SWITCHCast: film reviews, news and interviews

Charlie and Joel present a special episode of SWITCHCast, as they check out two of the biggest events in Australia's cinematic calendar! To celebrate the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival's full program announcement, we chat to the team behind the line-up, as well as one filmmaker whose film is showing at this year's Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.Melbourne International Film Festival 2021The 2021 Melbourne International Film Festival is back for its 69th year, bigger and better than ever! With a record 40 world premieres from 283 films both online and in cinemas, it’s exactly the kind of creative event Melbourne has been crying out for. With today’s program announcement, Joel is privileged to speak to MIFF programmer Kate Fitzpatrick.The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from the 5th to the 22nd August 2021. To check out the full program and to secure passes, head to www.miff.com.au. (https://www.miff.com.au)Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2021The annual Melbourne Documentary Film Festival is currently underway. It’s available Australia-wide online all July, and will be hitting Melbourne’s cinemas from the 21st to the 31st of July.The selection of films this year is wide and varied, with a sizeable selection of Australian titles - including ‘Mental as Everything’, a documentary delving into mental illness, while trying to dispel some of the myths surrounding it. Charlie sits down with the film's director and central figure, Damon Smith, to discuss.If this discussion raises any concerns for you, Lifeline is available 24/7. You can call 13 11 14 (tel:131114), or visit www.lifeline.org.au (https://www.lifeline.org.au).▸ Click here to read our reviews from the 2021 Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/mdff)▸ Click here to find out more about 'Mental as Everything'. (http://mdff.org.au/films/mental-as-everything)▸ To check out the full program and to secure passes, head to www.mdff.com.au. (https://www.mdff.org.au)Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com (https://maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com)Help support SWITCHIf you liked what you heard and want to support SWITCH - including bringing back SWITCHCast - please visit patreon.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.patreon.com/maketheswitchAU target=). Donations start at just one dollar a month, and your support helps keep our website running and allows us to bring you interviews like you’ve heard today, so we’d really appreciate you checking it out!The hoststwitter.com/Charlie_David (https://www.twitter.com/Charlie_David)twitter.com/Joel_Kal (https://www.twitter.com/Joel_Kal)For more episodeswww.SWITCHCast.com.au (http://www.SWITCHCast.com.au)

Charlie presents a special episode of SWITCHCast, with an interview with the Festival Director of the Sydney Film Festival, Nashen Moodley. SWITCHCast is privileged to get a sneak peek at the 2021 Sydney Film Festival, as the 22 teaser films for this year are announced.▸ More of Charlie's interview with Nashen Moodley (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/feature-sydney-film-festival-2021-festival-director-nashen-moodley-reveals-teaser-films)Sydney Film Festival 2021 Key Dates▸ Full line-up announced 21st July 2021▸ Festival runs 18th - 29th August 2021For more details on the teaser films and to secure passes, head to www.sff.org.au. (https://www.sff.org.au)Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com (https://maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com)Help support SWITCHIf you liked what you heard and want to support SWITCH - including bringing back SWITCHCast - please visit patreon.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.patreon.com/maketheswitchAU target=). Donations start at just one dollar a month, and your support helps keep our website running and allows us to bring you interviews like you’ve heard today, so we’d really appreciate you checking it out!The hosttwitter.com/Charlie_David (https://www.twitter.com/Charlie_David)For more episodeswww.SWITCHCast.com.au (http://www.SWITCHCast.com.au)

