Get in the groove: The Sapphires is a thoroughly uplifting film.
Snakes alive: Will Ferrell as Cam Brady in The Campaign
Funnyman Will Ferrell was in town last weekend for the preview of his latest comedy, The Campaign (M).
He co-stars with another comic actor Zach Galifianakis, a character who, infuriatingly, has so far managed to destroy the lives and careers of the characters he meets in his films (remember Due Date back in 2010?)
Without giving too much away there is a twist in The Candidate with Ferrell playing a congressman, Cam Brandt, who keeps getting elected because no one has ever challenged him — until now. And who is going to try to destroy the career of his opponent? Cam Brandt of course.
But supporting the not-very-bright Marty Huggins, played by Galifianakis are two powerful businessmen, brothers played by Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow, who want a congressman who will do what they want, particularly when it comes to questionable activities.
Yes, there are lots of laughs in The Candidate, but parents should also be aware that the language contains lots and lots of four letter words.
THE Sapphires (PG) is a jewel of a film. It's funny and sad but this true story based on the career of four aboriginal sisters is also thoroughly uplifting.
The film begins in the outback where the girls come across a drifter called Dave, brilliantly played by Chris O'Dowd, who readers will remember from 2011 Hollywood releases Friends with Kids and Bridesmaids.
It's Dave who talks the girls into changing their musical style from country and western, then popular in outback Australia, to the not-so-well-known American soul music.
One of the girls has a scrap of paper advertising the need for performers to entertain troops in Vietnam. Could that be remotely possible for the sisters? First, they must get permission from their parents and then face a selection board in Sydney.
Obviously permission — from home and the board— is granted, and they take off on the adventure of a lifetime. The Sapphires is a brilliant film, brilliantly cast and performed.
Back in the days when the most common four letter words in movies were "good" and "nice", Calamity Jane was a huge hit for its popular star, Doris Day in the title role.
Also starring Howard Keel as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane (PG) is the latest in the Masters of Hollywood series being re-introduced to audiences by Greater Union Cinemas.
The film screens on August 15, at the Greater Union Cinema, Miranda. Film lovers can enjoy drinks and canapes from 6pm, and the film will start at 7pm. The cost is $28.