The A & B Film Podcast Links.

The following links will take you to the latest episodes of The A & B Film Podcast. Feel free to have a listen. 


                       Episode One - There Will Be Andrew

                       Episode Two - The Bernadette Club

                       Episode Three - The Giant Sandwich Trilogy

                       Episode Four - A New Hope For More Listeners

                       Episode Five - Days of Future Podcasts

                       Episode Six - All You Need is This Podcast

                       Episode Seven - The Mask of the Rover

                       Episode Eight - The Exorcist of Nymphomaniac Creek
                       
                       Episode Nine - The Fault in Our Communist Transformer

                       Episode Ten - Introducing Bo Derek

                       Episode Eleven - Naked Scarlett Johansson

                       Episode Twelve - 20,000 Days of Jubilee Street

                       Episode Thirteen - Cold Dinosaur 13

                       Special Edition: Marvel: Better Than Star Wars?

                       Special Emmy Prediction Episode

                        The News Rundown - Episode One

                        Episode Fourteen - All This Raidhem

                        Episode Fifteen - Check Your Hoses

                        The News Rundown - Episode Two

                        Episode Sixteen - T.U.S.K.

                        Episode Seventeen - Gone Girl the Whip

                        The News Rundown - Episode Three

                        Episode Eighteen - Skunts

                           Episode Nineteen - A Slight CASE of TARS

                        Episode Twenty - My Neighbour Aaron Swarz

                        The News Rundown - Episode Four
                       

Best New Show 2013 - Hannibal.

Laziness has struck again and I've neglected to do my favourite show of 2013. Granted, I also neglected to do my favourite new show of 2012. 

2013 was another stellar year in television. Girls continued being one of the best shows around - cementing its status as the best show of 2012. Wentworth proved that there was still life in the niche Australian Women in Prison genre. The Americans gave Kerri Russell a new vehicle to throw herself into. But the best show boiled down to a reboot. 

2013 started with the reboot of two classic horror characters - Norman Bates with Bates Motel and Hannibal Lecter with Hannibal. Hannibal is a more endearing character than Norman Bates, so he is a character who is more open to being changed to a modern format. Norman Bates update with Bates Motel drags the Psycho character kicking and screaming into the present day. Norman has a mobile phone and bangs his way through the single child life. It's a scar on the Psycho mythology.

Show runner Bryan Fuller brings respect to the Hannibal mythology. There are nods to the films that have gone before, but mostly Hannibal is about reforging the Hannibal Lecter story. The wonderous thing about this show is that it sets itself prior to Hannibal being caught. Will Graham from Manhunter/Red Dragon is here in full force as Hannibal's adversary and somewhat close friend. 

The fact that this is a network show allows this level of beauty and gore to be shown is amazing. A lot of the gore is suggested violence, but even then, near the end of season one where a man is turned into a cello and there is a tower of bodies, the show is allowed to push the envelope regarding violence on television. 

But Hannibal the show wouldn't be half of what it is without Maads Mikkelsen in the lead. He oozes charisma and is simply the finest iteration of Hannibal Lecter. He brings a gravitas to the role that Anthony Hopkins didn't. Where Hopkins was hammy and scene chewing, Mikkelsen is nuanced and subtle. It's a performance which is allowed to build over the season - and with season two topping the brilliance of season one already, Mikkelsen has stamped the character as his own. 

There may not be any Clarice Starling, but the female roles in Hannibal make up for that. Alana Bloom and Freddie Lounds are strong characters, and Caroline Dharvernas and Lara Jean Chorostecki are given fantastic arcs to play. The third wheel between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter is victim Abigail Hobbs played by Kacey Rohl. She's a victim who also has a great arc. 

It's these arcs that cements the show as being one of the finest shows around. Sure, Breaking Bad and (I'm sure) Game of Thrones are great cable television shows, but to see a show like Hannibal buck the trend and be a high quality network television show is something great. The fact it has perfect performances from all involved (I haven't even mentioned Laurence Fishburne and Eddie Izzard's great roles) who help elevate the mythology above more than just being a 'Hannibal Lecter reboot' is amazing.

Just check out these opening titles and get excited:

Best Films 2013 - Numbers 10-1.

And now for the top ten of 2013. 

10. Pain & Gain

I don't really need to explain the inclusion of this film in my top ten. Pain & Gain sits proudly next to Bad Boys 2 as Michael Bay's best film. One of Hollywood's most reviled auteur's turns in a great film which is over the top in ways that the Transformers series would never be. It wallows in the terrible nature of the characters with an amazing amount of black comedy - especially for a Michael Bay film. Sorry Bad Boys 2, but Pain & Gain has taken your place as my go to over the top film. Oh, Dwayne Johnson, he fucking rocks in this as well.

