Cinema Effect Cinema Effect

Yes, we have now officially recorded 200 episodes of Cinema Effect. And for such a landmark occasion, why not get together to dive deep into David Fincher's chilling 1995 classic, Seven (or Se7en if you prefer). We all know the film that launched Fincher's career to new heights is gruesome and suspense-filled. We all know about its plot twists and unforgettable climax. We'll breakdown all of those classic scenes, but the complex themes and lead characters, played wonderfully by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, are what make the film a compelling watch almost 30 years later. Plus, if you ever wanted to hear us confess our own sins, then today is your lucky day!



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:38 - Seven Review

1:03:33 - What We've Been Watching

1:20:32 - Reading Your Comments

1:36:03 - Quiz

This year's most anticipated sequel, Rebel Moon Part Two, has finally been uploaded to Netflix! The film continues Zack Snyder's epic sci-fi saga and picks up right where the first half left off. Kora and her ragtag warrior buddies must train a bunch of scrubs to defend their home against the Imperium. Part Veldt farming simulator, and part Seven Samurai in space, the movie's effective action and faster pace was mostly able to keep us entertained. Zaddy does have to overcome his own very cliché characters and dialogue. But at least the performances get more time to shine in Part Two's standout flashback sequences. Now we must anxiously wait for Netflix to greenlight at least six sequels. Because only then will we finally have a true Snyderverse.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:23 - Rebel Moon Part Two Review

42:48 - What We've Been Watching

51:19 - Reading Your Comments

Walkabout released in 1971, and is regarded as an incredibly influential film in the history of Australian cinema. So in watching it for the first time, we had to bring on board our trusted guest star Andy Lau, who was already a big fan of the picture. The story follows two English children, a teenage girl and her younger brother, who are stranded in the Outback after their father’s traumatising death. On their journey back to civilisation, they encounter a young Aboriginal boy (played by the iconic David Gulpilil) who helps them to survive despite not being able to speak the same language. This pilgrimage through the harsh wilderness creates many opportunities to explore cultural differences, and the impact of white Australians on the land, among many other thoughtful topics. And the film does just that with its remarkable cinematography and hypnotic editing. These aspects certainly had an impact on our viewing, so let us talkabout-it.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

2:24 - Walkabout Review

1:10:29 - News Chat

1:14:54 - What We've Been Watching

1:28:04 - Reading Your Comments

Our first time watching the "Before" trilogy comes to an end with a harsh reality check in Richard Linklater's final entry, Before Midnight. We catch up with Jesse and Celine another decade after Before Sunrise, now surprisingly with kids of their own. But their lovely family holiday in Greece takes a tumultuous turn as they confront the realities of long-term relationships and commitment. Love is challenging folks, and that sentiment is all over this film. Then once we're done breaking down topics far beyond our years, we'll talk about the new trailer for Joker 2 (French title be damned), as well as decide on the European cities we most want to explore.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:07 - Before Midnight Review

57:25 - News Chat

1:09:36 - What We've Been Watching

1:25:46 - Reading Your Comments

If you haven't seen Atonement before, you can add it to the long list of must-watch films released in the year 2007. Starring Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, and a young Saoirse Ronan, the story demonstrates the dramatic repercussions of a young girl's false accusation against her sister's lover. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this film beautifully balances being both a romantic period piece and a large scale war movie. It also happens to feature one of the most impressive one-take sequences ever put to screen! This is certainly one of those movies that you will view differently upon watching it again. So we had a great time getting Jayden's thoughts as a first time viewer, and debating it's incredibly strong and emotional themes.

This week we're checking out an American indie horror/thriller by the name of Brightwood. When a troubled couple embark on a run to their local pond, they could never imagine themselves winding up trapped in an insidious time loop. But that's exactly what happens. It's fair to say we haven't reviewed many truly independent productions on the show in the past, so we're excited to discuss our experiences with a totally original concept like this. There was certainly a lot of enjoyment to be found in the performances, dialogue, and story. Then after the review, we'll make the case for the horror movie villains we actually think we could survive!



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

2:09 - Brightwood Review

49:42 - News Chat

52:26 - What We've Been Watching

01:01:30 - Reading Your Comments