Hope you all have had a wonderful year and I wish you all much joy and prosperity for 2013! May happiness and love accompany you during this year to come and I hope you all are able to make it a good one!
I do not have a specific New Year film recommendation but I hope you all have a wonderful time - be it with family or friends - and I will surely recommend a movie or two tomorrow; if you per chance feel as if though you cannot (or do not want to) move further than to your nearest sofa (or even not move at all and simply stay in bed) to watch a film I am happy to provide something suitable!
Also, as a little side-note, you are all at any time free to ask for a specific kind of recommendation (such as within a certain genre or for something to watch with the family etcetera) and I will do my best to be of help!
Cheers!
31 December 2012
28 December 2012
Silly Sandler
Admittedly it has been a few years since I last watched it but I would still like to recommend one of Sandler's earlier full-lenght works; Little Nicky (2000). (Written by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy and directed by Steven Brill)
As per usual it is rather silly. Ridiculous at times. But just like typical Sandler it has a warm tone to it and a bit of moral to the story. I remember I loved it when I was a young teenager and, in all honesty, I do still like Adam Sandler's films, silly as they may be.
So, Little Nicky is more or less typical Sandler. The small twist is that Nicky is Satan's youngest of three sons. And while Nicky's mother was an Angel and Nicky is very sweet and kind his brothers Adrian and Cassius are not particularly nice. When they learn that their father wants to entrust the throne to no one of them they travel to earth to wreck havoc and it's up to little Nicky to save Earth. Cue the madness!
It's a fun film and hopefully something you can enjoy while waiting for the New Year.
As per usual it is rather silly. Ridiculous at times. But just like typical Sandler it has a warm tone to it and a bit of moral to the story. I remember I loved it when I was a young teenager and, in all honesty, I do still like Adam Sandler's films, silly as they may be.
So, Little Nicky is more or less typical Sandler. The small twist is that Nicky is Satan's youngest of three sons. And while Nicky's mother was an Angel and Nicky is very sweet and kind his brothers Adrian and Cassius are not particularly nice. When they learn that their father wants to entrust the throne to no one of them they travel to earth to wreck havoc and it's up to little Nicky to save Earth. Cue the madness!
It's a fun film and hopefully something you can enjoy while waiting for the New Year.
25 December 2012
Dark Humour
For those who celebrate Christmas most will do so today. There are a few places, however, where it is celebrated on the 24:th. (And indeed places where is is not celebrated at all.) And therefore, if you happen to find that you have got some time on your hands but not that much energy, I would like to recommend Burke & Hare (2010, directed by John Landis).
It's a slightly dark kind of humour but not overly so. It might seem a peculiar film to recommend around this time a year but if you fancy a break from the Christmas cheer and all the jolliness of the season then Bure & Hare could prove a most entertaining break.
(You may or may not recognize Andy Serkis who plays one of the leading roles in this piece. If anything you might recognize his voice. Then that would probably be because you have seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy in which Andy plays the creature Gollum. It's most interesting to see Andy in a different role and he plays it most well!)
Anyhow, to summarize the plot, it's about two grave robbers in the 19th century who come up with an idea to get their business of providing Edinburgh medical school with study material going properly. It might just not be fool prof, however.
It's a slightly dark kind of humour but not overly so. It might seem a peculiar film to recommend around this time a year but if you fancy a break from the Christmas cheer and all the jolliness of the season then Bure & Hare could prove a most entertaining break.
(You may or may not recognize Andy Serkis who plays one of the leading roles in this piece. If anything you might recognize his voice. Then that would probably be because you have seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy in which Andy plays the creature Gollum. It's most interesting to see Andy in a different role and he plays it most well!)
Anyhow, to summarize the plot, it's about two grave robbers in the 19th century who come up with an idea to get their business of providing Edinburgh medical school with study material going properly. It might just not be fool prof, however.
23 December 2012
A Bit of Christmas Entertianment
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) with Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold is a classical Christmas comedy.
It's a typical well-meant event turning disastrous. Clark Griswold means to make up for taking his wife and two children on a vacation that went completely whack by giving them a special Griswold Family Christmas.
It does not go smoothly. It does not go as planned. But it does go down hilariously!
Hope, if you find some time, that this recommendation gives you a well-deserved break and some laughs. And I wish you all a most Merry Christmas!
