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At the movies – The Time Traveler’s Wife

Admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:50:17 +0000

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Rated: M

Running Time: 107 minutes

Director: Robert Schwentke

Cast: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams

Release Date: 5^th November, 2009

When author Audrey Niffenegger released her debut novel “The Time Traveler’s Wife”, she never expected it would be such a hit, spending weeks at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. With it’s charming mix of romance and science fiction it’s no surprise Hollywood came knocking, and this week we can see the film adaptation of the novel in Australian cinemas.

Eric Bana stars as Henry, a librarian with a genetic disorder that causes him to travel to another time and place suddenly, leaving behind a pile of clothes and some very confused people. On one of his travels he meets six-year old Clare, and while it’s the first time she’s seen him, Henry has travelled from the future where they are married. Years later when a twenty something Clare (Rachel McAdams) sees a non time travelling Henry; she has known him her whole life, while he is meeting her for the first time.

It’s all very confusing, and the illogical plot is a lot easier to understand while reading the book, when you have time to let it sink in. As always with film adaptations, much detail has been lost trying to fit the 500 pages into 107 minutes, and what is touching on the page almost ends up being creepy on screen, especially the scenes between thirty year old Henry and six year old Clare.

Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams are both very easy on the eye, do a good job at their characters and have pleasant chemistry together, but lack the fiery love described in the book.

Reviewed by Alicia Malone

“The Time Traveler’s Wife” is an enjoyable romantic comedy if you’re just looking for a nice romance, a few tears and seeing Eric Bana with his kit off. But fans of the book will feel frustrated by the lacklustre adaptation, and viewers unfamiliar with the novel will probably be left confused and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Two and a half popcorns out of five.

For interviews with Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams plus a complete guide to what’s worth watching at the cinema, tune into Movie Juice this Saturday night 7:15pm on Movie Extra.

Reviewed by Alicia Malone.

At the movies – A Serious Man

Admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:37:11 +0000

Rated: M

Running Time: 105 mins

Director: Joel & Ethan Coen

Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Sari Lennick

Release Date: 19^th November 2009

Directors Joel and Ethan Coen have over 15 movies under their belts, ranging from the mainstream comedy “Intolerable Cruelty” to the Oscar winning “No Country For Old Men”. They vow not to stick to formula, meaning each of their movies are different to the rest. This is proved once again with their latest film – the heavy black comedy “A Serious Man”.

Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) is a Jewish university professor living in 1960’s suburban America. That might sound fairly boring, but in fact, Larry’s life is in turmoil. His wife Judith (Sari Lennick) wants to leave him for his best friend, his deadbeat brother (Richard Kind) won’t leave his couch, his children don’t respect him, and he might not get that big promotion at work. All these events prompt Larry to visit Rabbis and question why God would be punishing him, when he hasn’t done anything wrong.

“A Serious Man” is not for everyone. There are no big star names, the plot is complex, and the tone is pretty miserable. But all those elements are why the film is one of their best. It feels like a labour of love for the Coen brothers, and it’s easy to see that this world would have been similar to the one they grew up in.

The performances from all the cast are incredible, particularly Michael Stuhlbarg, who is perfectly suited for the role of Larry. And the fact that they are all unknowns really help you to believe the characters and immerse yourself in the story.

The meaning behind the plot is very much open to interpretation, and I believe every audience member will take something different. It’s a comedy, definitely not a laugh out loud one, but superbly written and heavily ironic.

Reviewed by Alicia Malone

“A Serious Man” will certainly not be a big box office earner but it’s not to be missed. It’s the type of film you will keep thinking about days after you’ve seen it; this is the Coen brothers at their best.

4 out of 5.

For a complete guide to what’s worth watching at the cinema, tune into Movie Juice this Saturday night 7:15pm on Movie Extra.

Reviewed by Alicia Malone.