tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63218973719577312042024-02-08T17:01:05.254+01:00A Cure for BoredomRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-29601727065990104812013-05-31T13:39:00.001+02:002013-05-31T13:39:22.662+02:00Spanish HorrorThe film The Orphanage (2007), or El Orfanato, is a well made horror film. Some would categorize it as a thriller and a drama rather than a horror movie but that only depends on if you see it as a ghost film or as a mystery film and I will call it a horror film because, in my own personal opinion, it's way too scary to just be a mystery or thriller!<br />
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The Orphanage is directed by Juan Antoino Bayona and the screenplay is written by Sergio G. Sánchez (who both went onto making The Impossible (2012) - a film about the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004) and though they mainly have made shorts prior to this film it's well within the league of similar pictures such as, for example, The Others (2001). And while mentioning The Others specifically it can be said that The Orphanage works on a similar idea. Personally, however, I actually prefer Bayona and Sánchez's execution and story when comparing the two films.<br />
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In short the film revolves around a woman named Laura (Belén Rudea) who buys the orphanage she was raised in and fixes it up. She then proceeds to have it be a palce for disabled children. She has one adoptive son of her own, however, named Símon (Roger Príncep) but before long he goes missing. And after that strange and frightening events begin to take place all the while she tries to figure out where her little boy is.<br />
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It's a very well made film and, depending on how easily you get scared, on that can be at least somewhat scary. It's also somewhat odd and strange and can possibly be a little bit confusing. All in all, however, I would defenitely say I reccommend this one!</div>
Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-45257518433298819272013-05-12T16:37:00.002+02:002013-05-12T16:37:49.681+02:00Josh Radnor's Second FilmMost probably know Josh Radnor best as Ted Mosby from the sitcom <i>How I Met Your Mother. </i>The question is how many knows he has made two films? The first one was Happy Thank You More Please (2010) which he directed, stared in an wrote the screenplay for. Now Josh is back with a new film which he has both written and directed called Liberal Arts (2012). He also stars as one of the two main characters; thirty-five year old Jesse who returns to the town of his old University to attend a retirement party for his "second favourite Ohio University professor".<br />
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If you enjoy a more quiet type of film about life this one is actually a very good one. Josh seems to have a knack for creating something that actually avoids most traps and doesn't quite fall into clichés - even though it's a few close calls - and actually gives you something to reflect upon. He does well given the fact that it's entirely his own production. This can be less than ideal and can often go terribly wrong since it carries only one individual's perspective. And if this one has a flaw it is that it takes a while for the film to actually become interesting and to make sense. But give it 20 or so minutes and it actually comes around and is worth watching.<br />
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This is not an overly dramatic, sad or funny film. It's rather mellow. But by no means at all does that mean that it is boring and not worth watching. It's actually very thought provoking and you do get attached to the characters. Of course, it all, as always, depends on what you enjoy watching but unless you get bored stiff from the more unobtrusive drama comedy films this one is recommendable for sure.Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-86328113543104799382013-05-09T23:19:00.000+02:002013-05-09T23:19:21.712+02:00Iron Man 3 RevisitedI did say I would go see Iron Man 3 (2013) one more time and that is exactly what I did. So what is the final verdict? (If you've missed the first part <a href="http://afinecureforboredom.blogspot.se/2013/04/is-third-iron-man-really-charm.html">here it is</a>)<br />
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I have decided that in spite of everything, I like it. Perhaps because I want to - that is entirely possible - but when disregarding the trailer and also accepting that the film is not exactly like the comic books I did see a film I enjoyed.<br />
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This time around the one-liners did not seem as many as they appeared to be the first time around and the dialogue between Tony and the kid didn't seem as hopelessly badly scripted. That part is still not great by any stretch of the imagination but it is bearable; even bordering on amusing at times. It does have it's few golden moments too. (And at least I can personally overlook the few but right down terrible ones.)<br />
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The comedy did not go as much overboard as it first seemed, you just have to bee willing to not compare it to The Avengers.<br />
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When it comes to the weak parts in the plot that I mentioned I decided this time that some work and it really just comes down to perhaps two or three parts which are still annoyingly badly written. It's just the use of plot devices in a fashion for the sake of carrying the plot forward in a way that is just too convenient to let slide. It's something that catches you attention because it's too obvious that it's nothing but a device. It makes no real sense. Those moments are still too annoying to ignore and I just don't have it in me to let them slide. And there's still the deus ex machina. But if we - in spite of everything - decide to overlook these parts then the film <i>is </i>honestly pretty damn good.<br />
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If you look close enough it does follows the theme of the previous films and it has an underlying point. If you overlook a few minor details about the villain I must say I, in some aspects, prefer this one to the ones in the second Iron Man film. I do like the grand scale of this film. Especially in combination with the personal and intimate portrait of Tony Stark with the armour peeled off.<br />
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So my final verdict is; give it a chance. Or, even better, why not give it two? Or, indeed, three? And maybe you will find that the third time really is the charm! <br />
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<br />Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-12070094921195270852013-04-29T23:29:00.001+02:002013-04-29T23:29:19.739+02:00Is the Third Iron Man Really the Charm?I must confess that I was conflicted to whether I should actually go and recommend this one or not.<br />
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It is not how you might think it would be given the trailer, I will say as much. Also it should definitely be noted that if you are a fan of the Iron Man comic book I should warn you that there is a risk you might be disappointed with certain developments in this story. Last but not least keep in mind that this is not The Avengers (2012) and that Shane Black and is not Joss Whedon.<br />
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I am going to be honest; I am very partial to, what I think is, Whedon's ability to maintain depth while still having his characters deliver funny one-liners. I love his wit and his kind of humour. I did expect something similar from Shane because of the good work he did on Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) but just as that film falters slightly story-wise and struggles with character depth at times so does Iron Man 3. The one-liners are, in my own honest opinion, too many, not always spot-on placed and tended to feel piled up. There is an honest attempt at development and depth but it does struggle a bit. What I personally would have liked, though, would have been if they had explored certain character elements and put emphasis on that more than they did.<br />
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As far as the plot goes I will say it's not as much about plot holes, as some might have said, as weak plot points. There are some genuinely amazing scenes though and a bunch of the comedy is actually entertaining. The problem is that the story feels jumbled, that a few things are just too convenient for the story to the point where it's almost deus ex machina devises and that reactions and motivation in all characters seems shaky and off at times.<br />
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On the plus side this film did have me on the edge of my seat a bunch of times. And it did make me laugh at a few points. Also all the actors did brilliantly and I personally enjoyed that Pepper Pots was not the damsel in distress in this film because that is just one of the most tiring and overused themes out there. I also enjoyed, even though it had its weaker moments, the closer portrayal of Tony Stark and I am very biased here, I must confess, because I think Robert Downey Jr is an amazing actor and he is perfect in his role as Tony Stark. Even in the moments where I felt like the jokes Tony delivered were a bit too scripted, as opposed to the effortlessness it had in The Avengers, Downey Jr still delivered quality acting.<br />
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All in all I am still not sure how to feel. I am conflicted. Though whilst some say they regret ever going and that it's not worth your money I am, for one, going to go see this again. I feel like I need to in order to fully form an opinion and decide if I do really like it for the good acting, nice special effects and clever underlying story (not mentioned here since I don't want to spoil) and the edge-of-the-seat moments or if I don't like it because of the deus ex machina and faltering character development and the characters' strange actions/reactions/motivations as well as the comedy that went overboard.<br />
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To the important part then; do I recommend it? Well, I do not do typical reviews so I would not write this if I had no intent in recommending it. I do recommend it. But I also recommend that you keep in mind that it is not like what you have seen in the trailer, it does not stick to the story arc in the comic books and that it is not like Jon Faveru's Iron Man films. What it is on the other hand is Ben Kingsely, Guy Pearce, Paul Bettany as the sassy voice of Jarvis, Gwyneth Paltrow as the lovely and fantastic Pepper Pots and, of course, the one and only Robert Downey Jr being undeniably awesome as Tony Stark and Iron Man and, on my part, they (along with the other great actors) absolutely make this film worth a recommendation!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-85157230646614439622013-04-21T22:50:00.000+02:002013-04-21T22:50:29.785+02:00A Spielberg ClassicOne of my personal favourites is Steven Spielberg's Artificial Intelligence: A.I. (2001). It's a heartbreaking film about a robot boy named David (Haley Joel Osment) who is "adopted" by Monica (Frances O'Connor) and Henry Swinton (Sam Robards) since their child Martin (Jake Thomas) is very ill, seemingly in some sort of coma, and hospitalized.<br />
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David is a highly advanced robot that can be "imprinted" to be like an actual child to the one who activates that function. The problem, however, is that once activated David is just like a real boy. Which means that the company who manufactures them has a rule; should a family no longer want their imprinted robot child it must be handed back to be destroyed as it is not programmed to be put up for adoption once imprinted.<br />
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It might seem weird but the story is also partially about a robot called Gigolo Joe (Jude Law) that gets framed and in trouble with the law and thus he is on the run when he and David cross pats. Out of context like this it might seem very strange but trust me when I say that this film is absolutely brilliant and equally sad and beautiful. It also enraging because you see so much injustice and unnecessary suffering. Yet I cannot recommend this enough because it has amazing acting, a fantastic story and is overly so well made.<br />
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So if there's one film out there you haven't seen this one is the one film you really need to give a chance!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-30034207721958702722013-04-06T12:00:00.000+02:002013-04-06T12:00:04.814+02:00Rock-A-DoodleDon Bluth and Gary Goldman is a duo that has created a number of wonderful animated cartoons and one of my childhood favourites is Rock-A-Doodle from 1991.<br />
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It has Elvis-style singing, lovely colour-scheme and magic. What's not to love, right?<br />
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The story can be summarised by saying that the human child Edmund loves the story of a rooster named Chanticleer who, in the bedtime story Edmund reads, wakes the sun every morning. Since to this little boy the rooster is fantastic Edmund calls for him with a child's desperation when his home threatens to flood due to heavy rain. Unfortunately for Edmund it's not Chanticleer who hears him but an evil owl who transforms the boy into a kitten and tries to eat him. He is saved in the nick of time though by friends of Chanticleer and they all set out on an adventure to find Chanticleer and bring him home before the dreadful owls, who love for it to be night always, take over.<br />
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All in all it's a film for children, ultimately. But I think that if you enjoy colourful animated cartoons which actually do have a quite good storyline and characters it could very well be a film for you. And if you have seen it as a kid, why not revisit it? I can't promise anything but I know I found it to be as wonderful still as it was when I was a child!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-42703514340889846922013-04-04T16:33:00.000+02:002013-04-04T16:33:00.298+02:00The Superb Combo of Scorsese and DiCaprioIf you are a fan of Martin Scorsese's films and if you like a good mystery/thriller Shutter Island (2010) could be something for you. It is based on Dennis Lehane's novel from 2003 and then taken to the big screen by Scorsese with screenplay by Laeta Kalogridis. Starring in Shutter Island are Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsely, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson.<br />
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It is not a film for those who enjoy a straightforward, easy-to-follow plot since this is a film that has you question most everything. It is not overly complicated, however, and it is simply the somewhat classical dilemma of what is and isn't true - or real, if you will.<br />
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To give a little summer for those interested it is set in 1954 and centres around the character Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) who, together with his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), is to investigate the disappearance of one of the inmates of Ashecliffe Hospital; a hospital for the criminal insane. The mental hospital is located on Shutter Island and the missing patient, a murderess named Rachel (Emiliy Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson), is expected to be somewhere nearby. It therefore seems uncomplicated at first - the escapee cannot get off the island - but the deeper Teddy digs into the case the stranger everything becomes.<br />
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Scorsese has directed many great films and this is no exception. Shutter Island is a dark and intriguing story and it is definitely worth the while.Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-69989420684076580402013-04-01T14:40:00.000+02:002013-04-01T14:40:00.803+02:00A Must-See Sci-fi ClassicOne of my own personal favourites of all times is Mell Brooks's parody Spaceballs from 1987. This over-the-top space adventure is, in my opinion at least, a good example of a parody that is properly made. It's of course most entertaining to watch if one is familiar with sci-fi film of the eighties because it contains a whole lot of references - some of which are the punchlines to the jokes - but it is, of course, possible to watch it and still find it amusing even without having watched a bunch of popular eighties sci-fi.<br />
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This film has a mixture of cheap gags and clever references as well as some more subtle jokes.<br />
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Rick Moranis stars as Dark Helmet - the one who is sent by the president Sroob (Mel Brooks) to steal the air from planet Druidia - and by mere appearance alone makes a hilarious parody on Darth Vader (the Star Wars films). He, of course, also gives a brilliant performance and is probably one of the funniest actors in this parody. Also contributing to the hilarity that is Spaceballs are Bill Pullman as Lone Starr, John Candy (1950-1994) as Barf the Mog (half man, half dog) - Lone Starr's sidekick - and Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa of Druidia along with Joan Rivers as the droid who is meant to protect Vespa (and Vespa's virginity).<br />
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In short; as long as you are in the mood for folly this film will not fail to make you laugh!<br />
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(Worth noting is that Joan River's is also a stand-up comedian. I do suggest you at least give her shows a try!)Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-83539052125591291272013-03-29T23:29:00.000+01:002013-03-29T23:29:55.589+01:00Who Doesn't Want Robert Downey Jr Narrating?The film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) has that - Robert Downey Jr narrating, I mean. Which is really what makes it awesome. Because it's, in all honesty, not the strongest film out there. It even falters towards the end, story-wise, I would say.<br />
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Written as a novel by Brett Halliday and written for the screen as well as directed by Shane Black (who also was involved in writing the screenplay for Iron Man 3 (2013) and was the one who directed it) this is a humoristic action crime piece. It really has its moments and Robert Downey Jr and Michelle Monaghan really help making it enjoyable.<br />
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Above all this film is amusing. One has to assume that that is the main point of it because as far as comedy goes it's a really good one. It has its serious moments as well, though, and both Robert and Michelle handle them wonderfully.<br />
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Oh, and yes; it does have action. It is an action film, after all.<br />
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So, to sum it all up, this would be highly recommended to anyone who likes Robert Downey Jr's acting and humour and to those who enjoy the mixture of action and comedy - this here is a good one, folks!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-58160974220107782692013-03-24T23:00:00.000+01:002013-03-24T23:00:12.462+01:00The Story Goes OnL. Frank Baum's story of Oz continues thus with the film Oz - The Great and Powerful (2013).<br /><br />I'm not sure having Sam Raimi as the director brought out the best in this story but having Rachel Weisz as Evanora was probably genius as she is a marvellous actress and she does brilliantly. Of course, James Franco did a pretty good job as Oz and Michelle Williams was likely perfect for the role as Glinda The Good Witch. Mila Kunis surprises after a slightly staggering and fumbling introduction as Theodora and gives a real good old-school children's film performance and though Zach Braff mainly does voice acting for this particular piece he does so well and does give a bit of life to his character.<div>
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The effects were well made enough and the 3D was decent. It looked good and overall the film was rather beautifully crafted. </div>
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Oz - The Great and Powerful was a little adventure the good old fashioned way. Nothing new, nothing too exciting. But it was rather delightful all in all and it is actually worth seeing. Especially if one likes the stories about Oz and it's probably a nice film for children. For someone who wants a grand adventure or complexity this is not the film for you. But for everyone else I would recommend it for sure. It was a sweet little story and it had it moments.</div>
Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-85987319003729471952013-03-24T16:01:00.000+01:002013-03-24T16:03:09.198+01:00Unexpected FriendshipBased on a true story this film, Intouchables (2011), by Oliver Nakache and Eric Toledano is worth the while. It does have a slow start and it did take a little while past the intriguing opening scene to get into this story and really connect with it and the characters. But if you just make it past the, in all honesty, rather uneventful first part the rest of the film is both fun and engaging.<br />
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Omar Sy does a good job in acting his character Driss, a young man who turns up for a job interview to be able to receive unemployment insurance but ends up taking on a bet on whether or not he could even handle the job at all. The job and bet comes from Françios Cluzet's character Philippe - a tetraplegiac millionaire who cannot seem to find anyone suitable as his caretaker.<br />
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It's a decent enough film and as long as you're not completely uninterested in comedy-drama films based on true stories like this you will probably enjoy it. Personally I liked it, I found it worth watching, and I do recommennd it!<br />
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<br />Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-50049464465383926642013-03-18T21:21:00.001+01:002013-03-18T21:21:54.689+01:00Enigmatic SymphonyI recently went and saw Cloud Atlas (2012) upon recommendation from one of my younger brothers. I would have gone anyway since I happened to catch the trailer and was very intrigued but I felt even more inclined to see it after he had spoken so warmly of it.<br />
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Based on the novel by David Mitchell and brought to screen by Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer and Andy Wachowski this film is very strong both in message and depiction. It is a mosaic of life-stories intertwined but separate and it takes focus and dedication to really get the most out of this film.<br />
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If it sounds complex and complicated it's because it is.<br />
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Furthermore I would not recommend this to someone who simply want some easygoing entertainment and I would have to say to anyone who wants to see this that there are, in my opinion, some strong scenes. It's not overly gory (though it's not embellished or adjusted); it's simply the fact that if one has the ability to put oneself in someone else's situation, feel their grief, pain and anger, it can become unpleasant.<br />
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But if you have the patient and if you have the stomach (don't let this scare you off, it's just a precaution!) I would absolutely recommend this magnificent piece of filmatic art. Though complicated and unsettling, and at times dark, it had such beautiful performances and those wonderful glimpses of hope and humour that shone the brighter when framed in sorrow and despair.<br />
