If like me you grew up watching British television then the 2015 BBC British Film Festival presented by Palace, Luna Palace Cinemas and The West Australian is a no brainer. Billed as a group of ‘festival favourites’ and ‘box office hits’, top of my list was Absolutely Anything, which I snuck off and saw today. Here’s a quick review and my list of other must see options.
Absolutely Anything
Whenever I see Simon Peggs name on a movie I make an extra effort to see it. This one was directed by Terry Jones, promoted as the ‘comedy reunion of the decade’ featuring the Monty Python crew, Eddie Izzard and Robbie Williams in his final performance. Convinced yet?
It is the story of Neil Clarke (Simon Pegg) a delightful special needs teacher who has trouble controlling his students, lacks confidence to ask his neighbour out (Kate Beckinsale) and is consistently berated by the headmaster (Eddie Izzard).
The Intergalactic Council have decided to eradicate Earth, however policy dictates that they must first pick someone at random, give them absolute power for 10 days and see if they ‘do the right thing’. Enter Neil as the chosen one.
Though not a new premise the movie presented a wonderful approach and terrific performances all round. It was particularly delightful to hear the Python crew voicing the Council for Intergalactic Superior Beings and the take on Book Show hosts, performed by Joanna Lumley, is a treat for all writers.
I must admit it was poignant listening to Robin Williams voice Neil’s best friend, his dog Dexter, and even more so during a potential suicide scene. Also poignant was the underlying message about being ‘in someone’s power’ and not ‘living life with free will’, particularly given the increasing incidence of domestic violence.
If you do manage to see this movie make sure you stay to the end of the credits for a snippet of Robin Williams filmed doing his voice over.
My other picks are:
Suffragette, a drama retracing the lives of the remarkable British women who risked everything for the equality that we have today. Starring Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep I’d hazard a guess that this will become a must see for all female high school students.
Brooklyn. If you like sweet romances check out Brooklyn about a young Irish immigrant Eilis Lacey, whose sister makes the ultimate sacrifice … giving Eilis the opportunity to break away from the family confines and have her own way in Brooklyn.
How To Make Love Like An Englishman. A romantic comedy starring Pierce Brosnan need I say anymore?
I’d love to have seen The Legend Of Barney Thomson but sadly it’s not playing in Perth. Get Santa looks good too.
The Festival includes a retrospective of 10 romantic hits, my pick My Beautiful Laundrette, the movie that began my love affair with Daniel Day Lewis all those years ago. Cant wait to see it again.
The Festival runs until Nov 18 at Luna Cinemas e.g. Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema
For more information and the program go to British Film Festival
