Over the course of six decades (1910-1970), tens of thousands of Australian Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their homes due to the assimilation policies that were in place at the time. These policies claimed that the lives of First Nations people would be improved if they became part of white society, and an effort to breed out color from the Aboriginal population was carried out. Unsurprisingly, the lives of the removed children were not improved, with studies showing that many of them developed adverse reactions to their removal like mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, among others. These children became known as The Stolen Generation, and their experiences left a black mark in Australia’s history.
Writer/director Jon Bell, adapting his award-winning 2021 short film of the same name, taps into this unsavory event with The Moogai, yet another monster-as-a-metaphor horror drama that mostly succeeds when it acts as a drama,...
Writer/director Jon Bell, adapting his award-winning 2021 short film of the same name, taps into this unsavory event with The Moogai, yet another monster-as-a-metaphor horror drama that mostly succeeds when it acts as a drama,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Trace Thurman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Guy Pearce has recently wrapped production on “Inside,” an Australian crime thriller and coming of age drama film. The picture is the debut feature of Charles Williams, whose short film “All These Creatures” won the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
The story sees after a young man transferred from juvenile to adult prison, where he is taken under the wing of both Australia’s most despised criminal, and a soon-to-be-a-paroled inmate. A paternal triangle grows between them, suggesting that even the worst of men may have a little bit of good inside them — that will be their eventual undoing.
The cast is headed by Pearce, Cosmo Jarvis and newcomer Vincent Miller. Supporting actors include Toby Wallace, Tara Morice, Chloé Hayden (“Heartbreak High”) and Michael Logo (“Colin From Accounts”).
“Inside” is being produced by Marian Macgowan for Macgowan Films and Kate Glover for Never Sleep Pictures, with Thomas M. Wright...
The story sees after a young man transferred from juvenile to adult prison, where he is taken under the wing of both Australia’s most despised criminal, and a soon-to-be-a-paroled inmate. A paternal triangle grows between them, suggesting that even the worst of men may have a little bit of good inside them — that will be their eventual undoing.
The cast is headed by Pearce, Cosmo Jarvis and newcomer Vincent Miller. Supporting actors include Toby Wallace, Tara Morice, Chloé Hayden (“Heartbreak High”) and Michael Logo (“Colin From Accounts”).
“Inside” is being produced by Marian Macgowan for Macgowan Films and Kate Glover for Never Sleep Pictures, with Thomas M. Wright...
- 12/17/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Rebel Wilson is setting her eye on the director’s chair.
The actress is set to make her directorial debut with a screen adaptation of the hit musical The Deb.
The film will be a joint production between Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions and award-winning Australian producer Bunya Productions.
Read More: Rebel Wilson Shares New Photos Of Baby Daughter In Adorable Mother’s Day Post
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)
“’The Deb’ is my type of movie — full of humour, full of heart, and uniquely Australian but with universal themes. It came out of my scholarship program at the non-profit Australian Theatre for Young People, a program that I’m very proud of and has had incredible success. If there was ever a movie I was going to direct, it would be this one,” said the actress. “This project is just so special and original.
The actress is set to make her directorial debut with a screen adaptation of the hit musical The Deb.
The film will be a joint production between Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions and award-winning Australian producer Bunya Productions.
Read More: Rebel Wilson Shares New Photos Of Baby Daughter In Adorable Mother’s Day Post
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)
“’The Deb’ is my type of movie — full of humour, full of heart, and uniquely Australian but with universal themes. It came out of my scholarship program at the non-profit Australian Theatre for Young People, a program that I’m very proud of and has had incredible success. If there was ever a movie I was going to direct, it would be this one,” said the actress. “This project is just so special and original.
- 5/24/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Rebel Wilson is set to direct her first feature, The Deb, a musical set in Australia “that brings the bush into the city.”
The Deb was written by Hannah Reilly and Meg Washington based on a stage show that Wilson championed when it premiered at Sydney’s Australian Theatre for Young People (Atyp) in 2022. Wilson revealed that she also will co-star in the film and told us that two songs not used in the stage production will be featured in the film.
Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik and Gregor Cameron are producing through their company Unigram (Tetris) and sister company AI Film.
Shooting on locations in Sydney and rural New South Wales starting in September, The Deb will be produced in partnership with Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions and award-winning Australian producer Bunya Productions. Danny Cohen executive...
The Deb was written by Hannah Reilly and Meg Washington based on a stage show that Wilson championed when it premiered at Sydney’s Australian Theatre for Young People (Atyp) in 2022. Wilson revealed that she also will co-star in the film and told us that two songs not used in the stage production will be featured in the film.
Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik and Gregor Cameron are producing through their company Unigram (Tetris) and sister company AI Film.
Shooting on locations in Sydney and rural New South Wales starting in September, The Deb will be produced in partnership with Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions and award-winning Australian producer Bunya Productions. Danny Cohen executive...
- 5/24/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Rebel Wilson is getting behind the camera and has lined up her first feature as director.
The Deb, in which Wilson will also co-star, will be a musical comedy set in rural Australia, produced by Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, and Gregor Cameron via their company Unigram (Tetris) and sister company AI Film (I, Tonya, Hacksaw Ridge).
Adapted from of the original hit musical of the same name — which debuted to critical acclaim in Australia — The Deb will be produced in partnership with Rebel Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions (Senior Year, The Hustle) and award-winning Australian producer Bunya Productions (The Drover’s Wife, Mystery Road). Danny Cohen executive produces on behalf of Blavatnik’s Access Entertainment.
Originally premiering at Sydney’s Australian Theatre for Young People (Atyp) in 2022, The Deb stage production was written by Hannah Reilly (Sheilas, Growing up Gracefully) and includes original songs from singer-songwriter Meg Washington (The Beach...
The Deb, in which Wilson will also co-star, will be a musical comedy set in rural Australia, produced by Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, and Gregor Cameron via their company Unigram (Tetris) and sister company AI Film (I, Tonya, Hacksaw Ridge).
Adapted from of the original hit musical of the same name — which debuted to critical acclaim in Australia — The Deb will be produced in partnership with Rebel Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions (Senior Year, The Hustle) and award-winning Australian producer Bunya Productions (The Drover’s Wife, Mystery Road). Danny Cohen executive produces on behalf of Blavatnik’s Access Entertainment.
