Lucky Miles is a damn good movie. It tells the story of a bunch of asylum people / boat seekers who arrive somewhere between Broome and Perth in the early 70s. There's a Basrati (seems like the logical name for someone from Basra), a Phnom Penhian and an Indonesian joins them later.
It says a lot about refugees, the mindset of Australians and the unmildness of the Australian outback. It manages to do all this in a very laid back, unassuming way. It may not be a triumph of filmmaking or acting, but it's a great story with important ideas and I enjoyed it. So did my wife, who for some reason thought one of the reservist army types (who were looking for them) was hot. Out of 5, I give it 5. Out of 10, I give it 5.
Stranger Than Fiction is Will Ferrell being a guy who starts hearing the voice of an author writing a story about him. She basically narrates his life, which is irritating and then consternating when she says "Little did he know, he was about to die". It's all rather circular, with the author living in the same city. File this under - post-modern humour, Being John Malkovich wanna-be.
I enjoyed it, but I pretty much hated every character except Ferrell. Emma Thompson was irritating, her assistant was pointless and Maggie Gyllenhaal was excruciatingly unbelievable and lame. I confess, after I saw Secretary I had a bit of a thing for her, but she's really doing her best to push me away with this role. Dustin Hoffman was reliable as ever as a literature professor helping Ferrell out.
I'd give it about a 7 out of 10. Just shows how far you can take a movie with a good idea and a great lead (Will Ferrell, is there anything you can't do?).
Remind me to talk about Big Love and The Circuit. Two high quality dramas ( I hate that word as a TV show descriptive) screening back to back on SBS on Sunday nights.
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Hey. I've watched Secretary, and Stranger than Fiction. I found the first role entirely too disturbing, and well, she looked kind of old in it. You're right - in the second film she seems contrived and unrealistic. Didn't he give her a box of flower bulbs to win her over? Or was it a box of ties? Emma T's assistant - what IS that job anyway? Bossy, unseen powerbroker?
Emma Thompson: "Ohh, my nose is red and I'm neurotic. Pass me a tissue."
I was wondering where you found Lucky Miles, and then I see it's new. Did you watch Clubland as well? I have about zero likelihood of seeing new Australian films here. - cw
It was an assortment of baking flours, hence "I brought you some flours."
I haven't seen Clubland yet. Next on my list is The Simpsons Movie, although the missus is strongly lobbying for La Vie En Rose. - hammertime
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