director and later became a production manager on small-budget movies. One film he worked on was the low-budget western "Ride in the Whirlwind," which featured an unknown actor named Jack Nicholson. Shortly after, in 1966, Gary left Hollywood to join the Marines during the Vietnam War. However, these life-changing experiences would prove influential. His military service ended in 1969. He then returned to Hollywood as an associate producer on "Chandler" and "Two-Lane Blacktop."

Around that time, Gary met a young upstart filmmaker, George Lucas and formed a partnership that would last over a decade. In his early years, Gary studied religion extensively, and those studies proved vital, breathing new life into the concept of the Force in the "Star Wars" franchise. In 1973, Lucas and Kurtz began collaborating on what would become their first feature together, "American Graffiti," a hit. It led Lucas to make their second feature, which became "Star Wars." After Lucas pitched multiple drafts to every studio and was rejected, Kurtz closed a deal with 20th Century Fox to produce the science-fiction adventure. He helped Lucas navigate its turbulent production despite the studio's lack of enthusiasm, considering it a "B-picture."

However, the film's success astonished everyone, ensuring that Lucas and Kurtz would have to make a sequel titled "The Empire Strikes Back." As Lucas eventually stepped out to become the film's executive producer, Irvin Kershner took over as director. Gary assisted with the second unit and was an assistant director. After the release of "Empire," Gary and Lucas' partnership dissolved as "Return of the Jedi" entered development, and it soon became the first film Lucas made without him, with Howard Kazanjian taking over his role.

In 1982, after his partnership with Lucas ended, Kurtz collaborated with Muppets creator Jim Henson and Frank Oz in their ambitious fantasy adventure "The Dark Crystal," which became a cult favourite after its initial release. It doesn't measure up to the success that he once had with "Star Wars." The following films Gary produced for the cinema screen, "Return of Oz" and "Slipstream" (the latter of which reunited with Mark Hamill), were not very successful, as they drove Kurtz into filing for bankruptcy. Kurtz remained in the industry until his death, continuing to develop projects throughout his later life. Patrick Read Johnson directed his latest film, "5-25-77," which was released independently in 2017.

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Christopher Robin Review

Christopher Robin

Release Date: 13th September 2018 - Australia

Production Companies 

Walt Disney Pictures (presents)

2DUX2

Distribution

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Australia

Genre: Family/Fantasy/

Comedy/Drama

Rating: G

Runtime: 104 minutes

Budget: $75,000,000

Box Office Gross: $197,744,377 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Christopher Robin was once a young boy who shared adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Roo, Kanga, and the others, but now he is an adult with a wife and daughter. He works long hours at the office and feels he's lost his way, especially when it takes time away from his family.

When Winnie-the-Pooh appears out of nowhere, Christopher Robin first wonders if he's going mad. However, his childhood friends try to help Christopher Robin find his way back to the happy, playful boy he used to be.

Cast

Ewan McGregor - Christopher 

Robin

Hayley Atwell - Evelyn Robin

Bronte Carmichael - Madeline 

Robin

Mark Gatiss - Giles Winslow

Jim Cummings - Pooh/Tigger (Voices)

Nick Mohammed - Piglet (Voice)

Brad Garrett - Eeyore (Voice)

Sophie Okonedo - Kanga (Voice)

Sara Sheen - Roo (Voice)

Peter Capaldi - Rabbit (Voice)

Toby Jones - Owl (Voice)

Oliver Ford Davies - Old Man Winslow

Ronke Adekoluejo - Katherine Dane

Adrian Scarborough - Hal
Gallsworthy 

Roger Ashton-Griffiths - 

Ralph Butterworth

Ken Nwosu - Paul Hastings

John Dagleish - Matthew Leadbetter

Amanda Lawrence - Joan MacMillan

Orton O’Brien - Young Christopher Robin

Katy Carmichael - Christopher's Mother

Tristan Sturrock - Christopher's Father

Paul Chahadi - Cecil Hungerford

Elsa Minell Solak - Madeline (3 Years Old)