It's a typical well-meant event turning disastrous. Clark Griswold means to make up for taking his wife and two children on a vacation that went completely whack by giving them a special Griswold Family Christmas.
It does not go smoothly. It does not go as planned. But it does go down hilariously!
Hope, if you find some time, that this recommendation gives you a well-deserved break and some laughs. And I wish you all a most Merry Christmas!
20 December 2012
Sport + "it" = Film Worth Watching
I'm going for a "two for one" kind of deal here with two movies rather similar in concept and would like to recommend Stick It (2006) and Whip It (2009). Because who doesn't need a movie or two with attitude in their life?
Stick It is writer and director Jessica Bendinger's one awesome work in my book. It's fun, sassy and with a little bit of seriousness woven into it as well. Missy Peregrim does a great job as cocky teenager Haley - who used to be headed for elite gymnastics but when the film begins is a reckless rebel - and Jeff Bridges (Tron: Legacy (2010), Iron Man (2008)) is excellent as the pain-in-the-ass coach Haley has to put up with when she messes up one too many times. I do recommend this one warmly.
My other recommendation, Whip It (2009), is based on the novel by Shauna Cross (who also wrote the screenplay) and directed by Drew Barrymore. In this movie the sport is roller derby and the unruly teenager is Bliss Cavander (Ellen Page). Just like Stick It it's sassy and humorous with an undertone of seriousness throughout it. Watch it!
Stick It is writer and director Jessica Bendinger's one awesome work in my book. It's fun, sassy and with a little bit of seriousness woven into it as well. Missy Peregrim does a great job as cocky teenager Haley - who used to be headed for elite gymnastics but when the film begins is a reckless rebel - and Jeff Bridges (Tron: Legacy (2010), Iron Man (2008)) is excellent as the pain-in-the-ass coach Haley has to put up with when she messes up one too many times. I do recommend this one warmly.
My other recommendation, Whip It (2009), is based on the novel by Shauna Cross (who also wrote the screenplay) and directed by Drew Barrymore. In this movie the sport is roller derby and the unruly teenager is Bliss Cavander (Ellen Page). Just like Stick It it's sassy and humorous with an undertone of seriousness throughout it. Watch it!
19 December 2012
An Expected Recommendation
Last night I went and saw The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (which premiered internationally December 13th and 14th) - and it should come as a surprise to no one that I would absolutely recommend most everyone to do the same!
It was magical and magnificent and if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy or J.R.R Tolkien's book Bilbo - There and Back Again - or simply just enjoy fantasy and adventure films - this is most likely a film you will love.
You should be aware of two things, however. This film is long and it is the first of three. Keep that in mind because it does help to be prepared for that.
Also - the choice between 3D and regular film is something to consider. The 3D version is spectacular and very well made (likely the best live action 3D film I've seen) but it can give a video game feeling of sorts. So if you really loved the look and feel of the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy I would probably recommend that you do not see the 3D version.
One last thing to keep in mind is that The Lord of the Rings book trilogy was an epic, mastodon adventure. Bilbo was not. It was labelled a childerns' book and that is something to keep in mind. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is quite an adventure; just only on the slightly smaller side. But none the less spectacular!
It was magical and magnificent and if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy or J.R.R Tolkien's book Bilbo - There and Back Again - or simply just enjoy fantasy and adventure films - this is most likely a film you will love.
You should be aware of two things, however. This film is long and it is the first of three. Keep that in mind because it does help to be prepared for that.
Also - the choice between 3D and regular film is something to consider. The 3D version is spectacular and very well made (likely the best live action 3D film I've seen) but it can give a video game feeling of sorts. So if you really loved the look and feel of the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy I would probably recommend that you do not see the 3D version.
One last thing to keep in mind is that The Lord of the Rings book trilogy was an epic, mastodon adventure. Bilbo was not. It was labelled a childerns' book and that is something to keep in mind. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is quite an adventure; just only on the slightly smaller side. But none the less spectacular!
18 December 2012
Just In Case
I do doubt that there is someone out there that hasn't seen Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) but in the odd case anyone actually has yet to watch it I have to recommend it.
It's a stop motion animated film that started out as a poem by Burton and eventually was developed into a film. The main character is Jack Skellington who lives in a town called Halloween. He and the citizens of Halloween are responsible for that holiday here in our world. But Jack has grown tired of it and wants something else - he just doesn't know what. Until he seem to stumble upon it.
