Category Archives: No Spoiler Reviews

Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005): So Good!

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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

Source: JustWatch
Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

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

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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

Source: JustWatch
Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

LOCKE (2013): When Creative Restrictions Pay Off

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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

Source: JustWatch
Action, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

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

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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

Source: JustWatch
Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

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

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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

Source: JustWatch