Rachel_Griffiths_fan Reviews

Cosi (1996)

"Human" & unpretentious

[10/10 · 12 June 2005]

A well-written, uniquely Australian film. Skillfully handles an ensemble cast, and has many touching moments, while avoiding over-sentimentality.

While the film is a light comedy, there are tragic elements in some of the more disturbed mental patients. You come to care about each of them, but thankfully, the film doesn't try to give any simplistic "answers" to mental illness.

Ben, Toni & Rachel all give good performances. Toni also sings a nice version of a Crowded House song over the end credits.

A small film that deserves a big audience. Worth ten Hollywood blockbusters.

Muriel's Wedding (1994)

Region 4 DVD Comment

[10/10 · 12 June 2005]

For fans of this terrific, heartwarming film, the R4 DVD ("10th Anniversary Collector's Edition") is the one to get.

Best available aspect ratio (1.78:1 anamorphic); some detailed interviews with cast & crew (filmed on-set), a TV snippet of a Rachel Griffiths interview, and a bonus CD with some of the music from the film. Also, a B Roll, picture gallery and the usual filmographies/bios.

Unfortunately, the audio commentary (ft. director P.J. Hogan & lead actress Toni Collete) is a bit of a waste. Toni can't remember anything & PJ tries too hard to be entertaining, making bad jokes, etc. The film deserved better...why don't these people ever prepare stuff to talk about?! Overall, though, a worthwhile purchase.