One Battle After Another: When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue one of their own's daughter.  Stars included Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn.  It was promoted as a dark comedy and political thriller.  It certainly had some comedic moments with lots of action.  The female star, Teyana Taylor, was excellent as the daughter.  It is a long film, but the constant action meant it did not drag.  This was rated as 3.0/5.

The Travellers: Stephen Seary, a stage designer, returns to Australia to say goodbye to his dying mother. A quick trip descends into drama and funny moments as he juggles family tension, past lovers, and returning to Europe for an opera contract.  The main characters are played by Bryan Brown, Susie Porter and Luke Bracey.  It was in general a pleasant film, with a feel-good ending.  There was an underlying message around the arts and possible conflict between those involved in the arts and those who have no interest or understanding.  It was rated as between 3.0 and 3.5/5.

Regretting You: The film centres on the strained relationship between young mother Morgan Grant and her teenage daughter Clara, exacerbated by Morgan's husband Chris's tragic death, that forces them to navigate life's challenges together.  Stars are Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco.  It is promoted as a romantic drama.  Based on a book, the dramatization was disappointing lacking the depth that could have made it a great film.  This was rated as 2.5/5.
 
This month also included the Benalla Short Film Festival.  Standouts were an international film from Iran (Pomegranate) and comedic look at the dangers in the Australian bush (Koala-fied to Survive).  Pomegranate was around a young boy whose mother is in prison for poisoning his father.  Koala-fied focussed on pointing out that many of the tourist fears around the dangerous animals in Australia overlook the dangers of sun, lack of water and falling tree limbs.  It is certainly worth attending when screened in Swanpool.
 
Two series recommended for viewing are Berlin Station (on SBS OnDemand) and Portrait Artist of the Year (ABC iView).

​Joy Shirley

There were some good films this month that are recommended for viewing.  These included Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and Kangaroo.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale: This is a period drama, and as usual done well by the British.  For people who had not seen any previous episodes of “Downton Abbey”, it was easy to follow the story.  Set in 1930’s the costuming was superb. The film captured London town at the height of the traditional “season" when all the wealthy headed to their city house.  There is a variety of characters - all acted well.  It was obvious that the actors enjoyed themselves as the major characters were all still playing the same roles.  One of the outstanding characters in the television series and earlier films was the late Maggie Smith, and they included cameos of her at the end of the film and occasional glimpses of paintings.  The plot wound up the stories of the key players very well.  This was rated as 3.5/5.

Kangaroo: This is an excellent movie, inspired by the work of Chris 'Brolga' Barns caring for injured kangaroos.  It is a tale of a self-centred TV presenter stranded in a small town near Alice Springs.  He is transformed through having to relate to the townspeople and a young girl and her mother, grieving the loss of their father/husband.  There are many cultural references around respect and care for the land and an insight into Aboriginal spirituality.  It is a family movie, suiting children and adults.  It was beautifully filmed to show off the magnificent outback.  There was a good balance of humour and drama, with a positive message of what is important in life.  Lily Whiteley, the young indigenous actor has a bright future ahead of her.  Deborah Mailman was excellent as usual.  It was rated as 3.5/5.

The Roses: Starting out as the ideal couple, Ivy (Olivia Coleman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbach) were madly in love, had successful careers as a chef and architect, a great marriage and two lovely children. Throughout the movie, it all disintegrated.  The film was quite dark at times but also had many comical moments in true British humour style.  The two leads seemed to be enjoying their roles and acting was effortless.  Supporting actors provided a good balance.  Beautiful scenery and loved the music.  A criticism was too much swearing.  A lot of fun.  This was rated as 4.0/5.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: This movie may not be for everyone.  There are elements of fantasy used as a mechanism for two young people revisiting their past experiences, coming to terms with impacts on their lives.  On a cross-country trip, they come to various doors standing in the middle of nowhere.  Walking through the door leads to reliving the experiences.  It could be worthwhile concentrating on the soundtrack as there were times when the songs related to the experience of the young couple.  This was rated a 3.5/5.

One of our members attended the Korean Film Festival screened in Benalla over the weekend of 13/14 September.  The two films seen were well received, with ratings of 3.5/5 and 4.0/5.  Keep an eye out for the 2026 Korean Film Festival if we are lucky enough to screen it in Benalla.

