A thought-provoking film where lust for survival takes the characters to disturbing places, but compassion and change from within leads them to hope... Naomi Rossdeutscher

LOOPER is a smart sci-fi thriller, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, who play the same man but one lives in 2044 and one exists 30 years later.

Writer/director Rian Johnson's concept is clever and the film delivers well on that concept. The structure is complex, but skilful script writing and editing makes grasping the story easy, even with the implications of time travel. The unpredictable script doesn't pull any punches and the film's execution is stylish. 

LOOPER is set in the not too distant future where not much has changed, except for the occasional flying motor-bike and talent of telekinesis. A voice-over tells us time travel has been invented 30 years in the future and although it was immediately outlawed, the criminal underworld are using it to get rid of their rivals.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character, Joe, is a Looper and his job entails assassinating targets zapped back from 30 years in the future. Even though a hood covers the face of his victims and the job is financially rewarding, the toll weighs heavily on Joe. Plus, at the end of their contract the Looper has to 'close their Loop' by assassinating their older version.  They are handsomely compensated with gold bullion, but it shortens their lives by 30 years.

Everything changes for Joe when his next victim arrives without a hood and he recognises his older self, played by Bruce Willis. Momentarily thrown, he allows his older self to escape.

The action kicks up a notch as old Joe embarks on a desperate mission to save his future and the gangsters come after him with full force. Old Joe has lived a savage life and walks an unwavering path with no mercy, but young Joe is still open to possibilities, which puts them in conflict with each other.

LOOPER is as much about abandoned children as it is about time travel and proposes that people become what their circumstances make them. The melancholy tone, ideas of children being the source of change and the use of time travel to manipulate the future is reminiscent of the first Terminator. The target audience is the young adult male, but with this smart story and an unsentimental romance the movie should also please a wider audience.

The casting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, two highly captivating actors, enhanced the joy of the ride. Gordon-Levitt changed his face with a prosthetic nose, lips and make up and added quirky Willis mannerisms to his performance to sell us on the idea that they were the same guy and it's fascinating to watch. I prefer Emily Blunt playing this kind of strong, decisive character and Pierce Gagnon, who played her son, delivered one of the most gripping and somewhat incredible performances, especially for a child.

I found LOOPER to be a thought-provoking film where lust for survival takes the characters to disturbing places, but compassion and change from within leads them to hope.

Out now on DVD.

Beautiful clothes on beautiful people. The 2013 AACTA Awards was a bit of fun I thought I was going to miss, with all the flooding a few days before.

I had serious garment envy, but where would I don such dresses? Maybe I should fan around my computer in an Armani Privi and vintage jewellery while I'm script writing, it could be a real factor in breaking the rusty padlocks from the dank cells hidden in my writers imagination. I'm liking that idea and how glamorous I would feel, just as long as my cats and the dog I'm baby sitting don't require me to chase them around the garden, rub their furry cheeks and pick up poop while I'm brainstorming in my Givenchy stilettos.

Russell Crowe told his story from years gone by, about being in a cosy position with former Darlinghurst party girl Nicole Kidman, back to back at a crowded party... she turned and suggested they have a chat. Nicole recalls Russell ended the night sipping Champagne from her shoe. Although in Australia, could it have been sipping Sparkling Wine from her thong?

Russell Crowe gave us a laugh and it's always a pleasure listening to his resonating voice, I'd like to see him play a crooner in his next film - but who?

The creative and funny Richard Roxburgh took home the award for Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama for his performance in RAKE and Chris O'Dowd for Best Lead Actor in The Sapphires - I love that guy, it's a shame he wasn't there.

The US stars, Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner, were gracious on the red carpet, in town to promote Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters and also presented an award. Jeremy said "You can't throw a bottle out the window in Hollywood without hitting an Australian." It's a fabulous place for film makers and actors to find work and the climate is pretty damn good too. I had the best time in LA last year, I'm so glad I wasn't hit with a bottle.

The always adorable singer, Jessica Mauboy, stole the show and our hearts and then received the Best Supporting Actress Award from Nicole Kidman, saying "I feel I really don't deserve this, I mean it. Thank you so much Deb, for being my sidekick and Wayne for kicking my butt and making me cry on set. Thank you so much."

Adding to the red carpet star power were Cate Blanchet, Hugo Weaving, Nicole Kidman, Geoffrey Rush, Jack Thompson and Megan Gale - who we'll see in the next Mad Max.

by Naomi Rossdeutscher

A stunning looking film with extraordinary digital 3D and lots of blokey action ...Naomi

CATE BLANCHETT as Galadriel, CHRISTOPHER LEE as Saruman and HUGO WEAVING as Elrond in the fantasy adventure "THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY," a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), released by Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM. Photo COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?

