Sanctum 3D- The Curse of the Australian Movies

Movie poster featuring Richard Roxburugh

James Cameron should be ashamed of himself. To put his name to this movie is simply appalling. And what makes it even more of a tragedy is the fact that this movie continues the curse that all Australian movies are- festering excrement of a movie; with no plot and just utter strangeness.

What needs to be addressed first up is the use of 3D. I haven’t been disappointed by the use of 3D in a movie since Up!- a movie which redeemed itself by having a plot and a heart of gold. This movie had neither. Leaving the La Premiere cinemas at Chadstone; I realised that the only enjoyable element of the 3D filmmaking technique was seeing the fishes at the start. Which; considering the “plot” of the movie is very sad.

As to the plot; in a nutshell this is the standard action-adventure; with the main characters trapped under water in a set of caverns and having to both survive and discover an alternate way to the surface; after their main escape gets flooded from a tropical storm.

To be fair; this movie had potential. And it did show some good elements- namely the casting of Rhys Wakefield. An ex Home and Away cast member; he gives a performance that is strong and believable. Believing he is the son of Richard Roxburgh; however, is another matter.

In addition; Roxburgh et al both live up to the Australian stereotype that we’ve been exporting to American since Crocodile Dundee; the oaf, swearing his head off, genial character. How boring and clichéd.  

The highlight of this movie was seeing the fishes in 3D- which; come to think of it; is most likely not the intention of the filmmakers.

See this movie if you want to see another entry into the shite Australian movies. But don't say you won't warned.

Is It Just Me? (romedy, queer)

Movie poster

Is this possibly the best queer romantic comedy movie of all times?

The audience response to this movie at the 2011 Melbourne Queer Film Festival would certainly indicate so. With the audience in laughter and their hearts going out to the main character of Blaine; this movie will go down as a crowd favourite.

As a romantic comedy; we know what the ending is going to be. It's always going to be about the process of how we get to the ending that differentiates this movie from others; such as 27 Dresses.

A key ingredient to how this movie works so well is the casting. As the lonely Blaine we have the adorable Nicholas Downs, his hot yet selfish roommate Cameron is portrayed by Adam Huss (who could pass for Josh Dhumal) and the love interest Xander is played by the Taylor Latuner look a like David Loren. It was essential that these characters have social chemistry together for the entire storyline to work; and it shows. You see the connection that Blaine has for Xander and vice versa; but you also see the connection that Xander has for Cameron who's pretending to be Blaine.

The storyline essentially revolves around Blaine meeting Xander on a chat site; but unknowingly logged on as Cameron. When Blaine realises this; he convinces Cameron to meet Xander as himself; which leads to conflict between Blaine and Cameron. In amongst this; we have Blaines' fag hag Michelle (while alternating between being a friend and a bitch) trying to convince him to be honest.

While the storyline itself isn't new (The Truth About Cats and Dogs), the storyline seems to work smoothly and pulls at your heart strings. The score of this movie helps the audience to feel empathy with both Blaine and Xander; with the mostly guitar based score relating very nicely to the end of the movie.

A brilliant movie that if you get the chance to; grab it with both hands and see it.

Xander (on the left) and Blaine