Film & TV

The Iris Interview: Greg ‘Freddy’ Camalier – Director of Muscle Shoals (USA, 2013)

The new documentary Muscle Shoals tells the story of a little town of the same name in Alabama, USA, where an incredible amount of iconic music was recorded at Rick Hall’s FAME Studios. We’re talking tracks by everyone from The Rolling Stones to U2 and Aretha Franklin (all of whom appear in the film)… to…

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The Iris Interview: Greg 'Freddy' Camalier – Director of Muscle Shoals (USA, 2013)

The new documentary Muscle Shoals tells the story of a little town of the same name in Alabama, USA, where an incredible amount of iconic music was recorded at Rick Hall’s FAME Studios. We’re talking tracks by everyone from The Rolling Stones to U2 and Aretha Franklin (all of whom appear in the film)… to…

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Film Review: Philomena (UK, USA & France, 2013)

Catholic guilt can be one pervasive beast and if ever there was a film to embody this phenomena it’s Philomena. This is the tragic drama/comedy that is inspired by a true story. It crosses three nations, several decades in time and shows the misdemeanours of an institution that should’ve protected its vulnerable charges. The film…

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Film Review: The Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug (M) (New Zealand/USA, 2013)

There’s a lot riding on the second installment in The Hobbit trilogy. The first film, An Unexpected Journey, did fairly well (if grossing over a billion dollars worldwide is your definition of “fairly well”) but received some less than favourable reviews, primarily due to its length and some issues with the High Frame Rate technology. Though…

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The Iris Interview: Patrick Riester from Computer Chess (USA, 2013)

Back during the AU review’s Sydney Film Festival interview series for 2013, we sat down with Patrick Riester, one of the actors from the low budget film Computer Chess, directed by Andrew Bujalski. We talk about the unique filmmaking style, the story, being a part of the film and his usual role: editing. The film is screening…

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Film Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (USA, 2013)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a film, which thrives in the visual first, and the story second. But the story is a very close second. Based on a short story in the New Yorker magazine by James Thurber – but not completely following it – we see Walter Mitty – played by Ben…

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The Doctor Is In: A Doctor Who Podcast (Episode 001)

The Iris is proud to present, in anticipation of the final Matt Smith episode of Doctor Who later this week – the annual Christmas special – the first ever episode of our new Doctor Who Podcast “The Doctor is In” featuring Larry Heath and Sosefina Fuamoli. Larry, a newer fan, gets all the information from…

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Film Review: Muscle Shoals (USA, 2013)

The Muscle Shoals documentary is as soulful as the music that came out of the Alabama County of the same name. The documentary is filled to the brim with the rich musical history of the town that gave the world The Swampers, and countless hits from The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and way too many others…

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Film Review: Computer Chess (USA, 2013)

While Computer Chess is spruiked as a ‘hilariously offbeat comedy’, it only draws a few tepid chuckles, most of which don’t make the trip from brain to mouth. But assuming it’s one of those comedies where you’re not supposed to laugh, it’s still enjoyable. I’m just not sure if it’s enjoyable enough to invest your hard earned…

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The Iris Interview: Dean O’Gorman of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (USA/New Zealand, 2013)

Back in November, Supanova took over Adelaide for another year, drawing the pop culture geeks out in force for three days of pure awesomeness. As well as sitting in on some great panels and avoiding being stalked by Chewbacca, I had a chat with Dean O’Gorman, one of the ‘Supa-Star Guests’. O’Gorman, as many of you will…

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The Iris Interview: Jed Brophy of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (USA/New Zealand, 2013)

While at Supanova in Sydney all the way back in June, Larry Heath sat down with one of the dwarves from Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy to talk about the films, New Zealand based actor Jed Brophy who plays Nori. We address some fan disappointment in the first film, how that might be addressed in the future, and what…

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Film Review: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (M) (USA, 2013)

Ask anyone under the age of 30 what they think is the funniest film ever made, and 9 out of 10 of them will say Anchorman. Hardly a success when released in 2004, the film became a hit on DVD and has since become the most frequently quoted film amongst members of Generation Y. Who among us has…

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First trailer released for Blended, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

The first official HD trailer for Blended has been released and we have it for you here on The Iris! Blended marks the third comedy collaboration between stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, following their successful onscreen pairings in the hit romantic comedies 50 First Dates and The Wedding Singer. After a disastrous blind date,…

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22 Jump Street gets a Hilarious Red Band Trailer. Watch it here!

