Mortal Kombat (1995) Review

Mortal Kombat

Release Date: 26th December 1995 - Australia

Production Companies

New Line Cinema (presents)

Threshold Entertainment

Genre: Action/Fantasy

Rating: M

Runtime: 101 minutes

Budget: $18,000,000

Box Office Gross: $124,741,822 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Lord Raiden chooses

federal agent Sonya Blade,

Shaolin monk Liu Kang, and

action movie star Johnny

Cage as his protégés.

After rigorous training,

Raiden transports the trio

to Outworld for an inter-

dimensional tournament.

The three humans must

battle the demonic forces

of the evil Shang Tsung,

or let him take over

Earth.

Cast

Christopher Lambert - Lord Raiden

Robin Shou - Liu Kang

Linden Ashby - Johnny Cage

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa - Shang Tsung

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras - Sonya Blade

Talisa Soto - Kitana

Chris Casamassa - Scorpion

Francois Petit - Sub-Zero

Keith Cooke - Reptile

Hakim Alston - Fighting Monk

Kenneth Edwards - Art Lean

John Fujioka - Chief Priest

Daniel Haggard - Assistant Director

Sandy Helberg - Director

Steven Ho - Chan

Peter Jason - Master Boyd

Lloyd Cino - Grandfather

Gregory McKinney - Jinx

Kevin Michael Richardson - Goro (Voice)

Ed Boon - Scorpion (Voice)

Crew

Director - Paul W.S. Anderson

Based on Video Games - Ed Boon and John Tobias

Writer - Kevin Droney

Associate Producer - Lauri Apelian

Associate Producer/Visual Effects Supervisor - Alison Savitch

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager - Robert Engelman

Executive Producer - Danny

Simon

Producer - Lawrence Kasanoff

Casting Directors - Fern

Champion, Kate Kennedy and Mark Paladini

Production Designer - Jonathan A. Carlson

Art Director - Jeremy A. Cassells

Set Decorator - Susan L. Degus

Property Master - Eugene McCarthy

Costume Designer - Ha Nguyen

Director of Photography - John R. Leonetti

Stunt Coordinator/Fight

Choreographer - Pat E. Johnson

Stunt Coordinator: Additional

Fight Sequences, Additional

Crew - Jeff Imada

Fight Choreographer: Additional

Fight Sequences, Additional

Crew - Robin Shou

Mechanical Special Effects Coordinator - Ron Trost

Goro Creature Effects/Lead Puppeteer - Alec Gillis

Goro Creature Effects - Tom Woodruff Jr.

Art Department Supervisors - Yuri Everson and Andy Schoneberg

Visual Effects Supervisor:

BVVE - Peter Montgomery

Animation Design & Supervision:

Available Light Ltd. - John T.

Van Tilet

Visual Effects Supervisor: R/Greenberg Associates West - Stuart Robertson

Visual Effects Supervisor: Fantasy II Film Effects - Gene Warren, Jr.

Additional Special Visual Effects: Illusion Arts - Syd Dutton and Bill Taylor

Visual Effects Executive Producers: R/Greenberg Associates West - Tricia Henry Ashford and Ralph Horan

Visual Effects Director of

Photography - Vincent E. Toto

Visual Effects Production

Supervisor: BVVE - Denise Davis

Head of Digital Post Production: R/Greenberg Associates West - Tara Handy Turner

Digital Effects Supervisor: Pacific Title - David Sosalla

Production Coordinators: R/Greenberg Associates West - Craig Sost and Craig A. Mumma

Special Projects Supervisor: BVVE - Wally Schaab

CG Supervisor: R/Greenberg Associates West - Isa Alsup

CG Supervisors: BVVE - Aaron Campbell

and David Jones

Digital Matte Paintings and Conceptual Art:

R/Greenberg Associates West - Michael Lloyd

Matte Paintings: BVVE - Paul Lasaine

Model Supervisor: Grant McCune Design -

Grant McCune

Editor - Martin Hunter

Additional Editors - Peter Amundson and

Scott Conrad

Supervising Sound Editor/ADR Editor -

Marc Fishman

Sound Designer - David Farmer

Re-Recording Mixers - Ken Teaney and

William Freesh

Special Vocal Effects - Frank Welker

Music - George S. Clinton

Music Supervisor - Sharon Boyle

Review

With the release of Mortal Kombat II, I thought I'd look back at the original 1995 movie that made it all happen. The film began life as a controversial video game that took the gaming world by storm when it first hit the arcades in 1992, forever changing a generation of children. Gamers waited in long lines for their turn at the machine, while parents and politicians condemned the game's over-the-top violence. I remember playing Mortal Kombat on the Nintendo 64 as a teen, but back then I only played the fourth instalment. I didn't watch the film until I was either 19 or 20, when I rented it on Blu-ray at Blockbuster.

Before Detective Pikachu, the Sonic the Hedgehog movies, and even Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the 1995 version of MORTAL KOMBAT was the first decent video game movie adaptation, and many consider it one of the best of its kind. At the time of its release, the film was a marked improvement over several failed attempts, including Super Mario Bros., Double Dragon, and Street Fighter. It proves that some video games can translate well to the big screen if done properly. While the movie grossed over $124 million worldwide, critics gave it mixed reviews. However, audiences and fans didn't care, since they enjoyed it anyway. Does the film still stand the test of time? Let's find out!