Originally premiering at Sydney’s Australian Theatre for Young People (Atyp) in 2022, The Deb stage production was written by Hannah Reilly (Sheilas, Growing up Gracefully) and includes original songs from singer-songwriter Meg Washington (The Beach...
- 5/24/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film is produced by Unigram and AI Film which recently co-financed and produced ‘Tetris’ for Apple TV+
Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson is set to direct her first feature, The Deb, a musical comedy set in rural Australia.
Based on an Australian musical, The Deb is to set to be produced by Unigram’s Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, and Gregor Cameron and sister company AI Film. The two companies recently co-financed and produced Tetris with Marv Studios for Apple TV+.
The film will be produced in partnership with Rebel Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions and Australian producer Bunya Productions,...
Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson is set to direct her first feature, The Deb, a musical comedy set in rural Australia.
Based on an Australian musical, The Deb is to set to be produced by Unigram’s Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, and Gregor Cameron and sister company AI Film. The two companies recently co-financed and produced Tetris with Marv Studios for Apple TV+.
The film will be produced in partnership with Rebel Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions and Australian producer Bunya Productions,...
- 5/24/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Rebel Wilson is directing her first feature film with musical comedy “The Deb,” a big-screen adaptation of an Australian musical set in the outback.
The film is produced by Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, and Gregor Cameron via their company Unigram, which recently produced Apple TV+ movie “Tetris,” and sister outfit AI Film. The project was launched around the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, at a private event aboard billionaire investor Blavatnik’s yacht, where cast members from the Aussie musical performed a number of songs on the vessel’s upper deck.
Blavatnik, sporting a baseball cap with branding for the movie, introduced the singers, making it clear to the intimate gathering aboard his three-floor yacht that he was an enthusiastic backer of the project and, indeed, Wilson.
Variety caught up on the boat with the “Pitch Perfect” star, who also has a role in the film. “Because I’ve been...
The film is produced by Amanda Ghost, Len Blavatnik, and Gregor Cameron via their company Unigram, which recently produced Apple TV+ movie “Tetris,” and sister outfit AI Film. The project was launched around the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, at a private event aboard billionaire investor Blavatnik’s yacht, where cast members from the Aussie musical performed a number of songs on the vessel’s upper deck.
Blavatnik, sporting a baseball cap with branding for the movie, introduced the singers, making it clear to the intimate gathering aboard his three-floor yacht that he was an enthusiastic backer of the project and, indeed, Wilson.
Variety caught up on the boat with the “Pitch Perfect” star, who also has a role in the film. “Because I’ve been...
- 5/24/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Rebel Wilson is set to make her directorial debut with an adaptation of the Australian musical of “The Deb” for Unigram, AI Film and Access Entertainment.
“The Deb,” according to the official synopsis, tells the story of “lovable farm-girl and high school outcast Taylah Simpkins, who is certain the upcoming Debutante Ball, ‘the Deb,’ is her one chance to redefine herself. When her cynical city cousin Maeve is exiled to Taylah’s drought-stricken town Dunburn, she thinks the ball is a ‘heteronormative shit-show’ and immediately disrupts the status quo. In their search for the spotlight, Taylah and Maeve dig deep to find self-acceptance — and a date to the Deb.”
The musical originally premiered at Sydney’s Australian Theatre for Young People (Atyp) in 2022, written by Hannah Reilly. It includes original songs from singer-songwriter Meg Washington.
“’The Deb’ is my type of movie — full of humour, full of heart, and...
“The Deb,” according to the official synopsis, tells the story of “lovable farm-girl and high school outcast Taylah Simpkins, who is certain the upcoming Debutante Ball, ‘the Deb,’ is her one chance to redefine herself. When her cynical city cousin Maeve is exiled to Taylah’s drought-stricken town Dunburn, she thinks the ball is a ‘heteronormative shit-show’ and immediately disrupts the status quo. In their search for the spotlight, Taylah and Maeve dig deep to find self-acceptance — and a date to the Deb.”
The musical originally premiered at Sydney’s Australian Theatre for Young People (Atyp) in 2022, written by Hannah Reilly. It includes original songs from singer-songwriter Meg Washington.
“’The Deb’ is my type of movie — full of humour, full of heart, and...
- 5/24/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
"We captured all the vocals live – and you get that immediacy that you see through the camera." Sony Pictures Classics has unveiled a behind-the-scenes featurette for Carmen, which is now showing in select theaters around the country. The film is renowned dancer / choreographer Benjamin Millepied's directorial debut, reimagining the classic opera for the big screen. An exhilarating vision starring Melissa Barrera and Paul Mescal. Carmen is a gritty modern day story with a majestic score, and dance sequences that evoke magic realism. It also features all new music created by the wonderfully talented composer Nicholas Britell. The film also co-stars Rossy de Palma, Elsa Pataky, Nicole da Silva, Tara Morice, Benedict Hardie, Richard Brancatisano, and Kaan Guldur. This featurette focuses specifically on the music - including conversations with Nicholas Britell, lyricist Julieta Venegas, the director, and other crew involved on the film. Maybe this will convince a few more...
- 4/25/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
"These feet know how to dance. They're butterflies." Sony Pictures Classics has debuted the main trailer for Carmen, which first premiered at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival last year. We featured a teaser just a few weeks ago for this, with a release date set for late April. This is renowned dancer / choreographer Benjamin Millepied's feature directorial debut, re-telling the opera for the big screen. Not to be confused with other recent film also titled Carmen from Malta. A modern-day reimagining of the classical opera "Carmen" – an exhilarating vision starring Melissa Barrera and Paul Mescal. Carmen is a gritty modern day tale, with a majestic score, and dream-like dance sequences that evoke magic realism. With music by the wonderfully talented Nicholas Britell - which is one of the most exciting parts about this. The film also stars Rossy de Palma, Elsa Pataky, Nicole da Silva, Tara Morice, Benedict Hardie, Richard Brancatisano,...
