Little Women Offical Trailer #1 | In Cinemas Sept 5 | Starring Lea Thompson

This article was originally published by Laura Bennett on 21/8/19 for Hope 103.2.

We may be stuck in a cycle of regurgitated entertainment, but in so many ways Little Women’s modern adaptation is worth it.

Looking back on the 1994 flick, it was quintessential 90s: Winona Ryder led the cast, Clare Danes and Kirsten Dunst were baby-faced sisters, and a young Christian Bale had the middle-part of a Backstreet Boy. The March sisters taught us about the passage from childhood to womanhood, and how to cope with the challenges of love, family and responsibility that followed. Although they were doing it post-Civil War America, Little Women was our adolescent guidebook.

Now, to mark the 25th anniversary of the movie, its story is being brought back to screens. First with this Heritage Films retelling, and then in December with Emma Watson and Meryl Streep’s straight remake.

In bringing Little Women in to the 21st Century, the March sisters still feel the effects of war, with their father serving out of country in the military. Jo is a college graduate trying to get published, and Amy is still her hyper-involved little sister. Meg and Beth are there, but you already know Meg’s kind of an outcast, and Beth is busy playing piano.

Personally I was also pleased to see Ian Bohen (Yellowstone, Teen Wolf) playing Jo’s English professor Freddy. I always found Gabriel Byrne a bit creepy, but Ian is perfectly charming and aloof, while also interested and respectful. I think I have a crush.

“Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical) as Laurie probably helps. He’s not all about the show tunes ya’know.”

That a book written 151 years ago still resonates with audiences today, says a lot about author Louise May Alcott’s perceptive insight into family dynamics and the bond between sisters. She captures the love siblings have for each other, but also the need for space and independence as they grow up.

In a word, Heritage Films' Little Women is delightful. Even though their life is messy and sad at times, you want to sit on the couch with the March sisters and join in on their attic adventures. They remind us that valuing family is important, and you feel like everything will be okay, even when they make you angry.

Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical) as Laurie probably helps, throwing in a little Disney and – surprisingly – some endearing credibility. He’s not all about the show tunes ya’know.

For all you’ll love about Little Women though, it’s worth noting its non-linear approach to the timeline is confusing. The movie switches between the past, present and future continuously. Even with some visual ‘swooshes’ to cut between scenes, I did think the past was the present for a good third of the movie. Suddenly it all made sense when I worked that out.

Also – Jo’s (Sarah Davenport) emotional arc is a little puzzling. Early on she’s painted as the confident family-loving sister. She orchestrates cubbyhouse building and reciting plays, and leads the girls in making pacts to follow their dreams and champion each other on. As she gets older, we know Jo’s writing struggles and her love life gets complicated, but she suddenly gets flighty and aggressive and really mean. Our likeable lead quickly becomes unlikable for no apparent reason—other than stress. Which I guess can do that to a person.

Little Women is great for a girl’s night, and the perfect remedy for rekindling your love for family. If they happen to be *uncharacteristically* annoying right now.

For great films from MOVIES CHANGE PEOPLE head to movieschangepeople.com

Little Women - Hope 103.2 Review

FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS | Official Trailer 2019 [HD]

This article was originally published by Russell Matthews on 28/11/19 for Reel Dialogue.

In modern workplaces, there are methods to develop better work environments by incorporating music into the daily lives of workers. What seems like an original concept has truly been an effective means of developing camaraderie and unity amongst workers for centuries, especially amongst sailors and fisherman. Shanty-style folk songs have provided a rhythm for seafarers to work in unison and to interject a bit of joy into their daily routine. 

Over the decades and into the present, the fishermen of Port Isaac, Cornwall (UK) were known for their fierce loyalty. They had a devotion to their community and for a penchant for traditional shanty-singing. The men sing on the boats as they fish for lobster and on the local dock for the townsfolk on the weekends. It was during one of these performances that a group of music producers happened along to the small seaside village for the celebration of a mate’s wedding. Danny (Daniel Mays) was dared by his friends to get the group of fishermen signed to a deal. Despite being a bit sceptical, he did hear something worth investing in with these ten weather-beaten men and the modern spin on the musicality of yesteryear. 

