The balance between exposition and action feels out of kilter. There are ideas and plot devices that can’t be fully expressed in mere sentences and the Marvel movie’s proclivity to build to a spectacular final reel seemed unavoidable. This does little to enliven the final results.

The expansion of ideas taps into some interesting avenues and things look dire for most of the human race until the final crescendo. That there is hope for humankind by film’s end is of some redemption.

As far as origin stories go Eternals sets itself a heavy task for future films as one struggles this time to retain character details, names, and actions. The feeling of this work being relegated to being just an extended trailer for what comes next is difficult to overcome.

Rob Hudson
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The set design feels absolutely authentic, as does the costume design and make-up artistry. The film score also hits just the right notes. It is never cloy or overly intrusive and succeeds at keeping you on edge the entire time. Cinematographer Roger Deakins also continues his amazing run with Mendes with some of his most nuanced work to date.

The story was inspired by a tale told to Mendes by his paternal grandfather, Alfred Mendes. It involves the almost impossible journey by two young British soldiers, Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) through enemy territory to the front lines. This was done to warn of an impending military action that would have ended in disaster.

Taking full advantage of what is offered by the modern cinema experience, with its big sound and big screen, 1917 is the art of film at its highest level. Many have stated that all war films are anti-war films and this work provides a strong statement to that axiom. So many died horribly in those sodden trenches during World War One for what ultimately amounted to just lines drawn in the sand.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

Sam Mendes, the Oscar®-winning director of Skyfall, Spectre and American Beauty, brings his singular vision to his World War I epic, 1917.

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.

1917 will be released in Australian cinemas January 9.
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To enter this great competition simply fill out the form below. Please note – these tickets are for a specific event only and can not be exchanged or refunded. The winners will need to be available on January 5, 2020 at 3:30pm in Brisbane to be able to attend this event at Event Cinemas Indooroopilly.

1917 Competition

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Competition will be drawn 3 January 2020, winners will be notified by email.

Far from home in a landscape strewn with threats two young soldiers face their darkest fears and embark on a journey behind enemy lines to deliver a message that could not only save their brother, but an entire battalion on the unforgiving fields of war

1917 will be released in Australian cinemas January 16, 2020.
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“There is no better way to tell this story than with one continuous shot.”

Step behind the scenes of 1917 with Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins and the film’s stars.

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.

1917 is directed by Sam Mendes, who wrote the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Showtime’s Penny Dreadful). The film is produced by Mendes and Pippa Harris (co-executive producer, Revolutionary Road; executive producer, Away We Go) for their Neal Street Productions, Jayne-Ann Tenggren (co-producer, The Rhythm Section; associate producer, Spectre), Callum McDougall (executive producer, Mary Poppins Returns,Skyfall) and Brian Oliver (executive producer, Rocketman; Black Swan).

In cinemas January 16, 2020.
www.1917.com.au

This duet marks the first time Elton has been joined on stage by a special guest for a performance since the tour began in September 2018.

Following the worldwide release of ROCKETMAN, the star of ROCKETMAN and the Rocket Man himself joined forces for a duet on one of Elton’s most beloved songs!

ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.

This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. ROCKETMAN also stars Jamie Bell as Elton’s longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as Elton’s first manager, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother Sheila Farebrother.

Click here to read our review of Rocketman – currently screening around the country!
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This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

ROCKETMAN also stars Jamie Bell as Elton’s longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as Elton’s first manager, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother Sheila Farebrother.

Rocketman is currently screening in Australian cinemas – click here to read our review!
www.facebook.com/ParamountPicturesAU

Growing up the only child, Reginald Kenneth Dwight was a shy and awkward young child. With a free spirit mother and physically absent father, only his Grandmother was supportive. He took refuge in music and became very accomplished at a young age.

His early musical endeavours followed a familiar arc, learning the music business from the ground up via a succession of bands and backing gigs. When he started a writing partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, his craft expanded quickly. Their collective work launched John’s popularity into the stratosphere and with great success came great excess.

Filled with great songs and featuring dance number large in scope, Rocketman leans more towards classic musical territory than the current crop of musical biopics. Almost every cast member gets a chance to sing and the dance numbers expand in scope and imagery to match the excess of substance consumption. Not always easy to watch, the film gives a more accurate view than most in its genre.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/ParamountPicturesAU

ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.

This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

ROCKETMAN also stars Jamie Bell as Elton’s longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as Elton’s first manager, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother Sheila Farebrother.

Experience these incredible creations on the big screen in ROCKETMAN, in cinemas MAY 30.

www.facebook.com/ParamountPicturesAU

ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.

This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. ROCKETMAN also stars Jamie Bell as Elton’s longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as Elton’s first manager, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother Sheila Farebrother.

Rocketman is in Australian cinemas May 30!
www.facebook.com/ParamountPicturesAU