There were also two screenings of the Andre Rieu's 2025 Maastricht Concert: Waltz the Night Away!.  These are generally well received so two screenings were arranged as requested by the Benalla community.  Look out for his Christmas concert in December.


Joy Shirley

It was good to be back in routine for our August class.

Films discussed this month are:

Materialist: A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.  This was expected to be an American Rom-com, but it was not how it turned out.  There were some humorous moments, but it was more a depiction of the life of rich and privileged in New York society, treating marriage as a transaction.  The acting was variable with characters underdeveloped.  It did provide an insight into a different world.  It was rated it as 3/5.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps: A Marvel action movie.  Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.  A bit slow in places, but the main message was around preserving family.  This was rated as 2.5/5.

Four Letters of Love: Based on Niall Williams' best-selling novel. Nicholas and Isabel were made for each other, but how will they ever know it? As ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull them together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart.  Some excellent cinematography as well as a picture of the life on an island off the west coast of Ireland.  The ghost is not a spectre haunting, rather a deceased father assisting his son.  There are some big names (Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter), but it is more about the life of Nicholas and Isabel, played by Fionn O'Shea and Ann Skelly.  This was rated as 3.5/5

Small Things Like These: In 1985 devoted father Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers shocking truths of his own.  It was slow paced, which suited the story. It shows a dark and bleak Ireland, using atmospheric cinematography.  The acting was brilliant, with powerful performances relying on facial expressions and body language rather than dialogue. This was rated as 4/5.

Wilding: This is a documentary around a dying landscape that is healed against all odds, going on to thrive in astonishing ways.  It showed how a young couple encourage the landscape back to its original glory.  This was rated as 4/5.

Salt Path: A couple lose their home and later discover the husband has been diagnosed with a terminal illness as they embark on a year-long coastal trek around Devon and Cornwall.  It is based on the book written by the wife of the trials and healing along the way.  One class member was disappointed that there was not enough of the scenery, with the focus more on the couple and their interactions with others along the way.  Still, the film was rated as 4/5.
 
Coming soon are the final “Downton Abbey” (early September) and “Mr Burton”, a biopic around the life of Richard Burton (28 August).


​Joy Shirley

There was no class this month as most class members were not able to attend.  However, there were some films recommended for viewing.  These are “Small Things Like These” and “The Salt Path”.  There were also some environmental documentary films screened in Benalla and Swanpool.  These included “Wilding” and “Oceans”.
 
There will be no class again in July, with classes recommencing in August.

Joy Shirley​

Not many films were viewed this month.  There are a couple of films still screening in May that are of interest.

Films discussed this month are:

Penguin Lessons: In 1976, as Argentina descends into violence and chaos, a world-weary English teacher regains his compassion for others thanks to an unlikely friendship with a rescued penguin.  For all it covers the Argentinian issues and related chaos and violence, this is pretty much a gentle film about relationships and how they can help mental problems.  There is some good character development and contrasts.  It made for pleasant watching with moments of tension and humour.  We rated it as 3.5/5.

The Correspondent: Award-winning journalist Peter Greste reports on the Arab Spring uprising, becoming entangled in a deadly game of rivalries. Imprisoned for seven years despite his innocence, he survives before release in 2015.  Peter Greste was played by Richard Roxburgh whose performance was excellent.  A sign of a good performance is when you are not constantly seeing the actor’s character from previous films or series.  In “The Correspondent” there was no sign of any earlier characters played by Roxburgh.  From a historical perspective, there were some interesting insights as to what was being played out that were not evident to the public at the time.  It did though at times seem a bit flat.  This was rated as 2.5/5.

Sinners: Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.  The twins were played Michael B Jordan, who did well showing the different characters of each of the twins.  It was a vampire film but also showed 1930s issues around Southern black culture.  It blended music, vampire attacks, comedy, but most of all music.  Music was a main point of the film and possibly made the film.  A good film when looking at things like performance, screenplay, even script, all brought together around music, but could not be considered a fun or pleasant film.  This was rated as 3.5/5

Some police series screening on television services are “Sherwood”, “Bergerac” and “Chelsea Detective”.  “Sherwood” and “Chelsea Detective” are in many ways similar, but contrast as to the communities involved.  One was of a poor working class area with many unemployed; the other was set in a more upper class environment.  “Bergerac” is in some ways a remake of a police series set on Jersey, but so far the Bergerac character is very different, and his colleagues find him difficult to work with.