While working his magic on the record producers to take a punt on this unassuming ‘buoy band,’ the young music executive had to convince the sceptical group of fishermen to consider recording their songs. He had to work to understand the hearts of these men and how to gain their trust, which was not something they gave away quickly. Especially when Danny begins to take a liking to the beautiful daughter of one of the men, he had to determine if he is there to discover new talent or to find love. As this city boy becomes more intertwined with the community, the lobstermen and their families, he begins to find out what truly matters in his life. 

Based on a true story of the discovery and rise to fame of the Fisherman’s Friends, this proves to be a charming musical tale that will reel in audiences from around the world. Framed as an average-person’s feel-good film, this is not a new concept. Yet, it does contain a heart that offers an endearing spin on this familiar style for audiences to enjoy. To think that a band of salt-of-the-earth men could become one of the best-selling musical acts in 2011 proves to be inspirational and motivational for anyone at any stage in life. 

The cast acts as if they are enjoying every minute of this production. Each seems to bask in this ridiculous, but true, premise and enjoy representing real-life people within this community. The majority of the acting talent are some of England’s greatest character actors, proving that they work best within an ensemble. Feeding off the quick wit and jovial nature of their counterparts with enthusiasm and gravitas. These actors manage to show how this group of men value their friendship, families and community over fame and fortune. Even though they did not seem to mind the attention that does come their way. 

Daniel Mays is an unlikely romantic lead. Still, his unassuming manner makes his influence over the villagers and Tuppence Middleton’s (Downton Abbey) character, Alwyn, believable and genuine. The small-town romance became a side benefit and anchor that will pull people into this story. A film that contains compelling characters, heartfelt music and an honest portrayal of the relationships. This surprising musical is one that will capture the hearts of men and women alike with its unassuming charisma.

REEL DIALOGUE: What is the value of a community?  

Fisherman’s Friends capitalises on a beautiful depiction of the value of friends, community and family. Regardless of their season of life, everyone needs others to enjoy being together. Each person within a group offers something different and this shows the reason they are there. Communities change as people travel through life cycles, but this does not diminish their importance. If this film does anything, it might be a challenge to call up a few friends to get together and invest in a gift given to us by God: community.

For more great reviews like this one head to reeldialogue.com

Fisherman's Friends - Reel Dialogue Review

Child Of Grace - Now On iTunes

Originally published for ACCTV on 27 January 2017

Imagine living with someone that you’ve thought to be your father all your life only to find one day that he’s actually your kidnapper!

In this intriguing drama, Katie Johnson (Maggie Elizabeth Jones, We Bought a Zoo) is a nine year old girl who has spent her life travelling in an RV with her (supposed) father John Johnson (Tom Hildreth, Islander). They make a great team. John has taught Katie everything she knows, including how to survive in the wild, and Katie knows how to calm down John’s anger outbursts and nightmares. Spending only short spans of time in each town, John has successfully managed to keep his true identity from her over the years—moving them on before anything can be suspected by the locals.

It is not until the RV breaks down in a small town that Katie notices a missing person’s poster with her photo on it. The girl in the photo is much younger and carries the name Natalie, but the similarities are uncanny and the matching birthmark under her ear is what convinces Katie that something’s not right. A restaurant worker who has befriended Katie also notices the similarities and removes the poster with an interest to know more.

Meanwhile in a little town called Millinocket, a young woman and her parents continue to struggle with the loss of their baby daughter/granddaughter years earlier. Dana Edwards (Emma Myles, Orange is the New Black) is obviously still dealing with the grief of losing of her daughter. As she tries putting her life back together, her faith in God sustains her and her involvement in the church is a good distraction from her painful past. But as new information comes to light, Dana begins reliving a part of her life she thought had been left behind.

Her father, Chief Edwards (Ted Levine, Shutter Island) is the town sheriff and this is one case he is not willing to let grow cold. As he continues to search for Natalie, new leads appear and he is hot on the trail again. When Dana’s missing vehicle is found in the local lake, Edwards fears the worst, but with no body discovered, there is a spark of hope that maybe their little girl may still be alive. He tries to keep as much of his findings from Dana as possible so as not to give her false hope. However, the clues that present themselves are not as straight forward as expected and Chief Edwards is presented with a decision that could potentially rip the family apart.

