Magic Review: Man on Wire

When I first saw the theatrical poster for Man on Wire (above) I was fascinated as to why someone would even consider walking between the twin towers. Phillipe Petit's 1974 high wire walk walk between the twin towers is one of those events which will be etched in history due to its insanity and beauty. What makes this documentary different is that although you already know the outcome, it keeps you spell bounded and I hate to say it 'on the edge of your seat'. The story travels back to Petit's early days and has us marvel at his high wire antics which include the Notre Dame chapel in Paris which of course led to his arrest. The story is told by Petit who's charisma and charm captures you imagination and is the underlying success of the film. Petit's high wire walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge is amazing and will have you captivated as it did the Australian media and authorities. Petit's biggest dream is however to conquer the under construction Twin Towers in New York City. He recruits a team including an Australian who help him plan over 3 years how they are to get past authorities and have him walk to the wire over Manhattan. After three trips to New York and a number of massive hurdles, Petit and his team sneak up the towers and after almost failing to get the wires across, he completes the hour and 15 minute antic. This has passers by and the NYPD fascinated. It is not until a helicopter threatens to come up which would blow him off, does he surrender and immediately become the biggest name in New York although the rest I will leave for the viewers to enjoy. This is the best documentary I have seen in years and is the best example of one man overcoming adversity to complete his dream. This documentary is highly recommended and will be a great addition to my collection and I suggest you add it to yours!

Magic Rating: 9.7/10

Magic Review: Burn After Reading

I read a review two weeks ago of this film after viewing it by a critic from The Age and he stated that after the success of No Country For Old Men (2007), the Coen brothers had two options:

(1) try and outdo themselves with a bigger and better movie or (2) go completly left of centre and produce and try something which they have yet to achieve, of which they chose the latter. Burn is a different film from what the Coens usually produce however it still has the underlying dark tone but this time with a cast of colorful and comedic characters. The story which begins with CIA analyst Osbourne Cox (John Malcovich) quits his job after getting a tongue lashing from  his boss regarding his drinking issues. Cox endeavors to get even by writing a memoir revealing secrets of the agency which is against the wishes of his wife, recent Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton). She in turn is having an affair with womanizer Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney). Enter gym instructors Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt) and Linda Litzke (Francis McDormand) who stumble across Cox's memoir and attempt to blackmail him which turns everyone's life inside out with serious although hilaious consequences. Harry's womanising see him end up with Litzke which begins a fateful link between him and all parties invloved. Burn after Reading has a superb lineup of in my opinion 5 of the worlds best actor's which also has support performances by Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) and J.K Simmons (The Lady Killers, OZ) who add to the films success. I must warn that Burn after Reading is not for all and I cam imagine that some will not appreciate the dark and quirky theme throughout. I would recommend all Coen fans to see this film. Critics, you may Burn after Reading this but dont burn so quickly after watching this film.

Magic Rating: 7.1/10