Category Archives: No Spoiler Reviews

JULIE & JULIA (2009): In The Name Of Passion And A Love Of Food

Julie & Julia (2009), Meryl Streep
Julie & Julia (2009), Meryl Streep

When you sit down to watch Julie and Julia, I highly recommend having a few of your favourite foods with you. I say this because you will find yourself with at least one or two serious cravings.

Based on the life of American Chef, Julia Child, and Writer Julie Powell, Julie and Julia focuses on two ladies with a shared passion for food, cooking and feeding the people they love.

Besides the joy of a well-executed drama about two women who quite literally come alive whilst indulging in their favourite pastime, Julie & Julia will likely inspire you to dedicate more time to pursuing your own passions.

To look at it another way, should the task of silencing doubters be a hobby of yours, or one you wouldn’t mind taking up, then look no further to see it done with such admirable aplomb.

If you’re still unsure, two words. Meryl Streep.

Happy Film Loving,

G

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

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

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (2008): A Definite Seth Rogen Win

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

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

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

SKYFALL (2012) Cinematography: Feast Your Eyes Cinephiles!

The following are a few of my favourite cinematographically stunning moments from Skyfall (2012). All thanks to brilliant Cinematographer Roger Deakins, of course.

The pursuit, Silva, Skyfall (2012)
The pursuit, Silva, Skyfall (2012)

‘…To strive, to seek, and not to yield’, Skyfall (2012)
‘…To strive, to seek, and not to yield’, Skyfall (2012)

The pursuit, Silva, Skyfall (2012)
The pursuit, Silva, Skyfall (2012)

‘…That which we are, we are…’, SkyFall (2012)
‘…That which we are, we are…’, SkyFall (2012)

Back in time, Skyfall (2012)
Back in time, Skyfall (2012)

Film, an ideal marriage of the arts. Who could possibly disagree? Another way to say it is: ‘Film is the perfect amalgamation of all the arts.’

Which image is your favourite and which did I forget to include? I wonder.

Happy Film Loving,

G