So then, we wander off into our celluloid soiree this week, with another comedy, this time of a romantic twist, as we enjoy the delights of;
Hitch
Will Smith stars in this 2005 RomCom as the Date Doctor; Alex 'Hitch' Hitchins. He is a relationship consultant, advising, ill-advised men on the whys, whens and wherefores of love. Claiming he can get a man together with the woman of his desires, in just three dates.
That's the basic plot outlined, what follows is the very funny actions and consequences of Hitchs' advice.
To add a twist to the tale, Hitch falls for gossip columnist Sara Melas, who he meets in a bar. Melas is played by the delightful Eva Mendes.
Sara does not know that Hitch is the Date Doctor, so she falls for his cute patter and cool charm, that he normally teaches his clients.
One of his clients; Albert Brennaman (played by Kevin James), really wants to meet wealthy socialite Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). These two are leagues apart, but Hitch weaves his magic and makes it happen. However, our gossip columnist Sara Melas, then becomes suspicious and intrigued, and finally discovers the identity of the Date Doctor. So feels that Hitch has hidden the real him and she believes that he makes his money by exploiting other people.
So what happens in the end?
Watch it and find out. Hitch really is a funny film, with constant laugh out loud moments, during the mid section of the film. The end becomes a bit more lovey-dovey, but hey! It's a romantic comedy!
Enjoy.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Get Him to the Greek - 23rd August 2011
It's back to the comedy for Tuesday Night is Film Night, with the 2010 spin-off sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall;
Get Him to the Greek
Russell Brand reprises his character of drug and booze fuelled British rock star Aldous Snow, in this spin off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
There's no real link to the first film, just a couple of references, so "Get Him to the Greek" stands alone as a piece of work, you do not need to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall to enjoy Russell Brand at his lewd and crude best!
Brand is ably assisted in the film by co-star; Jonah Hill, who plays Aaron Green, a record company intern, who suggests to aid the ailing record label, that a comeback concert by Aldous Snow would bring in the necessary cash.
The record label boss; Sergio Roma (played by P Diddy), thinks it's a great idea, so entrusts Aaron to fly to London, get Aldous Snow and bring him back to the States and get him to the concert at the Greek Theatre (hence the film title), all within 72 hours.
This wouldn't be so bad, if Aldous Snow wasn't the stereotypical rock star, so what follows is the adventures they have in getting form London to LA. There are some hilarious laugh out loud moments, with cameo appearances from a few stars. (Pink, Christina Aguilera, Tom Felton).
There's is a sub-plot as well, which follows the relationship between Aaron and his longterm girlfriend; Daphne, which gives the hero of the film, some love interest. Although he has some other interests on the way!!
If you can stand the gratutious swearing, sex, drug taking etc. of which there is plenty! Then you'll enjoy this film!
A stand out performance and a surprising one at that, was P Diddy as Sergio Roma, extremely funny and ideal for the character he played.
Really enjoyed this film.
Get Him to the Greek
Russell Brand reprises his character of drug and booze fuelled British rock star Aldous Snow, in this spin off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
There's no real link to the first film, just a couple of references, so "Get Him to the Greek" stands alone as a piece of work, you do not need to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall to enjoy Russell Brand at his lewd and crude best!
Brand is ably assisted in the film by co-star; Jonah Hill, who plays Aaron Green, a record company intern, who suggests to aid the ailing record label, that a comeback concert by Aldous Snow would bring in the necessary cash.
The record label boss; Sergio Roma (played by P Diddy), thinks it's a great idea, so entrusts Aaron to fly to London, get Aldous Snow and bring him back to the States and get him to the concert at the Greek Theatre (hence the film title), all within 72 hours.
This wouldn't be so bad, if Aldous Snow wasn't the stereotypical rock star, so what follows is the adventures they have in getting form London to LA. There are some hilarious laugh out loud moments, with cameo appearances from a few stars. (Pink, Christina Aguilera, Tom Felton).
There's is a sub-plot as well, which follows the relationship between Aaron and his longterm girlfriend; Daphne, which gives the hero of the film, some love interest. Although he has some other interests on the way!!
