A long way down 2014

So I have been wanting to write about this film for a while. It isn't very often anymore that I get to revel in British cinema. So when I find a British film that I really enjoy it is hard for me to keep my mouth shut. So here I am letting all you people know about it!

So as you may have guessed already it is a British film, based on the novel written by Nick Hornby. It is a Dark Comedy about four people that meet on New Years Eve, all wanting to commit suicide off the top of the same building. Instead they make a pact that they won't do it until valentines day and so the story goes on.

I'm not going to lie when I first started watching it I was a bit like WTF, but soon got really into it and really enjoyed the premise and the characters. It kept you interested by going through each characters story separately while at the same time keeping the main story moving forward at a reasonable pace.

 As far as comedy is concerned it wasn't the funniest film I have ever seen but it had its moments, mainly coming from the one character Jess played by Imogen Poots. A crazy, roughly 18 year old girl that doesn't think before she speaks and so ends up saying some rather outrageous things. The other characters Martin ( Pierce Brosnan) , Maureen ( Toni Collette) and JJ ( Aaron Paul) all have some great one-liners as well. The acting in general is very good and very well written. Especially Pierce Brosnan's character that keeps you on your toes as to whether you should hate him or sympathise with him. The only writing downfall that I could see was a few plot twists that ended up being very obvious, to me at least but apart from that I couldn't fault it.

With strong acting and strong emotions running throughout, I would definitely recommend this film. Plus it is nice to see Aaron Paul doing a very different character to Jessie from Breaking Bad.        

Last Vegas 2013

So with Last Vegas coming up to dvd release I thought I would do a quick blog just in case you haven't had the chance to see it yet and have been wondering about it.
So it is Directed by Jon Turteltaub, and stars Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline.
The plot line is to be honest pretty close to The Hangover except they are all in there 60's and above. But one of them is getting married, and so they decide that one last blow out in Las Vegas is what they need. So yeah, they get up to mischief and cause problems and it is funny, some places laugh out loud funny but not as many as I would have liked considering the cast they had.
Not to mention it is a very slow moving film to start with but it does pick up and that was when I began to enjoy the movie a lot more.
Unfortunately though I don't feel the writer Dan Fogelman really used the actors that are involved to his advantage when it came to it. There could have been a lot more to it than there was and some of the characters weren't very well developed compared to others. Which made it out that some of them were there just because of who was playing them. Like it was trying to be The expendables only a comedy not a action movie obviously.
The acting is good, from all of them which of course it to be expected from such high flying actors as these four. It is just a shame that the writing wasn't really up to scratch, otherwise it would have been a lot better movie over all, and it would have been a bigger box office hit.

The Worlds End 2013

Hello Everyone,
It has been awhile but I'm back with a review of The Worlds End.
I have always been a big fan of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. My favourite been there TV series spaced. After seeing Paul I must admit that I thought that they might of lost there way abit. It wasn't as funny as their previous films. So I was abit apprehensive about The Worlds End.
It was however alot better than I expected the characters were well protrayed and jokes were many and funny.
I loved the relationship between Simon's character and Nick's I think everyone has that friends that if something really bad happened you still couldn't not be friends. I love that the movie keeps you guessing about the thought process of Simon's character, you feel sorry for him but at the same time you keeps asking yourself why? Why does he what to finnish the golden mile so much that he puts himself and everyone else in danger. You start to question his motives is he insane or is there something deeper.
There were bits where it was hard to see what was going on in some of the fight senes but there was alot going on it such a small space so I can forgive that.
The one bit that really annoyed me was near the end Simon and Nick have this drunken argument with the reason behind why everything was happening. I loved the argument it was well scripted and acted and everything but when the voice they are arguing with just goes fine everyone in the cinema kind of went what? That was way to easy. Is that really it?
All in all the film was good it was funny action packed and kept you entertained. This film proved that the ain't going out on a flop. They have mentioned that this is that last of these types of films by them. And with that I and sad but they have proved to everyone that they have stopped at the right time.
I would like to think they will change there mind but if they don't then fair enough. I can imagine this isn't the last we are going to see of them though.
So to wrap things up I recommend that if you haven't seen it then you should. It is a laugh and if you like their previous films you are sure to like this one.

Very Bad Things (1998)

Hello everyone,
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but to make it up to you here is my review on Very Bad Things.

