Contagion Review

Contagion

Release Date: 20th October 2011 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Participant (in association with)

Imagenation Abu Dhabi FZ (in

association with)

Double Feature Films

Digital Image Associates

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Thriller

Rating: M

Runtime: 106 minutes

Budget: $60,000,000

Box Office Gross: $136,515,897 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

On her return from a

business trip to Hong Kong,

Beth Emhoff suddenly dies

from what appears to be the

flu or some ailment. Later

that same day, her young

son dies after contracting

the illness that killed her.

Her husband, however,

appears to be immune

to the virus. Soon, many

others began experiencing the same symptoms, sparking a global pandemic. Many doctors and other medical professionals must identify the exact virus and find a vaccine to end the outbreak, which should take only several months. As the contagion spreads to millions worldwide, society begins to crumble as people panic.

Cast

Marion Cotillard - Dr. Leonora

Orantes

Matt Damon - Mitch Emhoff

Laurence Fishburne - Dr. Ellis Cheever

Jude Law - Alan Krumwiede

Gwyneth Paltrow - Beth Emhoff

Kate Winslet - Dr. Erin Mears

Bryan Cranston - RADM Lyle Haggerty

Jennifer Ehle - Dr. Ally Hextall

Elliott Gould - Dr. Ian Sussman

Chin Han - Sun Feng

John Hawkes - Roger

Anna Jacoby-Heron - Jory Emhoff

Josie Ho - Li Fai's Sister

Sanaa Lathan - Aubrey Cheever

Demetri Martin - Dr. David Eisenberg

Griffin Kane - Clark Morrow

Armin Rohde - Damian Leopold

Enrico Colantoni - Dennis French

Larry Clarke - Dave

Monique Gabriela Curnen - Lorraine Vasquez

Stef Tovar - Dr. Arrington

Grace Rex - Carrie Anne

Kara Zediker - Elizabeth Nygaard

Dan Aho - Aaron Barnes

Brian J. O'Donnell - Andrew

Annabel Armour - Beth's Mother

Dan Flannery - Hextall's Father

Joshua Seiden - Anthony

Sanjay Gupta - Himself (Cameo)

Crew

Director/Director of Photography - Steven Soderbergh

Writer - Scott Z. Burns

Executive Producers - Jonathan King,

Jeff Skoll and Ricky Strauss

Executive Producer/Unit Production

Manager - Michael Polaire

Producer/First Assistant Director -

Gregory Jacobs

Producers - Michael Shamberg

and Stacey Sher

Senior Technical Advisors - Larry Brilliant,

Laurie Garrett and Ian Lipkin

Technical Advisors - Billy Goldberg,

Natasha K. Griffith, Tracey McNamara,

Michael J. Ryan, Connie Schmaljohn,

Mark Smolinski, Ira Blumen,

Don Weiss and Nathan Wolfe

Production Designer - Howard Cummings

Supervising Art Director - David Lazan

Supervising Art Director: UK and Morocco -

Ricky Eyres

Set Decorator - Cindy Carr

Property Master - Brad Einhorn

Costume Designer - Louise Frogley

Makeup Department Head - Kate Biscoe

Location Manager: UK & Morocco -

David Broder

Production Supervisor - Julie M. Anderson

Production Manager: UK & Morocco -

David Brown

Stunt Coordinator: Chicago - Rick LeFevour

Stunt Coordinator: Hong Kong - R.A. Rondell

Special Effects Coordinator - John D. Milinac

Special Effects Coordinator: San Francisco -

Ron Bolanowski

Visual Effects Supervisor - Thomas J. Smith

Editor - Stephen Mirrione

Re-Recording Mixer/Supervising Sound

Editor - Larry Blake

Additional Sound Effects - John Pospisil

Production Sound Mixers - Dennis Towns

and Mark Weingarten

Foley Artists - Dawn Fintor and

Alicia Stevenson

Music - Cliff Martinez

Review

In a period of self-isolation, back when COVID-19 made us stay in our homes and avoid contact with others. The movie that may have unintentionally predicted it was CONTAGION, which came out nine years before the pandemic. I saw the film on Netflix when it was popular there. It's surprisingly accurate how an obscure movie has aged well in times like these, as its hauntingly prophetic themes have become relevant in 2020. There's nothing to joke about in this procedural film, and it makes me think what I endured during the pandemic, like social distancing. Imbued with a sharp narrative and an ensemble cast, CONTAGION excels as a gripping, realistic drama grounded in real events and medical procedures.

