Displaying items by tag: Jai Courtney

WAR MACHINE

Australia/US, 2026, 106 minutes, Colour.

Alan Ritchson, Stephan James, Blake Richardson, Dennis Quaid, Esai Morales, Jai Courtney, Alex King, Keinan Lonsdale, James Beaufort.

Directed by Patrick Hughes.

This adventure works quite well – and has a surprising development in the plot.

The film was written by the director, Australian Patrick Hughes, in collaboration with actor, James Beaufort, who appears in this film as 23. Hughes made an impact with his first film, an action drama, Red Hill. In Hollywood he has been successful with Expendables 3, and the entertaining blend of action and comedy in The Hitman’s Wife and The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, featuring Ryan Reynolds, added action film, The Man from Toronto with Woody Harrelson.

This is an American/Australian coproduction, filmed in Australia. And the star is Alan Ritchson, who has successfully embodied Lee Child’s hero, Reacher, in the television series. This film offers him more of the same kind of character.

The action opens in Afghanistan, coming to the help of his brother, Jai Courtney, bombing, death, one brother carrying the other to safety and winning a medal, the ambition to become Rangers. At the training camp, headed by Dennis Quaid and Esai Morales, the select group is put through all kinds of training tests, elimination so that only the best remain. And they are all called by numerals, the hero becoming 81. The other sympathetic character is 7, played by Stephan James.

And, then the film changes, science fiction with the appearance of an impregnable is war machine which stalks the squad out on a training mission, 81 as leader. A great deal of combat, disaster for the trip, the pursuit by the war machine through all kinds of rain, the elimination of the trip, 81 and 7 remaining. And 81 discovering a limitation of the war machine and how it might be destroyed – and, on return to camp, the discovery that there has been an invasion from space, the beginning of a war of the worlds.

1. Audience expectations, the title, the action films of the director, the presence of action star, Reacher, Alan Ritchson?
2. The opening, the reality of war in Afghanistan, American troops, the Taliban, attacks? The transition to the rangers training, the officers, selection of men, the detailed exercises and tests? Transition from reality to science fiction, extraterrestrials, confrontations? The war of the worlds and the future?
3. Afghanistan, the two brothers, their bonding, coming to help, the Taliban attack, the brother killed, the other wounded, carrying him on his back? Hospital, medals? His feelings about the alleged heroism when he had collapsed?
4. The two brothers, the ambition to be Rangers? The older brother, joining, the interviews with the authorities, acceptance, 81, the others known by numerals? The details of the training, the issue of underwater and his potential drowning, a loner, not relating well with the other men, and the woman candidate?
5. The squad, the tests, the limits, eliminations, the reading out of numbers? The remainder? Proving themselves?
6. Sheridan and Torres, officers, their expectations, interviews with the men, the eliminations, the confrontations with 81? The discussions, the motivations, his being allowed to stay?
7. The setting up of the mission, 81 as leader, the various members of the squad, 7 and his character, interactions with 81? The different qualities of the other members of the troop? Leadership, talents, subordinate roles?
8. The test going wrong, the death of the backup troops, the weapons and blanks, dilemmas, leadership questions, particular talents, deaths?
9. The war machine, impenetrable, relentless, the attempts to disarmament, the continued efforts on the troop, the pursuits, 81, 7 and his wounds, carrying him, the pursuit down the river?
10. 81, his abilities, tough, discerning, the confrontations with the machine, finding the possibilities for destruction, the rocks, the system?
11. Eventually returning, with 7, 7 as personable, knowing the story about 81 and his brother?
12. The authorities, the world situation, the attack, some confidence with knowing how it was possible to destroy the war machines?

DANGEROUS ANIMALS

Australia, 2025, 98 minutes, Colour.

Jai Courtenay, Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Rob Carlton.

Directed by Sean Byrnes.

2025 sees the 50^th anniversary of the release of Jaws. And, so many Jaws-themed action films over the decades. And, here is another. And, while some of the dialogue does praise the importance of sharks in the whole life cycle of the oceans, it still offers plenty of frightening scenes of menacing and attacking sharks.