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The hugely talented actors and actresses are what ultimately brings this whole epos to life and I must say that though Tom Hanks does, as per usual, a fantastic job and though Hugo Weaving is talented as always it is truly Ben Whishaw who shines in this piece in his role as Robert Frobisher. Jim Sturgess and Halle Berry also prove that they are really good at portraying characters you really feel compassionate about. We also see Doona Bae give quite the performance as well as James D'Arcy, Keith David, David Gyasi, Robert Fyfe and Martin Wuttke. And, of course, not to forget Hugh Grant and Susan Sarandon!<br />
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Since the film Cloud Atlas is based on a book which I have not read I cannot speak for those who have in terms of recommending this film. From what I can gather, however, it is alright to watch even if one has read the book. It apparently takes liberties with plot and certain details but supposedly brings the overall concept to the big screen in a favourable way.<br />
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So, as someone who has not red the book and who enjoys these grand and thought-provoking films I absolutely do recommend it. I would gladly give a small summery as to illustrate why it's a must-see but it is in all honesty not so easy. However, and possibly spoiler to some here!, the main focus point is the idea that "our lives are not our own" and that a soul travels through different lifetimes and everything, good or bad, ripples through time and effects that individual soul in every life. It's a most endearing thought that is displayed with beautiful scenes and great acting. Out of all the films so far this year Cloud Atlas is absolutely a must-see!<br />
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<br />Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-88736135326516065712013-03-14T10:35:00.001+01:002013-03-19T18:15:53.766+01:00When Life Gives More Than LemonsThe film 50/50 (2011), directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Will Reiser, is based on a true story and is extraordinary well made. Joesph Gordon-Levitt gives an amazing and, in my eyes, very believable performance in his role as 27-year-old Adam who receives life changing news.<br />
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Now, I don't want to give too much of the plot away because I myself personally don't wish to particularly know anything about a film before I see it because I want to have no preconceived notions and thus I would want to show everyone else the same courtesy. But I will give a small summery here and if you, like me, prefer nothing of that kind when having a film recommended just skip the rest of this paragraph and continue with the next one. So, for a quick summery this film is centred around the character Adam who gets a malicious kind of spinal cancer which he finds has a 50/50 survival rate. His friend, Kyle (Seth Rogen), tries, though somewhat clumsy and misguided, to be there for Adam and be a god friend in difficult times. Adam also has to face his already overbearing mother Diane (Anjelica Huston), who is otherwise often busy tending to Adam's father who has Alzheimer, becomes even more invested in her son to his great annoyance. When it comes to Adam's girlfriend Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard) their relationship suddenly falls in a whole new light and becomes a whole new struggle. To top it all off Adam is offered time with a therapist and if he's sceptical to begin with it doesn't help that the woman he is assigned to, Katherine (Anna Kendrick), only ever has had two cases before him. All of this makes Adam's life suddenly completely thrown about. Nothing make sense. And time might be running out.<br />
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All in all this film is very capturing and does well in making it easy to feel a connection to the characters and to be emotionally invested in them. It's well made and though it is listed as a drama comedy it does not take things neither too lightly nor too darkly. Nothing is black and white and nothing is over simplified or made too complex - the film stays true to real life. The humour is not of the one-liner kind or akin to slapstick comedy films, it's the kind you'd meet in everyday life. It's the kind that either makes you cringe a bit or smile warmly. Overall is a very well-balanced film. <br />
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For comparison; if you have seen The Bucket List (2007) and enjoyed that film you would probably like 50/50 as they are somewhat similar. Same goes for Barry Levinsson's Rainman (1988) which is, if not in theme, similar in how it treats its story and characters.<br />
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And with that I will end by saying that I absolutely recommend this. Not for its comedy as it's not hugely comedic or for the drama as its not bombastically dramatic and not for being a grand and epic story but simply for how quietly brilliant it is. I hope you see it and I hope you enjoy it!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-20171358078776785952013-03-09T16:46:00.004+01:002013-03-29T23:30:41.229+01:00Looking Forward ToA number of films that will be release this year, actually.<br />
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Of course, no surprise I am stoked about Iron Man 3 (2013). It's obviously the sequel to Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010) and also ties together with The Avengers. This one is directed by Shane Black but we will, granted, really, see both Robert Downey Jr back in his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark and Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Pots.<br />
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I am also excited about The Great Gatsby (2013), directed by Baz Luhrmann, which is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel from the 20's with the same name. Among the talents starring in this film are Leonardo DiCaprio, Isla Fisher and Carey Mulligan.
