A little known gem in the world of mainstream cinema, Animal Kingdom is a fascinating examination of the Australian criminal underworld. Attached is FilmMattic's comprehensive spoiler rich review of the film. Additionally, he has included a twitter style spoiler free review.
This one is actually on my need-to-see list. So I won't be reading your full review, just so I don't spoil anything. It definitely sounds intriguing, though. I'm glad to see Guy in a main role. Being a Nolan fan, and Memento being one of my favorite movies of all-time, it's probably no surprise that I like Guy Pearce. And I haven't seen him in anything in a while. At least not a good leading role. I've also heard Jacki Weaver does a great job in here.
JL,
By gaining some insight into your keen film sensibility, I can be a little presumptuous and say that you will thoroughly ENJOY this film.
I am also a staunch Guy Pearce fan. Memento and The Count of Monte Cristo are just two examples of some of my favorite Pearce character portrayals. It is kind of eerie and funny, but I had the same thought about not seeing Guy in a lot of films lately (of course until I watched Animal Kingdom). I am not sure if his absence is just a result of being extremely tactful and cautious about which roles he selects or my own failure to expand my movie going habits. I am going to IMDB Pearce right now and see what I can find as I love his acting approach.
Thanks for the rundown. I will have to take up your recommendation and check out The Proposition. As you suspect, my undying enthusiasm regarding westerns will likely cause me to appreciate that film.
Your dead on about Don Cheadle. When it comes to listing the formidable actors of our day, Cheadle's name is often overlooked. Hotel Rwanda was riveting cinema and his performance in Crash was also stellar. And how can you not be endeared to his character Basher in the Ocean's movies.
Yeah I remember Don Cheadle's role as 'Ice Tray' in "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Thankfully, Cheadle was only featured early in the first season (I think he was smitten by Hilary if my memory serves me well) because it would be a crime for movie goers if such a great acting talent had to endure a career of similarly trivial characters—if Cheadle was a regular cast member, we are all aware of the destructive nature of type-casting. There would be no Basher or Rusesabagina, only Ice Tray. Cheadle can definitely boast about playing characters with funky names...who can forget Buck Swope in Boogie Nights.