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!
I had no idea this rock band was from New Zealand (Wellington)! So crazy.
I love this song. I remember hearing a lot growing up and recently stumbled across it again. A song about letting go of somebody who has moved on to somebody else.
Am I surprised to see you here with Lydia,
She’s oh so nice and easier to love than I
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.
La Fille de Joie Est Triste (L’accordéoniste)
“The Accordionist” (1940)
This is a beautiful song written and performed by Edith Piaf (Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien – Inceptionand Tu es Partout – Saving Private Ryan). The chorus gives me chills.
It is about a prostitute who is married to an accordionist who will be going to war soon and will not return to her alive.
Her man will never come back.
Goodbye to beautiful dreams.
Her life is done for.
I interpret her story as though she has to forget her emotions while she’s working, but as soon as she leaves and watches her husband play the Java, she becomes overwhelmed with emotion.
She wants to weep, it’s physical
All of her being is tense
Her breath suspended
The music has wrung her out
This song may be derived from similar life experiences. Piaf was abandoned by her parents and lived with her grandmother who owned a brothel. The prostitutes raised her and took care of her. By the age of 17 she had a child who then died at the age of two. Edith was involved in three near fatal car crashes, resulting in alcoholism that contributed to her liver cancer that took her life.
Such an unfortunate life, contrasted by her huge fame during the 1930s to 60s is tragic. But has most certainly been channelled in her beautifully emotional songs.
Obviously this song is sung in French, but that does not take any of the emotion away at all! Before I knew what she was singing about, I could hear the desperation and longing in her voice.
STOP!
Stop the music.
A beautiful song.
Jodie.
The final chorus from 2.40 is chilling!
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.
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).
Director: John Hughes
Writer: John Hughes
Released: February 1985
Featuring:Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, Paul Gleason
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Probably the best high school based film. Openly addressing and mocking their stereotypes and the pressures each one of them are under by their associated peers.
It is a very well made film because it is entirely based in one place during one day, with a tiny cast. We are sitting in on a Saturday detention with five completely contrasting students who soon find out what they hate and what they love about each other and themselves. Very human, very emotionally rooted.
The Characters: The cheerleader type referred to as ‘the princess’ named Claire (Molly Ringwald).
The jock referred to as ‘sporto’ named Andrew (Emilio Estevez).
‘The brain’ named Brian (Anthony Michael Hall).
The kook or ‘the basket case’ named Allison (Ally Sheedy).
The messed up ‘criminal’ called John (Judd Nelson).
The Kook and The Princess
What is great about these characters, is that we can see qualities in ourselves in all of them. They are a mirror image of the teenage audience. We all know somebody with qualities like them, we all find some of them in ourselves and we all find characteristics in them that we want to possess.
Despite being about five typical stereotypes, by the end of the movie, you realise that they are a group of misfits who don’t want to belong to a group who tells them who to be.
I think if there was an extended version of this movie, it would be how each one of them over came the pressure of their groups and openly hung out with other cliques, because they’re all strong characters who would become role models. Well, that’s what I would like to think would happen anyway.
Made in the eighties and it certainly looks like the eighties! I swear I am transported to that era every time I watch it. Great eighties music too, including one of my favourite songs Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds. If you want to listen to some eighties music on the go, this site has some great eighties music.
It’s true, high school really does suck. But this movie will make you feel better about it.
Jodie’s rating: 8/10
I would just like to say that they have excluded all of the funny bits in this trailer, so if you like the look of this, you’re going to love the film.
You know that feeling of just wanting to get up and dance? A song where you just can’t sit still listening to? This is a scene about that feeling.
This is actually a deleted scene from the incredible film, The Boat That Rocked which shows the deeper meaning of the effects of music. Rock and roll just makes sense to people.
Directors: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant Writers: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant Released: April 2010 Starring: Emily Watson, Ricky Gervais, Ralph Fienes, Christian Cooke, Tom Hughes
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Based in the early seventies, this film follows the lives of three boys in their early twenties whose lives consist of “boozing”, partying and “getting birds”. However, after one of the boys, Freddie (Christian Cooke), meets an old friend, Julie (Felicity Jones) who is bursting to leave town and travel the world, he decides that he wants more in life too.
They both realise that they are both being held back by conservative parents and living in the regimented town of Cemetery Junction. The film follows these two characters as well as their friends and families, as they come to terms with climbing out of the armpit of a town, despite Julie being engaged and their ideas beyond the town are frowned upon.
This movie is fantastically well made! Bright colours from the swinging sixties that reminds me of The Boat That Rocked and Made In Dagenham. Fantastic songs from the sixties and seventies too, including Bowie, Slade and Elton John. I bet the soundtrack would be worth getting.