Crew

Director - Marc Forster

Based on Characters - A.A. Milne

and Ernest Shepard

Story - Greg Brooker and Mark Steven Johnson

Screenplay - Alex Ross Perry, Tom McCarthy
and Allison Schroeder

Script Supervisor - Jo Beckett
Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -
Jeremy Johns

Executive Producer - Renée Wolfe

Co-Producer - Steve Gaub

Producer - Kristin Burr

Casting Director - Lucy Bevan

Production Designer - Jennifer Williams

Supervising Art Director - Stuart Kearns

Senior Art Director - Nick Dent

Art Directors - Guy Bradley,

Stephen Dobric, Dominic Hyman

and Paul Laugier

Set Decorator - Caroline Smith

Costume Designer - Jenny Beaven

Makeup and Hair Designer - Alessandro Bertolazzi

Director of Photography - Matthias Koeningswieser

Supervising Location Manager - Emma Pill
Second Unit Director/Special Effects Supervisor -
Chris Corbould

Stunt Coordinator - Mark Mottram

Action Vehicles Coordinator - Neil Layton

Special Effects Floor Supervisor - John Van der Pool

Special Effects Buyer/Coordinator - Lynne Corbould

HOD: Creature Effects - Nik Williams

Visual Effects Supervisor - Chris Lawrence

Visual Effects Supervisors: Framestore -

Theo Jones, Carlos Monzon and Michael Ralla

Visual Effects Supervisor: Iloura - Glenn Melenhorst
Animation Supervisor - Michael Eames
Animation Supervisor: Iloura - Nicolas Tripodi

Film Editor - Matt Chessé

Supervising Sound Editors: E2 - Ethan Van der Ryan

and Erik Aadahl

Sound Designer: E2 - Malte Bieler

Production Sound Mixer - John Midgley

Re-Recording Mixers - Lora Hirschberg

and Will Files

Additional Mixers - Onnalee Blank,

Joel Dougherty and Jeremy Peirson

Music - Jon Brion and Geoff Zanelli

Songs - Richard M. Sherman

Review

Years ago, I was very young. I fell in love with the Winnie-the-Pooh series, which features the titular character named after the author's young son. I have seen only two movies and an animated TV show. I loved the characters, which appeal to younger kids in preschool and early school years. Unfortunately, as I got older, I've outgrown the franchise and spent the past several years ignoring it until now. Since 2011, Disney hasn't made a film in the series. It is now retracing its steps into live action with the release of CHRISTOPHER ROBIN. I was sceptical because I don't think this movie would revive anyone's hopes for the Winnie the Pooh franchise, given Peter Rabbit, another live-action adaptation of a children's classic. Thankfully, I didn't see Peter Rabbit because I didn't think it would be any good.

Marc Forster has had past accomplishments in the last several years as a filmmaker with the lacklustre Bond movie Quantum of Solace, Monster Ball, Finding Neverland, and World War Z. Now, the director has found a new way of devising CHRISTOPHER ROBIN for the old school and brought a new young generation into the Pooh franchise. Warm, funny, and melancholy are the words the film uses to describe itself. It softens the cynical portrayal of the main protagonist, who reunites with his long-forgotten friends and rediscovers the joy of his childhood memories.

Ewan McGregor is an outstanding English actor who delivers a terrific performance as adult Christopher Robin, making him the perfect choice. Joining McGregor is Mark Gatiss, who plays the unethical boss Winslow. Returning to voice Pooh and Tigger is the great Jim Cummings, still warm and energetic. The character visuals are impressive, giving all the Hundred Acre Wood characters a realistic look, unlike their previous 2D animated appearance.

