December was our last class for 2020. We took the opportunity to catch up at one of the local cafes. What a treat it was to see faces of our classmates again. We discussed the process we had been following and how much we had enjoyed finding out about a wide range of films. And some of the class had also sent comments about films watched during November.
The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015): This is based on the life and academic career of the pioneer Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. A powerful aspect of this movie lies behind the fact that his theories are still being proven a century after they were first foretold. An enjoyable and interesting film that many could enjoy, rated as 3.5 out of 5.
Warm Springs (Foxtel 2005): This is the story of how President Franklin D Roosevelt struggled with his polio diagnosis in 1921. It is a feel-good movie and rated as 4/5.
The Fastest Indian (2005): It is the true story of New Zealander Bert Munroe, an eccentric motor bike enthusiastic, whose ambition was to go to Bonville Flats, Utah, to take part in a speed record event. How close to the truth it was is debatable! It was an enjoyable film, with a lot of humour, and well-acted by Anthony Hopkins, rated as 3/5.
One of the class also watched several films screened at Wangaratta recently as it re-opened a few weeks earlier than BPACC
‘Never too Late’ is an Australian film about life in aged care! Don’t be dissuaded – I found it a very thoughtful and, at times, a fun (dark comedy) film. My rating 3/5
‘Honest Thief’ with Liam Neeson was a bit unbelievable but it was pacey. In the end, it could have been about 10 minutes shorter. My rating 2.5/5
‘Rams’ is another Australian film and it ventures into many issues, using two feuding brothers as the focal point. It stars Sam Neil and Michael Caton and each are very convincing. My rating 3.5/5
‘Radioactive’ is about the life of Marie Curie, a very curious and driven person. It too could have been about 10-15 minutes shorter. My rating 2.5 – 3/5
‘Misbehaviour’ starring Keira Knightley uses the Miss World Pageant of the 1970s as a backdrop to highlighting women’s (in)equality. It has fun and serious moments and the ending (which shows the real people on whom some characters are based) is quite enlightening. My rating 3.5/5.
‘Let Him Go’ is a thriller starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane. The title is ambiguous, as you may find if you happen to see it. The ending is somewhat gruesome and melodramatic. My rating 3/5.
‘Happiest Season’ is (supposed) to be a light, fun comedy which never took off for me. I debated whether to go, but my desire to see a movie at the theatre was too great! My rating (a generous) 1/5.
In thinking about the films we have watched during 2020, it is interesting that a strong majority have been based in true stories.
We of course hope that in 2021 we will be able to once more meet face to face for a discussion of a film screened at BPACC, which re-opened on 17 December. However, if anyone would like to share some comments about a film they watch over the Christmas break, you are invited to share your comment by sending them to me. You can send me a message on jshirley@internode.on.net. Contributions are due by 13 January for our next “class”.
Our February discussion will be on “The Dry” which opens at BPACC on 14 January with several screening through the rest of January.
The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015): This is based on the life and academic career of the pioneer Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. A powerful aspect of this movie lies behind the fact that his theories are still being proven a century after they were first foretold. An enjoyable and interesting film that many could enjoy, rated as 3.5 out of 5.
Warm Springs (Foxtel 2005): This is the story of how President Franklin D Roosevelt struggled with his polio diagnosis in 1921. It is a feel-good movie and rated as 4/5.
The Fastest Indian (2005): It is the true story of New Zealander Bert Munroe, an eccentric motor bike enthusiastic, whose ambition was to go to Bonville Flats, Utah, to take part in a speed record event. How close to the truth it was is debatable! It was an enjoyable film, with a lot of humour, and well-acted by Anthony Hopkins, rated as 3/5.
One of the class also watched several films screened at Wangaratta recently as it re-opened a few weeks earlier than BPACC
‘Never too Late’ is an Australian film about life in aged care! Don’t be dissuaded – I found it a very thoughtful and, at times, a fun (dark comedy) film. My rating 3/5
‘Honest Thief’ with Liam Neeson was a bit unbelievable but it was pacey. In the end, it could have been about 10 minutes shorter. My rating 2.5/5
‘Rams’ is another Australian film and it ventures into many issues, using two feuding brothers as the focal point. It stars Sam Neil and Michael Caton and each are very convincing. My rating 3.5/5
‘Radioactive’ is about the life of Marie Curie, a very curious and driven person. It too could have been about 10-15 minutes shorter. My rating 2.5 – 3/5
‘Misbehaviour’ starring Keira Knightley uses the Miss World Pageant of the 1970s as a backdrop to highlighting women’s (in)equality. It has fun and serious moments and the ending (which shows the real people on whom some characters are based) is quite enlightening. My rating 3.5/5.
‘Let Him Go’ is a thriller starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane. The title is ambiguous, as you may find if you happen to see it. The ending is somewhat gruesome and melodramatic. My rating 3/5.
‘Happiest Season’ is (supposed) to be a light, fun comedy which never took off for me. I debated whether to go, but my desire to see a movie at the theatre was too great! My rating (a generous) 1/5.
In thinking about the films we have watched during 2020, it is interesting that a strong majority have been based in true stories.
We of course hope that in 2021 we will be able to once more meet face to face for a discussion of a film screened at BPACC, which re-opened on 17 December. However, if anyone would like to share some comments about a film they watch over the Christmas break, you are invited to share your comment by sending them to me. You can send me a message on jshirley@internode.on.net. Contributions are due by 13 January for our next “class”.
Our February discussion will be on “The Dry” which opens at BPACC on 14 January with several screening through the rest of January.
