Genres – Page 5 – NZ Film Freak

American Graffiti

Director: George Lucas
Writer: George Lucas, Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck
Released: 1973
Featuring: Richard Dreyfuss, Ronny Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charlie Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Cindy Williams and Wolfman Jack
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This movie nearly didn’t get made. Boy, am I glad it was. This is in my top five movies – at least!

American Graffiti is the colourful account of the final night of high school for a group of students who go out cruising, attend ‘the hop’ and hang at the drive-in dina.

It’s not only an incredibly entertaining film, it’s also the most accurate documentation of what the sixties were all about.

This movie makes me upset because it makes me mourn the spectacular sixties. As mentioned in Midnight in Paris, it’s “Golden Age Thinking” – the thought that I’d be happier in another time. And boy does American Graffiti do that; it hits me right in the feels.

“The erroneous notion that a different time period was better than the one, one’s living in.” – Midnight in Paris

The music frequently takes centre stage with classics from the rise of the The Beach Boys, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry and a whole lot more. It’s the wall-to-wall rock ‘n’ roll hits that makes this movie so recognisable and exciting.

Of course with music comes radio, and its influence on the culture is seen. Wolfman Jack is the most popular radio host among the teenagers, who is looked up to and even sought out especially for personal advice. His charisma and unique material captures the infatuated listeners as his frequency hits almost every car in town.

If the music isn’t enough to paint the picture of the sixties, the cars and fashion are! I adore the cruising culture in this film. Unlike today’s cars of bland silver Toyotas with a monotonous tone, this film has the gorgeous cars of the 50s and 60s – all bright colours with personality.

In American Graffiti, it’s clear that everybody’s car is an extension of the driver’s personality, which seems a special trait of the sixties.

Based in one night – the final night of high school. Every kind of graduate is shown:

The cool guy John Milner (Paul Le Mat)
The nerd Terry Fields (Charles Martin Smith)
The scholar Curt Henderson (Richard Dreyfus)
The naive Carol (Mackenzie Phillips)
The Highschool Sweethearts Steve Bolander (Ron Howard) and Laurie Henderson (Cindy Williams).

Now, although it all seems like a typical stereotyped high school drama, believe me when I tell you that it isn’t. Perhaps it’s just the time

difference, but every character seems so real! Not stereotyped, but flawed, and all have their own problems and aspirations.

I can so relate to Curt – who wants to leave town and everyone in it, but I’m so drawn to Carol – the totally naive girl who can’t grow up fast enough.

The simplicity of the movie reflects the simplicity of the time. It is not boring; it’s relatable. As George Lucas said himself; “it’s filmed documentary style” which is why it’s a film that stands out.

I could drool over and talk about this film all day; I’m watching the behind the scenes doco for the third time right now!

Jodie’s rating: 9.5/10

Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 film poster Directors: Don Hall and Chris Williams
Writers: Jordan Roberts, Dan Gerson and Robert L. Baird
Released: November 2014
Featuring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodrigeuz, James Cromwell and Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids)
—

2015’s new year animated film, Big Hero 6, is a perfectly adequate gate-way film to the Superhero genre.

It’s about an orphaned boy – because it would unravel the very fabric of the space-time continuum and destroy the entire universe (BttF2) if it was a hero who had parents.

This orphaned boy is called Hiro, and his brother made a robot, who is essentially a nurse, named Baymax.

Big Hero 6 film poster Anyway, one thing leads to another and Hiro has to get a super team together to catch the bad guy. The rest, I’m sure, you will be able to figure out.

The first half was typical Walt Disney: fun, whimsical with a dash of the warm and fuzzies. We had laugh-out-loud moments and knee-slapping scenes.

But by the time we got half way in, it was such a cookie-cutter, colour-by-numbers superhero film. The storyline was so obvious, and they had forgotten to make us laugh.

There’s a flying scene in it, which I’m certain was developed purely because they released a 3d version. Personally, I wouldn’t spend the extra dosh. It wasn’t that great of a scene.

Also, the city they’re in is San Francisco blended with Tokyo. They called it ‘San Fransokyo’. Which I think is STUPID. They should call it ‘San Tan Frokyo’ to ensure even distribution of both city names.

It’s better than Wreck-It Ralph and The Lego Movie, but not as good as How to Train Your Dragon or Megamind.

It’s one of the better children’s movies, but not the coolest. It’ll certainly encourage kids to go to university to become inventors though.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

Back to the Future’s Prediction of 2015

Flux capacitor in Back to the Future movie 2015 My fellow time travellers and time travel enthusiasts! ’tis 2015 – the year that Back to the Future 2 predicted and depicted!

Before I begin, I would like to make it clear, in the defence of Back to the Future‘s creators, that the 2015 shown is merely a possible future. In the same film, we see how easily it can be changed. Therefore, perhaps their prediction is totally accurate, just not the reality that came to be.

Now, I know there are many angry fans who are aware of the lack of hover boards and flying cars. But don’t get fangry. I’m sure we’ll get what we were promised. One day.

In the movie, they showed October 21st, 2015. So we do still have some time up our sleeves to make all our dreams come true. But let’s see how accurate they have been so far…

They got these right:

Phones in our glasses
We have Google Glass.

Self-service
Just as Marty ordered a Pepsi at the cafe via a screen, we have self-service check-outs in many of our supermarkets.
(Axing minimum wage jobs for your convenience.)

Voice-activated devices
We have voice activated phones and Xboxes.

Thumb print plates
They exist. No jokes. I wouldn’t be surprised if they catch on to residential use soon.

Video calling
We have Skype. Also, I noticed that, like Facebook, the video call showed details of the caller including their likes and dislikes.

Drones
I’m not sure what they are called in the movie, but they are seen documenting Griff’s hover board crash. Today the police force use drones, at least in the US.

Home automation systems
They are actually here. You can link the system to your smart tablet, meaning you can adjust the temperature and turn on devices remotely – even from work. Voice controlled systems are also available.

3d holographic adverts
Now, this one is on the fence for me. We have been able to create Michael Jackson as a hologram on stage, but what about an almost interactive one in broad daylight… What do you reckon?

Although, I feel like we’ll still be waiting a few more years for these developments:

Hover boards
Man, I am so bummed-out about this. I have seen a spoof featuring Tony Hawk, despite fooling many (including me), it is in fact fake. Hover boards do not exist, bar a magnetic one that hovers a few inches for 7 minutes, but obviously confined to metal floors.

