MOVIE REVIEW
THE LAST RIDE
Australia's vast landscape has been witness to many popular films. Whilst some have been clunkers, each has the common thread of the beautiful vistas the sometimes harsh countryside can project. Last Ride's stunning cinematography perfectly unifies its splendour with the ugliness of the main characters. That their personas can be influenced by their surrounds shows how the environs can shape our daily lives.
On the run after a bloody crime, Kev (Hugo Weaving) and his son Chook (Tom Russell) hit the road. Journeying through outback Australia in various stolen cars, th
eir relationship is fraught with tension. Used to a cycle of violence from an early age, Kev's outlook threatens to darken his son's positive personality. As they attempt to form a bond, past actions are explored with regret and ongoing aggression potentially limiting their futures.
Working from a very thin premise, Last Ride examines what legacies family ties bring. Being a victim of an abusive father, Kev's cruelty towards his son unearths a destructive familial cycle threatening to consume him. Directo
r Glendyn Ivin's skills surface in assisting the viewer to understand Kev's actions making him a sympathetic figure. His often spiteful deeds may be shocking, but his attempts at showing compassion become moving as they show the person he possibly could have been. Chook, as he witnesses his father's behaviour, has to decide if he joins him on his path or to create one free of the negative emotions carried through the generations.
Blending these elements with some magnificent imagery, Last Ride's strength is occasionally its weakness. This comes apparent towards the end where the sparse story seems to run out of dramatic weight. The gradual reveal of the characters backgrounds are interestin
g, it's that there are a few scenes where proceedings threaten to stop at a standstill. Despite this the acting by Weaving and Russell remains compelling and proves Weaving's tenacity in developing his talents in challenging ways. Filmed on a low budget, the scenery used is priceless with some truly stunning shots wiping the floor over anything generated by CGI.
There have been a number of high quality local films so far this year showing the industry apparently crawling out of a self-inflicted slump. Last Ride may not be quite a startler but the acting and panoramic views certainly show why our backdrop is still a cinematic drawcard.
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
The Last Ride Official home page click here
The Last Ride released in Australia on Thursday 2nd July 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review The Last Ride
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
eir relationship is fraught with tension. Used to a cycle of violence from an early age, Kev's outlook threatens to darken his son's positive personality. As they attempt to form a bond, past actions are explored with regret and ongoing aggression potentially limiting their futures.
Working from a very thin premise, Last Ride examines what legacies family ties bring. Being a victim of an abusive father, Kev's cruelty towards his son unearths a destructive familial cycle threatening to consume him. Directo
r Glendyn Ivin's skills surface in assisting the viewer to understand Kev's actions making him a sympathetic figure. His often spiteful deeds may be shocking, but his attempts at showing compassion become moving as they show the person he possibly could have been. Chook, as he witnesses his father's behaviour, has to decide if he joins him on his path or to create one free of the negative emotions carried through the generations.
Blending these elements with some magnificent imagery, Last Ride's strength is occasionally its weakness. This comes apparent towards the end where the sparse story seems to run out of dramatic weight. The gradual reveal of the characters backgrounds are interestin
g, it's that there are a few scenes where proceedings threaten to stop at a standstill. Despite this the acting by Weaving and Russell remains compelling and proves Weaving's tenacity in developing his talents in challenging ways. Filmed on a low budget, the scenery used is priceless with some truly stunning shots wiping the floor over anything generated by CGI.
There have been a number of high quality local films so far this year showing the industry apparently crawling out of a self-inflicted slump. Last Ride may not be quite a startler but the acting and panoramic views certainly show why our backdrop is still a cinematic drawcard.
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
The Last Ride Official home page click here
The Last Ride released in Australia on Thursday 2nd July 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review The Last Ride
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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