John O'Shea Movies

Originally presented to an unsuspecting New Zealand public as the real deal, Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson's masterful mocumentary initially proved so convincing that unsuspecting viewers bought it hook, line, and sinker. A remarkably detailed look at the life of early filmmaker Colin McKenzie (Thomas Robins), the film traces the life of the young innovator as he makes incredible advances in the realm of cinema years before they are generally though to have occurred. From McKenzie's creation of the first "talkie" in 1908 (the first true sound feature is generally considered to be 1927's The Jazz Singer) to his creation of the first color film three short years later (which is generally considered to be 1922's The Toll of the Sea), the discovery of the remarkable advances made by him would forever change the face of film history. With Jackson himself providing commentary on the importance of the recent "discovery" of McKenzie's lost epic Salome -- which was preserved in a garden shed for nearly a century -- the significance of this "lost film" is further cemented by interviews with such notable film figures as Miramax's Harvey Weinstein and film critic Leonard Maltin. As McKenzie's rise and eventual downfall is documented through the use of newspaper articles, still images, and rare behind-the-scenes footage of Salome, the viewer is drawn into a remarkably staged ruse that is so effectively executed that it even includes interviews with McKenzie's "wife," Hannah (Beatrice Ashton). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Seven years in production, this informative and thought-provoking study brings together the relationship between plant genetics, plant source material in Third World countries, and the manipulation of plant genes by U.S. and European scientists for the betterment of crop production and quality. Director Barry Barclay and Irish-born plant geneticist Erna Bennett argue that the industrialized countries have a moral and ethical obligation to make sure the "fruit" of their research helps the countries that supplied them with the materials in the first place -- and not just their own wealthy nations. One of the examples given is Nicaragua, where improved maize plants developed from resources taken out of that country in the 1960s have never been given back to the Nicaraguan farmer -- in this case, because of the U.S. embargo.
~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Pictures is an expansive biopic about pioneer photographers Walter and Alfred Burton. Through the eyes of the ubiquitous Burton brothers, we are treated to the history of New Zealand's colonial era. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Slated to testify against THRUSH's top executioner, April hides out in the gloomy old English mansion recently inherited by her fellow agent Mark. According to the local inhabitants, the estate is haunted -- and indeed, Mark finds himself battling what seems to be an extremely hostile ghost. The calculatedly sinister guest cast includes Estelle Winwood as Lady Bramwich, Edward Ashley as Beaumont, Arthur Malet as Treacle the Butler, and Barry Macollum as "The Face." Written by John O'Shea and Arthur Rowe, "The Kooky Spooky Affair" originally aired on April 11, 1967, as the final episode of The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

An out-of-work drummer (Gary Wallace) seeks to join up with a rock band in this teen drama with plenty of pop music provided by Patrick Flynn. Australian and New Zealand heartthrob Howard Morrison also croons some tunes in this routine feature. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

A teenager (Colin Bradley) leaves home after a disagreement in this low-budget adventure drama. The boy hits the road and is last seen climbing in the treacherous Southern Alps. The film is significant because it is the first locally produced New Zealand film in 12 years. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi