Director: Joe Scott
Writer: Joe Scott
Released: December 2013
Production company: Ace Film
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Tamla Rose is a pleasant reminder of what a dedicated independent film crew can produce.
This feature-length film is about three aspiring singers who transition from back-up singers for an ego-driven solo singer, to taking centre-stage as a successful trio in their own right. The group, which perform Tamla Motown-type music, experience personal struggles and conflicts as their egos inflate.
The Commitments
Tamla Rose initially reminded me of the 1991 film The Commitments, with its young wannabe-musicians and the strife they go through as they fight for fame.
However, the originally upbeat and energetic tone of Tamla Rose quickly resembles a Spice Girls-like film… Which is fine if you like the Spice Girls.
Lacking the grittiness and raw talent shown in The Commitments, Tamla Rose is a clean-looking 2D insight to the cut-throat industry of producing bands.
The film is sprinkled with original songs that unfortunately appear to be badly synced, yet the tracks are enjoyable and well produced. The filmmakers clearly knew what they were doing when it came to recording the catchy songs.
The composition of the shots were well thought out and there is a clear, linear storyline. The acting was believable and well-cast with Adi Alfa, Alexandra Johnson and Tisha Merry playing the leads. A huge shout-out is also needed for the hair stylist, Sarah Gannon.
Overall, it is an enjoyable film that bounces along quite nicely considering all the young talent involved. However, it could be even better with less dialogue, a little less music and shorter scenes. It’s a fantastic accomplishment nonetheless, and worth watching for the soulful music.
Making a feature-length long film is not easy. The amount of organisation, preparation and dedication put into this independent film, Beer & Seed, does not go unnoticed.
Accomplishing all these things on a budget only makes it more difficult; the cast and crew deserve immense credit.
Beer & Seed is well shot, well lit and well framed. However, the acting is sometimes wooden which lets down the feel of the film somewhat.
Many of the characters are college students. who are portrayed as one broad stereotype; undedicated drug-taking drinkers. Although the opportunity for character development was skimmed over, it was comedic nevertheless.
The dark themes, the basic sets and the static shots created a stage-play look which worked well.
Although I do think a ‘mockumentary’ style would have done wonders – using the rough look of the filming to its absolute advantage.
Beer & Seed reflects a team of creative and dedicated filmmakers.
Quirky and entertaining, although certainly a ‘seedy’ storyline.
Worth a watch! Check them out at their website here or rent/purchase the film on Amazon.
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Matthiew Klinck follows his brother, David, throughout his day-to-day life in Guangzhou, China. The culture shock is evident, but with a twist.
David is an English language teacher, so not only does the documentary follow the Westerners learning the Chinese culture, but the Chinese students learning the Western culture.
This documentary is upbeat and exciting; a totally different angle on the interaction between Western and Chinese cultures. The environmental hazards, work ethic and business dealings highlights the divide between East and West.
English teacher, David, and his Chinese girlfriend
David and his girlfriend run their own English language company, but when David’s not teaching he’s recording an album with a group of friends. The documentary follows the band as they get an investor, before creative and business priorities begin to clash. These ‘characters’ aren’t quite expanded on enough though, making them seem quite harsh and hard to relate to.
There are a few parts where I think the editing could have been snappier, with a faster pace because it begins to look like a home movie. If this was to be aired on television, a re-edit would probably be needed with an obvious climax and resolution to make the footage have a larger impact.
Marketing and branding needs to be worked on. The title, My Brother Lives in China could be made more catchy. The backwards ‘N’ on the poster does make it look like the film is based in Russia, so perhaps the presentation of the poster could be revised.
The entire movie soundtrack is made up of the band’s music which fits so perfectly! The band, Tomorrow Is No, represents the perfect mix of Chinese and Western cultures in a pop-rock genre really well. Fantastic voice-overs!
The visuals are superbly filmed, particularly in the light-deficient areas.
Overall, a decent watch! I enjoyed seeing a different side to intercultural communication. I think this film is just shy of a seven. It is a great concept, but a faster paced version would pick up the slower points.
Well done to the filmmaker, Matthiew Klinck! Sincerely hope you get funding for the sequel.
Jodie’s rating: 6.5/10
Check out the documentary, My Brother Lives in ChinaHERE
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Director: Francis Lawrence
Writers: Simon Beaufoy, Michael Arndt and Suzanne Collins. Based on the novel by Suzanne Collins
Released: November 2013
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci
and Donald Sutherland
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What a total disappointment!
The first movie was INCREDIBLE! A breath of fresh air. A new and exciting concept – different to the usual slog. Themes of anti-corporation, anti-government and shining a light on the absurdity of focussing on reality television rather than the actual reality.
But the second movie barely mentioned these themes. And if they did, it was literally one line of dialogue which summed the whole idea up, causing an originally important theme to become meaningless and redundant. It is pretty much leaving the best parts for the third movie. Catching Fire is just a set-up for Mockingjay.
“Yes” I have read the book, which was incredible. The first movie covered the book well, the second didn’t. I know one shouldn’t compare the book to the movie because they are very different mediums. But quite frankly, the makers left out all of the good parts and focussed on the Twilight-esk star-crossed lovers storyline. Which I felt was a mere footnote in the novel.
However, if you haven’t read the book, I will expect you to find the movie slow-paced, underwhelming and lacking action. The movie spends WAY too much time outside of the arena trying to set up the situation of district rebellion, which isn’t done convincingly anyway.
When you FINALLY make to the arena, it’s literally like you’re being shown one problem after another with no time to catch your breath or analyse character development. There is very few battle scenes too. Very disappointing.
The actors were well cast and the acting was very good. Particularly Jennifer Lawrence who is equally as convincing as she was in the first movie… Despite the inexhaustible crying.
In terms of shots and visuals, there is one impressive birds’ eye shot, and the fire on Katniss’ dress is more realistic. But I can’t say it was worth the hype I’ve heard recently.
I’m so upset. The movies are expected to make a lot of money, to ensure this, the deep themes and interesting ideas have been ditched for a cheap love story to cater for a wider audience. Which goes against the entire point of the actual Hunger Games story! Anti-corporation and anti-consumerism.
I reckon a small independent film company would have done a far better job; staying true to the ideas of the story, rather than aiming for a cheap buck.
…the musical score were average. But perhaps the soundtrack will be different.
I was talking to my hairdresser about how tired I am with the monotonous pop songs and icons who are thrown into the spotlight until they’re wrung dry, with their music played relentlessly on the radio. We both mentioned some artists we enjoy who are quite underground in the music scene, who we hoped to hear more from in popular culture.
Any artist who goes out of their way to sound different should be applauded. It is certainly difficult to break away from the mold, and I think along with many other indie/alternative artists, Claus Zinger is doing it.
His sound is original, with inspiration from his homeland, Israel, branching into a rock/electro sound. If I had to make a similarity, it would be to Nick Cave. They both have a raw, rough sound which is a great change of pace.
His songs are typically about despair, about “the pain attached to the essence of the world, which cannot be ignored.”
My favourite of the songs I have heard of his is “Last Night”. Reading the lyrics along with the song makes it very powerful. The strings and piano are solid, creating impact and sorrow, with the drums picking up the pace.
The layered vocals can be almost distressing because of the heaviness of it. But his voice is certainly distinctive.
I say good on him! Claus Zinger is doing his own thing. His music is powerful, emotional and original. I hope to hear more from him, and others like him.
I wondered what I was going to be watching when I first saw it actually…
This short film is about a man who calls a lock smith to get him out of a compromising situation.
It is tastefully done and leaves most of it to the imagination – making a bigger impact! The clever thing about the film is that it is based in one room with only two characters and no music, yet it still tells a convincing story.
It will be interesting to see the final cut, so that I could comment on the lighting and audio. But certainly a solid effort was put into acting a scripting with clear morals.
It’s an interesting concept made simple and entertaining – I’m very keen to see the final cut!
I was lucky enough to see the rough cut, but if you are keen to take a look, keep up to date with their progress on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lockedmovie
Hurricane is the second song I have reviewed of Junior Turner’s – the first being Natural and Nice.
This is a country-pop sounding song with upbeat melodies. It’s really quite inspirational-sounding!
In my last review for Junior Turner’s song, I said his voice sounds “like David Bowie mixed with Robbie Williams”, but I can hear Nick Cave in this one! Pretty cool.
This song has been fantastically recorded and produced – a very clear and professional sound.
A solid beat with great vocal harmonies between the singers. Hurricane is an easy listening song, bound to please many listeners.
A digital version of this song will be available on iTunes, Amazon & Play.com on September 27th, 2013.
Director: Neill Blomkamp Writer: Neill Blomkamp Released: August 2013 Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura and William Fichtner
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What a concoction! An action sci-fi film with epic fight scenes, storyline, characters and sets.
Elysium (a term from Greek mythology referring to where the blessed dwell after death) is based in the year 2154 where Earth is polluted, diseased and overpopulated by the poor and dying.
On an artificial planet/space station not far from Earth is ‘Elysium’. This is a place populated by the wealthy, where robots and machines take care of all the work and security of the station. They have access to machines that can cure anything from cancer to old age.
We follow the struggle of Max Da Costa (Matt Damon), as his fight to get to Elysium is littered with obstacles and unexpected twists and turns, loss and conflict.
What I like about this film is how it’s not a cold-hearted sci-fi. Every development is paralleled by an emotional character change too. It is clear how Max’s perspectives and values shift as he grows through his traumatic experiences.
The fight scenes are extremely well choreographed and shot! Wow, I got chills when the camera was mounted on the gun, as it moved around – almost first person. The jerky/shaky camera work was effectively used, without giving anybody motion sickness. This technique certainly accentuates the gory scenes! Prepare yourselves for exploding people…
Because Earth was no longer divided by countries, it was a huge boiling pot of accents. A bit of French, Spanish, American, Afrikaans and English accents/dialects were all spoken, but subtly mixed.
The characters were wicked! Jodie Foster’s character verbally bitch-slapped anybody who stood in her way. She began speaking French, and then spoke with a posh English accent with an American twang here and there. I thought her English accent was an epic fail, but considering my previous paragraph, perhaps her accent is accurate of the era.
Matt Damon kicked ass! He’s a talented actor because he plays the emotive dramas (Good Will Hunting) convincingly, with the ability to do actions (Bourne trilogy…) well. These two strengths were perfect for the character.
You’ll all know him as Wikus (the “sveetie man”) in District 9, but Sharlto Copley was far from sweet in this film. He played a vicious character, Agent Kruger, very well indeed. I think he’s one of my favourite actors, up there with good ol’ Christoph Waltz.
The ‘sveetie’ man of District 9
My favourite character, however, was Spider (Wagner Moura). He was not a stereotypical ‘geek’, but an intelligent and complex person. His intentions are confusing at first, which makes his character strong and respectable.
The bad: There were a few dull scenes and minor plot annoyances, such as certain occurrences being a little too lucky. The motives of the villain – Agent Krugar – are relatively unknown/unconvincing. There were a few dull spots where my mind wandered a tad, and the final fight could have been more memorable.
If I had to illustrate what this movie is like, I would explain it by using the following recipe:
Ingredients:
A bunch of futuristic flying machines, that reminded me of Star Wars,
A few chase scenes and the adventure of Total Recall,
A pinch of In Time – the future representations are similar at times
And for the icing, spread on a DOLLOP of District 9. The set design, attitudes and props are similar. (Due to sharing the same writer and director)
Method:
Mix everything together. Add the neglected love interest, and a sprinkle of violent fire arms. Beat into submission and heat at magma level to make the hottest sci-fi film of 2013.
Director: Shane Black
Writer: Based on Stan Lee’s Iron Man. Screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black
Released: April 2013
Featuring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley
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Holy crapolah. This movie… Guys… Just..
Wow.
This is a huge step away from the typical and clichéd superhero movies. This one is very funny with a switch up of roles among the characters. Like, it is an action-comedy with an underlying deep and meaningful storyline.
Throughout the movie, Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has anxiety attacks. Although I think it could have been more effective and emotional by having flashbacks, it was still pretty intense watching the usually unemotional hero break down.
The story is pretty decent, although I have to say that the villain, Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) is a little disappointing. He isn’t overly scary, freaky, creepy or quirky. Just. A dude who was out to get Iron Man.
The new characters in this film include a boy named Harley who helps Tony Stark. Every conversation these two had is hilarious. Tony is his legendary sarcastic self.
Rebecca Hall played Dr. Maya Hansen who is a totally undeveloped and uninteresting character… She is almost pointless. Which is disappointing, because I really liked Rebecca Hall in The Prestige and I don’t think she could show her complete talent in this film due to the empty character.
I’m not a huge fan of Gwenyth Paltrow who plays Pepper Potts, but she definitely picks up her game in this movie – she is bad ass!
I reckon the music could have been way more epic…
Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie! It was so funny, exciting and I didn’t get bored during the fight scenes.
Director: Bryan Singer Written: Darren Lemke and David Dobkin Released: March 2013 Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy and Ewan McGregor
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What an exciting cast! Bill Nighy, Stanley Tucci and Ewan McGregor! *drool*
I first saw the advert on the back of the bus, and quite frankly I thought it looked a little.. Lame.
So to see Jack and the Beanstalk being remade was not a surprise, and I expected it to have similar disappointments with all of the other remakes.
Namely the fact that the violence has to be toned down so that it can be suitable for the younger audience. Despite the storyline being 100 times better if it went the full hog and making it an M.
Oh hey, Ewan. What cha doin’ on the cliff there…
I was right. But it didn’t stop the story being enjoyable.
I do think the writers tried to cram a big storyline into a short amount of time – the intro seemed extremely rushed.
The special effects are amazing! Very well done. Getting the proportions convincing between the giants and the humans must have taken a bit of thought. Although, I still maintain that the giants should have had horses… Like, huge horses. That would have been cool.
Oh, and all the giants were male… I thought that was a bit odd.
Also, if I was designing where the giants lived, I would have made it way more fantastical, not just the average 16th century environment but quadruple the size.
Toward the end you will think you know exactly what will happen because it looks SO obvious leading up to it. However, I am happy to say that the writers did not take the easy way out. The ending isn’t as obvious and typical as one would expect.
This is a pleasantly entertaining film. Not hilarious or deep and meaningful. Just lightly entertaining. Nothing more than you would probably expect.
Director: Rodger Mitchell Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna Released: November 2010 Starring: Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton
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I love this movie. This is my happy movie.
Rachel McAdams plays Becky Fuller, a workaholic who is made redundant. She eventually gets hired by a breakfast show that’s going down the pan. The story follows her struggles to rebuild herself, and the show.
There are some fantastic lines! Harrison Ford is so dry with his delivery. It’s so perfect!
Mike: Why do we have to mention that first cup of coffee? Why not just say, “Watch Mike Pomeroy before your morning dump?”
I love Becky because she has arms flailing all over the place, her hair is messy and she’s so intensely dedicated to her job. Rachel McAdams was reluctant to take this part because she said she’s not funny enough to be in a comedy. But I disagree! McAdams is so natural in this, she makes it funny in a Bridget Jones sort of way.
Morning Glory‘s morals are sort of similar to The Devil Wears Prada… Well, it’s written by the same person, so I guess that’s why. But they’re basically about how important a career can be to someone, treating it like a relationship. In fact, when Becky discusses her job, it sounds like she’s talking about a person.
I guess although I understand why the reviews of this movie are average, I personally love it because I can relate to the industry having studied television and journalism. Becky is a character who I would love to be! I want her hair, wardrobe, confidence and success.
Becky: Why haven’t they bumped you up [to executive producer]? Lenny: It’s not for me. I did it for a couple of weeks once, but they put me back at Number Two. Apparently, the crying was distracting.
Keep an eye out for how Becky’s hair and clothes change as she grows and becomes more secure. It’s the attention to detail that makes this movie fun.
A very funny film, particularly if you’re familiar with the news industry!
It is a great story about breaking the mould. Not being what your father wants you to be, not giving into the black and white versions of education, but finding the creativity in it and allowing your imagination to run riot.
Robin Williams plays John Keating who is an English teacher with unorthodox teaching methods in a private all boys school. The tradition and formality of the school keeps the students as a uniform with little individuality. But Keating is able to bring out the strengths in them and encourage creativity.
It is one of the most inspiring movies, particularly because Robin Williams is so brilliant.
There are so many amazing scenes in this film, but I think this one below is my favourite. Keating brings out the best in a painfully shy student, showing him what he’s capable of by pushing him to open up:
I thoroughly enjoy these philosophical films, especially with the quirky Robin Williams whose improvisation skills are beyond any I have seen. He is amazing.
His character is everybody’s favourite teacher. Somebody who recognises the students weakness and strengths and getting the best out of them using methods that are best for them, even though they may not be necessarily typical of a prep school environment.
Look at things from a different perspective.
Dead Poets Society is uplifting and inspiring but also shocking and morose. It delves into the worst of humanity as it explores the desperation of students trying to escape the clutches of tradition.
Director: James Mangold
Writer: James Mangold and Gill Dennis
Released: November 2005
Featuring: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon
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I thoroughly enjoyed this biopic about one of the best country rock n roll singers of the sixties, Johnny Cash.
Joaquin Phoenix did an incredible job of becoming Johnny Cash. His natural intensity was perfect for the really heavy and dark life of Johnny Cash. I didn’t know much about Johnny Cash until I impulsively bought this movie. I had a few of his songs and enjoyed them, but assumed that he was just a country singer for geriatrics.
Performing in Folsom Prison
It turns out that Johnny Cash’s life and the people he rubbed shoulders with is incredible. The stories he has are inspiring. I am not sticking up for everything that Johnny Cash did, but I have to say that it was so unfortunate that he was married with children just before he reached his dream of being a musician. He let that old life go, hurting his family, and continue on following his dreams and the new life that come with it.
A lot of ups and downs which can become exhausting to watch, however, that just proves how convincing the film was; it really put you in Cash’s shoes.
Reese Witherspoon, having not enjoyed her performances for almost all of her movies, pleasantly surprised me in Walk The Line. She was very convincing as June Carter and I have a new found respect for her.
Joaquin and Reese both did their own vocals… I’m afraid that I enjoyed their vocal performances more that the original Johnny and June performances! I feel bad for saying that, but their sound is so upbeat and their voices are quite similar to Johnny and June’s. Very well done indeed!
I love the sixties – as I am sure you are aware – so seeing Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and a few of my other favourite rock n roll stars was awesome! The clothes, the atmosphere that was so convincingly authentic was beautiful.
Can you name all of the rock and roll stars?
A gorgeously filmed biopic with fantastic actors and characters.
Director: Francis Lawrence Writer: Richard LaGravenese. Based on Sara Guen’s novel of the same name Released: April 2011 Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz
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I bought this DVD as a bit of a whim. After stumbling across the trailer on YouTube I thought that the look of the whole film resembled the circus scenes in Big Fish.
It is the story of the dark side of the circus during the early 1930s, with a forbidden love story between Jacob (Robert Pattinson) and Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) intertwined. Jacob runs away with the circus and poses as a certified vet to continue travelling with them, but discovers that there’s much more to performing that the magic the audience sees.
On the way, he experiences the control and under handed acts that go on in order to keep the circus from failing during the depression. Staff would go missing in the night if the boss and husband of Marlena, August (Christoph Waltz), was unable to pay.
Beautiful animals and amazing stunts
The climax did have me holding my breath, but the over all story seemed somewhat watered down, with the lack of suspense throughout most of the heavier scenes.
Of course, my terrible habit is that I hype movies up before I’ve even seen them. I did think that Water For Elephants was going to be more dramatic and horrific, perhaps I would have been right if it was an R17 rating or something like that. But, it wasn’t a bad story by any stretch and it was an enjoyable romance drama – despite there being more romance that drama for my taste.
However, it was very well shot! The director, Francis Lawrence shows his talent for lighting in previous films including I Am Legend and has carried it through to Water For Elephants. I am excited to see how he portrays The Hunger Games sequels!
The acting was great for the most part! Christoph Waltz… Need I say more? He was amazing as usual, and one of the most compelling reasons to buy this movie, he was convincingly intense. Robert Pattinson was pretty decent too, possibly a little monotone..? Reese Witherspoon was AV-ER-AGE to say the least. Shallow acting.
A cool tale that explores the fantasy of running away with the circus.
Director: Steven Antin Writers: Susannah Grant. Screenplay by Steven Antin and Diablo Cody Released: November 2010 Starring: Christina Aguilera, Cher, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Kristen Bell, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher, Stanley Tucci, Dianna Agron
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So, Burlesque is pretty much a lighter, chick flick version of Moulin Rouge. It is an upbeat, modern story with back to back songs that make you want to get up and dance.
Christina Aguilera is a singer who I admire for her talent, yet if I am honest, I do not enjoy her music.
She does an amazing job during the scenes where she is performing on stage. However, for the most part her acting is much to be desired. Her squeaky voice gets a little on nerves considering she has such a deep, powerful singing voice.
The same goes for Cher, her acting was average… But so was her auto-tuned voice. I’m not convinced that she should really be classed as “a legend”…
I swear Life After Love is the only successful song of hers that I can think of.
But Stanley Tucci is one of my favourite actors – he is great in this movie as usual!
I don’t love the songs enough to buy the soundtrack. But there are a couple that are pretty catchy! Unfortunately, Christina Aguilera’s voice is so distinct that sometimes her improvisation during the songs can become irritating. Hence why I have never bought an album of hers.
Following a typical chick-flick structure, the ending is no surprise. Over used morals of “do what you love”, “just do it” and “don’t give up” drowns this movie. But it is a film that is not supposed to be much more than enjoyable.
Looking for a pick me up? I think this high-energy, fun film will do the trick!
Director: Woody Allen Writer: Woody Allen Released: June 2011 Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody
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When I first watched this film I was disappointed because I had hyped up the plot of Gil (Owen Wilson) travelling through different time eras of Paris. The artistic, fashionable, sophisticated and elaborate times of the 1920s, as well as the ceremonious, coming of age times of the 1890s. But after letting my great expectations subside, I really enjoyed the watch.
The plot is about the Golden Age. That is, longing to live in a time before your own. For example, mine is the early 1960s. Rock and roll music and amazing fashion, with the huge liberal movement against war and for free will.
Paul: Nostalgia is denial – denial of the painful present… the name for this denial is golden age thinking – the erroneous notion that a different time period is better than the one one’s living in – it’s a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.
However, Midnight In Paris attempts to shroud my Golden Age in contempt, trying to convince me that few are content with the current times and to get over it. It dampened my comfort of believing I would be happier in a different time, because the reality is – as Gil discovers – that you would simply find another time that you would believe to be better.
There is a lot of magic in this film, which I love. Gil goes through a wormhole of sorts, where at the strike of midnight every night a 1920s car picks him up and takes him to parties with his literary heroes. It’s a beautiful “what if” storyline that lives out everybody’s dream to travel through time to experience a life not meant for them.
I think that the decision for Gil to be transported to different era via transport appropriate for that time was perfect. It seems like a small, obvious detail, but I’m just glad that there was no CGI, special effects or sound effects to make the transition obvious.
This magic does not last throughout the film, however. “The grass is always greener on the other side” is a phrase that has been converted into the moral of this story – the cold, harsh light of day is not welcoming.
Gil sees that the beauty of every era can still be inspiring without having the ability to experience it first hand. Which is disappointing since it seems that he is throwing away his idyllic time era of 1920s Paris for an average life in 2010 Paris. He could have continued to live his dream, but chose not to for no convincing reason.
On the other hand, I loved how his heroes gave him advice and support, which ultimately builds his confidence to improve his life in the present.
Gil: Would you read it? ErnestHemingway: Your novel? Gil: Yeah, it’s about 400 pages long, and I’m just looking for an opinion. Ernest Hemingway: My opinion is I hate it. Gil: Well you haven’t even read it yet. Ernest Hemingway: If it’s bad, I’ll hate it because I hate bad writing, and if it’s good, I’ll be envious and hate all the more. You don’t want the opinion of another writer.
Instead of taking the easy option of staying in his dream, he takes the tough road of building his life into what he really wants. I guess he shook of the security blanket of living in the past – an easier place to live because you know what’s coming for you.
Gil: Adriana, if you stay here though, and this becomes your present then pretty soon you’ll start imagining another time was really your… You know, was really the golden time. Yeah, that’s what the present is. It’s a little unsatisfying because life’s a little unsatisfying.
Gertrude Stein: We all fear death and question our place in the universe. The artist’s job is not to succumb to despair, but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence.
The beautiful French music was glorious! Seriously considering buying the soundtrack.
The acting was very well done. I really hated Rachel McAdam’s character. Like, it got to the point where I was starting to think that she must be a total bi-atch in real life because she played evil Inez so convincingly. So, kudos to her acting ability.
Owen Wilson was pretty much the same character he is in everything. I’m not totally sure why he was cast. Perhaps to keep the film upbeat.
It is an uplifting tale of something that many of us dream of doing. The ending was rather disappointing, at first. But I have come to terms with it, and I think it works well for Gil.
Worth a watch, but don’t expect it to be a deep and meaningful movie – you will be disappointed! Look at it as a quirky drama/rom-com. Although, I do think that it would have been a very moving film if it was heavier with more drama and emotion.
The ditsy character in the Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant TV series, Extras, is Maggie Jacobs (Ashley Jensen).
“Would you rather be you, with your face and your legs, and the brain of a chimpanzee, or would you rather be a chimpanzee, but with your brain?”
I like her because she is so innocent and naive. It makes a huge change for one of the leading characters to be so honest and unaffected by mainstream beliefs. She is fresh-faced but average, similar to Bridget Jones but even easier to relate to.
I guess because she’s in a dead-end job, single and struggling as a extra on television shows, rubbing shoulders with fame and fortune yet never coming close to it, like how much of society feels as they slave away at work. But Maggie never strives for any of that. She just plods along.
I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I look up to her, but I do draw inspiration from her because she is so honest to people. Plus, she always does something to embarrass herself but lets it go – she never dwells on bad experiences or holds grudges.
She’s funny, loyal and doesn’t lie to anyone… Which gets her into trouble sometimes. Her Scottish accent is amazing, too!
Director: Will Gluck Writer: Bert V. Royal Released: September 2010 Starring: Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Lisa Kudrow, Stanley Tucci
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This is quite a different version to the typical high school chick flick that drowns the market. Easy A is about how rumours can make or break your reputation. But also how you can take insults and use them to your advantage.
It has a funny script with some catchy insults from the witty and very sarcastic Olive (Emma Stone) – similar dialogue to Juno.
Her best come backs are usually toward the “Jesus Freak”, Marianne (Amanda Bynes), who was responsible for spreading the false rumour of Olive losing her virginity.
Marianne: There’s a higher power that will judge you for your indecency. Olive: Tom Cruise?
This movie covers everything that one would come across in high school; self expression, religious beliefs, hypocritical people, assumptions and rumour-spreaders. Of course, Olive uses all of this to her advantage.
She sassed up her wardrobe “just like they asked” and becomes her alter ego of the ‘whore’, despite being a very respectable 17-year-old. Just goes to show that what you may see on the outside is not always what is on the inside. And vice versa.
Nina: Perhaps you should embroider a red A on your wardrobe, you abominable tramp. Olive: Perhaps you should get a wardrobe, you abominable twat.
I really enjoyed this movie because it is a huge, gigantic middle finger to society. You can’t change what people think of you, but you can choose not to be a victim to it.
People rumoured that Olive was a bit of a “skank”, so she began to dress like one! They didn’t whisper about it behind her back after she started wearing corsets and high heels to school, making the scandal-filled rumour less shocking.
