Category Archives: Comedy

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT (2014): The Good Things

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That Awkward Moment (2014), Zac efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller
That Awkward Moment (2014), Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller

The following are three of the best things about Zac Efron’s That Awkward Moment (2014). A story about twenty-something friends living and dating in New York. It’s definitely not a perfect movie – for reasons including, ironically, awkwardness. But these snippets of dialogue are indeed memorable. I’ve even found myself quoting one or two to friends.

1) ‘New York’s charm is that you’re surrounded by things you can’t have’. ‘New York’s charm is it makes you think you can have them’. 

Having been there myself and experienced the energy, I can confirm that both statements are true.

2) ‘Jason. You weren’t there for me. On a day when I really, really needed you. And being there for someone when they need you, that’s all relationships are, Jason. That’s all they are’

Delivered whilst perfectly composed and with all pauses mid-sentence only working to make the statement more impactful in the moment – regardless of how simple the idea and words may be.

3) ‘Guys, in High School I was voted as most likely to have the best eyes’ 

My favourite! This one line makes me giggle every single time.

Happy That Awkward Moment 🙂

G

Comedy, Drama

SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS (2014): Guaranteed Fun. I Can Tell

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Six Dance lessons In Six Weeks (2014), Gena Rowlands, Cheyenne Jackson
Six Dance lessons In Six Weeks (2014), Gena Rowlands, Cheyenne Jackson

Six Dance lessons In Six Weeks (2014) looks like the kind of light and fun Sunday film experience I’ll be wanting any day now.

A trailer filled with comedy, music, dancing, Cheyenne Jackson and the likeable Gena Rowlands, a.k.a. the older version of Allie from The Notebook (2004), I know I’ll be watching with high hopes.

It helps that the film is based on a successful play.

Happy Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks Trailer 🙂

G

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

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

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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 is 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.

I find The One I Love to be more of a drama than a romantic comedy, but it has been labeled as all three (comedy, romance and drama) simultaneously.

Watch it because of the two impressive lead actors. Watch it for the different kind of execution and  because you’re somewhat bored of the formulaic nature of romantic comedies and need something else. And  lastly, watch 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?

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

Martin Scorsese’s Wolf Of Wall Street (2013) is absolutely dripping with testosterone, not that this should be surprising.

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, as well as get some insight into 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. 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.

Girls will definitely enjoy the film but I have a strong suspicion that boys will love it more.

Happy Wolf Of Wall Street 🙂

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (2008): A Definite Seth Rogen Win

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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 between two mid twenties, weed smoking males who are played rather well indeed 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, 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

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Chef (2014)
Chef (2014)

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 Chef 🙂

G

Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, No Spoiler Reviews

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

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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) particularly funny. After getting over the initial shock and coming to terms with their revelation, 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 greatness of the movie. I mean, I do believe that you have to be ‘in the mood’ for certain kinds of films (comedy, drama, action, etc.) in order to get the best out of them.
  3. They were too tired to pay due attention.

Well, apparently none of the above explanations were correct. I was therefore left with the only possible answer. Something is very wrong with both my friends, which then means that trying to make further sense of the situation would be a royal waste of my time.

In passing the question off to you, what do you think? Did you find This Is The End funny or am I the crazy one. Caveat: I know I’m not really crazy since the film was quite the success. However, I thought it would be nice to ask, nonetheless.

Happy Film Loving

G