I liked how the film stayed true to the games while keeping its core elements, like its campy tone and dark, otherworldly atmosphere. Unfortunately, it lacks the bloodshed that made the game popular with kids and teens, as the filmmakers toned it down to secure a PG-13 rating, which many fans found disappointing. It is a sophomore effort from director Paul W.S. Anderson, who later became a bit of a pariah among film fans for his work on the Resident Evil films and Alien vs. Predator. Despite his more recent offerings, his direction is competent.

While the movie expands on the original game, the story is thin, the dialogue is laughable, and the characters are underdeveloped, which is a shame because it could have been much better. However, these drawbacks also add to its charm. It also draws inspiration from Enter the Dragon, albeit with a supernatural spin.

Unfortunately, the cast is mixed. Robin Shou did a tremendous job as Liu Kang. He brings the sincerity and physicality the role requires. Looking back, his career could have taken off after this film; he could have been the next Bruce Lee in acting and martial arts. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa delivers a terrific, over-the-top performance as the villainous sorcerer Shang Tsung. You can tell he's having a blast, so much so that he later reprised the role in the Mortal Kombat Legacy web series and the game Mortal Kombat 11.

Linden Ashby was likable as Johnny Cage. With his cocky, wisecracking attitude, he fits the role perfectly, capturing the character's essence and delivering some of the movie's best humour. Christopher Lambert was an odd casting choice for the God of Thunder, Raiden, when the character is supposed to be an Asian deity. However, Lambert delivers a charismatic performance that satisfies fans without overacting, and he clearly has fun.

Despite lacking the games' brutality, the film makes up for this with its spectacular, well-choreographed fight scenes. It helps that many cast members, including Shou, perform their own stunts. However, the movie's Hong Kong-inspired wire techniques predate The Matrix, with certain camera angles adding flair. The best of these fights include Johnny Cage vs. Scorpion and Liu Kang vs. Reptile.

I liked how the film's lavish, immersive production design faithfully recreates the game's atmosphere with beautiful sets, most of which were filmed on location in remote areas of Thailand. While some practical effects, such as those involving Goro, work, some of the CGI looks extremely dated. The soundtrack is amazing, with a solid score by George S. Clinton and an awesome selection of techno and electronic dance songs, especially the iconic main theme "Techno Syndrome." Trust me, you'll hear this tune from the moment you recognise it.

While not quite a flawless victory, MORTAL KOMBAT was a decent video game-to-movie adaptation in its own right. It spawned a sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, which was an absolute train wreck. The film doesn't take itself seriously, which is why it's enjoyable. Anyway, it's a fun, nostalgic ride with plenty of action and 90s nostalgia. For MK fans, the cinematic experience is like stepping into the game itself.

Star rating: (6/10) Fair Movie

Back to Home

Beetlejuice Review

Beetlejuice

Release Date: 8th September 1988 - Australia

Production Companies

The Geffen Company (presents)

Genre: Fantasy/Horror/

Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 92 minutes

Budget: $15,000,000

Box Office Gross: $74,853,729 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

After being killed in a car accident, a married couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland, return as ghosts and find themselves stuck in their country house, unable to leave. The Maitlands try in vain to frighten off the unbearable Deetzes and their teenage daughter, Lydia, after

they buy the house. Their

attempts draw the attention

of a boisterous ghost

named Beetlejuice, whose

"help" quickly proves

dangerous to the Maitlands

and innocent Lydia.

Cast

Michael Keaton - Betelgeuse

Geena Davis - Barbara Maitland

Alec Baldwin - Adam Maitland

Winona Ryder - Lydia Deetz

Jeffrey Jones - Charles Deetz

Catherine O'Hara - Delia Deetz

Glenn Shadix - Otho

Sylvia Sidney - Juno

Maree Cheatham - Sarah Dean

Dick Cavett - Bernard 

Rachel Mittelman - Little Jane

Maurice Page - Ernie

Hugo Stranger - Old Bill

Robert Goulet - Maxie Dean

Susan Kellermann - Grace

Annie McEnroe - Jane Butterfield

Patrice Martinez - Receptionist

Adelle Lutz - Beryl

Cindy Daly - 3-Fingered Typist

Douglas Turner - Char Man

Simmy Bow - Janitor

Carmen Filpi - Messenger

J. Jay Saunders - Moving 

Man #1

Mark Ettinger - Moving Man #2

Gary Jochimsen - Dumb Football Player #1

Bob Pettersen - Dumb Football Player #2

Duane Davis - Very Dumb Football Player

Tony Cox - Preacher

Jack Angel - Preacher (Voice)

Crew

Director - Tim Burton

Story/Screenplay - Michael McDowell

Story - Larry Wilson

Screenplay - Warren Skaaren

Producers - Michael Bender,

Richard Hashimoto and

Larry Wilson

Casting Directors - Janet Hirshenson and Jane Jenkins

Production Designer - Bo Welch

Art Director - Tom Duffield

Set Decorator - Catherine Mann

Lead Person - Cheryl Carasik

Property Master - William A.