Charlie, Daniel Ashley and Joel are back for a special SWITCHCast episode to celebrate everything Oscars-related! There's surprise guest stars, giveaways, heated discussions - maybe even arguments - and so much more as we discuss the biggest movies from the past year!Best Picture Nominees▸ The Father (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-father-a-deeply-moving-look-at-mental-illness)▸ Judas and the Black Messiah (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-judas-and-the-black-messiah-revolutionary-true-story-of-the-black-panther-party-in-the-1960s)▸ Mank (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-mank-a-dazzling-damnation-of-the-hypocrisy-of-power)▸ Minari (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-minari-equal-parts-heartwarming-and-heartbreaking)▸ Nomadland (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-nomadland-the-extraordinary-chloe-zhao-delivers-another-american-classic)▸ Promising Young Woman (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-promising-young-woman-nice-guys-no-more)▸ Sound of Metal (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-promising-young-woman-nice-guys-no-more)▸ The Trial of the Chicago 7 (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/film/the-trial-of-the-chicago-7)Comps▸ We want to hear your Oscar winner picks too - we have a giveaway running right now. Go head-to-head with the SWITCH team for your chance to win big. If you correctly guess the most winners at this year’s Academy Awards, and beat our brains trust - you’ll score a massive prize pack! (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/oscars)Support SWITCHCastIf you’ve enjoyed today’s podcast and want to hear more from the SWITCH team, we’d really appreciate your support. We keep the site ad-free so you can focus on what’s important - our film reviews. So to keep SWITCHCast running and score some free stuff, head to patreon.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.patreon.com/maketheswitchAU) to find out how you can help!Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)youtube.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.youtube.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com (https://maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com)The hoststwitter.com/Charlie_David (https://www.twitter.com/Charlie_David)twitter.com/DanielLammin (https://www.twitter.com/DanielLammin)twitter.com/AshMatxx (https://www.twitter.com/AshMatxx)twitter.com/JoelKal (http://www.twitter.com/JoelKal)For more episodeswww.SWITCHCast.com.au (http://www.SWITCHCast.com.au)

Charlie, Jess, Daniel and Ashley deep dive into everything Oscars-related, from our verdict on the nominees to our opinions on all the controversies. Plus we’ll share our predictions on who’ll be walking away with a statue this year - and we’re offe...

Charlie, Jess, Daniel and Brent look at the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future - the SWITCH team has been feverishly compiling their top films of not just 2019, but the past decade! Now they're ready to share these tough decisions, and hear from you about your favourites.

Plus we’ll be looking ahead to 2020 to find out what’s on the horizon - from superhero epics to good-old-fashioned musicals to hidden indie gems, we’ll share SWITCH's most-anticipated films for the new year.News▸ 2019 has been a bit of a rough year for cinephiles, with true gems few and far between over the past 12 months. The SWITCH Team share their top five films of the year - with some surprising responses. (1:53)Click here to read the SWITCH team's entire list of the best films of 2019. (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/feature-the-best-of-2019-our-top-five-films-of-the-year)▸ It’s time to get nostalgic and cast our gaze back over the decade that’s been. 2010 to 2019 has been a period full of indie classics, raucous comedies, tear-jerking dramas and out-of-this-world sci-fi epics. So this is going to be a tough one - with so many movies to choose from, everyone’s sure to have varied opinions. (17:19)Click here to read the SWITCH team's entire list of the best films of the past decade. (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/feature-the-best-of-the-decade-celebrating-the-top-films-from-2010-to-2019)▸ It’s just a matter of days until the New Year is upon us, as well as a brand new slate of film releases. With 2020 offering the chance for a fresh start, there’s plenty due in cinemas for you to get excited about. You can already find reviews for a slew of upcoming films on our website, including 'Little Women' (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-little-women-a-21st-century-remake-but-does-it-cause-more-harm-than-good), '1917' (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-1917-sam-mendes-personal-war-story) and 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' - but what else is on the horizon? (33:54)Click here to read Daniel's complete list of the must-see films of 2020. (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/feature-most-anticipated-films-of-2020-must-see-movies-for-the-coming-year)Comps▸ We want to know your favourite film of 2019 and why! Did ‘Parasite’ get under your skin? Did you fall in love with ‘Marriage Story’? Was ‘Godzilla’ your king of the monsters? Whatever your opinion, we want to know your top flick and why - and in exchange, you could win a massive prize pack!Support SWITCHCastIf you’ve enjoyed today’s podcast and want to hear more from the SWITCH team, we’d really appreciate your support. We keep the site ad-free so you can focus on what’s important - our film reviews. So to keep SWITCHCast running and score some free stuff, head to patreon.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.patreon.com/maketheswitchAU) to find out how you can help!Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)youtube.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.youtube.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.

