Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins (4.0/5)

Her Majesty's Theatre

Disney/Cameron Mackintosh

21^st August 2010

(Adapted by Robert & Richard Sherman from PL Travers’ book & the Disney film. Mary Poppins: Verity Hunt Ballard, Bert: Matt Lee, Philip Quast: Mr Banks, Marina Prior: Mrs Banks)

Bright, enthusiastic, often magical musical version of this timeless (un)happy family story. Verity Hunt-Ballard is a perfect Poppins, stunning voice, manner never too sweet, never too stern. Quast as Mr Banks is a timely reminder in these post-GFC times that people are more important than money. The occasional over-eager moment is more than balanced by the excellent set-pieces as Mary Poppins literally flies across stage and audience. I did miss the penguins though.

The Special Relationship

The Special Relationship (3.5/5)

Dendy, Circular Quay, Sydney

14^th August 2010

Director: Richard Loncraine, Writer: Peter Morgan. Cast: Michael Sheen [Tony Blair], Dennis Quaid [Bill Clinton], Hope Davis [Hillary Clinton], Helen McCrory [Cherie Blair]

Blair’s rise and Clinton’s decent; from Tony learning at Bill’s knee, through Lewinsky and Kosovo to George W’s election. The characterizations are extraordinary, it’s not the looks but the mannerisms and delivery that impresses. Morgan’s script deftly handles Blair’s growth from political innocent to voice of morality and closes with the beginnings of his downfall as egotistical sycophant. Good, though in only 93 minutes it’s a little rushed and leaves viewers filling in the gaps.

Me and Orson Wells

Me and Orson Wells (2.5/5)

Barracks Cinema, Brisbane

11 August 2010

Director: Richard Linklater. Cast: Zac Efron (Richard Samuels), Christian McKay (Orson Welles), Claire Danes (Sonja Jones)

Young man dragged off the street to play Lucius in Well’s Julius Caesar falls for one of Orson’s girls, inevitably has his heart broken on opening-night. The final reel of genuine Shakespeare almost makes the preceding sentimental, if high-paced, love story bearable. Against the power of the Bard the film script is a barely adequate pastiche of theatrical histrionics and innocent love. How Well’s staged Julius Caesar, now that would have made a good film.

I Am Love

I Am Love (1.5/5)

Barracks Cinema, Brisbane

17^th July 2010

(Director: Luca Guadagnino. Cast: Tilda Swinton, Gabriele Ferzetti

Marisa Berenson)

A sense of grandeur but certainly not a grand film. In a wealthy Italian family the Russian wife of eldest son and boss of the family firm falls for their son’s best friend, then leaves her husband at the son’s funeral. But why? Moody music, smouldering looks and lavish photography cannot make up for a story that lacks exposition.

Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey – Life In Progress (2.0/5)

Concert Hall, QPAC, Brisbane

13^th July 2009

Bill Bailey is funny and talented in fits and starts with his observations on life back in the UK and peculiar musical skills. If Bailey’s is a life in progress then the show is a work in progress - somewhat one paced and reliant on a few themes that wear thin by the second half. If you get bored at least the programme makes more interesting reading than most of its ilk.

Of Earth and Sky

Of Earth and Sky (2.5/5)

Bangarra Dance Company

Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane

6^th July 2010

Riley: choreographer Daniel Riley McKinley.

Artefact: choreographer Frances Rings

Drawing on past relics for their motivation Bangarra present two pieces of similar theme and different technique. The late Michael Riley’s photographs inspire his relation Daniel to a work that is easy on dancers and audience - each item well linked to the corresponding image. Artefact explores Aboriginal museum pieces; its complexity reflecting Rings’ greater experience, making the work more challenging whilst losing some of Riley’s story-telling. I preferred Riley, connoisseurs will enjoy Artefact.

Ron Murek

Ron Murek (4.0/5)

Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane

8^th May – 1^st August 2010

Ron Murek’s real-life sculptures of people very young, very old and in between are extraordinarily lifelike. Varying in scale from a miniature old couple to a two metre new born baby the level of detail is so absorbing it becomes almost embarrassing to linger looking closely at these remarkable pieces of work, nude strangers caught in a moment of deep thought. Realism is taken to a new level and not to be missed.

Toy Story 3D

Toy Story 3D (4.0/5)

Barrack Cinemas, Brisbane

2nd July 2010

(Director: Lee Unkrich. Cast: Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Woody) and many other distinguished voices)

A grown-up story, a franchise that continues to grow. Andy faces a dilemma we all know – what happens to well-loved toys when you leave home? Being Disney the toys have something to say. New characters Barbie & Ken have a clever spin; the old favourites retain their charm. The 3D is clever and unobtrusive. Disney is rarely just good fun with its underlying values; with a good story here it's very much a pleasurable experience.