A film coming soon is “The Salt Path”.  It is a biographical drama based on the experience of a married couple.  After receiving a bad health diagnosis and left homeless after legal problems, they embark on the 630-mile (1,010 km) South West Coast Path, the longest uninterrupted path in England, around the coast of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset.

Please note - the Film Discussion Group class will not be running in June and July.

Joy Shirley
​May 2025

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

​There were two films screened at the Benalla Cinema this month that were highly recommended:

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy: Bridget Jones navigates life as a widow and single mom with the help of her family, friends, and former lover, Daniel. Back to work, she's pursued by a younger man and maybe - just maybe - her son's science teacher.  It is not an action film but does close off the Bridget Jones stories.  She is the same loveable mess, but with many more mature moments.  It is a light enjoyable film with some good laughs with some emotional scenes that make the film.        We rated it as 3.0/5.

​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. Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionises the champagne industry to become one of the world's first great businesswomen.  The cinematography, costuming, mood lighting, and atmosphere were excellent, with the story moving between Barbe Clicquot as a young wife and her life as a widow.  It is set in the time of Napolean and the strictures placed on women – they were not supposed to run a business.  Certainly worth watching as good cinema and interesting history.  This was rated as 4.0/5.

If either of these films are screened ether locally or on a streaming service, they are worth watching.
 
Other films watched either at the cinema or via a streaming service included:

September 5: the story of how the sports media covered the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage situation.  It is told from the perspective of the media, so did not cover hostage negotiations. Rated as 3.0/5.

Mickey 17: Mickey 17 is and “expendable”.  He is used for experimental purposes, and each time he dies, they use 3D printing to recreate him – hence Mickey 17.  Some interesting political and ethical topics are raised, along with issues around greed and desire.  Rated as 3.0/5, mainly because of the ethical and political topics.

Rogue Heroes (SBS OnDemand series): British series looking at the mistakes made by the British Command during WWII, and how one man came up with a new strategy to fight the war.  There are two series, but it was thought the first series was best.


​Joy Shirley

​A new year and new films to discuss.  We spent time talking about what type of films we enjoy.  This was varied, but the least popular was Science Fiction.  There were a few films that stood out either as worth seeing or not recommended.

Conclave: When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, he finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church.  An interesting film that gave a picture of the process for electing a new pope.  It also showed there are no organisations clear of factions and politics.  Ther were scenes that showed the differences in the roles of the nuns compared to that of the cardinals brought together for the election of the new pope.  Good performances and interesting settings.      We rated it as 4.5/5.

We Live in Time: A talented chef and a recent divorcée fall in love and build the home and family they've always dreamed of, until a painful truth puts their love story to the test.  They met when he is knocked over by Almut crossing the road.  She is the chef and has won competitions.  When she is diagnosed with a return of cancer, she wants to enter the top European competition before she dies.  The end is quite poignant with a more gentle coverage of her departure rather than the traditional bed side farewell.    This was rated as 3.5/5.

Another film discussed was not rated very highly

Companion: Two couples visit the property of a Russian billionaire along with his mistress.  His death sets off a chain of events for Iris and her friends during the weekend trip to his lakeside estate.  It appears during the film that Iris and Patrick are in fact robots whose personality, actions and memories can be controlled by a phone app.  During the film everyone is killed except for Iris.  Sophie Thatcher as Iris does a good job of mixing robotic and human actions and emotions.  Otherwise, a film that may be more for people interested in the technologies of robotics and Artificial Intelligence.    This was rated as 2.5/5.


​Joy Shirley

​It was a short class this month with some members away, and only two films discussed.

The Critic: A powerful London theatre critic becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder. Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellan) is a gay theatre critic for the Daily Chronicle, which is undergoing drastic changes since its leader passed away, giving the reigns to the son. Worried about the old guard being fired, Jimmy does everything he can to keep his job. The film was dark but had some very good performances.  Ian McKellen’s performance was flamboyant and over the top but suited the character he played.  It would rate around 3.5/5.