If you can stand the gratutious swearing, sex, drug taking etc. of which there is plenty! Then you'll enjoy this film!
A stand out performance and a surprising one at that, was P Diddy as Sergio Roma, extremely funny and ideal for the character he played.
Really enjoyed this film.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
The Butterfly Effect 2 - 16th August 2011
This week we take a look at a film sequel. The question is; will it be as good as the original.......?
The Butterfly Effect 2
If you have seen The Butterfly Effect, you will know the basic premise to the film. In the The Butterfly Effect 2 it is the same "change and effect" scenario.
This time the lead is taken by Eric Lively, who plays successful salesman Nick Larson. The film opens with four friends celebrating the Birthday of Nicks' girlfriend; Julie Miller (played by Erica Durance).
Several key elements are played out in this first sequence, elements that are revisited throughout the film.
The action kicks off after this first sequence, when the foursome are involved in a car accident. Nick survives to find his world has been turned upside down. He also discovers that he now suffers from headaches and nosebleeds, not only that, but they occur when looking at photographs. And some how he is able to travel back in time, to period when the photo was taken.
Initially, he tries to put things right, but then discovers that he can use this ability to his own advantage. Unfortunately, what could be deemed as advantageous to Nick, can have a detrimental effect on those that surround him.
So, the sequel may not have been as good as the first film, but as a psychological thriller it was top notch. It kept me on the edge of my seat and not once did I get bored with the story or the way the story was told.
All in all, a good film.
The Butterfly Effect 2
If you have seen The Butterfly Effect, you will know the basic premise to the film. In the The Butterfly Effect 2 it is the same "change and effect" scenario.
This time the lead is taken by Eric Lively, who plays successful salesman Nick Larson. The film opens with four friends celebrating the Birthday of Nicks' girlfriend; Julie Miller (played by Erica Durance).
Several key elements are played out in this first sequence, elements that are revisited throughout the film.
The action kicks off after this first sequence, when the foursome are involved in a car accident. Nick survives to find his world has been turned upside down. He also discovers that he now suffers from headaches and nosebleeds, not only that, but they occur when looking at photographs. And some how he is able to travel back in time, to period when the photo was taken.
Initially, he tries to put things right, but then discovers that he can use this ability to his own advantage. Unfortunately, what could be deemed as advantageous to Nick, can have a detrimental effect on those that surround him.
So, the sequel may not have been as good as the first film, but as a psychological thriller it was top notch. It kept me on the edge of my seat and not once did I get bored with the story or the way the story was told.
All in all, a good film.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Holes - 2nd August 2011
Hello all! After skipping a week due to a short holiday, we are back this week! Our excursion into the silver screen this week, finds us watching;
Holes.
So, what is Holes all about? Well; Holes is an adaptation of Louis Sachar's book Holes. The film stays faithful to the original Sachar story.
After being wrongly found guilty of stealing a pair of sneakers, Stanley Yelnats, admirably played by Shia LaBeouf, gets sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile correctional facility, situated in the bed of a long-gone dry Texas lake.
Whilst there, he and the other boys are minded by the cruel, Mr Sir (Jon Voight), counselled by therapist Dr Pendanski (Tim Blake Nelson) and the whole camp is overseen by the Warden played by Sigourney Weaver.
The title of the film (and the book) relates to the fact that Stanley and the dozens of other delinquents are forced to dig an endless series of holes that the warden hopes will lead her to................
Can't tell you too much there! It would spoil the fun.
Needless to say the story takes you to, a fairly inevitable conclusion. However, the way Sachar gets you there, is full of suspense, intrigue and several generations of the families involved, intertwining.
Holes is a quaint, fairly innocent family adventure, something for a lazy wet Bank Holiday. It a fun feelgood film, with a star-studded cast! Look out for Henry Winkler, Eartha Kitt..... OK not so many stars, but Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight are excellent.
Watch this film. That's an order!
Holes.
So, what is Holes all about? Well; Holes is an adaptation of Louis Sachar's book Holes. The film stays faithful to the original Sachar story.