- 3/9/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
"He yearns for the tears of our eyes. His heart pumps sand through his veins, not blood. Anything, that he might taste life again." Sony Pictures Classics has revealed a first look teaser trailer for the film Carmen, which originally premiered at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival last year. It also stopped by the Adelaide Film Festival. This is renowned dancer / choreographer Benjamin Millepied's feature directorial debut, re-telling the opera for the big screen this time. A modern-day reimagining of one of the classical opera "Carmen" – an exhilarating vision from Benjamin Millepied starring Melissa Barrera and Paul Mescal. Carmen is a gritty modern day tale, with a majestic score, and dream-like dance sequences that evoke magic realism. Featuring music by the wonderfully talented Nicholas Britell - which is one of the most exciting parts about this. The film also stars Rossy de Palma, Elsa Pataky, Nicole da Silva, Tara Morice,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
‘Let’s See How Fast this Baby Will Go’
Julietta Boscolo’s Let’s See How Fast this Baby Will Go is among seven films that will screen at the American Pavilion’s showcase of short films from emerging filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival.
Funded by Screen Australia’s Hot Shots program, the film stars Liv Hewson and Tara Morice and follows pregnant teenager Gloria. Despite being in labour she decides to buy a new car and in the process of giving birth she becomes a new person.
Based on a true story by Gloria Harrison and produced by Eva Di Blasio and executive produced by Robyn Kershaw, the 15-minute comedy/drama won the emerging filmmaker award at the 2017 Melbourne International Film Festival and the Atom award for best short fiction film.
It was invited to Cannes Critics Week and has screened at numerous other festivals including the Flickerfest International Film Festival,...
Julietta Boscolo’s Let’s See How Fast this Baby Will Go is among seven films that will screen at the American Pavilion’s showcase of short films from emerging filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival.
Funded by Screen Australia’s Hot Shots program, the film stars Liv Hewson and Tara Morice and follows pregnant teenager Gloria. Despite being in labour she decides to buy a new car and in the process of giving birth she becomes a new person.
Based on a true story by Gloria Harrison and produced by Eva Di Blasio and executive produced by Robyn Kershaw, the 15-minute comedy/drama won the emerging filmmaker award at the 2017 Melbourne International Film Festival and the Atom award for best short fiction film.
It was invited to Cannes Critics Week and has screened at numerous other festivals including the Flickerfest International Film Festival,...
- 4/16/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Miranda Otto on set of Dance Academy: The Movie at Sydney Opera House. (Photo: Simon Cardwell). Miranda Otto (The Lord of The Rings, The Daughter, The Thin Red Line, Homeland) has joined the cast of Dance Academy: The Movie, which is currently shooting in Sydney before production moves to New York.
Otto will star in the role of artistic director of the National Ballet Company, Madeline Moncur, responsible for the new direction of the Company and choreographing its new works.
She joins previously announced cast members including Xenia Goodwin, Dena Kaplan, Thomas Lacey, Jordan Rodrigues, Alicia Banit, Keiynan Lonsdale, Tara Morice and Nic Westaway.
.Miranda Otto is one of my favourite actors on the planet. I can think of no greater artistic director — she is glitteringly beautiful, formidable but also brings a wonderful humanity to this key role,. said creator and writer Samantha Strauss.
Otto already has some connections with Dance Academy and its cast.
Otto will star in the role of artistic director of the National Ballet Company, Madeline Moncur, responsible for the new direction of the Company and choreographing its new works.
She joins previously announced cast members including Xenia Goodwin, Dena Kaplan, Thomas Lacey, Jordan Rodrigues, Alicia Banit, Keiynan Lonsdale, Tara Morice and Nic Westaway.
.Miranda Otto is one of my favourite actors on the planet. I can think of no greater artistic director — she is glitteringly beautiful, formidable but also brings a wonderful humanity to this key role,. said creator and writer Samantha Strauss.
Otto already has some connections with Dance Academy and its cast.
- 6/29/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Xenia Goodwin.
StudioCanal has dated Dance Academy: The Movie.
The film, directed by Jeffrey Walker and starring Xenia Goodwin, Keiynan Lonsdale, Jordan Rodrigues, Dena Kaplan, Thomas Lacey, Alicia Banit and Tara Morice, will hit Australian cinemas on March 23, 2017.
International sales are being handled by Zdf Enterprises Germany.
The show was created by writer Samantha Strauss (Mary: The Making of a Princess) with producer Joanna Werner (Secret City, Ready For This).
The film.s Ep's are Louise Smith (The Square, The Rage in Placid Lake), Bernadette O.Mahony (Worst Year of My Life Again, Mortified), Vicki O.Neil, Arne Lohmann and Nicole Keebe.
Dop Martin McGrath Acs (Muriel.s Wedding), who shot all 65 episodes of the show.s three seasons, is lensing the feature..
Also on board is production designer Chris Kennedy (The Water Diviner, The Proposition, Cosi), costume designer Tess Schofield (The Water Diviner, The Sapphires, Bootmen), hair and...
StudioCanal has dated Dance Academy: The Movie.
The film, directed by Jeffrey Walker and starring Xenia Goodwin, Keiynan Lonsdale, Jordan Rodrigues, Dena Kaplan, Thomas Lacey, Alicia Banit and Tara Morice, will hit Australian cinemas on March 23, 2017.
International sales are being handled by Zdf Enterprises Germany.
The show was created by writer Samantha Strauss (Mary: The Making of a Princess) with producer Joanna Werner (Secret City, Ready For This).
The film.s Ep's are Louise Smith (The Square, The Rage in Placid Lake), Bernadette O.Mahony (Worst Year of My Life Again, Mortified), Vicki O.Neil, Arne Lohmann and Nicole Keebe.
Dop Martin McGrath Acs (Muriel.s Wedding), who shot all 65 episodes of the show.s three seasons, is lensing the feature..
Also on board is production designer Chris Kennedy (The Water Diviner, The Proposition, Cosi), costume designer Tess Schofield (The Water Diviner, The Sapphires, Bootmen), hair and...
- 6/28/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Xenia Goodwin on the set of Dance Academy: The Movie.
Dance Academy: The Movie has begun shooting in Sydney, almost six years to the day since the premiere of Dance Academy season one in 2010.
The series began with country girl Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) travelling to Sydney to audition for a place at the National Academy of Dance, the top ballet school in Australia..
Returning alongside Goodwin in the feature film is Dena Kaplan, Alicia Banit, Thomas Lacey (Winners and Losers), Jordan Rodrigues (The Fosters), Keiynan Lonsdale (Insurgent) and Strictly Ballroom's Tara Morice.
The show was created by writer Samantha Strauss (Mary: The Making of a Princess) with producer Joanna Werner (Secret City, Ready For This).
