Tag Archives: Mary Steenburgen

Christmas Movie, Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

HAPPIEST SEASON (2020): The Things I Loved…

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Happiest Season (2020), Dan Levy, Kristen Stewart, Hulu
Happiest Season (2020), Dan Levy, Kristen Stewart, Hulu

I haven’t seen all the Christmas movies due for release in 2020 just yet. Particularly since it’s not even December as I write this. Nevertheless, let’s just say that it’s going to take something very special to dethrone Happiest Season as my favourite Christmas film of the year.

I found plenty to enjoy in this Clea Duvall co-written/directed story about needing to be exactly yourself, wanting your family’s acceptance and trying hard not to mess up Christmas.

Firstly, there’s the good performances by all, particularly Mackenzie Davis who I’ve been a fan of since Always Shine (2016). Then comes the musical score that I believe is near perfection.

Additionally, Happiest Season manages to feel fresh, even though the holiday/romance/comedy film category is far from new. And the ‘freshness’ is, in part because the central characters are a young lesbian couple. However, it’s simply good writing, editing, acting, music and all else necessary that makes Duvall’s movie the perfect holiday film experience I’ve been needing.

Happiest Season is also funny in all the right places. Plus, it features a good mix of memorable dramatic moments too. Watch it at once, I say! Because it’s good.

Lastly, like myself, by the end you may feel that you’ve finally come across your favourite Kristen Stewart performance. Especially if you’re not too busy appreciating the noteworthy family wisdom, plus the good examples of friendship and kindness in the story.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy

BOOK CLUB (2018): New Trailer From Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen…

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Book Club (2018), Mary Steenburgen, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen
Book Club (2018), Mary Steenburgen, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen

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

Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen are the main cast of the Bill Holderman-directed and co-written comedy, Book Club.  A story about four women whose lives are forever changed after reading E.L. James’s erotic fiction phenomenon, 50 Shades of Grey.

I’m often drawn to stories of friendships between women in later life, especially if comedy is involved. My fingers are crossed that I’ll enjoy this close to as much as I do Grace & Frankie.

Andy Garcia, Craig T. Nelson, Don Johnson, Alicia Silverstone and Richard Dreyfuss also star.

Book Club Release Dates: May 18th, 2018 (US); June 1st, 2018 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G

Drama, Mystery, No Spoiler Reviews

THE DISCOVERY (2017): The Thing I Liked…

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The Discovery (2017), Rooney Mara
The Discovery (2017), Rooney Mara

As you may have heard and read by now, the latest film from Robert Redford, Jason Segel and Rooney Mara, The Discovery has a rather memorable first five minutes – and it’s true.

Written and directed by Justin Lader and Charlie McDowell respectively; the team who brought us the rather good ‘The One I Love (2014); The Discovery is a drama / mystery set two years after it’s scientifically proven that there is indeed an afterlife. 

In addition to the opening scene, I did enjoy some of the discussion about what happens in the afterlife – particularly the exploration of whether it’s actually real. There are also one or two more unexpected things that take place later on in the movie that had me surprised, in a good way. Nevertheless, I feel as though had it not been for the good opening scene, there would be much less to say about The Discovery. Reason being most of the film is more ‘OK-ish’ than great. Sure, tune in for the first five minutes and if you’re curious enough, continue on.

Happy Film Loving

G

Christmas Movie, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, No Spoiler Reviews

ELF (2003): Will Ferrell Makes It Good

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Elf (2003), Will Ferrell

Silly, with several funny and moving moments, plus all the right messages for the christmas season is just one way to describe Elf.

Starring Will Ferrell in the title role and directed by Jon Favreau; I’ve heard many people refer to Elf as their favourite Christmas movie. Having now seen it, I can’t say it’s mine but Ferrell does a positively memorable job with his character.

If you weren’t already a fan of Ferrell, it’s quite likely that after the movie, you’ll recognise and applaud his comic capabilities. Just make sure you’re in the mood for some silly.

Zooey Dechanel’s beautiful singing voice and the characters played by Faison Love and Peter Dinklage are two more of my favourite things about the movie.

Watch it for a reminder of why so many people can’t help but look forward to Will Ferrell in comedy roles. Daddy’s Home (2015) is his latest comedy, which will arrive  just in time for Christmas 2015.

Happy Film Loving 🙂

G

TV

7 DAYS IN HELL (2015): Kit Harrington, Andy Samberg & Fred Armisen In New HBO Comedy

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7 Days In Hell (2015), Kit Harrington
7 Days In Hell (2015), Kit Harrington

7 Days In Hell is HBO’s new sports comedy/TV movie starring Andy Samberg, Kit Harrington, Mary Steenburgen, Fred Armisen and many more including Serena Williams and John McEnroe who play versions of themselves.

Shot in the style of a documentary expose, the TV movie focuses on the rivalry between two fictional tennis players, known to be the greatest of all time and their 2004 match that lasted 7 days. All very nuts, yes, but in the very best way.

All I know of Kit Harrington is that he is/was in that massively successful TV Show, Game Of Thrones, a series I’m still yet to watch, but something tells me that his Seven Days In Hell character, Charles Poole is very different to Jon Snow in an exciting way.

7 Days In Hell (2015), Fred Armisen
7 Days In Hell (2015), Fred Armisen

I’m expecting great performances from the entire cast, but besides Harrington’s character, I really hope there’s plenty of Fred Armisen as the Tennis Historian because my, that accent is really rather good and brilliantly entertaining.

Happy 7 Days In Hell 🙂

G

Drama, Music, No Spoiler Reviews

SONG ONE (2014): For Anne Hathaway & Folk-Rock Music Fans

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Song One (2014), Johnny Flynn, Anne Hathaway
Song One (2014), Johnny Flynn, Anne Hathaway

What I can confirm first and foremost is that Song One is well-acted and definitely not the kind of feel good romantic comedy that you may be expecting. It is indeed a hopeful drama but it’s also quite dull and depressing in parts.

The film, written and directed by Kate Barker-Froyland starts with a 19 year-old musician played by Ben Rosenfield getting hit by a car. His sister (Anne Hathaway), in trying to do everything she can to help end his comatose state, starts a relationship with his favourite musician, James Forrester (Johnny Flynn).

This is one you watch if the story and themes mentioned above intrigue you. Another reason would be if you’re more than just a casual fan of Hathaway and / or folk-rock music. Otherwise it’s likely that you’ll find yourself checking the time after hitting play – and more than once.

I enjoyed the sibling relationship aspect of the story most. Lastly, ‘In April’ and ‘Little Yellow Dress’ are my favourite tracks from the soundtrack.

Happy Song One 🙂

G