The characters are (according to my parents) quite accurate of the time. The older generation racist and with plans of keeping in the same job and staying in the same town, but with a growing proportion of the younger generation wanting more than being in a 9 to 5 job, marrying and having children, but wanting to explore and move away.
It is a refreshing plot line that is beyond an aesthetically perfect rom-com, but an inspiring story of escape in search of adventure. The feeling of being trapped experienced by some of the characters who are trying to break free are well communicated in the film. It’s a very human story of breaking the mould and being independent.
Cemetery Junction is convincing and very well made, apart from the frequently questionable language. It is extremely funny, exciting and makes you long for that era with the fashion and majestic clubs with live music booming. The characters are relatable and realistic who encourage the feeling of moving away from all that is familiar just for the sake of the journey.
A fun easy-to-watch, yet deep movie of lovable characters living in an increasingly exciting time.
This song and music video are ah-may-zing! The drone of a life that has you on the “Karma payroll” leading you to lose sight of what is good in the world. It is easy to shut off and become a zombie in life when things never seem to go right for no reason of your own, perhaps causing you to snap.
For a minute there, I lost myself
The music video is pretty straight forward. Chasing down a seemingly average man for the apparent wrongs that he needs to be punished for by Karma. The car is in a studio from the black-out windows (no reflection) and the mechanical camera that has a set speed and movement that it can repeat identically, which allows an easy cut between the outside of the car and the inside of the car.
This is what you get when you mess with us
Very well done lightning too. The actor looks like a working man – not a Hollywood actor… Which he may or may not be… But very convincing in any case.
I mentioned this song in my review of Django Unchained in which this song was featured.
It is an amazing song with awesome voices! The slow pace of the song and the drawn-out lyrics represents the struggle of moving forward and finding freedom.
Life hasn’t been very kind to me lately…
…in time the sun’s gonna shine on me nicely
Fantastic singers! The drums are solid and sturdy with little in the way of ‘busy’ instrumentation.
Roxanne! This is the clash of all negative emotions performed through the incredibly perfect song Roxanne by The Police. A theatrical version that parallels the heartbreak and betrayal that is occurring.
It is an absolutely incredible scene. The best song on the soundtrack, the best dance in the movie, the best performance, the best lighting. Amazing.
Director: Quentin Tarantino Writer: Quentin Tarantino Released: December 2012/January 2013 Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson
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Django.
The D is silent.
Well, I got to say, the first quarter of the movie is incredible! Django (Jamie Foxx) being freed by a strange man named Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) and the show-down that occurred between Schultz and the Speck Brothers who were transporting Django and other slaves to a plantation. This is where Django and Schultz become a team and continue the journey as Bounty Hunters (killing criminals and selling their corpses for rewards).
Dr. King Schultz: My good man, did you simply get carried away with your dramatic gesture, or are you pointing your weapon at me with lethal intention? Ace Speck: [cocks shotgun] Last chance, fancy pants.
It was a fantastic start to another incredible Tarantino film… Or at least that’s what I thought… Let me tell you, the idea of “less is more” is not something that Tarantino agrees with.
It slowly (and boy do I mean slowly!) unravelled to reveal a story that consisted of long scenes of dialogue with very sudden outbursts of bloody gunfire that would last an eternity. Particularly the final fight.
Well you think it’s the final fight until another scene of dialogue and another fight follows. By the time it reaches the actual final gun fight, you’re so over the blood and gore that you’re immune to the tragedy of it all and the impact of the violent film has subsided.
If you’re worried that this film is going to be too sadistic… Don’t worry. It’s not. I’m not going to lie, I did flinch when a slave was ripped apart by dogs, and when a horse was shot in the head… But it is essentially a black comedy – it ain’t no Saw. It is seriously more comedic than violent, especially with the scene featuring Jonah Hill.
Christoph Waltz was absolutely hilarious too. Actually, this guy is going to get a whole paragraph dedicated to his acting. He is totally incredible! Did you know that he can speak three languages fluently!? English, French and German, which he speaks in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained. His way of acting is unlike any other… you can’t even tell if he is acting or not because he is just so natural. *Sigh*. Maaaan… He needs a hi-5. His character had some wicked quotes too.
You silver-tongued devil, you.
Unfortunately, some things were unintentionally funny. Like Quentin Tarantino’s cameo… Yeah. That was… Weird. Especially since him and another character were speaking with an Australian accent. That literally came out of nowhere, so confusing! It was kind of disturbing.
