upcast: episode 1

upstart has learnt to speak! In episode one of upcast we talk sport with Ben Waterworth, learn about Chatroulette with Laura Carroll and talk Green Zone with Michael Calle.

Review: Crazy Heart

So what’s so special about Jeff Bridges? Dude, you can’t be serious, says James Madden in his review of the Oscar-nominated Crazy Heart.

Can anything “hurt” Avatar?

The 82nd Academy Awards are looming. The conspicuously underacknowledged Michael Calle previews what is shaping up to be a done-and-dusted Oscar night.

The long, hard road to disaster film utopia

It’s been a long hard road for Australian director John Hillcoat’s adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy classic post-apocalyptic novel ‘The Road’. Faced with multiple production setbacks and numerous release switch-ups, Hillcoat overcomes them all, turning in a refreshingly new take on the disaster film. Minus the disaster.

Not the best films of the decade — but close

The noughties was a memorable decade for film. Just think of such gems as Battlefield Earth, Glitter starring Mariah Carey, and Catwoman — none of which made Michael Calle’s list of the ten best films of the decade.

Avatar: Review

Avatar has literally added a new dimension to the cinema experience, according to upstart’s film critic Michael Calle.

Zombieland: Review

Zombies, roller coasters, a gun-toting Woody Harrelson and slow motion. Lots of slow motion. Our resident zombie expert Michael Calle takes a look at Ruben Fleischer’s directorial debut ‘Zombieland’ and considers the current state of the modern zombie film.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon – Review

It’s just broken Australia’s box office record for its opening weekend earnings. Michael Calle recounts his experience of attending a midnight screening of the new Twilight movie.

Re-Enactors

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An insight into the lives of three people who dress up in historic costume and re-enact events in history.
Director: Stephanie Hodson
Editor: Michael Calle
Camera/production/sound: Emma Woodward

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Review

It was panned by the critics when first published, but 38 years later Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” remains a highly influential book, especially for journalists. Michael Calle considers its legacy.

About upstart magazine

upstart is a project of La Trobe's Journalism, Media Studies and Cinema Studies programs. The site showcases the writing of emerging journalists, while providing a platform for new adventures in journalism.

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