Duration: 119mins
Rated: M
Genre: Drama
Director: Brad Furman (The Take 2008)
If the opening song to a movie had to be an indication of what a film would be like, than the 1974 Bobby 'Blue' Bland track, 'Ain't No Love in The Heart of The City' said 'Sit back, relax, grab a glass of wine, sit in front of the open fire and chill out because this was one cool movie'. And indeed it was.
l saw this film with a friend at Gold Class (thanks for the ticket Libby and John) and it was a perfect setting. l could have burnt my shoes for the open fire effect but there would be too many consquences that would flow from that, the least of which would be l'd have no shoes to run away from the ushers with.
Reluctant as l was to watch Matthew McConaughey, l sucked it up and took the advice of my mentors David and Margaret that it would be ok. And more than ok it was.
The movie is based on a best selling novel by Michael Connelly and having not read the book, l can only guess people who have will hate the adaptation. l on the other hand had no preconceived ideas and therefore enjoyed it.
Cool Lawyer (Matthew), Slick Client (Ryan Philippe), Loyal Friend (William H Macy), Sexy Ex Wife (Marisa Tomei) and you have the formula you need to make an entertaining film.
Add this to your list of to see but under the category 'Not too heavy not too light'.
Friday, April 22, 2011
IN A BETTER WORLD
Dur: 118mins
Rated: MA
Genre: Drama
Director: Susanne Bier (Brothers 2004-American version released not long after the original, Things We Lost In The Fire 2007, After the Wedding 2006 which was nominated for Best Foreign Film but lost out to The Lives of Others, a very good film if you have not seen it), and many other films l have not mentioned.
l saw the preview of this film on At the Movies (my bible for all movies) and at once there was something about it that looked quite compelling. l was not to be dissappointed.
This movie slowly envelopes you into the lives of two families going through two very different emotional and trying times. You become witness to both the tragedies and hope of human beings as well as the evil and good of individuals. The movie is set mainly in Denmark and Africa where one of the main actors Mikael Persbrandt, playing Anton, a Doctor, works at a refugee camp for long stints at a time, taking him away from his estranged wife and two boys, one being Elias, Markus Rygaard. The other main character is Ulrich Thornsen playing Claus, the father to Christian, William Johnk Nielsen, who is coming to terms with the loss of his wife.
The two boys, Christian and Elias meet at school under unusual circumstances and it's the consquences that flow from that meeting which will captivate and haunt you.
The actors all round are great, the intensity, passion, sadness and strength that are showed in this film, make it compelling viewing. l hope you feel the same when you go to see it.
This film reminds you what films should be like and why we go. It was no surprise therefore to learn it was nominated for a 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won.
Rated: MA
Genre: Drama
Director: Susanne Bier (Brothers 2004-American version released not long after the original, Things We Lost In The Fire 2007, After the Wedding 2006 which was nominated for Best Foreign Film but lost out to The Lives of Others, a very good film if you have not seen it), and many other films l have not mentioned.
l saw the preview of this film on At the Movies (my bible for all movies) and at once there was something about it that looked quite compelling. l was not to be dissappointed.
This movie slowly envelopes you into the lives of two families going through two very different emotional and trying times. You become witness to both the tragedies and hope of human beings as well as the evil and good of individuals. The movie is set mainly in Denmark and Africa where one of the main actors Mikael Persbrandt, playing Anton, a Doctor, works at a refugee camp for long stints at a time, taking him away from his estranged wife and two boys, one being Elias, Markus Rygaard. The other main character is Ulrich Thornsen playing Claus, the father to Christian, William Johnk Nielsen, who is coming to terms with the loss of his wife.
The two boys, Christian and Elias meet at school under unusual circumstances and it's the consquences that flow from that meeting which will captivate and haunt you.
The actors all round are great, the intensity, passion, sadness and strength that are showed in this film, make it compelling viewing. l hope you feel the same when you go to see it.
This film reminds you what films should be like and why we go. It was no surprise therefore to learn it was nominated for a 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
DESPICABLE ME
Duration: 95 mins
Rated: PG
Genre: Family, Comedy, Animation
Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
Please note that as you read the following review it is from someone who cried in the Animation 'Up and Toy Story 3', ok, proceed.
