News Archive

May 2013

Review Writers Wanted + What's On This Week

22nd May, 2013

Preparations are well underway for our upcoming programme, and we’re now seeking review writers for our Semester Two 2013 booklet. Read on to find out how to volunteer, but first, here’s what we’re showing this week:

• Wed 22 May @ 8 PM: LAWLESS

In Depression-era Virginia, a bootlegging gang is threatened by authorities who want a cut of their profits. Featuring an all-star cast including Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska.

• Fri 24 May @ 8 PM: I GIVE IT A YEAR followed by TWO LITTLE BOYS

I GIVE IT A YEAR follows a newlywed couple (Rose Byrne and Rafe Spall) in their first year of marriage, amidst trials, tribulations, attractive alternatives, and everyone around them doubting that their relationship can last.

Then, in TWO LITTLE BOYS, two friends (Hamish Blake and Flight of the Conchord's Bret McKenzie) find their friendship put to the test when an unfortunate incident occurs involving a meat pie, a cat and the death of a Scandinavian soccer star.

• Sat 25 May @ **7 PM**: OBLIVION followed by IDENTITY THIEF

Tom Cruise stars as a lone repairman on Earth in a post-apocalyptic future where the planet's surface has long been devastated by war. But when he discovers a crashed spacecraft, he begins to question everything he believed about the war.

Then, in IDENTITY THIEF, a mild-mannered businessman (Jason Bateman) discovers that his identity has been stolen and embarks on a cross-country quest to bring the deceptively harmless-looking thief (Melissa McCarthy) to justice.

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WANTED: REVIEW WRITERS FOR SEMESTER TWO 2013
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It’s that time of the year again -- we're currently looking for volunteers interested in helping write reviews for our Semester Two 2013 booklet!

These reviews will be published in our 64-page booklet that all members receive at the beginning of each semester, as well as on our website. Reviews will need to be approximately 200-250 words in length and completed over a period of 7-10 days in mid-June, so please only volunteer if you think you’ll have time around then to write your reviews.

Successful volunteers will be sent a list of films from which they can nominate the ones they’d like to write reviews for, and you’re welcome to write just one review or as many as you’d like.

Please also note that:
1. The ANU Film Group does not provide reviewers with tickets to, or a copy of, films that they have been assigned to review.
2. Unsolicited reviews will not be accepted.

So if you love movies or writing -- or both -- be sure to respond to this message, or write to us at info@anufg.org.au by SATURDAY 1 JUNE.

P.S. Film suggestions also close on Saturday 1 June, so don’t forget to suggest films that you’d like to see on our upcoming programme by clicking HERE.

Win tickets to CHINATOWN at Palace Electric + What's On This Week

14th May, 2013

We've got tickets to give away this week to the classic CHINATOWN, screening this Sunday as part of Palace Electric's Vintage Electric programme of timeless films. But first, here's what on at the Film Group this week:

• Tue 14 May @ 8 PM: YOUR SISTER'S SISTER

Iris (Emily Blunt) invites a friend to stay at her family's remote getaway after the death of his brother. Once there, he unexpectedly runs into Iris' troubled sister, which kicks off a revealing stretch of days in this critically acclaimed indie comedy.

• Fri 17 May @ 8 PM: BROKEN CITY followed by CRY OF THE CITY

In BROKEN CITY, a former New York City cop (Mark Wahlberg) seeks redemption and revenge after being double-crossed and then framed by the city's most powerful figure: Mayor Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe).

Then, in the classic film noir CRY OF THE CITY, a New York City lieutenant walks a fine line between duty and sentiment when he is tasked with handling the case of a cop killer who also happens to be a childhood friend.

• Sat 18 May @ **7 PM**: OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN followed by ARBITRAGE

In OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, a disgraced former Presidential guard (Gerard Butler) finds himself trapped inside the White House following a terrorist attack. Using his inside knowledge, he must rescue the President (Aaron Eckhart) from his kidnappers. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY).

Then, in ARBITRAGE, Richard Gere plays a troubled financial businessman who is desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire. But his life takes a turn for the worse when he makes a fatal mistake that threatens to derail everything he has achieved.