The Iris presents the new trailer for 22 Jump Street, starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. Note: this is the uncut, red band trailer and it contains coarse language and adult themes. In the action-comedy 22 Jump Street, after making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah…

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The Iris Interview: Adam McKay – Director of Anchorman 2

Released today in Australian cinemas, The Iris meets Director and Comedian Adam McKay on the red carpet of the Sydney premiere of Anchorman 2 to talk about the unlikely return of Mr. Ron Burgundy. ———- This content has recently been ported from its original home on The Iris and may have formatting errors – images…

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The Iris Interview: Josh Lawson talks Anchorman 2 and House of Lies

The Iris talks to Australia’s own Josh Lawson from Anchorman 2 – which opens in cinemas today – at the Sydney Red Carpet premiere. We talk about his role in the film, House of Lies – the US TV series starring Don Cheadle he’s a part of – and much, much more… ———- This content…

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BIFF Review – Venus in Fur (France/Poland, 2013)

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to see the Australian premiere of Venus in Fur in its original form as a production from Queensland Theatre Company. The play easily joined the ranks of my favourite experiences at the theatre, and completely won me over with its winning combination of comedy and drama. So when I heard that Roman…

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TV Review: American Horror Story: Coven – Episode 9 “Head” (USA, 2013)

The season has been hinting at Witch-hunters for a while but now they finally become a prominent part of the storyline. This steers the narrative into an interesting direction bringing with it fresh characters and conflicts and pushing the possibility of an alliance between Marie and Fiona. Meanwhile, Queenie educates Delphine on racial prejudice and…

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TV Review: Homeland Season 3 Episode 12 – “The Star” (M) (US, 2013)

Homeland is back for another year. I will be chronicling the journeys of Carrie, Saul and Brody throughout the third season of the best show currently on television. Spoilers within so don’t read before viewing the episodes! *SERIOUS SPOILER ALERT* Previously on Homeland… Brody (Damian Lewis) has managed to assassinate Javadi’s boss, and Carrie (Claire Danes) is doing…

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Box Office Report: Jennifer Lawrence and friends Hustle their way to the top

Well this is impressive. David O. Russell’s period con artist dramedy has managed to debut at #1. Hype has been building ever since it was announced that Russell had gathered an all-star cast (Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence) for his follow up to the much-loved Silver Linings Playbook. Nevertheless, it is still impressive…

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British Film Festival Review: Private Peaceful (M) (UK, 2012)

As we approach the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I, it is good for us to be reminded of the terrible and destructive nature of war. The most effective war films are able to give their audiences a tiny taste of what it might have been like to live through those times, as…

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TV Review: Homeland Season 3 Episodes 7-11 (M) (US, 2013)

Homeland is back for another year. I will be chronicling the journeys of Carrie, Saul and Brody throughout the third season of the best show currently on television. Spoilers within so don’t read before viewing the episodes! Previously on Homeland… Saul (Mandy Patinkin) has been successful in his plan to use Carrie (Claire Danes) as bait in…

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First Look Trailer: Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” (USA, 2014)

The Iris brings you the first look official trailer for Interstellar, directed by the acclaimed Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey. The trailer introduces us, vaguely, to the film’s premise, with a brief period of shots from the film and found footage from the history of American space exploration. Interstellar opens nationally in Australia on…

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On the Red Carpet: American Hustle Premiere (Sydney, Australia)

Daniel Bolt takes us to the red carpet with these photos from the Sydney, Australia premiere of the acclaimed film American Hustle. You can read our review of the film right HERE. The premiere took place on December 11th at the George St Event Cinemas. [print_gllr id=895] ———- This content has recently been ported from…

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Film Review: American Hustle (M) (USA, 2013)

With an ensemble cast of some of Hollywood’s current A-list crop and an Oscar nominated multi-award winning director/writer helming the film American Hustle is already garnering a lot of hype and I would say that you better believe it’s worth it. We open with the film telling us that “some of this actually happened” and…

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TV Review: American Horror Story: Coven – Episodes 7 and 8 (USA, 2013)

More secrets are unveiled in this episode and things begin to look interesting again. In episode 7, Queenie and Delphine’s friendship grows as Zoe and Cordelia attempt to discover Madison’s murderer. The turning points in this episode are quite dramatic but, as observed in previous reviews, the lack of effective characterisation has decreased their impact. Unlike previous seasons where the…

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Iris Interview: Paul “Brian Fantana” Rudd talks Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

The Iris meets Paul Rudd on the red carpet of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues in Sydney, Australia. We talk about what it was like to return to the screen, about his time in Australia so far and the potential of a third Anchorman film! Interview: Chris Singh Camera: Nathan Atkins Edit: Larry Heath Filmed…

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New Photos and International Trailer Premiere for “Edge of Tomorrow”

The first international trailer for the sci-fi thriller Edge of Tomorrow has premiered, and we have it for you on The Iris! The film stars Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt under the direction of Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith). It’s a pretty epic trailer which continually promises that “this is not…

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Hola Mexico Film Festival Review: Nosotros Los Nobles (We Are The Nobles) (Mexico, 2013)

Seeing any film at the Chauvel cinema, Paddington in Sydney is like stepping into an intimate experience. The service is friendly and personalised, and the cinema itself exudes a kind of chilled-out classy atmos; before your chosen film starts, you can order a beer or glass of wine to enjoy out on the balcony, or…

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New Trailer and Poster revealed for 2014’s GODZILLA reboot.

The Iris brings you the trailer for Godzilla, which was released internationally today. The film is set to release in cinemas across Australia on the 15th of May, 2014. The film is Hollywood’s second attempt at a rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, this time from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures and directed by Gareth…

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