The Castle Review

The Castle

Release Date: 10th April 1997 - Australia

Production Companies

Village Roadshow Pictures (present)

Working Dog Productions (present)

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 82 minutes

Budget: A$750,000

Box Office Gross: $10,326,428 (Australia)

Plot Summary

This oddball family, the

Kerrigans, live in a makeshift

home they proudly and

quaintly constructed just

metres from Melbourne's

bustling Tullamarine

airfield. When a zoning

inspector condemns their

house and reveals that the

government plans to use

their land to expand the

airport, Darryl Kerrigan

and his brood recruit hack

lawyer Dennis Denuto and

prepare for the fight of

their lives in the High

Court of Australia.

Cast

Michael Caton - Darryl

Kerrigan

Anne Tenney - Sal Kerrigan

Stephen Curry - Dale Kerrigan

Sophie Lee - Tracey Kerrigan

Anthony Simcoe - Steve

Kerrigan

Wayne Hope - Wayne

Kerrigan

Tiriel Mora - Dennis Denuto

Eric Bana - Con Petropoulous

Costas Kilias - Farouk

Charles 'Bud' Tingwell - Lawrence Hammill QC

Robyn Newell - Federal Court Judge

Bryan Dawe - Ron Graham

Monty Maizels - Jack

Lynda Gibson - Evonne

John Benton - Mr. Lyle

Laurie Dobson - John Clifton

John Lee - Chairman

Stephanie Daniel - Council Officer

John Flaus - Sgt. Kennedy
Ian Ross - Himself
Larry Emdur - Himself

Tony Martin - Adam Hammill

Crew

Writer/Conceiver/Director - Rob Sitch

Writer and Concievers - Santo Clauro,
Tom Gleisner and Jane Kennedy

Executive Producer - Michael Hirsh

Producer - Debra Choate

Casting Director - Jane Kennedy

Production Designer - Carrie Kennedy

Art Director - Ben Morieson

Costume Designer - Kitty Stuckey

Director of Photography - Miriana Marusic

Special Effects - Aaron Beaucaire

Editor - Wayne Heyett

Sound Supervisor - Ian MacWilliams

Re-Recording Mixers - Michael Barry

and Dominick Tavella

Music - Edmund Choi

Review

Until recently, I had never seen the film THE CASTLE except for clips on YouTube. THE CASTLE is renowned as an iconic satirical comedy in Australia, filmed within a very efficient/cost-effective budget. Some may think of it as lacklustre. The movie shows colourfulness slashed with non-political correctness to create a mock-up story of an average family that loves and stays together. The film's great asset is mostly the jokes and repetitive catchphrases, which I find exceedingly funny. Michael Caton is a good-natured, optimistic, lovable dad and husband. A few known actors, like Stephen Curry and future Hollywood man Eric Bana, did very well as each family member with one whose name has become synonymous with other acting greats.

THE CASTLE is a great comedy with well-written humour. I classify this movie as a lighthearted comedy with a spirit and a satirical edge. Highly recommendable for working-class Australians, and I wish you mates a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Star rating: (4/5) Good Movie

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Elf Review

Elf


Release Date: 27th November 2003 - Australia


Production Companies
New Line Cinema (presents)
Guy Walks into a Bar
Productions

Distribution
Roadshow Films


Genre: Family/Comedy/

Fantasy

Rating: G

Runtime: 93 minutes


Budget: $33,000,000

Box Office Gross: $228,497,525 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
Growing up in the North Pole with Papa Elf ever since he was an orphan baby when he crawled into Santa's sack of presents, Buddy was different from the other elves and soon realises he doesn't quite fit in. So Buddy is determined to

find a place where he

would belong and searches

for his real dad - in New

York City!

While at the Big Apple, Buddy discovers why his dad is on the naughty list! But most importantly, he sees the world as lacking in Christmas spirit, which causes all kinds of problems for Santa! With the help of a beautiful department store elf, Buddy tries to teach his father and the world the true meaning of Christmas and prove to everyone that Santa does exist!

Cast
Will Ferrell - Buddy Hobbs
James Caan - Walter Hobbs
Bob Newhart - Papa Elf
Edward Asner - Santa Claus
Zooey Deschanel - Jovie
Mary Steenburgen - Emily Hobbs
Daniel Tay - Michael Hobbs

Faizon Love - Gimbel's Manager
Peter Dinklage - Miles Finch
Amy Sedaris - Deb
Michael Lerner - Fulton
Andy Richter - Morris
Kyle Gass - Eugene

Artie Lange - Gimbel's Santa
Leon Redbone - Leon the Snowman (Voice)
Ray Harryhausen - Polar Bear Cub (Voice)

Claire Lautier - News Reporter Charlotte Denon

Ted Friend - NY 1 Anchor
Jon Favreau - Doctor

Lydia Lawson-Baird - Carolyn

Brenda McDonald - Nun

Michael Roberds - Disgruntled Cobbler Elf

Richard Side - Elf Teacher

David Avalon - Pom Pom

Kristian Ayre - Foom Foom

Oscar Gonclaves - Francisco

Robin Mossley - Chuck

Matt Walsh - Himself

Mark Acheson - Mailroom Guy

Jane Bradbury - Susan Welles

Peter Billingsley - Ming Ming (Uncredited)

