Our film for discussion this month was “Polite Society”.  This was promoted as a comedy action film.  Ria Khan believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting her friends' help, she attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.  Members of the class had seen other films during the month.

“Polite Society”: many of the class found this a ridiculous film.  The storyline was unbelievable, but the action might appeal to teenagers.  There was some discussion around depiction of stereotypes and whether showing a young girl trying to act out of the stereotypes is good or bad – does this reinforce stereotypes as a result?  Most commented positively about the costuming, colour and photography.  A strong positive was an underlying message to not give up on your dreams.  Ratings ranged between 0.5/5 and 4/5, averaging as a round 2/5.

“80 for Brady” is a comedy about a group of friends (all seniors) achieving their life-long mission to go to the Super Bowl and meet NFL superstar Tom Brady.  It is a bit American, but has some great underlying messages around sexism, ageism and friendship.  Not an award winner, but a bit of fun rated around 2-3/5.

“Love Again” is a romantic comedy about a young woman trying to overcome the grief of her boyfriend’s death.  She sends texts to his old mobile number which has been reassigned.  It is a light, feel good movies as the young woman meets the man who had been given the mobile number. It is a film with some realistic aspects around grief, but with a happy ending.  Ratings from 2.5/5 to 4/5.

“Limbo” is not an easy film to watch.  A jaded detective arrives in an outback town to investigate the murder of teenage indigenous girl 20 years earlier.  It is filmed in black and white which does help create the atmosphere.  Relationships between the indigenous population and the police is the major theme of the film.  The murder is not overtly solved, with just an implication as to what might have happened as the detective is called back home.  There is no ending to the story, which relates to there being no satisfactory ending to solving the murder.  An excellent film, but not for everyone.

“John Farnham: Finding the Voice”, a documentary on the life of John Farnham.  This consisted of old footage plus interviews with current people.  It gave a good view of his struggles to be recognised for more than “Sadie the Cleaning Lady’ as well as his close relationship with his manager, Glenn Wheatley.  Recommended viewing.

After looking at the June program, we decided a good option for our discussion in July (12 July) would be the live performance 'The Drowsy Chaperone' by the Benalla Theatre Company.  This was to support our local theatre company, as well as the reduced number of film screenings.  For anyone attending one of the films during the month we will also make time to discuss any at the class.

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​Joy Shirley

We had no specific film to discuss this month.  Instead class members talked about a film they had watched during the month.  When more than one person had seen the same film, this added to the depth of the discussion.

“Living” is a drama, starring Bill Nighy.  In 1950s London, a humourless bureaucrat decides to take time off work to experience life after receiving a grim diagnosis. 

Everyone who had seen the film found it excellent and worth seeing.  Bill Nighy came across as living the part, not just acting.  There is more dialogue than acting.  The film gives a good impression of London in the 1950s.  One of the other characters, Aimee (played by Margaret Harris), came across as charming and pleasant.  Her role was as an ordinary young girl and which was appreciated.

One member of the class was able to catch up with “Fabelmans” which had been screened last year.  It is a well-made film, with a useful message for teens – you can do this.

“Allelujah” is a drama, set in the geriatric ward in a small Yorkshire hospital threatened with closure.  Some believe it a little confronting for an older demographic.  The story has a bit of a twist towards the end.  Jennifer Saunders takes on a much more serious role than she is often known for and plays a major character in the storyline.  Others include Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench.

Performances were good, and it was an interesting depiction of an aging hospital.  It is unclear as to when it is set, although after the closure of the hospital, one of the characters is seen in a more modern setting during the COVID period.

“Fisherman’s Friends 2: One and All” is a comedy and drama. Following the success of their first album, the Fisherman's Friends struggle to adjust to their new-found fame and work towards a second album.  It was a good entertaining film, with some great singing.

Finally, “80 for Brady” is a comedy that will screen at BPACC at the end of May and early June.  It is light entertainment with some relevant messages.  Stars are Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, so it cannot be all bad.

There are several films members of the class are interested in during May.  These include “AIR”, the story of the development by Nike of the Air Jordan brand; “John Farnham: Finding the Voice”, a documentary; and “Polite Society”, a comedy about Ria Khan who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. 

Our focus for our June class will be “Polite Society”, although we will also discuss any other films watched by members of the class.

Joy Shirley
​May 2023