You will not cry in this film it's not that sad, in fact it's not sad at all. Perhaps the above information was too much, nevermind.
Steve Carrell, the guy who played the lead actor in the 40 year old Virgin, the Uncle in Little Miss Sunshine and the boss in the Office, is the voice off Gru, a grumpy villian who had a bad childhood and has some sort of Russian accent. Gru could never please his mother, voiced by Julie Andrews and has been trying to please her ever since. Gru is a villian and until recent events was the number one villian in the world.
His status has been usurped by a young upstart who seems to have an endless supply of funds for his evil deeds, (Villians need money to conduct evil deeds so there is a villian bank just for them.)
Gru wants to reclaim his title but in order to do that, needs a piece of equipment that he must steal, which he does but then gets stolen from him by, yes, the upstart. Although he tries several ways to retrieve said equipment, he fails miserably until the 'light bulb' goes off and the solution to his problems comes in the form of three small children.
If you have small children they will like it. If you are a small child you will like it also. After two failed attempts (l must have silence when l watch a film, watching it with other children can be very annoying) l finally got to watch the whole film and it was worth it.
3 and half minions (will make more sense when you watch the film.)
Rated: PG
Genre: Family, Comedy, Animation
Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
Please note that as you read the following review it is from someone who cried in the Animation 'Up and Toy Story 3', ok, proceed.
You will not cry in this film it's not that sad, in fact it's not sad at all. Perhaps the above information was too much, nevermind.
Steve Carrell, the guy who played the lead actor in the 40 year old Virgin, the Uncle in Little Miss Sunshine and the boss in the Office, is the voice off Gru, a grumpy villian who had a bad childhood and has some sort of Russian accent. Gru could never please his mother, voiced by Julie Andrews and has been trying to please her ever since. Gru is a villian and until recent events was the number one villian in the world.
His status has been usurped by a young upstart who seems to have an endless supply of funds for his evil deeds, (Villians need money to conduct evil deeds so there is a villian bank just for them.)
Gru wants to reclaim his title but in order to do that, needs a piece of equipment that he must steal, which he does but then gets stolen from him by, yes, the upstart. Although he tries several ways to retrieve said equipment, he fails miserably until the 'light bulb' goes off and the solution to his problems comes in the form of three small children.
If you have small children they will like it. If you are a small child you will like it also. After two failed attempts (l must have silence when l watch a film, watching it with other children can be very annoying) l finally got to watch the whole film and it was worth it.
3 and half minions (will make more sense when you watch the film.)
CONVICTION
Duration: 107 mins
Rated: M
Genre: Biography, Drama
Director: Tony Goldwyn (A Walk on The Moon 1999, The Last Kiss 2006. You will know him better as the mean friend of Patrick Swayze in Ghost.)
l thought l would like this film more because it had all the ingrediants for a great cake. Good actors, amazing true story of one sisters love for her wrongly convicted brother and the amazing lengths she will go to to free him, however, it still comes out of the oven missing something. It felt like it went for too long and there were holes in the plot and plots that were never developed.
Hilary Swank playes Betty Anne, the sister to Sam Rockwells, Kenny Waters. The sacrifices she makes to get her brother out of jail are truly astonishing and you wonder if it were you would you do the same? The answer for me is probably not but l would try and get someone else to help my sibling and hope my story gets on 'Australian Story' and everyone would think l was great (yes l did say all that out loud.)
If it's the only option at the store, get it because my mother thought it was great (but then Dolores also likes Packed to the Rafters), best you be the judge.
Rated: M
Genre: Biography, Drama
Director: Tony Goldwyn (A Walk on The Moon 1999, The Last Kiss 2006. You will know him better as the mean friend of Patrick Swayze in Ghost.)
l thought l would like this film more because it had all the ingrediants for a great cake. Good actors, amazing true story of one sisters love for her wrongly convicted brother and the amazing lengths she will go to to free him, however, it still comes out of the oven missing something. It felt like it went for too long and there were holes in the plot and plots that were never developed.
