Tag Archives: Amber Heard

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, No Spoiler Reviews

AQUAMAN (2018): The Things I Liked…

4 Comments
Aquaman (2018), Jason Momoa, Warner Bros. Pictures
Aquaman (2018), Jason Momoa, Warner Bros. Pictures

In director James Wan’s latest, Jason Momoa is Arthur, a.k.a Aquaman, a man who reluctantly begins a journey to take his rightful place as heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, and become a hero to the world.

Considering how DC Comics’s recent films have turned out, Wonder Woman (2017) being an exception, as much as I enjoyed the Aquaman trailer, I made sure not to get too excited about how he film would be.

Having now seen it, even though Aquaman is not my favourite superhero movie, there is some fun to be had by watching it. For example, I found Momoa quite delightful, thanks to his aesthetic, physicality and charisma. If I had to choose, it’s the underwater special effects in Aquaman that I loved most. From the toothy flesh-eating creatures to the beautifully lit colours of the deep, I couldn’t help but be reminded to look forward to the upcoming CGI-rich Avatar movies, whenever director James Cameron is ready, of course.

Other key highlights in Aquaman include the action sequences in Sicily. Namely, Willem Dafoe’s performance and Nicole Kidman’s rather convincing fight sequences.

In terms of the elements I wish weren’t quite so about Wan’s film, that would be the romance between Arthur and Mera. ‘Forced’ is the word because I simply didn’t buy it. I also noticed a few awkward instances regarding the placement of music and some less-than-inspiring dialogue.

Lastly, we have Manta; he’s simply not close enough to the best superhero villains I’ve ever seen. By the end of Aquaman, I was just glad that I found more things to enjoy than not. Plus, I’m happy for DC Comics because things seem to be turning around.

Watch it if you’re curious and not ‘too Team Marvel.’

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Adventure, Fantasy

AQUAMAN (2018): New Trailer From Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Randall Park…

5 Comments
Aquaman (2018), Amber Heard
Aquaman (2018), Amber Heard

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Aquaman (2018).

In Aquaman, Jason Momoa is Arthur; a man who learns of his position as heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis.

Arthur must step forward to lead his people and become a hero to the world.

Directed by James Wan; key cast includes Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman and Randall Park.

I’m in for the visual spectacle and to see Momoa do a good job.

Patrick Wilson and Willem Dafoe also star.

Aquaman Release Dates: December 14th, 2018 (UK); December 21st, 2018 (US)…

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Aquaman (2018).

Happy Film Loving,

G

Biography, Drama

THE DANISH GIRL (2015): For The Story Of Courage…

2 Comments
The Danish Girl (2015), Eddie Redmayne
The Danish Girl (2015), Eddie Redmayne

Directed by Tom Hooper, The Danish Girl is a love story based on a book of the same name by  David Ebershoff. The lives of real people/artists in the 1930s, Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, are at the centre of Hooper’s film. We meet the pair in the lead-up to the point that Lili’s journey into becoming a transgender pioneer begins.

Considering the movie’s subject matter and the period in which The Danish Girl is set, you’d be right to assume that life was not easy for Lili long before and especially the moment she decided to be her true self. I find myself very glad to have been exposed to Lili and Gerda’s story at a time when, though very slowly indeed, humanity would appear to be moving in the right direction –  at least as far as the LGBTQ cause is concerned. Everything feels more hopeful as a result.

Performance-wise, though Eddie Redmayne disappointed me with what I’ve come to describe as the career blip of a movie that was Jupiter Ascending (2014). He’s of course still great thanks to The Theory Of Everything (2014) and now, The Danish Girl.

The Danish Girl (2015), Alicia Vikander
The Danish Girl (2015), Alicia Vikander

In her role as Gerder Wegener, I was impressed by Alicia Vikander’s performance. I only wish that I could say that I feel the same about her character’s wigs. Last but absolutely not least, Matthias Schoenearts. It’s simple really; I knew this after watching The Drop  (2014) – but I absolutely must watch more of his movies. His work in The Danish Girl is perfectly measured. May we all be blessed with a friend as wise and thoughtful as his character, Hans.

My favourite part of the film overall is the ending. To say more would be to spoil, so if you haven’t already, watch it because it’s god and worthy.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Biography, Drama

THE DANISH GIRL (2015): New Trailer Shows Eddie Redmayne Become Transgender Artist, Lili Elbe

2 Comments

The Danish Girl (2015), Eddie Redmayne
The Danish Girl (2015), Eddie Redmayne

If watching The Theory Of Everything (2014) wasn’t enough to awaken you to the considerable acting talents of Eddie Redmayne, the new trailer for his latest Tom Hooper-directed movie, The Danish Girl should be enough to inform you of what’s what.

Alicia Vikander, Ben Whishaw, Matthias Schoenaerts and Amber Heard also star.

The Danish Girl Release Dates: November 27th 2015 (U.S.), January 1st 2016 ((U.K.)

Happy The Danish Girl 🙂

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (2008): A Definite Seth Rogen Win

9 Comments

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