Action, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

THE EQUALIZER (2014): ‘Badassery’ Denzel Washington Style

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The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington
The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington

Director Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington’s The Equalizer makes me think of Taken (2008) and Taxi Driver (1976). It’s unsurprising since all three films feature young girls who end up in very unfortunate predicaments, but luckily for them, an individual takes it upon themselves to do everything they can to make things right.

I love stories like this because not many who find themselves in such precarious situations are as lucky. As always, seeing ‘baddies’ get what they deserve is fun to watch. I mean, I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I was at the end of Bryan De Palma’s Carrie (1976).

The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz
The Equaliser (2014), Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz

If you’re familiar with Washington, let’s face it, there are few who aren’t, then you know you’re in for a fun ride. Laced with action, good dialogue and Denzel style ‘badassery,’ The Equalizer will keep you entertained.

One of the most memorable moments for me was the swift move with the gun at Pushkin’s warehouse. It’s so very quick and just as impressive each time I hit the replay button. I also love the music that starts at approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Watch it because it’s good

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, Mystery, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

GONE GIRL (2014): It’s Long But Definitely Worth It

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Gone Girl (2014), Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike
Gone Girl (2014), Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike

1) I’d heard a lot of good things about Gone Girl.

2) I want to keep up with this Ben Affleck renaissance that’s been plenty discussed since Argo (2012).

3) Gone Girl is based on a successful book.

All the above are reasons I knew I’d watch David Fincher’s latest. Mr. Fincher himself is of course another reason.

Written by Gillian Flynn and very well acted by its stars, Rosamund Pike especially, and Ben Affleck. You’ll be left impressed and probably more than a little scared if not more careful.

Having seen this rather memorable film, I count myself amongst the wowed. I certainly don’t share the same disappointment some have expressed at the ending. For me, it felt just right somehow.

Gone Girl  is a brilliant mystery/drama/thriller of a movie. Regardless of the inherent darkness of the story, you’ll have no regrets. Just don’t make the same mistakes as the characters. In otherwords, be sure to communicate with your partner when things are bothering you.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

THE GOOD LIE (2014): Such A Beautiful Ending!

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The Good Lie (2014), Ger Duony, Emmanuel Jal, Kuoth Wiel
The Good Lie (2014), Ger Duony, Emmanuel Jal, Kuoth Wiel

Set in Sudan and the United States, director Philippe Falardeau’s The Good Lie follows the journey of Sudanese refugees given the chance to resettle in America, away from civil war in their home country.

Carrie (Reese Witherspoon), a feisty, strong and fiercely independent employment agency counsellor is one of the first people they meet when they arrive in the US, and you’ll be glad they did.

This is a beautiful, dramatic and humorous tale about friendship, survival, sacrifice, and family. There’s a chance that The Good Lie will have you reflecting upon the true value of unexpected kindness from perfect strangers.

Watch it because it’s good.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Learn more about the ongoing crisis in Sudan and the Philanthropic Initiative of The Good Lie Film

Biography, Drama

AMERICAN SNIPER (2014): Just My Kind Of Clint Eastwood Film

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American Sniper (2015): Bradley Cooper
American Sniper (2015): Bradley Cooper

Read my spoiler-free movie review of  American Sniper (2014).

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. All so he can play the lead in Clint Eastwood’s latest, biography/drama, 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 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?

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

THE INTERVIEW (2014): Why Does It feel like Hackers Just Stole my Christmas Present?

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The Interview (2014) Seth Rogen, James Franco
The Interview (2014) Seth Rogen, James Franco

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.”

And with that note…

Happy Film Loving

G

Updates: Sony will release The Interview online

More detail on the decision for non-release BBC Entertainment & Arts News.

No Spoilers Movie Reviews, Commentary & Interesting New Movie Trailers