After being wrongly found guilty of stealing a pair of sneakers, Stanley Yelnats, admirably played by Shia LaBeouf, gets sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile correctional facility, situated in the bed of a long-gone dry Texas lake.
Whilst there, he and the other boys are minded by the cruel, Mr Sir (Jon Voight), counselled by therapist Dr Pendanski (Tim Blake Nelson) and the whole camp is overseen by the Warden played by Sigourney Weaver.
The title of the film (and the book) relates to the fact that Stanley and the dozens of other delinquents are forced to dig an endless series of holes that the warden hopes will lead her to................
Can't tell you too much there! It would spoil the fun.
Needless to say the story takes you to, a fairly inevitable conclusion. However, the way Sachar gets you there, is full of suspense, intrigue and several generations of the families involved, intertwining.
Holes is a quaint, fairly innocent family adventure, something for a lazy wet Bank Holiday. It a fun feelgood film, with a star-studded cast! Look out for Henry Winkler, Eartha Kitt..... OK not so many stars, but Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight are excellent.
Watch this film. That's an order!
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Marley & Me - 19th July 2011
This week, we take a look at the romantic family comedy, that is;
Marley & Me
I guess that Marley & Me is a feelgood movie, it makes you feel good about yourself, about family, about life, but..........
OK, let's set the scene. Young newly Wed's John and Jennifer Grogan, (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) start to settle down, both have good journalistic jobs. However, Jen has a bit of a life plan. Part 1; get married. Part 2; house etc.
John is concerned what else is in the plan. Could it be the patter of tiny feet? To dissuade Jen from thinking about a baby, John treats her to a puppy for her Birthday and this is where the fun begins.
The new puppy; Marley, is probably the worst dog ever, impossible to train, impossible to leave home alone etc. etc.
What follows, and makes up the bulk of the film, is the life journey that this small family sets off on. This small family, that soon starts to flourish, with one child, followed by another and then followed by another, just after they decide that two kids and a crazy dog was enough! So we follow John, Jen, the three kids and the crazy dog on their adventures.
This is the feelgood part of the film, you enjoy their trials and tribulations. Their ups and downs. The new jobs, the new homes etc. It is good stuff. Some fine slapstick comedy moments and some brilliant doggy antics.
Jennifer Aniston is radiant in the movie, I never liked her in Friends, but that is because I never watched it! Owen Wilson is brilliant also. He portrays that dog / owner bond so believably.
Special note should go to Alan Arkin, who played Arnie Klein, John Grogan's dry witted boss. He really injects some flat, but ever so funny humourous lines into the film.
OK, onto the inevitable. And why this is a reverse feelgood movie. There isn't a happy ending.
Well, that's not strictly true, it's a sad ending yes, but it is played so well, Owen Wilson excelling in his portrayal of the grieving dog owner. Does that give too much away?
It's a lovely movie. It's sad, very sad in places, but it's the happy journey that the film takes you on, that balances out the inevitable sad end.
Tissues at the ready.
Marley & Me
I guess that Marley & Me is a feelgood movie, it makes you feel good about yourself, about family, about life, but..........
OK, let's set the scene. Young newly Wed's John and Jennifer Grogan, (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) start to settle down, both have good journalistic jobs. However, Jen has a bit of a life plan. Part 1; get married. Part 2; house etc.
John is concerned what else is in the plan. Could it be the patter of tiny feet? To dissuade Jen from thinking about a baby, John treats her to a puppy for her Birthday and this is where the fun begins.
The new puppy; Marley, is probably the worst dog ever, impossible to train, impossible to leave home alone etc. etc.
What follows, and makes up the bulk of the film, is the life journey that this small family sets off on. This small family, that soon starts to flourish, with one child, followed by another and then followed by another, just after they decide that two kids and a crazy dog was enough! So we follow John, Jen, the three kids and the crazy dog on their adventures.
This is the feelgood part of the film, you enjoy their trials and tribulations. Their ups and downs. The new jobs, the new homes etc. It is good stuff. Some fine slapstick comedy moments and some brilliant doggy antics.