It might seem weird to recommend it now, right around Christmas, but it is indeed as most splendid Christmas film!
So there you have it. And I will end this by saying that though I have seen quite a few of Tim Burton's films throughout the years I can't say I am that big of a fan. I like some of his movies better than others and I often like the overall vibe his films tend to have. And his sense of humour. But The Nightmare Before Christmas was and remains his one true masterpiece.
It's a stop motion animated film that started out as a poem by Burton and eventually was developed into a film. The main character is Jack Skellington who lives in a town called Halloween. He and the citizens of Halloween are responsible for that holiday here in our world. But Jack has grown tired of it and wants something else - he just doesn't know what. Until he seem to stumble upon it.
It might seem weird to recommend it now, right around Christmas, but it is indeed as most splendid Christmas film!
So there you have it. And I will end this by saying that though I have seen quite a few of Tim Burton's films throughout the years I can't say I am that big of a fan. I like some of his movies better than others and I often like the overall vibe his films tend to have. And his sense of humour. But The Nightmare Before Christmas was and remains his one true masterpiece.
17 December 2012
In The Spirit
Of the season-- Well. More or less. I would like to recommend the Christmas classic of 1984 - Gremlings. This funny and charming movie is completely bonkers for a Christmas film but it's a good humored, fun adventure with just a dash of crazy monsters! Clearly everything you need to truly get into the spirit of the season!
16 December 2012
Truly Horrifying
If you feel like you can handle terrifying films I do recommend Mirrors (2008). It's a ghost horror film that is truly chilling.
It's written and directed by Alexandre Aja who was presented by a korean film that was meant to be remade. Alexandre, however, choose to only keep certain elements and some scenes and rewrote the rest of the script.
In Alexandre's version a suspended police officer - played by Kiefer Sutherland - takes a job at a closed department store that has been destroyed by a fire. The former detective quickly discovers that there seems to be something strange with the many mirrors still left in the burnt out building.
It's written and directed by Alexandre Aja who was presented by a korean film that was meant to be remade. Alexandre, however, choose to only keep certain elements and some scenes and rewrote the rest of the script.
In Alexandre's version a suspended police officer - played by Kiefer Sutherland - takes a job at a closed department store that has been destroyed by a fire. The former detective quickly discovers that there seems to be something strange with the many mirrors still left in the burnt out building.
13 December 2012
Space Western With Depth
Serenity (2005) was made after the space western tv-series Firefly (2002) had been cancelled by Fox after only eleven episodes out of fourteen produced had been aired. It was thanks to fans and the good sales numbers on the DVD that was released that Joss Whedon convinced Universal Studios to produce a film based off the series.
Which, I would say, was most fortunate because it's a fantastic movie indeed. It's exciting and thrilling and a bit unsettling. There is action of course. And humour. But what really makes it greater than your average witty action sci-fi film is the real depth and the honesty. The directing and the performances of the actors gives this piece a sense of truth that often seems to be lacking from fast-paced, action-packed films. There are usually too many effects, to many huge explosion and gun fights and badass mouth-offs for any deeper motives to be interlaced with the story. We're often left with a hollow shell, a surface of psychological depth that seems thin and shallow under scrutiny.
Not in this piece, however. Here we get a feel for the characters' complex inner lives and it's that extra touch that makes this film spectacular.
It's certainly not perfect - and it's obvious that Joss has gotten even better in the years past - but it is surely worth your while.
Which, I would say, was most fortunate because it's a fantastic movie indeed. It's exciting and thrilling and a bit unsettling. There is action of course. And humour. But what really makes it greater than your average witty action sci-fi film is the real depth and the honesty. The directing and the performances of the actors gives this piece a sense of truth that often seems to be lacking from fast-paced, action-packed films. There are usually too many effects, to many huge explosion and gun fights and badass mouth-offs for any deeper motives to be interlaced with the story. We're often left with a hollow shell, a surface of psychological depth that seems thin and shallow under scrutiny.
Not in this piece, however. Here we get a feel for the characters' complex inner lives and it's that extra touch that makes this film spectacular.
It's certainly not perfect - and it's obvious that Joss has gotten even better in the years past - but it is surely worth your while.