The film.s Ep's are Louise Smith (The Square, The Rage in Placid Lake), Bernadette O.Mahony (Worst Year of My Life Again, Mortified), Vicki O.Neil, Arne Lohmann and Nicole Keebe,...
Dance Academy: The Movie has begun shooting in Sydney, almost six years to the day since the premiere of Dance Academy season one in 2010.
The series began with country girl Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) travelling to Sydney to audition for a place at the National Academy of Dance, the top ballet school in Australia..
Returning alongside Goodwin in the feature film is Dena Kaplan, Alicia Banit, Thomas Lacey (Winners and Losers), Jordan Rodrigues (The Fosters), Keiynan Lonsdale (Insurgent) and Strictly Ballroom's Tara Morice.
The show was created by writer Samantha Strauss (Mary: The Making of a Princess) with producer Joanna Werner (Secret City, Ready For This).
The film.s Ep's are Louise Smith (The Square, The Rage in Placid Lake), Bernadette O.Mahony (Worst Year of My Life Again, Mortified), Vicki O.Neil, Arne Lohmann and Nicole Keebe,...
- 5/30/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Moulin Rouge! is a mixed bag. It’s an idea that looks good on paper, but looks horrendous in execution. It’s a film where it should have the ability to make all the right emotional pivots, but succumbs to an ostentation that exists in its final product, making this a hallmark for director Baz Lurhmann’s career. I appreciate him, in an odd way, for injecting a very strange version of romance in his films, one that, in Moulin Rouge!, is wonderfully cynical and melancholy. In almost all of his work, his maximalism overshadows some of the most interesting aspects of the films (the sole exception being Strictly Ballroom, his first feature): the post-modern comments on capitalism in William Shakespeare’s Romeo+ Juliet, the inherent frivolity of “freedom, beauty, truth, and love” in Moulin Rouge!, and the hollow decadence of the parties in The Great Gatsby. But everything...
- 8/24/2014
- by Kyle Turner
- SoundOnSight
Interesting thing about the movies I (we?) tend to watch again and again: They are often the most formulaic. I’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada, a tragicomedy about Anne Hathaway‘s bangs, more times than I recited the Nicene Creed in Sunday School, and that movie is almost Disney-esque in its adherence to familiar plotting. That’s just what I like in rewatchable cinema: a gentle retread of everything I understand to be a normal, comforting movie arc. Sigh. I want to pop corn just typing that.
Enter Strictly Ballroom, Baz Luhrmann‘s debut film that cannot hit you hard enough with “ugly duckling” movie tropes. If we judged this movie based on plot alone, we’d be hard-pressed to find anything resembling the unexpected. It even concludes with a triumphant dancefloor lift, a la Dirty Dancing. But what matters — and this goes for Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge...
Enter Strictly Ballroom, Baz Luhrmann‘s debut film that cannot hit you hard enough with “ugly duckling” movie tropes. If we judged this movie based on plot alone, we’d be hard-pressed to find anything resembling the unexpected. It even concludes with a triumphant dancefloor lift, a la Dirty Dancing. But what matters — and this goes for Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge...
- 11/13/2013
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
Blu-ray Release Date: April 30, 2013
Price: Blu-ray $14.99
Studio: Lionsgate
The acclaimed 1992 comedy movie Strictly Ballroom was director Baz Luhrmann’s first film, before he wowed audiences with the visually stunning Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! and Australia.
The romance follows maverick dancer Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio, TV’s Adrenalin Junkies) who risks his career by bringing on a new, unknown partner (Tara Morice, TV’s Dance Academy) and performing an unusual routine.
Based on an idea by Luhrmann, the movie was co-written by the director and Craig Pearce, Luhrmann’s writing partner on Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!.
Strictly Ballroom was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Comedy/Musical.
On Blu-ray, the independent film comes with these special features:
featurette “Strictly Ballroom: From Stage to Screen”featurette “Samba to Slow Fox Dance”deleted scenedesign gallery with narrationaudio commentary with Lurhmann, production designer Catherine Martin and choreographer John “Cha Cha” O’Connell.
Price: Blu-ray $14.99
Studio: Lionsgate
The acclaimed 1992 comedy movie Strictly Ballroom was director Baz Luhrmann’s first film, before he wowed audiences with the visually stunning Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! and Australia.
The romance follows maverick dancer Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio, TV’s Adrenalin Junkies) who risks his career by bringing on a new, unknown partner (Tara Morice, TV’s Dance Academy) and performing an unusual routine.
Based on an idea by Luhrmann, the movie was co-written by the director and Craig Pearce, Luhrmann’s writing partner on Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!.
Strictly Ballroom was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Comedy/Musical.
On Blu-ray, the independent film comes with these special features:
featurette “Strictly Ballroom: From Stage to Screen”featurette “Samba to Slow Fox Dance”deleted scenedesign gallery with narrationaudio commentary with Lurhmann, production designer Catherine Martin and choreographer John “Cha Cha” O’Connell.
- 2/8/2013
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
Veteran Australian producer Al Clark will receive the Aacta Raymond Longford Award in recognition of his three-decade career which has included iconic films such as Chopper and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Clark, who emigrated from the UK in the 1980s after representing music acts such as the Sex Pistols and Phil Collins, has produced or executive produced 19 feature films. He has also served on the board of the Australian Film Commission (1989-1992) and participated in official juries of several international film festivals, including the San Sebastian and Valladolid Film Festivals.
..With a love of films that always transcends the frustrations of getting them made, I.ve tried to choose distinctive projects, to navigate them soundly, to find gifted people to work with, and to bring out the best in their considerable talents," Clark said after being told of the award. "I.m grateful to Aacta for...
Clark, who emigrated from the UK in the 1980s after representing music acts such as the Sex Pistols and Phil Collins, has produced or executive produced 19 feature films. He has also served on the board of the Australian Film Commission (1989-1992) and participated in official juries of several international film festivals, including the San Sebastian and Valladolid Film Festivals.
..With a love of films that always transcends the frustrations of getting them made, I.ve tried to choose distinctive projects, to navigate them soundly, to find gifted people to work with, and to bring out the best in their considerable talents," Clark said after being told of the award. "I.m grateful to Aacta for...
- 11/20/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Production on the third series of ABC teen drama Dance Academy has begun in Sydney.
