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 The World of Film in Australia - on the Internet Updated Thursday May 17, 2012 - Editions No 793, 794 & 795 

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Welcome to our 2012 Cannes Bumper Edition:
For weeks 793, 794 and 795 - covering all releases to May 31, 2012 while our Editors are at the Festival. Next edition: June 8. The box office will be added twice weekly as usual.

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Surprise surprise ... secret movie previews:
Join Andrew L. Urban for the 19th course of MOVIES NOW, 6 new movies, Wednesdays from June 27 screening upcoming movies prior to their release followed by discussion. Presented at Dendy Newtown (Sydney) by the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education. $234 (includes background notes & wrap drinks). Bookings

Festival de Cannes 2012: MY 12 DAYS WITH MARILYN
Festival de Cannes 2012:
MY 12 DAYS WITH MARILYN

Multiple Cannes press badge holder and acclaimed film journalist Nick Roddick (who once edited Australia’s Cinema Papers among many credits) opens the window to this year’s Festival de Cannes (May 16 – 27), which – as he puts it – takes place under the benign gaze of Marilyn Monroe. CANNES PREVIEW

NEWS & BOX OFFICE

BOX OFFICE: - Twice weekly reports & charts.

NEWS: - Gossip free zone.....

Festival de Cannes 2012: THE AUSTRALIAN DOSSIER
Festival de Cannes 2012:
THE AUSTRALIAN DOSSIER

It’s a historically blessed slot for Australia, the midnight Gala screening Out of Competition on the first Saturday of the Festival de Cannes, where The Sapphires has its World Premiere this year; the last two Australian films screened in that special slot were Strictly Ballroom exactly two decades ago and The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert in 1994. Andrew L. Urban builds an Australian dossier for Cannes 2012. CANNES 2012 - THE AUSTRALIAN DOSSIER

COMPETITIONS
COMPETITIONS

THE ARTIST DVD
Win one of 10 copies of Academy Award winning film The Artist on DVD, starring Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, courtesy Roadshow Home Entertainment. Available on DVD from June 28.

HUGO DVD
Win one of four major prizes (1 x Hugo DVD - RRP $40; 1 x Hugo Cabret Book - RRP $35) and one of six runner up prizes (1 x Hugo DVD - RRP $40),l courtesy Paramount. (Prizes are valued at $540.) Hugo is available to own on DVD and Blu-Ray on May 23.

Movie reviews: Films opening May 17: CARELESS LOVE
Movie reviews:
Films opening May 17:
CARELESS LOVE

(Aust, 2012) Dir: John Duigan. Stars Nammi Le, Peter O’Brien, Andrew Hazzard, Penny McNamee, Ivy Mak, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, David Field, John Duigan. “John Duigan’s magic cinematic touch is as vibrant as ever, his sensitivity and relevance driving great stories that resonate with us and guiding wonderful performances,” says Andrew. “ .. morality, lies and perceptions are canvassed in a provocative and stimulating way. In a way, it’s a road movie in which the road is life and the pit stops are sexual encounters,” says Louise. REVIEWS

Movie review: WOMAN IN BLACK
Movie review:
WOMAN IN BLACK

(UK/Canada/Sweden/2012) Dir: James Watkins. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds, Sophie Stuckey, Roger Allam. “Radcliff, in his first adult role since the Harry Potter franchise concluded, does an excellent job holding the film together, grief pouring from his expressive features. He is in almost in every scene and Watkins uses the close up to create an effective intimacy with his character,” says Louise. REVIEW

Movie reviews: THE DICTATOR
Movie reviews:
THE DICTATOR

(US, 2012) Dir: Larry Charles. Stars Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, John C. Reilly, Ben Kingsley. “If it’s racist, discriminatory, provocative, in bad taste, plain stupid or self-indulgent, Cohen has probably included it in the film – after all, his vulgarity, hit-or-miss skits and high-risk comedy with flashes of brilliance are his signature and what his fans lap up,” says Louise. “Although I’m no fan of Sacha Baron Cohen’s work, I always find morsels of memorable satire or plain humour in his work, most of which relies on buffoonery, audacious bad taste and tickling the juvenile fancy,” says Andrew. REVIEWS

Movie review: SILENT SOULS
Movie review:
SILENT SOULS

(Russia, 2010) Dir: Aleksei Fedorchenko. Stars Yuriy Tsurilo, Igor Sergeev, Yuliya Aug. “Simple but not simplistic, Silent Souls resonates like a beautiful bell,” says Andrew. REVIEW

Movie reviews – Films opening May 24: MEN IN BLACK III
Movie reviews – Films opening May 24:
MEN IN BLACK III

(US, 2012) Dir: Barry Sonnenfeld. Stars Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Alice Eve, Emma Thompson. “...the film uses everything in its arsenal (including 3D) to not only maximise on its unique concept and reality as it pings our funnybone and socks us in the eye with bizarre eye candy... (but) none of the spectacle is as potent as the scenes between Smith and Jones, when K confides (over pie) that regret is the most destructive force in the universe,” says Louise. “The oversized sci-fi fantasy, the super cool weaponry, the ultra cool humour, the adrenaline rush of action (and those iconic sunglasses) that have spawned millions of fans is back. The familiar world of MiB is recreated in full, its offbeat aliens as intriguing and amusing as ever,” says Andrew. REVIEWS