Petrotta

Costume Designer - Aggie Guerard Rodgers

Makeup Artists - Steve LaPorte and Ve Neill

Creatures and Makeup Effects - Robert Short

Director of Photography - Thomas E. Ackerman

Camera Operator - Douglas Knapp

First Assistant Director - Bill Scott

Second Assistant Directors - K.C. Colwell and Jerry Fleck

Stunt Coordinator/Stunts - Fred Lerner

Special Effects Supervisor - Chuck Gaspar

Visual Effects Supervisor - Alan Munro

Visual Effects Consultant - Rick Heinrichs

Visual Effects: VCE - Peter Kuran

Visual Effects: Sandworm Sequence -

Doug Beswick

Visual Effects: Barbara/Adam

Transportation - Tim Lawrence

Miniature Production - James Belohovek,

Thomas Conti and Rick Kess

Editor - Jane Kurson

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard L. Anderson

Sound Editors - Mark Pappas and

David E. Stone

Re-Recording Mixers - Gregg Landaker,

Steve Maslow and Kevin O'Connell

Music - Danny Elfman

Music Editors - Bob Badami and Nancy Fogarty

Awards

1989 Academy Awards

Best Makeup - Ve Neill, Steve LaPorte and Robert Short (Won)

Review

I took a trip down memory lane to revisit BEETLEJUICE, which I saw three times, and then said its name. Growing up, I couldn't watch the film because of its scary content and profanity. I had to wait until I was old enough to watch it, which I did years later. This movie put Tim Burton on the map after his feature-length directorial debut, Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Unlike the movie he previously directed, which centred on an existing comic character created by and starring the late Paul Reubens, BEETLEJUICE is an original story. The film suits Burton's unique Gothic visual style and twisted sense of humour, and is nothing like other '80s supernatural comedies, such as Ghostbusters. It's full of ingenious visual gags and outlandish production, costume, and makeup designs. Unfortunately, the story falls short, but its execution makes up for it and adds to the film's appeal.

While Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis deliver fine performances as the sympathetic ghost couple, Michael Keaton steals the show as the titular character. Although his role had only 27 minutes of screen time, he went all out and was a perfect fit for this quirky, zany film. His comedic performance inspired other actors to play supernatural tricksters, such as Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin and Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss in The Mask. The rest of the cast was terrific, including Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O'Hara as the obnoxious Deetz family, and Winona Ryder as Lydia, the goth teenage daughter.

The visual effects were impressive at the time, but many haven't aged well. Much of it was stop-motion animation. Danny Elfman's circus-like score is integral to the film's identity. It adds darkness and playfulness, shaping the overall tone. The movie's strongest scenes, such as the Maitlands in the underworld and the possessed dinner party, showcase its brilliance even without Beetlejuice.

While the humour is still funny, BEETLEJUICE is, in hindsight, a fun horror-comedy. It has all the hallmarks of a typical Tim Burton film, from its distinctive visuals to its dark humour. I thoroughly enjoyed watching BEETLEJUICE and would highly recommend it, just not for younger audiences.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

Back to Home

Wicked Review

Wicked

Release Date: 3rd November 2024 - Australia (Sydney, premiere)

Production Companies

Universal Pictures (presents)

Marc Platt Productions

Dentsu (presented in association with)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Fantasy/Musical

Rating: PG

Runtime: 160 minutes

Budget: $150,000,000

Box Office Gross: $763,963,597 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Misunderstood but

rebellious Elphaba,

a girl born with green

skin, and Glinda, an

aristocratic girl born

to be popular, become

unlikely friends in the

magical land of Oz.

After meeting the

Wizard of Oz, their

friendship reaches a

breaking point as they

begin to fulfil their

destinies as Glinda the

Good and the Wicked

Witch of the West.

Cast

Cynthia Erivo - Elphaba

Ariana Grande - Galinda/

Glinda

Jeff Goldblum - The Wonderful

Wizard of Oz

Michelle Yeoh - Madame Morrible

Jonathan Bailey - Fiyero

Ethan Slater - Boq

Marissa Bode - Nessarose

Peter Dinklage - Dr. Dillamond (Voice)

Andy Nyman - Governor

Thropp

Courtney Mae-Briggs - Mrs

Thropp

Aaron Teoh Guan Ti - Avaric

Bowen Yang - Pfannee

Bronwyn James - ShenShen

Shaun Prendergast - Shiz President

Keala Settle - Miss. Coddle

Sharon D. Clarke - Dulcibear (Voice)

Jenna Boyd - Wolf Doctor (Voice)

