Wicked Review

Wicked

Release Date: 3rd November 2024 - Australia (Sydney, premiere)

Production Companies

Universal Pictures (presents)

Marc Platt Productions

SKY Studios

Dentsu (presented in association with)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Fantasy/Musical

Rating: PG

Runtime: 160 minutes

Budget: $150,000,000

Box Office Gross: $531,335,495 (Worldwide - figure subject to change)

Plot Summary

Misunderstood but

rebellious Elphaba,

a girl born with green

skin, and Glinda, an

aristocratic girl born

to be popular, become

unlikely friends in the

magical land of Oz.

After meeting the

Wizard of Oz, their

friendship reaches a

breaking point as they

begin to fulfil their

destinies as Glinda the

Good and the Wicked

Witch of the West.

Cast

Cynthia Erivo - Elphaba

Ariana Grande - Galinda/

Glinda

Jeff Goldblum - The Wonderful

Wizard of Oz

Michelle Yeoh - Madame Morrible

Jonathan Bailey - Fiyero

Ethan Slater - Boq

Marissa Bode - Nessarose

Peter Dinklage - Dr. Dillamond (Voice)

Andy Nyman - Governor

Thropp

Courtney Mae-Briggs - Mrs

Thropp

Aaron Teoh Guan Ti - Avaric

Bowen Yang - Pfannee

Bronwyn James - ShenShen

Shaun Prendergast - Shiz President

Keala Settle - Mrs Coddle

Sharon D. Clarke - Dulcibear (Voice)

Jenna Boyd - Wolf Doctor (Voice)

Lexi Lancaster - Munchkinland Kid

Arlo Turner - Munchkinland Kid

Joey Unitt - Munchkinland Kid

Bea Ward - Munchkinland Kid

Dereke Oladele - Munchkinland Kid

Sienna-Rose Amer -

Munchkinland Kid

Tarik Frimpong -

Munchkinland Crier

James Dryden - No One

Mourns Munchkin

Malinda Parris - No One

Cries Munchkin

Noah Prempeh - The Good

Man Munchkin

Vicki Noon - Winkie Mother

Debbie Kurup - Winkie Mother

Jasmine McIvor - Winkie Mother

Hattie Ryan - Curious Munchkin

Kirsty Anne Shaw - Skeptical Munchkin

Karis Musongele - Young Elphaba

Cesily Collette Taylor - Young Nessarose

Jarlan Bogolubov - Munchkin

Bullie

Isaac Bishop - Munchkin Bullie

Adam James - Galinda's Popsicle

Alice Fearn - Galinda's Momsie

Clive Kneller - Emerald City Train Conductor

Michael McCorry Rose - 

Wiz-O-Mania Narrator

Idina Menzel - Wiz-O-Mania

Super Star (Cameo)

Kristin Chenoweth -

Wiz-O-Mania Super Star (Cameo)

Robin Berry - Palace Guard

Bobby Windebank - Shiz Security

Cherida Strallen - Shiz Librarian

Tom Kitely - Snow Leopard (Voice)

Elizabeth Dulau - Piebald Deer (Voice)

Kim Durham - Tamarin/Owl (Voice)

Jennifer Woodward - Birds (Voice)

Stephen Stanton - Fiyero's Horse (Voice)

Stephen Schwartz - Emerald

City Guard (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew

Director - Jon M. Chu

Based on the Musical

Book/Screenplay/Executive

Producer - Winnie Holzman

From the Novel - Gregory

Maguire

Based on Characters -

Frank Baum (Uncredited)