Flying cars
I reckon the Google driverless cars will replace the automobile of today before we even begin to think about making them fly. Like in I, Robot.

Gardens in the kitchen
Smart idea! Keeping fruit and vegies ripe by growing them in a machine above the dinner table.

Auto-serving Pepsi
Beverages rising from the centre of the table on command. I’m not sure if I really see this coming any time soon… What’s the benefit?

Cycling while eating
We’re way too lazy to be doing this sort of shenanigans.

Hydrating pizza machine
In goes the small, dehydrated pizza, and within seconds, out comes a big, juicy hydrated one. I know everyone is praying for this to arrive. One day, folks. One day. Although, we are 3d printing food. So, perhaps we’re not far off at all.

Weather service
Controllable weather. Despite theories that a US army funded project, HAARP, was capable of moifying weather patterns, this is not something that is openly a part of 2015.

Lawyers are abolished
A corrupt government that removed power and justice from the people? Or getting rid of one of the least trusted occupations?

Self-walking dog leads
This has to be a thing one day. Most people want a dog, not everyone wants to exercise them in all weather. In fact, it’s probably a drone. So you could say this has basically been invented..?

Moving rubbish bins
A handy invention!

Some things have accurately remained the same:

Newspapers
Despite most of us reading news online, and despite the physical paper’s decrease in thickness, newspapers still exist. Specifically USA Today, which was shown in the film.

Fax machines
We certainly don’t rely on fax machines as much as the film thought we would. But they are still in operation, nevertheless.

Dogs
Owning pets. We haven’t been put off by the cost, stained carpets or aggravation they bring..

As a side-note, here are the fashion trends in the film that will probably only ever be replicated at sci-fi themed dress-up parties:

Inside-out pants
Self-adjusting jackets
Self-drying vests
Self-lacing shoes
I lie! Nike is developing these shoes as I type! Transparent ties
Weird hats
Vests that make sound effects
Wearing two ties at once

However, wearing colourful, high-waisted skirts with cropped tops are in, as predicted.

Despite this over-analysis and nit-picking, I love Back to the Future. It is my favourite trilogy. I hope more time-travel themed movies continue to be made, to ensure the continuation of fangry sci-fi fans, and blog posts like this one.

Let me know your thoughts!

Jodie.

Julie & Julia

Julie and Julia film poster Director: Nora Ephron
Writer: Julie Powell, Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme. Screenplay by Nora Ephron
Released: August 2009
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond and Jane Lynch
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I can NOT believe I haven’t reviewed this! I was so certain I had because this movie was the inspiration behind me starting this very blog!

Julie and Julia film - scene with Meryl Streep So! Julie & Julia, it is a typical rom-com drama, with a twist! The twist being the gorgeous, wonderful, classic Meryl Streep.

It follows two story lines – both of them based on true stories:

One is about Julia Child (Meryl Streep), an American living in France during the 40s. (That means trilling accents and beautiful dresses). She is struggling to adapt to French culture, so we follow how her love of food provided a comfort, and her plans to write a cookbook.

The second story is of Julie Powell (Amy Adams) in the modern day, a government worker by day who starts a cooking blog as an outlet. She uses Child’s cookbook as a guide: 524 recipes in 365 days.

(But if you look hard enough, you’ll find edits of Julie & Julia online without Julie Powell’s storyline at all!)

The intertwining stories mirror each other. Despite being worlds apart, Julie and Julia have much in common. Their love of food, and their journeys to become ‘unlost’ is the main point. However, their strong, supportive husbands is the other. (Julia’s husband Paul is played by the wonderful Stanley Tucci. I love him.)

My favourite person is Meryl Streep’s character. I’d love to have her as a best friend. She is so forgiving, embracing, loud, positive and reminds me of Beatrix Potter’s Jemima Puddle-Duck.

And what a gorgeously charasmatic person Julia Child really was! Meryl Streep impersonated her perfectly!

Julia makes me titter to the point of chortling in this movie. The way she speaks is like she’s stretching and kneading her words on her tongue. Goodness! I’m a poet.

Julia’s sister: From the beginning, you just don’t fit in. Literally. So then you don’t!

Now, I am not a foodie. I don’t enjoy food. I don’t look forward to meals. I don’t like cooking… I eat toasted sandwiches. Julie and Julia - scene with Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci And microwavable things. So, the fact that this is a story about cooking is not attractive to me.

I hate how noisy this film is. Every smack of their lips, every slurp and slap. It makes me cringe. Nevertheless, after every viewing I become starving, and crave things my eight-year-strong vegetarian diet strongly forbids.

Paul: What is it that you really like to do?
Julia: Eat. It’s what I like to do!
Paul: I know, I know, I know. And you’re so good at it! Look at you!
Julia: I am good at it… I’m growing right in front of you!

But ultimately, I love this movie. I love the relationship of Julia and Paul Child, and Julie’s courage to not only begin a blog, but to stick with it.

I think it’s the lovable characters and inspirational passion that I love about this film.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

Her

joaquin phoenix in Her film poster
Director: Spike Jonze
Writer: Spike Jonze
Released: October, 2013
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde and Scarlett Johansson
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(Prepare to see a lot of screen grabs with quotes from this film around. The script is so poetic.)

Her is a sci-fi romance, drama hybrid that premiered at the 2013 New York Film Festival.

It’s set in the near future where rather than keeping one’s head down – staring at a phone screen – people now have an ear piece that respond to voice commands.

joaquin phoenix in Her film The operational system – or OS – that performs the requests now have personalities, and for all intense and purposes, are a personal assistant with feelings and emotions equal in complexity to humans.

This new update is something that the main character, melancholy and lonely Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), becomes immediately interested in.

By day, Theodore is a professional personal letter writer, which is an occupation where people who feel unable or unwilling to compose heart-felt and genuine letters to loved ones pay letter writers like Theodore to do so on their behalf.

joaquin phoenix in Her film (I’m really hoping this job gets invented soon. I’d be on that like white on RICE!)

I think his job is an example of how emotionally distant we are becoming as technology becomes the middle-man in human interactions.

It’s also the perfect job for this introverted character, who clearly expresses his emotions best when done so indirectly. I think this is a characteristic that allowed him to get so attached to his personalised OS, named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson).

