The result of Bradley Cooper’s emotional transformation to play real life US Sniper Chris Kyle, is probably as impressive as the physical change he had to undergo in order to play the lead in Clint Eastwood’s latest, American Sniper (2014).
To say that based on the below trailer, the film looks great is just right. Sienna Miller, Owain Yeoman and Luke Grimes also star but what I’m really most curious about in this film is the adventure into the psyche of the Sniper. Especially since such a job is so far from anything most of us could ever imagine choosing to do.
On a side note, watching this trailer definitely makes me want to re-watch The Hurt Locker (2008). Anyone else?
First the New York city premier of Seth Rogen and James Franco’s highly anticipated film, The Interview (2014) was cancelled. Now Sony confirms that the movie has been pulled from overall release, thanks to a threat of terror upon cinema goers from the hackers responsible for a cyber attack on Sony Pictures.
People are talking about how outrageous it is that Sony would bow down to threats of terror and what all this means for freedom of expression. It isn’t great, but the overall answer seems simple to me. I personally doubt that Sony had any plans to cancel release… that is until the top three cinema chains in the U.S. pulled out of showing the film at all.
Without the necessary distribution network in place, there isn’t really any choice. Maybe things would have been different if Sony had their own chain of cinemas.
As a massive movie fan and an advocate of the comedic work of Rogen and Franco, I’m certainly hugely disappointed. Somehow though, I get the feeling that this is not the end of The Interview. As Judd Apatow put it…
“This only guarantees that this movie will be seen by more people on earth than it would have before. Legally or illegally all will see it.”
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!
I remember absolutely nothing about the original Mad Max films. I’m not even sure that I’ve ever properly watched one. However, after seeing the teaser trailer for the 2015 version (Mad Max, Fury Road), it looks to be a fantastic spectacle.
Teaser Trailer >
All that’s left for me to do is get in the mood for another apocalyptic tale. Somehow I think Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult will manage to convince me. After all, what’s more intriguing than portrayals of ‘mad’ by talented Actors? Yes, that’s right. Nothing.
I love the music in the new trailer for San Andreas (2015) (nothing to do with the Grand Theft Auto video games).
The general pace and rhythm of this preview provides a welcome contrast to the chaos of the film’s reality.
When I like a trailer, I always really hope that the film is equally good, if not better. To this end, seeing Paul Giamatti’s face helped provide some reassurance. My fingers are crossed for the end result.
One more thing, you don’t see her face in the trailer, (at least I didn’t) but this film is additional evidence of Pop Singer Kylie Minogue’s return to acting.
For those wondering, the song is a version/ sample of The Mamas & Papas ‘California dreaming…’ by Robot Koch & Delhia de France
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia (1999) is the reason the name ‘Denise’ will never be the same for me again. It’s all thanks to a memorable line delivered by Tom Cruise as the infamous misogynist Frank T.J. Mackey.
The delivery of the ‘Denise, Denise, Denise the piece’ line may be somewhat comical, but the comedy of it is in no way the only thing that stays with you once the film ends.
Cruise’s performance is so good that it resulted in a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe win. Add Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, plus so many other great talents to the cast list of an already well written piece, and you have more than a winner.
Magnolia (1999), Julianne Moore
Magnolia is the first film that really made me pay attention to all the times in the future when the highly skilled Julianne Moore is listed as a cast member. There are plenty of great scenes to enjoy. I particularly love the drugstore scene from which the above still was captured. So good!
Magnolia (1999), Tom Cruise
Anderson’s film is very well executed and focuses in on several relatable life themes including one that reveals what can happen in adulthood when a young person’s support system badly fails them.
The theme that resonated most with me is regret. An important topic so expertly explored that Magnolia is a brilliant reminder for me to do all that I can to avoid it.
Make time for this affecting work of narrative artistry and you’ll see precisely why it’s been described as epic.
I love movies, but I do confess that there are some highly regarded films I’ve never watched – and a few more I may never seriously consider watching. Unfortunately all Star Wars films fall into this category.
Fantasy is simply not my favourite genre. In fact, I was quite sure that I’d probably never get round to watching a single Star Wars film. Unless…
…I met a really impassioned fan who somehow finally managed to convince me to put my aversion to fantasy film aside.
What I didn’t count on was that, that very person might just be new Star Wars writer / director J.J. Abrams.
I didn’t actually meet him, but I have seen the first 60 seconds of the new Star Wars Episode 7 – The Force Awakens teaser trailer:
I’m making no promises, of course. But when that next trailer does arrive, attention I will pay.
For every film lover, there’s at least one or two – perhaps even three films that come immediately to mind whenever they‘re asked that inevitable question. ‘What’s your favourite film?’
My answer is always without hesitation, Director Sam Mendes’ 1999 Oscar winning film debut, American Beauty.
American Beauty (1999), Annette Bening
I’m yet to watch another film more perfect. Such a beautifully crafted story with excellent dialogue, symbolism and a healthy dose of truth and black humour.
It’s a brilliant commentary on suburbia and life in the classic American small town. American Beauty offers plenty of potentially useful information about the human condition.
There’s a strong theme on the difference between what people work hard to project versus the actual truth. The most interesting version of this is the exterior proclamations of the person who internally actually hates themselves.
As a result of this film, Annette Bening, Kevin Spacey, Chris Cooper, Writer Alan Ball, Director Sam Mendes and more, including the great Cinematographer Conrad L. Hall are forever in my mind, synonymous with brilliance.
American Beauty (1999), Kevin Spacey, Chris Cooper
I know one person who called American Beauty boring. Not quite sure what to say to that. Except maybe that it’s unlikely they actually really watched it.
