Category Archives: No Spoiler Reviews

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. 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

Source: JustWatch
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, 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

Source: JustWatch
Action, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

SKYFALL (2012) Cinematography: Feast Your Eyes Cinephiles!

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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

Source: JustWatch
Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, No Spoiler Reviews

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN (2012): Great Example of Trailer Perfection

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Snow White And The Huntsman (2012)
Snow White And The Huntsman (2012)

From the beautifully paced editing and perfect choice of music, to the narrative concept, dialogue and visuals/special effects, the Snow White And The Huntsman (2012) trailer provides just enough detail to make you aware that this is a wonderfully different retelling.

The decision to make Charlize Theron the key focus of the trailer is just right. This isn’t a film aimed at the traditional young Disney audience. Hence, the absence of elements that, quite frankly, I’m glad are nowhere to be found. Musical numbers are just one of them.

This tantalisingly dark 1-minute 54-second trailer arrests the senses and refuses to let go until the very last second. What a wonderful marriage of audio-visual delight delivered to perfection.

For many, Kristen Stuart is the big draw, which is unsurprising due to the success of The Twilight Saga. For me, though, without question, it’s Theron.

The tone and delivery of Theron’s performance is such a thrill to behold that to date, I’ve watched the trailer countless times.

The Snow White & The Huntsman trailer has a place in a compilation of my favourite film trailers of 2012. It also makes it on my list of favourite Charlize Theron performances; Monster (2003) is one other.

I can tell you’re also excited.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Source: JustWatch
Adventure, Family, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

MALEFICENT (2014): Definitely Not Your Typical Disney Evil Queen

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Maleficent (2014)
Maleficent (2014)

Paragraph 5 (Spoiler Alert)

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maleficent has been criticised for not being evil enough. I think people of this opinion have missed the point of the film entirely.

Not to say that the movie is perfect because the pace did leave me wanting. Nevertheless,  it’s clear to me that for audiences to buy into the story, Jolie definitely couldn’t look for inspiration for her character from the likes of pre-existing Queens of pure evil. A perfect example being ‘Queen Revenna’ of Snow White And The Huntsman (2012) – wonderfully played by Charlize Theron.

No, no, no. Jolie would have to study characters far more complex. I imagine that she must have because Maleficent is absolutely unlike the traditional evil queen, and that doesn’t make for a lesser film, but a different one.

Besides my issues with the pace, there is one aspect of the story that  I found particularly hard to accept…

…now, I may be overthinking things since I’m not the film’s key demographic. But… with Maleficent being not just a fairy with powers, and instead ’the strongest of the fairies’, I expected that she would have the means to regenerate her wings. And if she couldn’t do this, I imagined she would at least use her magic to locate the wings – once she’d used the same special powers to learn that her wings had not been completely destroyed. Am I alone in this?

I have no regrets at all about watching the film. The difference was refreshing. Plus, I LOVE Angelina Jolie! She could lead me almost anywhere. Probably.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Source: JustWatch