Before long, Samantha and Theodore have bonded and their relationship grows.

Considering Samantha isn’t a physical character yet still a main character in the movie, Her is fantastically written and shot.

Amy Adams - Her movie OS/human relationships become a common phenomenon, and certainly makes the viewer question what makes a relationship, and what love is.

If you think about it, meeting people online was frowned upon not too long ago. I think the OS relationship story parallels the shift in society’s thinking about online relationships.

Or, a colder interpretation of this story is how we are avoiding personal relationships by hiding behind screens all the time. Where people are ‘being in love with their lap top or phone’. But I don’t think this is the writer’s ambition, according interviews I’ve seen.

I found Her a really thought-provoking film. I enjoy movies that focus on characters, human behaviour and social development, and I think this is quite an accurate depiction of what the future could look like.

Her is an interesting insight into the future of romantic relationships, an interesting reflection on what relationships fundamentally are, what the most important components are, and what the common obstacles are.

It’s a fascinating and compelling analysis of the human heart and its complexities.

Sorry, I know I’m babbling on – I could say a lot more – but my final point is about the clothes. I bet this is accurate of what we will wear in the future. No silver jump suits, but a mix of old fashioned pants and bold shirts.

Oh wait! This is my final point: the music by Arcade Fire is AMAZING.

Her may be a little too abstract or boring for some watchers. But I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Young Adult

Director: Jason Reitman
Writer: Diablo Cody
Released: December 2011
Starring: Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser and Collette Wolfe
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Another classic Diablo Cody script! I love the dialogue she writes for characters who are (for lack of a better word) ‘real’. Jason Reitman is the director of this comedy-drama, who is responsible for the likes of Juno and Up in the Air.

Young Adult is about a ghost writer, Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron), who returns to her home town to try and get back with an old flame, Buddy. Buddy, however, is married and has just had a baby and is in no way interested in what Mavis is so obviously implying.

Mavis’ mum: That new baby of his is just darling.
Mavis: Have you seen it? …up close?

Her pessimistic and delusional outlook is something that [unfortunately] I love about her. She is rude, aloof and doesn’t care what people think of her.

Her language is just great though. The way she talks about marriage and children is like she’s talking about a disease that needs to be avoided. Mavis tells Buddy that ‘we can beat this thing together’ referring to his family. I’m tickled by that. This really isn’t a typical comedy at all.

Thankfully, during her crisis, Mavis meets a guy who she also used to go to high school with, Matt (Patton Oswalt).

Matt was severely attacked during high school resulting in him being disabled. But they bond over hating the same things. Mavis projects her hatred outwardly, and Matt eventually realises he has nothing to lose by expressing his anger around her too.

Mavis is such a lost soul though. She tortures herself by forever reminiscing about her high school days, when she was popular. It doesn’t help that she writes a ‘young adult’ series about popularity in high school, which becomes her diary disguised as a fictional teenage novel.

I love this movie because it’s character-based. It’s not fast-paced, just like real life, and hangs on to every emotion of the unstable Mavis, which makes you squirm. She’s so immature… But entertaining because she’s so expressive.

It’s not a movie for everyone. But I enjoy analysing behaviour, and I find the subtleties in this film interesting. She’s entertainingly perpetually disgusted with everything.

Check out my favourite scene in the movie here. It’s when Mavis Gary loses the plot at Buddy and Beth’s (Elizabeth Reaser) baby shower. It’s oddly empowering. Although I feel like I’m doing the wrong thing by taking her side.

I suppose this is a movie where the protagonist is the ‘bad guy’, and you can’t help but support and relate to her.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

Nightcrawler

Director: Dan Gilroy
Writer: Dan Gilroy
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed and Bill Paxton (the dude from Titanic)
Released: November 2014

This film is by far one of the creepiest films I’ve seen. It’s not so much scary, but it does put you on edge and makes your skin crawl. I guess, hence the film title.

Jake Gyllenhaal with his goggly, baby-bird eyes and sharp cheek bones, is enough to make you squirm. Let alone the control he has over everyone. It is so captivating.

He lost more than 13kg (30 pounds) to play the ‘literally and figuratively hungry’ character, Lou Bloom. Gyllenhaal did so by running a lot and eating only kale and chewing gum. He said the diet was completely safe and healthy.

Lou Bloom, is searching for a job he’s really good at. He soon discovers the media industry where freelance camera operators use police scanners to find car crashes, shootings and what-not, to film and sell to local news outlets.

Bloom dives into this career and quickly makes a sweet sum.

He basically represents the media industry and the control they have over broadcasts and the law. He steps on and manipulates every relationship, smudging the lines of ethical coverage along the way.

Having recently gained a degree in journalism, I found the subject relatable. I don’t think I’ve seen a movie like Nightcrawler before where the story is from the media industry’s point of view.

It’s a fascinating film that is quite difficult to explain. But it certainly gets you thinking. But if you just want to be entertained, you’ll certainly find yourself laughing at Bloom quite often! His intense delivery of lines is sure to give you fits of nervous giggles.

Actually, come to think of it, his character sometimes reminds me of Jim Carrey’s Andy Kaufman character in Man on the Moon.

The only thing I was disappointed about was how there were no consequences for Bloom – which I know is the point because he represents the gigantic conglomerate of the untouchable media. But just when there was a major conflict, the movie ended.

Despite that, I loved it, and I am definitely going to watch it again.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Interstellar

Interstellar film poster

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan
Released: November 2014
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain and Matt Damon
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If you loved Gravity and Inception, you’ll love Interstellar.

Interstellar movie - watching Earth The time travelling concepts in this movie are easy to grasp if you’re familiar with the sci-fi genre. If you can keep up with Doctor Who, you’ll keep up with this.

It’s set in the future where scientists are aware that crops are failing and the end of the world could be near. NASA is attempting to find another planet so that the human race can continue.

I would love to tell you more, but I’m worried I’ll ruin something! (For the record, the trailer makes it out to be an average film… It’s not.)

Anne Hathaway in Interstellar movie — Anne Hathaway in Interstellar

Gravity movie is similar to Interstellar film — Sandra Bullock in Gravity

I love this movie. I think Matthew McConaughey did a fantastic job, and I have a new found respect for Anne Hathaway.