Charlie, Jess, Ashley and Lily review every single film hitting cinemas this Boxing Day! Plus the controversies at the SAG and Golden Globe Awards - and the one thing about Disney+ that's gotten the streaming service into hot water.Reviews▸ Jojo Rabbit (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-jojo-rabbit-taika-waititi-strikes-comedy-gold-again-with-adolf-hitler) (1:34)▸ Portrait of a Lady on Fire (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-portrait-of-a-lady-on-fire-a-perfect-film-on-the-language-of-desire) (7:00) ▸Jumanji: The Next Level (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-jumanji-the-next-level-adventure-sequel-is-serious-family-fun) (10:38)▸ Cats (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-cats-no-bad-kitty-no-one-is-the-jellicle-cat) (14:56) ▸ Sorry We Missed You (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-sorry-we-missed-you-an-incisive-look-at-the-struggle-against-debt) (19:42)▸ The Truth (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-truth-a-well-intentioned-trip-down-a-well-worn-path) (21:42)News▸ As 2019 comes to an end, it means one very exciting thing - awards season is just around the corner! But along with it comes controversies and problems. The Golden Globe nominations inspired a lot of confused looks - especially for the lack of females in the directing category for the second year in a row. (25:36)▸ Also on the awards front - critical darling ‘Parasite’ got a nod at the SAG awards for best ensemble cast - but why is it the first time an international film has entered the category in 21 years? (28:02)▸ One of the most exciting things to happen on the entertainment front in 2019 is the launch of Disney+. The new streaming service is packed with film and TV old and new - but Disney has copped a bit of flack after it was discovered certain unsavoury parts of movies have been removed. But should distributors be allowed to re-write history? (30:17)Comps▸ Win one of five family passes to see 'Jumanji: The Next Level' in cinemas (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-jumanji-the-next-level-an-epic-adventure-for-the-whole-family)▸ Win one of five double passes to see 'The Truth' in cinemas (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-the-truth-catherine-deneuve-and-juliette-binoche-team-up-for-the-first-time)▸ Win one of five double passes to see 'Sorry We Missed You' in cinemas (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-sorry-we-missed-you-ken-loachs-touching-family-drama)▸ Win one of five copies of 'Abominable' on Blu-ray (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-abominable-furry-friends-of-the-frozen-kind)Support SWITCHCastIf you’ve enjoyed today’s podcast and want to hear more from the SWITCH team, we’d really appreciate your support. We keep the site ad-free so you can focus on what’s important - our film reviews. So to keep SWITCHCast running and score some free stuff, head to patreon.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.patreon.com/maketheswitchAU) to find out how you can help!Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)youtube.

Charlie and Ashley present a special episode of SWITCHCast, with interviews with Travis Beard, the director of 'Rockabul', and the writer, director and star of 'Thunder Road', Jim Cummings.InterviewsTravis Beard is an Aussie who lived in Afghanistan for seven years. As a music lover, he was also fascinated by Kabul’s music culture - or lack of. Imagine your favourite genre - pop, rock, R&B, country - well, there’s a good chance it’s shunned there, and potentially punishable by death. Travis befriended a group of locals who formed District Unknown, Afghanistan’s first heavy metal band. He followed their growth, from their genuinely terrible first performance through to their international success - and that footage formed the documentary ‘Rockabul’. Charlie spoke to travis ahead of the film’s Australian release.▸ More of Charlie's interview with Travis (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/interview-rockabul-travis-beard-on-documenting-afghanistans-first-heavy-metal-band)▸ Read Charlie's review of 'Rockabul' (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-rockabul-changing-minds-through-music)▸ For more information on screenings and Q&A's, visit 'Rockabul's' Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RockabulTheFilm)Character studies on struggling male protagonists are a dime a dozen, but none in recent memory have captured the hearts of audiences quite like 'Thunder Road’. The film is a passion project for Jim Cummings, the film's writer, director and lead actor. Ashley spoke to Jim about the stress of single-handedly creating a feature film, and how he ended up befriending Bruce Springsteen along the way.▸ More of Ashley's interview with Jim (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/interview-thunder-road-one-on-one-with-actor-writer-director-jim-cummings)▸ Read Ashley's review of 'Thunder Road' (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-thunder-road-a-heartbreaking-ride)Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com (https://maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com)Help support SWITCHIf you liked what you heard and want to support SWITCH - including bringing back SWITCHCast - please visit patreon.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.patreon.com/maketheswitchAU target=). Donations start at just one dollar a month, and your support helps keep our website running and allows us to bring you interviews like you’ve heard today, so we’d really appreciate you checking it out!The hoststwitter.com/Charlie_David (https://www.twitter.com/Charlie_David)twitter.com/AshMatxx (http://www.twitter.com/AshMatxx)For more episodeswww.SWITCHCast.com.au (http://www.SWITCHCast.com.au)