Peter Jackson's film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is the first of two films being adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's book "The Hobbit". Both films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before "The Lord of the Rings" and follows Bilbo Baggins, who joins a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshieldis, on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Their journey takes them through treacherous lands swarming with strange and mystical creatures, and it's eerie to see where Bilbo first meets Gollum and discovers his "precious" ring.

HUGO WEAVING as Elrond in New Line Cinema's and MGM's fantasy adventure "THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY," a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by TODD EYRE

Trouble with the Curve is a good old fashioned, feel good movie longing to put a well needed smile on your face.... Naomi

JOHN GOODMAN as Pete Klein, AMY ADAMS as Mickey and CLINT EASTWOOD as Gus in Warner Bros. Pictures' drama "TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE," a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by KEITH BERNSTEINWHAT'S IT ABOUT?

A moving film exploring aging out of a career even though the passion and skills surmount all else - something easily related to. This film also tells the story of a family who, by struggling to do the best by each other, end up doing the opposite.

I enjoyed the structure of this unusual coming of age film, the way the story evolved... Naomi Rossdeutscher

I had been hot and exhausted all day and was looking forward to a really good story and The Perks of Being a Wallflower was just what I needed. It may be full of college kids but the story is warm and fun with enough intrigue to sustain adults of any age.

The screenplay was written by Stephen Chbosky and based on his own popular young adult novel, plus he directed the film - lucky and talented.

It's a powerful and affecting coming-of-age story about a sensitive teenager learning to navigate the highs and lows of adolescence, capturing the complexities of growing up with grace, humor and compassion.

The casting is a big plus with the adorable Emma Watson from the Harry Potter franchise, Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller who I loved, loved, loved and can't wait to see his next film.

EZRA MILLER and EMMA WATSON star in THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Photo by: John Bramley © 2011 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.

Ben Affleck directed and stars in Argo, an tense and funny dramatic thriller that is especially interesting because it's based on fact... Naomi Rossdeutscher

Photo by: KEITH BERNSTEIN of BEN AFFLECK as Tony Mendez in "ARGO," a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures in association with GK Films, to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.I missed the screening in the cool cinema with excellent sound and picture and I had to make do with an inferior cinema where the sound was so shocking I text the management during the film and followed up with an email later - they still haven't responded - incredible. It's no wonder there was only three other people there. But even under these circumstances the film was excellent, if only I could have sat back and enjoyed the experience instead of leaning forward in an effort to hear the dialogue.

WHAT'S IS ABOUT?

In 1979, Tony Mendez, a CIA "exfiltration" specialist struggling with family issues, comes up with a crazy plan and risks his life to rescue six Americans hiding at the Canadian Ambassador's home, after militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. The covert life-or-death operation was made public in 1997 when declassified by President Clinton.

Photo by Claire Folger. BEN AFFLECK as Tony Mendez and BRYAN CRANSTON as Jack O'Donnell in Warner Bros. Pictures' and GK Films' dramatic thriller "ARGO," a Warner Bros. Pictures release.The film hooked me as soon as I saw Affleck's character was the smart and compasionate guy in the room, willing to put his own life on the line. The script is cleverly written by screenplay by Chris Terrio. The building tension and carefully placed humour was a key factor for me - when the tension went into overdrive in the last quarter and sped to the finale with inter-cutting scenes between Washington, Hollywood and Tehran, I realised I was holding my breathe and almost laughed out loud in relief.

I loved the 70's styling, the cool sideburns, wide collared corduroy suits, bell bottom pants and the use of pattern and brown - what a mad creative time in fashion.

Photo by CLAIRE FOLGER. KERRY BISHÉ as Kathy Stafford, SCOOT McNAIRY as Joe Stafford, TATE DONOVAN as Bob Anders, RORY COCHRANE as Lee Schatz, CLEA DuVALL as Cora Lijek and CHRISTOPHER DENHAM as Mark Lijek in "ARGO," a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures in association with GK Films, to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The cast was fabulous and included John Goodman, playing John Chambers, the charismatic special effects makeup artist who created the apes in the Planet of the Apes films and Mr Spock's ears and secretly helped  the government when in crisis. It was also a delight to see Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Alan Arkin  playing a fictional producer based on an amalgam of real people.

Keep an eye out for Scoot McNairy, in the above photo he's second from the left, at the back. I remember him from the UK creature film MONSTERS. He's a really interesting actor.

