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Occupation: Native (2017)
Truly an agenda at work
Whilst Occupation: Native is worth watching as I found it entertaining being a 70yo, 3rd generation Australian. In my life time I have observed this type of so called "Truth Telling" grow from a little thing to the big thing it is now!
A few bleeding hearts started out in the early 1900's to sway a few city dwelling Aboriginals, to stand up for what were some well deserved rights in a changing world. Over the next 70 years having grown in size & strength the movement now includes some remote area aborigines but also includes many that have less than 2% aboriginal ancestry. There are also many now identifying as Aboriginal that have no Aborigine ancestry at all, some estimate these so called "Fake Aborigines" to be between 25% to 33%, this is wrong.
What is also wrong is the narrative that this show presents as being the truth. Whenever the first humanoid came to this continent remains unknown, the claim that over 3% of the population can trace their ancestors entry to this land some 70~80 thousand years ago is illogical. Modern DNA tells us that human entry into Australia prior to 1000 years ago was in at least 3 waves and possibly 15 or more.
This would indicate that many of the current 3% of the population also had ancestors who were invaders who conquered the land and were also guilty of genocide.
There is no doubt all homo sapiens on this planet are distant descendants of the Great Ape so the sooner we ALL accept we're all equal regardless of race colour or creed and live life without racism and bigotry, the better.
True Colours (2022)
Ignorance has this over rated.
This along with so many titles here on IMDB is over rated. If it's not the interested parties doing the abnormally hight star count it's the ignorant, as is the case with True Colours.
As mentioned by other reviewers this mini series is rather slow and drawn out, with a very ordinary ending. It does have some great scenery and gives the viewer a good sample of central Australia. As for the all other aspects film production it rates on par with the (probably) limited budget. Some of the acting is great but mostly it is atrocious.
Why I mention ignorance is much of this story is completely unrealistic and viewers are yet again subjected to the bias interpretation the SBS/NITV & ABC (Australian publicly funded broadcasters). I don't speak Aboriginal but I'm pretty some of the actors that use it don't speak it either, they couldn't even get the aboriginal version of English done well.
Over all not a fan, I wouldn't re-watch but if you like Aussie productions as much as I do give a go..... and don't believe the current 7.1 IMDB star rating.
Girls' Night Out (2023)
Avoid like the plague
I am absolutely lost as to why anyone could plausibly think that this would work as a film.
Every aspect of "Girls' Night Out" is BAD, with the exception being the camera work. The script is atrocious, the acting is poor, the directing is amateurish, even the sets are rubbish.
I recommend that if you start watching this with the idea of "Giving it a go" turn if off as soon as you have second thoughts as it doesn't get any better. Better still adhere to my title and AVOID.
Obviously done on minimal budget, which I understand but rest assured this will be ranked as one the worst movies ever made in Australia, if not the world!
The Father (2020)
A Contrarian View...
Whilst "The Father" is a well made movie, being in my 60's and having seen dementia in my own family along with some of my friends families.
I don't consider this movie to be very realistic, by that I mean it covers some of what sufferers go though but not the full gamut. In particular the progression from forgetting where one's watch is once a day, then two, three etc, then every five minute. Then ultimately forgetting how to chew and eat, then breathing resulting in death and a funeral where everyone stands around saying "They're in a better place now".
Furthermore I have utmost respect for Anthony Hopkins but he fails me here, IMHO he probably didn't spend enough time with suffers of dementia, in researching his character.
Resulting in the typical Hopkins stereotype poking through many times throughout the movie. As stated on this site he was singled out for this role and that too I also think was a mistake.
Overall not a bad watch but it doesn't deserve the 9 or 10 stars offered my most reviews here.
Toke (2020)
Another Kiwi Gem
Yet another great low budget gem from the Long White Cloud, you mob from over the Ditch sure put most of Hollywood to shame with these little gems.
Some great NZ scenery as the backdrop and some good film making skills in this uniquely Kiwi, comical story.
You won't be aching from a continuous belly laughing but Toke will make you smile and provide you with some chuckles if have ever meet and got to know Kiwi.
A big pat on the back to all involved with the making of Toke.
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Don't Bother to Knock (1952)
Overrated
Seriously this is a poor movie from so many aspects. If it wasn't for MM this would have been forgotten long ago, so if your not one of her greatest fans give this a wide berth.
Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County (1998)
Bad in too many ways.
I sat and watched this in its entirety and found it terrible entertainment until the lsat 10 seconds.
I strongly recommend by passing this if you must watch fast forward to the last 10 seconds for 95% of the entertainment this crap holds.
My Daughter Is Missing (2017)
Could have been 8 out of 10 but........
The worst acting ever steals 3 stars from a possible 8.
The acting is very amateurish and is made worse by poor directing. This movie is worth a watch if you like the genre otherwise give it a wide berth.
Hotel Artemis (2018)
What a waste....
What a waste of time and talent.
Jodie Foster stars in this dumb stupid dystopian future tale that has no real plot. Everything about production is below average with the sound track probably saving this view from 4 stars.
I don't recommend it to anyone exept diehard JF fans (of which I am one) and will never re-watch.
Underbelly: Vanishing Act (2022)
Not worth of the label "UNDERBELLY"
Bewildered why they would sell this as Underbelly, the story is/was worthy of making the a movie.