The series, which reunites cast members Xenia Goodwin, Jordan Rodrigues, Alicia Banit, Dena Kaplan, Thomas Lacey, Isabel Durant, Keiynan Lonsdale and Tara Morice, follows the dancers as they complete their final year at the academy.
Joanna Werner, producer and co-creator, said in a statement: .We are so delighted to be going into production on the third series. The scripts are really strong with so much going on for all of our characters, and we are working with some of the best choreographers in Australia to ensure there are even more fabulous dance routines in this series..
Dance Academy has won several awards including the TV Week Logie Award for Most Outstanding Children.s program and a Hugo Television Award for best Children.s Series. It was also nominated for an International Emmy in the Children and Youth category.
The series, which reunites cast members Xenia Goodwin, Jordan Rodrigues, Alicia Banit, Dena Kaplan, Thomas Lacey, Isabel Durant, Keiynan Lonsdale and Tara Morice, follows the dancers as they complete their final year at the academy.
Joanna Werner, producer and co-creator, said in a statement: .We are so delighted to be going into production on the third series. The scripts are really strong with so much going on for all of our characters, and we are working with some of the best choreographers in Australia to ensure there are even more fabulous dance routines in this series..
Dance Academy has won several awards including the TV Week Logie Award for Most Outstanding Children.s program and a Hugo Television Award for best Children.s Series. It was also nominated for an International Emmy in the Children and Youth category.
- 8/28/2012
- by Anthony Soegito
- IF.com.au
Clips from Oranges and Sunshine, starring Emily Watson. The scripted by Rona Munro, opens October 28th via Cohen Media Group with a cast including Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Tara Morice, Lorraine Ashbourne, Clayton Watson, Aisling Loftus, Richard Dillane, Ruth Rickman and Russell Dykstra. TV helmer Jim Loach, known for "Bad Girls," Footballer's Wives" and "Hotel Babylon," makes his feature directorial debut on the project which opens October 28th. Oranges and Sunshine tells the story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the forced migration of children from the United Kingdom. Almost singlehandedly, against overwhelming odds and with little regard for her own well-being, Margaret reunited thousands of families, brought authorities to account and worldwide attention to an extraordinary miscarriage of justice.
- 10/26/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Clips from Oranges and Sunshine, starring Emily Watson. The scripted by Rona Munro, opens October 28th via Cohen Media Group with a cast including Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Tara Morice, Lorraine Ashbourne, Clayton Watson, Aisling Loftus, Richard Dillane, Ruth Rickman and Russell Dykstra. TV helmer Jim Loach, known for "Bad Girls," Footballer's Wives" and "Hotel Babylon," makes his feature directorial debut on the project which opens October 28th. Oranges and Sunshine tells the story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the forced migration of children from the United Kingdom. Almost singlehandedly, against overwhelming odds and with little regard for her own well-being, Margaret reunited thousands of families, brought authorities to account and worldwide attention to an extraordinary miscarriage of justice.
- 10/26/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Sneak Peek posters and a new trailer, supporting the dramatic feature "Oranges & Sunshine", from the producers of "The King's Speech" , directed by Jim Loach, based on a true story. Screenplay is by Rona Munro :
"...'Margaret Humphreys', a social worker from Nottingham, England, uncovers the scandal of 'home children', a scheme of forcibly relocating poor children from the UK to Australia and Canada.
"Those deported children were promised oranges and sunshine but all they got was hard labour in institutions such as Keaney College in Bindoon, Western Australia. Margaret struggles to reunite the estranged families while bringing worldwide attention to the cause..."
Cast includes Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Emily Watson, Tara Morice, Kate Rutter, Helen Grayson, Ruth Rickman, Harvey Scrimshaw, Molly Windsor, Neil Pigot, Tammy Wakefield, Adam Morgan, Neil May, Adam Tedder and Greg Stone.
From See Saw Films and Sixteen Films, "Oranges & Sunshine" opened in the UK, April 2011.
Click...
"...'Margaret Humphreys', a social worker from Nottingham, England, uncovers the scandal of 'home children', a scheme of forcibly relocating poor children from the UK to Australia and Canada.
"Those deported children were promised oranges and sunshine but all they got was hard labour in institutions such as Keaney College in Bindoon, Western Australia. Margaret struggles to reunite the estranged families while bringing worldwide attention to the cause..."
Cast includes Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Emily Watson, Tara Morice, Kate Rutter, Helen Grayson, Ruth Rickman, Harvey Scrimshaw, Molly Windsor, Neil Pigot, Tammy Wakefield, Adam Morgan, Neil May, Adam Tedder and Greg Stone.
From See Saw Films and Sixteen Films, "Oranges & Sunshine" opened in the UK, April 2011.
Click...
- 9/27/2011
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
A stage version of Strictly Ballroom will premiere in Sydney. The Australian city defeated competition from London and New York to win the rights to turn the 1992 dance movie, which starred Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice and Bill Hunter, into a theatre show. Baz Luhrmann, who directed the original film and chose the location for the stage premiere, told Aap: "Of all my shows, Strictly Ballroom is the most personal." New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell added: "Producers in London and New York have been pursuing the rights for Strictly Ballroom for many years. It is a major theatrical coup that Sydney has secured the premiere ahead (more)...
- 5/24/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
This is the Pure Movies review of Oranges and Sunshine, directed by Jim Loach and starring Hugo Weaving, Emily Watson, David Wenham, Tara Morice and Lorraine Ashbourne. In the late 1980s, a social worker in Nottingham, Margaret Humphreys – assigned to the council’s adoption and fostering services – was contacted by a woman from Australia who was trying to find out what had happened to her mother. She claimed that she had been orphaned as a child in Nottingham and sent to Australia with a boatload of other children. Humphreys found her story incredible, and at first doubted its veracity. How could a whole boat full of children have been shipped off to Australia, seemingly with no records to confirm what had happened to the children once they’d left the UK? She begun to dig in to the records and was shocked by what she found. Chiefly, that thousands of...