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I must say I do enjoy animated films and really loved Despicable Me (2010). So this year I'm looking forward to the sequel - Despicable Me 2 (2013) - once again directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud and with Steve Carell as the voice of Gru once more.
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Same goes for Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013) though that one does not really have the same directors as Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009) did.
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And thought it's not Kenneth Branagh who directed Thor 2: The Dark World (2013) but Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones) I am still very excited about the sequel to Thor and to see Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston as Thor and Loki again the wonderful and amazing Natalie Portman as Jane Foster once more (especially since she wasn't include in The Avengers). Not to mention Anthony Hopkins as Odin and Stellan Skarsgård as Dr. Eric Selvig as well as Rene Russo as Frigga.
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And who is not looking forward to the continuance of Bilbo's amazing journey in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug? I know I absolutely am! Once again Peter Jackson (The Fellowship of The Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), The Return of the King (2003)) has been directing and the screenplay has been written by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro based on the book "The Hobbit, or There and Back Again" by J.R.R Tolkien.<br />
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I am also keeping an eye out for Jim Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) which is a vampire film with the amazing talents Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton as the main characters Adam and Eve.
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And last, but certainly not least, I am looking forward to Joss Whedon's (The Avengers, The Cabin in the Woods) Much Ado About Nothing (2012) - an adaptation on the Shakespearen play - starring Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Clark Gregg and Nathan Fillion and many others.Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-2408595083857241382013-03-06T20:40:00.000+01:002013-03-06T20:40:35.900+01:00Life Told in Beautiful SettingIf you have the chance I encourage you to see the beautiful film Life of Pi (2012) at the cinema.This fantastic film, directed by Ang Lee and based on the novel by Yann Martel, is truly the story of life. For as specific and amazing as this particular story - Pi's story - is in this film it is very much told with every element of real life.<br />
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It has the bits and pieces that make up the ever floating stream of events that carry us all from cradle to grave. There is humour and there is grief. Endurance, courage, disrepair faith, compassion and the lack thereof. Every colourful strand of yarn that is part of the weave of life is there - displayed in a magnificent multitude of magical scenes.<br />
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Though the scenery is almost dreamlike - almost too beautiful at times to be true - it does somehow not take away from the feeling that Life of Pi truly is representing life. Also adding to the feeling of it being real is the very well made 3D effects. It gives depth and does not make the film blurry or difficult to watch. So if you're hesitant to seeing it in 3D I would say it's more than just alright; it is actually very beautiful like that and I would honestly recommend 3D rather than traditional on this one.<br />
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All in all it's a fantastic film and I wholeheartedly recommend it and I am definitely not the only one! I saw an uncountable amount of tweets on twitter praising this film and couldn't help snag these out of the lot just to emphasize how wonderful this film truly is:<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LIFE OF PI is absolutely beautiful. By turns wild, colourful, fun, poetic, inspiring, expansive, mysterious and deep. Like the sea.<br />
— Tom Hiddleston (@twhiddleston) <a href="https://twitter.com/twhiddleston/status/275999728477556736">December 4, 2012</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Oscars2013">#Oscars2013</a>Yes. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23lifeofpi">#lifeofpi</a> Shot beautifully. Dreamlike.<br />
— Dominic Monaghan (@DomsWildThings) <a href="https://twitter.com/DomsWildThings/status/305861978688217088">February 25, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If you're seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23LifeOfPi">#LifeOfPi</a> (you should, it's beautiful), here's how its storms were done: <a href="http://t.co/GgcM2OGX" title="http://bit.ly/Uhu0py">bit.ly/Uhu0py</a> (@<a href="https://twitter.com/mpc_vfx">mpc_vfx</a>)<br />
— Phil de Semlyen (@PhildeSemlyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhildeSemlyen/status/282087614977294336">December 21, 2012</a></blockquote>
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Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-8164847550694136962013-02-24T23:05:00.000+01:002013-03-13T13:03:51.404+01:00Humoristic Horror At Its BestIf you are a fan of the horror comedy genre you should most definitely see D.Kerry Prior's The Revenant (2009).<br />
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It's surprisingly well made when it comes to the story and acting. You would expect a special effects guy such as Prior to be all about the effects and perhaps not give that much thought to characterization and story telling. But you'd be mistaken for sure.<br />
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Of course the effects are wicked. That is sort of to be expected and Prior really delivers in that area. But the fact of the matter is that the storyline is alright - nothing breathtakingly brilliant but good enough (and hey, it's a horror comedy after all) - and the characters are very believable Which is actually quite a feat seeing as the situation they find themselves in is extreme to say the least.<br />
