RIVER WILD

US, 2023, 91 minutes, Colour.

Leighton Meester, Taran Killam, Adam Brody, Olivia Swann.

Directed by Ben Ketai.

River Wild is a popular action pastime adventure. It is a credit to the 1994 at the River Wild with Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon, keeping the basic plot outline of the journey on a river and the menacing by a criminal. However, the rest of the characters are different, as are their interactions.

While the initial focus is on Joe, Leighton Meester, she joins her brother and a group of young women eager to go on the river. She is not expecting an associate from childhood, Trevor, Adam Brody, who has been in prison on drug charges, has a sense of menace, is revealed as psychopathic as the film goes on, an injury to one of the women, an attempt to get help and the psychopath shooting the Ranger, developing drama, including a hiker trying to help the group, building up to a final confrontation and plenty of scenes on the river and, especially, on the rapids.

In fact, Leighton Meesterand Adam Brody and her husband and wife in real life – an opportunity for them to be in a heightened dramatic situation on screen.

1. The title, the basic screenplay from 1994? Variations on characters and events?
2. The mountain scenery, the river, rapids? The musical score?
3. The initial focus on Joey, her personal worries, joining the group, her relationship with her brother, meeting the young women, her antipathy towards Trevor? The initial interactions, on the river, the personalities of Grey his guide, the young women and their background? Camping, the incident with the young woman, her injuries, the allegations that Trevor attacked her?
4. The crisis, to help the young woman, the decision to go during the night, to seek the Ranger, the dangers in the right, people falling out of the boat, continuing on?
5. The episode with the Ranger, Trevor and his reaction, the Ranger putting the gun, the fight, his death, Trevor wanting Grey’s support, memories of going to prison for him in their drug days?
6. The girl, her injuries, dying, the decision to bury her, Trevor taking control, tying people up, his plane to escape to Canada, seeing the hiker on the bridge, Joye attracting his attention? The continuing of the riot, the plans, the night, the hiker returning, Trevor shooting him, another burial?
7. The confrontation with Grey, the viciousness of the fight? The knife, the two women free, the visitor running away, getting help? Joey, the pursuit, jumping from the cliff, returning to help grey, his injuries, boats, falling out, generally reaching out, the fight with Trevor?
8. Joe, surviving, her medical knowledge, bandaging herself, the helicopter, the rescue?

TO THE BONE

US, 2017, 107 minutes, Colour.

Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves, Alex Sharp, Carrie Preston, Liana Liberato, Lily Taylor.

Directed by Marti Noxon.

A serious film about young women and eating disorders. Publicity notes that the writer-director, Marti Noxon, as well is the star, Lily Collins, both experienced these disorders in their early lives. The film has been careful not to provoke audiences, move towards relapses, but trying to indicate aspects for medical and psychological help.

Lily Collins portrays Ellen, a young woman, poor self-image despite an attractive appearance, artistic talents. Her mother has abandoned her and has moved in with a partner. Her father has remarried but is always very busy (not appearing in the film, avoiding the therapy sessions). His second wife has a teenage daughter – and the two young women are strong friends.

Ellen has gone into community therapy but has responded badly. She has been affected by the suicide of a young woman who was influenced by one of her works of art, the dead girl’s parents sending Ellen pictures.  Ellen seriously blames herself for the death.

Her stepmother, concerned, always talking, anxious, arranges for Ellen to be interviewed by  a renowned specialist – an interesting role, played sympathetically and strongly by Keanu Reeves. Most of the action then takes place within the community, the different young women with their problems and interactions, the regime of the community, therapy sessions, mealtimes which they must attend even if they don’t eat, the various ploys that the young women use to avoid eating or for bringing up their food. There is a young British man, a former ballet dancer now with an injured knee, also part of the community, tending to take charge, befriending Ellen, some great bonding, some clashes.

The family gathers for a for a meeting, the father not turning up, and the doctor noting that except for the young girl, everyone else’s comments tend to be self-focused. The film builds up to a climax, the interactions between the dancer and Ellen, one of the young women being pregnant and having a miscarriage – perhaps influenced by reaction to eating and bringing up the food.

