Category Archives: Drama

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

Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005): So Good!

1 Comment
A History of Violence (2005), Viggo Mortensen
A History of Violence (2005), Viggo Mortensen

A small town that suddenly finds itself sprinkled with a few non-local visitors usually means trouble. And trouble is exactly what said visitors bring, especially for Tom Stall, a well-regarded local coffee shop owner with a wife and two children.

Directed by David Cronenberg, and starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello and Ed Harris, A History of Violence left me with much to love and very little if anything to be desired.

For those familiar with Cronenberg’s trademark visceral style, this engaging and generally well-paced drama/crime/thriller features scenes and moments that will remind you of exactly who the director is.

A well-written story that’s brilliantly delivered is the reason A History Of Violence is one of my favourite films of all time. What’s brought to mind each time I’m reminded of it, besides the fact that it entertained me like crazy, is the incredibly satisfying scene of the bullied fighting back.

Watch it for the many things this wonderful film gets so very right. Then go right back and rewatch your favourite scenes, because you’ll have a few.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

LAST NIGHT (2010): You Can Be Happy And Still Be Tempted. True or False?

2 Comments
Last Night (2010), Keira Knightley, Guillaume Canet
Last Night (2010), Keira Knightley, Guillaume Canet

Last Night (2010), is a beautifully told story and well-paced drama/romance about a young, professional married couple who must confront their past and potential future, as they spend a night apart. All this, thanks to an attractive new colleague and a chance encounter with a past/first love.

Besides the hypnotic musical score and attractive young cast; featuring the wonderfully-faced Keira Knightley, Avatar’s Sam Worthington, plus Eva Mendes and Guillaume Canet; two things stood out for me in this  Massy Tadjedin-written/directed movie.

The first is a reminder to always trust your instincts. The second is the necessity to tread carefully in romantic entanglements – because, given the choice, nobody really wants to have someone from their past that they label as ‘the one that got away.’

One more thing. Did I already mention the enchanting musical score? Watch it and feel.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

LOCKE (2013): When Creative Restrictions Pay Off

5 Comments
Locke (2013), Tom Hardy
Locke (2013), Tom Hardy

You have to go into writer/director Steven Knight’s latest drama Locke with the mindset of someone who knows this will be a different kind of film. The type with self-imposed parameters to explore what is creatively possible.

The story follows Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy), a desperate man amid a balancing act between trying to sort out his personal life – while also attempting to salvage the remainder of his professional integrity. The most intriguing part is that all the drama happens inside his car.

The audience gets to see Ivan causing immense distress with phone call after phone call. But what proves even more interesting are the silences and the dialogue he has with himself.

Those aware of Hardy’s well-documented acting prowess will want to watch this. As will enthusiasts of Colin Farrell’s Phone Booth (2002); another movie that kept audiences engaged, regardless of the single location setting.

Locke will likely cause you to reflect on a few things as it plays. One is the quality of the relationships you have with your colleagues, friends and acquaintances. 

Make time for Locke because it’s impressive. And Hardy’s performance is likely to turn you into a life-long fan; in case you weren’t already.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

APOCALYPTO (2006): Epic In A Number Of Ways, Especially That Chase Sequence

6 Comments
Apocalypto (2007), Rudy Youngblood
Apocalypto (2007), Rudy Youngblood

Mel Gibson’s Mayan Epic Apocalypto (2006) is tense, gruesome, emotional, and violent – plus, it contains a big, black, beastly creature I adore.

Best of all, though, Apocalypto features a wonderfully thrilling hour-long chase sequence that I won’t soon forget. You may know that I love well-crafted dialogue. However, few things in film are more engaging than a beautifully choreographed chase sequence. And the one in this movie is easily one of the very best.

Apocalypto certainly isn’t always the easiest to watch, thanks to some challenging scenes. But it is a very entertaining, drama, action and thriller hybrid. At no point did I deliberately avert my eyes from the screen whenever a tough scene was happening. But my hands did shoot up to my mouth and face a few times, and without warning.

I suspect that some people’s dormant misanthropic tendencies may be tested by this great story. But, by the end, you’ll likely want to appreciate the smart, quick thinking and undoubtedly strong people in your life. That’s certainly where my mind went to, as this memorable story came to an end.

Apocalypto is for fans of great storytelling, big cats (a puma in this instance – the aforementioned big, black, beastly creature I adore) and the very perfect hour-long chase sequence.

Watch it at once, I say!

Happy Film Loving,

G