Grand Torino

Grand Torino (3.0/5)

Hoyts, Broadway, Sydney

13^th March 2009

(Director: Clint Eastwood. Cast: Clint Eastwood (Walt Kowalski), Bee Vang (Thao Vang Lor), Ahney Her (Sue Lor ), Christopher Carley (Fr Janovich))

An engrossingly sad film. Retired Korean veteran Kowalski faces widowhood and mortality as Asian migrants move into his neighbourhood. His adjustment to life and befriending and defence of harassed neighbours is touching if too quickly developed. Wonderful lingering cinematography is almost ruined by a few minutes of fast cutting. Outstanding performances by Eastwood and Bee Vang are sadly not matched by all the cast. Despite these weaknesses this is a thoughtful work.

ArtExpress

ArtExpress (2.5/5)

ARTEXPRESS showcases the most outstanding work from the previous year’s Higher School Certificate examination in NSW.

Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney

14^th February – 19^th April 2009

The subdued times in which we live are reflected in this year’s works; nonetheless the idealism of youth remains strong. Whilst sometimes naive to older viewers we all grew through such adolescent experimentation and is to be encouraged. The video art is particularly strong, see Emily Minard’s stylised video game and Christian Anstey’s slowly evolving colours. Amongst the traditional works Andrew Smith’s large street scene in heavy oils is rightly prominently hung in the entrance.