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In short the film is centred around two friends and one of them happens to die. So far nothing strange. Thing is he also sort of happens to come back to life. Sort of. He is, well, decomposing I suppose would be the proper way to describe his state and they try to figure out exactly what kind of mythological being he really is. The obvious descriptions do not seem to match and in this film we actually get to see some strange new hybrid of two of our favourite undead creatures. (And I promise, no one sparkles in sunlight).<br />
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Everyone does a good job (especially David Anders and Chris Wylden) in this film and it's highly entertaining - I can almost guarantee you'll get at least a few good chuckles out of it! - and it's most certainly worth watching.<br />
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And, to those who are not fans of gore, well, I watched this with a small test audience and everyone thought it was a good and entertaining film. Even the sixty-year-old woman who had to look away during anything gory because she really did not like that enjoyed the film as a whole.<br />
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So, in conclusion, this film I am most definitely recommending to you guys! Enjoy!<br />
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(Note: The Revenant was released in 2012 in Sweden.)Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-25706190211860231302013-02-06T19:06:00.000+01:002013-03-19T18:17:26.540+01:00Hiddleston, Beale, Irons, Whishaw and Many More in This Shakespeare EpicIf you have not yet seen BBC's The Hollow Crown mini-series I highly suggest you do so!<br />
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Anyone who likes the acting of either of the names mentioned in the title will not be disappointed. Also, anyone who like brilliant acting and directing that manages to - in my humble opinion, at least - make the Shakespearean dialogues and monologues believable on screen in a film (even though it is written as a play, which is a very different medium) as well as managing to make everything, reactions and actions, perfectly natural-seeming should really gives these films a try!<br />
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Those who might possibly find these not entirely satisfying are perhaps those very familiar and very fond of Shakespeare plays as plays to be seen on a theatre stage. I am personally not that well versed in Shakespeare's work. Not as well as I should like to, at least. So In my case I would say I knew just the right amount on his works to really love the films. To someone more knowledgeable I would then say - give them a chance! But do so without expecting the brilliance I speak of since it comes form someone that saw these without too many preconceived notions as to what they should be like and I am sure you will still be able to enjoy them.<br />
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To those who simply love Tom Hiddleston - as I know many do - it really is worth your while to see Richard II as well even though Hiddleston is not in that one because it is just as beautiful and well made. Though, if you really are going to watch them simply because of Hiddleston, by all means, do so. If you love his acting you will not be disappointed - he does an amazing job as prince Hal and Henry V and I can practically guarantee you will not regret watching these films. Of course, and it should go without saying, that the same is true for Ben Whishaw who gives a most amazing performance as king Richard II. If you intend to see only Richard II for the sake of his wonderful acting alone I would still recommend the rest of the series.<br />
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I would also recommend these films to anyone who really loves well-made, historical pieces. Because they are beautifully shot and made with great attention to detail. The sets are fantastic and the atmosphere connects to each seen wonderfully.<br />
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All in all these absolutely fall under the category of my favourite films of all times and I do highly and warmly recommend these works of art!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-9283064743511056272013-02-03T20:46:00.001+01:002013-03-19T18:16:08.796+01:00Loopy Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon Levitt?In the film Looper (2012) by Rian Johnson Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon Levitt both play the character, Joe.<br />
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Loopy?<br />
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Slightly, but they make it work. Partly through good acting and partly with the help of the element of time travel.<br />
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Yes, it's another action sci-fi film where time travel is incorporated into the concept. (And since time travel is such a debated topic still you will probably stop and think a few times "is that really plausible?." Then again, a lot of fictional occurrences are not truly scientific - merely explained in a way that appears logical; thus making it believably. So it's more or less up to you.) But if you look past the slightly shaky time travel part of it really is a well made film with very good acting and a rather compelling story because of the way it is being told through the characters.<br />
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Bruce Willis gives a really good and human performance - personally one of my favourite by him since Sixth Sense (1999) (where he really excelled, in my opinion) - and even though this film falls into the same action genre that he usually works with it's nuanced enough to have character depth and Willis makes Joe very believable.<br />
