Review: Mary Magdelene - Well crafted biblical tale that just falls short

Following on from the huge success of his debut feature film Lion, director Garth Davis takes on the retelling of a famous religious tale in the shape of Mary Magdelene.
This biblical biopic of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood spiritual figures in history, tells the story of Mary (played Rooney Mara), a young woman in search of guidance. Confined by the hierarchies of the day, Mary defies her traditional family to join a new social movement led by the charismatic Jesus of Nazareth (Joaquin Phoenix). She soon finds a vital place for herself within the movement and at the heart of a journey that will lead to Jerusalem.
Religious biopics have traditionally been somewhat of a cinematic gamble, lacking universal appeal and in some cases provoking the ire of dissatisfied viewers despondent at the portrayal of their core religious beliefs.
The retelling of the story of Mary Magdelene therefore, seemed a strange choice for director Davis but he does however deal with the subject matter admirably and creates a motion picture that works for the most part, but just lacks that little extra to lift it to the same level of brilliance of his astounding debut.
Rooney Mara delivers a commendable portrayal of Mary bringing her usual intensity to the lead role with the help of the enigmatic Jaoquin Phoenix who is perfectly cast as Jesus. Add in the incredible cinematography (the film being shot entirely in Southern Italy) a haunting score (sadly one of the last by Johann Johannson) and you get a feature that contains a lot to admire.
The overdue retelling of the story, of  Mary of Magdala is also one that restores this iconic religious figure to her acknowledged place and more.
Ultimately despite the film's graceful intentions and quietly assured confidence the end product just about misses its desire mark. However, it still remains a beautifully crafted film with some strong performances - it just doesn't hit the extraordinary heights scaled by the director in his debut feature.
✸✸✸

What movies to watch this Easter weekend?

In the Cinema:

Ready Player One
This highly anticipated Steven Spielberg directed feature of this dystopian adventure based off the 2011 sc-fi novel by Ernest Cline has earned very positive initial reviews and even though every Spielberg release is noteworthy, this a somewhat return to his roots it is sure to garner a lot of extra interest among movie fans!



Streaming: 

The Hitman's Bodyguard (Netflix)
A throwback to buddy road movies of yesteryear. This action comedy vehicle succeeds largely due to the on screen chemistry between it's two leads and the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously! Overall a good way to put the brain on pause for nearly two hours! Read my full review here!



On Telly

It's Not Yet Dark (TV3 Sunday 1st April 22:50)
The heartbreaking yet awe inspiring story of the late Simon Fitzmaurice, a talented young Irish film maker with ALS (MND), as he embarks on directing his first feature film through the use of his eyes and eye gaze technology. Narrated by Colin Farrell, this compelling feature is a must watch!

5 Easter Eggs You Never Noticed In Your Favorite Movies

For the week thats in it, I've decided to publish a piece that deals with a common phenomenon in movies - i.e. the Easter Egg. Traditionally, in computer software and media, an Easter egg was an intentional inside joke, hidden message or image, or secret feature of a work. The name is used to evoke the idea of a traditional Easter egg hunt.
A movie “Easter egg” is a joke or reference cleverly hidden in a scene. Most commonly Pixar uses it to reference its other movies - a plush Nemo toy in Monsters, Inc. or the Pizza Planet truck appearing in almost every movie, for example — and these are probably the most recognizable examples of an Easter egg, but lots other films have at least a few.

Here are my picks of 5 such Easter Eggs:

5. R2D2 in Raiders of the Lost Ark
R2-D2 has made secret appearances in many movies, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, along with C-3PO. (see pic above). R2-D2 has also made appearances in other movies such as  J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness as well as sneaking  into Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and another Steven Spielberg movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

4. An “X” shows up every time someone is going to die in “The Departed.”
As an homage to the original 1932 version of Scarface, Martin Scorsese put X’s all over The Departed to foreshadow a characters death. The only major character to survive is also the only one to not have any X’s — Sgt. Dignam, played by Mark Wahlberg. Sgt. Dignam actually often appears with straight lines behind him.