The ending is something of rock bottom, literally in the mountains, for Ellen, but now with her new personal name, Eli, images of herself dying, her actual mother offering to feed her with a bottle just like a child, the interaction of images and reality and her returning for therapy.

1. The title, expectations, the focus on eating disorders, the consequences for those suffering from the disorders, the repercussions for themselves, their families, ways to confront the disorder, individually, in community, family therapy?
2. The affluent background of the family, homes, the mother and her partner in Arizona, their ranch? The centres for therapy? The interiors, rooms? The musical score?
3. Ellen’s story, her mother leaving, the lesbian relationship, Ellen not able to stay with her? Her father marrying again, the influence of her stepmother, anxious and busy, Ellen’s friendship with Kelly, stepsister but sisters? The father and his absence, even from therapy sessions?
4. Ellen her age, her talent, art, the story of the suicide, the upset parents sending pictures to Helen, her blaming herself?
5. The attempts at therapy, communal living, regimes, Ellen’s reaction?
6. The reputation of Dr Beckham, the initial encounter, his straight words, Ellen and her reaction, offhand, returning, the decision to go into the community? The low expectations?
7. The community, the encounter with Luke, British, ballet dancer, injured knee, eating disorder? Her ship is showing her round? His story, friendship? The other members of the group, the girl with the, the bright young woman but hiding her bag under her bed, the pregnant young woman, the members of the staff, Lobo and her management, the woman running the therapy sessions?
8. The mealtimes, Ellen and her reactions, the devices to avoid eating, obligatory presence, but not necessarily eating? The conversations, personal stories? Ellen, interactions with the others, with Luke, the bonding, the merit system and his taking her to the meal, his taunting her with her favourite food, the drinking at the restaurant? The tour, the kiss, her reaction, considering him gay? Building of the friendship?
9. The issue of her name, her change of name to Eli?
10. Family therapy session, her mother and her explanations, her partner, the strong stances? The hostility with the stepmother? Kelly and her offer of sympathy? The absent father?
11. The interviews with Dr Beckham, his understanding, his challenge, straight talking?
12. The pregnant woman, the miscarriage, Luke and Ellen finding her after their dispute, the effect on Eli, her walking out, Luke and his appeal?
13. Going to Arizona, with her mother and partner, the tent, her mother and the issue of feeding her, the bottle, a symbol of maternal reconciliation?
14. Going out on the rocks, desperate, her imagination, seeing herself as dead, imagining Luke helping her? Her decision? The return, the welcome? A hopeful ending – with Eli taking responsibility for her life, some ambitions and achievement?

ADVANTAGEOUS

US, 2015, 93 minutes, Colour.

Jacqueline Kim, James Urbaniak, Freya Adams, Ken Jeong, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Kim.

Directed by Jennifer Phang.

Advantageous is a rather quiet, futuristic film with elements of science-fiction. It originated as a short film by writer-director, Jennifer Phang, and this feature film won awards at the Sundance Festival.

The film was cowritten with the leading actor, Jacqueline Kim, actor, singer.

The setting is a futuristic city, not grim, the sun shining, vast high-rise buildings, some drones in explosive action over the city, but generally a city that most audiences would recognise, sufficient similarities with the present.

The focus of the film is on Jacqueline Kim’s character, Gwen, an expert in promoting procedures for enhancing beauty. She has a strong reputation but she is growing older and the powers that be are looking for a younger face to promote. She is interviewed, very slightly by Jennifer Ehle cautiously by James Urbaniak with whom she has a relationship. She is persuaded to undergo a facial transformation, a more European face chosen, her going through the process, emerging as the younger face for promotion.

However, the important aspect of her life is her commitment to her daughter, an intelligent youngster, the future before her. Gwen decides to go through the procedure, get the money to facilitate her daughter’s further education.

As said, the film is rather quiet even when exploring futuristic themes, competitive business and exploitation, family betrayals. The ultimate message is a hope for the future generation.’