"LAWLESS is rich with captivating performances and a sense of humour that balances out the seriously violent bits." ...Naomi Rossdeutscher

'Boardwalk Empire' has been fabulous for a while now, then there was 'Underbelly Razor,' soon we'll have Baz Luhrmann's version of 'The Great Gatsby' and recentlyI enjoyed 'Lawless' - the Prohibition era is really getting some heat and I wonder if that will help me get my Prohibition script produced? When researching the era there are things that beg to be in a script but the films are all varied and compelling in their own way. My script is full of music, mystery, romance and of course crime, you could say it's a dash of Gatsby, Boardwalk Empire and The Usual Suspects, but my lead character is a sassy female fighting for freedom and was inspired by Nina Simone's song 'I shall be released.' Maybe you'll get to see it soon... or maybe it will remain locked in the bottom drawer... we'll see.

LAWLESS

This American gangster story, based on the book "The Wettest County in the World" by Matt Bondurant, is a fictional account of his paternal grandfather Jack and grand-uncles Forrest and Howard's run for the American Dream during the Prohibition-era, in the mountains of Franklin County, Virginia.

In the beginning, the three bootlegging siblings, known as the infamous Bondurant brothers, are prospering until Franklin County's bootlegging is threatened by the arrival of a lethal and corrupt Special Deputy from Chicago (Guy Pearce), which leads to violent confrontations that escalate to a grand shootout, in true Western/Prohibition style.

There's violence and liquor, romance, comedy and beautiful cinematography. The on screen photography reminded me of a scene in another film of this genre, 'Bonnie and Clyde' and many archival photographs of the time.

Photo: Richard Foreman, Jr. SMPSP © 2012 The Weinstein Company. All Rights Reserved

We are giving away two double passes to lucky readers to see the opening night of NEON LIGHTS, the WA Ballet's Sydney show on Thursday, 17 October at 8pm, at Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay.

Some of the World's best dancers and choreographers will be on show in Sydney when the West Australian Ballet bring their high flying diamond anniversary show, Neon Lights to Sydney Theatre.

Hitting the boards with four works that have traversed the globe, Neon Lights is packed with everything a lover of dance would die to see – the heady highs, the powerful intensity and the beautiful form. Yet it is still packed with enough attitude, strength and interesting musical moments that ballet novices will find themselves enthralled by the show too.

To celebrate their 60th birthday, WA Ballet has put together this dramatic 4 piece ballet that sees the beauty of ballet celebrated on stage by some of the world's best.

Neon Lights searches the strange intricacies of human behavior through the beauty of movement and music. Putting the feats of the human body at the pinnacle of physical fitness on display, as dancers are held upside down with movements so fluid it appears they are in flight.

Competition closed

Tickets are also available for purchase now, from the Sydney Theatre or WA Ballet but be quick because it's only showing in Sydney from 17 to 21 October 2012

"HOLY MOTORS, created by Leos Carax, is one of the most mysterious and original films I have seen" ... Naomi Rossdeutscher

Eva Mendes and Denis Vavant in Holy Motors

I'd heard this movie was barking mad, so I was well prepared - and yes it's definately strange, but also wonderfully rich and captivating. It's full of crazy, uncomfortable and completely surprising scenarios with the tone of an elaborate dream or nightmare and it doesn't let up.

Written and directed by Leos Carax, the film looks amazing and every performance is compelling. Kylie Minogue, Edith Scob and Eva Mendes are fascinating in it, and Denis Lavant - who plays the protagonist, is astonishing.

Kylie Minogue in Holy Motors

In every imaginative scene I was looking for clues & answers - it's human nature to try to search for reason in things. I've been doing a lot of thinking about the film since the preview & come up with wonderful theories, but I don't want to spoil it for you. I enjoyed the challenge and experience of this film & wish more movies were this creative & thought provoking

SYNOPSIS

From dawn to after nightfall, a few hours in the life of Monsieur Oscar, a shadowy character who journeys from one life to the next. He is, in turn, captain of industry, assassin, beggar, monster, family man... He seems to be playing roles, plunging headlong into each part... but where are the cameras?

Monsieur Oscar is alone, accompanied only by Céline, the slender blonde woman behind the wheel of the vast engine that transports him in and around Paris. He's like a conscientious assassin moving from hit to hit. In pursuit of the purely beautiful act, the mysterious driving force, the women and ghosts of past lives.

But where is his true home, his family, his rest?

Holy Motors is In cinemas August 23

"If you want something a little different and are willing to go with it, then this is the movie for you" ...Naomi

Robert Pattinson. Photo by Caitlin Cronenberg

Robert Pattinson plays Eric Packer, an uber wealthy, intuitive man of the world, who spends his days doing business in a limousine, drifting through city streets while staff, lovers and a doctor come and go as ordered. His day quickly spirals out of control when he loses massive sums of money and his life is threatened by an unknown source.