Executive Producers -

Dana Fox and Jared

LeBoff

Executive Producer/Unit

Production Manager - David Nicksay

Executive Producer/Music & Lyrics - Stephen Schwartz

Producer - David Stone

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager - Joan Schneider

Production Designer - Nathan Crowley

Supervising Art Director - Ben Collins

Senior Art Directors - Rod McLean and Gavin Fitch

Art Directors - Roxana Alexandru,

Jordana Finkel Sarah Ginn, Rhys Ifan,

Hugh McClelland, Chris Peters,

Quinn Robinson and Luke Sanders

Set Decorator - Lee Sandales

Set Decoration Art Directors - Laura Ng

and Jo Ridler

Construction Consultant - Paul J. Hayes

Property Master - Jamie Wilkinson

Costume Designer - Paul Tazewell

Hair and Makeup Designer - Frances Hannon

Prosthetics Makeup Designer - Mark Coulier

Director of Photography - Alice Brooks

First Assistant Director - Jack Ravenscroft

Second Unit Director/Director of

Photography - Sam Renton

Choreographer - Christopher Scott

Stunt Coordinator - Jo McLaren

Special Effects Supervisor - Paul Corbould

Senior Floor Supervisor - Chris Corbould

Visual Effects Supervisors - Pablo Helman

and Jonathan Fawkner

Visual Effects Supervisors: ILM - Anthony Smith

and Robert Weaver

Visual Effects Supervisor: Foy - Colin Strause

Visual Effects Producer - Kevin Elam

Visual Effects Producers: Foy - Greg Strause

and Marguax Mackay

Visual Effects Art Director - Gordon Champ

Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - Chris Voy

Animation Supervisors - David Shirl

and Dale Newton

CG Supervisors: ILM - Karin Cooper,

Michael Duong and Nick Pitt-Owen

Editor - Myron Kerstein

Supervising Sound Editor and Sound Design/

Re-Recording Mixer - John Marquis

Supervising Sound Editor and Sound Design -

Nancy Nugent Title

Sound Designers - Malte Bieler and

Tim Walston

Additional Sound Designers - Erick Ocampo

and Brandon Jones

Production Sound Mixer - Simon Hayes

Re-Recording Mixer - Andy Nelson

Music - John Powell

Executive Music Producer - Stephen Oremus

Music Producer - Greg Wells

Music Supervisor - Maggie Rodford

Review

I've heard of WICKED but have never seen the original musical. It's because I only go to live musicals sometimes. I didn't read Gregory Maguire's book either because I didn't know until then that it existed. There's something wicked about this movie that the title primarily suggests otherwise. Oz fans have long waited for this film adaptation since its official announcement in 2012. However, splitting this two-hour musical into two parts has left them sceptical. It's similar to how they split DUNE into two movies. I've watched a few of its trailers. One was a LEGO version, and I needed clarification that this was the actual film. Fortunately, I was relieved that it wasn't, but I had second thoughts about the movie until a friend convinced me to see it with him. Nevertheless, I decided to go ahead with it.

Incidentally, this film does it better than the other attempts to revive the land of Oz (minus Oz the Great and Powerful). It perfectly honours the original 1939 The Wizard of Oz film and the 2003 musical while also having its identity. Having worked on Step Up 2: The Streets and In the Heights, director Jon M. Chu knows what it takes to fill the screen with awe-inspiring choreography and the momentum needed to shift between intimate moments in each number. Taking full advantage of the story's fantasy elements beyond what the stage musical could do, the film is a pure fantasy experience, transforming it from a stage musical to a Hollywood blockbuster.

While there have been some recent symbolic interpretations of Baum's original book, the themes of fascism and racism in WICKED are deliberate and explicit. At 160 minutes, WICKED is almost too long, especially considering this is the first part, but it isn't tedious. It only covers the first half of the stage musical but introduces copious amounts of material to expand on the story. There are many references to the classic film for Oz fans and a few cameos that feel less like fan service and more like a logical expansion.

Cynthia Erivo is the heart and soul of the movie, giving a magnificent, heart-wrenching performance as Elphaba. Ariana Grande is more impressive in her acting than her singing as Glinda. However, the magical chemistry that those two leads have together is unlimited. Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum are excellent in their supporting roles, particularly the latter as the mysterious Wizard. Peter Dinklage is the perfect choice for the role of the wailing Dr Dillamond, adding weight to the film's examination of discrimination and social injustice.

The costumes, set design, and other visual aspects are fascinating as they bring the story to life. The songs are the film's undisputed high point and are very lively and enjoyable to listen to at times. They had this musical theatre flair, which was very much in tune with the movie. The film's standout moment, "Defying Gravity", is a showstopper.

From its dazzling spectacles to its beautiful scenery, costumes, strong cast, and spectacular visuals, WICKED is a spellbinding movie that defies gravity to enchant viewers with an immersive experience. I can't wait for the second part, which will be out next year.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

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Transformers One Review

Transformers One

Release Date: 11th September 2024 - Australia (Sydney)

Production Companies

Paramount Animation (presents)

Hasbro Entertainment (presents)

New Republic Pictures (in association with)

Di Bonaventura Pictures

Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production

Bay Films

Distribution

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: Animation/Family/

Sci-Fi/Action

Rating: PG

Runtime: 104 minutes

Budget: $147,000,000

Box Office Gross: $119,034,862 (Worldwide - figure subject to change)

Plot Summary

In this untold origin story,

long before they were

archenemies, Optimus

Prime and Megatron were

once known as Orion Pax

and D-16, who were best

friends and bonded like

brothers. Ultimately, their

relationship will forever

change the future of

Cybertron.

Voice Cast

Chris Hemsworth - Orion Pax/Optimus Prime

Brian Tyree Henry - D-16/

Megatron

Scarlet Johansson - Elita-1

Keegan-Michael Key - B-127

Steve Buscemi - Starscream

Laurence Fishburne - Alpha Trion

Jon Hamm - Sentinel Prime

Isaac C. Singleton Jr. - Darkwing

Vanessa Liguori - Airachnid

Jason Konopisos-Alvarez - Shockwave/Guard 2

Jon Bailey - Soundwave

Evan Michael Lee - Jazz

James Remar - Zeta Prime

Steve Blum - Announcer Bot/Guard 1

Jinny Chung - Chromia/Arcee

Josh Cooley - Control Room Guys/PA System/Skywarp

Dillon Bryan - Injured Racer

Crew

Director - Josh Cooley

Story/Screenplay - Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari

Screenplay - Eric Pearson

Executive Producers - Olivier Dumont, B.J. Farmer, Bradley J. Fischer, Zev Foreman, Greg Mooradian, Matt Quigg and Steven Spielberg

Producers - Michael Bay,

Mark Vahradian, Don

Murphy, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Aaron Dem and Tom DeSanto