Director and cinematographer Steven Soderbergh, along with writer Scott Z. Burns, has created something inspired by the headlines. It isn't like other disaster films, which often revolve around natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes. No, this movie is frighteningly realistic, unlike the cardboard theatrics of Wolfgang Petersen's Outbreak with Dustin Hoffman as the saviour of the world. The film is scientifically accurate, suggesting the filmmakers conducted extensive research into the struggles doctors face in developing vaccines. The acting performances are exceptional, especially Matt Damon, who plays a character determined to protect his daughter from the widespread pandemic.

After watching this movie, CONTAGION feels closer to home. It is a solid and intriguing film. Watching the movie on Netflix again after the pandemic is fascinating, but I still highly recommend it.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

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In Memory of Wolfgang Petersen (1941-2022)

Wolfgang Petersen (1941-2022)

Wolfgang Petersen, the German director known for such films as "Das Boot," "Air Force One," and "The Perfect Storm," died of pancreatic cancer on August 14, 2022. He was 81 years old.

He was born in Emden, Germany, on March 14, 1941. Petersen began his career in Germany by directing short films and TV movies in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1971, he made his first theatrical movie, "One or the Other". In 1977, he followed that with "The Consequence," for which he wrote the adapted screenplay. Petersen would answer Hollywood's call when his claustrophobic submarine WWII epic "Das Boot" launched him into the world in 1981. Nominated for six Oscars, including Best Directing and Best Adapted Screenplay, of which two went to Petersen. The film was released in multiple versions, starting with the 149-minute original theatrical cut and ending with a 208-minute director's cut in 1997.

This success would propel Petersen into American filmmaking, beginning with the 1984 fantasy film "The NeverEnding Story," which was a box-office hit. He would later direct more films, such as "Enemy Mine," "Shattered," which he also wrote, "In the Line of Fire," "Outbreak," "Air Force One," "The Perfect Storm," "Troy," and "Poseidon," which the latter proved to be the last movie he ever made for Hollywood.

In addition to directing, Petersen produced and executive-produced several features he helmed, including "In the Line of Fire," "The Perfect Storm," and "Outbreak." He even co-produced such movies as "Red Corner," "Instinct," and "Bicentennial Man."

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In Memory of Anne Heche (1969-2022)

Anne Heche (1969-2022)

The actress Anne Heche was declared legally dead after a fatal car accident. She was 53 years old. Her films include "Wag the Dog" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer." She had been on life support since August 5th, when she was involved in a high-speed accident that destroyed a home and left her severely burned and in a coma.

Heche's long and successful career in film and television began in 1987 when she appeared in the soap opera "Another World." Her dual performance as Vicky Hudson and Marley Love won her a Daytime Emmy. Anne moved to the big screen by co-starring in the independent film "Walking and Talking" and by delivering a standout supporting role in the crime drama "Donnie Brasco," which drew particular attention. Anne went on to land more high-profile roles in blockbusters like "Volcano," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Six Days, Seven Nights," "Return to Paradise," the 1998 remake of "Psycho," and "Wag the Dog."

She also starred in several TV series, including "Men in Trees," "Hung," "Aftermath," and "The Brave," and she also did a recurring voiceover in the animated series "The Legend of Korra." Anne was famously dating Ellen DeGeneres back in 1997. It would last until their highly publicised split in August 2000.

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In Memory of Olivia Newton-John (1948-2022)

Olivia Newton-John (1948-2022)

Dearest moviegoers, I have sad news. Australian singer/actress Olivia Newton-John passed away on August 8th, 2022. She was 73. She was best known for her songs and star-making role as Sandy in the popular 1978 film musical "Grease."

Newton-John was born in 1948 in Cambridge, UK, and at age five, she and her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she spent her childhood. As a teenager, she entered a talent contest on the TV show "Sing, Sing, Sing," won, formed an all-girl group, and began appearing on weekly pop music shows in Australia. In 1966, Newton-John released her first single in England and scored a few international hits. Still, she remained largely unknown to American audiences until 1973. It was the year her song "Let Me Be There" entered the adult contemporary and country charts after becoming a Top 10 hit. A string of number-one pop hits soon followed, including "I Honestly Love You," "Have You Never Been Mellow," and "Please Mr. Please."

Outside of her prolific career as a musician, Olivia was also an actress, particularly in "Grease," where she broke new ground as John Travolta's co-star. Although she had limited acting experience (and turned 29 during filming), Newton-John was perfect as the sweet-natured Australian transfer student Sandy, who is head over heels for Travolta's alpha greaser Danny at a Southern Californian high school in the 1950s. The two actors had remarkable onscreen chemistry as mismatched lovers who undergo makeovers in the final act to win each other's hearts. Instead of wearing her frilly dresses, she ditches them for heels, leather, spandex, and a cigarette. Olivia sang three of the film's biggest hits, including the duets "Summer Nights" and "You're the One That I Want" with Travolta and her swoony solo ballad "Hopelessly Devoted to You." The movie was a top-grosser and became an enduring pop-culture phenomenon, which inspired repeat viewings by legions of fans.

The movie's success allowed Newton-John to change her squeaky-clean image. Beginning with her next album, "Totally Hot," the cover featured the singer in black leather, while the songs had a more contemporary, edgier pop sound. After "Grease," she starred in several more big-budget movies, such as "Xanadu," opposite Hollywood legend Gene Kelly in his final screen role. Though the film wasn't successful, its soundtrack sold well and spawned a No. 1 hit with "Magic." She reteamed with Travolta for 1983's "Two of the Kind," which failed to recapture the spark of "Grease." In 1981, she released a single, "Physical," a dance number with suggestive lyrics, which took her sexier persona a step further. Although several radio stations banned it, it became her biggest hit, spending ten weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. During her lengthy career, Newton-John sold a staggering ten million albums and won four Grammy Awards.

Despite the successes of her career, she faced health issues and tragedy. Olivia had to delay and cancel several tours because she was diagnosed with breast cancer twice, which made her an advocate for this illness. In 2005, her then-boyfriend, Patrick McDermott, disappeared at sea during a fishing trip off the California coast and was never found. A mystery that remained unsolved and haunted the singer for years.

We'll miss you, Olivia, wherever you are. You give us a voice worth listening to on the radio and a performance worth watching. Here are highlights from her films "Grease" and "Xanadu" that feature her singing.

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Thor: Love and Thunder Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thor: Love and Thunder

Release Date: 7th July 2022 - Australia

Production Companies

Marvel Studios

Distribution

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Australia

Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

Rating: M

Runtime: 119 minutes

Budget: $250,000,000

Box Office Gross: $760,928,081 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Thor is on a quest for inner peace when it is interrupted by Gorr, the God Butcher, a galactic killer who plans to make the gods extinct. He

joins forces with King

Valkyrie, Korg, and his

ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who,

to Thor's surprise, now wields

Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor to fight this threat. Their quest to unravel the mystery of the God Butcher's vengeance and stop him before it is too late begins a harrowing cosmic adventure.

Cast

Chris Hemsworth - Thor

Christian Bale - Gorr the God

Butcher

Tessa Thompson - King

Valkyrie

Jaime Alexander - Sif

Taika Waititi - Korg

Russell Crowe - Zeus

Natalie Portman - Jane Foster/Mighty Thor

Chris Pratt - Peter Quill/Star-Lord

Pom Klementieff - Mantis

Bradley Cooper - Rocket Raccoon (Voice)

Dave Bautista - Drax the Destroyer

Karen Gillan - Nebula

Vin Diesel - Groot (Voice)

Sean Gunn - Kraglin/On-Set

Rocket

Carly Rees - Miek

Ben Falcone - Asgardian Stage

Manager

Stephen Curry - King Yakan

Bobby Holland Hanton - Habooska the Horrible

Daley Pearson - Darryl the Tour Guide

Kieron L. Dyer - Axl

India Rose Hemsworth - Gorr's Daughter

Simon Russell Beale - Dionysus

Manny Spero - Chemo Ward Patient

Jonny Brugh - Rapu

Andrew Crawford - Flower God

Chanique Greyling - Young Frigga

Brooke Satchwell - Indigarrian Woman Glenda

Elsa Pataky - Wolf Woman (Cameo)

Zia Kelly - Pirate Woman

Rosangelo Fasano - Alien Woman

Cameron Chapek - Baby Thor

Tristan Hemsworth - Kid Thor (Cameo)

Samson Alston - Teenage Thor

Eliza Matengu - Grace (Axl's Mother)

Victoria Ferrara - Falligarian Kid

Ava Rodrigo-Porter - Pink Alien Sister

Elsa Rodrigo-Porter - Pink Alien Sister

Kaan Guldur - Wolfboy

Indeia Booc - Blue Girl

Indiana Ierano - Red Girl

Cayla Sutherland - Cocoon Girl

Tui Vincent - Alien Child

Alan Dukes - US Delegate

Simona Paparelli - Bao, God of Dumplings

Nico Cortez - Aztec God

Priscilla Doueihy - Artemis God

Nicole Milinkovic - Elche Goddess

Chayla Korewha - Maori Princess

Imaan Hadchiti - Mayan God

Carmen Foon - Minerva

Clariza Vicente - Goddess of the Dead

Kuni Hashimoto - Jademurai God

Stephen Hunter - Fur God

Indiana Evans - Zeusette

Olivia Vasquez - Zeusette

Ava Caryofyllis - Young Jane

Chloé Gouneau - Jane's Mother

Dave Cory - Krowan Dwayne

Te Kainga O'Te Hinekahu Waititi - Asgardian Kid

Sasha Hemsworth - Asgardian Kid

Amala Millepied - Asgardian Kid

Matewa Kiritapu Waititi - Asgardian Kid

Aleph Millepied - Asgardian Kid

Rex Bale - Asgardian Kid

India Hemsworth - Love

Matt Damon - Actor Loki (Uncredited)

Sam Neill - Actor Odin (Uncredited)

Luke Hemsworth - Actor Thor (Uncredited)

Melissa McCarthy - Actor Hela (Uncredited)

Akosia Sabet - Bastet God (Uncredited)

Kat Dennings - Darcy Lewis (Cameo)

Stellan Skarsgard - Erik Selvig (Cameo)

Idris Elba - Heimdall (Cameo)

Brett Goldstein - Hercules (Cameo)