Jennifer Aniston is radiant in the movie, I never liked her in Friends, but that is because I never watched it! Owen Wilson is brilliant also. He portrays that dog / owner bond so believably.
Special note should go to Alan Arkin, who played Arnie Klein, John Grogan's dry witted boss. He really injects some flat, but ever so funny humourous lines into the film.
OK, onto the inevitable. And why this is a reverse feelgood movie. There isn't a happy ending.
Well, that's not strictly true, it's a sad ending yes, but it is played so well, Owen Wilson excelling in his portrayal of the grieving dog owner. Does that give too much away?
It's a lovely movie. It's sad, very sad in places, but it's the happy journey that the film takes you on, that balances out the inevitable sad end.
Tissues at the ready.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Philadelphia - 12th July 2012
I would normally start the weekly Film Night blog with a bit of alliteration, I think this week's movie is beyond the facile choice of words and deserves a modicum of sobriety. Having never seen the movie at all since it's release (1993), it's content, although known, was a bit of an enigma.
Tonight we watched;
Philadelphia
Couple of points to make about Philadelphia, firstly we had this video'd from years ago, when we first had cable TV installed. We had free movies for 3 months and this was the only film, at that time, that was worth seeing. We kept that VHS tape for years, literally years. In fact DVD and Blu-Ray have superceded the VHS medium since we taped it and we still never watched it!
Secondly, it has been suggested that the reviews that I post for Tuesday Night is Film Night, are always favourable, never harshly critical of the films that we see. This is true, but then we tend to watch films that we think, we are going to like.
So what of Philadelphia? Is this going to be a favourable review?
You betcha! It was brilliant!
The one disappointment is, that we didn't dust off that VHS tape and watch the film years ago.
I have always said, and I will continue to say, until proven otherwise, that Tom Hanks has never made a bad movie (that I have seen). Philadelphia is no exception.
The synopsis of the film, if you don't know, is that a successful up and coming (and gay) lawyer; Andrew Beckett (Hanks), gets fired by his law firm, on the premise of bad performance in a recent high brow case.
Whereas Beckett cites discrimination based on the recent revelation that he has AIDS.
After approaching several law firms to represent him, Beckett finds Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a lawyer who advertises his litigation services on TV. Miller clearly displays homophobic tendencies towards Beckett, but nevertheless, eventually takes on the case.
This is when Philadelphia turns into a gritty, but sometimes witty courtroom drama. Probably the best courtroom drama I have seen since the film JFK.
Picking up on a point I made earlier re. Tom Hanks and never seen a bad movie that he is. Well, this is true of Philadelphia yes, but I don't think Hanks is necessarily the best actor, no. I think that prize must go to Denzel Washington. He absolutely steals it.
Although Hanks won the Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar in 1994 for Philadelphia. I think the role played by Washington, may have been overlooked somewhat.
Having said that, there is no denying that Tom Hanks isn't absolutely sublime in this film. In the latter stages of the film and therefore the latter stages of the illness, there some very poignant scenes where Hanks is tremendous.
I guess the ending is feelgood in a way, although ultimately tinged with sadness.
There is also a fabulous soundtrack to the movie, which provides drama, poignancy and pathos.
Philadelphia is one of those films that draws you in, you become involved and engrossed, hanging on every word, emotion and expression. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted.
It certainly is right up there with the best films we have seen.
Tonight we watched;
Philadelphia
Couple of points to make about Philadelphia, firstly we had this video'd from years ago, when we first had cable TV installed. We had free movies for 3 months and this was the only film, at that time, that was worth seeing. We kept that VHS tape for years, literally years. In fact DVD and Blu-Ray have superceded the VHS medium since we taped it and we still never watched it!
Secondly, it has been suggested that the reviews that I post for Tuesday Night is Film Night, are always favourable, never harshly critical of the films that we see. This is true, but then we tend to watch films that we think, we are going to like.
So what of Philadelphia? Is this going to be a favourable review?
You betcha! It was brilliant!
The one disappointment is, that we didn't dust off that VHS tape and watch the film years ago.
I have always said, and I will continue to say, until proven otherwise, that Tom Hanks has never made a bad movie (that I have seen). Philadelphia is no exception.