Co-Producer - Cyrus Shaki-Khan

Head of Story - Bobby Rubio

Production Designer - Jason William Scheier

Art Director - Gerald de Jesus

Character Designers - Amy Beth Christenson,

Evan Whitefield and Chris Voy

Head of Cinematography - Christopher Batty

Visual Effects Supervisors: ILM -

Frazier Churchill and Alex Prichard

Visual Effects Producers: ILM - Fiona Chilton,

Corinne Tong, Dan Cortez and Rosalind Stratton

Animation Supervisors: ILM - Stephen King,

Kim Odi, Rob Coleman and Rick O'Connor

Layout Leads: ILM - Joshua Cordes

and Marcus Bain

Creature Supervisors: ILM - Evan Jacobson,

Zehn Yang Lee and Eric Wong

Editor - Lynn Hobson

Sound Design & Supervision - Scott Martin Gershin

Re-Recording Mixers - Juan Peralta

and Michael Semanick

Music/Score Mixer - Brian Tyler

Review

Hello, everyone. Since I returned from Fremantle, WA, I have not written a single critique in the past few months, opting instead to post some obituaries, update my reviews, etc. I haven't spent as much time reviewing as I used to, mainly because I've run out of ideas and couldn't concentrate. Fortunately, I watched the latest release of TRANSFORMERS ONE in cinemas near the end of September and a few others before, so I resumed blogging for this special occasion.

Forty years have passed since the beginning of Transformers, which started as a Hasbro toy line, a comic book and a cartoon series before it morphed into a global franchise. The live-action Michael Bay movies (minus a few, like 2007's Transformers and the prequel/reboot Bumblebee) are a mixed bag among audiences and fans, with each entry making more profit at the box office. Unfortunately, the series rusted throughout the decades, beginning with 2017's Transformers: The Last Knight and ending with 2023's Rise of the Beasts, in which the latter became its lowest-grossing feature.

In the wake of the animated Spider-Man movies and the recent animated TMNT movie, Paramount and Hasbro saw a golden opportunity to reinvigorate the Transformers film franchise and take it to where it all began in its animation roots. The franchise has not had an animated feature for decades, not since the original in 1986. However, TRANSFORMERS ONE has a Pixar-like 3D animation style that takes it to the next level and immerses you back into the world of Cybertron as you've never seen it before. Mind you, it was in the early concept stage back in 2015. Almost a decade later, the movie came out, which was phenomenal and honestly, I liked it. It's a welcome change from the live-action movies, which didn't have the core that makes a good Transformers movie, which is precisely why it needed it in the first place.

What makes TRANSFORMERS ONE so much better than the live-action Transformers movies is that there are no humans in this story, as it focuses on the iconic robots, which is part of its back-to-basics approach. The storyline is clever and engaging as the writers become familiar with the world of Transformers and incorporate it into a character-driven narrative with resonant themes of friendship, trust, loyalty and regret. It explores the origins of what life once was in Cybertron before the war and the early friendship between Optimus Prime and Megatron (known as Orion Pax and D-16 in this movie) before they became lifelong adversaries, which is what the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan should have showed as much in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. You can't help feeling choked up by how this relationship between the pair ends in this movie because it is tragic.

I liked all the easter eggs they sprinkled into the film. Other than the main characters, I recognise several Transformers names. There are plenty of references that older Transformers fans remember, including a hint of Stan Bush from the original film and a little nod to the GoBots in TRANSFORMERS ONE. Director Josh Cooley is no stranger to toys, as his experience of helming Toy Story 4 for Pixar has taught him anything and proved he can do nothing wrong with this animated origin story as he knows how to treat a franchise with respect.

The voice cast is incredible. Chris Hemsworth is a surprisingly good casting choice as a young Optimus Prime. However, many fans were apprehensive about Hemsworth taking over the role from the legendary Peter Cullen, considering that the Australian actor has an unrecognisable voice that doesn't match the distinctive guttural delivery that Cullen has. Fortunately, Hemsworth pours his roguish charm into the younger version of his character and makes it his own before developing into the authoritative baritone that people love to hear in Optimus Prime's dialogue. Brian Tyree Henry was terrific as D-16/Megatron but shines on the fury and rage we come to expect from the evil Decepticon leader. Keegan Michael-Key had a lot of comic energy when playing B-127, a.k.a. Bumblebee. Unlike the previous films where he barely spoke, it's nice to see him given more personality and dialogue. Scarlett Johansson delivers serious spunk in Elita-1, capturing her stern, exasperated mannerisms and driven emotions. Jon Hamm is excellent as Sentinel Prime.

The character designs are a throwback to the original G1 figures, with just enough facial detail added to prevent them from falling into the uncanny valley. Cybertron's surface is familiar, with shimmering formations that change over time and creatures that are fascinating. The 3D animation is sleek, stunning, and imaginative, courtesy of Industrial Light & Magic, the same visual effects house that worked on the Michael Bay live-action movies. The action sequences were exciting and fast-paced, which kept me enthralled. Brian Tyler's score is superb, which is ironic since he is familiar with the franchise as he co-composed the music for the Transformers: Prime animated TV series.

Action-packed, beautifully animated, humorous and heartfelt, TRANSFORMERS ONE reignites the spark that the live-action Transformers movies have been missing and is the best film in the franchise. While it doesn't feel like it's pandering to young kids despite being marketed as such, it's suitable for Transformers fans of all ages. The best way to celebrate the legacy of the Transformers, this film is more than meets the eye. So, roll out in theatres before you miss it, until then, till all are one.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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Dune: Part Two Review

Dune: Part Two

Release Date: 29th February 2024 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (present)

Villeneuve Films

Legendary Entertainment (present)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: M

Runtime: 165 minutes

Budget: $190,000,000

Box Office Gross: $714,444,358 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Seeking retribution

against the conspirators

who destroyed his family,

Paul Atreides joins forces

with Chani and the

Fremen. Forced to choose

between the love of his

life and the fate of the

known universe, he must

try to prevent a horrific

future that only he can

foresee.

