Category Archives: Music

Drama, Music, No Spoiler Reviews

SONG ONE (2014): For Anne Hathaway & Folk-Rock Music Fans

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Song One (2014), Johnny Flynn, Anne Hathaway
Song One (2014), Johnny Flynn, Anne Hathaway

Song One is well-acted and definitely not the kind of feel-good romantic comedy that you may be expecting. It is a hopeful drama but it’s also quite dull and depressing in parts.

The film, written and directed by Kate Barker-Froyland starts with a 19 year-old musician played by Ben Rosenfield getting hit by a car. His sister (Anne Hathaway), in trying to do everything she can to help end his comatose state, starts a relationship with his favourite musician, James Forrester (Johnny Flynn).

Song One is a film you watch if the story and themes mentioned above intrigue you. Another reason would be if you’re more than just a casual fan of Hathaway and or folk-rock music. Otherwise, more than once or twice, you’ll likely find yourself checking the time after hitting play.

Of all the things that happened in Song One, I enjoyed the sibling relationship dynamic the most.

Lastly, ‘In April’ and ‘Little Yellow Dress’ are my favourite songs on the soundtrack. Watch it if you’re curious.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, Family, Music

FREEDOM (2014): Excellent Trailer Music

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Freedom (2014), Cuba Gooding Jr, Sharon Leal, Aaron Bantum
Freedom (2014), Cuba Gooding Jr, Sharon Leal, Aaron Bantum

Based on real people and actual events, Freedom is the story of Samuel Woodard, his family and their  escape from slavery through the Underground Railroad. 

Directed by Peter Cousens, and starring Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Freedom features some brilliantly selected and edited trailer music – and I’m hoping there’s plenty more of it in the finished film.

In the meantime, I’ll just have to play the trailer a few times more.

Happy Film Loving,  

G

Drama, Music, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

IF I STAY (2014): The Good & Bad Things

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If I Stay (2014), Chloe Grace Moretz
If I Stay (2014), Chloe Grace Moretz

Directed by R.J. Cutler and based on a best-selling book by Gayle Forman, If I Stay is the story of a teenage girl named Mia (Chloe Grace Moretz) who’s chasing her dreams of a music career. All with the support of a loving boyfriend, family and friends.

Mia’s world is turned upside down after an accident leaves her and several other people in a bad way. Now stuck in a coma, Mia is faced with the most important decision of her life.

Though certainly not a perfect movie, there were parts that I enjoyed in If I Stay. Two of the best scenes featured Mia and her grandpa. Namely the scene where he talks to her in the car and the one when he’s in the hospital by her bedside.

If I Stay (2014), Jamie Blackley, Liana Liberato
If I Stay (2014), Jamie Blackley, Liana Liberato

Jamie Blackley’s performance as Adam, Liana Liberato in the role of the best friend and the actors playing Mia’s family are good. I did however find myself not entirely buying into the anguish portrayed by Moretz after the accident. Something to do with the absence of tears perhaps.

Did anyone else find themselves expecting Mia to be able to walk through people and walls in the hospital? She wasn’t technically a ghost so maybe it’s just me.

Watch If I Stay if you find yourself very curious indeed, especially since the concept is rather interesting.

Happy Film Loving,

G