Movie review: EMPIRE OF SILVER
Movie review:
EMPIRE OF SILVER

(China, 2010) Dir: Christina Yao. Stars Aaron Kwok, Tie Lin Zhang, Hao Lei, Jennifer Tilly. “The complicated romance that punctuates the story adds spice (and a twist), but it’s a film essentially about the banking family and their machinations at a time of rapid change in China,” says Andrew. REVIEW

Featured Preview: EMPIRE OF SILVER
Featured Preview:
EMPIRE OF SILVER

At the end of the 19th century, a young man destined to inherit the vast wealth of a Chinese banking empire must decide whether to follow his strong willed father's path or find his own. Greed, deception and jealousy surface under the pressures of war and the impending change from silver to paper bills... and the love of his life has become his step-mother. (Based on a true story.) FEATURE

Movie reviews: BEL AMI
Movie reviews:
BEL AMI

(UK/France/Italy, 2012) Dirs: Declan Donnellan, Nick Ormerod. Stars Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Christina Ricci, Natalia Tena, Colm Meaney. “He might have fangs in Twilight, but here, heartthrob Robert Pattinson has bitten off more than he can chew, unable to spit out the easy confidence required of a man whose passport to success bears the stamp of sex, lies and adultery,” says Louise. REVIEWS

Films opening May 31: GET THE GRINGO
Films opening May 31:
GET THE GRINGO

(US, 2012) Dir: Adrian Grunberg. Stars Mel Gibson, Peter Stormare, Bob Gunton. “Mel Gibson is back doing what he knows, playing a flawed character with redeeming qualities who is also a resourceful tough guy,” says Andrew. “The richness of the prison backdrop is a source of amazement …described as ‘the world’s sh*ttiest mall’ with food stalls, drugs and sex on demand, guns in plentiful supply and an intimidation-driven system,” says Louise. REVIEWS

Movie review: DECLARATION OF WAR
Movie review:
DECLARATION OF WAR

(France, 2011) Dir: Valérie Donzelli. Stars Valérie Donzelli, Jérémie Elkaïm, César Desseix, Gabriel Elkaïm. “The underlying drama holds the film together even when self indulgence and the rawness of inexperience weakens the film,” says Andrew. REVIEW

Coming Soon! UPCOMING FILMS
Coming Soon!
UPCOMING FILMS

[Coming in June, Swerve, starring Jason Clarke, Emma Booth, David Lyons. "Paul Grabowsky's edgy score is a highlight of this taut thriller that rips along like a fast train on a track to nowhere. A cop with a temper, a girl in a convertible and a stranger passing through are the main players; it all starts when a car swerves on a deserted, dusty road not far from the dead-end town of Neverest," says Louise] RELEASE SCHEDULE


Bel Ami, A Royal Affair, Le Chef

NEW TRAILERS:
NEW TRAILERS:

Preview trailers of many films on your own screen.
The Dark Knight Rises, stars Christian Bale, Joseph Gordon-Levitt;
Swerve, stars Jason Clarke, Emma Booth and David Lyons;
Dark Shadows, stars starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green;
That's My Boy, stars Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg;
Iron Sky, stars Julia Dietze, Peta Sergeant, Götz Otto;
To Rome With Love, stars Woody Allen, Penelope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Judy Davis;
Hotel Transylvania, voices of Adam Sandler, Kevin James;
Men in Black 3, stars Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Emma Thompson;
Bel Ami, stars Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman;
The Amazing Spider-Man, stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone;
TRAILERS

At a glance: TOP 20
At a glance:
TOP 20

Short and sweet (or not) opinions on the most popular current releases. An easy reference for choosing which movie to see tonight … or tomorrow ... or right now! (Occasionally we also slip in a few of the editors’ favourites if they don’t make the top 20...) TOP 20

DVD REVIEWS RELEASING WEEK OF MAY 17
DVD REVIEWS RELEASING WEEK OF MAY 17

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY - Stars Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Kathy Burke, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciaran Hinds. “.. a splendid film on every level, soaking us in the period while retaining a contempo sensibility,” says Andrew.

THE MUPPETS - Stars Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper. “I smiled throughout this madcap joyous adventure in which the Muppets are funny, silly, colourful and totally endearing in what must be one of the happiest film of the year,” says Louise.

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND - Stars Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, Michael Caine. “ .. a likeable film that speeds along with a happy rush and is filled with grandiose imaginative ideas,” says Louise.

YOUNG ADULT - Stars Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Patton Oswalt. “Your expectations will bump into some fairly dark material, and while there is undoubted humour (quite a lot) it isn’t what you are led to expect,” says Andrew.