Cast

Timothée Chalamet -

Paul Atreides

Zendaya - Chani

Rebecca Ferguson - Lady Jessica Atreides

Javier Bardem - Stilgar

Josh Brolin - Gurney Halleck

Austin Butler - Feyd-Rautha

Florence Pugh - Princess Irulan

Dave Bautista - Beast

Rabban Harkonnen

Christopher Walken -

Emperor

Léa Seydoux - Lady

Margot Fenring

Stellan Skarsgård - Baron

Vladimir Harkonnen

Charlotte Rampling -

Reverend Mother Mohiam

Souhelia Yacoub - Shishakil

Roger Yuan - Lanville

Babs Olusanmokun - Jamis

Alison Halstead - Maker

Keeper

Giusi Merli - Reverend

Mother Ramallo

Kait Tenison - Bene

Gesserit Sister

Tara Breathnach - Bene

Gesserit Sister

Akiko Hitomi - Bene Gesserit Sister

Imola Gáspár - Watermaster

Alison Adnet - Young Fremen Patrol

Hamza Baissa - Young Fremen Patrol

Hassan Najib - Young Fremen Patrol

Jasper Ryan-Cater - Young

Fremen Patrol

Omar Elbooz - Young

Fremen Patrol

Abdelkarim Hussein Seli

Mohamed Hassanin - Young

Fremen Patrol

Joseph Beddelem - Fedaykin Leader

Xavier Alba Royo - Fedaykin

Rachid Abbad - Fedaykin

Affif Ben Badra - Fedaykin

Botond Bota - Fedaykin

Abdelaziz Boumane - Fedaykin

Abdellah Echahbi - Fedaykin

Zouhair Elakkari - Fedaykin

Noureddine Hajoujou - Fedaykin

Mohamed Mouraoui - Fedaykin

Adil Achraf Sayd - Fedaykin

Hamza Sayd - Fedaykin

Hopi Grace - Fremen Nun

Havin Fathi - Fremen Nun

Kincsö Pethö - Fremen Nun

Cat Simmons - Young Nun

Burt Caesar - Devotee

Remi Fadare - Devotee

Amer El-Erwadi - Huge Fighter

Tedroy Newell - Fremen Onlooker

Oxa Hazel - Fremen Onlooker

Hajiyeva Pakiza - Fremen Onlooker

Leon Herbert - Oldest Elder

Sima Rostami - Female Elder

Yvonne Campbell - Elder

Joseph Charles - Elder

Vic Zander - Elder

Dylan Baldwin - Harkonnen

Translator

Marcia Tucker - Old

Wounded Woman

Nicola Brome - Wounded Fremen

Kathy Owen - Wounded Fremen

How Novelli - Fundamentalist Fighter

Moe Bar-El - Fundamentalist Fighter

Serhat Metin - Fundamentalist Fighter

Amra Mallassi - Fundamentalist Fighter

Adam Phillip Bloom -

Fundamentalist Fighter

Luis Alkmim - Sentinel Leader

Jordan Long - Smuggler Driver

Omar A.K. - Wounded Smuggler

Zdenek Dvoracek - Arena

Gladiator

Billy Clements - Arena Gladiator

Anton Valensi - Harkonnen Commander

Lex Daniel - Harkonnen Commander

Dominic McHale - Harkonnen Commander

Paul Boyle - Harkonnen Commander

Niall White - Ornithopter Military Pilot

Tony Cook - Harkonnen

Scanner Operator

Gabor Szeman - Harkonnen

Officer

Jonathan Gunning - Game

Supervisor

Will Irvine - Slave Master

Alan Mehdizadeh - Weapon

Master

Rex Adams - Harpy

Molly Mcowan - Harpy

Ana Cilas - Harpy

Kajsa Mohammar - Feyd-

Reutha's Attendant

Sara Bacsfalvi - Feyd-

Reutha's Attendant

Zsófia Kocsis - Feyd-

Reutha's Attendant

Matthew Sim - Spice Steward

Steve Wall - Bashar

Italo Amerighi - Imperial Council

Tim Hilborne - Imperial Council

Cecile Sinclair - Imperial Council

Tracy Coogan - Imperial Servant

Zoe Kata Kaska - Baby Jessica

Jimmy Walker - Baron Proxy

Rand Faris - Female Fremen Fighter

Fouad Humaidan - Male

Fremen Fighter

Manaf Irani - Male Fremen

Fighter

Dora Kápolnai-Schwab -

Baron Servant

Joelle - Baron Servant

Anya Taylor-Joy - Alia Atreides

(Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew

Screenplay/Director - Denis Villeneuve

Based on the Novel - Frank Herbert

Screenplay/Executive

Producer - Jon Spaihts

Script Supervisor - Jessica Clothier

Special Consultant - Kevin J. Anderson

Executive Producers - Joshua Grode,

John Harrison, Herbert W. Gains,

Brian & Kim Herbert, Bryon Merritt,

Richard P. Rubinstein and Thomas Tull

Producers - Cale Boyter,

Patrick McCormack and Mary Parent

Producer/Second Unit Director - Tanya Lapointe

Co-Producers - Toby Hefferman

Co-Producer/Visual Effects

Producer - Brice Parker

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Jessica Derhammer

Casting Director - Francine Maisler

Production Designer - Patrice Vermette

Concept/Storyboard Artist - Sam Hudecki

Concept Artists - Kamen Anev,

Paul Chadession, Ed Natividad,

Peter Popken, Kris Turvey and George Hull

Concept Artist/Visual Effects Art Director:

