Category Archives: Romance

Drama, Romance

KNIGHT OF CUPS (2015): The Trailer That Keeps on Giving

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Knight Of Cups (2015), Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett
Knight Of Cups (2015), Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett

If you’ve glanced upon a few of my posts, you may know that I adore the work of Cate Blanchett. But what I’m yet to properly express is my appreciation for the talents of Christian Bale. To talk about that I need another post.

Today however, I sat at my computer as usual, hopeful for some new trailer delights – when Knight of Cups (2015) happened.

First I saw director Terrence Malick’s name, and like a good and loyal canine, up my ears went. Then Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett’s faces appeared. (Yes and yes!) By this point I was sure that my excitement had peaked. But then…

Natalie Portman! I haven’t seen my dear ‘Lady Portman’ in something amazing since Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan (2010). So, right now, happiness is most definitely me.

The idea that I’ll be able to maintain any semblance of calm on the day I go see Knight of Cups is very, very wrong. Until then though, I have this…

It’s not particularly the best/most thrilling trailer I’ve ever seen, but the talent… Oh, the talent!

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT (2014): The Good Things

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That Awkward Moment (2014), Zac efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller
That Awkward Moment (2014), Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller

The following are three of the best things about Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Myles Teller’s That Awkward Moment (2014). A comedy/romance about twenty-something friends living and dating in New York.

Directed by Tom Gormican; That Awkward Moment definitely isn’t a perfect movie – for reasons including, ironically, awkwardness. But these snippets of dialogue are indeed memorable. I’ve even found myself quoting one or two of them to friends.

1) ‘New York’s charm is that you’re surrounded by things you can’t have’. ‘New York’s charm is it makes you think you can have them’. Having been there myself and experienced the energy, I can confirm that both statements are true.

2) ‘Jason. You weren’t there for me. On a day when I really, really needed you. And being there for someone when they need you, that’s all relationships are, Jason. That’s all they are.’ Delivered whilst perfectly composed and with all pauses mid-sentence only working to make the statement more impactful in the moment – regardless of how simple the idea and words may be.

3) ‘Guys, in High School, I was voted as most likely to have the best eyes’ This one’s my my favourite! The line makes me giggle because I didn’t see the silliness coming.

Watch That Awkward Moment if you’re curious. I mean, how could one not be after the above snippets?

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THE ONE I LOVE (2014): So, Here’s Something Different…

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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

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

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