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Andy_Sparnon
Reviews
Rise (2014)
Incredibly moving film
My partner and I have watched 'Rise' close to a dozen times since it's Australian cinema release. One of those earthy Australian timeless classics that you can watch over and over again. A film that pulls on the heart strings of even a hardened man like myself each time I watch it. The film is grounded, real and was written and directed by Mack Lindon, who the film is based on. So it's void of over dramatisation that we see in too many films today. That's what makes 'Rise' so comfortable to watch, even though the basis of the story is so far from it. This debut film from first time director Mack Lindon also looks into the human side of finding hope as strongly as the process and challenges of finding justice. Watching characters Will (Nathan Wilson), Jimmy (Martin Sacks) and Fung (Marty Rhone) was an absolute pleasure. The interactions were powerful and a stand out. Also some genuine performances by some relatively new faces to the screen reiterate that realism to the film and a credit to the casting. As a package, 'Rise' is one film everyone should see. A story of hope that we can all relate too. It may even inspire you to do something that brings hope to others.
Daddy's Little Girl (2014)
An Aussie film that gives you more than you bargain for
Daddy's Little Girl is a film with a strong plot and progresses into something you can never anticipate. A shocking story based on real events that opens up our own realisations to our vulnerabilities and capability in a similar situation to what's portrayed in this film. When a normal father is driven to a state of anguish on the path to insanity after realising he had lost his little girl. The film drives you deeper into the mind of the father, as he maintains his normal persona, while committing atrocious acts. The SFX are a standout in the film with some of the most graphic acts and realism that I have seen in any Australian horror film. The director pushes the boundaries and fans of genuine gut churning horror will find Daddy's Little Girl a treat from the mostly predictable and unconvincing effects that we are desensitised to. Michael Thomson plays the role of the father with conviction and Chris Sun pulls no punches to create a must watch Aussie horror that will leave you asking "What's next"?