8 December 2012
Five Marvel Films
That you really do have to watch, if you by any chance haven't gotten around to watching them yet, are the five interconnected Marvel Movies. They can be seen separately but it's quite a journey to see them all.
First out was Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010); both directed by Jon Favreau. They are excellent superhero action movies with a good dose of humor. Robert Downey Jr does a marvelous job as Iron Man.
Next in line was Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) directed by Joe Johnston. Chris Evans makes a great Captain and the movie is action and entertainment.
And then we have the beautiful movie Thor (2011) directed by Kenneth Branagh - who did a most magnificent job making this wonderful film. Chris Hemsworth is Thor and Tom Hiddleston is incredibly talented in portraying Loki. Also Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins are among the talents in this deep yet humorous piece.
And it all comes together in the epic film The Avengers (2012) directed by Joss Whedon. He has made the most incredible job of bringing huge superhero characters together in one fantastic story. It's a huge production but it's all kept together brilliantly. It's also highly entertaining, contains epic battles and fantastic dialogue as well as great one-liners. All in all this one is a must see!
First out was Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010); both directed by Jon Favreau. They are excellent superhero action movies with a good dose of humor. Robert Downey Jr does a marvelous job as Iron Man.
Next in line was Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) directed by Joe Johnston. Chris Evans makes a great Captain and the movie is action and entertainment.
And then we have the beautiful movie Thor (2011) directed by Kenneth Branagh - who did a most magnificent job making this wonderful film. Chris Hemsworth is Thor and Tom Hiddleston is incredibly talented in portraying Loki. Also Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins are among the talents in this deep yet humorous piece.
And it all comes together in the epic film The Avengers (2012) directed by Joss Whedon. He has made the most incredible job of bringing huge superhero characters together in one fantastic story. It's a huge production but it's all kept together brilliantly. It's also highly entertaining, contains epic battles and fantastic dialogue as well as great one-liners. All in all this one is a must see!
6 December 2012
Sucker Punch
What could, judging by the cover, look like a shallow film with pretty girls in skimpy outfits using big guns is really much more. Sucker Punch (2011) is rather beautifully filmed and the acting is good. It's got a lot more depth than you'd initially think - actually it has got three layers - and it's really quite the ride.
Yes, there are pretty girls and, yes, they do have skimpy outfits and big guns but it actually works this time around. It's rather cleverly done. Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen, Dawn of the Dead) has done a good job writing and directing this. If you've enjoyed his other recent work you should absolutely give this one a shot!
Maybe you would have to either be into good old action and bad girls or a complex storyline and beautifully created sets to enjoy it but I would still recommend everyone to give it a try. It really is a fantastic film!
Yes, there are pretty girls and, yes, they do have skimpy outfits and big guns but it actually works this time around. It's rather cleverly done. Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen, Dawn of the Dead) has done a good job writing and directing this. If you've enjoyed his other recent work you should absolutely give this one a shot!
Maybe you would have to either be into good old action and bad girls or a complex storyline and beautifully created sets to enjoy it but I would still recommend everyone to give it a try. It really is a fantastic film!
5 December 2012
Charming Movie
Disney Pixar's film Brave (2012) is being released on DVD and Bluray today. It's a rather typical Disney Pixar movie and it's sweet and humoristic. It's not their greatest work, and it as a very familiar concept (Brother Bear (2003)), but it is worth watching none the less.
If you have kids, they'll probably love it because it'll be novel to them, and you will probably find it quite alright. If you like Disney Pixar you'll appreciate the warmth and humour. Just don't expect this to blow your mind and you will be likely to enjoy this beautifully animated film.
If you have kids, they'll probably love it because it'll be novel to them, and you will probably find it quite alright. If you like Disney Pixar you'll appreciate the warmth and humour. Just don't expect this to blow your mind and you will be likely to enjoy this beautifully animated film.
1 December 2012
Horror Humour
If you have seen The Evil Dead (1981) you will probably enjoy The Cabin in the Woods (2011). It's a horror comedy and Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard have done a fine job making this entertaining piece; which reminds at least me of classic horror films - all done with a bit of humour and satire, dedication and a whole lot of gore.
(Note: The Cabin in the Woods was released in 2012 in Sweden.)
(Note: The Cabin in the Woods was released in 2012 in Sweden.)
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