Venom: The Last Dance: Eddie and Venom, on the run, face pursuit from both worlds. As circumstances tighten, they're compelled to make a heart-wrenching choice that could mark the end of their symbiotic partnership.  This was a little slow, and not very memorable.  It took reading some of the reviews to remember the film sufficiently to comment.  It would rate around 2.5/5.

We missed the Shorts Film Festival, but will keep an eye open for repeat screening/s.  It is often screened at Swanpool.

A December class had been scheduled, but we have decided to cancel with people becoming busy as Christmas approaches.


Joy Shirley

Many of the films screened locally over the last month did not appeal to many, although some did challenge themselves with a film from different genre.  The films we discussed were:

Blink Twice: It appears to have been cheaply produced with only a few different settings.  The acting was barely credible.  Basically pointless American trash.  This was rated as around 1/5.

It Ends with Us: This was about a young lady’s attempt to escape her traumatic childhood with an abusive father.  After marrying she starts to see another side of her husband who reminds her of her parents’ relationship.  At the end when she has just given birth to their daughter, she tells him she wants a divorce.  When he pleads to give him another chance, she asks him a poignant question, listing the way he had abused her and what he would say to their daughter if she was treated the same way.  He realises that he would tell his daughter to leave her partner and that is just what his wife had to do.  This is possibly the best scene of the film.   This was rated as 3.5/5.

Alien: Romulus: This was presented as a sequel to the 1970’s film.  Yes, there were some rather nasty aliens, but in many ways it was another space saga.   Rated as 2.0/5.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: This was a type of “Rocky Horror Show” genre film.  It was true to the 70’s humour and narrative type.  The narrative held together well.  Only one person had seen the film and it was rated it as around 1.5/5.

Thelma: This was the pick of the films viewed this month, light and funny slapdash humour.  It is around an elderly widow who is scammed of $10,000.  She sets off to find the scammers and get her money back.  In doing so themes relating to older years are covered – care, loneliness, and the loss of their friends and partners.  Perhaps the strongest part of the film was around relationships and friendships, as well as acknowledging issues of growing older.    We rated it as around 4/5.

​

​Joy Shirley

We discussed films watched over the last two months, both at the cinema and online.  Those watched at the cinema were:
 
Garfield Movie: This was colourful and well produced.  The story was quite complex, covering issues around revenge, friendship and family that were perhaps not for children under 5 years old.  We rated as around 3/5.

Inside Out 2: This was another animated film.  It was based around the emotions impacting the behaviour of a young girl as she entered puberty.  Good animation and character development.  This was a good coming of age film.   We rate it as around 4-4.5/5.
​
The Way, My Way This was the story of a stubborn self-centred Australian who decides to walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.  The scenery was good, but the storyline was slim.  The character did not develop, and although it was supposed to change him, he did not seem to be very different at the end.  It was rated as 2.5/5.
 
Films available on-line that were recommended were:

The Ipcress File is a 1965 British spy film directed by Sidney J. Furie and starring Michael Caine.

Under the Banner of Heaven screening on SBS On Demand.  A devout detective's faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder seemingly connected to an esteemed Utah family's spiral into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fundamentalism and their distrust in the government.

Joy Shirley

Two films stood out this month, “The Taste of Things” and “Freud’s Last Session”.

The Taste of Things is a French film, with sub-titles.  The storyline is around Eugenie and her boss Dodin, both chefs who have worked together for 20 years.  Although fond of one another, Eugenie refuses to commit to Dodin.  The chemistry between the two is great, whether in the kitchen or personally with Dodin starting to cook for her.  There was not a lot of dialogue, with the story told through action.  The work in the kitchen was a master of choreography with four main characters moving around each other without problems.  The performances of these four were all excellent – Eugenie, Dodin, Violette (the maid) and Pauline (apprentice chef).  It was a sensory film.  All we heard were kitchen sounds – sizzling, utensils – and outdoor sounds – barking dog, birdsong – the sounds of life not background music.  For fans of French films it is worth seeing.  We rated the film between 4/5 and 4.5/5.