Hilary Swank playes Betty Anne, the sister to Sam Rockwells, Kenny Waters. The sacrifices she makes to get her brother out of jail are truly astonishing and you wonder if it were you would you do the same? The answer for me is probably not but l would try and get someone else to help my sibling and hope my story gets on 'Australian Story' and everyone would think l was great (yes l did say all that out loud.)
If it's the only option at the store, get it because my mother thought it was great (but then Dolores also likes Packed to the Rafters), best you be the judge.
127 HOURS
Duration: 127 hours (just joking) 93 mins
Rated: MA
Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama, Thriller
Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
Number one lesson l learnt from 127 hours, if l were an adventurer and climbing rocks or exploring deserted areas for kicks is how l get my rocks off (pardon the pun) would be 'TELL SOMEONE WHERE I AM GOING!'. Number two lesson, 'Take swiss army knife with me at all times', oh wait l do that already.
You all know the True Story of Aron Ralson and his amazing escape at his own hand from a crevice at the Bluejohn Canyon, Utah. But what you don't know is how it wasn't the first thing Aron, played by James Franco, thought about when he did get trapped and surprisingly how long it finally took him to realise he had but one option left. As an audience, you are obviously aware of where the movie is going but even knowing that, you still become embroiled in this man's journey from agony to ecstasy. It'a a one man show and he fills the space.
Danny Boyle captures the moments of each passing minute brilliantly and James conveys the moments of being trapped and hopelessness beautifully. The scene where he reaches out for the warmth of the sun, of which he gets only 10 or so minutes a day is lovely yet sad.
l have spoken to some people about this movie and they are reluctant to see it because of 'That Scene', however don't let, what as l said earlier is a scene at the very end of the film, dissuade you from seeing another good Danny Boyle film and watching for yourself the strength of one individual.
Even though the movie is called 127 hours in the words of Alice Ryan, 4 yrs old, it really should be called '55 mins'.
Rated: MA
Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama, Thriller
Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
Number one lesson l learnt from 127 hours, if l were an adventurer and climbing rocks or exploring deserted areas for kicks is how l get my rocks off (pardon the pun) would be 'TELL SOMEONE WHERE I AM GOING!'. Number two lesson, 'Take swiss army knife with me at all times', oh wait l do that already.
You all know the True Story of Aron Ralson and his amazing escape at his own hand from a crevice at the Bluejohn Canyon, Utah. But what you don't know is how it wasn't the first thing Aron, played by James Franco, thought about when he did get trapped and surprisingly how long it finally took him to realise he had but one option left. As an audience, you are obviously aware of where the movie is going but even knowing that, you still become embroiled in this man's journey from agony to ecstasy. It'a a one man show and he fills the space.
Danny Boyle captures the moments of each passing minute brilliantly and James conveys the moments of being trapped and hopelessness beautifully. The scene where he reaches out for the warmth of the sun, of which he gets only 10 or so minutes a day is lovely yet sad.
l have spoken to some people about this movie and they are reluctant to see it because of 'That Scene', however don't let, what as l said earlier is a scene at the very end of the film, dissuade you from seeing another good Danny Boyle film and watching for yourself the strength of one individual.
Even though the movie is called 127 hours in the words of Alice Ryan, 4 yrs old, it really should be called '55 mins'.
Monday, March 14, 2011
THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
Duration:92 mins
Rated:M
Genre:Drama, History
Director:Richard Loncraine (My House in Umbria 2003, Wimbledon 2004, Firewall 2006, My One and Only 2009. Handful chosen only)
Michael Sheen (The Queen, Damned United) seems to have cornered the market on the only actor who can play former Prime Minister, Tony Blair. This time it is to portray the 'special relationship' Tony Blair had with the then 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton.
We all know how well Michael Sheen can take off Tony Blair but Dennis Quaid doesn't do a bad job of impersonating Bill Clinton.