I have to make a quick point about the horses. They were SO well trained! Incredible stunt horses. Being a horserider myself, I tend to get really picky about how the horses or riders are doing something wrong, like if the horse-doubles look very little alike or how the actors can’t ride or how sometimes I notice that one of the riders is totally out of control of their horse.
But I couldn’t fault any of the horses or riders in this film! Particularly Jamie Foxx when he was riding a horse with no bridle or saddle… Actually that was yet another left-field occurrence. It was kind of pointless, unexpected and weird.
I had read somewhere before seeing Django Unchained that there is a part where Leonardo accidentally slams his hand down onto a wine glass while in character. I looked out for it, and it makes the scene a hundred times better because for a split second you see the shock on his face, but he carries on. Throughout the scene he picks glass out of his hand, even smearing his own blood over another actor’s face. Awesomely grotesque, I have got to say! Good on you, DiCaprio. He played an mildly insane and overpowering man very well!
Gentlemen, you had my curiosity, now you have my attention.
The music was pretty cool. My favourite song was one called Freedom by Anthony Hamilton and Elayna Boynton. But out of nowhere a hardcore rap song blared against while a group of horses and riders walked from one end of the screen to the other… The mood of the movie was sort of ruined by odd little choices like that.
It wasn’t as sadistic or gory as I was expecting it to be. Also, the story line did not involve as many personal details about many characters, like there was in Inglourious Basterds. It made the entire movie seem distant, making it difficult to lose yourself in the movie.
I reckon Quentin Tarantino was just having fun in this movie. I reckon it would have been much more entertaining being on set every day rather than sitting through a Lord of the Rings-length Western/Black Comedy/Romance/Action movie.
Still confused by what I just watched…
Jodie’s rating: 6/10
You need to watch this trailer to listen purely to Christoph’s voice! His use of inflection is perfection!
This is where the characters are running in slow motion while being shot at. It captures every tiny detail and the sheer panic. Throw in some Inception music and you got the most epic scene in the whole shebang.
Directed: Nigel Cole
Written: William Ivory
Released: October 2010
Featuring: Sally Hawkins, Rosamund Pike, Miranda Richardson, Bob Hoskins, Geraldine James
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This movie is based in the late sixties during a time when women were treated unequally in the work place. They were degraded and given less pay than the men, simply because they are women.
The leader of the movement Rita O’Grady, played by Sally Hawkins, a worker in a Ford factory in Dagenham, organises the rallies. Based on a true story, these women made history in their success in getting equality in the workplace – even meeting Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson)!
Rita carries the guilt of others’ personal issues such as dealing with the after effects of war on her friends as well as keeping everybody united in the struggle against the workplace. This adds another very human dimension to the film.
Rights not privileges, it’s really that simple.
My favourite character is by far Lisa, played by Rosamund Pike. She is beautifully elegant, and posesses a fantastically strong sense of right and wrong. Her opinion is generally unwelcome, but I just adore everybody’s faces when she speaks out A look of utter shock. She is strong, intelligent and an amazing woman.
I’m Lisa Burnett, I’m 31 years old and I have a first class honours degree from one of the finest universities in the world, and my husband treats me like I’m a fool…
It’s based in the sixties, so naturally the music and fashion is absolutely to die for! The dresses, the hair, the dancing *gasp* …so amazing.
This is a movie that will inspire and move you. It is entertaining and funny with an amazing cast! This is not a preachy feminist film either. This is based on true circumstances adding so much integrity to the script.
The front cover of the DVD and poster is very inaccurate. It looks like it is a happy-go-lucky rom-com. It is far from it. It is a drama based on humanity and personal triumphs.
An incredible journey by heroines based in a time of total change.
In this scene, Hermione and Harry dance to a very emotive song called O’ Children by Nick Cave and the Black Seeds as they mourn Ron’s absence and the bitter situation that they have found themselves in during the war and the search for Voldemort’s horcruxes. It seems to be the quiet time before the storm, but after much destruction, loss and heartache.
In this scene, a German Soldier, Captain Wilm Hosenfeld (Thomas Kretschmann), discovers Władysław Szpilman’s (Adrian Brody) hiding place. Instead of killing him, he helps him survive.
But before leaving after their first encounter, the German Soldier asks what he will do after the war is over. “Play the piano again” he answers. “Show me” the German soldier replies.
After two years of not being able to do the one thing he loves, Władysław does so, happily. He looks like he is healing himself after the battle to survive the war, which is slowly coming to an end.
I think this scene intrigues me because I believe the soldier just wanted the hurt of the war to end. After watching the whole film showing the destruction German Soldiers brought, he makes us remember that they are only human too. He seems to be thinking about the actions of his soldiers, what is right or wrong, perhaps his loss of faith in fighting… Music can provoke many feelings.