Rodeo FX - Deak Ferrand

Supervising Art Director - Tom Brown

Chief Set Decorator - Shane Vieau

Property Master - Doug Harlocker

Costume Designer - Jacqueline West

Makeup Department Head/Makeup,

Hair & Prosthetics Designer -

Donald Mowat

Director of Photography - Greig Fraser

Unit Production Manager - James Grant

Supervising Location Manager - Duncan Broadfoot

Supervising Stunt Coordinator - Lee Morrison

Co-Stunt Coordinator - Henry Kingi Jr.

Fight/Stunt Coordinator - Roger Yuan

Aerial Coordinator - Cliff Fleming

Special Effects Supervisor - Gerd Nefzer

Visual Effects Supervisor - Paul Lambert

Visual Effects Supervisors: DNEG -

Michael Grobe, Stephen James and

Rhys Salcombe

Visual Effects Producers: DNEG -

Jennifer Fairweather and Jose Maria de la Puente

Visual Effects Producer: Rodeo FX - Wassila Lmouaci

Senior Animation Supervisor: DNEG - Robyn Luckham

Animation Supervisors: DNEG - Nick Symons

and Eric Bates

Visualisation Supervisor: The Third Floor -

Nicholas Markel

Visualisation Supervisor: Digital Domain -

Scott Meadows

Film Editor - Joe Walker

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard King

Sound Designer - Dave Whitehead

Additional Sound Design - Michael Babcock,

Lee Gilmore and Randy Torres

Re-Recording Mixers - Ron Bartlett

and Doug Hemphill

Music/Synth Programming - Hans Zimmer

Composers: Additional Music - David Fleming,

Steve Mazzaro, Steven Doar and

Andrew Kawczynski

Music Supervisors - Peter Afterman,

Deric Berberabe and Alison Litton

Score Mixer - Alan Meyerson

Review

DUNE: PART TWO was the ultimate continuation of the glorious sci-fi epic that Dune fans have clamorously waited for in the last three years. It was supposed to premiere in 2023, but due to a Hollywood strike involving the writers and actors, the studio delayed it and changed its release date to 2024. We haven't seen a cinematic event we witnessed as epic, majestic and impactful since Lord of the Rings!

Many critics hailed PART TWO as a triumph and a landmark science-fiction film that will go down in history as one of the best sequels. Some even compared it to The Empire Strikes Back and The Dark Knight, which were sequels much better than their predecessors and highly regarded by audiences. Even filmmaker Christopher Nolan (who directed the latter) likened this movie to the former, which may be true, considering they're both timeless masterpieces and milestones of the science fiction genre. It's also compared to another highly regarded sequel, The Two Towers, with both movies being large in scale with huge spectacles, character-driven plots and battle scenes.

While Part One was only the beginning, PART TWO continues to strengthen the narrative direction with more full-scale action. Like the previous movie, it is also a visual delight in every sense of the word. It excels in sound and sight, engineering and spectacle. None of this would be possible if it weren't for Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, who saw fit to bring Dune into the big screen when no one else would (unless some of you prefer David Lynch's 1984 film). However, some long-time readers of the book weren't happy with the changes made in the second instalment as it did happen in its predecessor. Then again, a few deviations are necessary to improve the storyline. It re-introduced a few characters, such as Feyd-Rautha, The Emperor, Princess Irulan, etc, who were absent in the first instalment. There was a lot of territory to cover in the sequel, and Villeneuve doesn't shy away from finding the right balance between drama, breathtaking visuals and character development.

Once again, Timothée Chalamet is as excellent in his career-defining role as Paul Atriedes. He gets it right this time by lending his gravitas to the character, making him more determined and aware of what he has to do. He has a natural chemistry with Zendaya, who is just as fabulous as her co-star and also shines in her performance as Chani. I am glad she has more screen time in her role in the sequel than in its predecessor, which relegated her to Paul's visions. Her character is still the same love interest, but her personality is much different than in the books and previous adaptations. The ensemble cast is terrific, with returning players like Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem and new additions like Florence Pugh and Austin Butler. Butler is the highlight as he steals the show as the Baron's hairless, pale-skinned and psychopathic nephew Feyd-Rautha. He possesses a killer instinct and a unique dialect to the role, with the same rock star swagger he brought into Elvis and doesn't wear the same winged codpiece as Sting wore in the 1984 film version of Dune.

On the technical side of things, Greig Fraser's lavish camerawork enhances the vision of the desert world of Arrakis with sweeping shots that are a clear homage to Lawrence of Arabia. Once again, Hans Zimmer proves what he does best in creating an ominous, epic score with a layer of ambience and rich texture. He does this to expand upon the original, which he previously composed in 2021. Some of my favourite moments in the film include Paul's first ride on a sandworm, the monochromatic gladiator fight and the final climactic battle.