DVD REVIEWS RELEASING WEEK OF MAY 24:
DVD REVIEWS RELEASING WEEK OF MAY 24:

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO - Stars Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård. “The key to the credibility of the film lies in the casting of its incongruous diminutive heroine Lisbeth Salander (Mara) and the morally scrupulous journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Craig) and the chemistry they evoke with each other,” says Louise.

HUGO – Stars Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer. “With its exquisite production design depicting the ambience and life at the 19th century Paris railway station, Scorsese creates a reality that we immediately embrace,” says Louise.

ARRIETTY - voices of Saorse Ronan, Tom Holland, Olivia Colman, Phyllida Law. “ .. a somewhat charming experience, albeit not as successful as Spirited Away or Howl’s Moving Castle,” says Louise.

THE WOMEN ON THE 6TH FLOOR - Stars Fabrice Luchini, Sandrine Kiberlain, Natalia Verbeke, Carmen Maura, Lola Duanas. “An uplifting story with plenty of chuckles and surprises, the women on the 6th floor are definitely ones you will want to meet,” says Louise.

X - Stars Viva Bianca, Hanna Mangan Lawrence, Wayne Blair, Peter Docker. “Sex, violence, corruption and disillusionment are the themes of Jon Hewitt’s darkly erotic thriller in which two call-girls get more than they bargain for,” says Louise.

DVD REVIEWS RELEASING WEEK OF MAY 31:
DVD REVIEWS RELEASING WEEK OF MAY 31:
A FEW BEST MEN - Stars Rebel Wilson, Olivia Newton-John, Xavier Samuel. "Scripted by Death at a Funeral’s Dean Craig, A Few Best Men cleverly combines its culture clash and buddy themes with a wild tale embracing family secrets, a drug deal gone wrong and a romantic wedding filled with hilarious mishaps," says Louise.

ALBERT NOBBS - Stars Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Brendan Gleeson. “There are surprises and twists in store and the poignancy of the tale is not revealed until the very end. Close is not the only one to shine brightly; McTeer is a revelation as Hubert,” says Louise.

ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS – Voices Justin Long, Matthew Gray. "The 8 year old inside me really loved this movie as it turns what was to be a sedate sailing holiday on the huge cruise ship into a wonderful adventure on a desert island," says Andrew.

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING – Stars Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, India Eisley. "Garbled from the start, the story pits humans against the werewolf Lycans and the competing vampires," says Andrew.

THE WELL-DIGGER’S DAUGHTER - Staars Daniel Auteuil, Kad Merad, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Sabine Azéma. “A bucolic provincial romance, you could call it, and gently, sensitively done, with no heavily dramatic scenes,” says Andrew.

Competition Winners:
Competition Winners:
IRON SKY - To win one of 25 double inseason passes to Iron Sky, starring Julia Dietze (1 ½ Knights), Peta Sergeant (Satisfaction), Götz Otto (Downfall), Christopher Kirby (The Matrix Revolutions) and Stephanie Paul (Separation City, Crazylove), courtesy Hoyts Distribution, we asked: Which uniform (military or other) would you like to wear on a regular basis and why? Cian O'Reilly (Vic): Pyjamas; I hate getting up in the morning and would allow me to answer the postman's knock instead of rushing to get my clothes on.

ROUNDERS & CASINO
ROUNDERS
Rounders is arguably the most popular poker movie made so far. An excellent performance by Matt Damon and a clear focus on the game of Texas Holdem led to a rise in Poker sites' popularity. Since then, online poker seems to have exploded into a game played by millions worldwide.

CASINO
Starring Robert de Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci and James Woods, Casino is available on DVD, Itunes and Video. A lengthy movie with a star studded cast and engaging plot about the running of a Casino by a group linked to the Mob. It's often cited as one of the all-time best movies, up there with The Godfather and Goodfellas.

AUSTRALIAN FILMS
AUSTRALIAN FILMS

Every Australian film we have ever reviewed (film / video release), or have reported from the set, or featured in any way, is listed here, going back to films made even before the launch of Urban Cinefile, such as The Piano, Romper Stomper, Muriel’s Wedding, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and dozens more. Approximately 500 films AUSTRALIAN FILMS

HOW (& WHY) TO ADVERTISE ON URBAN CINEFILE
HOW (& WHY) TO ADVERTISE ON URBAN CINEFILE
Reach over 90,000 dedicated movie & DVD consumers every month in the most targeted online environment -where the movie goers are. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES, contact Andrew L. Urban or call: 02 9949 6700

This travelling life: TRAVELFILE
This travelling life:
TRAVELFILE

GILLETTE CASTLE
Celebrating its 10th anniversary (in 2012) since reopening to the public in 2002, Gillette Castle in Connecticut now attracts over 300,000 visitors a year – yet it’s virtually unknown internationally as a tourist attraction, with access to it only via beautiful, winding country roads. Andrew L. Urban drove out to see what’s so special about it. (Photos by Louise Keller)

OTHER DESTINATIONS
Join Andrew L. Urban in Mexico, Monaco and Tyrol ... and Alien in Switzerland! FEATURES




Empire of Silver
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