5 Years of planning, 20 Million dollars
MONEY MOVERS
Based on the book 'The Money Movers' by Devon Minchin, and a story based on two real-life events, Money Movers tells the story of Eric Jackson (played by Terence Donovan) who convinces his hothead younger brother Brian (Bryan Brown) to join him in planning and executing an intricate inside job under the noses of their unwitting bosses. Crime, violence and espionage ensue as Eric gets more than he bargained for, but with 5 years of planning and a mob boss breathing down his neck, there's no backing out now.
To put it simply, Money Movers is brilliant... Bruce Beresford shines in his direction. Though not being his most notable or recognizable project in his filmography, Money Movers is certainly his most impressive foray into the Thriller genre.
The film excels at adapting its source material and then some. Having an already existing framework for Beresford to work with clearly helps hone in the true crime elements portrayed in the plot. A story slowly building itself up to a fantastic and jaw dropping final half hour that literally had me leaning in closer to the TV from sheer suspense.
Terence Donovan nails his role as a scheming, almost emotionless professional criminal and with that pushes his character into something else entirely. A selfish, greedy psychopath that you can't help root for whilst wanting him to be gunned down at the same time. Each character feels so unique and detrimental to the plot as each one slowly intertwines with each other (mostly with Jackson) and for it to all come to a final tense conclusion with each one present and accounted for in the final act is incredibly impressive and well written.
The squibs, oh my lord the squibs! The first taste of them is magic and quite shocking to say the least. Did I make the mistake of going into this film expecting a tame Australian drama/thriller? Yes. Was I wrong to do so? Criminally. And the best part is the Beresford and co. don't let them outstay their welcome. The violence is so well crafted into the story that each part of it feels so real and impactful. That poor pinky toe, my god.
As for the visual aspect and restoration, both merge into one big smorgasbord of crisp grime. In a first time on blu-ray 4K restoration, Don McAlpine's grimy, almost euro-crime cinematography blossoms. Though in some instances feeling flat and low budget, most shots look fantastic and as the film progresses the camera feels more agile and fast paced until finally coming to a standstill after the 'finale'.
In regards to the actual disc itself, Umbrella Entertainment know exactly what they're doing. Video is at 1080p HD with a juicy 4K Master. Nice grain and texture respectfully still present. Audio is at 5.1 and also at 2.0 DTS-HD-MA. I gave 2.0 a shot and honestly preferred the mixing, especially when referring to the dialogue, which is as crystal clear as can be. Special Features are small in number but each supplement packs a punch, but I'll get into that later, and in terms of packaging, the Blu-Ray (as of writing this review) comes with a high quality, semi-gloss slipcover, and as a fantastic bonus, a comic adaptation. Always happy that Umbrella put in the extra effort with their packaging and no one does it better in Australia.
In summary, Money Movers is a must-watch and if you're into true crime, heist oriented plots, or even good old fashioned Aussie union meetings, you're going to be sweating profusely at the films climax.
SPECIFICATIONS
Directed by: Bruce Beresford
Starring: Terence Donovan, Bryan Brown, Charles Tingwell, Candy Raymond, Tony Bonner, Ed Devereaux
1978 / 93 min / 16:9 / 5.1 & 2.0 DTS-HD MA
No. of discs: 1
Region: ALL
Format: 1080P
Colour: COLOUR
Languages: English
Subtitles: English HOH
Release Date: 03 Aug 2022
Additional Info:
- EXCLUSIVE! 2022 Round-table discussion with director Bruce Beresford and cast members Terence Donovan and Tony Bonner moderated by Paul Harris.
- EXCLUSIVE! 2022 interview with producer Matt Carroll.
- COUNT YOUR TOES 2004 making of featurette with Bruce Beresford, Bryan Brown, Terence Donovan, Tony Bonner and Candy Raymond.
- Bruce Beresford Aussie trailer collection
- Stills and poster gallery
- Theatrical trailer
- International trailer
SPECIAL FEATURES
This disc includes a 2022 Roundtable discussion with director Bruce Beresford and cast members Terence Donovan and Tony Bonner moderated by Paul Harris (exclusive to Umbrella Entertainment's release), and it provides an interesting in-depth analysis via the director and actors looking back on the film, moderated by Paul Harris. A 2022 interview with producer Matt Carroll is another exclusive bonus feature on the umbrella disc, and though not as insightful as the round-table, still an easily digestible bite into the production of the film. 'Cou8nt Your Toes' a 2004 making of featurette with Bruce Beresford, Bryan Brown, Terence Donovan, Tony Bonner and Candy Raymond, present on the previous Umbrella DVD and now ported over the the blu-ray, tackles more topics and discourse around the film with the director and actors (26 years later). Bruce Beresford Trailer collection, stills and poster gallery and both Theatrical and International trailer are as usual a nice addition. Most notable with this release comes a great world-first comic adaptation of the film courtesy of DarkOZ, with some incredibly impressive artwork. So now we have an adaptation... adapted from an adaptation!
ADDITIONAL UMBRELLA ENTERTAINMENT INFORMATION
For the first time on blu-ray using a restored 4K master.
This 70's Australian fast-paced heist thriller will keep you on your toes and if you're lucky, you might get to keep them.
The counting-house at "Darcey's Security Services" is a fortress. Security is intense and any would-be-robbers have little hope...unless they get "inside" help. MONEY MOVERS is a fast-moving, ultra-violent telling of Australia's biggest and bloodiest armed robbery - the theft of $20 million from a payroll counting office.Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bruce Beresford (Breaker Morant, The Club) and boasting a top-notch Aussie cast including Bryan Brown, Charles (Bud) Tingwell, Tony Bonner, Ed Devereaux and Terrence Donovan, MONEY MOVERS "delivers an intriguing plot and hair-raising suspense with incredible pace and ferocity. A combination that thriller addicts cannot afford to miss!" (MOVIE NEWS).
You can order the Blu-Ray via the link below;
https://shop.umbrellaent.com.au/products/money-movers-ozploitation-classics-17-blu-ray-1978?_pos=2&_sid=3d4421811&_ss=r
Reviewed and edited by Joel Brady