If this sequel has taught me anything, PART: TWO is a towering work of art that fulfils the first film's promise while adding expanses of layers and depth. It established the franchise as famous as Lord of the Rings and ushered in Denis Villeneuve as one of the finest directors of our time. Its ending leaves the door open for a third part of the movie, which would be the adaptation of Frank Herbert's sequel to the original novel, Dune Messiah and leaves fans waiting for more. If you're new to Dune, you start with Part One. It will give you the context and understanding you need to know and enjoy the second part. I highly recommend seeing PART TWO in the cinema, preferably in IMAX, once you've seen both movies.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

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Dune (2021) Review

Dune

Release Date: 2nd December 2021 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (present)

Legendary Entertainment (present)

Villeneuve Films

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: M

Runtime: 156 minutes

Budget: $165,000,000

Box Office Gross: $407,673,628 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

In the far-off future, an intelligent and gifted young man named Paul Atreides has a great destiny ahead of him by travelling to the scorching desert planet Dune to secure

the fate of his family and

his people. As evil forces

collide over the planet's

exclusive supply of the

most precious resource known to existence, only those who can overcome their fear will survive.

Cast

Timothée Chalamet - Paul Atreides

Rebecca Ferguson - Lady Jessica Atreides

Oscar Issac - Duke Leto Atreides

Jason Momoa - Duncan

Idaho

Stellan Skarsgård - Baron

Vladimir Harkonnen

Stephen McKinley Henderson -

Thufir Hawat

Josh Brolin - Gurney Halleck

Javier Bardem - Stilgar

Sharon Duncan-Brewster - Dr. Liet Kynes

Chang Chen - Dr. Wellington Yueh

Dave Bautista - Beast Rabban Harkonnen

David Dastmalchian - Piter de Vries

Zendaya - Chani

Charlotte Rampling - Reverend

Mother Mohiam

Babs Olusanmokun - Jamis

Benjamin Clémentine - Herald

of the Charge

Souad Faress - Bene Gesserit Sister

Golda Rosheuvel - Shadout Mapes

Roger Yuan - Lieutenant Lanville

Seun Shote - Arrakeen Residency Gardener

Neil Bell - Sardaukar Bashar

Oliver Ryan - Hawat Specialist

Stephen Collins - Harkonnen Trooper

Charlie Rawes - Harkonnen Trooper

Richard Carter - Harkonnen

Trooper

Ben Dilloway - Sardaukar

Assassin

Elmi Rashid Elmi - Shamir

Tachia Newall - Tanat

Gloria Obianyo - Female Fremen

Fehinti Balogun - Male Fremen

Dora Kápolnai-Schvab - Baron Servant

Joelle - Baron Servant (Cameo)

Jimmy Walker - Atreides Lieutenant

Paul Bullion - Sardaukar Soldier

Milena Sidorova - Human Spider Proxy

János Timkó - Harkonnen Guard

Jean Gilpin - Bene Gesserit

Ancestors (Voice)

Marianne Faithfull - Bene 

Gesserit Ancestors (Voice)

Ellen Dubin - Bene Gesserit

Ancestors (Voice)

Crew

Screenplay/Director - Denis Villeneuve

Based on the Novel - Frank Herbert

Screenplay/Executive

Producer - Jon Spaihts

Screenplay - Eric Roth

Script Supervisor - Jessica Clothier

Special Consultant - Kevin J.

Anderson

Executive Producers -

Joshua Grode, John Harrison,

Herbert W. Gains, Brian & Kim

Herbert, Tanya Lapointe, Bryon

Merritt, Richard P. Rubinstein

and Thomas Tull

Producers - Cale Boyter and

Mary Parent

Producer/Unit Production

Manager - Joseph M. Carraciolo Jr.

Co-Producer/First Assistant Director - Chris Carreras

Co-Producer/Production Supervisor - Jessica Derhammer

Casting Directors - Jina Jay and Francine Maisler

Production Designer - Patrice Vermette

Concept Designer/Storyboard

Artist - Sam Hudecki

Props Concept Artist - Ed Natividad

Concept Artists - Kamen Anev, Joseph Cross, Jeremy Hanna, George Hull, Eric Hamel, Carlos Haunte, Yanick Dusseault, Peter Popken and Colie Wertz

Concept Artist/Visual Effects

Art Director: Rodeo FX -

Deak Ferrand

Supervising Art Director - Tom

Brown

Set Decorators - Richard

Roberts and Zsuzsanna Sipos

Property Master - Doug Harlocker

Costume Designers - Bob

Morgan and Jacqueline West

Makeup Department Head/Makeup and Hair Designer - Donald Mowat

Prosthetic Designer: Baron Harkonnen - Love Larson

Director of Photography - Greig Fraser

Directors of Photography:

Additional Photography -

Pierre Gill and Adam Arkapaw

Unit Production Manager - James Grant

Location Manager: California - Leann Emmert

First Assistant Director:

