Tag Archives: Ray Winstone

DAMSEL (2024): The Things I Liked…

I’m a sucker for empowered and empowering female characters. No surprise then, when it came to my eagerness to watch Damsel, the latest action/adventure/fantasy from Stranger Things breakout star, Millie Bobbie Brown. 

After watching the trailer, I was excited to witness the young damsel, Elodie (Brown) rise. Especially since Brown has that undeniable quality which more than suggests ‘capable heroine’. 

After agreeing to marry a handsome prince following encouragement from her father, things end up being very far from ‘happily ever after’ for young Elodie. The good news is that what follows is a fun and easy-to-watch adventure. One I may not recommend with the highest level of enthusiasm when asked. Nevertheless, I say it’s worth it; particularly if you agree with the above opening line to this review.

It was satisfying to watch Elodie’s resilience as the story progressed. Even though, for me, the script felt a tad basic in parts. My only other issue is that final walk towards the end. It came across as overly exaggerated in a laughable and arguably cringy way for me. Perhaps I’m just too ‘mature’ for this type of execution. 

Lastly, in case you were wondering, that wonderful dragon voice is courtesy of Shohreh Aghdashloo, a lady, would you believe it? Brava, I say, brava! 

Happy Film Loving,

G

DAMSEL (2024): New Trailer Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Angela Bassett, Nick Robinson, Robin Wright…

Damsel (2024), Millie Bobby Brown, Netflix

Millie Bobby Brown, Angela Bassett, Ray Winstone, Robin Wright and Nick Robinson are the stars of Damsel; a new action/fantasy/adventure directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.

Brown plays Elodie, a dutiful damsel who agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find that the royal family’s plans for her look nothing like happily ever after.

We definitely have another trailer here that has shown far more of the story than is ideal. However, thankfully, I remain excited to see Elodie overthrow the super-entitled royals.

I’m in for the coming-of-age story of what looks like a very capable heroine. There’s also the tasty vengeance to look forward to, and the scene of Elodie getting to confront Prince Henry (Robinson) after his unflinchingly cruel betrayal should hopefully be great.

Esther Odumade, Ulli Ackermann, Nicole Joseph, Nick Robinson, Milo Twomey, Brooke Carter, Ezra Faroque Khan, Brogan Mcfarlane and Sonya Nisa also star.

Damsel Release Dates: March 8th, 2024, Netflix…

Happy Film Loving,

G

THE LEGEND OF BARNEY THOMSON (2015): Good Murderous Fun Is On The Way…

The Legend Of Barney Thomson (2015), Robert Carlyle, Emma Thompson
The Legend Of Barney Thomson (2015), Robert Carlyle, Emma Thompson

I love Emma Thompson and it looks like her new film which features Robert Carlyle as Director and star will only make me love her more.

Also starring Ray Winstone and Ashley Jensen, The Legend of Barney Thomson is a comedy about a man whose life changes suddenly from desperate mediocrity to something sinister and far more interesting…

The truth is, I’m liking it already because it remind me of The Voices (2014).

Happy Film Loving

G

POINT BREAK (2015): Promising Remake?

Point Break (2015) Luke Bracey
Point Break (2015) Luke Bracey

The original Point Break action film directed by Kathryn Bigelow and starring Patrick Swaze, Keanu Reeves and Gary Busey was a hit. 23 years later, it’s time for a remake.

This time, starring Luke Bracey, Edgar Ramirez, Teresa Palmer and Ray Winstone, director Ericsson Core’s plot appears to be roughly the same except for a new character or two and some added relevance for modern times.

2015 Trailer >

The good news is, I didn’t find myself laughing out loud at the new trailer the way I did at its predecessor, so that’s a good sign… probably.

1991 Trailer

Happy Point Break 2015 🙂

G

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN (2012): Great Example of Trailer Perfection

Snow White And The Huntsman (2012)
Snow White And The Huntsman (2012)

From the beautifully paced editing, and perfect choice of music, to the narrative concept, dialogue and visuals/special effects; the Snow White And The Huntsman (2012) trailer provides just enough detail to make you aware that this is a wonderfully different retelling.

The decision to make Charlize Theron the key focus of the trailer is just right. This isn’t a film aimed at the traditional young Disney audience. Hence the absence of elements that quite frankly I’m glad are nowhere to be found. Musical numbers being just one of them.

This tantalisingly dark 1-minute 54-second trailer arrests the senses and refuses to let go until the very last second. What a wonderful marriage of audio-visual delight delivered to perfection.

For many, Kristen Stuart is the big draw, which is unsurprising due to the success of The Twilight Saga. For me though, without question, it’s Theron.

The tone and delivery of Theron’s performance is such a thrill to behold, that to date, I’ve watched the trailer countless times.

The Snow White & The Huntsman trailer has a place in a compilation of my favourite film trailers of 2012. It also makes it on my list of favourite Charlize Theron performances; Monster (2003) being one other.

Happy Snow White And The Huntsman 🙂

G