Director: Hassan Leo of Elmore films
Writer: Keldamuzik
Released: 2016
Starring: Keldamuzik
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Judging by the 40-second trailer, Love the Original Way‘s plot was difficult to grasp.
Having consulted the Facebook page, I discovered this was a romantic comedy about a recovering alcoholic woman, Sissy, who turns to online dating.
After a few weird dates with various people, the so-called ‘mentally-unstable’ woman finds out that a man she has been messaging is actually in her drug and alcohol rehab class.
The concept seems a bit dark for a comedy, but online dating aspect is probably quite relatable to a young audience.
I’m suspecting this is a low-budget film – with the echoes in the audio making me wonder if an internal camera microphone was used. Judging by the trailer, there were a few post-production issues too. Resulting in a few premature cuts, and audio drowning out the dialogue. However, the lighting is quite good in the scenes I’ve seen.
I haven’t heard of Keldamuzik before, she plays sissy in Love the Original Way. But she is a recording artist and television personality who has given acting a go, with this project being her first independent film.
It would be interesting to see the entire 15 minutes to judge the storyline and actors, and to see if my suspicions are proved wrong. But for now, it does look like the production issues in this film might distract from the overall concept.
Let me know if you’ve seen Love the Natural Way – perhaps the trailer is just selling it short!
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee Writer: Nick Hornby (screenplay), Cheryl Strayed (novel) Released: December 2014 (USA), January 2015 (NZ) Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Michiel Huisman and Gaby Hoffman
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Based on a true story, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) battles the ghosts of her past: heroin addiction, divorce, the death of her mother and the abandonment of her father. As a way to start fresh, she goes on a 1000-mile journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.
To be frank, the flashbacks made me feel really uncomfortable. But… I guess the world of heroin addicts shouldn’t exactly be attractive.
A classic ‘runaway movie‘, although I’m not entirely sure if this is actually a sub-genre. Nevertheless, Wild fits into this category along with Into the Wild,Thelma and Louise.
In fact, if you enjoyed Into the Wild (also a biographic), then you’re likely to enjoy Wild. It’s basically the same story but from the perspective of a woman, with different life problems.
I honestly had little doubt in Reese Witherspoon. I knew she would play this complicated character well. I’ve really enjoyed her more serious roles ever since Walk the Line.
When I walked out of the cinema, I needed time to process. I really felt moved by this film, not only because I love the ‘runaway genre’, but because the film makers portrayed Strayed’s emotions so convincingly that I started to take her problems on board.
I’d like to point out that the screenplay was written by Nick Hornby, who wrote About A Boy. Whatta guy!
Wow, almost forgot to mention the soundtrack! The songs include a perfectly fitting Portishead song (Glory Box) that plays during flash-backs to Strayed’s lowest of times as an addict.
Other amazing artists on the soundtrack include Simon & Garfunkel, an R.E.M cover by First Aid Kit, Wings, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen… It goes on.
I think the best movies make you laugh, cry and leave you with something to ponder. Wild certainly does. Some parts are hard to watch (not quite on par with the dreaded Requiem for a Dream though), but for the most part, I enjoyed it.
After reading a bit about the background, I found the short-and-sweet episodes to be easily digestible.
It is a popular underground web-series about a New York woman surrounded by ‘crackpot relatives’.
The episode I watched was quirky and weird, but almost to the point of being cringe-worthy. The characters were theatrical and outrageous – certainly made for the stage.
It is, however, created by several accomplished writers, directors and actors, particularly with Sundance Film Competitions on their CV.
Although this webcom is not my cup of tea, I can appreciate the amount of work that must go into these weekly episodes. What dedication to make it to their third season of the show, raising over $20,000 to fund it! Plus, the bravery and perfectionism they have to change the actor playing the main character three times during the series.
A very specific kind of humour which I may be missing because of my lack of American culture. But worth a look!
Jodie.
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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
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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.
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.
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.
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Writers: Alfonso Cuarón and Jonás Cuarón
Released: October 2013
Starring: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney
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This movie is out of this world!
Ha.
I saw Gravity 3D and it was spectacular. The director, Alfonso Cuarón, said movies should be a visual experience – a lot of dialogue isn’t necessary to tell the story – and he certainly did that well.
Claustrophobia, agoraphobia, isolation, suffocation and death. This is a terrifying movie, playing on our natural fears. It is a very ‘human’ film – it goes back to basics – which is extremely effective in such an alien environment.