Freud’s Last Session is around a possible meeting between Freud and CS Lewis.  It is not an action film, but held the viewer’s attention as the relationship between the two men develops.  It was very much an intellectual debate between the two men, with no winner.  It was an interesting storyline, bringing in some of the war scenes and the impact on Freud and his daughter.  There was a focus on various relationships – Freud and Lewis, Freud and his daughter, his daughter and her friend. The performances by the lead characters were excellent, with great cinematography around Freud’s study and garden. It was enjoyed by all who saw it and was rated as between 3.5/5 and 4/5.

Other films discussed this month were:

The Fall Guy: This is a feel-good film around a stunt man, with many twists and turns.  The chemistry between the two main characters was good.  With the various stunts performed we gained a good feel for the role of the stunt artist.  A relaxing and fun film, rated as around 3/5.

Golda: An interesting film on the 19 days of Yom Kippur War in 1973 and the role of Golda Meir.  Golda is shown with a strong personality, but with a compassionate side.  Helen Mirren’s performance as Golda was brilliant, carrying the film.  We rate it as around 3.5/5.

What About Sal: This is an Australian film written and directed by John Jarratt (he also played one of the roles).  It was a special screening followed by a question-and-answer session with John Jarratt.  It tells the story of Sal, an autistic man whose mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Sal sets off to find his father.  It was very Australian, with some serious aspects.  Gerard O’Dwyer played Sal well.  He is an actor with Downs Syndrome (NOT a Downs Syndrome actor).  It was rated as 4/5 and worth seeing – it is possible it will be occasionally screened in Benalla so watch future cinema programs.

Joy Shirley

The favourite film for this month was “Wicked Little Letters”.  When people in Littlehampton--including conservative local Edith--begin to receive letters full of hilarious profanities, rowdy Irish migrant Rose is charged with the crime.  Suspecting that something is amiss, the town's women investigate.  The story’s main characters were Rose, an Irish single mother played by Jessie Buckley, Edith Swan, a single woman still living with her parents played by Olivia Colman, and Edward Swan, Edith’s father played by Timothy Spall. 

It was a “fabulously hilarious feel good” film that the whole class enjoyed.  Performances by the three main characters were excellent, but this does not discount great performances by some of the other characters.

This was set in the 1920s when there was still a patriarchal society and there was a racial issue with the Irish.  Given the era, and that it was the language used in the letters that formed the basis of the story, the use of the language was acceptable although some words did grate.

The average rating for the film was 4/5.  Definitely worth seeing.

​Back to Black: This is the story of Amy Winehouse's early rise to fame and the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black. Told from Amy's perspective and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film follows the remarkable woman behind the phenomenon and the tumultuous relationship at the centre of one of her most legendary albums. 

The film was raw, emotional, tragic, powerful and sad.  Members of the class who were fans thought the film and performance by Marisa Abela playing Amy was very good.  She did a great job portraying Amy’s character and did all the singing rather than miming the songs.  There were some parts of the story that were perhaps not quite true, but overall the film was satisfying.  The rating was around 3.5-4/5.

Freud’s Last Session: On the eve of the Second World War, two of the greatest minds on the twentieth century, C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud converge for their own personal battle over the existence of God.  The film interweaves the lives of Freud and Lewis, past, present, and through fantasy, bursting from the confines of Freud's study on a dynamic journey.

This is not an action film, more a philosophical discussion in parts that is worth seeing.  Members of the class who had not yet seen the film are hoping to see it and there may be more discussion at the next class.

Joy Shirley

Films discussed this month were:

The Rooster: When the body of his oldest friend is found buried in a shallow grave, Dan, a small-town cop, seeks answers from a volatile Hermit who may have been the last person to see his friend alive.  The cinematography and setting in the forest were stunning.  The soundtrack was eery in parts, with times of silence or just the sound of the birds adding to this eeriness.  This correctly fitted the story.  Performances by the two main actors, Phoenix Raei (as Dan) and Hugo Weaving (as the Hermit) were excellent.  The film was rated as 4/5.
Force of Nature: Five women participate in a hiking retreat but only four come out the other side. Federal agents Aaron Falk and Carmen Cooper head into the mountains hoping to find their informant still alive.  This was covered in March, but one of the class members had since seen the film.  She did not agree with the earlier assessment of Eric Bana’s performance as being wooden. She saw it more as displaying his meditative state.  She agreed strongly with earlier positive comments around the cinematography and setting. 
The Great Escaper: Bernard Jordan escapes from his care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France.  The key actors in the film were Michael Caine as Bernard and Glenda Jackson as his wife.  Their performances were excellent, with little snippets of humour which helped take away the disturbing aspects of the story.  One of the aspects of the film was the impact of war on the young men involved.  Underpinning the story was the development of relationships of the various characters.  We rated the film as 4/5.
Just a Farmer: A newly widowed mother is left with the care of an alcoholic father-in-law and a failing farm.  She is forced to forge a new path for her family, all while struggling to pick up the pieces of her life.  This is an important film, covering the issue of mental health in rural communities.  Cinematography was excellent, set around the Macedon Ranges.  The performances were good, bringing out the pressures on farming communities.  A powerful film, this was rated as 4/5.
Wicked Little Letters: As only one member of the class had seen the film and others hoped to see it in the coming week, we held over the discussion until our next class in May.
 