It did make me wonder if Anne Hathaway was considered for Sandra Bullock’s role in Gravity though. Because the characters are very similar, physically and characteristically.

There are some gorgeous scenes in this movie. Which isn’t surprising, because Interstellar is a Nolan film.

Insterstellar film review My favourite scene is when they are on another planet, a water planet. Rather than regular waves, there are tsunamis that arrive every so often. And every one hour spent on this planet, is seven years on Earth.

There was just one thing I was disappointed about: the ending. It was a little too perfect. I think if it ended with a similar feel to Gravity‘s final scene, which was open-ended but with a feeling of hope.

Whereas, Interstellar ended like a Hollywood drama, the i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed, wrapped in glossy paper with a bow.

Despite that, it is worth a watch if you’re fascinated with worm holes, time manipulation, outer space and strong characters.

Loved it.

Jodie’s rating: 9/10

Thelma & Louise

Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: Callie Khouri
Released: May 1991
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen and Brad Pitt
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I can’t believe I haven’t written about Thelma & Louise. This is my favourite movie of all time.

In 1991, Ridley Scott made the genius decision to direct a cinematic breakthrough with two strong female characters, essentially playing traditionally male roles.

Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon were stupendous. Absolutely the perfect actresses to portray Thelma, the naive housewife, and Louise, the hardened but streetwise woman.

If you haven’t seen this movie, it’s about two women who needed a break from their respective husband and boyfriend, and took a weekend away. Except, after getting caught up in a major kerfuffle, the women find themselves on the run from the law. They have never experienced such freedom, and use the lack of rules to their advantage by going on a crime spree. But, they do take moral responsibility for everything they do. They are able to fully explore who they are without the moulding of a man in their lives.

I love films about the characters. Like The Jane Austen Book Club, where you can see a piece of yourself in every character, and the clear development of them.

I’m drawn to this honest movie because Thelma and Louise break through their fears. They learn hard lessons, but ultimately become exactly who they want to be. Reminding me of the The Secret Life of Walter Mitty where he takes off to Iceland and discovers how freedom can shape you. Perhaps part of the same runaway genre.

It’s a road trip film with gorgeous scenery and music that perfectly fits. It’s based in the South as the pair are heading for Mexico. However, the film was actually shot in rural California and Utah – even the Grand Canyon scenes.

On the road in their blue/green T-Bird convertible, the women evolve physically too. Thelma Dickinson, the housewife, starts out with flowing dresses and long hair. By the end, her hair is tied back, she’s wearing a trucker’s black shirt with sleeves rolled up and jeans. Louise Sawyer, the surly, controlling character, starts out wearing an outfit that is ‘just so’. By the end, she’s wearing a loose tank top and jeans.

They strip off their make up and steal men’s hats and clothing. The denim jacket from Brad Pitt’s character is altered by the women by making it sleeveless and using parts of it for neck ties and such. Almost as a way to tear the layers of control and weakness away, and rebuild their characters in the ways they want.

I also see this as their way of dismembering authority. In the same way that a hunter kills fierce animals for its fur, and taking it as a trophy.

The men in this movie play important parts but take a back seat to the development of Thelma and Louise. Sometimes literally. I read that some found the movie to be ‘man-hating’. But I think it’s just unusual to see two strong women convincingly portrayed in films.

Thieving men (Brad Pitt), rude truck drivers, controlling husbands and flaky boyfriends, Thelma and Louise find ways to rebel, and use the men to their advantage. They stop relying on men for protection, and start standing on their own two feet.

I’m so inspired by these characters. They are so independent and fearless, yet they are so carefree and fun despite their situation.

I think everyone can see the naive, open and scared ‘Thelma’ in themselves, and the logical, unwavering and powerful ‘Louise’. Which is why these characters are so relatable and ‘real’.

Thelma & Louise is a profound, freeing and exciting journey. I love this film so much because the women are doing what every woman wants to feel capable of doing. Being in control of their future, going wherever they want, and nobody is getting in their way! Everything is on their terms right to the end.

I’m going to steal what Susan Sarandon said in an interview; it is a comedy and a tragedy with a surprise ending, and political significance.

This is a pretty long review so I’ll stop here. Believe me, I could make it longer!

This is a timeless film that makes my imagination run wild. It’s adventurous and always makes me feel happy and inspired at the end of every watch. However, I don’t want to give it full marks because it is for quite a narrow audience.

Jodie’s rating: 9.5/10

Lucy

It was a great concept, but it was just so weird! It was simply bizarre.

Scarlet Johansson plays the protagonist, Lucy, who is kidnapped and used as a drug mule. The new drug seeps into her system, which enables her to use more and more and more of her brain.

She is able to manipulate everything from pain tolerence to technology. She even pulls some solid Matrix moves.

It would have been a great as a short film… It’s almost as though it should have been an arty film festival film. The mere fact it ha Johansson and Freeman in it threw it into the Hollywood sphere. I don’t think it belongs there though. It attracts the kind of audience who want an awesome sci-fi film, when it should attract the deep-and-meaningful film analysts.

Some parts of the script were super cool, particularly in regards to how people have evolved, how we think and behave.

Other parts were plain odd.

Basically, this movie isn’t what you think it will be like. The trailer advertises a Hollywood action sci-fi, when in fact it’s mind-bender with a screwed up ending.

Jodie’s rating: 4/10

Deliver Us from Evil

Director: Scott Derrickson
Writers: Scott Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman (screenplay), Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool (story)
Starring: Eric Bana, Édgar Ramírez, Olivia Munn, Sean Harris and Joel McHale
Released: July 2014
—

Was this supposed to be a black comedy?

I had been told Deliver Us from Evil was on par with The Conjuring. But I honestly can’t say this was the case. It was a suspenseful, supernatural thriller, but not something that would keep you up at night.

Apparently based on ‘true events’ of a New York cop Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana) who encounters demonic forces. The mysterious cases quickly become bizarre and laughable.

Reading up about the true events of this cop, I think the only ‘true’ parts that were used in the film was his name and characteristics. There’s an interview on Youtube where he says most of the “possessed” people he encountered turned out to have mental issues.

In the film we follow Sarchie as he slowly unravels the peculiar happenings of what turns out to be people with demons in their houses. Throwing children into lion dens at the zoo, cat worshiping, scratching at walls, and croaky voices was just some of the fun that ensues.

