The story picks up after the events of the first film with Arthur Fleck AKA Joker tucked away in Arkham Asylum (which is now styled to look like Alcatraz Island). The system is trying to prove his competency to stand trial. He is treated quite questionably there, especially by a guard named Jackie Sullivan played by the always excellent Brendan Gleeson. While there he comes in contact with Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga).

Their relationship provides the main thrust of the tale but it is a one-sided affair as very little backstory is offered about Quinzel other than her sycophantic attraction to Fleck’s darker side. Most of the exposition is told via dream sequences so it is not easy to decipher what is real and what is not. The dark and gritty reality of living in Gotham City plays an important role as well.

Todd Phillips should be applauded for trying something different as he returns to the world of Arthur Fleck with a new concept. Draping things in a musical format is an odd choice but is does have a number of engaging and surreal moments. He can always count on Joaquin Phoenix’s force of-nature approach to acting to give validity to almost any approach desired. Underutilising Lady Gaga’s role does however feel like a missed opportunity.
Rob Hudson
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While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey, Leigh Gill, Ken Leung, Jacob Lofland, Bill Smitrovich, Sharon Washington, Joker: Folie À Deux is coming to cinemas October 3!
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A stunned Padraic, aided by his sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) and troubled young islander Dominic (Barry Keoghan), endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Padraic’s repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.

The Banshees of Inisherin will have its World Premiere at the 79th Venice Film Festival. The film is also part of the Toronto Film Festival Official Selection 2022 and will be released in Aussie Cinemas this coming Boxing Day.
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Starring Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson, Hampstead is a heartwarming romantic comedy set around the beautiful Hampstead Heath in London, a quiet piece of countryside in a vast metropolis.

Living in a lovely old apartment on the edge of the Heath, American widow Emily Walters (Keaton) feels like she is drifting aimlessly through life. Then she meets Donald (Gleeson), who has lived harmoniously on the Heath for 17 years in a ramshackle hut.

When property developers attempt to destroy his home, Emily steps up to defend Donald in the escalating battle and soon finds that, despite his gruff exterior, there is something special about this gentle and unconventional man.

Directed by Joel Hopkins and starring Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson, Hampstead is in cinemas August 17.
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Competition will be drawn 16 August 2017, winners will be notified by mail.

While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief…

Golden Globe winner Hugh Grant and Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson join the all-star returning cast of Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville, Academy Award® nominee Sally Hawkins, Academy Award® nominee Julie Walters, Academy Award® winner Jim Broadbent, Academy Award® winner Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin with Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington and Academy Award® nominee Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy. PADDINGTON 2 opens in cinemas nationally December 21.

Based on the novel of the same name (author Nathaniel Philbrick’s 2000 non-fiction book), this template in a lesser director’s hands could have lead to a very processional outing. Howard’s film suffers from none of that limitation. The movie is a rousing edge of your seat ride that has a look and feel that takes you right into the heart of the tale of that great white monster, Moby Dick.

Chris Hemsworth leaves the fantasy world behind this time and delivers a very powerful performance (including a method actor’s incredible weight loss regime to add authenticity to a stranded at sea storyline). The set design is also outstanding (the only thing missing is a blast of salty sea air).

There are films based on true stories that never really ignite the imagination, this is not one of those missteps. It’s a big bold tale that is told with assurance by a director with a touch for the epic statement. This is cinema that is easy to get lost in and should not be missed.

Rob Hudson
www.intheheartoftheseamovie.com

He’s too… nice. Even when he’s playing a bad guy he’s almost impossible to dislike, and that’s why I dislike him. And his films are usually vehicles to show us how nice he is (even when he’s a bad guy). So I was expecting very little from Safe House, which is what makes it so surprising.

The first indicator that Safe House may not be as asinine as it first appears is the impressive cast that also includes Ryan Reynolds, Brendan Gleeson, Vera Farmiga, Sam Shepard and Robert Patrick. Sure they’re all in carbon copy roles that we’ve seen in a multitude of other films but their mere presence adds gravitas to their formulaic parts. Reynolds in particular stands out. His desk jockey who spontaneously transforms into a super CIA agent when thrown in the deep end is rather incredulous but Reynolds carries it well. And even Washington isn’t all that bad.

The intense action sequences come thick, fast and soon; arriving in just the right frequency to hold us on the edge of our seats throughout, right up to its fairly predictable and impossibly neat conclusion. Good undemanding fun.

Stuart Jamieson
www.nooneissafe.com