Lexi Lancaster - Munchkinland Kid

Arlo Turner - Munchkinland Kid

Joey Unitt - Munchkinland Kid

Bea Ward - Munchkinland Kid

Dereke Oladele - Munchkinland Kid

Sienna-Rose Amer -

Munchkinland Kid

Tarik Frimpong -

Munchkinland Crier

James Dryden - No One

Mourns Munchkin

Malinda Parris - No One

Cries Munchkin

Noah Prempeh - The Good

Man Munchkin

Vicki Noon - Winkie Mother

Debbie Kurup - Winkie Mother

Jasmine McIvor - Winkie Mother

Hattie Ryan - Curious Munchkin

Kirsty Anne Shaw - Skeptical Munchkin

Karis Musongele - Young Elphaba

Cesily Collette Taylor - Young Nessarose

Jarlan Bogolubov - Munchkin

Bullie

Isaac Bishop - Munchkin Bullie

Adam James - Galinda's Popsicle

Alice Fearn - Galinda's Momsie

Clive Kneller - Emerald City Train Conductor

Michael McCorry Rose - 

Wiz-O-Mania Narrator

Idina Menzel - Wiz-O-Mania

Super Star (Cameo)

Kristin Chenoweth -

Wiz-O-Mania Super Star (Cameo)

Robin Berry - Palace Guard

Bobby Windebank - Shiz Security

Cherida Strallen - Shiz Librarian

Tom Kitely - Snow Leopard (Voice)

Elizabeth Dulau - Piebald Deer (Voice)

Kim Durham - Tamarin/Owl (Voice)

Jennifer Woodward - Birds (Voice)

Stephen Stanton - Fiyero's Horse (Voice)

Stephen Schwartz - Emerald

City Guard (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew

Director - Jon M. Chu

Based on the Musical

Book/Screenplay/Executive

Producer - Winnie Holzman

From the Novel - Gregory

Maguire

Based on Characters -

Frank Baum (Uncredited)

Executive Producers -

Dana Fox and Jared

LeBoff

Executive Producer/Unit

Production Manager - David Nicksay

Executive Producer/Music & Lyrics - Stephen Schwartz

Producer - David Stone

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager - Joan Schneider

Production Designer - Nathan Crowley

Supervising Art Director - Ben Collins

Senior Art Directors - Rod McLean and Gavin Fitch

Art Directors - Roxana Alexandru,

Jordana Finkel Sarah Ginn, Rhys Ifan,

Hugh McClelland, Chris Peters,

Quinn Robinson and Luke Sanders

Set Decorator - Lee Sandales

Set Decoration Art Directors - Laura Ng

and Jo Ridler

Construction Consultant - Paul J. Hayes

Property Master - Jamie Wilkinson

Costume Designer - Paul Tazewell

Hair and Makeup Designer - Frances Hannon

Prosthetics Makeup Designer - Mark Coulier

Director of Photography - Alice Brooks

First Assistant Director - Jack Ravenscroft

Second Unit Director/Director of

Photography - Sam Renton

Choreographer - Christopher Scott

Stunt Coordinator - Jo McLaren

Special Effects Supervisor - Paul Corbould

Senior Floor Supervisor - Chris Corbould

Visual Effects Supervisors - Pablo Helman

and Jonathan Fawkner

Visual Effects Supervisors: ILM - Anthony Smith

and Robert Weaver

Visual Effects Supervisor: Foy - Colin Strause

Visual Effects Producer - Kevin Elam

Visual Effects Producers: Foy - Greg Strause

and Marguax Mackay

Visual Effects Art Director - Gordon Champ

Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - Chris Voy

Animation Supervisors - David Shirl

and Dale Newton

CG Supervisors: ILM - Karin Cooper,

Michael Duong and Nick Pitt-Owen

Editor - Myron Kerstein

Supervising Sound Editor and Sound Design/

Re-Recording Mixer - John Marquis

Supervising Sound Editor and Sound Design -

Nancy Nugent Title

Sound Designers - Malte Bieler and

Tim Walston

Additional Sound Designers - Erick Ocampo

and Brandon Jones

Production Sound Mixer - Simon Hayes

Re-Recording Mixer - Andy Nelson

Music - John Powell

Executive Music Producer - Stephen Oremus

Music Producer - Greg Wells

Music Supervisor - Maggie Rodford

Review

I've heard of WICKED but have never seen the original musical. It's because I only attend live musicals sometimes. I also didn't read Gregory Maguire's book because I didn't know it existed. There's something wicked about this movie, even though the title suggests otherwise. Oz fans have been waiting for this film adaptation since it was officially announced in 2012. However, splitting this two-hour musical into two parts has left them sceptical. It's similar to how they split DUNE into two movies. I've watched a few of its trailers. One was a LEGO version, and I needed to confirm it was the actual film. Fortunately, I was relieved it wasn't, but I had second thoughts until a friend convinced me to see it with him. Nevertheless, I decided to head out and see it early.

Incidentally, this film does it better than the other attempts to revive Oz (minus Oz the Great and Powerful). It perfectly honours the original 1939 The Wizard of Oz film and the 2003 musical while embracing its own identity. Having worked on Step Up 2: The Streets and In the Heights, director Jon M. Chu knows how to fill the screen with awe-inspiring choreography and the momentum needed to shift between intimate moments in each number. By fully exploiting the story's fantasy elements beyond what the stage musical could achieve, the film becomes a pure fantasy experience and a Hollywood blockbuster.

While there were a few current symbolic interpretations of Baum's original book, the issues of fascism and racism in WICKED are planned and explicit. At 160 minutes, WICKED is almost too long, especially in the first part, but it isn't tedious. It covers only the first half of the stage musical, but it introduces plenty of material to expand the story. There are many references to the classic film for Oz fans, with a few cameos that feel less like fan service and more like a logical expansion.

