Latest reviews

The Runaways (2010)
Expectation is a real killer! I had high hopes for this and it couldn't really meet them, but it is still despite its directoral flaws a rocking film about a really interesting time, starring some talented women. Just don't ask for too much emotional depth with your rock.

The Sleeping Beauty of East Finchley (2010)
A 50-minute, low-key exploration of two middle aged women; one discovering her life and sexuality and one discovering love again after years of grief. It's not overly commercial, but it's beautiful and romantic. The British do have a marvellous talent for doing slower, more poignant films well.

The Kids Are All Right (2010)
<Review spoiler warning> The fact that this film has both polarised the gay community and shocked the straight world with its incredibly normal look at lesbian family life, means it is a must-watch not just for lesbians but for everyone. Is this our Brokeback Mountain? Maybe not, but it's worth the ticket price for Annette Bening's masterful performance alone. Leave your pre-conceptions at the door, have an open mind, and then love it or hate it.

Classic Film Spotlight

Love and Other Catastrophes (1996)
I'm so disappointed how few people outside Australia have seen this film. Recently I've found myself recommending it again as a beautiful example of what a great script, some young actors and no money can achieve. It took Cannes by storm, it made stars out of its leads (Radha Mitchell and Frances O'Connor) and remains one of my favourite Australian films of all time. Find it and watch it.