Matt's Blog

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Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 10 September 2013

I don’t think I could ever be a politician.  I’d never be able to withstand the continual negativity from so many people on the internet who are able to say vile things while hiding cowardly under a cloak of anonymity.  It’d get me down.

In my efforts as a film critic, I do try to be honest and constructive.  I always remember a great piece of advice that I received from a cinema owner – “no matter how much you dislike a movie, there’s always someone out there who will like it.”  It’s true.  So whilst I may hate a particular movie, I try to at least think about those people who might find it entertaining.

I’ve had some good/bad feedback through the Rotten Tomatoes website but it’s been nice to get some comments on my own revamped website over the past year.  Most of it is fine but you always get the occasional snarky comment.  I thought I’d share a few of them in this week’s Film Pie blog…

On my semi-positive review for Elysium...

"Who paid you to write this review?? You need to write obituaries because you must be brain dead to enjoy this movie." - Brujarubio

On my negative review to Man Of Steel...

So your basically saying that it would of been better if there was romance instead of action. Are you a girl or something? You clearly have not watched a single superman cartoon or read a single comic." - Rex Redford

On my negative review for Fast & Furious 6...

"Douchebag!! How are u even a critic." - Nick
"I'm with Nick. These movies are pure entertainment. Is it because your wife or boyfriend likes the main bad guy?" - Tina Nobbs

On my thumbs down review for Crazy Stupid Love...

"This is the worst review I have ever read, and unfortunately, I can't look at your website anymore, for fear I may actually become more narrow-minded for it." - Jesse

On my unexpectedly positive review for The Hangover: Part III...

"Bullshit, it's an awful movie." - Dara

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Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 02 September 2013

The Federal election is to be held this Saturday (well, this is the first I've heard of it) and I couldn't pass up the opportunity of listing my favourite "election" movies in this week's blog.

I'm not quite sure why but my top 5 election films, all mentioned below, were released between 1995 and 1999.  There were some very good movies outside of this narrow window (I should have included All The President's Men) but these 5 films have always resonated with me.

If you haven't seen them before, make sure you check them out!

The American President (1995)

My least favourite genre is the romantic comedy (they're too damn predictable) and whilst this film doesn't quite fit into that category, due to some of its political themes, it's pretty damn close.  It centres on a widowed President (Michael Douglas) who falls in love with an environmental lobbyist (Annette Bening).  You'd like to hope that the public wouldn't have a problem... but the opposing Republican candidate for the upcoming election (Richard Dreyfuss) attacks the President's "family values" and starts gaining the upper hand.

Directed by Rob Reiner, this is one of the first writing credits for Aaron Sorkin who went on to make such films as Charlie Wilson's War, Moneyball and The Social Network (which won him an Academy Award).  It features some amazing dialogue highlighted by a passionate speech where Douglas gets on the front foot and finally attacks his adversaries.  You can check it out here.

Wag The Dog (1997)

How much of it is true? Could this really happen? Is politics really this crazy, this manipulative? These are questions you'll ask yourself when watching Barry Levinson's comedy, Wag The Dog.  When the President is caught hitting on a teenage girl just weeks before the election, his close advisers come up with a way of keeping the story out of the papers. How? By creating a fake war with Albania! A legendary Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) is brought in to pull it off.

The film earned Oscar nominations for best actor (Hoffman) as well as best adapted screenplay. This just gets funnier with each scene and as they get closer and closer to the election date, their plan becomes more convoluted and harder to conceal. The film finishes on a perfect note too (but I'm not spoiling that). A wonderful black comedy!

Primary Colors (1998)

President Jack Stanton (John Travolta) was trying to secure the Democratic Party's nomination for President but in a similar vein to 2011's The Ides Of March (also a good film), Primary Colors is told from the perspective from a young adviser by the name of Henry Burton (Adrian Lester) who joins the campaign and is looking to help out.  He quickly learns that politics isn't about lofty ideals and playing nice.  You sometimes have to get your hands dirty.

This film also picked up an Oscar nomination for its screenplay - adapted from an anonymous novel which was believed to have been based on Bill Clinton's presidential run in 1992. The author was later unmasked as Joe Klein, a journalist following Clinton during his campaign.  This film also features some terrific dialogue and I'm often reminded of the line - "the media giveth, and go f*** yourself."  John Travolta gives a smooth, charming performance and Kathy Bates steals many scenes with her Academy Award nominated role.