Cynthia Erivo is the heart and soul of the movie, giving a magnificent, heart-wrenching performance as Elphaba. Ariana Grande is more impressive as Glinda than as a singer. However, the magical chemistry between those two leads is unmatched. Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum are excellent in their supporting roles, particularly the latter as the mysterious Wizard. Peter Dinklage is the perfect choice for the wailing Dr Dillamond, adding weight to the film's examination of discrimination and social injustice.

The costumes, set design, and other visual elements are fascinating and bring the story to life. The songs are the film's undisputed high point, lively and enjoyable. They have a musical-theatre flair that fits the movie perfectly. The film's standout moment, "Defying Gravity," is a showstopper.

From its dazzling spectacle and beautiful scenery to its costumes, strong cast, and spectacular visuals, WICKED is a spellbinding movie that defies gravity and enchants viewers with an immersive experience. I'm looking forward to the second part, which won't be in theatres until next year.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

Back to Home

Wonka Review

Wonka

Release Date: 14th December 2023 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Village Roadshow Pictures (in association with)

Domain Entertainment (in association with)

The Roald Dahl Story Company

Heyday Films

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Fantasy/Musical/

Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 116 minutes

Budget: $125,000,000

Box Office Gross: $634,502,312 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

As a young, poor man

with dreams of opening

a chocolate shop in a

famous city, Willy Wonka

is determined to change

the world, one delectable

bite at a time. However, he

discovers that a cartel of

greedy chocolatiers controls

the industry and will stop at

nothing to eliminate their

competitors.

Cast

Timothée Chalamet - Willy Wonka

Gustave Die - Ship's Engineer

Murray McArthur - Ship's Captain

Paul G. Raymond - Map Seller

Bertie Caplan - Shoeshine Boy

Isy Suttie - Fruit & Veg Vendor

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith -

Officer Affable

Matilda Tucker - Young Mother

Tom Davis - Bleacher

Olivia Colman - Mrs.

Scrubbit

Calah Lane - Noodle

Paterson Joseph - Slugworth

Matt Lucas - Prodnose

Matthew Baynton - Fickelgruber

Freya Parker - Miss Bon Bon

Keegan-Michael Key - Chief of Police

Hugh Grant - Oompa-Loompa

Jim Carter - Abacus Crunch

Rakhee Thakrar - Lottie Bell

Natasha Rothwell - Piper Benz

Rich Fulcher - Larry

Chucklesworth

Colin O'Brien - Young Willy Wonka

Sally Hawkins - Willy's Mother

Rowan Atkinson - Father Julius

Ellie White - Gwennie (Mistress of the Keys)

Rufus Jones - Jenkins

Simon Farmaby - Basil (Zoo Security Guard)

Susie Fairfax - Abacus

Crunch's Wife

Macie Blake - Abacus

Crunch's Granddaughter

(4 Years Old)

Charlotte Ritchie - Barbara

Phil Wang - Colin

Bleu Woodward - Waitress

Robyn Rose - Tram Lady 1

Millie O'Donnell - Tram Lady 2

Ben Howard - Oompa Loompa Guard 1

Muzz Khan - Oompa Loompa Guard 2

Ian Bartholomew - Sceptical Old Man

Sophie Winkleman - The

Countess

Lola Shepelev -

Moustached Little Girl

Michael Abubakar - Orange-

Haired Customer

Justin Edwards - Green-

Skinned Customer

Marina Bye - Green-Bearded Customer

Tim Fitzhigham - Sinister Ship's Captain

Jane Bertish - Bardness Von Schmeichelhammer

Dominic Coleman - Donovan

Tracy Ifeachor - Dorothy Smith

Ellie Blake - Abacus Crunch's Granddaughter (8 Years Old)

