THE HUNT This Cannes title is a powerful return to form for Thomas Vinterberg, in a story
of child abuse and false accusations » p58
AMOUR Michael Haneke’s meditation on love and old age netted the director
his second Palme d’Or in Cannes » p59
MUD
Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon lead a crowd-
pleasing coming-of-age story » p60
REVIEWS IN BRIEF
Prometheus Dir: Ridley Scott. US-UK. 2012. 125mins It has been three decades since Ridley Scott dipped his directorial toe into science-fi c- tion waters (with 1982’s Blade Runner), but with his fantasy epic Prometheus it is clear his striking sense of vision, drama and excitement fits perfectly with the genre. There were once plans to script a formal prequel to Alien, but the project evolved into Prometheus. While it offers tantalising revelations about the aliens and the craft in which they are fi rst discovered in the origi- nal fi lm, it is very much a standalone pic- ture… albeit one that is very aware of its place in the mythology of the Alien series. Mark Adams
CONTACT 20TH CENTURY FOX Rock Of Ages Dir: Adam Shankman. US. 2012. 123mins
The jukebox musical Rock Of Ages all too accu- rately replicates the experience of listening to the 1980s arena rock and hair-metal that dominates the soundtrack. In limited doses, it can be great cheesy fun, but prolonged exposure proves rather tiresome. Based on the popular, Tony-nominated production about guys and gals living out their rock ‘n’ roll dreams, this lively but overlong fi lm directed by Adam Shankman, who previously helmed 2007’s Hairspray, showers the audience with kitsch at the expense of characters. Rock Of Ages should strike a chord with several
demographics. Fans of musicals and 1980s hard rock will no doubt be interested, and a starry cast that includes Tom Cruise (albeit in a supporting role) ought to increase awareness. Probably cater- ing more to a female audience, Rock Of Ages could do well amid a sea of action fi lms and family fare, but one should expect the soundtrack to appeal to ageing headbangers of both genders. Set in 1987 along Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, the
fi lm takes place largely at the Bourbon Room, a fading but legendary concert venue. New to the city is Sherrie (Julianne Hough), an aspiring singer from Oklahoma who befriends club employee and aspiring musician Drew (Diego Boneta). Love starts to blossom, but their rela-
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tionship is sidetracked as the venue prepares for a performance from Stacee Jaxx (Cruise), a cock- sure, possibly demented rock star who is about to embark on a solo career. For the most part, the fi lm heartily embraces
the dated, emotionally unsubtle material, playing up its big hooks and lyrical directness for maxi- mum impact. Based on Chris D’Arienzo’s musical, Rock Of Ages does not have an original score but, instead, has its characters sing rock hits of the era, including songs by Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. Rock Of Ages proudly flaunts its rock-world
archetypes, whether it is the disapproving reli- gious watchdog (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the over- the-hill club owner (Alec Baldwin) or the scheming manager (Paul Giamatti, doing fine work as he exudes detestable slipperiness). On one level, we are meant to enjoy these one-dimensional characters for their familiarity, but because they are not given much inner life, they remain clichés. Proving again his inexhaustible star presence,
Cruise alone in the cast consistently transcends his underwritten role, throwing himself com- pletely into Jaxx’s carnal magnetism.
Tim Grierson CONTACT WARNER BROS June-July 2012 Screen International 57 ■
Snow White And The Huntsman Dir: Rupert Sanders. US. 2012. 127mins In the second live-action Snow White of the year, debut feature director Rupert Sanders comes up with some stylish moments and is blessed with a deliciously evil perform- ance by Charlize Theron as the queen. But it can never quite fi nd the balance between fairy tale and Joan of Arc-style fable, and becomes bogged down in questing when it should be delivering magic and adventure. If the recent Mirror Mirror was more in the style of Disney, Huntsman aims for darker, potentially more dangerous fare.
Mark Adams CONTACT UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Men In Black 3 Dir: Barry Sonnenfeld. US. 2012. 106mins A decade after they last got together, Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and director Barry Sonnenfeld are back for the latest in Sony’s sci-fi comedy franchise. But while it capably recreates the look and feel of its predecessors, and throws 3D and a couple of other new elements into the mix, MIB3 is distinctly short on the franchise’s charac- teristic wit and zany energy. But the effects — and the aliens, again created by Rick Baker — are more impressive than last time round and the comedy not as goofi ly funny. John Hazelton
CONTACT SONY PICTURES
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