Tag Archives: Alexandra Daddario

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THE CHOICE (2016): The Thing I Liked…

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The Choice (2016), Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer
The Choice (2016), Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer

If you’re a movie fan, you know who Ryan Gosling is. If you know who Ryan Gosling is, then you’ve probably at least heard of The Notebook (2004) – that hugely romantic movie loved by lovers of love, all over. And, if you’ve heard about The Notebook, you may know that Nicholas Sparks is the writer.

I’ve seen The Notebook once and it was a great experience. I cried like many who may or may not admit to doing so. Today actually isn’t really about the The Notebook. It’s about the The Choice (2016), the latest of Sparks’s books to be adapted into a movie.

Starring Teresa Palmer, Benjamin Walker and Alexandra Daddario, The Choice is unfortunately not the greatest of Nicholas Sparks’s movies. There may have been one or two very brief moments where my disbelief may have been completely suspended, but overall, most of the time I was only too aware that I wasn’t just watching a movie – but I was watching one and thinking, ‘wow, this really isn’t very good.’

The Notebook is in no way everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but can it be accused of being unconvincing as far as some of the acting goes? Can it also be accused of containing romantic dialogue that feels forced and inauthentic? I don’t think so.

I tuned in to The Choice because the mood for a romantic movie hit. Sadly, by the end of the film, the only real great thing I could find about the experience is that the location where it’s shot is beautiful! I think I maybe want to vacation there one day. Also, at least it wasn’t so awful that I had to quit before the end. There is always that, I suppose.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

SAN ANDREAS (2015): For The Visual Effects and…

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San Andreas (2015), Carla Gugino, Dwayne Johnson
San Andreas (2015), Carla Gugino, Dwayne Johnson

Directed by Brad Peyton; Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd, and Paul Giamatti are the stars of San Andreas – that California earthquake movie you may have heard about over the summer.

You may also have heard that the visual effects are breathtaking, and they are. However, the thing I enjoyed most is actually the unique father daughter relationship betweeen Johnson and Daddario’s characters.

San Andreas isn’t a bad movie, there’s just nothing that feels particularly new about it, therefore, making it feel not quite as epic as I’d hoped.

San Andreas (2015), Art Parkinson, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Alexandra Daddario
San Andreas (2015), Art Parkinson, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Alexandra Daddario

Some random things came to mind as I watched:

  • On account of all the dust, running, falling and screaming, how much fun was being an extra on this movie, really?
  • I honestly don’t recall the last time I saw such excellent mother/ daughter casting, in terms of physical resemblance.
  • You’d have to be blind not to notice Alexandra Daddario’s eyeballs. If you’ve seen the film, I know you noticed!
  • I better be careful, because I don’t know anyone that would come and rescue me at a time when the traditional emergency services cannot. But then again… you never know. I just don’t rely on it, of course. But still, you never know.

If by this point you’re still curious, watch it for the impressive visual effects and all else that appeals.

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Source: JustWatch
Action, Drama, Thriller

SAN ANDREAS (2015): When Trailer Music Hits The Right Notes…

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San Andreas (2015): Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino
San Andreas (2015): Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino

Read my spoiler-free movie review of San Andreas 2015).

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. In the meantime, I’ll cross my fingers 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

Happy Film Loving,

G

Source: JustWatch