So this is classed at a Comedy, Crime, Thriller. To be honest though I didn't find it funny, there were a few moments at the beginning but nothing that would give it a comedy genre. Even looking at the plot that is mentioned in the blurb it doesn't make it seem like it is going to be funny at all. So on to the plot....

Kyle (Jon Favreau) and Laura ( Cameron Diaz ) are getting married and Kyle is going on a bachelor night to Las Vegas. But things suddenly turn bad when a prostitute turns up and is killed, with bodies and pressure starting to building up the friends start to turn on each other. So as you can see doesn't sound to funny.

Kyle is annoying he has no back bone until the end and spend most of his time moaning and crying which is fine up to a certain point. But the character that annoyed me the most was Laura, she was so obsessed with having a wedding ( it was all she ever talked about even when people where dying all around her) and then when she finds out everything and why it has all happened all she has to say is that Kyle is not going to ruin her big day for her and the wedding will go on with or with out him ( which is slightly impossible, unless she has someone on the side) I mean im sorry but I don't know of any one or heard of anyone that obsessed with weddings ( im sure there are people out there) but it just got irritating and seemed to far-fetched.
Christian Slater's character was by far the one that made the movie watching his thought process of everything that was going on and seeing him loose his mind was interesting to watch.

It wasn't an all bad movie it did get you involved in the story and did keep you interested in what was going on but it won't be a movie I will recommend as a good film to watch on a movie night. Or even one that I will watch over and over again.

All in all I give this movie 5/10

Thanks for reading and watch this space :)

21 jump street

Hello everyone

This film is now out on DVD and I have only just got round to watching it due to the fact that i thought it was going to be rubbish I was wrong.....



For those of you that don't know it is about two rubbish cops that get set back to high school in order to find out and send down the person in charge of selling a new synthetic drugs to high school children.

I was actually pleasantly surprised at this film. It was funny, action packed and well acted not to mention a awesome surprise appearance from a very well known actor that put a massive smile on my face. It was well acted and not only been funny it did get across emotions and you felt for the characters. For course though for all the women out there Channing Tatum is as fit as ever and real eye candy, even when he has long hair ( I still thought he was fit). Jonah Hill i was shocked when i saw him on the front cover  but even more in the film. how much weight he had lost and he was looking good.
 The music was awesome and it was a really very enjoyable and entertaining.
So if you want a laugh and you haven't checked it out already give it a go :)

Watch this space    

The Five Year Engagement

Hello Everyone!

I realised the other day that it has been a long long time since I reviewed a Rom-com so I thought it was about time I did, so here it is I hope you enjoy it....



Are two main characters are Tom ( Jason Seagel) and Violet ( Emily Blunt). Who  after a year of knowing each other get engaged. But due to things happening it get harder and harder for them to get down the aisle. Tom a Chef puts his career on the sidelines in order for Violet to fulfil her dream in psychology. He gets a job in a college deli and becomes more and more depressed, while she is worried that she is been selfish.
   I am a fan of Jason Seagel's writing and he hasn't disappointed me the writing gives a believable story line ( but of course some of it goes a little over the top for comedic value) What disappointed me with the film was the bland camera angles they did nothing for the movie. Even in what are supposed to be comedic high points in the movie like Violet get shot in the leg with a cross bow. Just seemed to flat line due to the camera angles with in the scene. There were no real memorable moments in this movie, some occasional laugh out loud moments and just a nice story to sit back and enjoy with a glass of wine.

So there you have it and watch this space :)        
   

The Watch

Hello everyone!!
So I have finally managed to tear myself away from Breaking Bad and thought I would do a review on The Watch so here it is....

As you can see our four main actors are Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade, and they make the neighbourhood watch. It starts of with Evan ( Stiller) who is a manager at Costco and his night guard is murdered by what the police describe as some kind of beast. Being very pissed off about the whole thing Evan starts a neighbourhood watch, to try and find the murderer. So meet Bob (  Vaughn) a guy just looking for beer buddies, Franklin (  Hill) who failed to get into the police force and Jamarcus ( Ayoade ) who had a fantasy about having sex with an Asian woman because he was part of the neighbourhood watch.  

     This film is a typical lads film, but unfortunately everything was just to obvious and the jokes were just the same kind of thing over and over again ( there are only so many sex and penis jokes one person can handle) they even put in really cheap one when saying the aliens cum is the green slime that appears when they are killed ( desperate or what). 

