SNAPSHOT Jonas has dreamed of living in the sea all his life. But it’s not possible. Or is it? (synopsis via Vimeo) There is such delight and whimsicality in this breathtakingly-beautiful piece of animation that you scarcely know where to begin. In Jonas and the Sea, directed and animated by Marlies Continue Reading
Movies
Io: When Earth becomes just another toxic relationship
SNAPSHOT Sam (Margaret Qualley), one of the last survivors on a post-cataclysmic Earth, is a young scientist dedicated to finding a way for humans to adapt and survive, rather than abandon their world. But with the final shuttle scheduled to leave the planet for a distant colony, her determination to Continue Reading
Weekend movie poster art: Dumbo character posters revealed
SNAPSHOTFrom Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Continue Reading
Movie review: The Wild Pear Tree (Ahlat Ağacı)
Immersing yourself in a slow-paced character drama that feels enough at ease with itself to take its own sweet time telling its tale is one of life’s great delights. You may not always like the characters or you may find yourself challenged by the story or the ideas contained therein Continue Reading
We need a hero! Raise a cheer for Mermaid Man
Aquaman is everywhere these days! On land, under the sea, and at last count heading for $1 billion in box office revenue which is going to place director James Wan in elite company. But while he’s an impressive figure, can he really compete with Mermaid Man from SpongeBob SquarePants who, Continue Reading
Video essay: Technique not design defined early Disney animation
SNAPSHOT The real Disney style isn’t in design but in technique. Techniques that are universal and style agnostic, which is why when budgets were tight, Disney was notorious for repurposing animation from its archive to save time and they were able to recycle that work between two completely different characters Continue Reading
Cinema bricks: The films of 2018 get LEGO’d
All hail end of year lists! Everyone loves to do them, including yours truly, and at their best, they provide great insight into what a particular thought was the best, and yes, worst, of the year. You might not always agree with them but it makes you reflect on how Continue Reading
The short and the short of it: A family repaired in If You Fall
SNAPSHOT In the wonderfully heartwarming animation “If You Fall” by Tisha Deb Pallai, a little girl named Lila is learning how to ride a bicycle, but is not yet ready to ride alone. As this is happening, Lila’s parents, he a struggling artist and she a television news reporter, are finding Continue Reading
ZZZZ Lucas the Spider is tired — but where can he nap?
It’s summer holidays time in Australia which means lots of food, lots of reading (for me, anyway) and lots of naps. After all, when else can you catch up on that lost sleep from throughout the year? Lucas the Spider, created by Joshua Slice, knows just what I’m talking about Continue Reading
Little Women at 150 and the patriarch who shaped the book’s tone (curated article)
by Ryna Ordynat, Monash University It’s 150 years since Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was published and in the time since, the book has never been out of print. The story of the March sisters struck a chord with readers – especially young girls – early on, and Continue Reading