Rebel Penfold-Russell Movies

A woman finally gets to share some quality time with her mother after mom has passed on in this supernatural comic fantasy. Nat (C. Thomas Howell) is a self-help guru and internationally known motivational speaker who is launching a new crusade in Singapore when Catherine (Anna Lise Phillips), who is both Nat's girlfriend and one of his most trusted aides, gets word that her mother has passed away. Catherine and her mother Katya were never as close as she wished; Katya was something of a free spirit who was more interested in pursuing her own goals rather than keeping a close watch over her children. Distraught, Catherine returns home to make a startling discovery -- the spirit of her mother Katya (Anne Looby) has returned to Earth, though only Catherine can see or hear her. Looking 36 years old and dressed in mid-'50s haute couture, Katya's ghost has decided to make up for the time she lost on Earth by following Catherine's every move and offering unsolicited advice whenever possible, which soon has the already nervous Catherine hovering on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Willfull received its American premiere at the 2001 Seattle Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Pop star Phil Collins abandoned his usually sunny persona for a more sinister role in this unusual comedy thriller from Australia. Jonathan Wheats (Hugo Weaving) and his best friend Michael Allen (Peter Mochrie) have a fondness for pranks and a childish sense of humor that is a frequent source of aggravation for his wife Beth (Josephine Byrnes). One night, Beth arrives home in the midst of a robbery. She impulsively grabs a crossbow and kills the masked intruder, who appears to be Michael. While the law clears Beth in what is judged to be an accidental death, Jonathan files the claim on the stolen property including a silver cutlery set. But the insurance company sends out Roland Copping (Collins) to investigate the crime; Copping has a strange kind of wit to rival Jonathan's, as well as a bitter and vengeful streak against the couple who he feels are trying to cheat him. Frauds was the debut feature for writer and director Stephan Elliott, whose next film would be the international hit The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi