What's on at the movies 18th May 2017?

Announcing the

Ultimate Book Worm Prize giveaway

I've been threatening to run a great book lover's competition and finally here it is. Once you've entered spread the word for extra entries plus the chance to grab a free exclusive bonus book of my latest story SALVATION.

VICEROY'S HOUSE ✪✪✪✪ Opened May 18th

So I wasn't always listening at school and modern history was not a subject in which I was particularly interested in. However, the great thing about films and television is you can learn and catch up. Yes, I know it's fictionalized but I can gather the general idea of some key points in history.

With Viceroy's House, a particularly good historical account of the reversion of power from the British back to the Indians in 1947, I learned something new. I had no idea that Pakistan was a new country. The staging of the granting of independence, and the interweaving of a love story to demonstrate the religious divide, was a good call.

You really can't wrong with Gillian Anderson, Michael Gambon, Hugh Bonneville and Simon Callow. Well worth a look.

Film Blurb

Viceroy's House in Delhi was the home of the British rulers of India. After 300 years, that rule was coming to an end. For 6 months in 1947, Lord Mountbatten, great grandson of Queen Victoria, assumed the post of the last Viceroy, charged with handing India back to its people. The film's story unfolds within that great house. Upstairs lived Mountbatten together with his wife and daughter; downstairs lived their 500 Hindu, Muslim and Sikh servants. As the political elite - Nehru, Jinnah and Gandhi - converged on the House to wrangle over the birth of independent India, conflict erupted. A decision was taken to divide the country and create a new Muslim homeland: Pakistan. It was a decision whose consequences reverberate to this day. Starring Gillian Anderson, Manish Dayal, Michael Gambon, Simon Callow and Hugh Bonneville

DON'T TELL✪✪✪✪ Opened May 18th

Wow! This film just cements further the quality of Australian filmmaking at the moment. We are doing a great job. In fact, I can't fault this film for the production values, acting and storytelling.

A solid script is beautifully realized on screen and the performances are stellar. If you enjoyed Spotlight, and I say enjoyed loosely because these are upsetting themes, then you should definitely see this. Don't Tell portrays its characters particularly well and the court room scenes will please any fans of the genre.

Prepare yourself for an extreme emotional reaction but at the same time the main character Lyndal's attitude is inspirational as well. Very, very intelligent film.

Film Blurb

Don’t Tell is the story of a young woman who fought back after enduring sexual abuse at a prestigious private school. With a dogged and determined local lawyer by her side, Lyndal took on the powerful church that denied her abuse for over a decade.Based on true events that changed Australian child protection laws, Don’t Tell is a poignant story about finding the courage to stand up, speak out and fight against injustice. Starring Teresa Palmer, Max Riemelt, Emma Bading Lucie Aron and Matthias Habich

KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD Opened May 18th

My substitute film spy Wendy could not stop sharing how much she loved this film. Her all time favorite for the year, she told me. Apparently this is Guy Ritchie at his best, with the interweaving of music, solid characters and action.

I plan to go see it myself shortly. Besides I love King Arthur and Guy Ritchie, so I know it'll be rock and rolla fun.

Film Blurb

Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to the epic fantasy action adventure "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword." Starring Charlie Hunnam in the title role, the film is an iconoclastic take on the classic Excalibur myth, tracing Arthur's journey from the streets to the throne. When the child Arthur's father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur's uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy...whether he likes it or not. Also starring Aidan Gillen, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, and Djimon Hounsou.

Guy Ritchie directed Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Man from U.N.C.L.E, Sherlock Holmes.

OPENED LAST WEEK

ALIEN: COVENANT Not reviewed Opened May 10th

I didn't make it to the Alien Covenant preview. My son won a car ... yep, a car, which was​​ presented to him at his school assembly. The competition was through West Australia's state motor club, the RAC, and aimed at youth beginning their driving life. Pretty exciting stuff. So on the preview night we were celebrating with extended family.

However I sent my friend Wendy along in my place to report back. I also checked in with fellow reviewers. Most reports were that it was same 'ol, same 'ol, that Michael Fassbender was good and there were plenty of alien scenes. Shame because the first two films are still in my favorites list. I think the well is dry Mr. Ridley Scott and unless you have something groundbreakingly new, time to fish elsewhere.

Film Blurb

Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with ALIEN: COVENANT, a new chapter in his groundbreaking ALIEN franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape. Starring Michael Fassbender, Demian Bichir, Katherine Waterston, Danny McBride (IV), Billy Crudup and Jussie Smollett.

SNATCHED ✪✪✪ Opened May 10th

Honestly without Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn's charm on screen this would be dull as, and I would​​ have taken the opportunity to 'snatch' some zzz's.

The storyline is your typical silly comedy, pretty much a staple Adam Sandler type goofball, fish out of water, down on their luck, gets themselves into trouble stuff. There were a few laughs but not enough to move this into the fabulous, creative comedy arena. I think I laugh more at Modern Family and my latest discovery Veep. Still if you are looking for a girl's night out comedy this will fit the bill nicely.

Film Blurb

After her boyfriend dumps her on the eve of their exotic vacation, impetuous dreamer Emily Middleton (Amy Schumer) persuades her ultra-cautious mother, Linda (Goldie Hawn) to travel with her to paradise. Polar opposites, Emily and Linda realize that working through their differences as mother and daughter - in unpredictable, hilarious fashion - is the only way to escape the wildly outrageous jungle adventure they have fallen into. Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn star in the new comedy adventure SNATCHED, which also features Ike Barinholtz ("Neighbors"), Wanda Sykes ("Bad Moms") and Joan Cusack ("Working Girl").

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