If I’m completely honest, I haven’t been excited about an Arnold Schwarzenegger film in a while. But… how interesting is this trailer for his latest movie with Abigail Breslin?
Synopsis…‘A teenage girl in the Midwest becomes infected by an outbreak of a disease that slowly turns the infected into cannibalistic zombies. During her transformation, her loving father stays by her side’
I’m also really hoping that the film is more drama/thriller than it is horror. You know, since I’m a self-confessed massive chicken.
I really, REALLY, want this Mission Impossible movie to be as thrilling as the trailers. Please, please, Movie Gods, please!
The people behind the franchise have delivered another excellent marriage of great pacing, music, dialogue and visuals. Just one more reason to look forward to July 2015.
The Gambler, directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Mark Wahlberg is a film that centre’s on the troubles of Jim Bennet.
Bennett, played by Wahlberg is a man whose continued self destructive behaviour, especially at the most unexpected times, makes it clear to the audience early on, that here is an individual in the midst of a very serious existential crisis.
It’s apparent that Bennet has pain, but you’ll have to use your imagination for a much deeper explanation than the familial issues hinted at more than twice.
The Gambler (2014), Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman
This isn’t the type of movie that plays easy. Some may even accuse Wyatt’s film of being somewhat uneven. True or not, the audience is definitely never left comfortable.
Either the viewer is quite rightly concerned for Bennett’s safety and the safety of those he cares about, or they’re worried as to why he really doesn’t seem to care much about the consequences of his seemingly reckless actions.
The best thing about The Gambler, for me, besides the individual performances (John Goodman being a particular highlight), is the dialogue. An element most would have had a taster of in the very well executed promotional trailer a few months earlier.
My exposure to Mark Wahlberg’s work has been largely focused on his comedic roles, so this was an overdue and very welcome difference.
Oscar-nominated for his moving portrayal of real-life computer scientist, mathematician, logician and cryptanalyst, Alan Turing; Benedict Cumberbatch is an actor whose work I must pay much closer attention to from now on.
His version of Turing, an important man in the history of Britain, especially during the Second World War and how it came to an end when it did is brilliant.
Directed by Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game is a thrilling biographical drama that grabs you from the very beginning. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud in several parts, thanks to Graham Moore’s Oscar-winning screenplay.
The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley
You’re also bound to chance upon feelings of gratitude for the times in which you live – whatever your background. Reason being, when you think about how things actually transpired for Turing in the very end, it’s worse than a great shame. Particularly considering the importance of the work he did in serving his country.
One of my favourite moments is the opening dialogue of Tyldum’s film. The reason is, it happens to be exactly what I want to say to people I watch movies with, almost like a spokesperson for each movie. In other words, the words signify what every film commands from audiences that sit down to watch.
The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch
If you haven’t already watched The Imitation Game and you want said opening dialogue to remain a surprise, stop reading now.
‘Are you paying attention? Good. If you’re not listening carefully, you will miss things. Important things. I will not pause, I will not repeat myself and you will not interrupt me.
You think that because you are sitting where you are and I am sitting where I am, that you are in control of what is about to happen. You are mistaken. I am in control because I know things that you don’t know. What I will need from you now is a commitment.
You will listen closely and you will not judge me until I have finished. If you cannot commit to this, then please leave the room. But if you choose to stay, remember you chose to be here. What happens from this moment forward is not my responsibility. It’s yours. Pay attention.’
The Imitation Game is my favourite Benedict Cumberbatch movie and in my top ten list of favourite films.
Nightcrawler is not quite a horror movie. However, in the role of Lou Bloom, an L.A. Crime Journalist, Jake Gyllenhaal has never been more gaunt and terrifying.
It’s not just his deep, dark and sunken eyes that might give you nightmares. The audience learns rather quickly that not only is Lou smarter than the average person, he’s also, definitely a sociopath.
Nightcrawler (2014), Jake Gyllenhaal
The tensions in this great work, written/directed by Dan Gilroy exist because the audience realises rather quickly that Lou is a little more than just a tad unhinged – which of course, can only mean bad things for all who establish any kind of relationship with him.
Gilroy’s film is good and it’s dark, both thematically and aesthetically. There’s also some brilliant dialogue here. My favourite moment is Lou’s parting line in one of his last exchanges with Bill Paxton’s character.
Besides Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo and Ashton’s great work, the character of Rick is a brilliant turn for British Actor Riz Ahmed.
Overall, Nightcrawler does a good job of highlighting some of the issues with the world we live in today, plus the characters it can produce, plus the danger that can exist in the vulnerability of the truly desperate.
Watch it and cement your appreciation of Gyllenhaal’s skills.