It is a fun movie with references to eighties high school movies such as The Breakfast Club which I thought was really smart and made it a story that seemed more human because everybody wants to be in an eighties high school film.
The music is pretty awesome, too. Jessie J’s Sexy Silk is a fun song, with a modernised version of We Go Together (from Grease) by I Heart Homework. But with my personal favourite being from The Breakfast Club called Don’t You (Forget About Me) originally by Simple Minds, but covered by AM.
Oh, and since watching Easy A, Natasha Bedingfield’s Pocket Full of Sunshine has not left my mind for the past few days. You should expect the same thing after watching the film.
Mr. Griffith: I don’t know what your generation’s fascination is with documenting your every thought… “Roman is having an OK day, and bought a Coke Zero at the gas station. Raise the roof.” Olive: He got a Coke Zero AGAIN. Ah, that Roman. Incorrigible.
Easy A is a fun and easy watch. The script enables viewers to look into it as far as they wish with layered themes and slightly more complex characters than usual. Obviously not a film for everyone, but it’s definitely my favourite movie at the moment – up there with The Breakfast Club! A 2010 version of a 1985 chick flick.
Actually, I would say that it is on par with Pitch Perfect.
Directed: Tom McGrath
Written: Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons
Released: November 2010
Featuring: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross and Brad Pitt
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I think the best animations are ones where they are enjoyable for more than one age group, which Megamind certainly is! Great for the younger audience as well as teenagers and adults.
“Being bad was the only thing I was ever good at”
This movie is about a blue alien named Megamind (Will Ferrell) who was sent to Earth as a baby, growing up to cause destruction and trouble. Megamind and his rival, Metro Man (Brad Pitt) who is the city’s ‘super hero’, frequently fight in Metro City like Superman and Lex Luthor. It’s a classic good guy/bad guy relationship, which becomes a game to Megamind, until he finally defeats Metro Man and realises that the success he had always strived for was not as rewarding as he had thought.
Moral: Be careful what you wish for; you may just get it.
This animation has some of the best lines in it, I reckon it’s up there with Juno‘s dialogue in some parts. The script is very well written, the dialogue as well as the storyline. It’s a classic superhero story which frequently mocks itself.
This type of animation is similar to that of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, but Megamind is a slightly more mature story; funnier and more entertaining.
I love you, Metro Man! “And I love YOU, random citizen!”
Megamind: In case you’ve noticed, you’ve fallen right into my trap! Metro Man: You can’t trap justice! It’s an idea, a BELIEF! Megamind: Even the most heartfelt belief can get corroded over time! Metro Man: Justice is a non-corrosive metal! Megamind: But metals can be melted, by the heat of revanche! Metro Man: It’s REVENGE, and it’s best served cold! Megamind: But it can be easily reheated, in the microwave of evil! Metro Man: Well, I think your warranty’s about to expire! Megamind: Maybe I got an extended warranty! Metro Man: Warranties are invalid, if used beyond their intended purpose!
All the characters are awesome! Roxanne Ritchie (Tina Fey) is a news reporter who always gets kidnapped by Megamind to provoke another fight with Metro Man. She has been taken so many times that nothing phases her any more.
Roxanne: Could someone stamp my frequent kidnapping card? Megamind: You of all people know we discontinued that promotion.
Hal: “You’re living a fantasy. There is no Easter Bunny. There is no Tooth Fairy. There is no Queen of England.”
Hal (Jonah Hill) is probably my favourite character though because he’s the funniest. He’s desperate for Roxanne’s attention but fails to be smooth or flattering. Megamind turned Hal into the new ‘good guy superhero’ after Metro Man’s disappearance, and named him Titan.
Hal: I’m havin’ a party at my house, gonna be off the hook, or whatever. You should come over. I got a DJ, rented a bouncy house, made a gallon of dip. It’s gonna be sick! Roxanne: Oh, I…I don’t know, Hal. I don’t really feel like being around a bunch of people. Hal: No, no, no! That’s the best part, it’ll just be like, you and me… I did hire a wedding photographer. That’s just in case we were like, something crazy happened and we wanted a picture of it like, maybe we should have this for like, ever. Like a memory, you know? Roxanne: Um, I’m gonna pass. I have some work here that I need to do, anyway. Hal: Cool. So, Thursday? Soft Thursday?
A fun, exciting and hilarious twist on the age-old superhero format. Great cast, characters and storyline.
I found this album in my mum’s CD collection and gave it a listen.
Heavy much! As soon as this song begins you suddenly feel in a daze… Perhaps that’s not an overly positive reaction, but that’s how strong this song is, it’s very influential on your emotions. Really puts you on edge, for sure.