3. Alfred Hitchcock makes cameo appearances in almost all of his movies
Starting in 1927, Alfred Hitchcock made 39  cameos in his movies, including appearances in Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho and The Birds. In four of his earlier movies, he made two appearances. Hitchcock often carried a musical instrument, or acted as a passenger on public transportation, and often were humorous in some way, such as the use of his photo for the “before” shot in a newspaper weight reduction advertisement in “Lifeboat.” Hitchcock’s appearances usually happen near the start of the movie, sometimes even during the opening credits, so you don’t need to spend time searching for him rather than paying attention to the plot.

2. Frank Abagnale makes a cameo in “Catch Me If You Can,” ironically, as an arresting officer of himself
Inspired by a true story, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale in Stephen Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can. In an amusing twist, when DiCaprio’s character is finally arrested, the arrest is aided by the real-life Abagnale. Playing a French policeman, the real Abagnale helps “Abagnale” into a cop car in the small town of Montrichard, France.

1. Pac-Man is on a screen for a moment in the original “Tron.”
In Steven Lisberger's Tron, Sark yells at a display screen with Pac-Man’s image while searching for Flynn and Tron. Simultaneous with his rising anger, you can hear the iconic “waka waka” coming from Pac-Man.

The Keepers of the Flame brings the curtain down on yet another exceptional Dingle International Film Festival!

All set for the 2018 DIFF!

With the final curtain drawing with the world premiere of Nuala O'Connor's The Keepers of the Flame on Sunday evening, Maurice Galway and all concerned with the 12th Dingle International Film Festival can be highly satisfied with their efforts to yet again bring the viewing public a film festival that just goes from strength to strength.

The wonderful setting of St James Church

The 2018 Dingle International Film Festival got off to an exceptional start on Thursday night with the sold out screening of Dónal Ó’ Céilleachair's The Camino Voyage (which was so popular that it enjoyed another sold out screening on Sunday!) at the iconic Phoenix Cinema.
Friday saw an action packed day with the screening Oscar winning director Michel Hazanvicius' Redoubtable getting proceedings under way for yours truly at 2:30pm at the Phoenix Cinema.
This highly entertaining feature was then followed by a series of wonderful Irish film shorts with Maria Doyle Kennedy's, A Different Kind of Day, and Claire Dix's Take Me Swimming in particular standing out in what was a superb collection of Irish Film Board Shorts.

pictured with "A Different Kind of Day" star Daniel Kennedy and director Maria Doyle Kennedy

Proving the wealth yet again, not only of the quality of programming available at the DIFF but also being produced by this country, Friday evening saw the screening of IFTA winning Michael Inside , a  compelling and extremely socially important film followed by a very interesting Q&A with director Frank Berry with an insightful view on the background of this feature that is sure to be a box office as well as critical success.

"Michael Inside" director Frank Berry gives a  little background to his compelling film

Friday also saw a VR workshop, large crowds gathering outside St James Church for a feature presentation on video journalist Sean Mac an tSithigh as well as the European premiere of Bob Dylan:Trouble No More.
Saturday morning saw a treat for the younger film fans with the screening of Angela's Christmas at St James Church with the added bonus of  Santa making a special early appearance with toys from Disney. Saturday was another day filled with quality Irish features with Songs of Granite, Kissing Candice and Black 47 (complete with Q&A with director Lance Daly and rising star Barry Keoghan in attendance) all showcasing the best of Irish film currently available.

The inviting path that leads to St James Church

The Dingle Film Festival POW WOW also made a welcome return at Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir as creative minds of the film and TV industry shared their knowledge to a captive audience once again in a feature of the festival that has proved very popular with it's audience.
With the younger audience members again being catered for on Sunday with the screening of We're Going on a Bear Hunt at St James Church, the second screening of the Camino Voyage as well as screenings of Sami Blood, Ava and a selection of shorts from Kerry all leading up nicely to the showing of the closing feature, the remarkable The Keepers of the Flame. 

sampling some of the famous West Kerry hospitality at the 2018 DIFF

With plenty more quality events on show throughout the four days as well as the hospitality and welcome that can only be received in west Kerry, the 2018 Dingle International Film Festival is another that will go down as a roaring success.
Roll on 2019!

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

There are three new releases for your consideration for this weeks Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex. A loud and brash sequel, a Disney blockbuster, and a well known children's tale adaptation. Quality wise there has been better weeks but there still is lots of quality programming available at Tralee Omniplex this week with the added bonus of  all shows today just €6!

Pacific Rim Uprising
The sequel that I'm not sure anyone was looking for also comes this time around without Oscar winning director Guillermo Del Toro with Steven S. DeKnight now taking the reins. Surpisingly, reviews haven't been terrible and with the benefit of a big budget this blockbuster will probably please fans of the first film and may gather a few new ones along the way!

A Wrinkle in Time
The latest Disney offering comes armed with a talented director and star studded cast but has received lukewarm initial critical reviews in a highly ambitious film that may well have bitten off more than it can chew. A film that will be undoubtedly be pleasing on the eye but may lack in other departments!

Duck Duck Goose
One for the younger members of the family this animated film written and directed by Christopher Jenkins features the voices of Jim Gaffigan, Stephen Fry and Craig Ferguson and comes from the same stables as Shrek and Home, so with a pedigree like that, it should have enough in it to keep both young and old entertained throughout!

This weeks Top Movies on the Telly

Tyrannosaur - (Film Four Tuesday 27th March 23:40)
This brutal and frank drama from Peter Mullan may be a tough watch at times but it is ultimately a rewarding one with some excellent performances from Mullan himself, Paddy Considine, Olivia Colman and the always brilliant Eddie Marsden. Compelling!

Weekend at Bernies - (3e  Wednesday 28th March 21:00)
Goofball comedy that's bound to bring out a yearning for those wacky caper films of the 1980's. It should be interesting to see how this Ted Kotcheff directed feature has aged and whether it will still hold the same fondness on repeated viewing!

Oblivion - (Film Four Thursday 29th March 18:20)
This highly engaging sci-fi production written and directed by Joseph Kosinski benefits largely from some stunning visual effects and a strong lead performance from Tom Cruise. Recommended!

Review: Tomb Raider - Moments of style but not a whole lot of substance

Historically, the area of video game adaptation to big screen blockbuster has been one of scant success with the transition from console to cinema one that has not always run smoothly. One of the few notable exceptions, was in 2001 when Angelina Jolie took the part of Lara Croft in a big budget production of Tomb Raider that in truth, was not terrible and still stands out as a minor victory in a litany of defeats in the gaming movie collection.
Therefore, it's quite understandable that the Hollywood moguls felt that the world was ready for Lara Croft 2.0 and with Oscar winner Alicia Vikander in the title roll and a strong supporting cast including Domininc West and Walton Goggins what could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot as it happens, as despite the gallant efforts of Vikander and Goggins and the odd impressive set piece, this blockbuster is more likely to find it's way into the added list of failures in this genre and leaves the video game adaptation the toughest Hollywood nut to crack!
Tom Raider stars Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished years earlier. Hoping to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance, Croft embarks on a dangerous journey to his last-known destination - a mysterious tomb on a mythical island somewhere off the coast of Japan.Stakes couldn't be higher as Lara must rely on her sharp mind, blind faith and stubborn spirit to venture into the unknown.
In a film riddled with negatives, it may be best to start off with the positive features of this explosive production. Alicia Vikander, in a notable change of her usual acting roles, performs admirably as the latest in a long line of Lara Crofts and carries the expectation and weight of such an iconic character quite well. Walton Goggins too, pulls off the evil nemesis in honourable fashion, avoiding the pitfalls of panto or over egging his portrayal as the evil Mathias Vogel. The same can't be said sadly for Dominic West whose role as Lara's father Lord Richard Croft is, luckily for him, long after the Razzies were handed out as he would have easily taken the prize here for a performance loaded with extra cheese!
Aside of a few impressive action sequences the over reliance on CGI is also evident here with the reliance and need to follow the source material almost too strong at times.
It may not be the worst action blockbuster of this type (or indeed the worst you'll see this year - take a bow The Commuter!) and will pass two hours easily enough but Tomb Raider is not a film that will love long in the memory and regrettably fails to break the long running video game hoodoo!
✸✸1/2