Additional Photography -

Cliff Lanning

Second Unit Director/Stunt

Coordinator - Tom Struthers

Stunt Coordinator - Dave Judge

Fight Coordinator - Roger Yuan

Aerial Coordinator - Cliff Fleming

Special Effects Supervisor - Gerd Nefzer

Visual Effects Supervisor - Paul Lambert

Visual Effects Supervisors: DNEG - Brian Connor

and Tristan Myles

Visual Effects Producers - Maricel Pagulayan

and Brice Parker

Visual Effects Producers: DNEG -

Jennifer Fairweather and Jose Maria de la Puente

Visual Effects Producer: Rodeo FX - Wassila Lmouaci

Senior Animation Supervisor: DNEG -

Robyn Luckham

Animation Supervisors: DNEG - Nick Symons

and Eric Bates

Visualisation Supervisor: The Third Floor -

Nicholas Markel

Visualisation Supervisor: Digital Domain -

Scott Meadows

Film Editor - Joe Walker

Sound Designers/Supervising Sound Editors -

Mark A. Mangini and Theo Green

Sound Designer - Dave Whitehead

Re-Recording Mixers - Ron Bartlett

and Doug Hemphill

Music/Synth Programming - Hans Zimmer

Composers: Additional Music - David Fleming,

Steve Mazzaro, Steven Doar and Andrew Kawczynski

Music Supervisors - Peter Afterman

and Alison Litton

Score Mixer - Alan Meyerson

Awards

2022 Academy Awards

Best Sound - Mac Ruth, Mark A. Mangini,

Theo Green, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett (Won)

Best Achievement in Visual Effects -

Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor

and Gerd Nefzer (Won)

Best Achievement in Production Design -

Patricia Vermette and Zsuzsanna Sipos (Won)

Best Achievement in Music Written for

Motion Picture (Original Score) - Hans Zimmer (Won)

Best Achievement in Film Editing - Joe Walker (Won)

Best Achievement in Cinematography -

Greig Fraser (Won)

------------------------

Best Motion Picture of the Year - Mary Parent,

Denis Villeneuve and Cale Boyter (Nominated)

Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling -

Donald Mowat, Love Larson and Eva Von Bahr

(Nominated)

Best Achievement in Costume Design -

Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan (Nominated)

Best Adapted Screenplay - Jon Spaihts,

Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth (Nominated)

Review

Before 2021, DUNE was considered one of the unfilmable science fiction novels by many people who read it and its fans. Numerous attempts have failed to bring DUNE to the big screen, including one that never got off the ground by Alejandro Jodorowsky. Even Ridley Scott came dangerously close to adapting the original sci-fi story but backed out when he opted for Blade Runner instead. However, David Lynch created the first film adaptation (click here) in 1984, which remained true to its weird nature but failed at the box office and wasn't well-received by critics. It grew to be a cult classic in later years. Even the 2000 miniseries version suffered from poor casting and cheap CGI while being faithful to the original novel. It finally succeeded when Denis Villeneuve, the man behind Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, followed his lifelong ambition of directing a massive sci-fi epic.

While a remarkable adaptation, this film differs from the original book but covers the first half, leaving the story incomplete and ending abruptly. The slow pacing is also a detriment to the movie. A few characters from the book are not in this film, as these will appear in the second part. Villeneuve has lived up to the vision and scope that Frank Herbert has conceived for DUNE, but wasn't trying to be like David Lean, Stanley Kubrick or Steven Spielberg. Instead, he was doing his own thing and proved he was the best man to bring DUNE to life, as no other director could handle the responsibility of helming it. There are epic and memorable moments that make DUNE an exciting film.

It maintains a sizable cast with a pedigree of actors who have all done well in their terrific performances, particularly Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson, whom the two actors did such a fine job in their roles. Stellan Skarsgård appears to have gained weight (due to the makeup and fat suit) to play the sinister Baron Harkonnen. His performance is better than Kenneth McMillan's in the original film by being less over-the-top. Zendaya could have had more scenes for the character Chani. She has less screen time than any of the other actors.

The costume design is impressive, and the visual effects are stunning. Even the cinematography by Greig Fraser is awe-inspiring in the breathtaking imagery it uses to capture the scale of this movie. Hans Zimmer retains his crown as one of the greatest movie composers by delivering a powerful, booming score. It helps that he was a fan of the book and has read it ever since to infuse the rich texture in his cinematic score.

This mind-blowing experience has left fans wanting more, but they will have to watch the second part after watching its predecessor. I can't say I loved DUNE, but it's different from the other versions I grew up watching. Overall, it is a great movie. This interpretation is for those who previously experienced the original versions in either Lynch's or the miniseries.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Wonka Review

Wonka

Release Date: 14th December 2023 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Village Roadshow Pictures (in association with)

Domain Entertainment (in association with)

The Roald Dahl Story Company

Heyday Films

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Fantasy/Musical/

Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 116 minutes

Budget: $125,000,000

Box Office Gross: $634,402,312 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

As a young and poor man with dreams of opening a chocolate shop in a famous city, Willy Wonka is determined to change the world with one delectable bite at a time. However, he discovers that a cartel of

greedy chocolatiers controls

the industry and will stop at

nothing to rid their competitors.

Cast

Timothée Chalamet - Willy Wonka

Gustave Die - Ship's Engineer

Murray McArthur - Ship's Captain

Paul G. Raymond - Map Seller

Bertie Caplan - Shoeshine Boy

Isy Suttie - Fruit & Veg Vendor

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith -

Officer Affable

Matilda Tucker - Young Mother

Tom Davis - Bleacher

Olivia Colman - Mrs.