The synopsis of the film, if you don't know, is that a successful up and coming (and gay) lawyer; Andrew Beckett (Hanks), gets fired by his law firm, on the premise of bad performance in a recent high brow case.
Whereas Beckett cites discrimination based on the recent revelation that he has AIDS.
After approaching several law firms to represent him, Beckett finds Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a lawyer who advertises his litigation services on TV. Miller clearly displays homophobic tendencies towards Beckett, but nevertheless, eventually takes on the case.
This is when Philadelphia turns into a gritty, but sometimes witty courtroom drama. Probably the best courtroom drama I have seen since the film JFK.
Picking up on a point I made earlier re. Tom Hanks and never seen a bad movie that he is. Well, this is true of Philadelphia yes, but I don't think Hanks is necessarily the best actor, no. I think that prize must go to Denzel Washington. He absolutely steals it.
Although Hanks won the Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar in 1994 for Philadelphia. I think the role played by Washington, may have been overlooked somewhat.
Having said that, there is no denying that Tom Hanks isn't absolutely sublime in this film. In the latter stages of the film and therefore the latter stages of the illness, there some very poignant scenes where Hanks is tremendous.
I guess the ending is feelgood in a way, although ultimately tinged with sadness.
There is also a fabulous soundtrack to the movie, which provides drama, poignancy and pathos.
Philadelphia is one of those films that draws you in, you become involved and engrossed, hanging on every word, emotion and expression. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted.
It certainly is right up there with the best films we have seen.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Good Will Hunting - 5th July 2011
So then, the Tuesday Night is Film Night rolls around yet again. And for our DVD delight, our film fascination and our magical movie moment tonight is;
Good Will Hunting
This could, quite easily be the easiest review that I will ever write for a film.
Why?
I'll tell you why. All I would have to write is;
BRILLIANT!
That's it in a nutshell. Good Will Hunting is a brilliant film.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are just superb. Even more so when you consider that they actually wrote it. And quite rightly won Oscars for the Best Original Screenplay.
Talking of Oscars, Good Will Hunting also produced the Best Supporting Actor, which went to Robin Williams, who played, so brilliantly; Sean Maguire the shrink, come therapist who manages to scratch the surface of the complex Will Hunting (Damon).
Will Hunting is the troubled genius, who is a janitor at MIT who just ignores his inbuilt knowledge. Until such times that he is saved from a jail term by arrogant college lecturer Prof. Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård).
Lambeau refers Will to Sean Maguire, to try to release the inner genius and avoid wasting himself on his no-good mates.
It's a deep, meaningful, feelgood film. The use of expletives is liberal, but it is well placed and not gratuitous. Matt Damon is fantastic in the lead role, ably supported by Affleck. Minnie Driver injects a much needed glamour aspect and a love interest for Will.
If you haven't seen this film, then do so. It is as close to the perfect movie, as you can get.
Good Will Hunting
This could, quite easily be the easiest review that I will ever write for a film.
Why?
I'll tell you why. All I would have to write is;
BRILLIANT!
That's it in a nutshell. Good Will Hunting is a brilliant film.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are just superb. Even more so when you consider that they actually wrote it. And quite rightly won Oscars for the Best Original Screenplay.
Talking of Oscars, Good Will Hunting also produced the Best Supporting Actor, which went to Robin Williams, who played, so brilliantly; Sean Maguire the shrink, come therapist who manages to scratch the surface of the complex Will Hunting (Damon).
Will Hunting is the troubled genius, who is a janitor at MIT who just ignores his inbuilt knowledge. Until such times that he is saved from a jail term by arrogant college lecturer Prof. Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård).
Lambeau refers Will to Sean Maguire, to try to release the inner genius and avoid wasting himself on his no-good mates.
It's a deep, meaningful, feelgood film. The use of expletives is liberal, but it is well placed and not gratuitous. Matt Damon is fantastic in the lead role, ably supported by Affleck. Minnie Driver injects a much needed glamour aspect and a love interest for Will.
If you haven't seen this film, then do so. It is as close to the perfect movie, as you can get.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)