MOVIES Journalist and movie critic , Anthony Sherratt , shares his (very ) honest reviews of the latest movies on DVD. R eviews Lone Survivor What’s it about? Based on the true story of four Navy SEALs whose covert operation goes badly wrong in Afghanistan and they find themselves hemmed in by overwhelming Taliban numbers. What did we think? A surprisingly touching piece that depicts not only the bond between soldiers but the gruesome nature of modern warfare and the difficult choices faced. An unexpected focus on the human side of the SEALs made this war movie quite relatable and a startling twist late in the film will have you believing in humanity again - and possibly worrying for the innocents caught up in these wars. Those expecting a mindless Mark Wahlberg action movie will be initially disappointed but later delighted despite the graphic blood and deaths. Free Birds What’s it about? Two turkeys travel back in time to prevent turkeys becoming the main menu piece for thanksgiving. What did we think? This movie will make you wish time travel was possible … so you could go back in time and stop yourself from seeing it. Or go back and stop the film being made at all. The script is so badly written it beggars belief. There are far too many ’70s references for kids (and actually far too many even for adults), none of which are funny. This movie is so bad I can’t even be bothered working in a joke about it being a ‘turkey’. Wolf Creek 2 What’s it about? A serial killer in the Australian outback returns to terrorise backpackers. What did we think? If there was a ‘gore comedy’ genre this would fit right into it. Whereas the original Wolf Creek was a thriller featuring a tireless psychopath, the second offering has chosen to paint the sociopath as a wisecracking xenophobic racist. He’s still relentless but much more sadistically slapstick. It helps that the victims make so many stupid choices you’re almost cheering for the killer but it doesn’t change the fact the sequel is far lighter and inferior. The ‘based on true facts’ is a bit of mishmash of loose claims but if you’re going for entertainment rather than history you probably won’t be disappointed. Not quite horror, not quite comedy, not quite torture. But attempting to make the main character more likeable AND the poster child for anti-immigration protesters? That could be the most horrific call of all. About Anthony Anthony Sherratt lectures at university in Journalism, reviews movies and writes for various travel publications, all while caring for twins. He’s finally thankful for his insomnia. Read more of Anthony’s reviews at superquickreviews.com pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 99
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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