Alison Pargeter - Wendy Chucklesworth

Crew

Story/Screenplay/Director - Paul King

Based on Characters - Roald Dahl

Screenplay - David Farnaby

Executive Producers - Cate Adams,

Rosie Alison and Michael Siegel

Executive Producer/Unit Production

Manager - Tim Wellspring

Producers - David Heyman,

Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly

Co-Producer - Bernie Hall

Casting Director - Nina Gold

Military Technical Advisor - Paul Biddiss

Production Designer - Nathan Crowley

Supervising Art Directors - Toby Britton

and Tom Brown

Set Decorator - Lee Sandales

Property Master - Jamie Wilkinson

Costume Designer - Lindy Hemming

Hair & Makeup Designer - Ivana Primorac

Director of Photography - Chung-hoon Chang

"A" Camera/Steadicam Operator - Peter Robertson

Unit Production Manager: Additional Unit -

Steve Harding

Second Unit Director/Director of Photography -

John Sorapure

Choreographer - Christopher Gattelli

Stunt Coordinator - Paul Lowe

Animal Coordinators - Julie Tottman

and James Weller

Special Effects Supervisor - Hayley J. Williams

Visual Effects Supervisor - Graham Page

Visual Effects Producer - Dominic Sidoli

Editor - Mark Everson

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer -

Glenn Freemantle

Supervising Sound Editor - Ben Barker

Production Sound Mixer - John Casali

Re-Recording Mixers - Niv Adiri

and Paul Massey

Foley Mixer - Glen Gathard

Original Songs - Neil Hannon

Music - Joey Talbot

Music Producer - Charlie Rosen

Music Supervisor/Vocal Producer -

James A. Taylor

Review

It took me a few months to finish this review before I could publish it. Despite the turbulence of 2023, the film industry is still enduring a rough patch, with industrial action and the popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. However, the former affected many movies that premiered that same year and bombed in theatres due to poor marketing and ridiculously high budgets. There are some exceptions, like Barbie and Oppenheimer. At the end of this year, several films came out during the holiday season. One of which was WONKA. It is the latest incarnation of Roald Dahl's beloved character.

Considered the most popular of all Roald Dahl's stories, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been the subject of several adaptations over the years (the two most famous are the 1971 film by Mel Stuart and the 2005 film by Tim Burton). At first, I was sceptical because this prequel may be a cash cow as it would tarnish the legacy of the original 1971 musical starring Gene Wilder. Thankfully, it wasn't. I'm glad it's nothing like the interpretation Tim Burton produced with Johnny Depp as the titular character. While the previous film adaptations by Mel Stuart and Tim Burton share the same story, this one is a tribute to the former with its confectionery qualities, such as a hint of sweetness and energetically choreographed musical numbers.

Paul King is already familiar with audiences, having directed the first two Paddington movies and is no stranger to children's fiction, having borrowed elements of a literary classic. It lacks the dark undertones that made the classic book and the two previous interpretations intriguing. The set designs and visuals are phenomenal. The songs are catchy, too.

Timothée Chalamet may seem like an odd choice to play Willy Wonka, but he was naturally good in the role and eager to take it on. Interestingly, this version of Wonka is a young optimist, whereas previous incarnations depict him as self-absorbed with little regard for others' thoughts and feelings. I never knew Chalamet could sing and dance, let alone act in an exuberant and colourful motion picture like WONKA. I liked his rendition of "Pure Imagination," which differs from Gene Wilder's version.

The supporting cast consists of comedians who stole the show, while young Calah Lane lends a sincere performance as Noodle. Keegan-Michael Key is terrific as the chief of police. Paterson Joseph distinguishes himself as a full-on pantomime villain, with Matt Lucas and Matthew Baynton making a delightfully evil trio. Hugh Grant has made a terrific comeback in his latest work, but playing an Oompa Loompa named Lofty isn't something I expected from him.

While silly and whimsical, WONKA is a sweet-filled cinematic delight that will arouse audiences and tempt their taste buds. When a movie hits theatres in the holiday season, you know it's WONKA. I recommend this film to those who grew up with Gene Wilder's previous incarnation and Roald Dahl's original story.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

Back to Home

Casper Review

Casper

Release Date: 22nd June 1995 - Australia

Production Companies

Universal Pictures (presents)

Amblin Entertainment

The Harvey Entertainment Group (in association with)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Family/Fantasy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 101 minutes

Budget: $55,000,000

Box Office Gross: $290,277,077 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Carrigan Crittenden is angry that her late father left her his grim-looking mansion instead of his millions. She is about to burn it to the ground when

she discovers a map

showing the treasure

is hidden inside. But

an evil wave of ghosts

frightens her away

when she enters to claim

her right. After trying

everything to get rid of

the apparitions, including

an exorcist and a

professional ghost-catcher,

Carrigan decides the best

way to get rid of them

is to hire ghost therapist

Dr James Harvey to

exorcise them. If the plan

succeeds, she and

her slimy partner, Dibs,

will claim the hidden

fortune. As James and

his daughter, Kat, arrive,

they soon meet Casper,

the ghost of a young boy

who is "the friendliest

ghost you know." But

Casper's uncles, Stretch,

Fatso, and Stinkie, are

not so friendly. They are

determined to drive all 

the "fleshies" away.

Ultimately, James and Kat

decide whether to help

the spirits cross over.

Cast

Christina Ricci - Kathleen

'Kat' Harvey

Bill Pullman - Dr. James Harvey

Malachi Pearson - Casper (Voice)

Cathy Moriarty - Carrigan Crittenden

Eric Idle - Paul 'Dibbs' Plutzker

Joe Alaskey - Stinkie (Voice)

Joe Nipote - Stretch (Voice)

Brad Garrett - Fatso (Voice)

Ben Stein - Mr. Rugg

Amy Brenneman - Amelia Harvey

Jessica Wilson - Amber Whitmire

Chauncey Leopardi - Nicky

Garette Ratliff Henson - Vic DePhillipi

Wesley Thompson - Mr. Curtis

Spencer Vrooman - Andreas

Devon Sawa - Human Casper

Terry Murphy - Herself (Cameo)

Clint Eastwood - Himself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Mel Gibson - Himself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Rodney Dangerfield - Himself (Cameo)

John Kassir - The Crypt Keeper (Voice) (Cameo)

Don Novello - Father Guido Sarducci (Cameo)

Dan Aykroyd - Ray Stentz (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Jess Harnell - Arnold (Voice)