Other films and television series mentioned were:

Vanishing Triangle (SBS OnDemand) which did not have a satisfying end, but otherwise was good.
Boiling Point (Possibly SBS On Demand) was also recommended as a good film.

​Joy Shirley

Several films were discussed this month, with The Holdovers being the pick.  The film earned an Academy Award for Da'Vine Joy Randolph as best Supporting actress.
 
Priscilla: Based on Priscilla Beaulieu’s own story around her relationship with Elvis Presley.  The film was slow, with scenes where Priscilla wanders around an empty Gracelands, perhaps used to show her loneliness when Elvis was on tour but did not make for interesting viewing.  Elvis was badly cast.  It was rated as 2-3/5.

The Beekeeper: One man's brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers".  This was an action thriller with generic action and lots of great stunt work.  Rated as 3/5.

Argylle: A reclusive author, who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate, realizes the plot of the new book she is writing starts to mirror real-world events.  It was a light-hearted satire on spy films, with lots of twists and turns.  It was rated as 3/5.

Force of Nature: Five women participate in a hiking retreat but only four come out the other side. Federal agents Aaron Falk and Carmen Cooper head into the mountains hoping to find their informant still alive.  This was promoted as “Dry 2” which was probably for marketing purposes as it was not a sequel, but a film around Aaron Falk.  Some great scenery of Australian rain forest which created atmosphere around the mystery.  The performance by Eric Bana who plays Falk was a bit wooden with little emotion except when angry.  It was rated as 3/5.

Bob Marley: One Love: The story celebrates the life and music of the icon who inspired generations through his message of love and peace.  It depicts Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.  This was an interesting documentary with some worthwhile performances and great music.   It was rated as 3/5.

The Holdovers: THE HOLDOVERS follows a curmudgeonly history and classics teacher at a New England prep school during Christmas break caring for a damaged, brainy student and with the school's head cook, who lost a son in Vietnam.  The atmosphere of the era (pre technology) where people talked was well created.  The development of the relationships between the three people was well covered, with each of the characters also developing in their own way.  This was rated as 3.5-4/5.


​Joy Shirley

​As this was the first class for the year, we spent time talking about what type of films we enjoy.  This was varied, but the least popular was Science Fiction.

For this class, given it was two months since we had met, we looked at all the films from the beginning of January.  There were a few films that stood out and had been seen by more than one member of the class.

​One Life: This was the inspiring true story of how Sir Nicholas ’Nicky’ Winton (played by Anthony Hopkins) on the eve of World War II saved nearly 700 children from their doom.  He was haunted by the 250 children he was not able to save when war was declared.  An excellent and uplifting film with a strong performance by Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn who played the young Nicholas Winton.  We rated it as 4.5/5.

Boys in the Boat: This is another film based on a true event.  It is set during the depression era and leading up to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.  Washington University’s junior rowing team is brought together including some students who are provided with accommodation and money to pay their fees.  The team works so well they are selected for competition ahead of the senior team, winning a place in the Olympics where they won beating the German team (Hitler was not pleased).  

​It was an interesting story with a message about teamwork and mental as well as physical strength needed to succeed.  They were not a team of eight rowers, they were one.  The depression era was well depicted, but the characters were a bit wooden.  Ratings varied from 3.5/5 to 4.5/5.  A film worth seeing.

​Other films enjoyed were Wonka, colourful, rated as 4.5/5; Migration, bright and colourful, rated as 4/5; Next Goal Wins, uplifting and colourful, rated as 3.5/5.