- 3/29/2011
- by David Hudson
- Pure Movies
Another powerful semi-political story about fighting for what's right. Our friends at RopeofSilicon recently found an official UK trailer at The Guardian for a film by director Ken Loach's son Jim titled Oranges and Sunshine, that's set mostly in Australia. From Variety's review, it's a "deeply moving study of emotionally scarred adults who were illegally deported as children to Australia from Britain in the 1940s and '50s." The cast includes: Emily Watson as the British social worker who brought that shameful secret to the world's attention in the late '80s, as well as Hugo Weaving, David Wenham and Tara Morice. Watch it below. Watch the international trailer for Jim Loach's Oranges and Sunshine: Tells the story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in history: the organized deportation of children in care from the UK to Australia in the 1940s.
- 2/8/2011
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
My Idiot Brother
Opens: 2011
Cast: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Steve Coogan
Director: Jesse Peretz
Summary: Ned is a well-meaning idealist just released from prison for dealing cannabis. In succession, he disrupts the lives and homes of his three sisters: a career-driven journalist about to get her big break; a bisexual hipster whose lies are disrupting her relationship; and a married mother who hasn't noticed that her marriage is falling apart.
Analysis: Scoring a good response over the weekend at the Sundance Film Festival, this broad light comedy with a sweet heart charmed the pants off The Weinstein Company to the tune of around $6 million for distribution rights. That covers most of its sub-$10 million budget, a number that it could potentially outgross by several factors if the good-natured tone hinted at in the reviews were correct. If anything, the few negatives tended to be because this...
Opens: 2011
Cast: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Steve Coogan
Director: Jesse Peretz
Summary: Ned is a well-meaning idealist just released from prison for dealing cannabis. In succession, he disrupts the lives and homes of his three sisters: a career-driven journalist about to get her big break; a bisexual hipster whose lies are disrupting her relationship; and a married mother who hasn't noticed that her marriage is falling apart.
Analysis: Scoring a good response over the weekend at the Sundance Film Festival, this broad light comedy with a sweet heart charmed the pants off The Weinstein Company to the tune of around $6 million for distribution rights. That covers most of its sub-$10 million budget, a number that it could potentially outgross by several factors if the good-natured tone hinted at in the reviews were correct. If anything, the few negatives tended to be because this...
- 1/28/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
DVD Playhouse December 2010
By
Allen Gardner
America Lost And Found: The Bbs Story (Criterion) Perhaps the best DVD box set released this year, this ultimate cinefile stocking stuffer offered up by Criterion, the Rolls-Royce of home video labels, features seven seminal works from the late ‘60s-early ‘70s that were brought to life by cutting edge producers Bert Schneider, Steve Blauner and director/producer Bob Rafelson, the principals of Bbs Productions. In chronological order: Head (1968) star the Monkees, the manufactured (by Rafelson, et al), American answer to the Beatles who, like it or not, did make an impact on popular culture, particularly in this utterly surreal piece of cinematic anarchy (co-written by Jack Nicholson, who has a cameo), which was largely dismissed upon its initial release, but is now regarded as a counterculture classic. Easy Rider (1969) is arguably regarded as the seminal ‘60s picture, about two hippie drug dealers (director Dennis Hopper...
By
Allen Gardner
America Lost And Found: The Bbs Story (Criterion) Perhaps the best DVD box set released this year, this ultimate cinefile stocking stuffer offered up by Criterion, the Rolls-Royce of home video labels, features seven seminal works from the late ‘60s-early ‘70s that were brought to life by cutting edge producers Bert Schneider, Steve Blauner and director/producer Bob Rafelson, the principals of Bbs Productions. In chronological order: Head (1968) star the Monkees, the manufactured (by Rafelson, et al), American answer to the Beatles who, like it or not, did make an impact on popular culture, particularly in this utterly surreal piece of cinematic anarchy (co-written by Jack Nicholson, who has a cameo), which was largely dismissed upon its initial release, but is now regarded as a counterculture classic. Easy Rider (1969) is arguably regarded as the seminal ‘60s picture, about two hippie drug dealers (director Dennis Hopper...
- 12/20/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Strictly Ballroom is an interesting film. It takes the timeless tale of The Ugly Duckling and sets it in a ballroom dancing atmosphere. Conceived by Australian writer/director, Baz Luhrmann, Strictly Ballroom is the first installment in The Red Curtain Trilogy, a trio of films that feature theater-related romance. The other films in the trilogy include Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge!.
Originally a stage musical, Strictly Ballroom tells the story of a ballroom dancer named Scott Hastings played with very little affect by Paul Mercurio. He has his own style of dancing which puts him in a little bit of trouble with his family and friends. His dance partner ditches him during tryouts for a ballroom dancing competition and it is then up to Scott to find another partner to practice with. He eventually finds help in Fran (Tara Morice), an “ugly duckling” who frequents the dance studio. Together they...
Originally a stage musical, Strictly Ballroom tells the story of a ballroom dancer named Scott Hastings played with very little affect by Paul Mercurio. He has his own style of dancing which puts him in a little bit of trouble with his family and friends. His dance partner ditches him during tryouts for a ballroom dancing competition and it is then up to Scott to find another partner to practice with. He eventually finds help in Fran (Tara Morice), an “ugly duckling” who frequents the dance studio. Together they...
- 12/18/2010
- by Randall Unger
- JustPressPlay.net
Though he's better known for films like "Moulin Rouge!" and "Australia" in the U.S., the film that truly defines writer/director Baz Luhrmann as an artist is "Strictly Ballroom." Released in 1992 to great acclaim, the film -- which stars Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice as a pair of mismatched competitive ballroom dancers -- was born out of a stage show that Luhrmann originally conceived of as a student at Sydney's National Institute of Drama.
- 12/3/2010
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Chicago – A few weeks ago, we acclaimed the beauty of the Blu-ray releases of Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge!” and “Romeo + Juliet.” Oh what a difference a studio can make. While Fox treated those Luhrmann films with HD respect, Disney has decided to release his first film, the great “Strictly Ballroom” in a lackluster standard DVD special edition that would have been great in 2006 but times have changed.
DVD Rating: 3.0/5.0
The most terrifying thing about the “Strictly Ballroom: Special Edition” may not be that it’s lackluster in comparison to the great Blu-rays of “Moulin Rouge!” and “Romeo + Juliet” but that it appears to not be a tie-in to those releases but something far more terrifying. The back of the DVD case says “The Film That Started the Dancing With the Stars Phenomenon!” Really?!?! A 1992 Australian film that made $12 million inspired “Dancing With the Stars”?!?! What’s next? A...
