Tag Archives: Movie Review

Biography, Documentary, No Spoiler Reviews

RBG (2018): As Remarkable As They Said…

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RBG (2018), Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
RBG (2018), Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

I’m guessing that my non-Americanness is the reason I hadn’t properly heard of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg until the RBG trailer was released. The shame!

Now that I’ve seen directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen’s documentary, it’s clear that Ginsburg really is as impressive as the preview suggested. What West and Cohen deliver is a well-structured film that tells the story of who Ginsberg is and the truly vital role she’s played as a defender of women.

Learning about Ginsburg’s earlier life, all the way through to her current position as Justice of the US Supreme Court, RBG shares details of the many Iconic cases Ginsburg fought in court; all in the name of her mission to make life better for women. We also get to hear from the lady herself, plus her friends, colleagues and family.

As I continued to watch, this great story became even more impressive to me as I learned about Ginsburg’s character and all that it took to get to where she is. If you didn’t already know, On The Basis Of Sex (2018), a brand new feature length biography about Ginsburg, with Felicity Jones in the leading role is due for for release in a few months. Post RBG viewing, I’m now even more excited to experience it.

I can’t help but pause in appreciation when I think about Ginsburg’s work, especially in the 1970s and how it really did change everything. Watch because it’s good and for the reasons above.

Happy Film Loving

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

SUPPORT THE GIRLS (2018): The Thing I Liked…

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Support The Girls (2018), Regina Hall
Support The Girls (2018), Regina Hall

I was looking forward to Support The Girls as a fan of Regina Hall and an enthusiast of movies that show beautiful, healthy sisterly bonds. Having made it to the end of writer/director Andrew Bujalski’s movie, I’m still a fan of Hall, who performed well. Nevertheless, I found this movie quite awkward.

Hall plays the general manager of a highway-side sports bar, where, through the course of one day, her incurable optimism and faith in herself, her customers and her team, which features some peculiar characters, are tested. 

Soon after hitting play, the pace of Support The Girls started to dull my initial excitement. The film seemed to move slowly and part of the problem is that I found myself very often wondering what exactly was going on.

In the end I could appreciate and identify with Hall’s character’s need to take care of her team. Particularly as, situations where women are taking care of each other, especially when confronted by toxic masculinity always warm my heart. Unfortunately, this movie’s rhythm just never quite synchronised with mine.

As for the ‘comedy’ categorisation, I don”t recall laughing, though I may have smiled a few times.

Even though I didn’t love it, there are definitely people who really had a good time watching Support The Girls. As such, maybe you’ll be one of them. Watch it if you’re curious enough.

Haley Lu Richardson, Dylan Gelula, Brooklyn Decker, Dylan Gelula, AJ Michalka and Lea DeLaria also star.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Source: JustWatch
Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

WAITING TO EXHALE (1995): The Things I Liked…

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Waiting To Exhale (1995), Whitney Houston
Waiting To Exhale (1995), Whitney Houston

Directed by Forest Whitaker (I had no idea he directed! The shame…) and based on Terry McMillan’s novel of the same name, Waiting To Exhale (1995) tells the story of four very different female friends and their relationships with the opposite sex.

Starring Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon, this one’s perfect for a fun ‘girl’s night in.’ There’s comedy, romance,  drama – definitely drama and the kind of female relationships that remind you of how great it is to have reliable girlfriends. Whitaker’s film smartly deals with several recognisable and well-acted predicaments faced by many women seeking a life partner.

The entire cast performs well, and a major highlight without a doubt is Bassett’s portrayal of ‘a woman scorned,’ in an iconic and very quotable scene. 

I first watched Waiting To Exhale when I was eighteen years old. I didn’t know it until this most recent viewing, but this movie, along with a few other memorable Bassett films, really helped form part of what makes me the independent and empowered lady that I am today. No wonder I love Bassett so!

Waiting To Exhale is clearly a number of things to me. It’s also a good reminder of a couple of truths. Firstly, that we should never take leave of our senses when presented with the option to get involved with a married man. Second, one must always think twice, thrice, then think again and then some more before sacrificing one’s own dreams for someone else’s. 

The friendship dynamic between the women brought Sex & The City to mind and I just love the way the film’s  strong sisterhood theme is beautifully punctuated by a perfect ending. Watch it for the sisterly love, the moments of humour and that good Angela Basset scene! Did I mention that the soundtrack for this movie was a massive success?

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Adventure, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

ADRIFT (2018): The Things I Liked…

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Adrift (2018), Sam Claflin, Shailene Woodley ..
Adrift (2018), Sam Claflin, Shailene Woodley

I actually wasn’t sure how engaging Adrift would be, considering that a good amount of it takes place at sea. I’m therefore very glad to report that a key highlight of the film, for me, at least, is the smart way the story is told and edited.

The structure of director Baltasar Kormákur’s movie ensured I remained interested throughout. The performances by Sam Claflin and Shailene Woodley certainly helped with that. As did the film’s general premise – the true survival story of a young couple stranded at sea.

Being the sucker for a touching love story that I am, I also appreciated the romance.

I’d love to say that I’ve retained a few nuggets of knowledge about surviving at sea after watching Adrift – but really, all I’ve learned is that it wouldn’t be a bad idea for me to know how to sail. Watch it if the story and actors appeal.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

TAG (2018): The Things I Liked…

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Tag (2018), Jeremy Renner
Tag (2018), Jeremy Renner

I must be too sensible for this kind of fun because, as I watched director Jeff Tomsic’s male friendship comedy Tag, where former classmates play an elaborate game of tag across the country, I thought it silly for grown, middle-aged men to be playing a children’s game. Especially the way it’s played in the movie, often resulting in a notable amount of damage to the immediate surroundings.

My sensible ways aside, it’s unfortunate I wasn’t very amused throughout the film, and the only scenes that had me most engaged were the ones featuring Jeremy Renner’s character, Jerry. Particularly when he was playing the game. Renner’s stunt work, athleticism and general onscreen charisma helped make Tag that little bit more watchable.

Also starring Ed Helms, Jake Johnson and Jon Hamm, I probably would have had more fun watching Tag if I’d felt like I knew the characters more before the game commenced. What happened before we met Renner’s character sadly felt more like un-amusing filler. Besides Jerry, my favourite thing about Tag is the way it ends and the music choice just before the credits.

Even though I’m not Tag’s biggest fan, I admit that knowing the film was based on a real-life group of friends who played the game for 23 years warms my heart a little. It also has me wondering about precisely how the film is different from the whole truth.

Watch it if you’re so curious. Maybe you’ll find it more fun than I did.

Happy Film Loving,

G