Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds and Hiroyuki Sanada, Life is the new Daniel Espinosa-directed sci-fi thriller about the discovery of life on Mars.
This one firmly lands in the top three of my favourite trailers of 2016. I officially cannot wait to see this movie.
Anyone else wondering what on Mars that scientist was thinking sticking his finger in there? Has he not watched any other sci-fi movies about life in outer space?
Sausage Party (2016), Seth Rogen – Frank (Voice), Michael Cera – Barry (Voice)
Finding out the truth about one’s existence isn’t just a journey important for humans. Frank the sausage from Shopwell’s supermarket has heard some extremely disturbing news about what happens after he and his fellow food product friends are chosen. Selected and taken out of Shopwell’s and into ‘the great beyond,’ where the mad food horror/comedy/adventure that is Sausage Party, the latest from writing partners Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg truly begns.
Starring Rogen, Michael Cera, Kristen Wiig, Nick Kroll, Jonah Hill, and many more, I found Sausage Party entertaining and definitely filthy. It’s the clever and well-written wordplay that makes the experience for me.
The film’s general look and animation style is another personal highlight. I particularly love the walks of Teresa Del Taco and Frank’s girlfriend, Brenda. Yes, we’re talking about animation here, but the sexiness is truly undeniable. Then there’s the villainous Douche who is very well played by Nick Kroll (probably my favourite of his roles, ever).
There’s no writing about Sausage Party without mentioning the, let’s say… ‘good times’ that happen towards the very end. WOW! That’s a great word for it.
Sausage Party (2016), Salma Hayek – Teresa Del Taco (Voice)
After the thought, ‘How on earth are they going to end this?’ crossed my mind a few times as the movie played, I’m not mad at what actually happens at the very end – because how else could they have wrapped it up, really? Especially since food is ultimately for eating, potatoes need peeling and, we can mostly if not all agree that no one should ever take ill treatment.
In terms of the things I was at odds with, Sausage Party features some commentary on religion that feels a little odd and out of place, even though it kind of makes some sense, as we’re dealing with a world where our food both talks and thinks.
Watch this moviefor the smartly written, filthy, fun dialogue and the general madness of it all.
The Hangover (2009), Zach Gaifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper
Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha, there’s plenty to love about the The Hangover. In fact, the Todd Phillips-directed comedy is one of those movies that left me with nothing bad to say.
Just to be clear though, the above statement is reserved only for this 2009 movie and not the two embarrassing ‘get as much money out of this as possible whilst we still can’ sequels that shamelessly followed. Moving on…
The reasons I love the hangover are obvious. The story is great, I saw exactly none of the surprising twists and turns coming, the casting is excellent, as is the writing and soundtrack. There’s also the great chemistry between the four main characters, resulting in a depiction of a truly believable bromance that serves the story perfectly.
Everything that happened in The Hangover felt so real to me. So much so that the brilliant Inbetweeners (2008-2010) comedy series (the UK original version) came to mind, because, it too has that combination of the believable male friendship dynamic and comedy.
There are too many great moments in The Hangover for me to pick just one. However, who, after seeing this movie has been able to say the word ‘retard’ in just one way?
I haven’t watched all the movies of this sub-genre, however, I’m committing to calling The Hangover one of, if not the most epic ‘bachelor party shenanigans’ movie ever made. The Hangover also helped wake me up to the charms of Bradley Cooper. By ‘charms’ I mean his acting talents. And yes, that suit in the hotel room scene when he and Justin Bartha’s character walk into Stu’s room definitely contributed to my charmed state. Looking that good combined with such evident swagger seldom goes unnoticed. You see, the typos on my blog aside, attention to detail has never been my problem.
Watch The Hangover again and again for an entertaining ride from beginning to glorious end.
Magnus is the new documentary about Magnus Carlsen, a.k.a. the ‘Mozart of Chess.’
Directed by Benjamin Ree; Magnus tells the extraordinary story of a child prodigy turned chess genius. Carlsen is a Norwegian grandmaster and the current World Chess Champion.
I just love to learn about the lives of amazing people. I’m also nowhere near close to understanding chess. Another reason to watch would be if I had aspirations, however delusional to become a chess grandmaster.
Training Day is not a movie you watch if you’re looking for a relaxing film experience. The protagonist through whom we’re introduced to the world in which everything takes place is Jake (Ethan Hawke). And because Jake is comfortable at no point in Training Day, you absolutely won’t be either.
With that important truth out of the way, Training Day is a movie worthy of your time. Not just because of the undeniable talent both in front and behind the camera, it’s a well-written crime thriller that will likely leave you grateful that you get to experience the world of the characters only on screen.
Training Day (2001), Denzel Washington
David Ayer (Suicide Squad – 2016) is responsible for the screenplay while Antoine Fuqua (The Magnificent Seven – 2016) directs. I’m convincedthat Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke could not have played their roles any better. Perhaps even more than the great performances, it’s the way the story comes together that I love most. From the effective shooting style to the way events unfold overall, I had an uncomfortable (in a good way) and definitely positive experience.
If I had to pick something that maybe could have improved my overall experience, I’d point to the musical score which left me a little wanting. By no means is it as awkward as the score for John Q (2002), but awkward is a word that fits – in parts.
Watch Training Day for some Denzel Washington/Ethan Hawke magic and for the smart way everything comes together.
Lastly, would I call Training Day my favourite buddy cop movie? It’s close, but End Of Watch (2012) still has that title.
What’s your favourite buddy/cop movie? Feel free to share in the comments below.