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘CHINATOWN’ AS PART OF PALACE ELECTRIC’S VINTAGE ELECTRIC PROGRAMME
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The Palace Electric cinema in NewActon are putting on a number of classic films every Sunday at 3 PM until September 29 as part of their eclectic new Vintage Electric programme.

With films from a whole range of genres -- including THE BIRDS, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and ROMAN HOLIDAY -- this is a chance to relive some old favourites on the big screen. Tickets are $8 for Palace Movie Club members and $10 for everyone else.

For more information, and to view the full programme, visit their website by clicking HERE.

Roman Polanski’s classic 1974 crime drama CHINATOWN is their offering for the week, and we’ve got two double passes to give away to the screening on Sunday 19 May at 3 PM. Starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, the film follows a private detective (Nicholson) investigating a run-of-the-mill adultery case, who stumbles onto a complex web of murder, incest and corruption.

For your chance to win, simply email us at info@anufg.org.au with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card), contact number and your answer to the following question: ‘What did CHINATOWN win its only Academy Award for?’

Be sure to get in quick – this competition will close at 12 noon this Friday!

Suggest Films for Semester Two + What's On

8th May, 2013

Don't forget that this Saturday's originally scheduled second feature has been replaced with the Australian musical-comedy GODDESS, which will screen at approximately 9:15 PM following BEAUTIFUL CREATURES.

Here's what's on the big screen at the ANUFG this week:

• Thu 9 May @ 8 PM: THE LAST STAND

He's back! Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the sheriff of a small town on the Mexican border, who must face off against the leader of a drug cartel when he makes a daring escape and speeds towards the border.

• Fri 10 May @ 8 PM: SIDE EFFECTS followed by SHADOW OF A DOUBT

SIDE EFFECTS follows a young woman (Rooney Mara) whose world unravels when a drug prescribed by her psychiatrist (Jude Law) has unexpected side effects. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, and also starring Channing Tatum and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Then, in Alfred Hitchcock's classic SHADOW OF A DOUBT, a young woman longing for excitement begins to suspect that her visiting uncle may not be the man he seems to be. 70th Anniversary screening.

• Sat 11 May @ **7 PM**: BEAUTIFUL CREATURES followed by GODDESS

In BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, a young man's life takes a turn for the mystical when a mysterious new girl arrives in town and uncovers dark secrets about their respective families.

Then, in GODDESS, a lonely housewife installs a webcam in her kitchen to keep in touch with her travelling husband, but finds fame and fortune when she takes the world by storm with her impromptu musical performances.

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SUGGEST FILMS FOR SEMESTER TWO 2013!
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Have you got a film that you’d like to see at the ANU Film Group next semester?

Whether it’s a new film that isn’t out yet, an old favourite that you’ve never seen before on the big screen, or anything in between, be sure to let us know by suggesting the film for our upcoming Semester Two 2013 programme.

You can easily suggest films by completing a suggestion form on our website by clicking HERE

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something to do before a film starts, we’ll also have printed copies of the form available on the table underneath the screen at all screenings from this week onwards.

Suggestions close on SATURDAY 1 JUNE -- in just over three weeks’ time -- so be sure to get in quick to have your say in shaping our next programme!

April 2013

Win tickets to THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES + What's On This Week

29th April, 2013

We’ve got tickets to give away to a new film starring Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper, but first, here’s what’s screening at the Coombs Theatre this week:

• Tue 30 Apr @ 8 PM: THE PAPERBOY

In this steamy 1960s-set thriller, a reporter (Matthew McConaughey) returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate (John Cusack), who he believes has been wrongly accused. Directed by Lee Daniels (PRECIOUS) and also starring Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron.

• Fri 3 May @ 8 PM: CLOUD ATLAS

An epic exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future. Featuring an all-star cast including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Jim Broadbent and Hugh Grant, among many others, with each of them appearing in multiple roles across interconnected stories.

• Sat 4 May @ **7 PM**: ANNA KARENINA followed by THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS

In 19th century Russia, aristocrat Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) breaks from her cold marriage to her husband (Jude Law) and enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Directed by Joe Wright (PRIDE & PREJUDICE, ATONEMENT) and based on the classic novel by Leo Tolstoy.

Then, the action shifts to 19th century China in THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, starring RZA, Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu. In this homage to classic kung-fu action flicks, warriors, assassins and a lone hero must unite amidst feuding factions to uncover a traitor who threatens to destroy them all.

