Action, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

APOCALYPTO (2006): Epic In A Number Of Ways, Especially That Chase Sequence

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Apocalypto (2007), Rudy Youngblood
Apocalypto (2007), Rudy Youngblood

Mel Gibson’s Mayan Epic Apocalypto (2006) is tense, gruesome, emotional, and violent – plus, it contains a big, black, beastly creature I adore.

Best of all, though, Apocalypto features a wonderfully thrilling hour-long chase sequence that I won’t soon forget. You may know that I love well-crafted dialogue. However, few things in film are more engaging than a beautifully choreographed chase sequence. And the one in this movie is easily one of the very best.

Apocalypto certainly isn’t always the easiest to watch, thanks to some challenging scenes. But it is a very entertaining, drama, action and thriller hybrid. At no point did I deliberately avert my eyes from the screen whenever a tough scene was happening. But my hands did shoot up to my mouth and face a few times, and without warning.

I suspect that some people’s dormant misanthropic tendencies may be tested by this great story. But, by the end, you’ll likely want to appreciate the smart, quick thinking and undoubtedly strong people in your life. That’s certainly where my mind went to, as this memorable story came to an end.

Apocalypto is for fans of great storytelling, big cats (a puma in this instance – the aforementioned big, black, beastly creature I adore) and the very perfect hour-long chase sequence.

Watch it at once, I say!

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

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013): Who Knew Greed Could Be So Entertaining?

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THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill

Unsurprisingly, Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is absolutely dripping with testosterone. Additionally, typical of all other popular accounts of life on Wall Street, there’s plenty, and then some, of the expected excess and debauchery.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), Leonardo DiCaprio

Based on a true story about the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio’s character), the audience, particularly the ambitious, will relate to the protagonist’s determination to succeed, and also see the many ways the American dream can go very wrong indeed.

With plenty of well-written male banter (one of my favourite things) and great performances all round, you will spend a surprising amount of time laughing. And, of course, Leonardo DiCaprio and his more than qualified supporting cast absolutely deliver.

The Mark Hanna character played by Matthew McConaughey is so entertaining that you’ll find yourself wanting more.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013), Matthew McConaughey
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), Matthew McConaughey

Jonah Hill, an actor better known for comedy hits including Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Superbad (2007), is great as Donny Azoff. Azoff’s teeth and hair may be highly questionable, but you’ll see that Hill’s performance certainly isn’t.

Ladies will enjoy this movie, but gentlemen will absolutely love it far more.

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Action, Thriller

TAKEN 3 (2015) Trailer: You’ll Be Pleasantly Surprised…

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Taken 3 (2015), Liam Neeson
Taken 3 (2015), Liam Neeson

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Taken 3 (2014).

Taken (2008) was brilliant. Taken 2 (2012) was alright. Taken 3…?

You’ll be relieved to see that the story, by writers Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen looks quite different.

Can’t say that this is the final instalment, but I’m certainly glad to see the wonderfully voiced Liam Neeson playing seriously badass, ex-government operative, Bryan Mills once again. Bring on 2015! I’m ready!

Taken 3 Release Dates: January 8th 2015 (UK); January 9th, 2015 (US)…

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (2008): A Definite Seth Rogen Win

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This is absolutely not a horror film, but who knew that Seth Rogen playing scared out of his mind could be so entertaining?

Coming from the same team that delivered comedy hits Superbad (2007), Knocked Up (2007) and most recently, This Is The End (2013); Pineapple Express is an action-packed comedy/bromance. One focused on two mid-twenties, weed-smoking males, played super well by Seth Rogen and James Franco.

Pineapple express (2008), Seth Rogen, James Franco
Pineapple Express (2008), Seth Rogen, James Franco

There’s plenty to enjoy in this movie, including the dialogue, well-choreographed action sequences and a series of oddball characters; not to forget the undeniable beauty of James Franco’s Smile… 🙂 …something I hadn’t been aware of until this movie. Oh yes.

Last but absolutely not least, should you find yourself to be a fan of writer/director, Judd Apatow before watching this movie, then you know you’re in good hands.

Happy Film Loving,

G

No Spoilers Movie Reviews, Commentary & Interesting New Movie Trailers