​Joy Shirley

For our last film discussion for 2023 we briefly discussed two films.

Saltburn sounded similar to Brideshead Revisited, so was of interest.  The summary talked about a relationship between a “lower class” student with an aristocrat while studying at Oxford.  The film ended up being very different.  The “lower class” student was really from a middle class family and after some untimely deaths ended up living in the property previously owned by the aristocrat family.

The second film discussed was Napoleon.  The history of Napoleon’s rise and fall was covered with scenes depicting some of his major battles.  Some publicly published reviews suggest some important events were missed.  A major focus though was on his relationship with Josephine.  Interestingly in the film his fall seemed to coincide with his divorce from Josephine.  Was this really the case, or used in the film to add extra interest?

We also looked briefly at the two new films that were due to start screening in Benalla in December.  These are Journey to Bethlehem and The Old Oak.  The information had only just been released, but from the description it sounded as if they may be of interest.  It will be interesting to discuss these at the first class in 2024 if any class members have seen them.

Joy Shirley

​We discussed three films this month.  The films were:

The Miracle Club: Set in the 1960’s in a hard-knocks community in Dublin.  A group of women head to Lourdes, each of them looking for some sort of healing.  It was a mixture of serious and humorous.  Each of the women achieve healing, mostly around relationships rather than what they thought needed healing.  With stars like Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates, this was a film enjoyed by all who attended.  Rating: 4/5

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3: Toula, the key character in previous films in the series, travels to Greece to track down her late father’s childhood friends.  It was a delightful and easy film to watch.  It was colourful and refreshing with no swearing and fighting.  Rating: 3-5/5

A Haunting in Venice: This is the latest Kenneth Branagh portrayal of Hercule Poirot.  Poirot is enticed out of retirement to attend a séance.  When a series of murders occur, he needs to unravel the mystery.  The atmosphere created was excellent and fitted the “haunting” aspect of the story, with many twists and turns.   Being set in Venice, the scenery was excellent.  Rating: 3-5/5

We plan to meet again in December to discuss further films screened at the Benalla Cinema or perhaps Swanpool.

Joy Shirley

With the opening of the new cinema, and the program released on a weekly basis, the current format for the class does not work as well. It is difficult to select only one or two films for discussion when we do not know which films will be screened. As in recent classes we will continue to discuss the different films members of the class have watched recently.

At our next class on 8 November we will be discussing the format of the program for 2024. Anyone who is interested in joining the class in 2024, whether enrolled in 2023 or just thinking about 2024, is invited to join us.   We meet at 2:00pm in the large U3A room.

​Joy Shirley

Our initial focus this month was on “Barbie”, then we went on to discuss other films screened at BPACC up until 3 September, when the cinema there closed.  The new purpose-built cinema attached to the Visitor Information Centre is now open – a new experience for our community.

“Barbie”, based around a crisis experienced by “Stereotypical Barbie”.  It was a bit fanciful in parts but has some very strong messages – no-one needs to be subservient to anyone else.  The cinematography, acting, costumes and set were very good.  It was a very popular film around the world.  Rating: 3-3.5/5.

“Chevalier”, based on the life of Joseph Bologne, a talented mixed-race composer and violinist at a time leading up to the French Revolution.  The film showed the culture of the time, including hypocritical attitudes to mixed-race people.  It

“The New Boy” is the story of a nine-year-old Indigenous Australian orphan who arrives at a remote monastery run by a renegade nun.   It explores the different approaches to spirituality between the indigenous and Christian faiths.  The performance by Aswan Reid who played the “new boy” was outstanding.  Rating: 3.5/5.

“Mission Impossible” is an action film starring Tom Cruise.   It is entertaining with good action and athleticism.  Rating: 3/5.

“Oppenheimer” is the story of Robert Oppenhemier, his talent for theoretical Physics, his role in the development of the atomic bomb, and impacts on his life.  Cillian Murphy’s performance as Oppenheimer was amazing.  Rating: 3-4/5.
 
With the opening of the new cinema, and the program released on a weekly basis, we will discuss all films that class members have seen during the month at our class in October. 