In fact most of Portishead‘s songs are, (particularly on their album Dummy (1994) anyway), the drone of the instruments mixed with the drowned vocals is original and gives you chills. If you need to chillax or need to have a good cry, give this song a listen.
I just read that the Portishead genre is referred to as “trip hop”. Never heard of that term before. Also, watching the music video, the lead singer looks like Jodie Foster… What do you reckon?
Saving Private Ryan (1998) “…and I find that marvellous.”
I had first heard of Edith Piaf when I saw Inception (Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien). She is a famous French singer from the twenties through to the sixties, and I adore her music.
Since learning about her songs, this scene in Saving Private Ryan jumped out at me. It is a bonding scene between the soldiers that begins with a conversation about Piaf’s song (Tu es Partout), like most of my other favourite scenes, it’s slower paced and one of the quieter moments of the movie.
I just really enjoy one of the more sensitive soldiers translating the song to the others.
This scene jumps out from the otherwise somewhat average comedy as Jim Carrey’s character, Carl, talks down a reluctant suicidal jumper via sing-song. A song called, rather appropriately, “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind (jump to the start of the song at 1.17 in you’d like).
Little Miss Sunshine(2006): “Life is just one big beauty contest after another”
Just a fascinating moment of reflection by a character who is longing to become a pilot despite being colour blind, and a writer who attempted suicide.
Directed by: Peter Farrelly, Elizabeth Banks, Steven Brill, Steve Carr, Rusty Cundieff, James Duffy, Griffin Dunne, Patrik Forsberg, James Gunn, Bob Odenkirk, Brett Ratner, Will Graham and Jonathan van Tulleken Written by: Steve Baker, Will Carlough, Tobias Carlson, Jacob Fleisher, Patrik Forsberg, Will Graham, James Gunn, Claes Kjellstrom, Jack Kukoda, Bill O’Malley, Matthew Alec, Portenoy, Greg Pritikin, Rocky Russo, Olle Sarri, Elizabeth Wright Shapiro, Jeremy Sosenko, Jonathan van Tulleken, Jonas Wittenmark Released: January 2013 Featuring: Dennis Quaid, Greg Kinnear, Seth MacFarlane, Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloë Grace Moretz, Gerard Butler, Johnny Knoxville, Stephen Merchant, Halle Berry AND the rest of Hollywood. —
Short review: It sucks. Don’t bother seeing it.
So it’s pretty much a series of skits, all directed and written by different people. The story line is how a crazed writer blackmails a producer to get his movie comprised of a series of short skits made. The finished product is the movie that is in the cinemas now, Movie 43.
I mean, obviously this film was not going to be good, you could tell that from the trailer.
I can’t say I actually laughed at all in this movie… The funniest scene was the first short with Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman but even so, I only giggled a little.
The scene where Halle Berry is dared by Stephen Merchant to blow out a blind kid’s birthday candles before he does would have got a bit of a laugh too, if I hadn’t already seen the trailer and knew it was coming. Oh, and Merchant’s plastic surgery results were chuckle-worthy too.
If you want to be grossed out in a way where you also feel targeted and creeped out, skip the horror movie and watch Movie 43 by all means. But if you want to laugh at something… See an actual comedy.
I would like to take this moment to ask Kate Winslet and Emma Stone: “WHY!?”
There were many things that made me cringe, like in the homeschooling scene where the parents want to give their son every high school experience including his “first kiss”, or the entire “iBabe” sketch, or the superhero speed dating sketch. It’s not that I was necessarily offended, it just… Wasn’t funny.
Like, I understood where I was supposed to laugh and why it should be funny… But it just really wasn’t. Like when you watch an episode of Dora the Explorer and she makes a joke, you know why it is technically ‘funny’ but you don’t laugh because the jokes are simple and lame. Obviously the lame jokes in Movie 43 are R-rated humour though.
If you want to see a TON of famous people making fools of themselves, I’m sure you will enjoy this movie.
Scent of a Woman (1992): “An amputated spirit, there’s no prosthetic for that!”
Al Pacino plays a blind Colonel who stands up to the system. I love this scene because he is shaking this deep rooted college by the shoulders, waking them up! It gives you chills! He says that schools need to teach the practicality and values that are important in real life and for your soul, not necessarily reputation or how much money one has. That won’t always help you in life.
“If you get all tangled up, you just tango on!”
This scene is incredible! I put this scene on repeat after I first saw it. It’s a metaphor for life, to just try things! Donna is a beautiful and elegant woman who I think is such an awesome character, even though she does not appear in it for very long. A beautiful piece of music too.
Director: Joe Scott
She does an amazing job during the scenes where she is performing on stage. However, for the most part her acting is much to be desired. Her squeaky voice gets a little on nerves considering she has such a deep, powerful singing voice.
NZ Film Freak 