1. Science fiction? Science future? American society, individuals, hopes and ambitions, moral choices, the future and hopes?
2. The visuals of the city of the future, similar to contemporary images, vistas of high-rise, drones and attacks? The contrast with familiar and ordinary sequences at home, officers, school? The musical score?
3. The title, the tone, advantages, especially for the next generation?
4. Gwen’s story and Jules’ story? Gwen and her personality, age, her care for Jules, the later revelation about the relationship with Han, his paternity Gwen not revealing it? Her bringing up Jules, concern, prospect for school entries, prejudices, racism? Her work, the promotion of beauty, advertising, campaigning, the interview with the company, her relationship with Dave Fisher, the smooth interview with Isa Cryer? The prospect of her changing her image, contracts, payments, absence from home, the benefit for Jules?
5. The background of business in the future, the technology available, means of communication, voice, screens? Interviews? Smooth talk, more sinister aspects behind the scenes? Gwen and her signing the contract, going away? The transformation? The choice of the new image, not Asian?
6. Jules, age, bright and intelligent, her comments, her friends at school, the visuals of the girls, the games, conversations? Her relationship with her mother, strong relationship, her concern for her mother? Her mother going away? Her going to the camp, communication, her mother’s return, accepting the new image, continuing family life?
7. Lily, the contacts with Gwen, not for a long time, Gwen deciding to visit, the confrontation with Han, his relationship with Lilly, the boys, the revelation of the truth, Lilly’s reaction, the reaction of Han?
8. A quiet, more contemporary to the times look at the future, society, technological developments, the quest for beauty and non-ageing, the future for children?

BLACK DOG

China, 2024, 116 minutes, Colour.

Eddie Peng.

Directed by Guan Hu.

Sometimes moviegoers say that they would like to see something different, a film from somewhere else, different sensibilities,, entry into a world they are unfamiliar with. Black Dog is an excellent candidate this kind of choice.

We are caught up with a very striking opening, the camera panning unfamiliar vistas of north-western China,  vast barren plains and black hills, near the Gobi desert. Suddenly, a large pack of wild dogs run rampage across the screen, down the hills, onto the highway where a minibus of passengers overturns with the impact of the dog rush. The driver impatiently gets the passengers out onto the road, calls the police, and the rescue interrupted by a man frantic, accusing the passengers of stealing a large sum of money from his bag. Then a tall morose man walks away, the frantic man accosting him. But, this is not where this film is going!

In fact, the tall man, Lang will be the central character  rarely speaking, just out of jail, with a complex past. And, we get to know him well, wary of him at first, becoming more and more sympathetic, and he is played by Eddie Peng, Taipei-born, Canada-educated, one of the most popular contemporary stars of Chinese films.

And, there is a black dog, greyhound -looking, suspected of having rabies, a target of the town’s authorities. In fact, with the Beijing Olympics in the offing, this is 2008, this provincial town is eager to get rid of the dogs, many of them pets abandoned by citizens moving out, Lang beng seconded onto the squad.

We first see Lang hostile and his black dog marking out their territories, Lang trying to capture him, but, eventually, their bonding, especially after lLang is bitten and rabies suspected. So, a film of human and canine friendship.

But, there is a great deal more to Lang’s story, re-meeting his father, now a keeper at  the failing zoo, then a sick old man who had supported him in the past, a revelation about Lang’s buying and sentence, a local strongman hostile to Lang because of the accidental death of his nephew, Lang revealed as a former motorcycle champion in the circus, his encounter with friends in the town and with a young woman as a new travelling circles circus arrives.

The narrative is never predictable. There is always an interesting turn in the plot, in the revelation of characters, in Lang’s confrontation with his opponents, but more and more of his kindly disposition emerging.

For dog-lovers from any nation, there are moments of sadness, but, ultimately, a sequence to cheer every dog-lovers heart.

This is a China unfamiliar to most of us, in look, the bleak terrain, the provincial town partly collapsing, goods trains continually passing through, attempts at rehabilitation and an opportunity to visit a quite different place and encounter very different characters.

