Housewife’s fantasy a constantly moving feast
ššš FROZEN The film transcends its various borrowings and occasional stumblings with a modern, exuberant spirit that draws heat from Broadway-style musical numbers and, before and after everything else, from marvellous 3-D animation. (Walmer Park, Boardwalk, Bridge, Vincent Park, Hemingways) ššš TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA CHRISTMAS. Perry is back playing his popular “leading lady” Madea. And this time out, he’s joined by, among others, Larry the Cable Guy. (Bridge, Vincent Park) ššššš MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM Magnificent adaptation and riveting narrative with stellar performances led up front by Idis Elba in the title role. (Bridge, Vincent Park) ššš SCHUKS! YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU Leon Schuster returns to his hidden camera formula for the first time since the box office smash hit Schuks Tshabalala . (Walmer Park, Boardwalk, Bridge, Vincent Park, Hemingways) action, we are flies on the wall watching her sing, dance and twirl in her red dress, bath towel and silk pyjamas, while clasping rose-petals. The shoot itself is great fun, when Elspeth’s kitchen sink backdrop morphs to embrace different cultures and even species.
The film’s frivolous tone embraces its over-the-top reality, yet its themes are solidly grounded. Love, family and ambitions are all happily jumbled together in a rainbow fantasy, with sequins, songs and dancing routines as trimmings. In his first acting role, pop star Ronan Keating exudes charisma as the devoted husband and father with a passion for saving whales. There’s a nice spark between Keating and Kelly.
Australian icon Magda Szubanski is great fun as Cassandra Wolfe, the compulsive eater, ultra glamorous agency head, whose big moment comes as she belts out a knock-out production number wearing gold sequins.
The Tasmanian countryside looks a treat and the beauty of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House is shown off to perfection by cinematographer Damian Wyvill. A constantly moving feast of happiness is on display, with choreography to match.