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

A Wrinkle in Time
The latest Walt Disney blockbuster comes with a renowned director in Ava DuVernay and a star studded cast that includes Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling and Chris Pine and has been enjoying high levels of advertising over the last few months. Whether the film can achieve the highly ambitious goals it has set for itself remains to be seen but this is a film that will surely attract interest especially with families over the holidays.



Streaming: 

The Witch (Netflix)
Robert Eggers directorial debut arrived in 2016 to high critical acclaim as this thought provoking and visually compelling slow building horror film is bound to have it's audience sifting uncomfortably in their seats. Maybe one to avoid if you need a good nights sleep!



On Telly

Inside Out (RTE Two Saturday 24th March 18:35)
Another addition to the Pixar Classic catalogue as this inventive and visually spectacular feature covers the sensitive subject of growing up remarkably well in a film that will bring a variety of emotions to all ages. A classic!

Review: Con - Compelling first feature by Tralee native Bertie Brosnan!

Written, produced and directed by Tralee film maker Bertie Brosnan, CON tells the story of Con Keogh, a successful filmmaker and actor, who, upon leaving a secret rehab for alcohol abuse, agrees to take part in a documentary directed by his first cousin, Andy. The documentary is about reuniting Con and his estranged father Michael after 25 years but with emotions running high, the production takes a few unexpected twists and turns. 

Made for the paltry sum of €7,000 local film maker and star of CON, Bertie Brosnan, demonstrates quite remarkably that you don't need a big budget or huge resources to create a telling and relevant piece of film and with CON soon available to Irish & International audiences through Vimeo , ( along with all his short films) Bertie's entrepreneurial spirit is also relevant in the marketing and distribution of this compelling story.

Showcasing his home town of Tralee with great beauty, Brosnan has produced his first feature (after various successes in the short film scene) with due care and diligence taken in dealing with sensitive subject matters and this is helped in no small part by assembling a strong cast of supporting players.

Jean Law, Owen Barton and Michael J.O'Sullivan add gravitas to the feature but it is Brosnan himself as the protagonist Con that is a shining light throughout.

Achieving a rapturous response on it's a previous public screening at Siamsa Tíre, Tralee in 2016, CON will soon be  available to a much wider audience though Vimeo and this indie feature is one to surely please the masses.
Great credit is to due to local film maker Brosnan, who not only has created an interesting and fascinating piece on film but has also done so by promoting his native homeland by showing it in a magnificent light thanks to some wonderful cinematography. To create this film on such a small budget also demonstrates the drive, determination and talent of a film maker with a bright future (as well as a glittering past) ahead of him. Above all, CON should act as shining example to all film makers out there, that with a vision and conviction in that vision creating  meaningful film is something that shouldn't succumb to financial constraints and for that Bertie Brosnan and company should be applauded!

5 great films on show at this weeks Dingle International Film Festival

This Thursday sees the beginning of the 12th year of the wonderful  Dingle International Film Festival which has a crammed programme of quality features, shorts and fantastic events over the course of four days. Whilst I would encourage all film fans to travel to Dingle to experience the magic of such a prestigious event in beautiful surroundings there are some simply unmissable films on show and I have put together a list of 5 such films. It is worth noting however that there is plenty of exceptional films on show aside of these 5 at the Dingle International Film Festival and it's well worth checking out http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/ for further details).