This made for Television movie (originally screened in Britain on TV) captures a time in history when the two young leaders had the world at their feet and how they navigated politics across the globe. It also chronicles the time when one friend had to decide what to do while the other faced a personal scandal.
A special mention must be made about the actress who plays Hilary Clinton, Hope Davis she does a great job. You are reminded about the determination of this woman and how she was the first, first lady, to be subpoenaed in the 1996 Whitewater controversary. The first former first lady, to hold a Senatorial Seat for New York from 2001 to 2009 and who would become the first former first lady to be Secretary of State for the Obama administration. This is a woman you would not want to mess with and whom you would definitely want on your side.
It may not be a memorable movie but you won't be bored and the 92 mins is worth the ride.
Rated:M
Genre:Drama, History
Director:Richard Loncraine (My House in Umbria 2003, Wimbledon 2004, Firewall 2006, My One and Only 2009. Handful chosen only)
Michael Sheen (The Queen, Damned United) seems to have cornered the market on the only actor who can play former Prime Minister, Tony Blair. This time it is to portray the 'special relationship' Tony Blair had with the then 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton.
We all know how well Michael Sheen can take off Tony Blair but Dennis Quaid doesn't do a bad job of impersonating Bill Clinton.
This made for Television movie (originally screened in Britain on TV) captures a time in history when the two young leaders had the world at their feet and how they navigated politics across the globe. It also chronicles the time when one friend had to decide what to do while the other faced a personal scandal.
A special mention must be made about the actress who plays Hilary Clinton, Hope Davis she does a great job. You are reminded about the determination of this woman and how she was the first, first lady, to be subpoenaed in the 1996 Whitewater controversary. The first former first lady, to hold a Senatorial Seat for New York from 2001 to 2009 and who would become the first former first lady to be Secretary of State for the Obama administration. This is a woman you would not want to mess with and whom you would definitely want on your side.
It may not be a memorable movie but you won't be bored and the 92 mins is worth the ride.
THE KILLER INSIDE ME
Duration: 108 mins
Rated: MA
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Michael Winterbottom (9 Songs 2004, Welcome to Sarajevo 1997, 24 Hour Party People 2002, Butterfly Kiss 1995, Jude 1996, A Mighty Heart 2007, Genova 2008. Handful chosen only.)
l'm not sure about you but when l watch a violent film ala 'Quentin Tarantino' style, the violence is obvious, silly and inaffective emotionally. However the complete opposite rules apply to the two violent scenes in The Killer Inside Me, it is real, confronting and horrific. And yes you read correctly, only two scenes, however the power of those scenes is enough to make you think the whole film is full of violence. (Remember Silence of the Lambs. There were only two or three scenes that were actually violent the rest was implied.)
The movie is about a small town police officer, Lou Ford played by Casey Affleck and the consequences of a knock on the door of the local 'prostitute' Joyce played by Jessica Abla. Keep an eye out for Kate Hudson in a very different role.
Don't misunderstand my earlier comments as a negative take on the movie, it's a good flick (not so rapt in the ending) but be prepared for those two scenes because they ain't easy watching.
Rated: MA
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Michael Winterbottom (9 Songs 2004, Welcome to Sarajevo 1997, 24 Hour Party People 2002, Butterfly Kiss 1995, Jude 1996, A Mighty Heart 2007, Genova 2008. Handful chosen only.)
l'm not sure about you but when l watch a violent film ala 'Quentin Tarantino' style, the violence is obvious, silly and inaffective emotionally. However the complete opposite rules apply to the two violent scenes in The Killer Inside Me, it is real, confronting and horrific. And yes you read correctly, only two scenes, however the power of those scenes is enough to make you think the whole film is full of violence. (Remember Silence of the Lambs. There were only two or three scenes that were actually violent the rest was implied.)
The movie is about a small town police officer, Lou Ford played by Casey Affleck and the consequences of a knock on the door of the local 'prostitute' Joyce played by Jessica Abla. Keep an eye out for Kate Hudson in a very different role.
Don't misunderstand my earlier comments as a negative take on the movie, it's a good flick (not so rapt in the ending) but be prepared for those two scenes because they ain't easy watching.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)