9. Captain Phillips

The saddest thing about the 2013 Oscars is the fact that Tom Hanks was overlooked for a nomination as Captain Richard Phillips. In a career as varied and as strong as Hanks', Captain Phillips showcases him at his finest. Simply, this is Tom Hanks best performance. Some may know the story of Cinderella Man in which I lost it about halfway through, I was an emotional wreck. Well, Captain Phillips has a scene which brought me to that same emotional point. It's a moment which feels like it is above acting, where you're no longer seeing an actor playing a person on screen, but that real person.

8. Before Midnight

When people talk about great trilogies, they usually bring up the original Star Wars trilogy, or the Lord of the Rings trilogy, or more relevant, the Three Colours trilogy. All are very good without a doubt, but for me my favourite trilogy is far and away the Before trilogy. Acting as almost a 7-Up style assessment of a relationship over the years, Richard Linklater's Before series has continually been a truthful portrayal of a couple in love, and with Before Midnight, a couple potentially falling out of love. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are never better than Jesse and Celine. 

7. Blue Jasmine

For a while there it looked like Woody Allen films were doomed. Anything Else and Hollywood Ending hinted at a master near the end of his game. Then Match Point and Vicky Christina Barcelona hit and something happened. Woody's films were relevant again. Blue Jasmine then comes along as the most relevant Woody Allen film in a while. Not only that, but it showcases career best performances from Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins and (the always under appreciated) Bobby Cannavale. Blue Jasmine is a film which can sit proudly alongside Husbands and Wives and Hannah and Her Sisters as one of Woody's finest dramas.

6. Amour

Michael Haneke has always created challenging cinema. It's what draws people back to his films. Amour is that great kind of challenging, it demands you watch and empathise. Emmanuelle Riva gives - in my opinion - one of cinemas greatest performances. There's subtlety to her performance, a gentle humanity to it. People often say that it's easy to play the dying person in a bed because it doesn't ask much of you, but Riva brings a level of acting hardly seen in films nowadays. 

The next five films could all have vied for the top slot so it was quite difficult to chose their order.

5. Only God Forgives

The first time I watched Only God Forgives I didn't know what to think of it. At first I tired of the long takes of empty hallways and the strange karaoke scenes. And when I finished it I still didn't know what to think. About two weeks later though, it was all I could think about. It somehow crept into my mind. I've watched Only God Forgives the most out of my top 22 films and I'm still in awe of how great it is. I'm sure most people were assuming this would be Drive Part 2, but this is more in line with earlier Winding Refn films and it's better for it. I still love Drive, but I feel this is the film I will revisit more often.

4. Stoker

Stoker is a masterclass in film making. From the sound design, to Chung-hoon Chung's cinematography, to Clint Mansell's score, there is not a poor moment in Stoker. Mia Wasikowska continues to prove why she is one of the better young actresses working today. Nicole Kidman delivers another great performance that has hints of Birth. Matthew Goode is also in fine form; his performance a nice opposite to his performance in Burning Man. It's also great to see the Australian talent on display here with Wasikowska, Kidman and Jackie Weaver as well as Wentworth Miller writing.

3. Zero Dark Thirty

I no longer have a deep resentment towards Kathryn Bigelow for winning the Oscar for The Hurt Locker. Without her having made The Hurt Locker, she wouldn't have been able to make Zero Dark Thirty. This isn't a film which makes you feel comfortable with the state of the world. Nor does it take a side with who is good or bad. It presents the story of Osama Bin Laden's capture as fact (something many people had problems with) and is a better film because of this. The torture scenes aren't pleasant to watch, but nor should they be. Jessica Chastain is just perfect here. 

2. Rust & Bone

Also known as 'the other killer whale movie'. Rust & Bone is a lot more than just that though. Yet it would detract from the story to explain more. Marion Cotillard has simply never been better, and Mathias Schoenaerts is deeply affecting as well. But it's Jacques Audiard who once again asserts that he is a director to be remembered. From The Beat that Skipped My Heart to A Prophet, and now Rust & Bone, he is one of Europes modern great directors. 