Crew
Director - Jon Favreau
Writer - David Berenbaum

Script Supervisor - Jessica Clothier

Executive Producers - Kent Alterman,

Cale Boyter, Julie Darmody, Toby Emmerich

and Jimmy Miller

Producers - Jon Berg, Todd Komarnicki
and Shauna Robertson
Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager -

David B. Householter
Production Designer - Rusty Smith

Art Director - Kelvin Humenny

Set Decorator - Johanne Hubert

Property Master - Bryan Korenberg
Costume Designer - Laura Jean Shannon

Key Makeup Artist - Victoria Down
Director of Photography - Greg Gardiner

"A" Camera Operator - William Waring

Spacecam Camera Operator: Second Unit -

Hans Bjerno

"B" Camera First Assistant - Doug Lavender

"A" Camera Second Assistant - George Majoros

Location Manager - Ann Goobie

Unit Production Manager - Penny Gibbs

Unit Production Manager: New York - Jonathan Filley

Unit Manager: Second Unit/Second Assistant

Director - Andrew M. Robinson

First Assistant Director - Jim Brebner

Second Second Assistant Director - James Bitonti

Second Assistant Director: New York -

Kristen Bernstein

Second Assistant Director: Second Unit -

Silver Butler

Third Assistant Director - Misha Bukowski

Second Unit Directors - Mickey Gilbert

and Chris Woods

Stunt Coordinator - Scott J. Ateah

Stunt Coordinator: New York - G.A. Aguilar

Special Effects Coordinator - Tony Lazarowich

Special Effects Supervisor: New York - Connie Brink

Visual Effects Supervisor - Joe Bauer

Visual Effects Supervisor: Rhythm & Hues -

Bill Westenhofer

Visual Effects Producer - Joseph B. Conmy IV

Animation Supervisor: Rhythm & Hues -

Erik De Boer

Stop Motion Animation Producer: Chiodo

Brothers - Edward Chiodo

Stop Motion Animation Supervisor: Chiodo

Brothers - Stephen Chiodo

Stop Motion Animation Character Designer:

Chiodo Brothers - Charles Chiodo

Director of Photography: Chiodo Brothers -

Christopher Warren

Effects Editor: Chiodo Brothers - Christopher Roth

Previsualization Supervisor: Pixel Liberation

Front - Colin Green

Miniature Supervisor: Cinema Production

Services - Michael Joyce

Miniature Producer: Cinema Production

Services - Bob Hurrie

Editor - Dan Lebental

Supervising Sound Editor - John Leveque

Sound Designer - Wade Wilson

Supervising Foley Artist - Lisa Varetakis

Supervising Dialogue/ADR Editor -

Kimberly Ellen Love

Sound Mixer - David Husby

Foley Artists - James Moriana and

Jeffrey Wilhoit

Re-Recording Mixers - Brad Sherman

and Jon Taylor

Music - John Debney

Score Recordist and Mixer - Shawn Murphy


Review
Delightful and heartwarming for a Christmas comedy, I can assure you it's not a tasteless film. ELF is a magnificent showcase of Will Ferrell's comedic chops, and for all the rest, I am not a big fan of his movies. I'm a bit too worried that he might fill in for Jim Carrey's shoes. Ferrell began showcasing his hilarious, energetic talents by playing a character with many childlike qualities instead. He's close to the top of other jam-packed comedians like Carrey and Adam Sandler. No parts of lowbrow humour are included in the film to offend everyone, just clean and tasteful entertainment from director Jon Favreau's breakthrough for the holiday season.

I never would be ready to praise ELF for its yuletide aptitude. Seeing this in the light of Christmas Eve is good-natured family fun. MERRY CHRISTMAS, BLOG VIEWERS!!

Star rating: (4/5) Good Movie

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie Review

Rudolph the Red-Nosed

Reindeer: The Movie

Release Date: 16th October 1998 - USA

Production Companies

Goodtimes Entertainment

(presents)
Cayre Brothers (producer)
GT Merchandising and
Licensing (created by)
Golden Books Family Entertainment (producer)

Tundra Productions (produced by)
Rudolph Productions


Genre: Animation/Family/

Fantasy

Rating: G

Runtime: 90 minutes


Budget: US$10,000,000

Box Office Gross: $113,484 (USA)


Plot Summary

Young Rudolph suffers a
childhood accident. As a

result, his nose is no longer
the socially accepted black

but a bright red. Much to
the worry of his parents,

everyone, including his
uncles, the other reindeer
and the elves, all make fun

of him. Even at school,
the bucks and the does
tease him, except for Zoey
(with whom he is in love).
After being disqualified and
banned from the reindeer
games, he had to leave his
home. There, he met Slyly
and Leonard. But when an
ice witch named Stormella
traps Zoey and summons a

powerful blizzard to put

Santa in his place, it's up to

Rudolph and his newfound

friends to rescue her and

help Santa save Christmas.

