Too much blockbuster miffs you

It is summer in Uncle Sam’s lawn, but instead it’s interminably raining blockbuster movies. First the freakish alien show with the brilliant ex-detective girl, Lisbeth Salander, and her android partner—cheeky but oh-so-enticing—Mr. Fassbender. Second, the reboot of the eight legged guy with slightly darker suit and cuter face—which is significantly expendable recalling Raimi’s Spidey that has deeply ingrained within Spider-Man’s fans. Third, and this was just released recently, was the so-called Nolan’s final project for Batman. Apparently the movie leaves out several hints—insinuating an upcoming sequel or even a spin-off or two. 

As a movie lover, I watched them all. I have to admit that Prometheus was actually pretty good. However, since I’m not a big fan of guts, insides and uterus; I have to scratch it off of my favorite movies list. And what can I say about The Amazing Spider-Man? I think this twitter guy, @ghiankr, says it all, “Amazing Spider-Man is like iPhone 4s: a good but not necessary upgrade.” And as for The Dark Knight Rises, Nolan has succeeded making me awestruck. Again. Nevertheless, if I had to pick one I like the most from the trilogy I would go for The Dark Knight. Joker was too precious and unforgettable.

Well, you can’t escape the blockbusters as well as the summer heat (in my case, the dreary winter). It’s school holiday and for people who decide to keep their money other than spending it on a trip to Hawaii, they stuck in their town--can’t do nothing besides shopping in town or going to the cinema. If you choose the latter, then yes, this article is for you! Are you getting bored of those identical blockbuster movie themes you have to watch only because you want to stay in the loop? Bad guys, hot girls, heroes, actions—that sort of themes? Well here’s something to tickle your pre-standardised movie dish: Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).

Hmm… What’s with the sudden mentioning of the event, you think? Well, first of all, I do not associate with any staffs of MIFF. And secondly, promoting stuffs and events is not my aptitude and definitely not my passion. So, when I mention something such as book titles, programs, or events; I really do recommend them to you from the deepest trench of my heart—not because I’m paid to do promotional things. Uh, okay, now I’m definitely wandering off the topic. Scusate!

Without being hesitant, I’d say MIFF would not be able to caught my attention if it hadn’t be the project that I should pursue in one of my core journalism units. Reporting Arts and Culture, that’s the unit’s name. The first assignment for this unit is to make a film review based on one of the movies in MIFF. Fantastic, isn’t it? Unfortunately, all expenses to do this assignment have to come from our own pocket. Hmm, less fantastic. But hey, since this is my first time to participate in movie festival, why wouldn’t I give it a go?

Thus the endless browsing through MIFF guide that I got from my tutor. There are huge numbers of movie genre: thriller, comedy, drama, documentary, animation, Next-Gen (for younger audiences), shorts/short movies (which one of them gains an oddly theme: “WTF”), and so on.  

Ignoring my limited funds, I have decided to get my feet wet—really wet—by prompting myself to book tickets for three movies. Don’t get mad on how I spend my own money. I have reasons to booked 3 tickets.

The first ticket that I’ve booked is for my own film review assignment. I’ve booked The Mirror Never Lies. One aspect that has taken my interest to choose that particular film is its origin. The Mirror Never Lies is an Indonesian movie directed by Kamila Andini. And with MIFF, “only the best films make the cut” (MIFF commercial)—so I’m positive that this film would well worth the money I spend.  

My money goes again for a second time to book a ticket for Bully. You can guess what’s the story about from the title. I am particularly fond of films that uplift kids’ issues. At most times I learn moral things from such sort of films. And last, my third ticket is for Ruby Sparks. A film that I’ve been anticipating for a while since I noticed that the directors of the film are the people who created Little Miss Sunshine. Plus, there’s Paul Dano; the actor who played Dwayne, Olive’s big brother in Little Miss Sunshine. Well, apart from his unusual facial features, I’m curious to find out how he’d handle his character in Ruby Sparks.

$15 for The Mirror Never Lies, $15 for Bully and $18 for Ruby Sparks. Ca-ching! Pop goes the dosh.

Outside MIFF, these films probably won’t make the cut into people’s must see movie list. As far as I have experienced, these films are, sadly, at often times have been underrated. And what’s worse, they are not usually being underrated by critiques but regular viewers whose thirsts are only quenchable through typical chick flick movies or action movies packed with Hollywood’s top stars.

I don’t say they are bad films, because I often indulge in those types of movies. It seems plausible to say that you could perhaps treat yourself with films that are different from your predictable dish. At most times, what often lacks from chick flick and action films can be discovered in indie or international films.

I’d say, this is the time for Melburnians to find iridescent films in the Melbourne International Film Festival. Perhaps what Uncle Sam needs in his blistering lawn is indeed incessant rainfall; but we, Melburnians, are in need of colourful spring instead.