Angels of Chaos

Probably one of the best Aussie films displaying acting talent by all leads in this highly character driven B-grade low budget film. Matt Nable, Abbey Lee and Simone Kessell played their characters great, but the stand-out performance for me was Josh McConville as Knuck's brother.

Director Stephen McCallum did a fine job in his first full length feature film. Actor Matt Nable's 2nd writing credit was a great story (aside from a few minor plot issues), but the screenplay certainly needed some tweaking, but still well done for his 2nd attempt. The 92 min length was perfect and the pace was on point.

There certainly was room for improvement in this production, but for a low budget film, it showed really well, and held my attention throughout the entire film.

A well deserved 8/10 from me.

Outlaws is the most forgettable A24 films I've seen so far. The acting is good, but that's really the best I can say. This film drags horribly, there isn't really that much of a plot, and it's not engaging. The editing and the general flow is bothersome and it's really just a chore to get through. The screenplay is just all over the place, it doesn't have much of a focus, and it's not really cohesive. I rate Outlaws a 2/10.

No pun intended and you could also say Siblings of Anarchy, but of course in this case it is about brothers (in arms). The German title even going that route too and making it easy for people to associate it with Sons of Anarchy - very smart marketing wise.

Of course anything with biker gangs stands to be compared with the really amazing and succesful tv show. For those who haven't seen it, the movies might work a bit better. For those who have ... well they have seen in fights and other stuff in a broader and better fashion alltogether.

That being said and while this is rather male dominated, it has its standout females too. And they play a major role - like Abby Lee. As beautiful as ever, as dangerous as always. One may call her trouble - and one may not be too wrong. On the other hand, everyne has their motivation and moral anchor, so there is that. Which one will you attach yourself to?

Paddo is the Vice President of the Copperheads, a motorcycle gang. He has been running the gang while the President, Knuck, is in jail. Knuck is now out of jail and sets about re-asserting his authority, often in ruthless fashion. His treatment of Paddo's brother causes tensions between the two.

A film with heaps of potential. The background was interesting and the initial vibe reminded me of that superb Australian crime-drama Animal Kingdom. However, things quickly begin to unravel. Plot development is clumsy and characters are pretty badly drawn. Events seem to occur randomly and without explanation.

Making it all worse is the performances. Ryan Corr is okay as Paddo, as is Abbey Lee as Katrina, but just about every other actor/actress overacts. Worst of all is Josh McConville as Skink: cringingly bad and hammy in the extreme, the scenery is well and truly chewed by him.

*Warning, made with real bikers*

Very interesting film from this 2017 Tiff

Nice to see adventurous material like this at the festival and especially nice to have the writer/star at the screenings.

One of the truly innovative films that was also very worthwhile seeing. Low budget but made in the hometowns of the filmmakers.

Very pretty girl Abbey Lee, formerly Victoria's Secret cover girl, steals the show as a biker chic propelling her man into leadership of the gang (hence lady MacBeth).

6 is an good rating when compared to the truly masterful films at 2017 Tiff - I don't give 10s.