OUT NOW: DVD R MOVIES Saving Mr Banks What’s it about? Based on the true story of Walt Disney pursuing P.L. Travers for the movie rights to her novel Mary Poppins. Except it’s not really about that. What did we think? A truly wonderful engaging story that warms the heart and moistens the eyes. Nominally the story is about Disney’s pursuit of Travers, but the actual story shows us the world that shaped the author. It’s this side of the movie – rich in characterisation and emotion – that lifts it above an ordinary movie to make it extraordinary. Incredible performances and a wonderful story shine through even the tint of Disney propaganda (in real life Travers hated the final product and when she signed the musical rights away included a proviso that Americans were not allowed to be involved). Don’t miss it! And make sure you watch the credits and some actual recordings of events. Thanks For Sharing What’s it about? A number of people (including Mark Ruffalo and Tim Robbins) are learning to face a challenging and often confusing world as they struggle together against a common demon: sex addiction. What did we think? Thanks For Sharing is a truly earnest movie that neither glorifies or condemns sex addiction. Instead it explores the ‘disease’ through various shades of grey and development. It’s engaging, thought-provoking and, although flawed in some respects, its raw honesty overcomes the shortcomings. Strong performances from Robbins and Ruffalo combined with some sex that is sad rather than erotic take it to a more cerebral – and entertaining – level. The Book Thief What’s it about? In Germany during WWII, Liesel (Sophie Nélisse), age nine, is sent to live with foster parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson). She earns her title of “the book thief” after “borrowing” books from the mayor’s wife’s library. What did we think? There is a lot going on in this film and it sometimes feels like it moves too quickly to form meaningful relationships. This is remedied completely by the end, and the relationships are actually what make this film so beautiful. The narration by Death (Roger Allam) felt a little tedious to begin with (and seriously, Back to the Future owns the flying through clouds opening shot - leave it alone), but it all ties together in one of the most moving final shots of a film I’ve ever seen. Ever. My eyes leaked more than they should have in a public place. Excuse me while I head off to steal the book. Pindara Magazine 98 Summer - Autumn | 2014
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue One
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