Voice Cast

Kathleen Barr - Older

Rudolph/Twinkle the Sprite

Eric Popisil - Young Rudolph

John Goodman - Santa Claus

Whoopi Goldberg - Stormella

Debbie Reynolds - Mrs. Santa

Claus/Mitzi - Rudolph's

Mother/Mrs. Prancer -

School Teacher

Bob Newhart - Leonard the

Polar Bear

Eric Idle - Slyly the Fox

Richard Simmons - Boone

Alec Willows - Doggie/Prancer

Lee Tockar - Ridley - Stormella's Butler/

Milo the Elf/Vixen

Garry Chalk - Blitzen - Rudolph's Father

Christopher Gray - Young Arrow

Vanessa Morley - Young Zoey

Myriam Sirios - Older Zoey/

Glitter the Sprite/Schoolroom Doe #1

Elizabeth Carol Savenkoff - Zoey's

Mother/Aurora the Sprite/Elf Crowd

Member #3

Cathy Weseluck - Sparkle the Sprite/

Elf Crowd Member #1

Paul Dobson - Dasher/Elf Referee at Games

Colin Murdock - Comet

David Kaye - Cupid

Terry Klassen - Dancer

Tyler Thompson - Schoolroom Buck #1

Jim Byrnes - Elf Crowd Member #2

Matt Hill - Older Arrow/Donner (Uncredited)

Michael Lloyd - Older Rudolph (singing voice)

Debbie Lytton - Older Zoey (singing voice)

Carmen Twillie - Stormella (singing voice)

Crew
Producer/Storyboard Supervisor/

Supervising Editor/Director -

William R. Kowalchuk Jr.
Based on the Story - Robert May
Based on the Song - Johnny Marks
Writer - Michael Aschner
Executive Producers - Eric Ellenbogen
and Andrew Greenberg
Executive/Supervising Producer - Seth Willenson
Co-Producer - Jonathan Flom

Art Directors - Xhang Min-Fang
and Chen Xi-Feng
Character Design - Phil Mendez
Storyboard Supervisor/Rough Storyboard Artist -
Daniel DeSerranno
Storyboard Supervisor - Jean Rogers
Animation Directors - Zhi-Jian Xu and
Sun Zong-Qing

Background Stylist - George Juhasz

Editor - Tom Hok

Supervising Sound Editor - Charlie King

Recording Mixer - Doub Pearce

Songs: Music and Lyrics/Score/Songs

Producer/Music Recording Engineer -

Michael Lloyd

Songs: Music and Lyrics/Score - Al Kasha

Review

Frankly, this isn't the holiday movie that it used to be. It taught me about the 1998 movie RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, as it seems alright for young kids who only put their faith in Christmas cheer. Interestingly, it is the only theatrical release from Goodtimes Entertainment, the company that was known for its Disney rip-offs. While the animation is serviceable, sadly, it does not look like a Disney-like cinematic quality as it is fit for direct-to-video and television. Even the story is flawed, and some of the film's show-tunes are average or forgettable, save a few. One of the few good songs is "Show Me the Light", which could have been a ballad for a Disney animated musical (if you can get past the vocal dissonance of Rudolph). The latter, "It Could Always Be Worse", is a reminder and maybe homage to the one we remember in a Monty Python comedy. It's a good thing it might be Eric Idle, as he might have brought this catchy idea to the film's songwriters. The festive classical song about Rudolph is also there, as usual.

The voice acting is mostly decent. I'm okay with John Goodman voicing Santa. It's delightful that he plays the mythical figure and a father figure to Rudolph. It seems ironic that he would play Santa again, only this time as an evil mechanical version in an episode of Futurama. Featured in the movie is Python veteran Idle and it's so hard to recognise him doing an American impersonation of his fox character. The other notable star, Whoopi Goldberg, provides the voice for Stormella, the female villainous snow queen.

While it has a nice message, the film isn't much uplifting. I probably do not consider it my favourite and only recommend it as a part-time enjoyable festive movie for some families.

Star rating: (3/5) Average

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In Memory of Peter O'Toole (1932-2013)

Peter O'Toole (1932-2013)

To those who remember, legendary English thespian Peter O'Toole, known for such roles as T. E. Lawrence in "Lawrence of Arabia", passed away on December 14th, 2013, at age 81, after suffering a long fatal illness. He had been born in Ireland with his real name, Seamus Peter O'Toole. Then he moved to Britain, where he began acting at age 25 as one of the young actors rising on the English stage. Performing in the 1955 play Hamlet at the Bristol Old Vic gained him a tremendous ovation from the applause.

