Using a somewhat typical mighty mouse storyline about the virtue of the family unit to make some pointed comments on the ill effects of the world’s reliance on petrol and disregard for the health of the planet is slightly unusual. This divergence is a welcome addition to the usual kiddie fare.

This does cause things to go slightly awry in its accessibility to the very young. The high concept might leave the little ones feeling a bit left out. In many ways it is commendably brave, a mixed-race couple and gay teenager are presented in a refreshingly matter-of-fact way.

When a company as conservative as Disney green lights a project like this, it heralds a welcome step into a more inclusive future. In a way one might have wished this approach was attached to a more accessible tale but not selling an audience’s acceptance short is something to be applauded.
Rob Hudson
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Opening in Australian cinemas November 24, the feature film introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.

“Inspired by classic adventure stories,” said director Don Hall,“‘Strange World’ is an original animated adventure/comedy about three generations of the Clade family who overcome their differences while exploring a strange, wondrous and oftentimes hostile world.”

The voice cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old son, Ethan, who longs for adventure; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world.

“Strange World” is helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”).
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In 1941 they started their offensive against the USA with a sneak attack on Pearl Harbour. Their hopes of a quick disabling of the American military might in the region was a stated goal. Due to the allied forces’ ability to decipher their secret communications, the American forces were able to mount a successful counter attack.

Emmerich wisely pares down the number of main protagonists to a small number to keep the story tightly focused. The action scenes when the CGI renderings look realistic are very exciting and it gives you a real sense of how much danger the pilots faced when attacking the flotilla of ships. The main battle is also concise and keeps the rapid pace intact.

Presenting a major battle from WWII shows a time when the enemy was clearly established and not the scales of grey that are present in the skirmishes that blight the world now. It shows the American might to be superior in this instance but thankfully focuses more on the personal heroics of the participants than just delivering more didactic rhetoric.

Rob Hudson
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The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

Midway is directed by Roland Emmerich and stars Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart, Nick Jonas, Etsushi Toyokawa, Tadanobu Asano, Luke Kleintank, Jun Kunimura, Darren Criss, Keean Johnson, Alexander Ludwig, Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid and Woody Harrelson.

Midway will be released in Australian cinemas January 30, 2020!
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A Dog’s Journey is based on the popular book by W. Bruce Cameron and is coming to cinemas soon!
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A pulse-pounding crime thriller with a sci-fi twist from the producers of Stranger Things and Arrival, Kin is the story of an unexpected hero destined for greatness.

Chased by a vengeful criminal and a gang of otherworldly soldiers,​ a recently released ex-con and his adopted teenage brother are forced to go on the run after finding a futuristic super-weapon of mysterious origin as their only protection. In cinemas nationally August 30.

To enter this great competition just fill out the entry form below.

Competition will be drawn 27 August 2018, winners will be notified by mail.

Chased by a vengeful criminal and a gang of otherworldly soldiers,​ a recently released ex-con and his adopted teenage brother are forced to go on the run after finding a futuristic super-weapon of mysterious origin as their only protection.

KIN stars Jack Reynor, Zoë Kravitz, Carrie Coon, Dennis Quaid, James Franco, Michael B. Jordan and will be released in Australian Cinemas August 30!
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A Dog’s Purpose is built on the premise that dogs live life over and over via reincarnation but keep the memories of past lives in their consciousness. We follow one doggie soul through multiple lives and all of them are examinations of various forms of the human condition.

Unafraid to lay down something other than just cute doggie shenanigans, some of the lives our main dog soul lives are quite sad. It’s comments on unworthy parents, unwanted pets or human loneliness give the film a surprising degree of depth.

Warning though, movie tickets should come with a Clarityn tablet as the audience must have had some allergies flair up because there was a lot of sniffling throughout the film.

Rob Hudson
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