Walkabout released in 1971, and is regarded as an incredibly influential film in the history of Australian cinema. So in watching it for the first time, we had to bring on board our trusted guest star Andy Lau, who was already a big fan of the picture. The story follows two English children, a teenage girl and her younger brother, who are stranded in the Outback after their father’s traumatising death. On their journey back to civilisation, they encounter a young Aboriginal boy (played by the iconic David Gulpilil) who helps them to survive despite not being able to speak the same language. Th ..read more

Our first time watching the "Before" trilogy comes to an end with a harsh reality check in Richard Linklater's final entry, Before Midnight. We catch up with Jesse and Celine another decade after Before Sunrise, now surprisingly with kids of their own. But their lovely family holiday in Greece takes a tumultuous turn as they confront the realities of long-term relationships and commitment. Love is challenging folks, and that sentiment is all over this film. Then once we're done breaking down topics far beyond our years, we'll talk about the new trailer for Joker 2 (French title be damned), as ..read more

If you haven't seen Atonement before, you can add it to the long list of must-watch films released in the year 2007. Starring Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, and a young Saoirse Ronan, the story demonstrates the dramatic repercussions of a young girl's false accusation against her sister's lover. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this film beautifully balances being both a romantic period piece and a large scale war movie. It also happens to feature one of the most impressive one-take sequences ever put to screen! This is certainly one of those movies that you will view differently upon ..read more

This week we're checking out an American indie horror/thriller by the name of Brightwood. When a troubled couple embark on a run to their local pond, they could never imagine themselves winding up trapped in an insidious time loop. But that's exactly what happens. It's fair to say we haven't reviewed many truly independent productions on the show in the past, so we're excited to discuss our experiences with a totally original concept like this. There was certainly a lot of enjoyment to be found in the performances, dialogue, and story. Then after the review, we'll make the case for the horror ..read more

It's a very special week because for the first (and last) time ever, Scooby Doo comes to Cinema Effect. In Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, the Mystery Inc. gang shockingly breaks up, and then reunites on a quest to find a real supernatural threat for once. This of course takes them to a remote island with dark secrets and zombies! We'll debate the animation and story, but more importantly show some love for the culinary choices of a talking dog. What are Scooby Snacks anyway? Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 2:55 - Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island Review 43:46 - News Chat 55:15 - What We've Been Watching 1 ..read more

Join us this week as we check out one of 2023's biggest comedies, Bottoms. What's it about? Well in essence, two unpopular and ugly teenagers go on a quest to get laid which involves deception, a school sanctioned fight club, and cartoonishly villainous football players. While some of us couldn't help but crack a smile, some other hosts (and viewers) found themselves firmly lacking a sense of humour. But after the review, we switch gears to discuss this year's Oscars results, and then debate a nuanced question which will challenge the foundation of the film industry: are directors overpraised ..read more

Over two years since our first trip to IMAX for the first half of this epic cinematic experience, it is finally time to return to Arrakis and the big screen with Dune: Part Two. Directed by one of our absolute favourite filmmakers, Denis Villeneuve, this sequel takes us even deeper into Frank Herbert's sci-fi world. Perhaps to no one's surprise, there's much to say about the breathtaking visuals, awesome action, and captivating performances from its once again stacked cast (especially from Zendaya). But there's also a lot of politics and conflicting character motivations at play, which in many ..read more

This week we dive headfirst into the filmography of Jayden's favourite Paul Anderson, with his 2014 film, Pompeii. In this ancient disaster flick, we witness the epic romance between a gladiator (played by an absolutely shredded Kit Harrington) and a noblewoman amidst the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius. With fiery action, comets falling from the sky, and some acting as questionable as the historical accuracy, we'll break down all of the spectacle. All the while determining the perfect blend of expert craft and generic entertainment which makes a Paul W.S. Anderson film. Timestamps ;) 0 ..read more

Gross Pointe Blank may be one of the more obscurer films we've reviewed on the channel however that doesn't hold it back from being an incredibly digestible movie. John Cusack plays a hitman returning to his home town for the first time in 10 years for a high school reunion hoping to have a weekend free of killing. His job, unfortunately follows him there. We discuss the comedic hijinks that follow as well as our feelings on attending our own reunion in this landmark two person special. 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - Review 46:24 - News Chat 49:57 - What We've Been Watching 57:04 - Reading Your Comments ..read more

Gross Pointe Blank may be one of the more obscurer films we've reviewed on the channel however that doesn't hold it back from being an incredibly digestible movie. John Cusack plays a hitman returning to his home town for the first time in 10 years for a high school reunion hoping to have a weekend free of killing. His job, unfortunately follows him there. We discuss the comedic hijinks that follow as well as our feelings on attending our own reunion in this landmark two person special. 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - Review 46:24 - News Chat 49:57 - What We've Been Watching 57:04 - Reading Your Comments ..read more