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WIN TICKETS TO A PREVIEW SCREENING OF ‘THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES’
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Thanks to Dendy Cinemas and Roadshow Films, we have tickets to give away to preview screenings of the powerful new crime drama THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes.

Directed by Derek Cianfrance (BLUE VALENTINE), the film explores the consequences of a motorcycle stunt rider’s (Gosling) fateful decision to commit a crime to support his lover (Mendes) and their newborn child. This puts him on a collision course with an ambitious local cop (Cooper), and the repercussions have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following.

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES is in cinemas on May 9 and is also screening at the ANU Film Group on June 22, but here’s your chance to see it first.

Dendy will be holding preview screenings of the film this weekend, and we have four double passes to give away that are ONLY valid between FRIDAY 3 MAY and SUNDAY 5 MAY at Dendy Canberra.

For your chance to win, simply be in attendance by 8 PM at this Friday’s screening of CLOUD ATLAS. The passes will be distributed via a lucky draw to randomly selected members in attendance just before the film starts, so if you’d like to be in the running, make sure you’re there on time!

Semester One 2013 Programme Changes

23rd April, 2013

Included in this week’s message are important details about unfortunate changes to a couple of our upcoming screenings, but first here’s what’s on this week at the Film Group:

• Fri 26 Apr @ 8 PM: GREAT EXPECTATIONS followed by CHINESE TAKEAWAY

A humble orphan suddenly becomes a gentleman with the help of an unknown benefactor in GREAT EXPECTATIONS, the latest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, starring Jeremy Irvine, Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter.

Then, in the heart-warming CHINESE TAKEAWAY, a lonely Argentinian storekeeper meets a Chinese immigrant in a chance encounter and sets out to help him look for his only living relative.

• Sat 27 Apr @ **7 PM**: QUARTET followed by FLIGHT

Dustin Hoffman makes his directorial debut in QUARTET, in which preparations for a concert at a home for retired musicians are disrupted by the arrival of an eternal diva (Maggie Smith) who just so happens to be the former wife of one of the residents.

Then, in FLIGHT, a commercial airline pilot (Denzel Washington) manages to save all of the passengers on board his plane after it malfunctions and crashes, but the subsequent investigation unveils troubling circumstances leading up to the crash. Directed by Robert Zemeckis.

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SEMESTER ONE 2013 PROGRAMME CHANGES
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Due to unexpected and last minute changes to their distributors’ release plans, five films on our Semester One 2013 programme will unfortunately no longer be screened as planned.

The five films that have fallen off the programme are INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (Sat 11 May), MAMA (Sat 25 May), BULLET TO THE HEAD (Sat 15 June), THE HEAT (Fri 19 July) and STOKER (Sat 20 July).

These second feature films will instead be replaced by the following five films, screening at the same dates and times, following their originally scheduled first features:

• Sat 11 May: GODDESS @ approx. 9:15 PM (following BEAUTIFUL CREATURES)

When her marine biologist husband (Ronan Keating) leaves home for work, a lonely housewife (Laura Michelle Kelly) installs a webcam in her kitchen to keep in touch with him. Much to her surprise, she takes the world by storm with her impromptu musical performances, which bring unexpected fame and fortune to the newly anointed internet goddess.

• Sat 25 May: IDENTITY THIEF @ approx. 9:15 PM (following OBLIVION)

A mild-manner businessman (Jason Bateman) discovers that his identity has been stolen and embarks on a cross-country quest to bring the thief to justice. Little does he know that the deceptively harmless-looking woman (Melissa McCarthy) who has stolen his identity will stop at nothing to continue living it up at his expense.

• Sat 15 June: HYDE PARK ON HUDSON @ approx. 8:45 PM (following WARM BODIES)

It’s 1939 and US President Franklin Roosevelt (Bill Murray) and his wife are about to play host to the King and Queen of England, in the first-ever visit of a reigning English monarch to America. But international affairs soon take a back seat to the complexities of FDR’s domestic affairs -- including a relationship with his far removed cousin (Laura Linney) -- which all conspire to make the weekend an unforgettable one.