1. Gravity

Gravity is a more important film than 12 Years a Slave. It's a career best from all involved, but that's not why it's more important. It's simply more important because at a time when film piracy is rising, Gravity presents itself as a film that demands a cinematic viewing. It demands to be seen at the cinema on the biggest screen possible. Where 12 Years a Slave is a good film - and a very effective one - it serves as a reminder of what has gone on in our past. Gravity on the other hand is more universal than 12 Years a Slave. It promotes the experience of visiting the cinema. It is never better than on the big screen where you're immersed in the darkness of space. I could go on, but really, Gravity is more than just a great action film. It's more than a space adventure. It's about the power of cinema. 

Best Films 2013 - Numbers 22-11.

2013 is a year which should be remembered as a slight revival in great female characters. From one of the better child performances in years with Onata Aprile in What Maisie Knew, to one of the oldest Oscar nominees with Emmanuelle Riva in Amour. That's not to say that 2013 didn't have great male performances either - Tom Hanks delivered the best performance of his career in Captain Phillips. 

This year there are 22 films that I've singled out. And number 22 is... 

22. Thor: The Dark World

But Andrew, how can you have Thor: The Dark World in your favourite films for the year and yet you don't like Django Unchained or American Hustle? Well, the simple reason is is that this is the best Marvel film to date. Chris Hemsworth is ridiculously charismatic as Thor. Most importantly, this is the first Marvel film which has consistent action sequences. The finale is an enjoyably choreographed world swapping action extravaganza (yes, I just used the word extravaganza). In a year where Iron Man 3 disappointed, it's nice to see a big budget comic book flick which actually delivers.

21. Cloud Atlas

 The Wachowski's finally deliver another film which matches the quality of The Matrix. Visually, this is one of the most imaginative films released in 2013. The actors here create some of the most interesting and varied characters in a recent sci-fi film. The plot strands can be hard to follow at times, but as the finale approaches they all weave together in intriguing ways. 

20. Fast & Furious 6

I'm not defending my love of these films. Why should I? This series has constantly delivered over the top chases that defy logic, but you don't buy a ticket to these films for logical plot and action. A never ending take off strip? Sure. Jumping tanks? Ok, physics defies it, but whatever. You know what you're getting with these films, and you're either on board or not. Fast & Furious 6 is as over the top as it gets, but dammit, it's also the best in the series. 

19. This is 40

I was skeptical that a pseudo-sequel to Knocked Up would work. Just like Stephen King as a writer, Judd Apatow is a director in search of an editor. Funny People was overlong and became bland. This is 40's two hour plus running time felt like it could overstay its welcome, but fortunately enough the dramatic elements work well alongside the comedic elements.

18. Sightseers

A perfect companion film to God Bless America. Ben Wheatley is the most interesting British director working today - take that Christopher Nolan (I still love you though). Sightseers is as black a comedy as you can get. Just like Wheatley's horrific Kill List (which is still one of the finest modern day horror films), Sightseers has some fantastic deaths. 

17. Prisoners

The hardest thing about Hugh Jackman playing Wolverine for all these years is that it's kept him from being in films like Prisoners. Behind the claws, there has always been a great actor. Fortunately though, he's able to show his worth in this underrated film. Jake Gyllenhaal is also at the top of his game. Beneath the story twists is a great assessment of what parents are capable when a child goes missing.

16. The Conjuring

2013 was not a good year for horror films. There was the reimagining of Evil Dead and I'm vaguely aware that there was another entry into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series. What did stand out though was a classic ghost story in The Conjuring. It's a fitting send of for James Wan that this may be his last entry into the horror genre. The usual tropes are there - mysterious bumps, noises that shouldn't be there, legs being pulled by invisible beings - but it's the way that Wan handles it with respect and seriousness that gives The Conjuring weight. There's a real admiration here for the ghost story that the Paranormal Activity films unfortunately don't have.

15. Lincoln

Even now I still can't believe how good Lincoln is. On paper it sounds boring - big tall man stops slavery for good, yay? But Spielberg brings class to the story. His respect of American history is matched by the powerful performances of both Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field. Tommy Lee Jones also is grand amongst a fine cast of supporting actors. Lincoln plays like a 1800's version of The West Wing. 

14. Life of Pi

The beauty of Life of Pi is not in the sumptuous CGI assisted cinematography. It's not in the ultra realistic CGI tiger. It's not in the ability to add 'no Richard Parker, that's my tuna' to any conversation (try it). It's the fact that a staunch atheist like myself can still find the joy and beauty in this religious fable. It works wonderfully in showing the sides of stories and how altering them can help give their essence a greater meaning. The visuals are reason to watch the film, but the story makes for a memorable film. Sidenote: it's also one of the finest uses of 3D in a film to date.

