Slumdog Millionaire

Hi Everyone

Yesterday I went to see this year's Academy Award Winner 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

'Slumdog Millionaire' follows the life of Jamal. Jamal and his brother Salim lose their mother in Hindu-Muslim riots and are forced to live on the dumps.

There they meet Latika, the girl who Jamal will fall in love with.

The three of them are picked up by a musician and they feel their life is going up - until Salim works out that anyone who can sing will be blinded to earn extra money begging.

Salim and Jamal escape but Latika is too slow.

Various other flashbacks show the progression of the lives of the three children until adulthood. Salim shoots the musician but is then taken by a sort of 'mafia man' to do his bidding. Jamal is forced out of the threesome and goes to work in a call centre.

In the present Jamal is one question away from winning $200 000 0000 rupees and is being tortured on suspicion of cheating.

Luckily this film has a happy ending which is always a good thing.

Slumdog Millionaire is an exceptionally interesting film - I was glued to my seat. It gives a great look into the seedy side of India. The personalities of Salim, Jamal and Latika are well developed and acted. The child actors, especially, deserve mention.

This is one of the must see films of the year.

God Bless

Amber

Movie Review - Closing the Ring

Hi Everyone

Today I went to see a free movie at the Casino called "Closing the Ring".

In its blurb it says: "In 1941 Branagan, Michigan, the beautiful Ethel Anne (Mischa Barton) captures the hearts of three young airmen going to war; Teddy, Jack and Chuck. It's Teddy she chooses, and they marry in secret on the eve of his departure. Teddy makes Chuck promise that if he doesn't come back, Chuck will take care of Ethel."

The movie starts in 1991 where Chuck and Ethel's daughter is giving the eulogy at her father's funeral. Many of the ex servicemen are there, including Jack.

Meanwhile, in Ireland, a man has been digging up the remains of a forty year old air smash that killed Teddy. The young man helping him finds the wedding ring of Ethel and Teddy.

As the story progresses it is clear that the now older Ethel (played by Shirley McLaine) is mourning Teddy rather than Chuck. This angers her daughter who moves out of home.

Meanshile the young Irish boy contacts Ethel and they arrange to meet.

I won't tell you the rest because it will spoil it - but, it does have a happy ending.

The story was a bit confusing being in two locations with lots of flashbacks but I sort of 'got it' by the end. The stand out feature for me was the innocence and enthusiasm of the young Irish boy.

I wouldn't mind seeing it again just so I can 'get it' completely - any takers?

God Bless you all

Amber

Australia - The Movie

Last night I went to see the movie 'Australia' with my dad. I expected it to be mediocre given the reviewers hadn't been that impressed but...it wasn't. I was pleasantly surprised.

Here are the good points

• The little Aboriginal boy who played 'Nullah' was superb. Cute but strong. Caught between two cultures.
• Nicole Kidman was awesome. She looked extremely pretty and acted very feisty.
• Hugh Jackman complemented Kidman perfectly and the tension/attraction between them was 'just right'
• The film highlighted the 'stolen generation' and was respectful of Aboriginal culture
• David Wenham was great as the evil cattle owner who stole, killed and manipulated people to get money/cattle
• The bombing of Darwin was realistic and placed the film in history
• The scenery was stunning and formed a perfect backdrop to the film.

I suggest everyone goes to this film. It is the best Australian film I have ever seen and is both entertaining and historical.

God Bless you all

Amber

Four Holidays - The movie

Last night my family and I watched the movie 'Four Holidays''.

We are all big fans of Reese Witherspoon after her success in ''Walk the line' and ''Legally Blonde'.

The movie was an easy one to watch. The plot was simple. A youngish couple seek to avoid family and romantic commitments and lead a fairly hedonistic lifestyle pleasing only themselves.

Every year at Christmas they lie to their family and say they are doing aid work overseas when, in fact, they are just having a holiday.

But this year - due to flight cancellations - they have to spend Christmas with their four parents (all divorced). Chaos ensues and the couple's love and loyalty to each other is tested.

I think the themes are very good and quite challenging for people who wish to avoid their family commitments.

What wrecked the movie a bit, for me, was the performance by Vince Vaughn. His character came across as both boring and weak and he was no match for Reese Witherspoon's acting and characterisation.

Overall, though, I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it for light entertainment.

God Bless You all

Amber