Well, luckily, I didn’t have to.

In Africa during WW1, a gin-swilling riverboat owner/captain is persuaded by a strait-laced missionary to use his boat to attack an enemy warship.  (I guess I should have read the blurb first and perhaps I wouldn’t have jumped to such conclusions).

I get a bit of a kick out of watching these films.  I’m always interested to see how they were made and the technology of the time.  They aren’t documentaries, but you can still extract a great deal about the period they’re both set and shot in.  For instance the tribal garb of the African extras, the foreign mentality toward so-called ‘uncivilised nations’ and how John Huston (Director) and his team shot several sequences using models and the various overlapping of screens.

The African Queen has been rated very highly from several sources and it’s certainly deserving of some of that praise.  From the beginning, an imminent threat immediately changes the course of the film and once you get past the blundering Reverend Samuel Sayer (Robert Morely), the film takes on new life.  Through necessity Rose (Hepburn) is forced to flee with Charlie (Bogart) into unknown territory in the hope to flee a country that is being invaded.  The only way through is to confront and escape death several times.

It’s a road movie on water, and though the action itself was limited, to watch the relationship unfold between the two was truly engaging.  It took me a while to like Bogart’s character – the choices he made at times seemed a little large.  Playing a good hearted man with a knack for machinery who lacks the social graces and perhaps a little upstairs is quite a complex feat.  Sadly his efforts are overshadowed by the strength of Hepburn.  Half way through the film her character is remarkably changed and so too was I.  Her ability to engage and truly exist in every moment was astounding.  She allowed me to see her spirit and glimpse the child within.  I can only wonder what it was like for Bogart to act opposite such a challenging artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7cWpLd1-dc

As for the film itself it didn’t take me to the edge of my seat, though there are a few moments you feel desperate for the characters to pull through.  The surrounding performances were largely poor and though I saw the Techicolour version, I think the Black & White would have had more impact.  I don’t think director’s of the time were looking at colour so much as contrast.

I do recommend seeing the film, though.  It’s quite the romantic adventure.  And just who was the African Queen?  You’ll just have to watch it to find out.

Ray

Moviesac + Minisac

[Ratings are based out of our 7 sizes of Lovesac: Kidsac, Gamesac, Playersac, Pillowsac, Moviesac, Supersac, BigOne.  Accessories are used as markers in between sizes/ratings: Tubesac 1/4, Cubesac 1/2, Minisac 3/4.  The bigger the Lovesac - the more we love the film.] 

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Sonya and Al look at a few Trek Universe comics and Ray reviews two collectables that span two generations of Trek. Plus the team deliver their verdict of the latest Star Trek film; Star Trek Into Darkness. All thanks to Kings Comics and Lovesac Australia.

“It’s Not A Damn Bean Bag!”

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And this was the case with this film.  I thought the premise had promise:

Lawrence and Freddie are con-men; big-time and small time respectively. They unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find that this town (on the French Mediterranean coast) ain’t big enough for the two of them. They agree to a “loser leaves” bet.

And mayhem ensues.  Not the kind of crazy mayhem that you might expect from the (awful) Hangover titles.  But the kind that you might expect of that era.  My expectations are a little hard to fill when it comes to comedy.  Some comic performances are so intrinsically genius that they will span across a millennia while others are short-lived destined to be a fading star in a keyhole sized epoch.  DRS was one of those ‘my parents found this funny’ type movies that I decided to sit down and test.

This kind of role suits Michael Caine like the birthday suit he has grown into.  And he owns the film.  While I believe these days Caine needs to be challenged to get the best out of him; here he exhibits a youthful strength and freedom that few can match.  As for Steve Martin – I’ve rarely been a fan.  He has the make of a fine comedian but I’ve always thought he’s full of ‘tricks’ and when they run out I imagine his brain shrugging at him.  I also think he sits outside his roles looking in.  He does push his comedy to interesting limits and one of the funniest parts of the film had him playing some retarded brother – but I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers.

I simply didn’t find the scenes as funny or interesting as they could have been.  It lacked stakes – though Caine had his moments.  I thought much of it was predictable.  There was a twist in the end that I could see coming too.   Is this the result of having seen so much, or the fact the same formulas have been recycled time and time again?  I would have to say, ‘yes’.

While this comedy may well have had me in stitches at the time (being younger and less aware), it left little more than a bunch of forgettable chuckles in its wake.  This is not Chaplin.  This is not Mel Brookes. If you want to check out this film, I suggest waiting for the remake.  Though loyalists would object, I believe it will probably be better.  If you’re looking for something similar try What About Bob? – also directed by Frank Oz; a much better film.

Ray

Playersac

[Ratings are based out of our 7 sizes of Lovesac: Kidsac, Gamesac, Playersac, Pillowsac, Moviesac, Supersac, BigOne.  Accessories are used as markers in between sizes/ratings: Tubesac 1/4, Cubesac 1/2, Minisac 3/4.  The bigger the Lovesac - the more we love the film.] 

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“It’s Not A Damn Bean Bag!”

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“It’s Not A Damn Bean Bag!”

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We’re going to find out.  

We will be holding a Sac Classics experience at our showroom every month.  We will explore the journey of film across all genres and eras, in no particular order.  15 of us will assemble in the comfy confines of our store to watch the classics via the superior comfort of our Lovesacs.  And you could join us…

• When?  Every second Tuesday of every month @7:30pm.
• Where?  Moore Park showroom. (see store address)
• Cost?  $10 entry will get you pizza and soft drink.
• Who?  The number of seats available to the public will be two each month.

How to join us?  When we put the call out via our Facebook fan page, simply be one of the first two people to type your name,  and a Lovesac will be reserved just for you.

*All screenings are compliant with the Australian Classification standards.  If you are under the age of the recommended rating you will not be permitted to attend.  

“It’s Not A Damn Bean Bag!”

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Sort of…

Our showroom remains at the same address and our operating hours will not change, however our manufacturing facility is relocating.  This is a difficult process as the machinery used to make our items has to be completely modified for the new surroundings.  The groovy news is that this process will allow us to refine several aspects of how the Lovesac’s are produced; enabling for an even finer finished product.  On the other hand, some customers may experience delays in receiving their goods.

What to expect:

1. Purchases made online may incur an extra 2 -5 working day time frame for delivery.
2. Out of stock covers, both on-line and in-store, will be delayed by at least 4-6 weeks before stock lists begin to return to normal.

Please call the store regarding any questions you may have regarding current and/or future orders.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.  Rest assured we will be working very hard to ensure the disruption is minimal and our excellent product continues to provide the support and comfort you all deserve.

Regards

The Lovesac Team.

“It’s Not A Damn Bean Bag!”

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“It’s Not A Damn Bean Bag!”

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“My love of motion pictures was born in Muro Lucano, Italy, where my father rented the church hall to play movies when I was a small boy. It was then that I was taught a value system: the same one on which I have built Palace Cinemas – one that embraces innovation, inspiration as well as the preservation of family, culture, heritage and leadership.”
Antonio Zeccola, Founder and Owner of Palace Cinemas

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“It’s Not A Damn Bean Bag!“

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