Bulworth (1998)

This film feels as relevant today as it did 15 years ago and its premise will interest anyone who has become tired of "political speak".  Disenchanted with life, Senator Jay Bulworth (Warren Beatty) decides to kill himself. He takes out a huge life insurance policy so his family will be provided for and then hires a hitman to assassinate him.  Knowing that his days are numbered, he decides to go out in style and finally tell the public what he really thinks of them.  Amazingly, his approval ratings take off (the public loves his frank honesty) and he's suddenly rethinking his plans to commit suicide.

The film coined the phrase "going Bulworth" and while there are so many highlights, the film's signature scene has Bulworth going on a talk show and delivering a rap song with prophetic lyrics including - "Bank of America at this table over here. Wells Fargo and Citbank you’re really very dear. Loan billions to Mexico and never have to fear. Cause taxpayers, taxpayers take it in the rear."

Election (1999)

I've seen thousands of movies but Election is my favourite comedy of all time. It's dark, it's smart, it's witty, it's surprising and it's not afraid to end on a not-so-happy note. It is set in a high school where a young, passionate go-getter (Reese Witherspoon) tries to win the election for student body president but is thwarted by a vengeful school teacher (Matthew Broderick) out to stop her. This film goes in so many unexpected directions!

This was the first time I'd been exposed to the brilliance of writer-director Alexander Payne (who later won Oscars for Sideways and The Descendants). I first saw the film at the 1999 Brisbane International Film Festival (in a double billing with Go) and I'd have seen it at least 20 times since. We all have a different sense of humour and I realise not everyone will love Election... but to me, it's brilliant.

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Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 27 August 2013

I normally ramble on about films but the past week has been largely dedicated to one of my other passions – golf.  As a member of the Board of Golf Queensland, I’ve been busy with the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open – a $110,000 tournament held at the Brookwater Golf & Country Club.  The event went very smoothly and it was great to see some crowds get out and support the players.

Here’s a few photos which best summed up my week…

Played the Wednesday pro-am with legend Charlie Earp, the gifted Cameron Smith and young junior Sam Foley.

Was putting so bad that I even tried Charlie Earp's 50-something year old putter!

Brookwater was in fantastic condition and I took more than 1,000 photos over the first 2 days - the best were used on the event's Facebook page.

Was great to see Queensland men's team captain James Gibellini bounce back after an opening round of 80 to make the cut and finish the best of the Queensland amateurs.

Spent the last two rounds caddying for 17-year-old Lucas Herbert, a gifted amateur from Victoria who'll be competing in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in October.

The best photo I took all week - Nick Cullen holing the winning putt on the 18th green in front of a great crowd at Brookwater.

Winners are grinners! I'd be smiling too if I shot 9 under around Brookwater for 4 rounds. An awesome effort from Champion Nick Cullen.

This guy wasn't too bad either! 15-year-old Ryan Ruffles won the low amateur prize with a 5 over par total.

I don't caddy very often but apparently I was good enough for Lucas Herbert! Highlight was seeing him hit a driver off the deck from 250m, carrying it on the green, and stopping 15 feet from the flag!

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Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 19 August 2013

Most Aussie movie junkets are held in Sydney or Melbourne which makes it tricky for us critics here in Brisbane.  It’s hard to justify the expense and the day off work to fly down south for a fleeting interview with a movie star / director.  It’s normally easier to chat to these folk over the phone in the comfort of a recording studio.

I was prepared to make an exception last week… for a very good reason.  He’s been one of my favourite actors for more than decade and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to fly to Sydney and speak with Matt Damon.  His flight was running late from Los Angeles and so my 8 minutes was cut to a tiny 5 minutes but meh, it was still worth it.  I was whisked into the interview room and squeeze in before Sam Armytage of Sunrise and Richard Wilkins of The Today Show. 

I’m normally transcribing my audio interviews for my blog but this time around, I can go one better.  Here then is my video chat with Matt Damon where we discuss Elysium… and golf!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20OfO2ohIvc