13. The Imposter

This list isn't as documentary friendly as I'd like it to be (I'm still yet to watch The Act of Killing, Stories We Tell and Blackfish). The Imposter is a film which demands you should know nothing about it prior to watching it - and not in the Catfish 'don't read about this before you see it' way. This is a thrilling film that still surprises you to the end. 

12. Enough Said

One of the more devastating aspects of 2013 was the loss of James Gandolfini. It's always been obvious that he was a great actor, but it took Nicole Holofcener to bring out another nuanced performance from him. Playing a divorcee seems like an easy role, but Gandolfini fills it with such humanity - which sounds trite, but watch the scene where he tells Julia Louis-Dreyfuss that she broke his heart and tell me that's not something else. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is also sublime here. It's nice to see her take on a role that isn't purely comedic. It's also great to hear Toni Collette with her Australian accent.

11. What Maisie Knew

I won't lie. I almost didn't see this film purely for the fact that it's produced by the people who produced 'The Kids Are All Right'. I'm glad I did though. The array of performances here is phenomenal. Julianne Moore gives one of her best performances to date. Alexander Skarsgard is also in fine form. Steve Coogan proves he's fine at doing drama. But the real star is Onata Aprile. The greatest thing about What Maisie Knew is the position that David Siegel and Scott McGehee place the camera is always from Aprile's Maisie's point of view. The depth of her performance is astounding for a child of her age. The innocence of her performance gives the film a much greater emotional weight than a lesser actress would bring. 

Five Disappointing Films: 2013 Edition.

As per usual with every year, I try and find a few 'worst' films. These aren't necessarily the worst films of the year, but possibly the most disappointing.  

5. American Hustle

American Hustle is not a bad film. It's surprisingly quite enjoyable. But just like the fact that Jeremy Renner is in this film, it's awfully forgettable. The best thing to happen to this film is that it didn't win any Oscars. Just as Silver Linings Playbook displayed a change in David O'Russell's career, American Hustle brings him even further away from the I Heart Huckabee's and Three Kings high that he had over a decade ago.

4. Spring Breakers

Without a doubt, the only reason to watch Spring Breakers is to see James Franco chew scenery. This is saying a heck of a lot given the amount of skin that's on display here as well. It's a visually interesting film, but unfortunately like the girls who inhabit the film, there's nothing to it. Maybe that's the point. There is one great tracking shot in this film though. Other than that, here is the thirty seconds of Spring Breakers worth watching:

 

3. World War Z

Unlike the other films on this list, World War Z isn't exactly loved by the critics. This is one of the most appallingly entertaining films in the past few years (Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 takes the crown though). Brad Pitt's hair rules the show, but other cinematic atrocities include the sudden ejection of his wife when the army thinks Mr Pitt is dead from a ship, and the great 'sigh' that Pitt does at an 'emotional' point in the film. It's easy to hate on World War Z because it's simply so damn stupid, but unlike the other films on this list, it's not as if they were trying to begin with.

2. Silver Linings Playbook

The best thing about this film is that it gave the world the phrase 'two time Oscar nominee Jackie Weaver'. I do not like Jennifer Lawrence at all. The number one argument between my wife and I occurs on a weekly basis and it is always about how undeserving Jennifer Lawrence is of a nomination for Winter's Bone. Obviously the Academy must have fallen in love with whatever golden turds Jennifer Lawrence dispenses (yes, Jennifer Lawrence shits too, she's not exempt from diarrhea) to reward her for such an over the top performance as her 'mentally disturbed' dancing queen. Especially over the greater performances given that year.

1. Django Unchained

I always look forward to a new Tarantino film. Who doesn't? I walked out of Django Unchained thinking it was brilliant. Over the top, topical and challenging. It contained the majority of the things required for a good Tarantino film. Then time occurred. And time is not kind. Django Unchained is a turgid film to watch. It's a painful film to watch. It's painful in knowing that Christoph Waltz won a second Oscar for a character which was not a stretch from his Inglourious Basterds character. It's painful knowing he won over the much more deserving Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who gave his career best performance in The Master). 

Above all though, it's also painful to see a Tarantino film without Sally Menke as the editor. It would be like watching a Martin Scorsese film without Thelma Schoonmaker as the editor. Or The Coen Brothers not editing their own films. There's a flow to Tarantino's films that Menke created. This is desperately lacking with Django Unchained. Django feels too long - and at 180 minutes, it is. A great editor understands the language of the film and the beats that the director was working towards. Menke brought this to Tarantino's films. She helped bring the brilliance to his films. It's going to be interesting to see how his films progress from here.