Tag Archives: Movie Reviews

Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

TRAINING DAY (2001) Movie Review: Good Story, Well Shot…

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Training Day (2001), Ethan Hawke
Training Day (2001), Ethan Hawke

Training Day is not a movie you watch if you’re looking for a relaxing film experience. The protagonist through whom we’re introduced to the world in which everything takes place is Jake (Ethan Hawke). And because Jake is comfortable at no point in Training Day, you absolutely won’t be either.

With that important truth out of the way, Training Day is a movie worthy of your time. Not just because of the undeniable talent both in front and behind the camera, it’s a well-written crime thriller that will likely leave you grateful that you get to experience the world of the characters only on screen.

Training Day (2001), Denzel Washington
Training Day (2001), Denzel Washington

David Ayer (Suicide Squad – 2016) is responsible for the screenplay while Antoine Fuqua (The Magnificent Seven – 2016) directs. I’m convinced  that Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke could not have played their roles any better. Perhaps even more than the great performances, it’s the way the story comes together that I love most. From the effective shooting style to the way events unfold overall, I had an uncomfortable (in a good way) and definitely positive experience.

If I had to pick something that maybe could have improved my overall experience, I’d point to the musical score which left me a little wanting. By no means is it as awkward as the score for John Q (2002), but awkward is a word that fits – in parts.

Watch Training Day for some Denzel Washington/Ethan Hawke magic and for the smart way everything comes together.

Lastly, would I call Training Day my favourite buddy cop movie? It’s close, but End Of Watch (2012) still has that title.

What’s your favourite buddy/cop movie? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy

DIRTY GRANDPA (2016): The Things I Liked…

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Dirty Grandpa (2016), Robert De Niro, Zac Efron
Dirty Grandpa (2016), Robert De Niro, Zac Efron

Dirty Grandpa is a comedy about a lecherous grandfather and his uptight grandson who go on a road trip that one of them really wishes wasn’t happening.

Starring Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Aubrey Plaza and directed by Dan Mazer, this is one of those movies that has a good number of funny moments. The only thing is, those great moments are unfortunately followed by a few ill-advised scenes with dialogue and story development that needed more work/editing.

I enjoyed watching De Niro as an outrageous and expletive-filled senior citizen, the opposite of what he did most recently in The Intern (2015). I just wish the script had been better.

Dirty Grandpa (2016), Aubrey Plaza (r)
Dirty Grandpa (2016), Aubrey Plaza (r)

As for the other characters, ‘Caricaturish’ is sadly the word that comes to mind for Julianne Hough’s role as Meredith. I don’t know if my objection is to the type of person she portrays, the way she played her, or both. Lenore, (Plaza) is probably the only one that didn’t make me cringe in parts. I’m not quite sure what some might think that suggests about me. Hopefully, it says that I enjoy language and love to see it used creatively.

Dirty Grandpa, for me, is a story of bonding between a grandson and grandfather. I thought there was no need for the clichéd young romance. But then again, I’m not a teenager, or a Zac Efron fangirl.

It’s probably fair to say that the actors did the best they could with the material at hand. I certainly wouldn’t tell someone looking for a really great comedy to make time for Dirty Grandpa. But, if you’re a big fan of at least one of the actors, even I know I can’t stop you.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

JOHN Q (2002): The Things I Liked…

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JOHN Q (2002), Denzel Washington
JOHN Q (2002), Denzel Washington

A memorable Denzel Washington movie, John Q is a film about the love a father has for his young son and the resultant lengths he will go to, in the struggle to keep his son alive when his health suddenly deteriorates.

Set against the backdrop of the United States’ less-than-adequate healthcare system, the unfortunate predicament our protagonist finds himself in is one many millions of Americans dread and can likely empathise with.

The light shed on the very relevant social issues through the excellent performances by Washington, Kimberly Elise, Robert Duval and James Woods’ are my favourite things about John Q. I was glad to learn so much as I enjoyed the dramatics.

JOHN Q (2002), James Woods
JOHN Q (2002), James Woods

One of the things that did stand out in the movie, but not for a good reason is the musical score. I found it more distracting than complimentary to the drama and action. Particularly in the first third/half of the film.

John Q is directed by Nick Cassavetes and though it’s not a perfect movie, I still think it’s worth seeing for Denzel’s performance and a little education about the American healthcare system.

Every time I finish watching a good Denzel movie, I remember that I really need to re-watch one of his very best, Training Day (2001). Get to it if you haven’t already.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Adventure, Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (2015): Stylish & Fun Action

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The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015), Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer
The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015), Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer

Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Debicki star in director Guy Ritchie’s latest spy movie, The Man From U.N.C.L.E ( U.N.C.L.E meaning United Network Command for Law and Enforcement).

I was initially concerned after watching the trailer for The Man From U.N.C.L.E. because I feared that the film would contain one or two very questionable accents. I’m neither Russian nor American, so perhaps I’m not the right person to say, but both Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer’s respective American and Russian accents sound rather above board to me.

As for the movie’s spectacle, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is adequately entertaining. The story, style and everything in the film, including all aspects of design; namely the fashion, cars and interiors; plus the dialogue did just enough to keep me watching. I also enjoyed the relatively short but beautifully captured moment of rage towards the end of the movie.

Overall, I strongly doubt whether there’ll ever be a Guy Ritchie movie that could unseat the top positions that his first two films, Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000) continue to hold in my heart and mind.

Tune in to The Man From U.N.C.L.E. for the design/style, and if you haven’t already, make time for Ritchie’s very smart first two movies. They’re simply super!

Happy Film loving,

G

Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

THE INTERN (2015): For The Comedy & Unexpected Friendship…

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The Intern (2015), Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway
The Intern (2015), Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway

Written/directed by Nancy Meyers, the person behind other popular and well-executed comedies such as The Holiday (2006) and Something’s Gotta Give (2003); I had high hopes for The Intern.

Starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, my favourite thing about Meyers’ movie has to be the story of the unexpected friendship between De Niro’s senior intern character and the successful, young online fashion business founder played by Hathaway. 

A big part of what makes the relationship between the two great to watch is De Niro’s portrayal of Ben, the comic timing, and particularly, the kind of person Ben represents.

An inspiring story of young people in charge doing what they love and doing it well is also what The Intern is about. I tuned in because the mood for a good light comedy struck and good is definitely what I found.

If you were after more reasons to watch, there’s the New York City setting, good soundtrack and the other cast members. Namely Zack Pearlman’s character Davis who’s particularly fun.  

Adam DeVine, Christina Scherer, Anders Holm, Rene Russo and JoJo Kushner also star.

Watch it if you’re curious and because it’s good.

Happy Film Loving,

G