Crew

Story/Writer/Director - Taika Waititi

Thor/Groot Creators - Stan Lee and Larry Lieber

Thor Creator - Jack Kirby

Star-Lord/Mantis Creator - Steve Englehart

Star-Lord Creator - Steve Gan

Gamora, Thanos and Drax Creator - Jim Starlin

Rocket Raccoon Creators - Bill Mantlo and

Keith Giffen

Mantis Creator - Don Heck

Writer - Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

Executive Producers - Victoria Alonso,

Brian Chapek, Louis D'Esposito,

Todd Hallowell and Chris Hemsworth

Producers - Kevin Feige and 

Brad Winderbaum

Co-Producer - David Grant

Casting Directors - Sarah Finn and

Danish Maniyar

Production Designer - Nigel Phelps

Creative Consultant - Jason Aaron

Head of Visual Development: Marvel

Studios - Ryan Meinerding

Visual Development Supervisor - Andy Park

Visual Development Concept Illustrators -

Anthony Francisco, Rodney Fuentebella,

Jerad Marantz, Jana Schirmer, John Staub,

Tully Summers, Justin Sweet and Jackson Sze

Supervising Art Director - Charlie Revai

Art Director: Additional Photography/

Visual Consultant - Ra Vincent

Construction Supervisor - Greg Hajdu

Set Decorator - Katie Sharrock

Property Master - Guillaume DeLouche

Creative Lead: Weta Workshop -

Richard Taylor

Head of Manufacture: Weta Workshop -

Rob Gillies

Costume Designer - Mayes C. Rubeo

Creature and Prosthetic Designer -

Adam Johansen

Director of Photography - Barry Baz Idoine

Director of Photography: Second Unit -

Brad Shield

Director of Photography: Los Angeles

Units - Matthew J. Lloyd and Bill Pope

Supervising Location Manager - Colin McDougall

First Assistant Director - Lee Cleary

First Assistant Director: Second Unit -

Scott Lovelock

Second Assistant Director - Deborah Antoniou

Second Unit Director/Visual Effects

Supervisor - Jake Morrison

Second Unit Director (Uncredited)/

Stunt Coordinator - Kyle Gardiner

Stunt Coordinator - Jade Amantea

Fight Coordinators - Chan Griffin

and Adam Hart

Special Effects Supervisor - Dan Oliver

Visual Effects Supervisors: ILM -

Hayden Landis and Frazer Churchill

Visual Effects Supervisor: Method Studios -

Pete Dionne

Visual Effects Supervisor: Framestore -

Matthew Twyford

Visual Effects Supervisor: Base FX -

Dominic Drane

Visual Effects Supervisor: Mammal

Studios - Gregory D. Liegey

Additional Visual Effects Supervisors:

Method Studios - Seth Hill and Phil Brennan

Visual Effects Producer - Lisa Marra

Animation Supervisors: Method Studios -

Jye Skinn and Marc Chu

Animation Supervisor: Luma Pictures -

Raphael A. Pimentel

Virtual Production Supervisor - Heide Waldbaum

Creative Finishing Supervisor - Evan Jacobs

Editors - Peter S. Elliot, Tim Roche,

Matthew Schmidt and Jennifer Vecchiarello

Supervising Sound Editors - Daniel Laurie

and Qianbaihui Yang

Sound Designers - David C. Hughes,

Samson Neslund and Steve Orlando

Re-Recording Mixers - Onnalee Blank

and Brandon Proctor

Score/Themes - Michael Giacchino

Score - Nami Melumad

Music Supervisor - Dave Jordan

Score Recordists and Mixers - Peter Cobbin

and Kirsty Whalley

Review

I remember Thor: Ragnarok from when I first saw it on the big screen, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first movie. While Taika Waititi brought a campy, lighthearted approach to the God of Thunder, I was not one of the many who appreciated his style. The sci-fi stuff was there. It's too similar to the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Though many critics claimed this film is the best Thor instalment, I do not. Maybe I've been a little harsh with this movie because it had a fresh new style and character growth.

It all comes down to the follow-up, which many Marvel fans expect will return the character to its dark roots after his bittersweet turn in Avengers: Endgame. The results are unsurprising. THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER lacked something that would hammer down the God of Thunder in his latest cosmic adventure. It is difficult to invest in the deeper aspects of the story, which is uneven, and in the tone, due to the film's constant silliness and lighthearted nature. Even the side plots of characters like Gorr are underutilised because of it.

Many are surprised that Natalie Portman returns to play Jane Foster, Thor's love interest. They were displeased about the character returning since her reputation had already taken a nose dive in the second Thor movie because of the lacklustre romance with the titular hero. Here, her portrayal felt fully redeemed. For the additions to the main cast, we have Christian Bale as the villainous Gorr. It was interesting to see Bale portray a villain in a superhero film rather than a typical lead protagonist, notably Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy. I'm disappointed that his role hasn't evolved much despite his motives and tragic backstory. I liked the inclusion of the song placements, including a few killer tunes from Guns N' Roses, which made the film more energetic.

LOVE AND THUNDER isn't the exciting movie we've hoped for, and you'd be surprised it isn't as disappointing as it should be. Still, it is fun to watch for everyone, including Marvel fans, who want more excitement.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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In Memory of David Warner (1941-2022)

David Warner (1941-2022)

The versatile British actor David Warner has died from a cancer-related illness, as confirmed by his family. He was 80 years old. Warner was best known for portraying villains in films like "The Omen" and "Tron." He was also known for playing Billy Zane's malicious enforcer, Spicer Lovejoy, in James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster "Titanic."