Charlie, Jess and Daniel discuss the week's films, plus we lay shit on the single-worst thing that has ever happened in the history of cinema, ever.Reviews▸ The House With a Clock in Its Walls (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-house-with-a-clock-in-its-walls-a-potentially-fun-children-film-that-never-finds-its-rhythm) (0:32)▸ Ladies in Black (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-ladies-in-black-it-doesnt-have-the-goodes) (4:49) ▸ Johnny English Strikes Back (10:08)▸ Smallfoot (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-smallfoot-an-important-lesson-with-music-to-lead-the-way) (14:34) ▸ Ghosthunter (17:33)▸ I Am Paul Walker (18:53)Trailer Wrap▸ First Man (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/huddle/first-man) (21:00)News▸ If you want to piss off any reputable film buff, you just need to say two words - motion smoothing. It’s that function on your TV which smooths out the image to apparently make it look closer to real life, but just ends up making it look like a shitty video game. Well, purveyors of all things traditional, Christopher Nolan and Paul Thomas Anderson, are making it their mission to get audiences to grab their remotes and send this bullshit function to the pits of hell where it belongs. (25:06)Comps▸ Win one of five copies of 'Hereditary' on Blu-ray (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-hereditary-toni-collettes-chilling-horror)▸ Win one of five copies of 'Tully' on Blu-ray (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-tully-making-a-mother-of-charlize-theron)▸ Win one of five double passes to see 'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot' in cinemas (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-dont-worry-he-wont-get-far-on-foot-joaquin-phoenixs-dramatic-transformation)▸ Win one of five double passes to see 'McKellen: Playing the Part' in cinemas (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-mckellen-playing-the-part-the-personal-stories-and-thoughts-of-the-great-actor)▸ Win one of three 'All Saints' Collection 1 box sets (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-all-saints-collection-1-revisit-the-emotionally-charged-er-drama)Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com (https://maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com)The hoststwitter.com/Charlie_David (https://www.twitter.com/Charlie_David)twitter.com/MissJess_SWITCH (http://www.twitter.com/MissJess_SWITCH)twitter.com/DanielLammin (https://www.twitter.com/DanielLammin)For more episodeswww.SWITCHCast.com.au (http://www.SWITCHCast.com.au)