Wilm Hosenfeld did in fact make a habit of helping Jewish people survive in labour camps, before dying in a POW camp himself, possibly after being tortured.
I think, in this scene, both parties are united by music; healing together and making peace.
I love music as well as movies, so I would like to share a site that I have discovered with you.
The Pleasure Dome offers a convincing throw back to the 1980s era. Great ’80s hits played in the format of a radio show that you can listen to in the background while working.
Director: Rodger Mitchell
There are some fantastic lines! Harrison Ford is so dry with his delivery. It’s so perfect!
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.
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.
I had no idea this rock band was from New Zealand (Wellington)! So crazy.
Director: James Mangold
I thoroughly enjoyed this biopic about one of the best country rock n roll singers of the sixties, Johnny Cash.
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.
Director: Steven Antin
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 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.
Director: Will Gluck
It has a funny script with some catchy insults from the witty and very sarcastic Olive (Emma Stone) – similar dialogue to Juno.
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.
The cheerleader type referred to as ‘the princess’ named Claire (Molly Ringwald).
I think if there was an extended version of this movie, it would be how each one of them over came the pressure of their groups and openly hung out with other cliques, because they’re all strong characters who would become role models. Well, that’s what I would like to think would happen anyway.
They both realise that they are both being held back by conservative parents and living in the regimented town of Cemetery Junction. The film follows these two characters as well as their friends and families, as they come to terms with climbing out of the armpit of a town, despite Julie being engaged and their ideas beyond the town are frowned upon.
This movie is fantastically well made! Bright colours from the swinging sixties that reminds me of The Boat That Rocked and Made In Dagenham. Fantastic songs from the sixties and seventies too, including Bowie, Slade and Elton John. I bet the soundtrack would be worth getting.
The characters are (according to my parents) quite accurate of the time. The older generation racist and with plans of keeping in the same job and staying in the same town, but with a growing proportion of the younger generation wanting more than being in a 9 to 5 job, marrying and having children, but wanting to explore and move away.
It is a refreshing plot line that is beyond an aesthetically perfect rom-com, but an inspiring story of escape in search of adventure. The feeling of being trapped experienced by some of the characters who are trying to break free are well communicated in the film. It’s a very human story of breaking the mould and being independent.
It slowly (and boy do I mean slowly!) unravelled to reveal a story that consisted of long scenes of dialogue with very sudden outbursts of bloody gunfire that would last an eternity. Particularly the final fight.
Christoph Waltz was absolutely hilarious too. Actually, this guy is going to get a whole paragraph dedicated to his acting. He is totally incredible! Did you know that he can speak three languages fluently!? English, French and German, which he speaks in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained. His way of acting is unlike any other… you can’t even tell if he is acting or not because he is just so natural. *Sigh*. Maaaan… He needs a hi-5. His character had some wicked quotes too.
I have to make a quick point about the horses. They were SO well trained! Incredible stunt horses. Being a horserider myself, I tend to get really picky about how the horses or riders are doing something wrong, like if the horse-doubles look very little alike or how the actors can’t ride or how sometimes I notice that one of the riders is totally out of control of their horse.
I had read somewhere before seeing Django Unchained that there is a part where Leonardo accidentally slams his hand down onto a wine glass while in character. I looked out for it, and it makes the scene a hundred times better because for a split second you see the shock on his face, but he carries on. Throughout the scene he picks glass out of his hand, even smearing his own blood over another actor’s face. Awesomely grotesque, I have got to say! Good on you, DiCaprio. He played an mildly insane and overpowering man very well!
Directed: Nigel Cole
The leader of the movement Rita O’Grady, played by Sally Hawkins, a worker in a Ford factory in Dagenham, organises the rallies. Based on a true story, these women made history in their success in getting equality in the workplace – even meeting Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson)!
My favourite character is by far Lisa, played by Rosamund Pike. She is beautifully elegant, and posesses a fantastically strong sense of right and wrong. Her opinion is generally unwelcome, but I just adore everybody’s faces when she speaks out A look of utter shock. She is strong, intelligent and an amazing woman.
It’s based in the sixties, so naturally the music and fashion is absolutely to die for! The dresses, the hair, the dancing *gasp* …so amazing.
I think this scene intrigues me because I believe the soldier just wanted the hurt of the war to end. After watching the whole film showing the destruction German Soldiers brought, he makes us remember that they are only human too. He seems to be thinking about the actions of his soldiers, what is right or wrong, perhaps his loss of faith in fighting… Music can provoke many feelings.
NZ Film Freak 