A native of Manchester, he studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before becoming a young star of the Royal Shakespeare Company in performances such as Henry V and King Richard II. One of the finest performances he made for the company and his generation was the title role of "Hamlet," directed by Peter Hall in 1965.

Despite his acclaim as a stage actor, Warner had chronic stage fright, which caused him to prefer movie and TV work for many years. Early in his career, his work was recognised when Warner earned a BAFTA nomination for his lead performance in "Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment," opposite Vanessa Redgrave. He also starred in the 1968 adaptation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Helen Mirren and Diana Rigg.

In 1976, when appearing in the supernatural flick "The Omen," Warner was notable for his role as the photographer Keith Jennings, who met his inglorious demise. He would land in other villainous roles, which he often portrayed in movies like "Straw Dogs," "The Thirty Nine Steps," "Time After Time," and most notably "Time Bandits" and "Tron." He also appeared as various characters in the Star Trek franchise and even in "Doctor Who." Warner would win an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Roman politician Pomponius Falco in the TV miniseries "Masada" in 1981. In later years, he continued acting in films and television while returning to the stage in 2005 for the rest of his career. His last film role was as a retired naval officer, Admiral Bloom, in "Mary Poppins Returns" in 2018.

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Elvis (2022) Review

Elvis

Release Date: 23rd June 2022 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Bazmark Films

The Jackal Group

Whalerock Industries

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Musical/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 159 minutes

Budget: $85,000,000

Box Office Gross: $288,670,284 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Inspired by the true story of Elvis Presley's rise to fame, the film details his complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Cast

Austin Butler - Elvis Presley

Tom Hanks - Colonel Tom Parker

Olivia DeJonge - Priscilla

Helen Thomson - Gladys Presley

Richard Roxburgh - Vernon Presley

Kelvin Harrison Jr. - B.B. King

David Wenham - Hank Snow

Kodi Smit-McPhee - Jimmie Rodgers Snow

Luke Bracey - Jerry Schilling

Dacre Montgomery - Steve Binder

Leon Ford - Tom Diskin

Gary Clark Jr. - Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup

Yola - Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Natasha Bassett - Dixie Locke

Xavier Samuel - Scotty Moore

Adam Dunn - Bill Black

Alton Mason - Little Richard

Shonka Dukureh - Big Mama

Thornton/Pentecostal Singer

David Gannon - Charlie Hodge

Shannon Sanders - Pentecostal

Pastor/Singer

Charles Grounds - Billy Smith

Josh McConville - Sam Phillips

Kate Mulvany - Marion Keisker

Gareth Davies - Bones Howe

Chaydon Jay - Young Elvis

Christian Kisando - Shake Rag Friend - Smoky

John Mukristayo - Shake Rag Friend - Jimmy

Miles Burton - Shake Rag

Friend - Bobby

Gad Banza - Shake Rag

Friend - Doc

Aristene Kisando - Sweet

Inspirations - Myrna

Senayt Mebrahtu - Sweet

Inspirations - Estelle

Princess Mariama

Andrews - Sweet Inspirations - Cissy

Sharon Brooks - Sweet

Inspirations - Sylvia

Nicholas Bell - Senator Eastland

Anthony Phelan - Meyer Kohn

Sandro Colarelli - Tony Goochera

Cle Morgan - Mahalia Jackson

Charles Allen - Reverend Brewster

Natalie Bassingthwaighte -

Dee Stanley

Liz Blackett - Grandma Dodger

Mike Bingaman - Sonny West

Christian McCarthy - Red West

Tony Nixon - Dr. Nick

Andrea Moor - Nurse Tish

Mark Leonard Winter - Tom Hulett

Hilton Hyppolite Denis - Claude Thompson

Christopher Sommers - Horace Logan

Terepai Richmond - DJ Fontana

Alex Knight - Ron Tutt

Elizabeth Cullen - Natalie - Motel Girl

Angie Milliken - Madam Z

Luke Corrin Care - Aladdin Croupier

Jack McGirr - Tommy (Hayride)