In the 1970s and 1980s, small budget Australian action shows which were intended to frighten and shock-tantalise audiences were considered as exploitation films, but the general name was Ozploitation. Dangerous Animals certainly fits into this category. There is a sense of menace all the way through. There is a psychopath central character, misogynist, targeting female tourists and abducting them, imprisoning them, filming them, finally his atrociously sadistic relish. (This last sentence has been written to indicate whether audiences really want to see this film on not.)

While, there are horror elements, and some gory moments, highlighted by pounding and reverberating chords, this one is not like the current range of slasher films. The story has some credibly incredible action sequences and horror, threats, dangers, grim deaths.

What makes the film better than most is the consistency of the tone, centred on Tucker, a fearsome and frightening performance from Jai Courtenay (and for film buffs of Australian films, looking and sounding like veteran Chris Haywood). He has his boat, he fishes, has some seedy friends, is so absorbed in his own world that he has a grossly distorted sense of reality and morality.

American actor, Hassie Harrison (in many episodes of television’s Yellowstone), is a tough-minded as well as physically strong surfer, Zephyr, who is caught by Tucker, but is continually defiant, physically defiant. The other central character is Moses, Josh Huuston (many episodes of televisions Heartbreak High), who, in reversal of traditional roles of men saving women, has to be saved by Zephyr.

There are many spectafular scenes of the Queensland coast as well as of the Gold Coast sea-front.

Of course, looking again at the title, while the sharks might be considered dangerous, the portrait of Tucker reminds us that humans are dangerous animals.

1. The title and expectations? Sharks as dangerous? Humans as dangerous animals?
2. The locations in Queensland, the Queensland coast, the ocean, the boats, on land, the Gold Coast, wharves and sheds? The musical score?
3. 50 years since Jaws? The many shark films over the decades? Sharks as dangerous, menace, attacking the humans?
4. The tourists to Queensland, Americans, British, the couple going to the boat, the encounter with Tucker, his reassurances, being lowered to observe the sharks, coming to the surface, friendly, Tucker killing him? Imprisoning Heather?
5. Tucker, his character, tough, seemingly genial, the shock of his killing the man, imprisoning Heather, taunting her, tying her up, food and drink, his plan, her suspended over the water, the sharks, filming, her fears, death? And his cupboard full of videos? Serial killer? Talking to himself, his commentary on his behaviour?
6. Zephyr, the tourist, her back story at home, surfing, her van, breaking down, the encounter with Moses, getting the lift, some attraction, together, the meal, the night together, her going off, Moses and the breakfast, following her?
7. The encounter with Tucker, her tough stances, his overpowering her, abducting her, in the cabin with Heather? The situation, the mutual support, Tucker and his visits, food and drink, taunts?
8. Zephyr and using her wits, breaking free, witnessing the death of Heather, the filming? Playing cat and mouse with Tucker?
9. Dave, friendship with Tucker, the encounter with Moses, coming aboard, friendly, Tucker killing him?
10. Moses, connecting with the police, his character, determination, the effect of Zephyr and the night? Tracking him down, the connections, Dave?
11. The buildup to the confrontation between Tucker, Moses and Zephyr? Moses taken, torture? Zephyr and her escaping? The nearby pleasure cruiser, not hearing the appeals?
12. Moses, his attempts to help, in the water, injuries, taunted by Tucker? Zephyr, using her wits, the escapes, recaptured, building up to the confrontation? And the ever-present sharks?
13. The heroine saving the hero? Tucker and his comeuppance, his death, surprise?
14. And a variation on shark menace films?

RUNT

Australia, 2024, 91 minutes, Colour.

Jai Courtney, Lily LaTorre, Matt Day, Jack Thompson, Deborah Mailman, Genevieve Lemon, Jack LaTorre, Celeste Barber, Joel Jackson, Sarah Roberts, Tom Budge.

Directed by John Sheedy.

Everybody loves Runt – well, everybody except the archvillain, Fergus Fink. Even those who might profess themselves as non-dog lovers are quickly on the side of Runt. He is a stray, mixed breed, chased around the town by the authorities and angry shopowners where he has nabbed some sausages. But, he is small, non-threatening, and often, as the Americans say, he is “cute”.

