Category Archives: Comedy

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THE ONE I LOVE (2014): So, Here’s Something Different…

3 Comments
The One I Love (2014), Mark Duplass, Elizabeth Moss
The One I Love (2014), Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss

It is well documented that repetition inevitably gets dull and people end up switching off. This is the case with many romantic comedies and generally any genre that repeats the same themes and plot lines continuously and with minimal difference.

The One I Love (2014) can be accused of no such thing. Yes, the narrative contains a classic stage in the long term relationship lifecycle. But the execution offers a very refreshing and unexpected difference in a story about a married couple. A pair trying to find their way back to that great past period in their relationship; a place  where happiness was the default setting. And as they begin their journey, rather peculiar things start happening.

For me, The One I Love is more of a drama than a romantic comedy, even though it has been categorised as all three (comedy, romance and drama) simultaneously.

I say watch it because of the two impressive lead actors. Watch it for the different kind of execution, because you’re somewhat bored of the formulaic nature of rom-coms and need something else. And  lastly, definitely watch it because you want to be pleasantly surprised.

Here’s the trailer.

Happy Film Loving

G

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013): Who Knew Greed Could Be So Entertaining?

7 Comments
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill

Unsurprisingly, Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is absolutely dripping with testosterone. Additionally, typical of all other popular accounts of life on Wall Street, there’s plenty, and then some, of the expected excess and debauchery.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio

Based on a true story about the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio’s character), the audience, particularly the ambitious, will relate to the protagonist’s determination to succeed, and also see the many ways the American dream can go very wrong indeed.

With plenty of well-written male banter (one of my favourite things) and great performances all round, you will spend a surprising amount of time laughing. And, of course, Leonardo DiCaprio and his more than qualified supporting cast absolutely deliver.

The Mark Hanna character played by Matthew McConaughey is so entertaining that you’ll find yourself wanting more.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013), Matthew McConaughey
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), Matthew McConaughey

Jonah Hill, an actor better known for comedy hits including Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Superbad (2007), is great as Donny Azoff. Azoff’s teeth and hair may be highly questionable, but you’ll see that Hill’s performance certainly isn’t.

Ladies will enjoy this movie, but gentlemen will absolutely love it far more.

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (2008): A Definite Seth Rogen Win

9 Comments

This is absolutely not a horror film, but who knew that Seth Rogen playing scared out of his mind could be so entertaining?

Coming from the same team that delivered comedy hits Superbad (2007), Knocked Up (2007) and most recently, This Is The End (2013); Pineapple Express is an action-packed comedy/bromance. One focused on two mid-twenties, weed-smoking males, played super well by Seth Rogen and James Franco.

Pineapple express (2008), Seth Rogen, James Franco
Pineapple Express (2008), Seth Rogen, James Franco

There’s plenty to enjoy in this movie, including the dialogue, well-choreographed action sequences and a series of oddball characters; not to forget the undeniable beauty of James Franco’s Smile… 🙂 …something I hadn’t been aware of until this movie. Oh yes.

Last but absolutely not least, should you find yourself to be a fan of writer/director, Judd Apatow before watching this movie, then you know you’re in good hands.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

CHEF (2014): Prepare To Feel Hungry, In More Ways Than One…

7 Comments
Chef (2014)
Chef (2014), Jon Favreau, Open Road Films

Jon Favreau’s Chef is a comedy film with great music and mouthwatering food that makes you wish you had immediate access to all the bites featured.

More than a feast for your stomach and then some, it’s a beautifully told story about family – particularly the relationship between a busy father and his ten year-old son.

The film also speaks to the sensibilities of those stuck in a career path that no longer supports their need for creative freedom, and or desire to serve their passions in a way that makes them happy.

There are one or two more themes that emerge from the narrative thread. I’ll let you discover those beautiful gems for yourself. Maybe they’ll speak to you more than the ones that stood out for me. Either way you’re likely to be hooked as soon as the film starts.

Happy Film loving,

G

Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, No Spoiler Reviews

SETH ROGEN’S This Is The End (2013). Funny? YES!

8 Comments
This is The End (2013), Seth Rogen, James Franco
This is The End (2013), Seth Rogen, James Franco

I learned today that two close friends of mine do not find Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s This Is The End (2013) funny. After getting over the initial shock and coming to terms with it, I made an effort to understand by running through the possible reasonable explanations:

  1. They haven’t watched or enjoyed Pineapple Express (2008), Superbad (2007) Knocked Up (2007) or other great comedies by Rogen and Goldberg.
  2. They must not have been in the right frame of mind to properly appreciate the movie’s greatness. I mean, I do believe that you have to be ‘in the mood‘ for certain films (comedy, drama, action, horror, etc.) to get the best out of them.
  3. They were too tired to pay due attention.

Following my analysis, none of the above explanations were correct. I was therefore left with the only possible answer. Something is very wrong with both of my friends. As such, attempting to make further sense of the situation is a fool’s errand.

I wonder, what do you think? Did you find This Is The End funny or am I mistaken? I know deep down that I’m not, of course. But it’s generally nice to ask.

Happy Film Loving,

G