• Fri 19 July: DIE HARD @ approx. 9:45 PM (following A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD)

Go back to where it all began with our special 25th anniversary screening of the original DIE HARD following John McClane’s latest adventure. In this landmark action flick, a off-duty New York cop (Bruce Willis) finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when a group of highly organised terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) take over the office building where McClane’s estranged wife works.

• Sat 20 July: TRANCE @ approx. 8:45 PM (following THE CROODS)

In director Danny Boyle’s latest film, an art auctioneer (James McAvoy) teams up with a criminal gang to steal a priceless painting. But after suffering a blow to the head during the heist, he awakens to discover he has no memory of where he hid the art. When physical threats fail to produce answers, the gang’s leader (Vincent Cassel) hires a hypnotherapist (Rosario Dawson) to delve into the darkest recesses of his psyche.

Entertainment Books Now Available + What's On This Week

18th April, 2013

Full screenings resume this week after the mid-semester break and we kick things off again with some of the year's biggest films. Here's what's on at the Film Group this week:

• Thu 18 Apr @ 8 PM: OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

Director Sam Raimi's prequel to THE WIZARD OF OZ stars James Franco as a small-time magician who is transported to an enchanted land and drawn into a power struggle between three witches.

• Fri 19 Apr @ 8 PM: DJANGO UNCHAINED

Quentin Tarantino's Oscar-winning homage to spaghetti Westerns follows a freed slave (Jamie Foxx) as he teams up with a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) to rescue his wife from the clutches of a ruthless plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio).

• Sat 20 Apr @ **7 PM**: ZERO DARK THIRTY followed by DREDD

The critically acclaimed ZERO DARK THIRTY follows a dedicated CIA agent (Jessica Chastain) in her decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. Then, it's a manhunt of a different kind in futuristic action flick DREDD, when Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is forced to infiltrate a 200-storey vertical slum controlled by a vicious drug lord.

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ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS FOR 2013/14 NOW AVAILABLE!
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Entertainment Books are packed with hundreds of offers for the best restaurants, cafés, attractions, travel and more – giving you over $15,000 worth of offers for only $60.

Venues include the Hog’s Breath Café, Hoyts, Coles, Big W, Wagamama, Debacle and Grill’d. To have a browse through all of the offers, click through to the online sample book HERE.

Best of all, a portion of the profits from each book purchased through us goes towards ANUFG fundraising, enabling us to bring you bigger and better programmes, events and membership perks in the future.

So what are you waiting for? Pick yours up from the laminator at any Film Group screening, or order yours online HERE now.

Books already purchased online are now available for collection at screenings, by arrangement at the ANU during weekday business hours, or can also be sent directly to you for an additional postage fee.

COMPETITION: Win tickets to IRON MAN 3 midnight screening + THE AVENGERS at 9 PM!

8th April, 2013

Be one of the first in the world to see IRON MAN 3 at Dendy Cinemas’ special event celebrating the release of Marvel Studios’ latest. The night kicks off with an encore screening of THE AVENGERS in 3D on Tuesday April 23 at 9 PM followed by a midnight screening of IRON MAN 3 in 3D at 12:01 AM.

In the film, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) finds his world torn apart by a formidable terrorist known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), and embarks on a globetrotting quest of retribution, all as the line between man and machine becomes increasingly blurred.

Tickets are on sale now for traditional 3D and 2D sessions, as well as Premium Lounge sessions, and thanks to Dendy we’ve got a double pass to the AVENGERS + IRON MAN 3 double feature up for grabs for one lucky winner.

For your chance to win, simply send an email to info@anufg.org.au with ‘IRON MAN 3’ in the subject line along with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card) and the answer to the following question: IRON MAN 3 is the second time director Shane Black and star Robert Downey Jr. have worked together on a film. What was the title of their first collaboration?’

The winner will be drawn on Thursday April 18 at 5 PM, and contacted via email. Tickets to be collected from the Dendy box office on the night.

COMPETITION: Win tickets to THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

8th April, 2013

After remaining hidden for more than thirty years, a former political activist wanted for murder (Robert Redford) finds himself on the run when a journalist (Shia LaBeouf) uncovers his true identity. Directed by Redford, and featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Stanley Tucci, Chris Cooper and Susan Sarandon, THE COMPANY YOU KEEP is in cinemas from April 18.

For more details about the film, including a look at its trailer, click HERE.

Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have five in-season double passes to give away to the film. To be in the running to win, send an email to info@anufg.org.au with 'THE COMPANY YOU KEEP' in the subject line along with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card) and the answer to the following question: ‘Name any one of the stars of THE COMPANY YOU KEEP who is NOT mentioned in this article.’

Winners will be drawn on Thursday April 18 at 5 PM, and contacted via email. Tickets to be collected from the Duty Manager at ANUFG screenings following the close of the competition.

COMPETITION: Win tickets to HAUTE CUISINE

8th April, 2013

Based on the extraordinary true story, HAUTE CUISINE is a French culinary drama-comedy that follows a chef who is unexpectedly appointed by the President of France as his personal cook, and who must then navigate the corridors of power and jealous resentment from other kitchen staff.

For more details about the film, including a look at its trailer, click HERE.

Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to the film, which is in cinemas from April 25. To be in the running to win one of ten double passes, send an email to info@anufg.org.au with 'HAUTE CUISINE' in the subject line along with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card) and the answer to the following question: ‘In what country does HAUTE CUISINE take place?’

Winners will be drawn on Thursday April 18 at 5 PM, and contacted via email. Tickets to be collected from the Duty Manager at ANUFG screenings following the close of the competition.

Win tickets to IRON MAN 3, THE COMPANY YOU KEEP and HAUTE CUISINE + What's On This Week

8th April, 2013

Suffering from Film Group withdrawal symptoms over the mid-semester break? Well, we’ve got something that might ease the pain – a chance to win free tickets to three exciting new films! But first, here’s what’s on this week:

• Sat 13 Apr @ **7 PM**: HITCHCOCK followed by LINCOLN

It’s biopic double feature night! Anthony Hopkins plays the Master of Suspense in HITCHCOCK, a film that chronicles the production of his 1960 masterpiece, PSYCHO, alongside his relationship with his wife. Also starring Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel.

Then at 8:45 PM, Steven Spielberg’s historical epic about America’s 16th President and his quest to ban slavery in LINCOLN. Nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and featuring Daniel Day-Lewis in his Best Actor winning role.

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COMPETITION: WIN TICKETS TO ‘IRON MAN 3’ MIDNIGHT SCREENING + ‘THE AVENGERS’ AT 9 PM
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Be one of the first in the world to see IRON MAN 3 at Dendy Cinemas’ special event celebrating the release of Marvel Studios’ latest. The night kicks off with an encore screening of THE AVENGERS in 3D on Tuesday April 23 at 9 PM followed by a midnight screening of IRON MAN 3 in 3D at 12:01 AM.

In the film, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) finds his world torn apart by a formidable terrorist known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), and embarks on a globetrotting quest of retribution, all as the line between man and machine becomes increasingly blurred.

Tickets are on sale now for traditional 3D and 2D sessions, as well as Premium Lounge sessions, and thanks to Dendy we’ve got a double pass to the AVENGERS + IRON MAN 3 double feature up for grabs for one lucky winner. To find out how to win, click HERE.

Competition closes Thursday April 18 at 5 PM, with the winner to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected from the Dendy box office on the night.

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COMPETITION: WIN TICKETS TO ‘THE COMPANY YOU KEEP’
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After remaining hidden for more than thirty years, a former political activist wanted for murder (Robert Redford) finds himself on the run when a journalist (Shia LeBeouf) uncovers his true identity. Directed by Redford, and featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Stanley Tucci, Chris Cooper and Susan Sarandon, THE COMPANY YOU KEEP is in cinemas from April 18.

Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have five in-season double passes to give away to the film. To find out how to enter, click HERE.

Competition closes Thursday April 18 at 5 PM, with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected from the Duty Manager at ANUFG screenings following the close of the competition.

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COMPETITION: WIN TICKETS TO ‘HAUTE CUISINE’
................................................................

Based on the extraordinary true story, HAUTE CUISINE is a French culinary drama-comedy that follows a chef who is unexpectedly appointed by the President of France as his personal cook, and who must then navigate the corridors of power and jealous resentment from other kitchen staff.

Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to the film, which is in cinemas from April 25. To find out how to enter, click HERE.

Competition closes Thursday April 18 at 5 PM, with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected from the Duty Manager at ANUFG screenings following the close of the competition.