A tad too typical of a horror, with the characteristics of a scary movie thrown in even if it doesn’t fit. Like when the daughter suddenly has the urge to wind the musical jack-in-the-box before she goes to bed. Because we all know how creepy the combination of children, musical boxes and darkness is.

I couldn’t take it seriously because of the weird choice of music that face-plants you back into reality. Imagine getting into a super tense part in the movie and then have the theme song ‘People Are Strange’ by The Doors blasting. What a way to snap you out of it!

The acting was a bit average, particularly the 6-year-old daughter, whose toys come to life at night. I felt like I was in a mash-up of The Ring and Toy Story.

maxresdefault

Quite frankly, I couldn’t keep a straight face when the demonised people were talking, I wasn’t scared of the dude who ate his own leg either… I was just grossed out. And the final exorcism went on for way too long. I fell asleep toward the end of that scene.

Finally, the religious messages of how non-believers are screwed and your only hope for protection is by converting to a life of God in some form, was a tad over-kill!

A few things will make you jump, but overall it wasn’t scary or creepy… Just weird.

Jodie’s rating: 4/10

Hercules

Director: Brett Ratner
Writer: Based on Hercules: The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore. Admira Wijaya.
Released: July 2014
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan
and John Hurt
—

Hercules was a blood bath with a sense of humour.

Based on Hercules: The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore, the story weaves in the legends of the Demi-God, Hercules (played by wrestler, Dwayne Johnson), but centered it on the more human aspects of him. The movie follows Hercules and his right-hand men (and woman) into multiple battles, but Hercules soon questions who he is really fighting for.

A violent and relatively shallow film, but the characters make fun of themselves and their circumstances, which saves the movie from the bargain bin.

I did enjoy how the legends of Hercules are being spread purposefully to glorify a mere mortal. With Iolaus (Reece Ritchie) being the storyteller, he exaggerates Hercules’ adventures to encourage followership and unity of the people.

Thought you saw Jude Law? Turns out the character (Autolycus) I thought to be played by Law with olive-tinted skin, darkened hair and green contacts, was in fact Rufus Sewell… Just in case you were as equally mistaken by the little round head and English accent.

Speaking of which, Dwayne Johnson’s accent switches a few times throughout the movie, but does remain the only American accent in the entire film.

As a side note, Johnson’s veins are too visible and makes me squeamish.

Overall, a perfectly adequate film for the lovers of Greek mythology and ancient battles. A chick flick for the men… A man movie, a boy story… If you will.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

22 Jump Street

Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Writers: Story: Jonah Hill and Michael Bacall Screenplay: Michael Bacall, Oren Uziel and Rodney Rothman
Released: June 2014
Featuring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare and Ice Cube
—

22 Jump Street certainly didn’t match up to its prequel, 21 Jump Street.

This one was long and had as many topless scenes of Channing Tatum as possible… I’m assuming this was written into his contract..?

I didn’t find it as funny as the first one because it was so ridiculous. It was similar to the first but more outrageous. Although, I’m sure the Jump Street fans won’t be disappointed.

The amount of references to the first film kept the cookie-cutter-comedy fresh. The movie made fun of itself, hinting at the repetitive storyline and stereotypical characters they play. This decision saved the film from being put on the scrap heap.

It looks like the cast had a lot of fun on this film. As though it was for themselves rather than the audience. Which was actually okay!

I don’t have a lot to say about this film to be honest. It was a bit weird, quite typical, but not as funny as the first. It’s for the younger Hangover fans and the Channing Tatum lovers.

It is what it is!

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

(Trailer contains bad language. Tut tut.)

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Director: Michael Bay
Writers: Ehren Kruger
Released: June 2014
Featuring: Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci
—

One was enough!

This is the fourth Transformers movie. This has gone on for too long.

It’s about government agencies coming after people who have found a Transformer. Transformers are no longer welcome as they are deemed ‘alien’.

I’m not a Transformers fan, but I can appreciate that cars becoming giant robots are cool.

However, the fighting was endless and exhausting, and acting was hopeless. It was a pointless and boring two hours and 45 minutes.

Assuming that Transformer fans enjoy these movies because of the graphics when the machines physically transform will be sorely disappointed. The entire premise of this fourth film is based around how the man-made Transformers don’t “transform” at all, and when the original machines are about to transform, the camera pans away!

The product placement was blatant and outright ridiculous. Stanley Tucci is amazing, but conveniently drank a Chinese soy-based beverage toward the camera, with the branding beautifully framed and presented. It was pathetic.

If you’re okay with being belittled and being nothing more than a captive audience to sell Victoria’s Secret, Bud Light and energy drinks to, be my guest. But it is certainly an exhaustingly long film with a stupid storyline. Although, to be fair, I zoned out by the time the characters made it to China…

Transformers: Age of Extinction is a three hour ad break.

Oh so boring. Please, no more.

Jodie’s rating: 2/10

Two points were given because:
1. The dinosaur transformer things were pretty cool
2. Stanley Tucci

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves
Writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver
Released: July 2014
Featuring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell and Kodi Smit-McPhee
—

koba_an-ape-never-forgets I wasn’t expecting much from this sequel, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

A desolate planet with a small population living within the remains of an apocalypse. The humans are in search of a water supply to ensure electricity to their commune. However, the apes that were used in trials in the prequel have populated the forests where the water supply is.

I found the body language of the apes and the reactions of the humans fascinating.

The apes didn’t use English too much of the time so subtitles were uses, but even without them it was remarkably easy to understand them.It’s clear the makers did their homework regarding the body language of the apes!

la_ca_0403_dawn_of_planet_apes_028 Although, I did find the human storyline almost irrelevant. I was so captured by the story of the apes that the humans became uninteresting. Apes riding horses holding spears? Come on. Who needs people?

It was a great balance between emotion and action. The fight scenes showed off the motion capture incredibly! Particularly with apes riding the horses… I can’t get over how realistic it all was.

An exciting and captivating film about the clash of cultures and revenge. The storyline is more-or-less typical of the genre, but it is one of the best examples of modern film making; taking advantage of today’s technology… The motion capture will make you drool.

Jodie’s rating: 7.5/10

The Fault in Our Stars

Director: Josh Boone
Writers: Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. Based on the book by John Green.
Released: June 2014
Featuring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern, Sam Trammell and Willem Dafoe
—

My friend said this movie was “a real punch in the feels!” I agree.

