Tag Archives: California

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

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

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON (2015): Great Music & Timely Social Commentary

Straight Outta Compton (2015), N.W.A.
Straight Outta Compton (2015), N.W.A.

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Straight Outta Compton (2015) 


The red band trailer for F. Gary Gray’s biography of rap group N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton (2015) has landed.

Focused on the emergence of the group (ranked number 83 by Rolling Stone, on their list of the ‘100 Greatest Artists of All Time.’), fans of N.W.A’s music will be very happy indeed if the highly anticipated trailer is anything to go by.

Thankfully, due to involvement from founding members, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, original N.W.A music will be featured and performed.

As someone ever curious about routes to success/greatness in any field and in the face of adversity, I’m ready to watch this movie right now.

Happy  Film Loving,

G

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

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