A Rebellion is a Brewing!

Just a quick post to say that in a little over two months time; The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, is due for cinema release in Australia and I can honestly say I'm excited (but I assure you that I'm not Big Kev!)

After having reading the novel countless times I'm looking forward to see how they adapt this novel into the big screen. I saw The Hunger Games and then read the book afterwards so it was easy to contrast the differences. However, going into Catching Fire it's possible that I may have to contain myself (and no doubt other fans may need to) with our expectations on how we visualise the scenes in our mind, as well as how we already expect new characters to be, for example Finnick Odair.

I shall leave you with two opposing sayings from the series that are both quite lovely to both read and write from a writers perspective.

"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour!"- Effie Trinket; the slightly nutty but also sweet(ish) District 12 escort.

Compare this with the following spoken by our beloved heroine Catnip Everdeen

“Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!” 

Monster Pies

Director/ Writer: Lee Galea

Country and Year: Australia, 2013

Viewing: West Hollywood (Melbourne Queer Film Festival), Sun Theatre

Running Time: 90 mins (approx)

So about two weeks ago I volunteered at the West Hollywood event for the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Various films were shown over the three day screening, but the one I want to talk about (and was lucky enough to finally see) is Monster Pies.

Directed by Lee Galea and filmed in the western suburbs of Melbourne, in its simplest form monster pies can be described as a story of teen love and its journey. But frankly, that would be over simplifying this wonderfully crafted story, which is a testament to Galeas’ talent.

Going deeper, the story is about the two lead characters having to perform their own take on the immortal work Romeo and Juliet. And going into the movie, a viewer can have a rough idea of what road the movie plans on taking; however it's an enjoyable journey seeing the details.

A lot of the success in my mind of this movie is based on the fact that there isn’t one particular element that is more effective then another, rather it’s the sum effort that ensures that the audience connects to both will and mike. the acting itself by both leads are brilliant, with both lead actors (Tristan Barr as Mike and Lucas Linehan as William) emoting their characters feelings in more than just words, including facial movement and hand gestures.

Tristan Barr as Mike and Lucas Linehan as William

There’s a scene in it where it’s so moving, it makes you go AWW, which is then juxtaposed with the shocking scene afterwards that will either make you cry or if it doesn't it will leave a big impact on you. At the screening I was at, the sold out session literally gasped with shock at the surprise twist.

One thing that I found interesting was the interesting choice of cinematography that was used. For a movie whose ending is (spoilers); well less than happy ever after, the entire movie was primarily shot with a pallet consisting of bright colours, primarily of blues. Occasionally darker hues were used, but ironically it was used to highlight the happier scenes rather than the darker scenes.

Normally my issues with gay themed movies are the same; that is they are either poorly written, full of clichés or rely on the old favourite of full frontal nudity (I’m looking at you Eating Out series). Admittedly while in certain parts I did think that Monster Pies was clichéd, I would still see it and I have to admit this would have to be one of my favourite movies of 2013 and also one of my favourite Queer movies of all time.

The DVD is scheduled for a November 12 release date through TLA Releases (date correct as of going to publish).

Rating: 4 stars