It has proved to be a great family movie. I'm sure that many people still remember the Pooh series. They may bring their little tykes and preschoolers to see CHRISTOPHER ROBIN and not miss out themselves. I recommend this to all Winnie-the-Pooh fans.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Planet of the Apes (1968) Review

Planet of the Apes


Release Date: 3rd April 1968 - USA


Production Companies
20th Century Fox
APJAC Productions

Distribution
20th Century Fox Australia


Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: PG

Runtime: 107 minutes


Budget: $5,800,000

Box Office Gross: $32,600,753 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
George Taylor is an astronaut who crashes into an unknown world where apes rule over humanity, using them for sport and experimentation. Soon, Taylor is captured after realising he's one of the hunted. Taylor meets a chimpanzee scientist whose life is now in her hands. He soon discovers the planet isn't as alien as he thought.


Cast
Charlton Heston - George Taylor
Kim Hunter - Zira
Roddy McDowall - Cornelius
Maurice Evans - Dr. Zaius
James Whitmore - President of the Assembly
James Daly - Honorious
Linda Harrison - Nova
Robert Gunner - Landon
Lou Wagner - Lucius
Woodrow Parfrey - Maximus
Jeff Burton - Dodge
Buck Kartalian - Julius
Wright King - Dr. Galen
Norman Burton - Hunt Leader
Paul Lambert - Minister

Dianne Stewart - Astronaut Stewart (Uncredited)

Crew
Director - Franklin J. Schaffner
Based on the Novel - Pierre Boulle
Screenplay - Michael Wilson and Rod Serling

Additional Dialogue - John T.
Kelley (Uncredited)
Associate Producer - Mort Abrahams
Producer - Arthur P. Jacobs
Art Directors - William J. Creber and Jack Martin Smith

Set Decorations - Norman Rockett and Walter M. Scott
Costume Designer - Morton Haack

Creative Makeup Designer - John Chambers

Director of Photography - Leon Shamroy

Assistant Camera - Lee Crawford, Thomas Del Ruth and Martin Rohde (Uncredited)
Special Photographic Effects -

L.B. Abbott, Art Cruickshank

and Emil Kosa Jr.

Film Editor - Hugh S. Fowler

Sound - David Dockendorf and

Herman Lewis

Music Supervisor - Lionel Newman (Uncredited)
Music - Jerry Goldsmith


Awards

1969 Academy Awards
Honorary Award - John Chambers (Won)
----------------------
Best Costume Design - Morton Haack (Nominated)
Best Music, Original Score - Jerry Goldsmith (Nominated)


Review

It's been several years since I last watched the original PLANET OF THE APES on DVD. This movie began as a classic franchise referenced in pop culture and was remade countless times, including the recent trilogy. PLANET OF THE APES is an old relic of science fiction, and any viewer should know that this classic is way better than the 2001 remake by Tim Burton. The movie has stood the test of time, though it surprisingly contains an allegory that addresses a long-standing social conflict between science and religion. The ending adds a massive twist to the storyline. You can guess what it is. Unsurprisingly, this movie draws on an obscure novel by Pierre Boulle, the author of The Bridge on the River Kwai. The film's writers, Michael Wilson and Rod Serling, cleverly craft it to make viewers suspend disbelief in a world where apes rule humans.

Other vital components made the film worthwhile from the get-go, including Franklin J. Schaffner's direction and Leon Shamroy's terrific cinematography. The ape makeup design was extraordinary compared to the motion capture used in the recent trilogy. Actors like Roddy McDowall, Maurice Evans, and Kim Hunter were incredible as Cornelius, Dr Zaius, and Zira. While over-the-top, Charlton Heston's performance as the astronaut George Taylor makes me empathise with him as he faces this "upside-down" world. Jerry Goldsmith's score has an appropriately simian, tribal feel, thanks to its orchestration.

The science-fiction genre has never looked the same since those early days. This version premiered in theatres nationwide, and its popularity has continued over the past 50 years. PLANET OF THE APES is a harrowing experience, yet worth viewing and highly recommended for all film buffs, even fans of the classic and newer series.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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