   There were some amusing bits it in but nothing laugh out loud kind of stuff and every joke just seemed to die. There was no real character development in the movie there pitiful attempt was Evan been sterile so him and he wife couldn't have kids. There was really no need for this it brought nothing to the story at all and was just in my opinion annoying. 

    The thing that kept me watching this movie was the aliens it was interesting to see what they could come up with for a comedy, sci-fi about an alien invasion and the aliens were good, kind of insects crossed with dinosaurs. To be honest over all I was disappointed with the movie, the writing was nothing new, same old lads comedy kind of stuff ( sorry Seth Rogan, Evan Goldberg and Jared Stern) The only thing they brought new was the alien invasion ( which started in a Costco the question is why costco? I guess food and everything they "need" is there) but the comedy behind this was just to put it bluntly rubbish.

    Wish I could say something good about the movie but I just can't sorry people. I give this film a 4/10 

Watch this space I will be back soon.           

Rock n' Roll Nerd

Hello Everyone!

My friend got in touch with me the other day and told me I had to watch this documentary on one of my favourite comedians Tim Minchin directed by Rhian Skirving. So of course I did. I am very late in watching it but I had no idea it even existed. It came out in 2008 and it took them three years to film. 



It is about him starting out his career and I literally had no idea how much stuff he went through to try and get to the top. I not going to mention exactly what happens to him. But If you are a fan of him I do recommend watching this. It is very interesting and you really get to see what he is like back stage and in his home environment. Of course you also met his wife that he has been with since the age of 17. I really enjoyed this documentary not just because it was about someone that I like but also because of the amount of time it has taken to do it and and it is very well put together. My friend and I have both gained a whole new respect for him and I'm sure you will too.

Watch this space guys see you soon   

When Harry met Sally

So I have just been watching When Harry met Sally which before I get into what I know is going to be a rant I do actually like this movie it is funny and a fun film to watch. BUT oh my god it does tend to get annoying, I mean you go through the whole relationship of them not liking each other and then becoming friends and the entire time thinking to yourself will you just kiss or go out already. I mean even when they apparently don't like each other there is sexual tension between them. It take something like 7 years for anything to happen. So you go through the first half of the movie going god you tell each other everything, you ring each other practically every night and you hang out with each other all the time. For god sake just kiss already or something. And then when they do finally kiss because she is all upset they end up having sex so there you have everything all in one go. Which then leads to them not talking because it was too "weird" and becoming two completely miserable people. GET OVER IT you are obviously perfect for each other just get on with it. So then for the rest of the movie is Harry trying to get Sally to talk to him and your just thinking for god sake Sally answer his calls he is been really sweet and well a little cringe worthy by leaving him singing on answering machines.

But I must admit when they do finally get together it is one of my favourite romance scenes in movies. It is a proper tear jerker. It is just annoying that it is so dragged out, and your literally shouting at the screen for them to get on with it. OK rant over, these are the reason why i like the movie, it is very funny for example it has one of the best fake orgasm scenes which is just laugh out loud funny especially the line after it where one of the people in the Cafe (  played by Meg Ryan's mother) says " I'll have what she's  having" just an epic moment which has been recognised by many film critics. It was nominated for Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best screenplay.

 Overall the movie is really good and please don't let my opinion on it been too dragged out put you off watching this movie. I think people should definitely give it a go. It is the perfect girly night in movie.

Just a few good movies

hey everyone!

I have decided to just write about a few films from a couple of the genres to write about. I hope there are a few you may not have seen or heard of. I hope you enjoy!

The girl who leapt through time.





This is an anime film, and is one of my favourites. It is about a girl that is rather clumsy. She finds out that she has the ability to leap through time and starts using it to her advantage, soon to discover that it can lead to not exactly great results. It is directed by Mamoru Hosoda that is most known for the Digimon movies (Which he shouldn't be as this film is by far better than Digimon ). The main reasons I like this film are the script is entertaining and you can really connect with the main character. Also it is very pretty, and simplistic which I do like in anime, the style of it does remind me a little of Castle in the sky ( which is also a very good anime if you haven't seen it give it ago ) with its pale colouring in places and simple but effective back grounds. Of course like any time travel movie you can find faults in it but if you can put that to one side I am sure you will love this movie.