​Joy Shirley 

Our film for discussion at our August class was “Sweet As”.   This is the story of four teenagers, two indigenous, two non-indigenous, all with problems, on a road trip.  They are encouraged to take photos as part of seeing the world around them.  They were given old style cameras (non-digital) to do this.  Murra is indigenous with an alcoholic mother; Sean has attempted to take his own life; Elvis was attacked on his way home and has had problems leaving his community; and Kylie is under the influence of an older man.  During the road trip they all find themselves and learn the value of friendship.

This was an extremely good film.  The characters are all different, and the performances of the teenagers were excellent.  Murra (played by Shantae Barnes-Cowan) was able to show her thoughts and emotions by facial and body language without any words.  All four developed during the film, with language change and reduced swearing underpinning this.  There were a couple of lighter and humorous moments which helped lift the film from becoming depressing and too sad.

The cinematography was outstanding, providing various views of the Pilbara region of North-western Australia
.
Overall, a beautiful film, which may be sad in parts but is full of hope.  We provided a rating of 4/5.
 
Other films watched during the month were:

“Red, White and Brass” is loosely based on a true event.  Young people in the Tongan community in New Zealand form a marching band so they can get seats for a world cup rugby match.  This was a bit of run with lots of good music and lots of bright colours.  There were some silly scenes, but generally entertaining and worth watching.  Rated as 3.5/5.

“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” had been watched by some before our July class, with others watching it after the class.  Again this was enjoyed by members of the class, with good characterisation.   It had a good message about the importance of communication after a family tragedy, and the problems and misunderstandings that can occur if this does not happen.  Those who watched this month gave it a rating of 3.5/5.

“The Last Daughter” is a documentary about Brenda Matthews.  She had been fostered with a white family before being returned to her indigenous family.  As an adult she searches for her foster parents to whom she still felt connected.  It was eye-opening and emotional, but left Brenda and the audience with unanswered questions. Rated as 4/5

“No Hard Feelings” is a predictable and silly film about a late twenty’s employed by his parents to seduce a 19-year-old before he went to university.  Rated as 3/5.

“Maybe I Do” is about a young couple who are at a crossroads in their relationship – she believes the relationship will grow if they marry; he is fearful the relationship will fail if anything changes.  It is fun and predictable with some good performances by Susan Sarandon and William H. Macy.  And it looks like it was based on a play with the director keeping the scenes close to this.   Rated as 3/5

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is the final of the Indiana Jones films.  It included the traditional amazing chases, although not as much action as in previous films in the series.  It is also thought that there was either use of AI or clips from earlier films for the start of the film set at the end of WWII.   Rated as 3.5/5
 
Our film for discussion at our next class on 13 September is a choice between “Chevalier” and “Barbie” (or both).  And as usual, we will discuss any other films watched by members of the class.

There were fewer film screenings during July because of the Benalla Theatre Group’s performance of “The Drowsy Chaperone”.  So we decided to focus on discussing the performance by our local actors.

This was a play that was new to many, unlike the performance of “Mamma Mia!” which was so familiar to everyone.  It was a different approach from most musicals.  The story was told by a narrator, with the characters coming on stage acting according to the narration.  A lot of twists and turns created an entertaining comedy.

The show was a musical, with some good performances, accompanied by a live band.  Having live music was enjoyable but at times the music seemed to overpower the dialogue. 

Performances by some of the actors were noted during our discussion.  These include those playing the roles of Adolpho and the chaperone.  Good stage presence was a common comment from many in the group.  Of note was the performance by the narrator, who did an excellent job as he plays a recording of the fictional musical, telling the story.

The set was good, simple but effective.  And there were some positive comments about the costumes.

An entertaining live performance.  This was not a film, but we did provide a rating as around 4/5.

Films watched during the month were:

“The Last Daughter” which was found thought provoking but left some unanswered questions.  Rated as 3.5/5.

“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” which started slowly, but did involve a long walk, so this was appropriate.  Overall enjoyable and rated as 4/5.

“The Book Club: The Next Chapter” a piece of whimsical and frivolous entertainment with a feel-good ending.  It was also a great travelogue, being set in Italy.  Rated as 3/5
 
Our film for discussion at our next class on 8 August is “Sweet As”.  And as usual, we will discuss any other films watched by members of the class.

​
NOTE: The film class will move to the U3A room from August

Joy Shirley

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.

​
​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