Penguin Bloom
In the 100th episode of Popcorn Podcast, Leigh and Tim discuss Penguin Bloom – a moving Australian film about hope and healing starring Naomi Watts as Sam Bloom. Plus, who will headline the Willy Wonka prequel? And there's more movement across the 2021 release schedule.
Find an edited extract of this episode below. Listen to the full episode above and subscribe using your preferred link
PENGUIN BLOOM MOVIE REVIEW
Leigh: In Australia – let's explain a little bit for our international listeners – in Australia, magpies are generally a nuisance. They're very territorial. They sweep at you. It's no mean feat to get an audience to connect with this bird. I think they've done a really good job with that in Penguin Bloom.
Tim: Yes, in springtime in Australia you have to be very careful when walking under certain trees in known areas and parks because magpies – they're out to get you! But it’s no mean feat, absolutely. But boy, I really connected with the performance that Penguin gave – be it through real birds, the animatronics or the minimal CGI that they used. And it was interesting that I felt so connected to her. How did you feel? Were you in love with the magpie?
Leigh: Oh, totally. Anything with animals provokes a strong emotional reaction in me. I had a few tears during the movie because of that. You get really invested, not just in Sam Bloom's story, but in Penguin’s story, too.
Tim: It was also interesting to see a magpie behave in that way. It just went to show the beautiful connection that animals and humans can have even in the most unique circumstances, like a magpie that’s not really known for being affectionate, but hops on your head and pinches your tea bags out of your teacups, like Penguin did for Sam.
MOVIE NEWS
– WB Pictures greenlight Wonka, a prequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Who is in the running for the lead role?
– Sony and Universal delay more movies, including Cinderella, Nobody, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Unchartered
– More on Bios, the sci-fi movie starring Tom Hanks