Do not expect to walk out of the cinema feeling uplifted, inspired or at peace with the world. If anything, The Fault in Our Stars will rob you of the right to complain about your life, and you will find yourself driving home in total silence as you digest this story.

If you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, it is about two teenagers with cancer who fall in love, before being faced with all sorts of tragic circumstances. ‘Heard it before’, I hear you say? On paper, you’re right, but on the screen, it is certainly something a little different.

It isn’t sugar-coated, or glazed too much with the flawlessness of Hollywood cinema. The raw and truthful tale of two kids with cancer has leapt to the fore with this film.

Depending on how close to the topic you are will depend on how much you take away. For a simple and sheltered viewer, like myself, I found the balance between reality and fantasy well done. But certainly not as inspirational as I expected.

The rumours are true: do expect to have a fat cry during this movie. But it’s not just the circumstances of the story that will trigger the tears, it’s the fantastic acting and soundtrack that work together so damn well that could cause the crying.

For me, I wept because the song “Wait” by M83 was so gorgeously teamed up with the most well-acted scene… It was just so amazing! I was in awe.

If you’re feeling good about your life and need to be reminded that other people aren’t having such a great time, watch The Fault in Our Stars. You will find your high spirits will crash down below ground level.

If you’re not into the storyline, experience it for the music!

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

BEWARE: This trailer makes this romantic drama seem like a coming of age, Perks of Being a Wallflower kind of deal.
It’s not.

Frozen

Directors: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Writers: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee and Shane Morris
Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad and Santino Fontana
Released: November 2013
—

I’m not a huge fan of the cheese-covered conservative Disney films in general. I avoided watching Frozen until just last week, but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

This was a modern story where the main characters are not searching for true love for once. In fact, it was based around friendship and family.

The disneys-frozen-2013-screenshot-anna-bell trailer includes all of the cheese, targeting the younger audience with the shallow humour.

However, the humour in the movie is actually quite funny and target toward an older audience too.

I love how the characters are flawed. The princesses are far more relatable because they’re not perfect. In fact the Queen’s sister, Anna (pronounced Ana), is weird, quirky, funny and spontaneous who makes mistakes.
frozen-olaf-and-sven-367698
The characters look shallow in the advertising of Frozen, but they’re actually all lovable in the movie. From Olaf the snowman to Sven the reindeer.

I love the setting – Scandinavia is a beautiful choice, and a step back from traditional Disney settings where snow and blizzards are traditionally used as a backdrop to the tragic scenes.

The down-side were the accents… Only the main characters had American accents, which clashed with the Scandinavian community…

frozen-let-it-go-full-scene-watch-now Disney has still kept with the baby-faced women with figure-hugging dresses. I think this is still a bit old fashioned. Why not have normal-sized eyes with a proportional body?

I always get annoyed with ALL the female characters having long hair in Disney films. I’m glad to see the likes of Tangled embracing short hair, but I think there should be a balance…

(Yes, I have short hair).

But the soundtrack was incredible with extremely catchy songs you won’t be able to get out of your head for weeks… Not even exaggerating. Kristen Bell does a magnificent job of voicing Anna – I had no idea she could sing!

Overall it was a fun film and worth a watch. A genuinely enjoyable film for the family.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

The Lego Movie

Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Writers: Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Released: April 2014
Starring: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman
—

I feel silly thinking this kids’ movie could be anything but a shallow cartoon.

Animation aimed at children but also being entertaining for adults, such as The Lion King and the Toy Story trilogy, have been and gone.

Perhaps it’s just going to be a string of cheaply made kids movies from now on. With famous voice actors dragging it to the cinema.

I thought it had a blatant moral of “be yourself”. But then I realised it’s a bit deeper than that – it’s about breaking out of the mould created by society. Liking the same songs as everyone else and told to be happy by staying in the same job for the rest of your life is the lifestyle the protagonist breaks out of.

The Lego Movie was bizarre and silly. It’s a film with a lot of hugely successful actors lending their voices to characters made of bricks.

The lego-bricked world is smart on one hand, but also looks pretty cheap.

There were a few funny one-liners, and I loved Liam Neeson’s two-faced character. His voice was hilarious.

A very similar story and appearance to Wreck It Ralph… which I gave a 5/10.

The same directors did Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs which I gave 6.5/10

I found it a bit dull, not very quirky or clever and quite a boring family movie. I know it’s aimed at children though, so my expectations shouldn’t be high anyway… Even so, I think they’re underestimating how much children can understand.

Where’s the ’90s Pixar movies at!?

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back is a funny, feel-good film, similar to Little Miss Sunshine and Juno. It’s an uplifting tale about Duncan (Liam James) who has to endure a summer with his mum Pam (Toni Collette) and her new boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell).

Struggling to withstand Trent’s subtle bullying, Duncan goes out as often as possible. He soon gets a secret job at the local pool, where he gains a lot more confidence and gets a good reputation.

Toni Collette, Steve Carell

It is extremely well cast. Carell does a fantastically accurate job of being a total a-hole. Collette, just like in Little Miss Sunshine, plays the warm mother figure convincingly. She is a fantastic actress. The main character, Duncan is aloof but certainly not played as an emotionless character, which I think should be applauded.

THE WAY, WAY BACK

My favourite character is laid-back Owen (Sam Rockwell), Duncan’s boss at the local pool. He’s a hilarious character who balances the heavy situations out with a lighter perspectives.

The storyline shows how every character is being manipulated somehow. The Way Way Back has the humanity of Little Miss Sunshine, and the devastation of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

THE WAY, WAY BACK

It’s a blend of sadness and comedy, which I love. It’s definitely worth a watch!

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
Released: April 2014
Featuring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp, Hayley Atwell, Robert Redford and Samuel L. Jackson
—

Wow! Okay, I haven’t seen the first of the Captain America films (Captain America: The First Avenger) but I feel I still got the impact of the movie without much of the back story.

I haven’t seen the Avenger movies either (don’t kill me!).

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is about Captain America’s (AKA Steve Rogers) past haunting him. He was once in the army where he lost a dear friend, Bucky. The flash backs are gorgeous; back to the 1940s. Steve Rogers is trying to fit into the modern day but the values of the people in charge don’t sit well with him.

Basically there is a lot of action, awesome characters who are well developed, and the plot is so relatable with our current battle against Nanny States and over-surveillance.