Beginning in his career as a movie star, Peter jump-started as part of the minor cast. Then came the British director David Lean, who selected him to play the historical war figure, T. E. Lawrence, in the cinematic epic "Lawrence of Arabia". Peter received not only outstanding praise but also a Best Actor Oscar nomination. It also got his immediate attention from the Americans for his unknown charms. His other well-known and notable Oscar-nominated roles include "Becket", "The Lion in Winter", "Goodbye, Mr. Chips", "The Ruling Class", "The Stunt Man", "My Favourite Year", and "The Last Emperor" to his more recent performances in "Troy", "Venus", "Ratatouille" and "Stardust". In 2003, Peter earned an Honorary Award for his contributions to movie history. In 2012, he retired from the motion picture industry of the acting class.

Here are a few clips highlighting his screen roles in the two films.

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Four Holidays Review

Four Holidays

Release Date: 4th December 2008 - Australia

Production Companies

New Line Cinema (presents)

Spyglass Entertainment (in association with)

Wild West Picture Show Productions

Type A Films

Ott Meiden

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 88 minutes

Budget: $80,000,000

Box Office Gross: $164,112,721 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Brad and Kate try to escape from their families on Christmas morning as they have planned an exotic vacation. Unable to escape, they pack in four holidays and deal with their relationship challenges.

Brad counts the hours when they can escape their families and enjoy their holiday. They realise that their families aren't so crazy after all.

Cast

Reese Witherspoon - Kate

Vince Vaughn - Bradford
'Brad' McVie

Robert Duvall - Howard McVie

Sissy Spacek - Paula

Jon Voight - Creighton

Mary Steenburgen - Marilyn

Kristin Chenoweth - Courtney

Jon Favreau - Denver McVie

Tim McGraw - Dallas McVie

Katy Mixon - Susan McVie

Dwight Yoakam - Pastor Phil

Patrick Van Horn - Darryl

Carol Kane - Aunt Sarah

Colleen Camp - Aunt Donna

Jeanette Miller - Gram-Gram

Jack Donner - Grandpa

Steve Weibe - Jim

Zak Boggan - Cody McVie

Skyler Gisondo - Connor McVie

Brian Baumgartner - Eric

Cedric Yarbrough - Stan

Haley Hallak - Baby Clementine

True Bella Pinci - Kasi

Marissa Tejada Benekos - News Reporter

Peter Billingsley - Ticket Agent (Cameo)

Sterling Beaumon - Kid in Jump-Jump

T'y Brown - Kid in Jump-Jump

Ryder Bucaro - Kid in Jump-Jump

Callie Croughwell - Kid in Jump-Jump

Taylor Geare - Kid in Jump-Jump

Zachary Gordon - Kid in Jump-Jump

Reef Graham - Kid in Jump-Jump

Zai Moore - Kid in Jump-Jump

Destiny Petty - Kid in Jump-Jump

Diamond Petty - Kid in Jump-Jump

Bryce Robinson - Kid in Jump-Jump

Cort Rogers - Kid in Jump-Jump

Mackenzie Brooke Smith - Kid in Jump-Jump

Ava Rose Williams - Kid in Jump-Jump

Haidyn Winter - Kid in Jump-Jump

Stephanie Venditto - Angel

Creagen Dow - Sheep

Noah Munck - Screaming Kid

Matthew Glen Johnson - Screaming Kid

Bubba Dean Rambo - Elder Baritone Singer

Quinn VanAntwerp - Glee Club Alto Singer

Alison Martin - Church-Goer

Daniel Hagen - Church-Goer

Vernon Vaughn - Church-Goer

Sharon Vaughn - Church-Goer

Ronald D. Brown - Church-Goer

Jimmy Gonzales - Church-Goer

Constance Maris - Church-Goer

Didi Tossapon Banks - Church-Goer

Howard Leese - Band Member

Richie Onori - Band Member

Stu Simone - Band Member

Stuart Smith - Band Member

Sean McNabb - Band Member

JoAnn Fregalette Jensen - Dance Instructor

David Aranovich - Dancer

Steve Byrne - Dancer

Irena Violette - Dancer

Kayla Blake - Nurse

Lora McLaughlin - News Reporter

Crew
Director - Seth Gordon
Story/Screenplay - Matt Allen
and Caleb Wilson
Screenplay - Jon Lucas and
Scott Moore

Associate Producer - Mary Rohlich

Executive Producers - Peter Billingsley,

Richard Brener, Michael Disco, Toby Emmerich,

Mark Kaufman and Guy Riedel

Producers - Gary Barber,
Roger Birnbaum and Jonathan Glickman

Co-Producer - Derek Evans

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager - Udi Nedivi

Production Designer - Shepherd Frankel

Art Directors - Michael Atwell and

Oana Bogdan Miller

Set Decorator - Jan Pascale

Costume Designer - Sophie De Rakoff
Director of Photography - Jeffrey L. Kimball

Stunt Coordinators - Joe Bucaro III,

Charles Croughwell and Allan Graf

Stunt Coordinator: Second Unit -

Thomas Robinson Harper

Special Effects Coordinator - David Waine

Special Effects - Josh Hakian

Visual Effects: Crazy Horse Effects - Paul &

Christina Graff, Robert Stromberg,

Matt Collorafice, Katharina Koepke,

Sarah Grossmann, Takashi Takeoka,

Brian Sales and Lily Kerrigan

Editors - Mark Helfrich and Melissa Kent

Additional Editor - Julia Wong

Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer -

Elmo Weber

Co-Supervising Sound Editor - Russell Farmarco

Sound Mixer - Jeff Hexley

Re-Recording Mixer - Brad Sherman
Music - Alex Wurman

Additional Music - John O'Brien

Music Supervisor - Bob Bowen

Score Recordist and Mixer - Alan Meyerson

Review

It's not quite cheerful, yet meant to be a gleeful holiday comedy to make us laugh. One thing about FOUR HOLIDAYS (or Four Christmases) was that it wasn't as funny as it should have been. It is a below-average film and was disrespectful in some ways. There is some trace of comedy left in the movie. One joke I see is a miss, and upsetting is what you call to find the gag you would understand. It had the talent of actors like Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Jon Voight and Robert Duvall with decent performances, but they weren't enough to make it a jolly old good seasonal flick. What hurts the movie is the lack of chemistry between Vaughn and Witherspoon, which unsurprisingly makes sense as they don't get along due to their contrasting personalities.

As for FOUR HOLIDAYS, I might give it a 3 out of 5-star rating. Nothing I have seen in the film sunk low on everyone's Christmas spirit. Do you agree with my opinion about this mild sack of comedy?

Star rating: (3/5) Average

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X-Men Review

X-Men

Release Date: 13th July 2000 - Australia

Production Companies

20th Century Fox (presents)
Marvel Enterprises (in association with)
Donners' Company
Bad Hat Harry Productions

Springwood Productions (Uncredited)

Genetic Productions (Uncredited)

Distribution 

20th Century Fox Australia

Genre: Action

Rating: M

Runtime: 104 minutes

Budget: $75,000,000

Box Office Gross: $296,339,528 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

In a world where children
are born with extraordinary
superhuman abilities,
which have an unusual X
factor in their genes,
making them mutants as
they have suffered hate
and discrimination by the
human race, forcing them
to resort to desperate
actions. As a telepathic

mutant, Professor Charles

Xavier strives for a peaceful co-existence between the two species and owns a school that will teach mutants how to use their powers for good. However, his old friend and archenemy, Magneto and his supremacist Brotherhood intend to exterminate the human race.

Only the X-Men, a group of

mutant superheroes brought

together by Xavier, can stop

Magneto and his forces from

achieving their goals. Now,

two mutants emerge and

join the fight against

Magneto, including

a young girl named Rogue

and Logan, a powerful and

aggressive mutant with no

memory and past.

Cast

Hugh Jackman - Logan/
Wolverine

Patrick Stewart - Charles
Xavier/Professor X

James Marsden - Scott
Summers/Cyclops

Famke Janssen - Dr. Jean Grey

Halle Berry - Ororo Munroe/
Storm

Ian McKellen - Erik

Lehnsherr/Magneto

Anna Paquin - Marie/Rogue

Rebecca Romjin-Stamos -

Mystique

Tyler Mane - Sabertooth

Bruce Davison - Senator
Robert Kelly

Ray Park - Toad

Shawn Ashmore - Bobby
Drake/Iceman

Matthew Sharp - Henry Gyrich
Brett Morris - Young Magneto

Rhona Shekter - Magneto's Mother

Kenneth McGregor - Magneto's Father

Shawn Roberts - Rogue's Boyfriend

Donna Goodhand - Rogue's Mother

John Nelies - Rogue's Father

George Buza - Trucker

Darren McGuire - Contender

Carson Manning - Waterboy #1

Scott Leva - Waterboy #2

Aron Tager - Emcee

Kevin Rushton - Stu

Doug Lennox - Bartender

Sumela Kay - Kitty Pryde/

Shadowcat (Cameo)
Katrina Florece - Jubilation Lee/

Jubilee (Cameo)
Donald MacKinnon - Peter Rasputin/

Colossus (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Alex Burton - John Allerdyce/Pyro

Matt Weinberg - Tommy

Madison Lanc - Tommy's Sister

Stan Lee - Hot Dog Vendor (Cameo)

Amy Leland - Cerebro (Voice)

Tom DeSanto - Toad Cop (Cameo)

David Hayter - Museum Cop (Cameo)

Crew

Story/Producer/Director - Bryan Singer

Executive Producer/Based on the "X-Men"

Comics - Stan Lee
Based on the "X-Men" Comics - Jack Kirby
Story/Executive Producer - Tom DeSanto
Story - Josh Whedon (Uncredited)
Screenplay - David Hayter

Associate Producers - Kevin Feige,

Scott Nimerfo and Matthew Edelman

Executive Producers - Avi Arad and

Richard Donner
Producers - Lauren Shuler Donner and

Ralph Winter

Co-Producers - Joel Simon and
Bill Todman Jr.