1. A different view of 21^st-century China? Geography and landscapes, towns. the developments, in decline, rebuilding, dog plagues, in the context of the preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
2. The impact of the photography, colour, style, saturated at times, the landscapes and the overviews, close-ups and characters, the contrast between the vastness and intimacy?
3. The impact of the opening, the vice spaces, the hills, the desert, the sudden packs of dogs? The overturn of the bus, the passengers, the man complaining about being robbed, the authorities, Lang accused, walking away?
4. Lang becoming the unexpected centre of the film, the explanations of his background, his skill with bikes, cars, mechanics, writing? The violence, the local gangster chief and the death of his nephew? The prison experience? Returning, the state of his father, at the zoo with the animals, declining health? The welcome home? Reactions against him? His character, silent, self-contained?
5. The issue of the dogs, the number of wild dogs, roaming the plains and mountains, the authorities, the bounties? The black dog, lurking, the difficulty with rabies, Lang trying to catch it, being bitten, the consequences? His joining the group, the pursuit of the dogs, destruction? His care of the dogs, his change of heart? With the black dog, keeping, protecting?
6. The travelling circus, the encounter, the young woman and her presence, the other members of the troupe, setting it up, performance? His friendship with the young woman, the conversations, her leaving?
7. His skill at reading, the impact of the riding sequences, his age, fitness, skills, the difficult terrain?
8. The issue of health, the rabies, his recovery?
9. The gangster, his gang, focus, resentments, anger with Lang? Working with the snakes? His being bitten, Lang saving him? The consequences?
10. His father, illness, hospital, wanting the equipment turned off? Lang, his hesitation, eventually doing it?
11. The death of the dog, finding all the other dog, giving birth, the spirit of the black dog continuing?
12. The effect of the audience sharing Lang’s experience, unexpected sympathy? In the context of the decline of the town, the motif of the goods trains passing through the town, the demolition of buildings, possible recovery? And the impression for China and outside China for the Beijing Olympics?

PADDINGTON IN PERU

UK, 2024, 106 minutes, Colour.

Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Samuel Joslin, Madaleine Harris, Julie Walters, Olivia Coleman, Jim Broadbent, Hayley Atwell, Voices of: Ben Whishaw, Imelda Staunton. Cameos by Hugh Grant, Joel Fry, Robbie Gee, Sanjeev Baskhar, Ben Miller, Jessica Hynes.

Directed by Dougal Wilson.

Who cannot like Paddington! His stories are always bearable!

We have enjoyed the first two films very much. There was an element of surprise about them, the introduction to Paddington himself, the wonderful voice provided by Ben Whishaw, the members of the Brown family and their ability to welcome Paddington. And, there were various adventures and, who can forget, the villainous Hugh Grant?

It does mean that here we accept Paddington straightaway, the glimpse of his early years in Peru reaching out to pick a beautiful orange, falling into the River – and landing in London. Now, a letter from his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton) encouraging him to come for a visit (and that humour is awkward episode getting his passport photographs).

But there is a bit of background about Mr Brown, somewhat British stick-in-the Mode, challenged at work about risks. In the brainwave! Why don’t they all go with Paddington to Peru, including the kindly Mrs Bird (Julie Walters). Hugh Bonneville is once again Mr Brown but, this time, Emily Mortimer is Mrs Brown.

Once they will arrive in Peru, now met by Reverend Mother at the local home for retired bears! Suddenly, and exuberantly, we have Sister Act meets The Sound of Music. But, bad news, aunt Lucy has disappeared and Paddington is determined to find her. And, Olivia Coleman, in recent years showing a variety of talent (Wonka,  Little Wicked Letters), is here as the exuberant Reverend Mother.

With the action adventure that follows, more than a touch of Indiana Jones here, the action is geared more to the young audience, the touch of caricature with the boat captain (Antonio Banderas), farcical and slapstick situations high dangers and minutes, especially as Paddington and the family get lost in the Andes jungle, double dealings and some sinister flashbacks…

But, there are some secrets to be revealed, and a variation on the search for El Dorado and that fabled gold. This, everybody benefits from the adventure, and Mr Brown becomes extraordinarily daring. And Paddington has to make a decision, finding his tribe there in Peru, and whether he will go back home with the Browns.

Adult audiences, especially, please don’t rush for the exit when the credits begin to appear because there is a very enjoyable special guest interlude during the credits. And, as always, possibilities for more.

1. The popularity of Paddington, the films? And in himself, from Peru, landing in London, the Brown family, part of the family, his adventures, memories of Aunt Lucy in Peru, the possibility of his returning to visit Peru and Aunt Lucy? The effectiveness of Ben Wishaw’s voice?
2. Expectations from the previous film and their popularity and acclaim? The intentions of the filmmakers here, a film for younger audiences, style, treatment, humour, adventures, the touch of the absurd for enjoyment? The impact for older audiences, the adult characters, the adventure, the mayhem? And the postscript with Hugh Grant?
3. The scenes of Paddington’s origins, little bear, the oranges, on the branch, falling, to England, with the family? The memories of Aunt Lucy? The correspondence with her? His receiving the letter from her, inviting him to Peru, his eagerness?
4. The Brown family, the children growing older, University entrance, computer games and inventions, not wanting to play Scrabble with the mother, Mr Brown, the firm, Risk-taking, the American executive, her demands, the challenge to him? His very proper reticent British way of style of life?
5. The suggestion to go to Peru, the reaction of the family, Mr Brown and the decision to take a risk? Mrs Bird and her presence, decision to go? The farewell in the street with all the British film and television celebrities’ cameos? The flight, landing, Peru?
6. The visuals of Peru, the mountains, the river, waterfalls, locations in Peru and Colombia? The settlement? The boat
7. the convent, Reverend Mother, her cheery attitude, the staging of the musical, Sister Act meets The Sound of Music? The family settling in? The disappearance of Aunt Lucy, the nuns? The retired bears and their lifestyle, bingo…? Reverend Mother and her explanations, her eagerness for them to go searching, but her remaining at home?
8. The expedition, Paddington and his eagerness, the family, hiring the boat, the captain and his daughter, his manner and mannerisms? On the voyage, the comedy, the dangers, the rapids?
9. The background of El Dorado, the captain and his ancestors and their appearing behind him, his relationship with his daughter, the search for gold, Paddington and his arm band, the translation and interpretation? The captain disappearing and his search?
10. The family on the boat, the dangers, capsizing, stranded? Through the jungle? Mr Brown and his being more daring? Paddington’s memories of the Inca image, his arrival at the tower, the rock? The family arriving?
11. The Machu Picchu kind of location, the confrontation with the captain, pursuing more Paddington, the fights, the bolder, the dangers…? The reappearance of the daughter, her helping the family?
12. Mrs Bird, back at the convent, curious, suspicious, finding the radio room, the confrontation, the truth about Reverend Mother? The plane, flying, the crash landing, the confrontation, Reverend Mother from the El Dorado-seeking family, the flashbacks to their disasters? The confrontation with the captain? Her being overcome?
13. Finding Aunt Lucy, going beyond the barrier, finding El Dorado, the gold being the oranges, the scenes of collecting, squeezing, Paddington and his predilection for marmalade?
14. Paddington finding his tribe, his being welcomed, his speech, the family ready for him to stay, his decision to return with them, finding his tribe but going home with his family?
15. Happy ending – and the epilogue with Phoenix Buchanan and Hugh Grant’s style? Future prospects?

January 21^st 2025, A Pause for Thought, US Presidential Inauguration and…

January 21^st will see the inauguration of Donald Trump for his second term as US President.  What is it going to mean for America?  What is it going to mean for the rest of the world?  War/Peace? Human dignity and refugees? The wealthy/poor divide?

How can America be great again? And its authentic values?

‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States..’

Hope and prayer. 

And memories of the late Jimmy Carter and his after-presidential life and authentic American greatness.

RIP, Chris Murphy MSC

We received the sad news today that Fr. Chris Murphy MSC, passed away this morning at St Joseph's Aged Care, Kensington (NSW).  We thank the staff of St Joseph's who cared for Chris, especially as his health deteriorated in recent days.