I’m not sure how to describe the epicness of the visuals… It is inviolable. Simply spectacular. The shot of the Northern Lights from outer space, and of the sun emerging from behind Earth… Wow.
Ryan (Sandra Bullock) and Matt (George Clooney) were absolutely incredible. I am a huge fan of George Clooney anyway, who played a chatty and upbeat character. But I was pleasantly surprised with Sandra Bullock! She convincingly played a strong protagonist.
All the dialogue used makes a huge impact. There is literally no unnecessary dialogue. The spoken word is almost used as a parallel storyline; Ryan’s back story links to her current traumas.
The audio is so detailed and layered. The use of silence is powerful and serene. Ryan’s heartbeat can often be heard in the background. The point-of-view shots include the dampened sounds of collision as though heard from inside the astronaut suit.
Speaking of audio, the soundtrack is incredibly moving – especially in the final scene! RANDOM FACT: Steven Price, who composed for Gravity, also composed for The World’s End.
Structurally, the story keeps you hooked. The count down before the next debris shower from the destroyed satellite near-by, and the suspense as the oxygen depletes… You literally find yourself holding your breath.
The loneliness, desperation, mourning, horror and serenity creates a hugely emotional journey. The point-of-view shots, as mentioned before, just gets you closer to the action.
If you’re in to old school country/rock ‘n’ roll, I think you’ll be interested in this band.
Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders certainly have a similar style of writing as the likes of Johnny Cash – and I’m a sucker for Johnny Cash songs!
The beginning of No More Mr Nice Guy has a spine-tingling harmonica and a wicked steel guitar. So awesome! My favourite part is probably the bluesy piano though.
The vocals are a little flat, making the singer sound bored. It would be great to pick up the energy for this folky genre, a genre that is great to get up and dance to. The drums sound a little too mechanical for the genre as well – we need a bit more improv!
I say ‘well done’ for completing these decent tunes. If the band sounds like they’re enjoying their music, so will others. A more casual approach would perfect this band. I’m very pleased to be introduced to this band’s music!
Jodie.
Book me to review your favourite song, music video or film here.
So I am swamped with uni studies at the moment and I am afraid my conscience won’t allow me to watch movies as it makes me feel too guilty, when I know I should be writing 2000 word essays on pointless crap.
However! I thought I should write a post to remind you that I am still in existence – I bet you’re relieved – and tell you the list of films I am going to review in about a week’s time…
Please comment to this post if you wish to put something on the list :)
I have been using my twitter account @NZFilmFreak a little more often since getting an iPhone! Ah! Scandal. What a techno person I am; all up to date and shizz. So feel free to follow!
It’s great to have so many fans of my blog…
*crickets chirp*
…and I am pretty sure that people will begin to recognise me in the street and congratulate me on my talents of blogging and pay me to write about films in the near future…
2nd June: Yes, I take every opportunity to celebrate the survival of my blog – let’s just be thankful that I’m not doing one every month… But I won’t make any promises.
So thank you for all of your support! Especially America; you guys are always reading my blog. New Zealand… I am ashamed. You’re like… Sixth on the “countries that read my blog often” list. Jeez!! Thanks a lot. I was hoping to be a Kiwi icon along with the All Blacks, Pavalova and Marmite.
…You guys would call me “our Kiwi film freak”. But then Australia would try to steel me like they tried with the Pineapple Lumps. So then both countries would fight over my personal items between the museums… Ah… I could go on…
But I won’t.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Please continue to comment, too!! I love reading the comments. Especially the criticism. I find it very entertaining. Sure, I cry inside. But, it is still very exciting to read. I shall continue to approve your criticising comments.
Unless they’re really pointless like that dude who wrote a comment saying “Harry Potter sucks” about 200 times… Yeah… Nah. I did not approve that. Because if you really hated Harry, you wouldn’t have wasted about 5 minutes of your life telling me so… THRICE! So go tell J.K Rowling. I just write about the films… But I still laughed out loud so all good! :-D
You may have noticed that we have extended my menu of film reviews, political rants and random thoughts with ‘cool-ass songs’. Yay! I hope you enjoy.
Director: Hassan Leo of Elmore films
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
To be frank, the flashbacks made me feel really uncomfortable. But… I guess the world of heroin addicts shouldn’t exactly be attractive.
In fact, if you enjoyed 
I’d like to point out that the screenplay was written by Nick Hornby, who wrote 
NZ Film Freak 