THE FABELMANS (2022): New Trailer From Steven Spielberg, Starring Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle…

It’s that time again. Time for a new epic-looking movie from one of Hollywood’s most celebrated.

Starring Michelle Williams, Gabriel LaBelle, Paul Dano and Seth Rogen, The Fabelmans is set in the post-World War II era in Arizona, in a family where a young man named Sammy turns to film to help him see the truth after a shattering family secret.

I was already interested in watching how it is that films helped young Sammy. But now, knowing that this is based on Spielberg’s own family, I just have to learn more about the origin story of one of the world’s most respected directors.

There’s also the brilliant cast to consider, particularly the ever-consistent Dano and Williams.

Additional supporting cast includes Jeannie Berlin, Julia Butters, Robin Bartlett, Keeley Karsten, Judd Hirsch, Nicolas Cantu and Isabelle Kusman.

The Fabelmans Release Dates: November 23rd, 2022 (US); January 27th, 2023…

Happy Film Loving,

G

BULLET TRAIN (2022): The Things I Liked…

Brad Pitt rarely letting his audience down with his movie choices is a major reason I watched director David Leitch’s latest, Bullet Train.

Also starring Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry and Sandra Bullock; the story of five assassins aboard a fast-moving bullet train proved too intriguing to resist. You can therefore imagine my disappointment when I realised that Leitch’s movie was not going to deliver. 

Despite some funny scenes, a handful of visually stunning shots and camera angles, the story edit left me desperately wanting. I found the pace slow, tedious and inadequately engaging. 

The dialogue between Taylor-Johnson and Bryan Tyree Henry’s characters is the thing that made me realise the inspiration that seems to have come from Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino’s best work. Unfortunately, however, the film does not work as well as those classic examples of filmmaking excellence. And finding myself not liking much of the music featured, only made matters worse.

Despite my obvious disappointment, I do have a couple of highlights to point out. Firstly, every scene with Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder. Second, Joey King’s character, even though she isn’t particularly likeable. There’s also Channing Tatum; what a welcome addition he proved to be. Lastly, Brad Pitt. He is always good, right? It’s the script and overall execution that let everyone down.

Even after all the above, if you still find yourself super curious about Bullet Train, watch it. There’s always a chance you’ll have more fun than I could.

Happy Film Loving,

G

ME TIME (2022): The Things I Liked…

Me Time (2022), Mark Wahlberg, Netflix
Me Time (2022), Mark Wahlberg, Netflix

Me Time, director John Hamburg’s latest comedy about a dad who reluctantly decides to spend his me-time reconnecting with a childhood friend does have some memorable scenes. 

To put it another way, I wasn’t feeling great about Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg’s latest buddy comedy until the scene with Sonny (Hart) and the mountain Lion cub about 35 minutes into the screening. Said scene is fun and guaranteed to have your full attention while you find yourself happy to be simultaneously scared and amused. 

There are other amusing moments scattered in Me Time. I just can’t say that I was adequately engaged by most of what happened as the movie played. Turns out that the story and how it’s written/executed didn’t quite prove to be new or exciting enough for me. 

Furthermore, I found it hard to see Wahlberg as his character. And I’m half convinced that the story might have been better suited to characters at least a decade younger. Perhaps that way, a few of their seemingly juvenile choices might have proven more believable.

I still believe that a Hart and Wahlberg movie is a good idea. I just don’t feel as though Me Time is the right story.

In addition to the mountain lion moment, other highlights include the dialogue of the characters played by Andrew Santino, Jimmy O. Yang, and Shira Gross’s Dorit.

Give Me Time a chance if you must. You may find that it holds your attention far better than it did mine. 

Happy Film Loving,

G

LOST OLLIE (2022): New Trailer Starring Kesler Talbot, Jonathan Groff, Jake Johnson, Gina Rodriguez…

The latest from Jonathan Groff, Kesler Talbot, Jake Johnson, Gina Rodriguez, Tim Blake Nelson and Mary J. Blige is the story of a lost toy named Ollie, the little boy who lost more than a best friend and their search for each other.

Lost Ollie is a Netflix mini-series that does sound a lot like a classic Disney movie that you’re likely very familiar with. However, Lost Ollie is different and not just because it’s live-action.

Sometimes I just have to feature a trailer because I love how super well-chosen the trailer music is. The Killers 2009 classic, All The Things That I’ve Done.

There is a small chance I might watch this, especially since I love the way at 00:10 into the trailer, Billy says:As long as these stars are near each other, we shall never be apart.’ How incredibly sweet is that accent?

How likely are you to watch Lost Ollie and why? And does the similarity to Toy Story (1995) only make you more curious?

Everett Andres, BJ Harrison, Zoë Noelle Baker, James Pizzinato, Paul Anthony, Isabel Birch, Benjamin Goas and Leandro Guedes also star.

Lost Ollie Release Dates: August 24th, 2022 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE (2022): The Things I Liked…

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022), Daryl McCormack, Searchlight Pictures
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022), Daryl McCormack, Searchlight Pictures

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is as delightful as its charming trailer suggested.

You’ll not be surprised to learn that the film’s main highlight is Emma Thompson, whose turn as Nancy Stokes, a 55-year-old widow seeking a sexual adventure and human connection is beyond fun to watch. 

Prepare yourself for a well-balanced script that features plenty of funny and perfectly awkward happenings to keep you engaged. And as invested as you’ll undoubtedly become in Nancy’s journey, you’ll also learn about the film’s namesake Leo Grande; whether through his interactions with Nancy, the hints in his quiet moments, or how he changes as the story progresses.

It’s certainly not difficult to like Daryl McCormack’s portrayal of Leo, especially once you see the care and empathy Leo displays in his dealings with Nancy.

In addition to making you laugh, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande will leave you with a handful of things to ponder on post-viewing. For example, the place that sex work currently has in society and the place it might have. There’s also the topic of the representation of female bodies in film, to name just one other.

Why not let yourself enjoy writer/director Sophie Hyde’s well-written hour and thirty minutes of engaging fun? After all, of all the movies filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is arguably among the best, if not the very best. Watch it at once!

Happy Film Loving,

G

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