Casting Director - Roger Mussenden

Production Designer - John Myhre

Conceptual Artists - Steve Berg and
Fireball Tim Lawrence

Illustrators - Adam Brockbank,

Bartol Rendulic and Nathan Schroeder

Illustrator/Previsualization Art Director -

Rpin Suwannath

Art Directors - Paul D. Austerberry

and Tamara Deverell

First Assistant Art Directors - Grant Van Der Slagt

and David G. Fremlin

Second Assistant Art Director - Greg Beale

Set Decorator - James Edward Ferrell Jr.

Property Master - Christopher Geggie

Co-Property Master - Deryck Blake

Weapons Handler - John 'Frenchie' Berger

Costume Designer - Louise Mingenbach

Costume Consultant - Bob Ringwood

Special Makeup Designer - Gordon J. Smith

Chief Makeup Artist - Ann Brodie

Special Makeup Keys - Evan Penny,

Jay McClennen, Donna Gliddon, Rick Silver

and Gary Archer,

Key Hair Stylist - Jennifer Bower O'Halloran

Director of Photography - Newton Thomas Siegel

Directors of Photography: Second Unit -

Mike Benson and Paul Sarossy

"B" Camera/Steadicam Operators -

Klemens Becker and Tim Merkel

Spacecam Operator - Hans Bjerno

Location Managers - John Hutchinson and

Byron A. Martin

Unit Production Manager - Ross Fanger

Production Manager - Dara Weintraub

First Assistant Director - Lee Cleary

Key Second Assistant Director - Simon Board

Action/Second Unit Director: Fight

Sequence - Corey Yuen

Second Unit Directors - Conrad E. Palmisano

and Phillip C. Pfeiffer

Stunt Coordinators - Rick Forsayeth and
Gary Jensen

Assistant Fight Coordinators: Second Unit -

Chi Wah Ling and Ke Huy Quan

Special Effects Coordinator - Colin Chilvers

Special Effects Keys - Tony Kenny,
Kaz Kobielski and Tim Lidstone

Visual Effects Supervisor - Michael L. Fink
Visual Effects Supervisor: Cinesite - Michael J. McAlister
Visual Effects Supervisor: Hammerhead

Productions - Theresa Ellis Rygiel

Visual Effects Supervisor: POP Film -

David Sosalla
Visual Effects Supervisor: Matte World Digital -
Craig Barron
Visual Effects Producer - Denise Davis

Visual Effects Producer: Digital Domain -

Amy Hollywood Wixson

Visual Effects Producer: Cinesite - Kevin Elam

Visual Effects Executive Producer: Digital

Domain - Nancy Bernstein

Visual Effects Director of Photography - David Stump

Digital Effects Supervisor: Cinesite -

Kevin Lingenfelser

Creative Advisor: Kleiser-Walczak - Jeffrey Kleiser

Computer Graphics Supervisor: Digital Domain -

David Prescott
Animation Supervisor: C.O.R.E. Digital

Pictures - John Mariella
Animation Supervisor: Cinesite - John T. Van Vilet

Director of Photography: Miniature

Photography - Derek Vanlint

Digital Team Leads: Digital Domain -

Sean C. Cunningham, Swen Gillberg,

Douglas J. Sieden, Branden Smith,

Zachary Tucker, Andy Wilkoff and Keiji Yamaguchi

Digital Compositing Supervisor: Digital Domain -

Jonathan Egstad

Lead Digital Compositor: Digital Domain - Claas Henke

Technical Supervisor: Hammerhead

Productions - Thad Beier

Effects Supervisor/Compositor: Asylum -

Nathan McGuinness

Editors - Steven Rosenblum, Kevin Stitt

and John Wright

Additional Editor - Todd Busch

Supervising Sound Editor - John A. Larsen

Sound Designers - Steve Boeddeker and

Craig Berkey

Sound Design Consultant - Gary Rydstrom

Sound Effects Editors - Richard Burton,

David C. Hughes, Ethan Van der Ryan and

Jay Wilkinson

Supervising ADR Editor - R.J. Kizer

Sound Mixer - David Lee

Re-Recording Mixers - Anna Behlmer

and Andy Nelson

Additional Re-Recording Mixer - James Bolt

Foley Artists - Alicia Stevenson

and Dawn Fintor

Music - Michael Kamen

Sampling and Programming - James Seymour

Brett and Michael Price

Additional Electronic Percussion - Klaus Badelt

Review

I have watched two known animated series and read a few comics of Marvel's favourite hero team, X-MEN. I have recently watched the film series' first instalment and found the film to be very satisfying and imposing. This film has reached an element of surprise from director Bryan Singer, making it a blueprint for future movies in this genre. One of the film's weaknesses was the cheesiness of a few one-liners, but I was impressed with the casting choices.

Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen were suitable for their roles as leaders of both sides of the mutants, Xavier and Magneto. Halle Berry was okay as Storm, and Rebecca Romijn earned her star-making role as Mystique. The best actor stealing the show is Hugh Jackman for portraying Wolverine convincingly. The character is supposed to be true to the comics, and Jackman does so effectively, and it launched his stardom in Hollywood.