Crew

Director - Brad Silberling

Based on the Character "Casper the Friendly

Ghost"/Book - Joseph Oriolo

Based on the Book - Seymour Reit

Writers - Sherri Stoner and Deanna Oliver

Script Supervisors - Annette Haywood-Carter

and Ana Maria Quintana

Associate Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Paul Deason

Executive Producers - Steven Spielberg,

Gerald R. Molen and Jeffrey Montgomery

Producer - Colin Wilson

Co-Producers - Jeffrey Franklin

and Steve Waterman

Production Designer - Leslie Dilley

Art Directors - Daniel Maltese and

Ed Verreaux

Assistant Art Directors - Greg Papalia

and Brad Ricker

Illustrators - David Lowery,

Sherman Labby, Len Morganti, Peter Ramsey,

Jacques Rey and Dan Sweetman

Set Decorator - Rosemary Brandenberg

Property Master - Russell Bobbitt

Director of Photography - Dean Cundey

"B" Camera Operator - Casey Hotchkiss

First Assistant "A" Camera/VistaVision

Technician - Clyde E. Bryan

Production Supervisor - Steven R. Molen

First Assistant Director - Steve E. Andrews

Second Assistant Director - Michele Panelli-Venetis

Stunt Coordinator - Gary Hymes

Choreographer/Animation Ghost Reference -

Adam Shankman

Special Effects Supervisor - Michael Lantieri

Digital Character Supervisor - Dennis Muren

Digital Character Co-Supervisor - Stefen Fangmeier

Digital Effects Producer - Janet Healy

Animation Directors - Eric Armstrong

and Phil Nibblelink

Supervising Character Animators: ILM -

Mark Anthony Austin, Tom Bertino,

Miguel A. Fuertes, Jeffrey B. Light,

Doug Smith and James Tooley

Supervising Digital Effects Artists: ILM -

Kevin Rafferty, Tom L. Hutchinson,

John Andrew Berton, Jr., Henry LaBounta

and Joe Letteri

Digital Character Modeling Supervisors: ILM -

Kyle Odermatt and Wade Howie

Visual Effects Plate Supervisor: ILM - Scott Farrar

Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - TyRuben Ellingson

Editor - Michael Kahn

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard Hymns

Sound Design/Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Rydstrom

Assistant Sound Designer - Christopher Boyes

Sound Effects Editors - Teresa Eckston

and Frank E. Eulner

Re-Recording Mixer - Gary Summers

Re-Recording Mixer/Music Recordist

& Mixer - Shawn Murphy

Dialogue Editors - Sara Bolders

and Michael Silvers

Foley Artists - Tom Barwick

and Dennie Thorpe

Foley Recordist - Tony Eckert

Music - James Horner

Music Editor - Joe E. Rand

Review

Another childhood movie I grew up watching; it's hard to see why everyone forgot about CASPER, a hidden box-office gem. Following the runaway success of The Flintstones, Universal Studios and Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment, took another classic cartoon character to the big screen. This time, it's Casper the Friendly Ghost. Most things have stayed the same since I last saw the film. It's nearly as harmless as it gets for young audiences, though it's surprisingly morbid and raunchy for a children's flick. Still, the movie is a family-friendly version of Beetlejuice and doesn't shy away from the flaws that keep it from being entertaining.

For starters, the narrative has no direction, with numerous plot holes (such as Casper not remembering his previous life before he became a ghost), an unnecessarily dated subplot, occasional coarse language, such as the "B" word, which almost warranted the movie an M rating, and the solemn themes about death often dampen the film's comic appeal. The main drawback is the villain, Carrigan, because she's unthreatening and not very menacing (one reviewer describes her as "a poor woman's Cruella de Vil") when her greed overpowers her judgment, leading her to plan to steal the mansion's supposed treasure, which ultimately leads to her defeat.

However, the film certainly has its moments. I won't discuss any, as there are spoilers ahead. Most of the visual effects hold up well, especially the CGI ghosts, even for their time. What makes it better is that this version of Casper is the first main character to be computer-animated. Christina Ricci is headed for Hollywood stardom, looking as sharp and adorable as Kat. Bill Pullman delivers a surprisingly decent performance as the father. The surprise cameos of Don Novello, Dan Aykroyd, Clint Eastwood, Rodney Dangerfield, and Mel Gibson are amusing. The sets are dark and Gothic, and James Horner's score is beautiful.

While not a flop per se, CASPER has its fans and gained a bit of a cult following since its successful release. It spawned two direct-to-video prequels unrelated to the original movie. Then again, it's not my favourite film. I would have preferred more focus on Kat's relationship with the titular ghost, and the filmmakers could have cut the needless subplot about the bullies trying to ruin Kat's Halloween party. Overall, this is an okay film, but it is worth a look because it puts in more effort than other live-action films based on the cartoons.

Star rating: (5/10) Average

Back to Home

Barbie Review

Barbie

Release Date: 20th July 2023 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Heyday Films

LuckyChap Entertainment

NB/GG Pictures

Mattel Films

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Fantasy/Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 114 minutes

Budget: $145,000,000

Box Office Gross: $1,445,638,421 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Barbie and Ken are

having the time of their

lives in the bright and

seemingly perfect world

of Barbie Land. But they

soon discover the joys

and dangers of living

among humans when they

venture into the real world.

