The Three Musketeers touches on the timeless themes of integrity, a sense of duty and brotherhood but also includes kick-ass sword fights and more than its fair share of damsels in distress. With this new (2023) take on the classic, The Three Musketeers – Part I: D’Artagnan and Part 2: Milady, it’s fitting to be shepherded by French director and second-generation movie man Martin Bourboulon.

These two films were major productions in France and as such feature extravagant budgets and large casts with big stars. In keeping with its country of origin, the accuracy of its look is paramount and Bourboulon and cinematographer Nicolas Bolduc were unafraid to set the action in dark and dangerous surroundings. They have created a world best seen in a very dark room so you can revel in the minute detail. It is also unsentimental when dispatching some of its main characters.

Having never had an issue with sub-titles, it must be noted that this is a work that was made for many markets in the world and as such the act of reading to keep up is very easy as the screen is never overcrowded with text. The emotional content is also very apparent by the actor’s skill. Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, this level of entertainment demands the viewing of its sister part two Milady, which will be released in Aussie cinemas June 6!
Rob Hudson
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Many find his directorial abilities are best served when using others’ concepts as a wellspring. The depth and detail of this tale allows Shyamalan to make some pointed observations on topics such as the cutthroat nature of a certain huge industry and the expected entitlements of the wealthy.

The supernatural elements afoot are contrasted nicely by how idyllic the settings are. The beautiful beaches and lush scenery lull you into a gentle calm before things turn nasty. As the tension ramps up so do the horror elements. There are a number of effective scenes that cement the escalating sense of dread and the human element helps fuels that danger.

The film’s big reveal, while not completely unexpected still ends things on a satisfying note, which can be an issue with many works in this genre. Looking back on what has driven the story to this point provides deeper levels of entertainment. Might make you stay away from secluded beaches for a while though.

Rob Hudson
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The film stars an impressive international cast including Golden Globe winner Gael García Bernal (Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle), Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread), Rufus Sewell (Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle), Ken Leung (Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Jupiter Ascending), Abbey Lee (HBO’s Lovecraft Country), Aaron Pierre (Syfy’s Krypton), Alex Wolff (Hereditary), Embeth Davidtz (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Eliza Scanlen (Babyteeth, Little Women), Emun Elliott (Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens), Kathleen Chalfant (Showtime’s The Affair) and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit).

Old is a Blinding Edge Pictures production, directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, from his screenplay based on the graphic novel Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Lévy and Frederik Peeters. The film is also produced by Ashwin Rajan (Glass, AppleTV+’s Servant) and Marc Bienstock (Glass, Split). The film’s executive producer is Steven Schneider.

Old will be released in Australian cinemas July 22!
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Van Meegeren profited greatly from selling Johannes Vermeer paintings to high-ranking German officials during the war. After hostilities ended he was charged with selling Dutch cultural property to the Nazis and faced a possible death sentence. During the trial, he used the defense that he actually forged the paintings and thus was able to avoid capital punishment.

Starting as an investigative yarn, the film features Danish actor Claes Bang playing Captain Joseph Piller, who is tasked with ferreting out war profiteers and collaborators in Holland. The film switches gear midway through and turns into a courtroom drama and gives Pearce the chance to preen with abandon. Van Meegeren is now considered to be one of history’s greatest forgers.

The film takes great artist license (pun intended) with the actual story and Van Meegeren’s life is even more interesting than the one presented on screen. Although his forgery defense was successful at avoiding the firing squad he was still convicted of falsification and fraud charges but died of a heart attack before he had to serve his one-year sentence. In all, he duped buyers out of the equivalent of almost a quarter of a billion dollars in today’s money.

Rob Hudson
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Despite mounting evidence, Piller becomes increasingly convinced of Han’s innocence and finds himself in the unlikely position of fighting to save the life of the colourful man with a mysterious past. The film also features Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread).

The Last Vermeer will be released in Australian cinemas March 25!
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Daniel Day-Lewis in his reportedly last ever role, goes out in fine style with an incredibly nuanced performance that also floods you with different emotions. One minute you see this dressmaker’s genius, then the next all his flaws come flooding out.

Those that live in this rarified world of money and fashion (even in the fifties) have a aura of unreality that suits this story well. Daniel Day-Lewis’ character Reynolds Woodcock is so far removed from the lives of the average man that it never really strikes him the absurdity of having so many people to look after his every whim.

The film’s sumptuous look and finely detailed script put the onus on the viewer to dig deep to get the most out of the experience. Things are told with subtlety and require attention. Also to be commended is Jonny Greenwood’s outstanding film score that also comes way out of left field considering his day job as the guitarist in Radiohead.

Rob Hudson
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Set in the glamour of 1950’s post-war London, renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) are at the center of British fashion, dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutants and dames with the distinct style of The House of Woodcock.

Women come and go through Woodcock’s life, providing the confirmed bachelor with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across a young, strong-willed woman, Alma (Vicky Krieps), who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover. Once controlled and planned, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love.

Phantom Thread is in cinemas February 1!
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To enter this great competition just fill in the entry form below. Please note – these tickets are for a specific screening only and can not be exchanged or refunded. The winners will need to be available on January 29 at 6:30pm in Brisbane to be able to attend this screening at New Farm Cinemas.

Competition will be drawn 23 January 2018, winners will be notified by email.