Scrubbit

Calah Lane - Noodle

Paterson Joseph - Slugworth

Matt Lucas - Prodnose

Matthew Baynton - Fickelgruber

Freya Parker - Miss Bon Bon

Keegan-Michael Key - Chief of Police

Hugh Grant - Oompa-Loompa

Jim Carter - Abacus Crunch

Rakhee Thakrar - Lottie Bell

Natasha Rothwell - Piper Benz

Rich Fulcher - Larry

Chucklesworth

Colin O'Brien - Young Willy Wonka

Sally Hawkins - Willy's Mother

Rowan Atkinson - Father Julius

Ellie White - Gwennie (Mistress of the Keys)

Rufus Jones - Jenkins

Simon Farmaby - Basil (Zoo Security Guard)

Susie Fairfax - Abacus

Crunch's Wife

Macie Blake - Abacus

Crunch's Granddaughter

(4 Years Old)

Charlotte Ritchie - Barbara

Phil Wang - Colin

Bleu Woodward - Waitress

Robyn Rose - Tram Lady 1

Millie O'Donnell - Tram Lady 2

Ben Howard - Oompa Loompa Guard 1

Muzz Khan - Oompa Loompa Guard 2

Ian Bartholomew - Sceptical Old Man

Sophie Winkleman - The

Countess

Lola Shepelev -

Moustached Little Girl

Michael Abubakar - Orange-

Haired Customer

Justin Edwards - Green-

Skinned Customer

Marina Bye - Green-Bearded Customer

Tim Fitzhigham - Sinister Ship's Captain

Jane Bertish - Bardness Von Schmeichelhammer

Dominic Coleman - Donovan

Tracy Ifeachor - Dorothy Smith

Ellie Blake - Abacus Crunch's Granddaughter (8 Years Old)

Alison Pargeter - Wendy Chucklesworth

Crew

Story/Screenplay/Director - Paul King

Based on Characters - Roald Dahl

Screenplay - David Farnaby

Executive Producers - Cate Adams,

Rosie Alison and Michael Siegel

Executive Producer/Unit Production

Manager - Tim Wellspring

Producers - David Heyman,

Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly

Co-Producer - Bernie Hall

Casting Director - Nina Gold

Military Technical Advisor - Paul Biddiss

Production Designer - Nathan Crowley

Supervising Art Directors - Toby Britton

and Tom Brown

Set Decorator - Lee Sandales

Property Master - Jamie Wilkinson

Costume Designer - Lindy Hemming

Hair & Makeup Designer - Ivana Primorac

Director of Photography - Chung-hoon Chang

"A" Camera/Steadicam Operator - Peter Robertson

Unit Production Manager: Additional Unit -

Steve Harding

Second Unit Director/Director of Photography -

John Sorapure

Choreographer - Christopher Gattelli

Stunt Coordinator - Paul Lowe

Animal Coordinators - Julie Tottman

and James Weller

Special Effects Supervisor - Hayley J. Williams

Visual Effects Supervisor - Graham Page

Visual Effects Producer - Dominic Sidoli

Editor - Mark Everson

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer -

Glenn Freemantle

Supervising Sound Editor - Ben Barker

Production Sound Mixer - John Casali

Re-Recording Mixers - Niv Adiri

and Paul Massey

Foley Mixer - Glen Gathard

Original Songs - Neil Hannon

Music - Joey Talbot

Music Producer - Charlie Rosen

Music Supervisor/Vocal Producer -

James A. Taylor

Review

It took me a few months to finish this review before I could publish it. Despite the turbulence of 2023, the film is still going through a rough patch, with industrial action and the popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. However, the former affected many movies that came out in the same year and bombed in theatres due to poor marketing and ridiculously high budgets. But there are some exceptions, like Barbie and Oppenheimer. At the end of this year, a few films came out during the holiday season. One of which was WONKA, which is the latest incarnation of Roald Dahl's beloved character.

Considered the most popular of all Roald Dahl's stories, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been the subject of several adaptations over the years (the two most famous are the 1971 Mel Stuart film and the 2005 Tim Burton film). At first, I was sceptical because this prequel may be a cash cow as it would tarnish the legacy of the original 1971 musical with Gene Wilder. Thankfully, it wasn't. I'm glad it's nothing like the interpretation that Tim Burton produced with Johnny Depp as the titular character. While the previous film adaptations by Mel Stuart and Tim Burton have the same story, this one is a tribute to the former with its confectionary qualities, such as a hint of sweetness and energetically choreographed musical numbers.

Paul King is already familiar with audiences for directing the first two Paddington movies and is no stranger to children's fiction when taking some elements of a literary classic. All that is missing is the dark undertones, which makes the classic book and the two previous interpretations so interesting. The set designs and visuals are phenomenal. The songs are irresistibly catchy.

Timothée Chalamet may seem an odd choice to play Willy Wonka, but he was naturally good at this role and had the eagerness to do so. Interestingly, this version of Wonka is a young optimist, whereas the previous incarnations show him as a self-absorbed individual with little regard for the thoughts and feelings of others. I never knew Chalamet could sing and dance, let alone act in an exuberant and colourful motion picture like WONKA. I liked his rendition of "Pure Imagination", which differs from Gene Wilder's version.

The supporting cast consists of comedians who stole the show, while young Calah Lane lends a sincere performance as Noodle. Keegan-Michael Kay is terrific as the chief of police. Paterson Joseph distinguishes himself as a full-on pantomime villain, supplemented by Matt Lucas and Matthew Baynton, who make a delightfully evil trio. Hugh Grant has made a terrific comeback in his latest work in recent years, but playing an Oompa Loompa named Lofty isn't something I expected from him.

While silly and whimsical, WONKA is a sweet-filled cinematic delight that will arouse audiences and tempt their tastebuds. When you have a movie that came out in the holiday season, you know it's WONKA. I recommend this film to those who grew up with Gene Wilder's previous incarnation and Roald Dahl's original story.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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