The mystery within this story is intriguing and you may even find yourself feeling sorry for the kidnapper and thinking, “there must be more to this.” And there is—but it’s probably not what you think.

Maggie Elizabeth Jones is outstanding in her role as Katie Johnson presenting a moving and convincing portrayal of her character—well deserving of her award for best actress at the 2015 Emerge Film Festival.
Be sure to put this on your watch-list and remember—just when you think you’ve solved it, there may just be another twist!

GET IT ON DIGITAL - www.movieschangepeople.com/titles/child-of-grace

Child of Grace - Movie Review

Frozen 2 | Official Trailer 2

This article was originally published by Russell Matthews on 27/11/19 for Reel Dialogue.

Following the cultural phenomenon of Frozen was not going to be easy. It has taken six years and a multitude of speculative considerations of how Disney would back up this groundbreaking film and soundtrack. A smart initial move was to bring back the creative teams behind the original movie with directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the married songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and composer Christophe Beck. Next they needed to determine what to do with the beloved characters of Elsa (Idina Menzel), Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and everyone’s favourite snowman, Olaf (Josh Gad). 

Arendelle has seen relative peace since the last chapter of the orphaned princesses. Elsa has served with her magical powers as the queen of the picturesque community with Princess Anna faithfully serving as the connection with the villagers. They work to maintain tranquillity during the day and enjoy nights in with their friends, until a restlessness begins to grow in Elsa when she hears a call from a distant land. Her drive to leave behind her beloved kingdom comes when mysterious events occur that cause the evacuation of the people. The two sisters are joined by Kristoff, Olaf and Sven the reindeer to search for a legendary land far from the borders of their country. 

Her father and mother had shared of an enchanted forest where the Northuldra people lived in harmony with the four spirits of earth, air, fire and water. They were told that the girl’s grandfather, King Runeard (Jeremy Sisto), had tried to keep peace with this tribe by building a dam to protect their water source. On the day to celebrate this act of unification of these two people, an unexplained battle ensues. This action leads to the death of their grandfather and the Northuldra leader. This action enrages the elemental spirits and they bring down an impregnable fog upon the forest, leaving a shroud of mystery around the wooded area. The foursome must search for the answers to saving Arendelle by entering the forbidden mist without knowing if they will ever return. 

By digging into Arendellian royalty’s past, the innovative team manage to find a rich backstory that opens the door to a new future. The only challenge is that they manage to go back into the storylines of many Disney and animated classics to unpack this journey of sisterhood and magic. There is the spiritual and visual elements reminiscent of Pocahontas and Moana, the artistic stylings and the gecko sidekick from Tangled and the magical and familial aspects of Brave, amongst other nods to past classics. Even though they were grafted together with sufficient precision, this left this chapter with a less than inventive tone. 

The highlights of this instalment rest on the shoulders of Josh Gadd’s performance of Olaf, the advances in animation and the new soundtrack. Due to the darker mood of this outing, the little snowman is expected to provide the humour and the more touching moments. This is complemented by the advancements in animation over the past few years. Even though this has become an expectation of every new Disney production and can be minimised with each further progress in this artistic field. 

Behind the stunning animation, the musical team has delivered singable, even though a less memorable soundtrack. A whole new set of songs that will be on perpetual repeat in every family’s car during the holidays. Giving fans an admirable and magical follow-up to the first snow-bound adventure and a crystal-clear option for mums and dads during the holidays. 

What should parents know about Frozen 2? Disney knows how to deliver films that will provide families with an option to choose during the Christmas holiday season. This one does double down on the spiritual content. Proving that animism (attribution of a living soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena) continues to be all-pervasive at Disney studios. A warning for some parents, but more importantly, an opportunity to talk with your children about their spiritual beliefs. 

Frozen 2 is more mature and sombre than the first. Still, the relationship between the sisters and Olaf do provide heartfelt and humorous elements to keep it from a truly dark path. 

Frozen 2 - Reel Dialogue Review

This article was originally published by Russell Matthews on 5/11/19 for Reel Dialogue.