Cast

Margot Robbie - Barbie

Issa Rae - Barbie

Kate McKinnon - Barbie

Alexandra Shipp - Barbie

Emma Mackey - Barbie

Hari Nef - Barbie

Sharon Rooney - Barbie

Ana Cruz Kayne - Barbie

Rita Arya - Barbie

Dua Lipa - Barbie

Nicola Coughlan - Barbie

Emerald Fennell - Midge

Ryan Gosling - Ken

Simu Liu - Ken

Kingsley Ben-Adir - Ken

Ncuti Gatwa - Ken

Scott Evans - Ken

John Cena - Ken

Michael Cera - Allan

America Ferrera - Gloria

Ariana Greenblatt - Sasha

Helen Mirren - Narrator

(Voice)

Rhea Perlman - Ruth

Will Ferrell - Mattel CEO

Connor Swindells - Aaron Dinkins

Jamie Demetriou - Mattel Executive #1

Andrew Leung - Mattel Executive #2

Ray Fearon - Dan at the FBI

Erica Ford - Skipper

Hannah Khalique-Brown -

Growing Up Skipper

Mette Narrative - Barbie

Video Girl

Marisa Abela - Teen Talk Barbie

Lucy Boynton - Proust Barbie

Rob Brydon - Sugar Daddy Ken

Tom Stourton - Earring Magic Ken

Genvieve Toussiant - Young Sasha

Ann Roth - The Woman on the Bench

Annie Mumolo - Anxiety Mom

Lauren Holt - Time Mom

Ryan Piers Williams - El

Esposo De Gloria

Crew

Writer/Executive Producer/

Director - Greta Gerwig

Writer/Executive Producer -

Noah Baumbach

Executive Producers - Cate

Adams, Richard Dickson,

Toby Emmerich, Ynon Kreiz

and Courtenay Valenti

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager - Michael Sharp

Producers - Tom Ackerley,

Robbie Brenner, David Heyman

and Margot Robbie

Co-Producer - Christine Crais

Casting Directors - Lucy Bevan and Allison Jones

Production Designer - Sarah Greenwood

Supervising Art Director - Dean Clegg

Supervising Art Director: Los Angeles Unit -

Andrew Max Cahn

Set Decorator - Katie Spencer

Costume Designer - Jacqueline Durran

Director of Photography - Rodrigo Prieto

First Assistant Director: Second Unit,

Los Angeles - Tom Brewster

Second Unit Director: Los Angeles Unit -

George Cottle

Stunt Coordinator - Roy Taylor

Special Effects Supervisor - Mark Holt

Visual Effects Supervisor - Glen Pratt

Editor - Nick Houy

Re-Recording Mixer/Sound Designer/

Supervising Sound Editor - Ai-Ling Lee

Sound Designer/Supervising Sound Editor -

Dan Kenyon

Sound Designers - Nia Hansen and

Tobias Poppe

Re-Recording Mixer - Kevin O'Connell

Music - Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt

Music Supervisor - George Drakoulias

Conductor/Music Arranger/Orchestrator -

Matt Dunkley

Score Recordist & Mixer - Peter Cobbin

Review

As a kid, I never liked Barbie anyway, and if I remember correctly, my sister used to have that doll when she was young. However, I did see a few direct-to-video animated features and a parodic version in the Toy Story series. Recently, I watched the movie and sat stunned by the ending. At first, I wasn't thrilled about seeing it, but I never thought it'd be completely different. I would have wanted to see Oppenheimer instead of BARBIE. But I chose not to.

BARBIE is a fun, sparkling movie with an original concept and self-aware humour. Surprisingly, it's a comedy for teens and adults, rather than young children, as some might suggest. Writer/director Greta Gerwig understands what was wrong with the Barbie franchise and spoofs the titular brand, turning it into a candy-coated satire full of feminist themes. Although the film can come across as a little preachy in its anti-patriarchy message, it has a witty, heartfelt script that pokes fun at the brand itself for its consumerism, gender stereotypes, and attempts at reinvention. However, BARBIE wouldn't be complete without a star-studded cast.

Margot Robbie is an excellent choice to play the titular doll character. She nails the comedic aspects and emotional beats of her role, humanising and delivering an extraordinary performance. She pairs well with Gosling, who does the same for Ken, and his perpetual confusion is instantly relatable. The extensive supporting cast is well-chosen, with Will Ferrell playing a CEO, similar to his previous role in The Lego Movie, Michael Cera as the forgotten and discontinued Allan, and America Ferrera as a truthful mum, Gloria. The set design and costumes are gorgeous, especially in pastel pink, which creates a unique, colourful look at Barbie Land. The soundtrack is excellent, featuring artists like Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, and Billie Eilish.

Overall, this film is enjoyable and worth watching. It's packed with hilarity, gives you a good laugh, and makes you wonder if you want to live in a dream house (or, in this case, a dollhouse) with Ken and Barbie. Those familiar with Barbie will enjoy the movie and be "tickled pink" (no pun intended).

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

Back to Home