Chris' first appointment was to the teaching staff at Downlands College.  He then transitioned to parish ministry. Throughout the years, he served as an assistant priest in the parishes of Moonah (TAS), Kippax (ACT), and Hindmarsh (SA), and parish priest of Hindmarsh (SA), Henley Beach (SA), Kippax (ACT), Kensington (NSW), and Blackburn (VIC).

Early days in Blackburn, Cuskelly House and St Thomas Parish, 2009

Wherever he was appointed, there was an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation for Chris, and the respectful and caring approach in the way he presented himself was affirmed by many.  An exemplary pastor. 

Farewell from Hindmarsh, MSC priests who served there.

Congratulations, Tamati Alefosio Sefo MSC, New Prefect Apostolic of the Marshall Islands.

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the apostolic prefecture of the Marshall Islands, Marshall Islands, presented by the Reverend Fr. Ariel A. Galido, M.S.C.

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Tamati Alefosio Sefo, M.S.C., until now parish priest of Saint Peter Chanel in Samoa, as prefect apostolic of the same apostolic prefecture.

Curriculum vitae

The Reverend Fr. Tamati Alefosio Sefo, M.S.C., was born on 28 April 1972 in Tafitoala Safata, Samoa. After his studies in philosophy and theology at the Pacific Regional Seminary, Suva, Fiji, he was ordained a priest on 27 November 2004.

After ordination, he first held the roles of interim parish priest of Saint Andrew in Faleula, Samoa (2005), and parish priest of Saint Agnes in Samabula, Fiji (2006-2009). Following a course in formation at Marymount Mercy Centre, New South Wales, Australia (2010), he went on to serve as formator and then director of formation of the M.S.C. (2011-2014), chalrman of the Chevalier Youth Trust Board (2015-2023), superior of the M.S.C.-Pacific Union (2015-2021), and M.S.C. provincial superior of the islands of the Pacific (2021-2023). Since 2023 he has been parish priest of Saint Peter Chanel in Samoa.

Vatican News.

Vietnam MSC Ordinations on Saturday

Please pray for our brothers in Vietnam who will be ordained this Saturday, 18 January 2025. Thanh Van LE and Vu Thanh NGUYEN will be ordained to the diaconate. Deacon Thanh Vu NGUYEN will be ordained to the presbyterate; he will be the first MSC to be ordained a priest in Vietnam. Pat Mara will attend the ordinations on behalf of the Provincial Superior.

MSC Worldwide, new foundation in Nairobi, Kenya.

Report by Peter Antony MSC

The humble inception of the Missionaries of the Sacred Herat in Nairobi Kenya began in 16th July 2023. After a little bit of wandering experience now we are settled at a place called Karen. Ka- ren is well known for the religious communities. If you turn to any side, you may find at least one religious community. Some say  it’s a mini-Vatican.

Cross-section of some of the seminarians in Nairobi (not ours!)

Our community consists of five members. Frs. Peter Ng’ang’a, Lucien BehEvina, Peter Antony and two postulants namely Christopher and Augustine. Though they are postulants, they are doing their philosophy at Consolata Philosophicum around 20 min from our community. Our two students are completing the 1st semester of their second year this December.

Consolata Philosophicum poster

We are, for now living in a leased house where we undertake our regular community activities. Being in its early stages, our community strives to build a fraternal and fulfilling framework not only for ourselves MSC, but also for the students. In this, we rely on Emmaus document which specifies the objectives of this stage of formation in our congregation. A schedule focused on studies, community and fraternal life, and prayer accompanies us daily. At present our prime focus is on the formation so we are not very much into the pastoral activities. We are expecting few more candidates from January for the internal Aspirancy. Recently, the Superior General and Provincial paid us a visit and we are very happy for that. We are in contact with different groups of religious networks: House Animators, Formators, Religious of Kenya, Vocations Animators etc.

We are grateful to God for all the blessings and all the members for their prayers, support, and encouragement on this journey. “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere Loved”.

And our men in Nairobi