DVD Rating: 3.0/5.0
The most terrifying thing about the “Strictly Ballroom: Special Edition” may not be that it’s lackluster in comparison to the great Blu-rays of “Moulin Rouge!” and “Romeo + Juliet” but that it appears to not be a tie-in to those releases but something far more terrifying. The back of the DVD case says “The Film That Started the Dancing With the Stars Phenomenon!” Really?!?! A 1992 Australian film that made $12 million inspired “Dancing With the Stars”?!?! What’s next? A...
- 12/1/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Starring: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Gia Carides
Director: Baz Luhrmann
The Scoop: (1992) Luhrmann’s theater trilogy (with “Romeo + Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge”) kicked off with this ode to ballroom dancing. Scott wants to win a big competition but struggles until he meets Spanish gypsy Fran, who teaches him the secrets of the paso doble. Major dance-themed drama ensues, climaxing in an ambiguous ending that will make you tap your feet even as you furrow your brow.
Special Features: Commentary, deleted scenes, dance featurette, documentary
Rated PG, 94 min. | Watch the trailer...
Director: Baz Luhrmann
The Scoop: (1992) Luhrmann’s theater trilogy (with “Romeo + Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge”) kicked off with this ode to ballroom dancing. Scott wants to win a big competition but struggles until he meets Spanish gypsy Fran, who teaches him the secrets of the paso doble. Major dance-themed drama ensues, climaxing in an ambiguous ending that will make you tap your feet even as you furrow your brow.
Special Features: Commentary, deleted scenes, dance featurette, documentary
Rated PG, 94 min. | Watch the trailer...
- 11/23/2010
- by NextMovie Staff
- NextMovie
Dance Academy
Premiere. An energetic new teen drama set in the National Academy of Dance in Sydney. Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) dreams of a life beyond life on the farm, so she auditions for a new dance course where she meets a tough instructor, Miss Raine (Tara Morice), some cute boys and competitive females. This has success written all over it. A great mix of dance, drama and youthful aspirations.
Airs: 5:20pm Monday on ABC1
The Mentalist
More >>...
Premiere. An energetic new teen drama set in the National Academy of Dance in Sydney. Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) dreams of a life beyond life on the farm, so she auditions for a new dance course where she meets a tough instructor, Miss Raine (Tara Morice), some cute boys and competitive females. This has success written all over it. A great mix of dance, drama and youthful aspirations.
Airs: 5:20pm Monday on ABC1
The Mentalist
More >>...
- 5/30/2010
- by David Knox
- TV.com
Dance Academy
Premiere. An energetic new teen drama set in the National Academy of Dance in Sydney. Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) dreams of a life beyond life on the farm, so she auditions for a new dance course where she meets a tough instructor, Miss Raine (Tara Morice), some cute boys and competitive females. This has success written all over it. A great mix of dance, drama and youthful aspirations.
Airs: 5:20pm Monday on ABC1
The Mentalist
More >>...
Premiere. An energetic new teen drama set in the National Academy of Dance in Sydney. Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) dreams of a life beyond life on the farm, so she auditions for a new dance course where she meets a tough instructor, Miss Raine (Tara Morice), some cute boys and competitive females. This has success written all over it. A great mix of dance, drama and youthful aspirations.
Airs: 5:20pm Monday on ABC1
The Mentalist
More >>...
- 5/30/2010
- by David Knox
- TV.com
Tara Morice wowed audiences around the world with her riveting performance as Fran in the movie "Strictly Ballroom" fifteen years ago. Now, Morice is turning her attention to writing and directing with a new documentary called "My Biggest Fan."
The 52-minute documentary will make its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Sunday, October 19th. "My Biggest Fan" will also be shown nationwide in Australia on the Sbs network on November 7th.
Celebrity News Service caught up with Morice in her native Australia, to talk about her new documentary and how it resulted from a connection with her movie "Strictly Ballroom." Morice said that shortly after 9/11 she received a letter from Mildred Levine, now 75, who told Morice that on the night of 9/11 she held a screening of the ballroom dancing movie at her retirement village in Coconut Creek, Florida. Levine said that as the red curtain came down,...
The 52-minute documentary will make its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Sunday, October 19th. "My Biggest Fan" will also be shown nationwide in Australia on the Sbs network on November 7th.
Celebrity News Service caught up with Morice in her native Australia, to talk about her new documentary and how it resulted from a connection with her movie "Strictly Ballroom." Morice said that shortly after 9/11 she received a letter from Mildred Levine, now 75, who told Morice that on the night of 9/11 she held a screening of the ballroom dancing movie at her retirement village in Coconut Creek, Florida. Levine said that as the red curtain came down,...
- 10/15/2008
- icelebz.com
SYDNEY -- The affection with which the breezy Australian mockumentary "Razzle Dazzle: A Journey Into Dance" tweaks the twinkle-toed denizens of the competitive dance scene makes it easy to like. Sure, there are exuberant bursts of "Mickey" and "Footloose" and plenty of jazz hands, which almost make fun of themselves. But mostly the humor is understated and wry, contrasting nicely with the exhibitionist antics of its Bedazzler-worshiping targets.
This gently mocking approach, which Christopher Guest applied so deftly to the folkie satire "A Mighty Wind", allows an often laugh-out-loud sendup to also function as a conventional let's-put-on-a-show crowd-pleaser.
Energetic dance routines choreographed by John O'Connell ("Strictly Ballroom", "Moulin Rouge") and performed by a cute cast of preteen hoofers up the feel-good factor. "Razzle Dazzle" should prove a hit with Australian families when it opens locally March 15. Overseas prospects also are good, with the runaway success of "The Office" in Britain and its offshoot in the U.S. proving that there's a large audience for this type of deadpan, slightly surreal humor. (Comic writer Robin Ince, a longtime collaborator of "The Office" creator Ricky Gervais, co-wrote the script.)
Originally a parody of pushy stage mothers, "Razzle Dazzle" evolved into a comic examination of the do-or-die intensity surrounding kids' dance competitions, with the spotlight firmly on the adults. They mostly behave appallingly -- bribing judges, foisting nose jobs on their offspring, kidnapping professional ring-ins -- while the poor kids, all gangly limbs and braces, aim simply and sensibly to do their best.
British actor Ben Miller has the best lines as the determinedly cheery Mr. Jonathon, head of Mr. Jonathon's Dance Academy, and his poker-faced delivery of crazy assertions will be familiar to fans of "The Office".
