We discussed several films this month. These were watched variously at Benalla, Swanpool, or on a streaming service -
Maria: Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity. Angelina Jolie did a good job portraying Maria. The film was well structured with some interesting relationships. It was rated as 3/5.
Widow Clicquot: After her husband's untimely death, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together. One more member of the class saw this film during the month. Her reaction to the film was different from other members who had previously seen the film. She felt the relationship of the widow with her husband was underplayed. Also, information about what happened with the daughter was not provided. The scenery was good. It was rated this time as 2/5.
Anora: This film won several Academy Awards. It was re-screened at Benalla as “After Credits Convo” – re-screening of a film people may have missed, with an opportunity after the film to discuss reactions. One member of the class was able to attend to see why it had won so many awards. Her reaction was muted. Could see some good things, but with some things overplayed. It did not gloss over things. Some reviews had suggested it as a “Cinderella story”. This was not the case as there was no real happy ending. It was rated as 3/5 being not thought as good as some other films that missed out.
The Monkey: When twin brothers Bill and Hal find their father's old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths start. This as seen as a terrible and weird film. There was not much of a plot with a lot of killing and blood everywhere. The twins had very different personalities, and Theo James, who played both roles, did a good job showing the differences. It was rated as 1/5.
Black Bag: When intelligence agent Kathryn is suspected of betraying the nation her husband is tasked to find the truth. There were lots of cliches with all characters (all agents) portrayed as killers and liars. The film was well produced. It was a complex plot with some confusion for the viewer. Perhaps it is a film to see more than once to fully understand all the twists and turns. Ratings averaged out as around 3.5/5.
A Working Man: Levon Cade left his profession behind to work in construction. When a local girl vanishes, he is asked to return to his skills in the world of counterterrorism. It was a one-man show with over-the-top constant action. The acting was not always good, with stereotypical characters. It was rated as 2/5
Other films watched were Snow White, rated 3/5; Dogman, rated 2.5/5; and A Minecraft Movie, rated 3/5. All these were aimed a younger audience but can also be entertaining for adults.
Joy Shirley
Maria: Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity. Angelina Jolie did a good job portraying Maria. The film was well structured with some interesting relationships. It was rated as 3/5.
Widow Clicquot: After her husband's untimely death, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together. One more member of the class saw this film during the month. Her reaction to the film was different from other members who had previously seen the film. She felt the relationship of the widow with her husband was underplayed. Also, information about what happened with the daughter was not provided. The scenery was good. It was rated this time as 2/5.
Anora: This film won several Academy Awards. It was re-screened at Benalla as “After Credits Convo” – re-screening of a film people may have missed, with an opportunity after the film to discuss reactions. One member of the class was able to attend to see why it had won so many awards. Her reaction was muted. Could see some good things, but with some things overplayed. It did not gloss over things. Some reviews had suggested it as a “Cinderella story”. This was not the case as there was no real happy ending. It was rated as 3/5 being not thought as good as some other films that missed out.
The Monkey: When twin brothers Bill and Hal find their father's old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths start. This as seen as a terrible and weird film. There was not much of a plot with a lot of killing and blood everywhere. The twins had very different personalities, and Theo James, who played both roles, did a good job showing the differences. It was rated as 1/5.
Black Bag: When intelligence agent Kathryn is suspected of betraying the nation her husband is tasked to find the truth. There were lots of cliches with all characters (all agents) portrayed as killers and liars. The film was well produced. It was a complex plot with some confusion for the viewer. Perhaps it is a film to see more than once to fully understand all the twists and turns. Ratings averaged out as around 3.5/5.
A Working Man: Levon Cade left his profession behind to work in construction. When a local girl vanishes, he is asked to return to his skills in the world of counterterrorism. It was a one-man show with over-the-top constant action. The acting was not always good, with stereotypical characters. It was rated as 2/5
Other films watched were Snow White, rated 3/5; Dogman, rated 2.5/5; and A Minecraft Movie, rated 3/5. All these were aimed a younger audience but can also be entertaining for adults.
Joy Shirley