Miranda Frangou - Nell - Tommy's Girlfriend

Ruby Gonzales-Judd - Girl (Russwood)

Greg Powell - Milton Berle

Patrick Shearer - DJ Dewey Phillips

Sarah Ogden - Mrs. Eastland

Melina Vidler - Barbara - Vegas Penthouse

Crew

Story/Screenplay/Producer/Director -

Baz Luhrmann

Story/Screenplay - Jeremy Doner

Screenplay - Sam Bromell and Craig Pearce

Executive Producers - Toby Emmerich,

Kevin McCormick, Andrew Mittman

and Courtenay Valenti

Producers - Gail Berman and Schuyler Weiss

Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Patrick McCormick

Producer/Production/Costume

Designer/Titles Concept Design -

Catherine Martin

Casting - Nikki Barrett and Denise Chaiman

Movement Coach and Choreographer -

Polly Bennett

Production Designer - Karen Murphy

Supervising Art Director - Ian Gracie

Art Directors - Tuesday Stone and

Matt Wynne

Set Decorators - Shaun Barry,

Beverly Dunn and Daniel Reader

Property Master - Richie Dehne

Special Makeup Effects Supervisor -

Jason Baird

Special Makeup Effects Designer -

Mark Coulier

Hair/Makeup Designer - Shane Thomas

Director of Photography - Mandy Walker

Stunt Coordinator - Glenn Ruehland

Special Effects Supervisor - Brian Cox

Visual Effects Supervisor - Tom Wood

Editors - Jonathan Redmond and Matt Villa

Re-Recording Mixer/Sound Designer/

Supervising Sound Editor - Wayne Pashley

Supervising Sound Effects Editor - Fabian Sanjurjo

Sound Recordist - David Lee

Re-Recording Mixers - Greg P. Fitzgerald,

Michael Keller, Michael Minkler and

Andy Nelson

Music and Executive Music Producer -

Elliott Wheeler

Music Producer - François Tétaz

Music Supervisor - Anton Monsted

Score Recordist and Mixer - Geoff Foster

Review

People of all generations, both young and old, have been influenced by the late Elvis Presley and his role in shaping rock 'n' roll music before the Beatles. After his untimely death in 1977, several biopics have been made, including a TV movie directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell as the King. Everything changed when Baz Luhrmann, the director of Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, brought his version of Elvis' life story to the silver screen. Bohemian Rhapsody's success sparked a trend of musical biopics in recent years. The latest to jump on the bandwagon was Luhrmann's pet project, ELVIS. However, production was turbulent after Tom Hanks and his wife tested positive for COVID-19, delaying filming until the pandemic subsided.

A wild, energetic, show-stopping dazzler, ELVIS is a glamorous retake of the legendary King of Rock 'n' Roll. The story was decent, but there are some historical inaccuracies. I wasn't surprised that the film started from Elvis' manager's perspective when it should've revolved around the King. I was glad that Baz Luhrmann was the right director to pull off this biopic, though I've only seen Australia and none of his other films. Still, he always brought a musical element of style and energy into his motion pictures.

All the actors in this movie are naturally Australian (except for the two lead actors). Austin Butler delivers an electrifying performance as the King by channelling his energy. He captured the singer's intense physique, charisma, stage presence, accent, and mannerisms, which show how famous and electrifying Elvis was in his heyday. Tom Hanks wore a fat suit and a fake nose to portray Elvis's despicable manager, Colonel Tom Parker. He did well, but taking his performance seriously amid the unnecessary prosthetics and the weird accent is hard. Olivia DeJonge was terrific as Elvis's wife, Priscilla.

The musical performances were well choreographed, which made them a highlight for me. The music has a modern feel, yet it maintains the distinctive rock 'n' roll sound that Elvis brought in the 1950s.

I can't tell you how much this movie reminds me of my admiration for Elvis and my fondness for some of his music. ELVIS is a great movie that shook up all long-time fans of the King. I highly recommend it to anyone new to Elvis. I hope they make a biopic about either Michael Jackson or the Beatles; either way, it will be good.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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