Winning the Sanosafe Troupe Spectacular, the pinnacle of dance contests, means a lot to Mr. Jonathon. Not only would it allow him to triumph over Miss Elizabeth (Jane Hall), a longtime rival whose ultra-conservative style is routinely rewarded by the judges, it also would validate his unorthodox approach to dance.
Mr. Jonathon is, in the words of his rival, a "cause slut," obsessed with using his routines to tackle social issues, such as global warming, skin cancer and dolphins in tuna nets. He feels he's onto a winner with his piece about the oppression of Afghan women under the Taliban, but parental interference will prove more of a challenge than the skill of his dancers.
With the exception of Justine (Kerry Armstrong), an alarmingly single-minded stage mom who tortures her poor daughter Tenille (Shayni Notelovitz) in a quest for vicarious glory, most of the daffy characters stop short of caricature.
But they're not short on quirks. Mr. Jonathon's officious offsider Barbara (Denise Roberts) will only play foster parent to children with rhythm. The troupe's costume designer Marianne (Tara Morice, "Strictly Ballroom") dresses dramatically in goth-inspired creations but never says a word.
The free-spirited and very pregnant Paulette (a wonderfully warm Nadine Garner), who drives daughter Grace (Clancy Ryan) nuts with her chronic tardiness, is the most "normal" of the stage moms. But she is struggling to remain serene about her TV-handyman husband running off with a male co-star. It's all absurd but vaguely plausible and Ashton knows exactly when to pull back.
Tucked in among the emotional pyrotechnics and onstage pizzazz is a scene such as the one in which the normally silent Marianne, sewing costumes with Mr. Jonathon and Paulette, spontaneously breaks into a lovely rendition of Spandau Ballet's "Gold". It's a showstopper.
Razzle Dazzle: A Journey Into Dance
Palace Films, Wild Eddie Prods.
Credits:
Director: Darren Ashton
Screenwriters: Carolyn Wilson, Robin Ince
Producers: Jodi Matterson, Andrena Finlay
Executive producer: Al Clark
Director of photography: Garry Phillips
Production designer: Karen Harborow
Music: Roger Mason
Costume designer: Ariane Weiss
Editors: Julieanne Deruvo, Philip Horn
Cast:
Justine: Kerry Armstrong
Mr. Jonathon: Ben Miller
Paulette: Nadine Garner
Barbara: Denise Roberts
Marianne: Tara Morice
Miss Elizabeth: Jane Hall
No MPAA rating, running time 92 minutes.
This gently mocking approach, which Christopher Guest applied so deftly to the folkie satire "A Mighty Wind", allows an often laugh-out-loud sendup to also function as a conventional let's-put-on-a-show crowd-pleaser.
Energetic dance routines choreographed by John O'Connell ("Strictly Ballroom", "Moulin Rouge") and performed by a cute cast of preteen hoofers up the feel-good factor. "Razzle Dazzle" should prove a hit with Australian families when it opens locally March 15. Overseas prospects also are good, with the runaway success of "The Office" in Britain and its offshoot in the U.S. proving that there's a large audience for this type of deadpan, slightly surreal humor. (Comic writer Robin Ince, a longtime collaborator of "The Office" creator Ricky Gervais, co-wrote the script.)
Originally a parody of pushy stage mothers, "Razzle Dazzle" evolved into a comic examination of the do-or-die intensity surrounding kids' dance competitions, with the spotlight firmly on the adults. They mostly behave appallingly -- bribing judges, foisting nose jobs on their offspring, kidnapping professional ring-ins -- while the poor kids, all gangly limbs and braces, aim simply and sensibly to do their best.
British actor Ben Miller has the best lines as the determinedly cheery Mr. Jonathon, head of Mr. Jonathon's Dance Academy, and his poker-faced delivery of crazy assertions will be familiar to fans of "The Office".
Winning the Sanosafe Troupe Spectacular, the pinnacle of dance contests, means a lot to Mr. Jonathon. Not only would it allow him to triumph over Miss Elizabeth (Jane Hall), a longtime rival whose ultra-conservative style is routinely rewarded by the judges, it also would validate his unorthodox approach to dance.
Mr. Jonathon is, in the words of his rival, a "cause slut," obsessed with using his routines to tackle social issues, such as global warming, skin cancer and dolphins in tuna nets. He feels he's onto a winner with his piece about the oppression of Afghan women under the Taliban, but parental interference will prove more of a challenge than the skill of his dancers.
With the exception of Justine (Kerry Armstrong), an alarmingly single-minded stage mom who tortures her poor daughter Tenille (Shayni Notelovitz) in a quest for vicarious glory, most of the daffy characters stop short of caricature.
But they're not short on quirks. Mr. Jonathon's officious offsider Barbara (Denise Roberts) will only play foster parent to children with rhythm. The troupe's costume designer Marianne (Tara Morice, "Strictly Ballroom") dresses dramatically in goth-inspired creations but never says a word.
The free-spirited and very pregnant Paulette (a wonderfully warm Nadine Garner), who drives daughter Grace (Clancy Ryan) nuts with her chronic tardiness, is the most "normal" of the stage moms. But she is struggling to remain serene about her TV-handyman husband running off with a male co-star. It's all absurd but vaguely plausible and Ashton knows exactly when to pull back.
Tucked in among the emotional pyrotechnics and onstage pizzazz is a scene such as the one in which the normally silent Marianne, sewing costumes with Mr. Jonathon and Paulette, spontaneously breaks into a lovely rendition of Spandau Ballet's "Gold". It's a showstopper.
Razzle Dazzle: A Journey Into Dance
Palace Films, Wild Eddie Prods.
Credits:
Director: Darren Ashton
Screenwriters: Carolyn Wilson, Robin Ince
Producers: Jodi Matterson, Andrena Finlay
Executive producer: Al Clark
Director of photography: Garry Phillips
Production designer: Karen Harborow
Music: Roger Mason
Costume designer: Ariane Weiss
Editors: Julieanne Deruvo, Philip Horn
Cast:
Justine: Kerry Armstrong
Mr. Jonathon: Ben Miller
Paulette: Nadine Garner
Barbara: Denise Roberts
Marianne: Tara Morice
Miss Elizabeth: Jane Hall
No MPAA rating, running time 92 minutes.
- 2/11/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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