STACK #122 Dec 2015

DVD&BD

REVIEWS

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How would you spend them? THESE FINAL HOURS

It's what's inside that counts. THE MULE

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Release Date: 10/12/14

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Release Date: 03/12/14

AUSTRALIAN

The end of the world hits close to home – Perth, actually – in this accomplished feature debut from writer-director Zak Hilditch. Australian cinema is no stranger to apocalyptic scenarios and These Final Hours has more in common with One Night Stand (1984) than Mad Max 2, in that it's an intimate apocalypse that poses some tough questions for its protagonist – and ultimately the viewer. Nathan Phillips just wants to party like there's no tomorrow, because there isn't; the end is nigh in 12 hours time. But when he meets a young girl (Angourie Rice) who's

In 1983, the America's Cup yacht race overshadowed what was transpiring in a Melbourne hotel room – a simple TV repairman named Ray (Angus Sampson) is being detained by the Federal Police until he moves his bowels. Say what? During an end of season footy trip to Thailand, Ray was roped into becoming a drug mule and is now carrying 20 condoms of heroin inside his stomach. That's what the Feds are waiting for, but Ray defiantly refuses to go number two – and they can only hold him for a maximum of seven days without

become separated from her father, he decides to do what's right and attempt to reunite her with her Dad, while the world goes to hell around them. This is a powerful and downbeat treatment of a familiar subject, anchored by committed performances and a funereal mood. • See page 60

evidence. But can he hold on that long? Co-directed by Sampson from a script he wrote with Leigh Whannell ( Saw ) and Jaime Browne, The Mule is a blackly amusing crime drama that wrings suspense from a simple premise and builds to a potentially explosive climax. • See page 52

Time after time. PREDESTINATION

Take these broken wings... HEALING

Release Date: 17/12/14

Release Date: 26/11/14

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If you want a movie that will fry your brain, look no further than the latest offering from the Spierig Brothers. Having already given us a novel take on zombies ( Undead , 2003) and vampires ( Daybreakers , 2010), the Brisbane twins turn their talents to time travel with Predestination , a mind-bending thriller based on a Robert A. Heinlein short story. The less you know about what temporal agent Ethan Hawke discovers in his attempt to stop the notorious "Fizzle Bomber" from striking again, the better. But be prepared for one of the most inventive,

After serving 16 years in prison, Viktor Kahdem (Don Hany) is transferred to a low security facility in rural Victoria where he becomes involved in a program to rehabilitate injured birds of prey. His instant rapport with a raptor (a magnificent wedge- tailed eagle named Yasmine) bodes well for the rehabilitation of both. There's an obvious analogy to be drawn between broken birds and broken men, freedom and taking flight, etc (as well as shades of Birdman of Alcatraz ), in this unconventional prison

cerebrally challenging and paradox-laden time travel films since Looper . The production design has a Dark City vibe mixed with a funky '70s aesthetic, and rising star Sarah Snook is an absolute knockout as a pivotal character who is recruited by Hawke. Enough said. Now go check it out!

film, and writer-director Craig Monahan ( The Interview ) makes sure the message comes through loud and clear. The strong local cast includes Hugo Weaving, Tony Martin and Xavier Samuel, and the film is beautifully shot by DOP Andrew Lesnie ( The Lord of the Rings ).

DECEMBER 2014 JB Hi-Fi www.jbhifi.com.au

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