We are in a West Australian town in the middle of a long, long drought, threats to the farmers, threats to the economy, and the vain and greedy landowner with the significant pun in his name, Earl Robert-Barren, Jack Thompson enjoying himself playing most arrogant! We are in sympathy with dad, Joe Courtney, inheriting the land from his father, and grandfather, an inventor, and in sympathy with mum, Celeste Barber (very nice but a bit too often the target of complaint about the terrible pies she makes). And a lively gran is at home, Genevieve lemon.

But the focus is on the children, especially Annie, 10 years old, played very confidently by Lily LaTorre. She instantly bonds with Runt and he becomes part of the family. Also at home is her older brother, Max (played by Lily’s actual older brother Jack LaTorre) who videos all his action stunts building up an extraordinary fan following and providing some exciting moments as well is plot developments with his daring-do.

After establishing the family characters and their problems, attention turns to the local fair, especially a competition an Agility Course Championship involving a whole range of dogs speeding through quite a complex obstacle course. Enter the moustachioed villain, Fergus Fink (veteran Matt Day as we have never seen him before), moustachioed, glittering cape, histrionic and narcissistic performance, straight out of old-time pantomimes. Naturally, a great deal of rivalry, and a problem because Runt is unable to perform when anyone is watching. His whole focus is on Annie so no audience to see his victory. Of course, Runt winds, enabling Annie and Runt to go to the national championships, to the scorn of Fergus Fink and, again of course, his hostility and cheating. But the goal is to compete in London, Annie and Runt qualifying but the town rallying together to get enough money to pay the air fares in London accommodation.

With Matt Day and Jack Thompson providing pantomime villain action, the film is also something of a fairytale – especially a fairy godmother in the form of Deborah Mailman, a past champion, stepping in, with charm, to help Annie and Runt in their training.

By this stage all of us, non-dog-lovers included, are in for hope for Runt’s success and the downfall of Fergus Fink. No spoilers here – but it does not all turn out as we might have expected. The spoiler is, but really no spoiler at all, a very happy ending for everyone – and including rain!

An enjoyable film, from Western Australia, with characters who, in the old days, were called battlers as they tried to survive.

1. The title, the term, the underdog?
2. Western Australian setting, farms and drafts, the country town and life, atmosphere, homes, the sheep, homesteads, the dam, the dry river, drought atmosphere (and the final rains), dog trials, the transition to London, atmosphere, the competitiveness? The musical score?
3. The theme of the past, the Aussie battlers, making a living, exploitation by the wealthy, families keeping together?
4. The introduction to Runt, being chased around the town, stealing the sausages…? The meeting with Annie? Immediately bonding? Runt and his look, attractive, shy with people watching, dependent on Annie?
5. The family background, the father, the farmer, the inheritance from his grandfather and father, the inventions, rainmaking, his work with the sheep, the fences, but his interest in horticulture? The clash with Earl Robert Baron? Relationship with his wife, with Annie, with Max? His mother living with them? An engaging family? And the frequent jokes about the mother’s bad cooking and pies?
6. Max, his age, his derring-do, all the stunts, filming, the many followers on social media? Going up the tower, the grandfather’s rain making machine, failing – but the later success?
7. Grandmother, living at home, tough, supportive? The later meeting with Bernadette and their getting on?
8. The competition, the fair, the fairground and entertainment, again the jokes about the pies, the dogs, the introduction to Fergus Fink, pantomime character, pantomime villain, boastful, his dog, his put upon assistant? The competition? The hurdles for the dogs, the speed?
9. Annie, wanting to enter, with nobody watching, the time, winning? Fink’s reaction?
10. The visit with Bernadette, her past, with dogs, the advice, support, training?
11. The national trials, the prospect for London, Runt and the decision to have the eye shield, the reaction of Fink, his own display, the cheating? Stealing the shield?
12. Life in the town, the school, shops, the police, and everybody gathering to collect money to pay for the fares to London?
13. The trip to London, the poor accommodation, going to the competition, the crowds, the commentary, Runt, Fergus Fink? Runt and his being unwilling to run, the response of the crowd? The disappointment, and supporting Annie in front of the crowd, the response? Fink and his comeuppance?
14. The return home, the rain, the dam overflowing, the river filling, Earl Robert Baron and his comeuppance? The welcome home, Annie and the promotions, the father and his plans and growth?