5.The Camino Voyage- Thursday 22nd Mar 7:30pm Phoenix Cinema

The opening feature of the festival and directed by Dónal Ó’ Céilleachair this magnificent film tells the tale of an epic 2,500 km modern day celtic odyssey, by five men who demonstrate the courage, endurance and friendship required to complete the historic voyage. The fact that this screening was almost instantly sold out tells you of the popularity and anticipation gathered for this incredible film. A second screening has been arranged for Sunday 25th March for those who missed out on Thursday nights screening.


Booking for the second screening of this wonderful film can be made at : http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/?film=the-camino-voyageiomramh-an-chamino-second-screening

4.Michael Inside - Friday 23rd Mar 8:00pm Phoenix Cinema

Written and directed by Frank Berry,this IFTA winning feature has been earning high critical acclaim and is sure to be another highly popular film amongst Irish audiences on it's nationwide release next month.
Featuring a superb central performance form Dafhyd Flynn this film is guaranteed to be a big hit among audiences at the Dingle International Film Festival.



Booking for this film can be made at : http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/?film=michael-inside

3. Bob Dylan: Trouble No More - Friday 23rd Mar 10:15pm St James Church

A real coup for the DIFF the European premiere of this highly unique piece of film making takes place in the marvellous surroundings of St James Church, Dingle and is bound to be popular with the audiences that have travelled back west and to catch a remarkable film such as this in a truly wonderful setting is really what the Dingle International Film Festival is all about!




Booking for this film can be made at: http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/?film=bob-dylan-trouble-no-more

2. Black 47 - Saturday 24th Mar 8:00pm Phoenix Cinema

With director Lance Daly and rising star Barry Keoghan in attendance at this screening of the highly important historical drama piece set during the Famine, this event is surely a "must see" for those attending the festival. With an impressive supporting cast including the always brilliant Hugo Weaving and Stephen Rea this feature is another to example of the high quality of programming available at this wonderful festival!


Booking for this film can be made at: Booking for this film can be made at: http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/?film=black-47

1.The Keepers of the Flame - Sunday 25th Mar 7:00pm Phoenix Cinema

The closing feature of the festival and directed by Nuala O'Connor, this film  tells the universal story of generations dealing with the consequences of war and civil war; of what is remembered and what is forgotten. This remarkable documentary brings to light the diverse experiences of some of the 85,000 ordinary Irish men and women who made pension or dependents allowance claims for having actively served during the violent revolutionary period from Easter 1916 to the end of the Civil War in 1921 and brings to a close what is bound to be another superb Dingle Film Festival.

Booking for this film can be made at http://www.dinglefilmfestival.com/?film=the-keepers-of-the-flame

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

There are no less than four new releases for your consideration for this weeks Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex. A family favourite, a video game adaptation, a religious tale and the big screen treatment for an Irish TV comedy. Something for everyone on show this week at Tralee Omniplex with all shows today just €6!

Peter Rabbit
This week's family film to watch is undoubtedly this Beatrix Potter adaptation directed and written by Will Gluck and starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and James Corden. Reviews have been mixed so far but with fantastic visuals and such a great cast this promises to be a lot of fun for all the family!

Tomb Raider
Games console favourite Lara Croft gets a reboot with Alicia Vikander in the hot seat and Roar Uthaug behind the lens. With a supporting cast that includes Walton Goggins, Nick Frost and Dominic West this mega budget blockbuster should have all the ingredients for a swashbuckling adventure and yet despite Vikanders best efforts does fall somewhat short thus continuing the curse of the video game adaptation movie!

Mary Magdelene
Garth Davis' follow up to the marvellous Lion sees Rooney Mara take the title role in this biblical tale that also stars Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus. Stellar performances from it's talented cast and a strong director at the helm have meant that critical reviews have been favourable so this one may be worth a watch!

Damo & Ivor: The Movie
Andy Quirke's double creation gets the big screen treatment in a film as the two brothers embark on the mother of all adventures to find the last piece of their family puzzle and track down their long lost brother John Joe. This one benefits from a strong supporting cast which includes Ruth McCabe, Tine Kellegher and Simon Delaney. I'll be reserving judgement on this one!!