Last Christmas – Official International Trailer (Universal Pictures) HD

You would think that the romantic-comedy would be a mainstay for production companies, but they have become an endangered species in modern cinema. Some of it can be blamed on Netflix and Hallmark who continue to put out poorly produced and written romances that have jaded audiences to the genre. Another culprit in the mystery to find a quality rom-com could be the films that contain enough mature content or gross-out humour in them that they are less romance then soft porn or another Seth Rogen project.** Then to have a new entry in this market that is written by Academy-Award winning writer/actress Emma Thompson and holding an intriguing message of genuine romance and redemption… could there be hope for the romantic-comedy?

Emilia Clarke comes off of Game of Thrones with a role that seems to suit her persona without any dragons needed. She plays the title role of Kate, a shop-worker who has a penchant for bad choices. As the head-elf at Santa’s (Michelle Yeoh) Yuletide store in London, her life seems to have become an existence of junk food, alcohol and sleeping on whatever friend’s lounge she can find. Then one day a mysterious stranger named Tom (Henry Golding) comes into her life and begins to guide her life out of the downward spiral. 

The young bike courier manages to discover why Kate is on this self-destructive path and encourages her to find a purpose for her life. One way is to reconnect with her imperfect, but loving family. All who are trying to help her through the darkest point in her life. Their relationship grows through their brief meetings and Kate finds herself dependent on Tom’s encouraging influence. She begins the journey to finding her voice and place in the world and even rediscovers her love for her family, but this is when Tom becomes less available and causes her to wonder where he goes when they are not together. 

Even though the story takes time to gain momentum, Last Christmas does become a festive package for all of the romantics of the world. Thompson has written an endearing script that provides enough humour, fantasy, twists and amour to prove that the rom-com is alive and has hope for the future. George Micheal’s songs do manage to complement and add a bit of magic to this festive and endearing film.

Clarke can break free from her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen and show that she can be a vulnerable and capable romantic lead. This bittersweet character allows her to show her whimsical and dramatic abilities alongside one of Hollywood’s up and coming heartthrobs. Henry Golding has managed to springboard off of Crazy Rich Asians and proves he can win the hearts of women the world around. With his second partnership with director Paul Feig who cast him in the long-forgotten A Simple Favour, both men have found a winning combination in this partnership. These strong leads are propped up beautifully with the scene-stealing performance of Emma Thompson. Her take on Kate’s Eastern European mother, Petra, is one of the most memorable of the year. 

After kissing so many frogs, this is a romantic comedy that proves that you can find a princess or prince. Nothing is perfect and this is not destined to be a classic, but it does give hope to this genre. Providing the romantics come out to the cinemas and enjoy a night of holding hands, shedding a few tears and quite a few laughs. A thought that will cause some to gag, but this film is not for the skeptics, but the romantics of the world. 

**Definition of a Seth Rogen project: Films with no taste or everyone was high when they wrote the script or both. Any film that uses masturbation, marijuana and f-bombs for humour. Every Seth Rogen film.

Last Christmas - Reel Dialogue Review

See below to claim your complimentary tickets to see this wonderful film!

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD – International Trailer

Tom Hanks portrays beloved American children’s TV icon, Mister Rogers, in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbour.

Starring Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson and Chris Cooper and directed by Marielle Heller.

Fred Rogers’ children’s educational program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood aired on American television from 1968-2001. After graduating from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Rogers became a Presbyterian minister in 1963 before going on to create the widely-lauded program which aimed to help young children deal with the increasingly complicated issues they faced during that time such as divorce, death, bullying, anger and sadness. His Christian faith informed every interaction with his young audience and those in his real life, and over the years became a central figure of comfort to millions of Americans.

If you live in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, then get along to our free screenings of this beautiful film - December 4, 6:30pm IN ALL LOCATIONS!

Event Cinemas Castle Hill, Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Cnr Old Northern Road & Castle Hill

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Little Women - Hope 103.2 Review

Fisherman's Friends - Reel Dialogue Review

Child of Grace - Movie Review

Frozen 2 - Reel Dialogue Review

Last Christmas - Reel Dialogue Review

Complimentary Tickets for "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"

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