SEMPER FI/ BROTHERS IN ARMS

US, 2019, 99 minutes, Colour.

Jai Courtney, Nat Wolff, Finn Wittrock, Arturo Castro, Beau Knapp, Leighton Meester, Jared Bankens.

Directed by Henry Alex Rubin.

The title is the motto for the Marines. There is an alternative title focusing on the camaraderie between male friends and in war.

The setting is 2005, an ordinary American town, an introduction to a group of friends at a bowling alley, enjoying themselves, creating a bit of mischief with the owner, but carrying on their lives. Their leader is Callahan played by Australian Jai Courtney. He is older than the others, responsible for his half brother, Oyster, Nat Wolff. We see glimpses of the life of the other friends and their relationships, the visit to a bar, flirting, a fight in the toilets and the unintended death of a young man.

The group is also a reservist group and is called up to go to fight in Iraq – some scenes there, fighting, deaths, and Callahan in a confrontation with an arguing Iraqi and his shooting him – and the impact for the rest of the film in his not being charged in any way, returning home, resuming his way of life.

Oyster is arrested for the death of the young man in the toilet, resentful towards Callahan, going to jail, attacked by the guards in jail, drugs planted in his cell, put in solitary. When Callahan comes to visit he is surly and refuses to communicate with him.

The effect of the war, his rough past, getting his life in order, becoming part of the police force, the impact of the experiences in Iraq have upset Callahan and he determines, after the failed visits to Oyster, to free him from jail and get him across the Canadian border. He draws on the friends to collaborate in the plan, one supplying surveillance machine but reluctant to help because of his wife and child. Callahan also consults a friend who is against the war but is a lawyer, getting information and advice from her.

There is tension on the scene where the bus with the prisons is attacked, confrontation for Callahan, Oyster and his escape. Callahan finally having some satisfaction in doing something for someone else, especially Oyster, in his life.

1. The original title? The motto of the Marines? The alternate title, military fraternity, relationships independence?
2. 2005, setting, the town, streets, bowling alley, homes, the military, the fort? Scenes in Iraq, the desert, military action, dead and wounded? Prison? The musical score?
3. The introduction to the brothers, their friendship, Callahan and his leadership, half-brother to Oyster, legal guardian, age and experience, the other friends, the episode at the bowling alley, competitiveness, friendship, the owner and his reaction, allowing them to play? The competitive running? The homes? At the bar, flirting with the girls? Oyster, wanting to buy the girls a drink, his rival, the fight in the toilets, the fatal injury to the man, his death?
4. Callahan, older than the others, role in the police, the reservists, going to camp, the exercises, Oyster unsettled, the fight, the domestic work? The clashes with his brother? Independence? The girls, the fight, Callahan seeking him out, his plan to escape the country, with the help of Snowball? Callahan confronting him, handing him over?
5. Oyster, his age, wilful, his book and plans to succeed, the arrest, his resentment, in prison, with the apples, the brutality of the guards, planting drugs, solitary? The visit by Callahan, his resistance? The buildup to the escape, Callahan’s speech about being substitute father, Oyster and his final response, crossing into Canada?
6. The friends, bowling alley, competitiveness, girlfriends, military reserve, their going to Iraq, the scenes of action, Callahan and his confronting the man about the bed, the protests of the man, his shooting him? There all returning home? The action taken against Callahan? The effect on him – or not?
7. The visits to Oyster, failure of communication, the decision to get him out, the discussions with the group, Jaeger and the loss of his leg, Milk collaborating, Snowball and his earnestness, Dwyer, his wife and child, opting out, giving the surveillance machine? Callahan, his determination, the discussions with Stacie, the past, her relationship with Jaeger, lawyer, against the war in Iraq, discussions about the penalty for abduction?
8. The abduction, the car, the prisoners in the bus, Jaeger at first missing, the tire, the bus careering, the signals to Callahan, the confrontation of the guard, the guard able to ring through for support, Callahan’s boss and his trying to persuade Callahan to give up, the rescue of Oyster, taking him to the border, his getting through? Callahan, driving, the opposite direction, finally caught?
9. The final moment, Callahan and what he did for Oyster, motivations, the law, responsibility, penalty, the future?