I enjoyed the show in fact hard for me not too with Colin Friels, one of my all time favourite Aussie actors. Also Kate Atkinson, loved her since Sea Change days. Both these two do a good job as usual, unfortunately the casting of them for their respective characters was a poor choice and reflects poorly for them both.
The story and script could have been dramatised to be far more entertaining and the whole thing is messy especially the ending.
Overall worthy of a watch but by no means a gritty underworld story.
6½ rounded up.
Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) (2020)
Just okay....
This movie tugs on the heart strings of the Gay community. It's just a very mediocre film, with a mixture of okay to average acting by mostly unknown actors. Plot and story line are very unimaginative, almost as if it was written by teenagers. Cinematography is plain along with directorship.
Would not recommend and wouldn't dream of re-watching, only watch if you must.
Hyena Road (2015)
Standout....
Hyena Road is a standout when it come to desert war movies. The Canadian's have shown up their southern neighbours with this one.
Yes it's not perfect but like I said it's the up there when it comes to this genre so an extra star for me. Highly recommend if you like this sort of film and I will re-watch myself.
Arizona Dream (1993)
Way Too Arty Farty for this Black Duck.
Basically a great movie in all aspects with the exception of the drug induced story.
It's done as an expression of artistic talent that unfortunately has Zero beauty in the eyes of this beholder.
The Protégé (2021)
Nothin special
Cinematography could have been a lot better, too dark in background. Done to hide cheap CGI and sets. Also as others mention plot is weak.
Not a movie you would watch more than once.
Crackers (1998)
What a Pearler!!!
23 years on I just watched Crackers for the first time and absolutely Cracked up on numerous occasions. Not only was it funny it's a great reflection on how life was here in Aussie. It took me back to my childhood and the many Christmas's were family got together and despite our differences we all some how managed to get on.
23 years too late but well done to all those involved in making this great movie.
Rio Grande (1950)
Too much Bugle ..... Too much singing.
For a western of its day this is a great movie, it is well done in every aspect with the exception of the plot being weak. It's almost like it was written to meet the demand for this type of movie at the time and they just went with the first story the found. For me, who loves a good western but not one with so much singing, especially when it's not even meant to be a musical!
As my title says the Bugle is over done too.
Waiting on Mary (2016)
Low Budget, Hidden Gem!
Yes a hidden Gem, this movie will be still being viewed when much of the big budget Hollywood dross has been long forgotten.
To make such a good movie on such a low budget is a true achievement and I hope all those involved in creating it have their talents discovered and achieve all the success you deserve.
Dom Hemingway (2013)
Great But......
Great movie in every way, Great acting, well directed good cinematography, good sets but a very very week ending.
A better ending it would have been 8 stars for me.
New Gold Mountain (2021)
Disappointed
Was to be expected I suppose with all the hype in promotions.
After recording and binge watching in one sitting.
Within minutes I was feeling disappointment, the acting was lacking and although a lot of work was done with sets. Authenticity was seriously lacking with many out of period props, not to mention the poor choice of locations with many scenes shot in area not typical of the bush in that era.
The plot and story line being a muddling of believable, unbelievable and the totally didn't happen in that era. The script was written in the same manner very lacking.
Kudos for cinematography which was of exceptional quality and shot in a manner I very much appreciate.
Over all with better casting, directing this could have been something I would recommend and wanted to watch again but not this one, 5 Stars only and and that's low for something out of Oz for me.
The Salvation (2014)
Absolutely worth the Watch!
Loved this movie from beginning to end. Having had to wait 6 years to find it baffles me, just because it's not main stream Hollywood I guess.
Every aspect of this movie is well done, acting, cinematography, the plot, script, the sets and props are amazingly authentic looking, I hope Hollywood takes some pointers.
I will be watching again.
Heart to Heart (2020)
Better than most TV Movies
Yes way better than the average Lifeline movie.
It's alway hard to rate B Grade here as this one would probably be a 8 or 9 star if it had been done with a blockbuster budget.
Sweet Country: Sam Neill and Bryan Brown (2018)
Good insight into a little know part of Aussie history
Many would be shocked that this is how it was in outback Australia less than 100 years ago. As an Aussie who has spent time in the outback going back 50 years, I would say this film is pretty accurate for the time it is set.
Movie can be a bit slow and not everybody's cuppa tea but if you have a remote interest in Aussie history, it's a Must Watch!
Pork Pie (2017)
Great movie
Well done Kiwi Flick, I give it 8/10 to keep it honest as it deserves extra credit/s for a low budget production.
Coming 2 America (2021)
King Eddie hit new low, not worth watching.
All 5 of my stars are for Eddie Murphy and my loyalty to him as King of Comedy on the Silver Screen in the eighties.
I found this movie most disappointing, the original is a classic yet this 30 year on sequel is just trash. If you once loved EM don't watch this.
They spent too much on costumes & sets instead of script writers.
I Care a Lot (2020)
Worthy of a watch.
Only six out of ten for me. "I care a Lot" is one of those movies that could have been great but script writers and director got ahead of themselves.
The basic plot is new and interesting (especially as I have had a lot of elderly people in my life recently). Yet too many factual errors and unbelievable twists along with some very average acting strip 3 stars from my rating.
I did like the tail end of the movie despite many other critics here, for 20 odd minutes I was anxious as I couldn't see the atypical ending coming but with a last minute twist it does (sad for the doer). That anxiety toward the end I am sure is the brunt of the many negative reviews and the exact reason I say it's a worthy watch.