I thought Captain America was going to be a patriotic conservative goody-two-shoes… A wannabe Superman if I may say so…

How wrong could I be.

Captain America is a bad ass super soldier with a ridiculously calm attitude. What a dude. With awesome morals, too.

My favourite quote of his comes about when Nick Fury (director of the super-spy agency, SHIELD, that Captain America is a part of) says that the world needs more surveillance to eradicate potential threats to humankind. Captain America/Steve Rogers, finds it difficult to justify this lack of privacy:

“…holding a gun to everyone on Earth and calling it protection… That’s not free, that’s fear!”

But the most impressive character was Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff. She is equal to male superheroes intelligence-wise and combat-wise. She is also witty… I don’t know if I’m going too far saying this, but she is CLOSE to being a female version of Batman… I’m not taking it back! It’s out there.

It happened.

Natasha is just the coolest. She doesn’t have a fat cry when things get difficult, she is sneaky and knows how to work the system. She is still so feminine without wearing next to nothing too.

I said Black Widow should have shorter hair, but then I realised that would be inconvenient for Johansson’s stunt double whose face is obscured in all the long-shot fight scenes.

captain-america-winter-soldier-sebastian-stan-set-photo_jpg_crop_display A super exciting film that doesn’t let your mind wander during the fight scenes. Relatable characters and plot with awesome enemies. The Winter Soldier is a good-looking son of a gun, yet ridiculously ruthless with an upsetting back story.

Fantastic. Such a fun film. Even for somebody who hasn’t seen the previous film, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Scary, funny, exciting, thrilling and dark.

Go see it.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

American Hustle

Director: David O. Russell
Writer: Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell
Starring: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence
Released: January 2014
—

I honestly didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was Jennifer Lawrence is in it. Which sold it for me.

Bright, bold, glossy and rawkus. American Hustle shows off the glamorous seventies in a gorgeous light.

In the same way The Boat that Rocked made the sixties nostalgic, American Hustle enhanced our recollection of the seventies.

I was utterly gob-smacked to discover that Danny Elfman composed the music… You can’t even tell. Certainly a step away from the stereotypical sound expected from Elfman.
The actors were incredible. Everyone was so believable and realistic. Kudos to Amy Adams. I lost my faith in her acting ability after Man of Steel, (as Lois Lane) but she has made a come-back, for sure. She even does a fantastic monologue without make-up on.

Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence – absolutely flawless acting.

Someone told me American Hustle is “all cleavage and big hair”… I can’t really disagree with this statement. But it’s shot in such a classy and upbeat way, the plunging neck lines and big up-dos fit perfectly.

The script is beautiful! There are double meanings and strong themes in the dialogue, with funny lines and meaningful quotes.

The story was below average though. It was over-complicated, and relied too heavily on voice-overs. But the overall idea of two con artists and the characters they play to do the illegal dealing is cool.

The music was fun, the pub scenes were moody, and emotions ran high.

Probably not needing to be a two and a half hour movie, but a playful and provocative watch nevertheless.

Jodie’s rating: 6.5/10 – mostly for the acting and script

Movies About Time Travel

I do love time travel. It can be matched up to any theme; romance, action, a light-hearted chick-flick, drama, thriller, comedy… It’s so versatile, yet remains so interesting. It is a theme that explores freedom, risk and responsibility.

But be careful! There are many of us who will be happy to point out the inconsistent, nitty-gritty details when making a story based around time travel.

These are just a few movies that are worth a look if you’re into time travel:

Back to the Future I
Back to the Future II
Back to the Future III
My favourite trilogy of all time. Creative, exciting, relatable and fun. It explores many aspects of time travel – to the future, to the past – and how fragile it can be.

The Time Traveller’s Wife
A romantic film, yet with the time travelling theme. Very well intertwined! I feel like time travelling and not being able to take your clothes would be an unfortunate likelihood. So in that respect, someone’s put a bit of thought into the logistics.
Also, Rachel McAdams… She’s incredible.

About Time
A light hearted and cheeky take on the hereditary time travelling gift. It has a brilliant cast including Rachel McAdams (again) and Bill Nighy. I like how it’s about ordinary people with time travel ability.

The Butterfly Effect
A haunting tale of all the things that could go wrong when time travelling. An ultimate thriller, although very creepy indeed. It has a cringe-worthy feel that reminds me of Requiem for a Dream. Probably not a ‘fun’ film, but certainly an incredibly well-made film.

Looper
Although the storyline was a little disappointing, the creativity of the time travel theme was refreshing. We were seeing a gangster and under-handed use of time travel. It has an action twist to the sci-fi subject.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
My second favourite Harry Potter movie. Purely for the time travelling, I have to admit. But it’s a great story.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
This is my favourite Harry Potter film. They ‘aparated’ (a magical method of transportation) all over the country. Although, I guess that’s not technically time travel.

Midnight In Paris
No watch, no Tardis. Yet, at midnight every night a 1920s vehicle would pick Gil up and take him back in time. This was a beautiful film, harnessing everybody’s fantasies and bringing them to life.

Hmm. Maybe one day we’ll have time travel!

Jodie.
PS. Where are the female time travellers at?

Top 9: First Class Films About Travelling

I know I need to stop going on about it! But The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a fantastically inspiring film. It really did make me want to travel. Coincidently, Iceland is my dream location anyway. So that was just the cherry on top.

This got me thinking what other films make you want to quit your day job and get lost in the wilderness.

Into the Wild
A film that keeps coming up in conversation when I talk about travelling films. I have seen the first 40-odd minutes of it, but it didn’t quite grasp my imagination… Perhaps I should give it another shot though. Still shots taken from the film look extraordinary. (Finally reviewed it).

Midnight in Paris
It is a film I marvelled over. It’s a perfect marriage between the environment of a magical and unfamiliar city, plus a fantastical and romantic storyline. Can’t go wrong with a bit of time travel too! The mysterious and enchanting themes will make anyone want to book a flight to Paris.

Eat Pray Love
Now, I need to disclose that this was so disappointing! I thought it was going to be a deep and meaningful tale of self-discovery. However, it was pretty much a chick flick based in three different countries; Italy, Bali and India. But I have to say, I did buy into the dream. To take off for a year! What an experience.

