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
“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