X-MEN is the most explosive beginning to the movie franchise and is so good that it's one of those known movies that catapulted the superhero flick genre by its re-invention. I recommend you watch it before the next instalment.

Star rating: (4/5) Good Movie

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In Memory of Paul Walker (1973-2013)

Paul Walker (1973-2013)

Several famed young actors are bright, hot and equally talented. They have the best looks and charms. These incredible young actors have destined to become Hollywood's next idols. With great sadness, we announce that Paul Walker, known for starring in the big hit series "The Fast and the Furious", was killed tragically in a vehicle accident on November 30th. Walker was 40 years of age when this happened in Vanieca, State California as a passenger in a Porsche Carrera GT. The automobile's driver lost control and crashed into a tree and pole, claiming two of their lives in a dangerous collision.

He began his talent as a toddler, starring in nappy commercials and was a model at age 2. He moved to television during the middle half of the 80s and to the late 90s. 

Paul debuted in a horror flick, "Monster in the Closet", released only at the Cannes Film Festival. He never made a film appearance until 12 years later, when he landed his role in "Meet the Deedles". Soon after, Paul made more supporting roles in films such as "Pleasantville", "Varsity Blues" and many others. At the height of his career, he entered a breakthrough role in "The Fast and the Furious" as undercover FBI agent Brian O'Connor. It gained him glamorous fame as a leading man and movie actor.

This success with the first movie briefly led him to return in many sequels like "2 Fast 2 Furious", "Fast & Furious", "Fast Five", and "Fast & Furious 6". He also starred in other movies like "Eight Below", "Timeline", "Flags of Our Fathers", "Noel", "Into the Blue", "The Skulls", "Roadkill", and plenty more to keep his status quo as a handsome celebrity well-appreciated by the audience and fans.

He was working on the seventh instalment of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise, which had its production delayed at his death and will be his last partially completed role. Please comment on this page if you need to pay your respects to him.

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In Time Review (With Guest Reviewer)

In Time

Release Date: 27th October 2011 - Australia

Production Companies

20th Century Fox

Distribution

20th Century Fox Australia

Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

Rating: M

Runtime: 109 minutes


Budget: $40,000,000

Box Office Gross: $173,930,596
(Worldwide)

Plot Summary

In a future where time is 

literally money and 

aging stops at 25, the 

only way to stay alive 

is to earn, burrow, steal 

or inherit more time. But 

when a poor, working-

class man is falsely 

accused of murder, he 

teams up with a beautiful 

heiress and must figure 

out of a way to bring 

down the corrupt system 

before their dwindling 

clocks run out!

Cast

Justin Timberlake - Will Salas

Amanda Seyfreid - Sylvia Weis 

Cillian Murphy - Raymond Leon

Vincent Kartheiser - Phillippe 

Weis

Olivia Wilde - Rachel Salas

Matt Bomer - Henry Hamilton

Johnny Galecki - Borel

Collins Pennie - Timekeeper 

Jaeger

Toby Hemingway - 

Timekeeper Kors

Brendan Miller - Kolber

Yaya DaCosta - Greta

Alex Pettyfer - Fortis

Crew

Writer/Producer/Director - 

Andrew Niccol
Based On An Original Story - Lee Falk

Producers - Eric Newman 

and Marc Abraham
Co-Producer - Debra James

Production Designer - 

Alex McDowell

Director of Photography - Roger Deakins

Visual Effects Supervisors - John P. Nugent and
Jorge Razon
Visual Effects Producer/Supervisor - Ellen Somers

Film Editor - Zach Staenberg
Visual Effects Consultant - Dan Kaufman
Music Consultant - Dave Jordan

Music - Craig Armstrong

Review (FilmGuruLad)

Sophisticated, yet satisfying is word for this great flick. This picture presents a whole lot of new ways to make a competent sci-fi/action movie. I was shaken when I saw 'IN TIME' for the first time, if anybody would understand the pun of time. The movie in its boundary of the premise sounds a lot more similar to a classic flick of 'Logan's Run' with the aging and the seeming youthful appearances. It contrives to me that with now I mentioned to you to the story, Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried were groundbreaking solid for the roles. I'm not sure when to tell you, I think highly of the actor Cillian Murphy steals the thunder as the sole-bent timekeeping villain.

I am thinking about 'IN TIME' as a good movie with a high re-watch value and although I must say that it succeeded in showcasing a world where time is literally money and those with the time have the power.

Star rating: (4/5) Good Movie


Review (Guest Reviewer)
When I sat down to watch this film, I have to say, I felt like it would be an effort to get through this movie as there were no big name actors and the film had not been having any positive reviews. I eventually watched this movie and was blown away. The story was so well written, introducing such a uniquely original concept of time as a commodity that presents a true reflection of the power struggles between the elite and poor class people in society. I have to say the actors all portrayed their characters with conviction and in particular I was impressed with Cillian Murphy as the key villain.

