Get ready for a cinematic adventure on Boxing Day in Australia! This year's film lineup promises an exciting mix of genres and stories, catering to diverse tastes and offering something for everyone. From thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming family films, it's a day of cinematic treats. But here's the catch: not all films are created equal, and some might just leave you scratching your head. Let's dive into the best and worst of what's on offer, shall we?
Urchin: A Raw and Real Portrait of Homelessness
★★★★
Urchin, the directorial debut of Harris Dickinson, is a powerful and unflinching character study that paints a raw portrait of homelessness. The film opens with a jarring scene, introducing us to protagonist Mike, played by Frank Dillane, who wakes up by the roadside to the ranting of a street preacher. It's a stark and honest depiction of an often-overlooked undercurrent of British society, reminiscent of Ralph McTell's iconic song, "Streets of London."
As the story unfolds, you might wonder if this is a tale of redemption or a fresh start. But Urchin defies easy categorization, offering a nuanced and empathetic drama. Despite Mike's moments of cruelty and self-sabotage, the film and Dillane's exceptional performance refuse to play the pity card. It's a powerful reminder that starting anew is possible, but it's rarely a straightforward journey.
My Brother's Band: A Moving French Film with a Musical Twist
★★★★
My Brother's Band, or The Marching Band as it's known overseas, is a delightful and accessible French film that will leave you wanting more. It tells the story of a conductor, Thibaut, played by Benjamin Lavernhe, who discovers he's adopted and sets out to find his biological brother, Jimmy, portrayed by Pierre Lottin. Jimmy is a talented trombonist in a community marching band.
While the film could easily veer into mawkish territory, director Emmanuel Courcol skillfully maintains a balanced and engaging narrative. It's a feel-good, bittersweet tale that explores the beauty of both high and low art forms without preaching about the importance of All Art Matters. The characters are well-drawn, and the performances are appealing, making this a must-watch for those seeking a tender and thoughtful cinematic experience.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants - A Wet and Wild Adventure
★★★
SpongeBob SquarePants, the beloved bug-eyed sponge, returns in the latest installment of his expanding movie franchise. With its brisk pace, vibrant color palettes, and a unique blend of live action and animation, this film continues the franchise's legacy. The story takes us on an underwater road trip, where our yellow hero ventures into a dark, Halloween-inspired part of the ocean, determined to become a "big guy" and tap into his "intestinal fortitude." It's a fun and energetic adventure that will delight fans of all ages.
Sentimental Value: A Drifty Drama with Interesting Ideas
★★★
Sentimental Value explores the complex relationship between a dancer, Nora (Renate Reinsve), and her film-maker father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård). The film presents some intriguing ideas about the father-daughter dynamic, with the family home described as a sentient being in an introductory scene. However, while the performances are commendable, the film lacks shape and momentum, leaving the metaphorical weight of the house somewhat unresolved. Director Joachim Trier focuses on the fractures in the relationship between the leads, but the back half of the film feels somewhat unfocused and meandering.
Rental Family: A Missed Opportunity for Depth
★★
Rental Family, starring Brendan Fraser, starts off with a promising premise. Fraser plays Phillip Vanderploeg, an American actor in Japan who takes on a unique job as the "token white guy" for a company that provides actors to pose as family members for strangers. The film had the potential to explore profound themes of social isolation and human connection, but it falls short. Director Hikari fails to capitalize on these opportunities, resulting in a shallow performance and a film that descends into cheesiness and sentimentality.
Anaconda: The Oddball Blockbuster
Anaconda, this year's big Hollywood blockbuster, is an intriguing oddity. It's a meta action-comedy connected to the 1997 creature feature of the same name, starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd as indie filmmakers heading to the Amazon to remake the original. It's described as a blend of a reboot, reimagining, and spiritual sequel, leaving us curious about this unique take on the classic.
The Housemaid: A Psycho-Suspense Thriller
Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried lead this Paul Feig-directed adaptation of the bestselling novel, The Housemaid. Compared to lurid 90s thrillers, the film follows the titular character, Millie (Sweeney), who discovers a web of secrets within the well-to-do Winchester family. With four stars from The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw, who calls it an "enjoyably outrageous psycho-suspense thriller," this film is a must-see for fans of the genre.
So, there you have it! A mix of cinematic delights and potential misses. Which films will you be rushing to see this Boxing Day? And which ones might you give a miss? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on these diverse offerings!