Up In The Air
I know, I know, you pretty much only see airports in this film. But my imagination was harnessed by this movie! Turning up to an airport, picking a place, and going. No strings attached, no worries, just leaving everything behind.

Water For Elephants
Have you ever fantasised about joining a travelling circus? Perhaps it’s not a common dream now days, but I can definitely relate to it. Living rough, never being in the same place twice or staying in one location for too long. The people around you, mesmerised and spellbound by the circus performances.

Cemetery Junction
It’s all about escaping the ordinary life. After being inspired by Julie, a young aspiring photographer, Freddie realises he doesn’t want to live in a sleepy town either. He wants to go on an epic adventure. The film is about him building up the courage to leave; to ditch a town of no potential, to go around the world. It’s a grand idea to ponder.

Chocolat
About a mother and daughter who wander from place to place, finding towns to warm up with chocolate treats. They’re always on the road, floating from town to town, until they finally settle. It is more about the people than the places to be honest, but it’s a magical film with beautiful locations nevertheless.

Brooklyn
One of my favourite films about a young Irish girl who goes to Brooklyn to work, but she’s torn between her life in Ireland and her life in Brooklyn. Should she follow her heart and stay in America? Or should she stay in Ireland with her vulnerable mother and the life that’s expected of her?

Jodie.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Director: Ben Stiller
Writer: Steve Conrad. Based on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber
Released: January 2014
Featuring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn and Sean Penn
—

An inspirational fable to say the least. I have been waiting for a movie like this for a long time.

“Having a Walter Mitty moment”, you’ve probably heard the phrase. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty explores the ‘what if’ situations in life.

It is sort of similar to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, because it is the story of a man’s dreams and epic adventures.

Coincidently, there is a hilarious reference to Benjamin Button in the movie.

Everybody can relate to Walter Mitty. Dreamers, travellers, photographers, bored office workers… Anybody who fantasises about running away or doing something crazy.

Ben Stiller not only produced and played the lead, but he directed it too. I have a new-found respect for this man. I have fished him out of the pile of cheap laughs in comedies with Owen Wilson or Adam Sandler. He is way up there with respected artists and creatives. Absolutely incredible.

The shots are beautifully framed and the locations are simply breath-taking.

Iceland has been on the top of my travel list for a few years now, so the fact that this movie is mostly based in Iceland just gives me warm and fuzzies. No other location could offer this film with a better foundation. What an exceptional choice.

The characters are real. The acting and casting is superb. Kristen Wiig, Ben Stiller, Sean Penn, Patton Oswalt, Adrian Martinez… Holy beans. This cast is gorgeous.

I can’t think of another movie that put me in these situations and locations first hand. I feel like I experienced the courage Walter experiences, and how he felt when he is embarrassed or intimidated. I don’t know how they did it.

I suppose it is the genuine dialogue, the seamless transitions between scenes and the emotional and realistic reactions. Genius.

Now. The music. The soundtrack and the use of music for the scenes is simply a HUGE part of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Jose Gonzalez and Of Monsters and Men in particular had songs that complimented the film perfectly.

My favourite scene is the montage of Walter Mitty going through the mountains to the song ‘Lake Michigan’ by Rogue Wave. The music is more than icing on the cake… This is the flour IN the cake; it is so essential and so well mastered.

House on fire leave it all behind you,

Darkest night let the lightning guide you

– Step Out by Jose Gonzalez

I won’t lie to you; I did have a fat cry. But I shan’t be ashamed! This film just gave me chills, and the songs moved me. I blubbered like a baby. Deal with it.

New Zealand’s TV3 movie reviewer, Kate Rogers, gave this film a 2.5 out of 5… Perhaps she accidentally watched Anchorman 2 instead. There is no way this movie could be any less than a 9/10.

Films should be entertaining and transport you to another world, and make you feel different when you walk out the theatre. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty did this. I walked out feeling inspired, excited, exhilarated, happy and feeling the urge to travel, even more so than before.

My favourite component is how a lot of the characters’ mistakes were things that would happen in real life, such as throwing something away absent-mindedly or daydreaming about having a conversation with somebody.

This is more than a feel-good film. This is a lively, funny, adventurous film, full of rich and interesting characters and places. I cried, I laughed, I felt empowered and excited. It’s just a magical adventure. I’m going to see this again.

Don’t just dream it; live it.

Jodie’s rating after first watch: 10/10

The first 10/10 ever given on filmfreak.co.nz!!

November 2014: I have to say, after almost a year of watching Walter Mitty, I think it’s realistically closer to an 8/10 because Kristen Wiig doesn’t really work with the genre, and the movie can look a bit sterile.

However, I’ll stick with 10/10, because that’s how it feels after the first watch.

PLUS an epic extended trailer:

You may enjoy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, if you enjoyed these:
Big Fish
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Forrest Gump
Stranger Than Fiction
Little Miss Sunshine
Juno
Billy Liar

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Director: Peter Jackson
Writers: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro.
Based upon The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Released: December 2013
Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch,
Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt and Orlando Bloom
—

This movie is about three hours long, but I felt like I was in the cinema a lot longer than that. Perhaps because we went to the midnight premiere. Being in a theatre until three in the morning can be tiring…

However, despite not being too fussed about the Lord of the Rings trilogy, or anything to do with The Hobbit, I did enjoy this film.

Despite not seeing the first instalment, I certainly found The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug entertaining.

Well shot, incredible visuals, powerful Howard Shore pieces and a fun storyline! Actually, it was quite funny – particularly the ‘barrels on the river’ scene. Absolutely absurd! Yet brilliant! …you’ll know it when you see it.

There are wicked scenes and it was quick-paced for the most part. But I must mention the exhausting monologues and the drawn-out scenes. It was easy to lose interest during these parts.

I’ll tell you this for free: if Peter Jackson let his movies be edited down to no more than two hours long, I think they would be highly rated by a much wider audience. But I guess he has captured an extremely devoted viewership.

Fair enough though. His films tend to be vast and epic to say the least.

I feel like this movie needs two ratings. For The Hobbit fans, I’d say you will adore this movie and a 7.5/10 would be about right.

However, for those of us who appreciate the movie for what it is, and are not affected by the hype, I think a 6.5/10.

Jodie’s rating: an average of 7/10

As a side note, the scenes that included a dark forest with giant spiders reminded me of
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Remarkably similar.