Justin Stephenson

If you walked in to watch "Top Gun Maverick" (as I did), confident that you knew what was in store, not expecting to be surprised you'd be right...and wrong! Sure there was plenty of Avgas fueled, testosterone laden, U-S-A high fiving action as you'd expect after the original classic Top Gun. The cockpit cam perspective and aerial acrobatics certainly induce as much adrenaline as the 1986 version, bringing home the intense focus and concentration required by these aviators in real life. Some of the flying sequences were almost virtual reality-like, having me gripping the seat and moving instinctively as if I were the pilot! What was less expected was the evolution of the various characters since we last saw them over 35 years ago. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell still has the swagger and simmering self confidence of his youth but now bears the middle age scars of someone who has lived with regret, guilt and reflection over that same period. I hadn't been a fan of the Scientologist formerly known as Tom Cruise in recent times but his performance here is one of genuine human fallibility and vulnerability. Father time has also caught up with "Iceman" Val Kilmer and the scene of them meeting up as two old former adversaries but now great mates was brilliant...I was visibly moved :-) The new generation of bullet proof, arrogant Top Gun pilots were great too, watching Maverick relate to them as the OWL (Older, Wiser, Larger) in an almost fatherly way certainly rang true from my experience...something you can only appreciate at a certain stage of life. Top Gun Maverick" isn't just about the Fly Boys, it's a story of humanity and redemption. Action with heart, it's a great film...

Really enjoyed the big screen experience of "The Dry". I found the story, dialogue and performances authentically Australian not just from the host of recognizable performers but especially from the emerging young actors in the film. I remember David Stratton saying that the backdrop of the Aussie landscape and countryside almost became an extra character in many well known Aussie flicks from the past and this is no exception, with the highlighted drought and bushfires an ever present feature. Ellie's rendition of The Church's 'Under the Milky Way" is another little taste of our culture that could only be truly appreciated by those who grew up listening to it and adds to the homegrown flavour. One of the best local films Ive seen for a while and hopefully gives overseas audiences a snapshot into the real rural and small town outback.

I was enthralled by this film...the scenery, the cast, the brutality and the mystical Norse mythology, Definitely one to see on the big screen, it is rated MA15+ for a reason so don't expect a happy go lucky romp. I'd best sum it up as a cross between Lord of the Rings meets Kill Bill, with maybe some Holy Grail moments thrown in! The Main character's quest for justice and revenge is a long and bloody but also engaging one, portrayed by an interesting cast (not just the usual recycled Hollywood action cliches). His struggle reminded me of Homer's Odyssey in terms of his endurance and perseverance, something that we can all relate to in one way or another. The age old battle of pursuing love over hate added some philosophical depth to the plot in between the wanton slaughter. I also found myself looking inward and asking if we today are really much different from these Nordic heathens, how far have we really come from those brutal times and what little would it take for us to revert to this primal savagery?? Although filmed in Northern Ireland, this film could well do for Iceland what Croc Dundee did for the Outback - stunning scenery! The last time I walked out of a film so emotionally drained was after watching "Once Were Warriors". This flick will take you along for a similar ride. Immerse yourself in the story, this is one to experience not overanalyse...