I would definitely watch this movie again and recommend that this movie would appeal to people who enjoy action, sci-fi and adventure movies.

Star rating: (4/5) Good Movie

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After Earth Review

After Earth


Release Date: 13th June 2013 - Australia


Production Companies
Columbia Pictures

Overbrook Entertainment

Blinding Edge Pictures

Distribution
Sony Pictures Australia


Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: M

Runtime: 100 minutes


Budget: $130,000,000

Box Office Gross: $243,611,982 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary
A crash landing leaves Cypher Raige, a legendary general, and his son Kitai stranded on Earth, now a dangerous planet after 1,000 years of cataclysmic events that forced humanity's escape. With his father wounded by the crash, Kitai must journey

across the hostile terrain to

recover their rescue

beacon.

If they are to survive and have a chance to get back home, they must learn to trust each other and work together.


Cast
Will Smith - Cypher Raige
Jaden Smith - Kitai Raige
Sophie Okonedo - Faia Raige
Zoë Kravitz - Senshi Raige
Glenn Morshower - Commander Velan

Jaden Martin - 9-Year Old Kitai
Sincere L. Bobb - 3-Year Old Kitai
David Denman - Private McQuarrie
Kristofer Hivju - Security Chief
Sacha Dawan - Hesper Pilot
Chris Geere - Hesper Navigator
Diego Klattenhoff - Veteran Ranger

Lincoln Lewis - Running Cadet

Monika Jolly - Female Ranger

Crew
Screenplay/Producer/Director -

M. Night Shyamalan
Story - Will Smith
Screenplay - Gary Whitta

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -
E. Bennett Walsh
Producers - James Lassiter,
Jada Pinkett Smith, Caleeb Pinkett and

Will Smith
Co-Producer/First Assistant Director - John Rusk
Co-Producer - Ashwin Rajan

Military Advisors - James D. Dever

and Quay Terry
Production Designer - Thomas E. Sanders

Art Directors - Robert W. Joseph,

Naaman Marshall and Dean Wolcott

Set Decorator - Rosemary Brandenberg

Property Master - Andrew Petrotta

Costume Designer - Amy Westcott

Costume Supervisor - Lisa Lovaas
Director of Photography - Peter Suschitzky

"B" Camera Operator - John S. Moyer

Second Assistant Directors - John R. Saunders

and John Nasraway

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator -
Chad Stalheski

Stunt Coordinator - R.A. Rondell

Aerial Stunt Coordinator - Tim Rigby

Stunt Coordinator: Second Unit - Brad Martin

E2 Coordinator: Jaden Smith - Darrell Foster

Aerial Helicopter Pilot - Cliff Fleming

Special Effects Supervisor - Tommy Frazier

Special Effects Coordinator: Second Unit -

Richard O. Helmer
Visual Effects Supervisor - Jonathan Rothbart

Digital Pipeline Supervisor - Craig A. Mumma

Visual Effects Supervisors: Tippett Studio -
Blair Clark and Aharon Bourland

Visual Effects Supervisor: DIVE - Mark O. Forker

Visual Effects Producer - Jenny Fulle
Visual Effects Producer: DIVE - David P.I. James
CG Effects Supervisor: Tippett Studio -

Scott Singer
Animation Supervisor: Tippett Studio -

James W. Brown

Digital Environment Supervisor: Tippett Studio -

Craig Barron
Editor - Steven Rosenblum

Assistant Editor - Luke Ciarrocchi

Supervising Sound Editors - Steven Ticknor

and Charles Maynes
Sound Designer - Randy Thom

Sound Mixer - Tod Maitland

Re-Recording Mixers - Paul Massey,

David Giammarco and Deb Abdir
Music - James Newton Howard

Score Recordist and Mixer - Shawn Murphy

Review
What disappointed me was this film promised to be a new sci-fi film with unexplored depth. In reality, AFTER EARTH was a serving of boredom and dullness to earthbound filmgoers. I expected more impact and scenery from the infamous director M. Night Shyamalan. The man is back in the director's chair after his latest feature, The Last Airbender, which proved to be a fiasco according to all people, such as critics and audiences. This time, director Shyamalan tries to redeem himself, and too bad he still fails miserably. He couldn't do justice with this motion picture.

The problem lies within the film's acting, including Will Smith. This role doesn't allow him to be the actor we know for the witty sarcasm seen in his previous acting efforts. He has made a lifeless portrayal as one of the main characters, no offence to the lead actor. The other mistake Will Smith made was allowing his son Jaden to be in the lead role. Shyamalan should have stepped up and vetoed Smith's decision. Jaden did not fulfil his talents in the feature. Let's give the excuse that he isn't worthy enough to live up to his father's legacy. Sorry, Jaden, you did your best.

I was surprised at how disappointing this flick was. With no indication of greatness or cinematic originality, AFTER EARTH could have been a worse film, but not as bad as The Last Airbender, which is known for its disloyalty to the source material of the cartoon.

Star rating: (2/5) Bad Movie

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