Chocolate





So as you probably see from the DVD cover this isn't the Johnny Depp movie. This is a martial arts movie about an autistic girl that tries to help her dying mother by finding the people that owe her money and of course they turn out to be gang members. As i tend to find with martial arts movies the story behind the action is not always the best ever but this does have its heart warming and heart breaking moments. But like all martial arts films you watch them for the kick arse moves and this film doesn't let you down. Jeeja Yanin that plays Zen the lead character is amazing for such a young girl. And of course she does all her own stunts which lead to awesome but very cringe and painful mess ups. Jeeja has some awesome skills like a trick she does with candy that look like m n m's that I have been trying to copy ever since ( watch the movie to find out what I mean) So yeah if you like martial arts and watching people kick the crap out of each other or even if you girl out there want to watch some real girl power then check this movie out.


Easy A



Emma Stone starring in Easy A and romance comedy about a girl that makes up a lie about sleeping with a guy in community college that soon blows out of per-portion. Loosely based on The scarlet letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn. I find that some romance comedies are full of obvious love story all the way through and it get rather tedious. That is one thing i like about this movie it isn't rubbing the love story in your face all the way through, granted it has small hints occasionally but nothing to much. It is a good film to watch if you just want to chill out in front of the tv, or if you are having a girls night in. And don't worry boys it can be enjoyed by you too, as Emma Stone is wearing very sexy clothing through out just make sure you don't get done my your girl friends as she does look stunning. But not only with the way she is dressed it is also funny and a film i really do think can be enjoyed by both men and women.


Clerks



This is a Comedy and the first ever film by Kevin Smith. It came out in 1994 and is in black and white. ( yes that is correct black and white) The reason being that in order to make he movie Kevin Smith had to sell his entire comic book collection and max out 8- 10 credit cards. So due to little funds couldn't afford a high tech colour video camera. If you are one of these people that dont particularly like black and white movie I can safely say that i have shown people like that this movie and they have still loved it just as much as me. So please don't let that stop you from giving this movie ago. This movie isn't action packed it is literately about a 2 guys that work in a convenience store one of which "isn't suppose to be their today" but it is laugh out loud funny and the script is very very well written. With great acting from Brain O' Halloran and Jeff Anderson and not to mention the first appearance of the very memorable Jay and Silent Bob. I assure you that if you haven't seen this movie you will very much enjoy it.


So there you have it there are a few movies that i think that you will enjoy :)

watch this space and see you all very soon.   

Get the Gringo ( How I spent my summer vacation)

Hey everyone!

Ok so over the weekend I watched a film that to put is simply really shocked me. The reason is the lead is Mel Gibson! Yes the man that brought us rubbish films like What women want and The singing detective ( sorry if you like these films it is my personal opinion) But this Year he is back and in my opinion better than ever, this film is funny, action packed and has epic one liners, and believe it or not was written by the one and only Mel Gibson as well.

For those of you the haven't seen the trailers, or indeed watched the film yet as it is currently still been shown in some cinemas around the UK. This is the basic plot to the story, a career criminal (Mel Gibson) has just finished a job that has landed him with a lot of money. But he gets caught by Mexican police and sent to the roughest most tough prison in the state. Where he decides to try and get his money back while looking out for a 9 year old boy and his mother ( yes there is a 9 year old in prison it does get explained why) . This is a rated 15 due to strong violence, some drug use and the occasional sexual content. The film is still yet to be released in Italy 1st June, Portugal 7th, Denmark 14th, Argentina, Singapore and Hungary on the 21st June, Netherlands 12th July, Finland 20th and Norway 3rd August. So keep an eye out guys it is coming to screens near you very soon.

Ok so there are lots of different titles for this film, obviously because they are been released in some many different countries but for some reason they have a USA title and a UK one. Which I don't really get why seen as the USA name is more intriguing ( Get the Gringo), I mean How I spent my summer vacation just sounds like another Hangover movie or a ROM-COM which this film isn't either. The British title makes it sound boring and doesn't really make you want to see the film unless you see the movie poster which has Mel Gibson stood in front of a prison with a hand gun. Which kind of shows that the film isn't going to be a ROM-COM.  They should have stuck with the USA title for both countries in my opinion but that was up to them.

All in all this film is fast paced, funny ,written very well. Has good characters not so much character development but it is still interesting and a really good watch. I recommend this film to people that like pay-back type movies and enjoy a lot of gun fighting and a good car chase.