Just as Marion Cotillard was to La Vie en Rose, Golden Globe-nominated actor Tahar Rahim is to MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR, transforming into the iconic singer-songwriter for this hugely entertaining rise-to-stardom biography of the man who beat all odds to not only become one of France’s best-loved entertainers, but personified French culture to the English-speaking world.

Born in Paris in 1924 as the son of Armenian refugees, Charles Aznavour’s formative years are spent in poverty, but distinguished by his parents’ passion for music and theatre. Ridiculed for his short stature and raspy tenor voice – traits he would in time fully embrace – Aznavour’s early attempts at a showbiz career during the Occupation falter. Whilst a gifted lyricist and storyteller, his material finds more success in the hands of others, including his friend Pierre (Bastien Bouillon), and later the imperious Edith Piaf (a scene-stealing Marie-Julie Baup), who becomes a highly influential mentor and supporter. But by the 1950s, Aznavour finally realises his own ambitions; his empathetic ‘chansons’ about the heartbreaks, confusions and passions of the common man (mining the dramas of his own life) catapult him to global attention.

Led by its star’s astonishing performance and stunning vocal prowess, Mehdi Idir and Grand Corps Malade’s emotional and lavishly-mounted MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR is a true tour de force as intimate as it is spectacular, serving as a triumphant reminder of the power and impact of music. It’s a grand and unmissable cinema experience.
www.palacefilms.com.au/monsieur-aznavour

As the story continues and adds players Sydney Sweeney as Julia Cornwall, Isabela Merced as Anya Corazon and Celeste O’Connor as Mattie Franklin, it becomes more conventual and far less edgy. Keeping the theatregoer off balance is a solid technique and should have been used longer.

As the conventions collect and become dominant, so too does the reliance on special effects. With this much girl power, it seems they should have given these ladies a bigger canvas to paint on. There were many directions and backstories that could have been included to enhance the proceedings.

By the film’s end, it becomes a bit too influenced by the Marvel ethos of having to end with a big bang. This level of bombast while interesting on the surface deprives one of a more engaging experience as these characters could have been expanded into something grand. The excitement is there, just not enough story to go with it.
Rob Hudson
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“Meanwhile, in another universe…” In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing’s most enigmatic heroines.

The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities.

Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures… if they can all survive a deadly present.

Starring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott – Madame Web will be released in Aussie cinemas February 14!
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Scott and writer David Scarpa have chosen to focus more on the relationship between Napoleon (Joaquin Phoenix) and his wife Josephine (Vanessa Kirby). Theirs was a dysfunctional union not helped in the least by the temper of the times and Napoleon’s odd nature and habits. Scott’s forcefulness with action sequences is also reduced and this seems an odd choice.

One battle scene however is very effective and it is based on what is generally considered one of his greatest victories called the Battle of Austerlitz. The visuals are stunning and the carnage overwhelming and even though great artistic license was taken with the facts, it’s still the high point of the film action-wise. Elsewhere the colours and actions of the hostilities are strangely muted.

There are so many contradictory views and opinions about the life and times of Napoleon Bonaparte that it would be impossible to do more than scratch the surface with a normal-length film. Focusing on limited aspects of his life may make sense on paper but up on the big screen the lack of engagement engendered by this approach is slightly maddening and does a disservice to one of history’s great eccentrics.
Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesAUS/

In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing’s most enigmatic heroines.

The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures… if they can all survive a deadly present.

Starring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott, Madame Web will be released in Aussie cinemas February 14, 2024!
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Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

Napoleon will be released in Australian cinemas November 23!
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Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the chequered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar®-winner Joaquin Phoenix.

Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

Napoleon will be released in Australian Cinemas November 23!
www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesAUS/

Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar®-winner Joaquin Phoenix.

Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

From acclaimed director Ridley Scott, Napoleon is exclusively in cinemas November 23.
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