Charlie, Daniel and Jake discuss the week's films, plus tragedy for the sake of entertainment - should we be "enjoying" cinema which exploits historical atrocities?Reviews▸ The Predator (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-predator-another-kick-ass-franchise-bites-the-dust) (0:32)▸ Searching (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-searching-cinematic-social-media-fatigue) (8:01)▸ A Simple Favour (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-a-simple-favour-brazen-melodrama-proves-the-right-amount-of-flavoursome) (13:50)▸ Beast (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-beast-a-feral-study-of-love-repression-and-violence) (20:08)▸ Christopher Robin (22:41)▸ Teen Titans Go! To The Movies (23:47)▸ Won't You Be My Neighbour? (24:59)Trailer Wrap▸ Halloween (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/huddle/halloween) (26:12)News▸ There’s no end to films that are “based on a true story” - where real-life situations are turned into films for public enjoyment. While stories like ‘Schindler’s List’ and ‘12 Years a Slave’ were critically acclaimed, it poses the question - should we be entertaining ourselves with historical atrocities, and how soon is too soon? (30:01)Comps▸ Win one of five copies of 'Ideal Home' on Blu-ray (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-ideal-home-paul-rudd-and-steve-coogan-cook-up-a-comedic-storm)▸ Win one of five copies of 'This Is Us' Season 2 on DVD (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-this-is-us-season-2-every-family-has-a-story)Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com (https://maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com)The hoststwitter.com/Charlie_David (https://www.twitter.com/Charlie_David)twitter.com/DanielLammin (http://www.twitter.com/DanielLammin)twitter.com/JakeChatty (https://www.twitter.com/JakeChatty)Next week's episode▸ Reviews of 'The House with a Clock in its Walls', 'Ladies in Black', 'Smallfoot' and 'I Am Paul Walker'For more episodeswww.SWITCHCast.com.au (http://www.SWITCHCast.com.au)

Charlie, Jess and Jake discuss the week's films, plus the battle of the streaming services - can Netflix stand up to the newcomers, and is there enough room in the market for more players?Reviews▸ The Nun (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-nun-lacking-both-soul-and-scares) (0:28)▸ McQueen (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-mcqueen-a-stunning-meticulous-vision-of-a-conflicted-artist) (2:42)▸ You Were Never Really Here (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-you-were-never-really-here-brutal-yet-beautiful) (7:50)▸ The Miseducation of Cameron Post (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-miseducation-of-cameron-post-a-glimpse-into-a-rarely-explored-corner-of-darkness) (13:18)▸ Hearts Beat Loud (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-hearts-beat-loud-an-incomplete-medley) (17:34)▸ Juliet, Naked (22:30)▸ The Merger (26:37)▸ Wayne (28:02)Trailer Wrap▸ Bad Times at the El Royale (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/huddle/bad-times-at-the-el-royale) (29:07)News▸ There’s a hoard of new streaming services looming on the horizon, ready to compete with Netflix. The biggest contender seems to be Disney, who are preparing to launch their own platform at the end of 2019, with a huge catalog of content. Is there room for more on demand services on the market? And will this start to limit the content available on existing platforms? (33:51)Comps▸ Win one of five double passes to check out the Lavazza Italian Film Festival (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-lavazza-italian-film-festival-2018-the-passion-drama-romance-and-style-of-italian-cinema)▸ Win one of five double passes to see 'Beast' in cinemas (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-beast-a-sexy-thriller-inspired-by-real-life-events)▸ Win one of five copies of 'Cargo' on Blu-ray (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-cargo-martin-freemans-outback-zombie-apocalypse-tale)▸ Win one of five copies of 'The Cotton Club' on Blu-ray (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-the-cotton-club-francis-ford-coppolas-classic-gangster-film)▸ Win one of five copies of 'To Catch a Killer' on DVD (https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/win-to-catch-a-killer-the-spine-chilling-story-of-john-wayne-gacy-jr)Stay Up-To-Datefacebook.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.facebook.com/maketheswitchAU)twitter.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.twitter.com/maketheswitchAU)instagram.com/maketheswitchAU (https://www.instagram.com/maketheswitchAU)maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com (https://maketheswitchAU.tumblr.com)The hoststwitter.com/Charlie_David (https://www.twitter.com/Charlie_David)twitter.com/MissJess_SWITCH (http://www.twitter.com/MissJess_SWITCH)twitter.com/JakeChatty (https://www.twitter.com/JakeChatty)Next week's episode▸ Reviews of 'Searching', 'Beast' and 'The Predator'For more episodeswww.SWITCHCast.com.au (http://www.SWITCHCast.com.au)