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The same can be said for Gordon Levitt's acting. Though, in my own personal opinion, he is a very versatile and skilled actor and he is very capable of making his characters seem real. This film is no exception and he does a brilliant job.<br />
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It really is the acting that makes this film worthwhile. It is not that action-packed and does not have a unique story. What it does have is some fine-tuned acting and directing. Also it does have an entertainment value - I do doubt you will be bored watching this.<br />
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All in all I highly recommend this one!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-53875599584841283262013-01-11T17:52:00.001+01:002013-01-11T17:52:49.376+01:00Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black - All In One MovieThe Big Year (2012), directed by David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Marley & Me (2008)), can seem like it's more or less a parentheses. After all, a film about a race in ornithology to spot the most species of birds which goes on for an entire year? Yeah, it doesn't sound like something worth the time.<br />
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This is likely when you make the wrong assumption, though.<br />
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It's not a drag - not something mundane with forced jokes. Inspired by the book The Big Year by Mark Obmascik this movie adaptation has something - or things, or persons, if you like - that gives it that little extra that makes a film worthwhile. And if you are a fan of either Steve Martin, Owen Wilson or Jack Black you are likely to enjoy this film. Even if you have caught none of these actors' works you have a good chance still of enjoying this piece.<br />
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This film is entertaining with a sense of realism - something quite rare - and it feels very down to earth. It is a bit like a story that has happened to someone you know - or perhaps one that could happen to you - because it has that realistic feel to it. And it has this without growing uninteresting. The story never feels as if though it comes to a stand still and it gets you to feel engaged about these three characters and their journey.<br />
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All in all this is nothing spectacular or extraordinary. It's not a grand adventure, a laughing-so-hard-your-side-hurts kind of comedy nor a thrilling action. It's something close to home and though the spectacular films inspire us the smaller ones like The Big Year are the ones that reminds us that it is possible. And also not to lose sight of what truly matters.<br />
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Therefore I warmly recommend it to you and I do hope you will like it!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-21273656710038133622013-01-01T15:54:00.001+01:002013-01-01T15:54:12.979+01:00A Bit of HumourIf you per chance feel up to watching film today I would like to recommend two slightly silly ones: Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), directed by Mel Brooks, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). They should both be proper suitable for a day such as this. They are most silly and for those who enjoy this type of folly they are quite entertaining to watch. Monty Python is a bit more subtly clever in their humour but both should ensure a good deal of laughter!<br />
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Hope your New Year's Eve was a good one and that you find these two films to be good ones to start off your film year 2013! Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-76610598480323026162012-12-31T19:07:00.001+01:002012-12-31T19:07:26.312+01:00Happy New Year!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!<br />
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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!<br />
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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!<br />
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Cheers!Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-44667154721404403152012-12-28T10:59:00.001+01:002012-12-28T10:59:17.961+01:00Silly SandlerAdmittedly 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) <br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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It's a fun film and hopefully something you can enjoy while waiting for the New Year.Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-75345416019298022642012-12-25T20:05:00.001+01:002012-12-25T20:05:51.496+01:00Dark HumourFor 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).<br />
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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.<br />
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(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!)<br />
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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.Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-1593397212316089352012-12-23T11:53:00.001+01:002012-12-23T11:53:29.950+01:00A Bit of Christmas EntertianmentNational Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) with Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold is a classical Christmas comedy.<br />
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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.<br />
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It does not go smoothly. It does not go as planned. But it does go down hilariously!<br />
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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! Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321897371957731204.post-78799144030807297222012-12-20T20:12:00.001+01:002012-12-20T20:12:24.043+01:00Sport + "it" = Film Worth WatchingI'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?<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08009788383288457094noreply@blogger.com0