Tag Archives: Scarlett Johansson

BLACK WIDOW (2021): The Things I Liked…

Focused on the story of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, we get to learn plenty about the avenger’s complicated past in an engaging tale that features unhealthy family dynamics, secrets, lies and some impressive action/fight sequences.

The main stars, Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Rachel Weisz are great. And unsurprisingly, as is the case with most, if not all Marvel movies, the musical score is impressive.

In addition to the action and music, my favourite thing about Black Widow is the sisterly dynamic between Pugh and Johansson’s characters. So much so that I’m ready for more Johansson/Pugh movies.

In terms of where Black Widow sits in my list of favourite Marvel movies, the understandably seemingly abrupt ending aside, I can say that I liked this movie more than I do Captain Marvel (2019). Which of the two films ranks higher for you? 

Your thoughts are very welcome in the comments below.

Happy Film Loving

G

SING 2 (2021): New Trailer From Taron Egerton, Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon…

Sing 2 (2021), Illumination
Sing 2 (2021), Illumination

This time Buster Moon (McConaughey) and his friends are tasked with persuading a reclusive rockstar to join them for the opening of a new show.

Those super adorable piggies stole my heart in the first movie. So I’m glad to see them here too, and excited for all the animated cuteness, plus the many big hit songs the movie will feature.

McConaughey is definitely in this but his voice kind of sounds different, no?

Pharrell Williams, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Kroll, Chelsea Peretti, Seth MacFarlane, Letitia Wright, Halsey, Eric André, Adam Buxton, Garth Jennings and Tori Kelly also star.

Sing 2 Release Dates: December 22nd, 2021 (US)…

Happy Film Loving

G

AVENGERS – ENDGAME (2019): The Things I Liked…

Avengers - Endgame (2019), Chris Evans, Marvel Studios
Avengers – Endgame (2019), Chris Evans, Marvel Studios

I know that around the time Avengers – Endgame was released in 2019, there were next to zero complaints about whether the final instalment in the four-movie avengers’ franchise was good or not. Even still, I was very happy to see for myself that soon after Avengers – Endgame started, everything Marvel is known for doing exceptionally well when they’re at their best was very present in Avengers – Endgame. From visually arresting action choreography, good dialogue, memorable special effects to engaging humour, characters and story.

Directed once again by Joe and Anthony Russo, everything picks up in the aftermath of all the devastation that took place at the hand of Thanos in AvengersInfinity War. With even higher stakes than before, Captain America, Tony Stark, The Hulk and their allies have one final chance to reverse everything Thanos did and restore balance throughout the universe.

At the risk of repeating myself, as was the case with Avengers – Infinity War, I don’t personally have any complaints about Avengers – Endgame because I had fun through it all. An additional highlight for me is all the extra movie references. Plus, just as Thanos was the absolute star and my favourite character of Avengers – Infinity War, the number one avenger in this movie is Thor; specifically ‘out of shape Thor.’ I found the surprise dive into Chris Hemsworth’s character so much fun that I’m quite sure I’ve never liked Thor more than I do in Avengers – Endgame.

Of all the Avengers films, Avengers – Endgame is perhaps the most moving / emotional. Specifically as someone who’s probably best described in this case as a casual Marvel fan, I can only imagine how much more significant an experience Avengers – Endgame must have been for the most serious Marvel fans.

Now that it’s all over, for now, I’m left wondering how long it will be before a brand new generation of avengers is announced. I’m in no specific hurry but when do you think the announcements will happen – assuming it hasn’t already happened. And how soon is too soon? I feel like a year or two from now is madness, but then I again I’m not a Marvel super fan.

Happy Film Loving

G

JOJO RABBIT (2019): The Things I Liked…

JoJo Rabbit (2019), Scarlett Johansson, Fox Searchlight
JoJo Rabbit (2019), Scarlett Johansson, Fox Searchlight

Jojo Rabbit, a comedy / drama about a young boy in Hitler’s army who finds out that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home is a movie I found more and more impressive as it played.

Director and co-writer Taika Waititi really did a great job of bringing humour to one of history’s darkest times. Jojo Rabbit is as funny and smart as others have been saying. I appreciate the way it reminds us of just how easily a young mind can be shaped; while also showing us that young minds are smart enough to figure things out for themselves, given the right circumstances.

JoJo Rabbit (2019), Roman Griffin Davis, Fox Searchlight

I watched Waititi’s movie mainly because of the very intriguing and clever premise, the comedy categorisation, the fact that everyone told me to and the brilliant cast. A talent list that includes Scarlett Johansson, Waititi himself and Sam Rockwell, to name just a few.

Besides the cleverness and notable performances, the colours and beautiful imagery will stay with me when I think of Jojo Rabbit. As will the super cute and talented young actors, Roman Griffin Davis and Archie Yates. There’s also the way Jojo Rabbit reminds me of another brilliant World War 2 drama / comedy. Namely Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful (1997).

Watch Jojo Rabbit because it’s good – and see exactly why Waititi deserved the win for 2020’s Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar.

Happy Film Loving

G

MARRIAGE STORY (2020): The Things I Liked…

Marriage Story (2019), Adam Driver, Netflix
Marriage Story (2019), Adam Driver, Netflix

Marriage Story is a good movie. Beautifully written, well acted – by everyone, including Ray Liotta, Laura Dern and young Azhy Robertson.

Directed by Noah Baumbach of Greenberg (2010) and Frances Ha (2012); Marriage Story is a film I wanted to see because of its director’s previous works. I’m also a big fan of the lead actors, (Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver). I loved the very well edited trailer and I wanted to see what Baumbach’s movie had to say about this thing called marriage. Particularly the very type that ends in divorce.

Categorised as a comedy / drama, you’ll indeed smile and laugh but certainly not as much as you’ll be moved almost to tears if not actual streaming tears. This one is a film that deals with the classic challenges faced in many modern relationships. Especially, the kind that can arise where both parties are ambitious and with clear ideas of what they want for their life and career. It’s also a story that features the one thing that’s always there as one of the key reasons for the breakdown of all relationships; ‘ineffective communication’. 

Marriage Story (2019), Scarlett Johansson, Azhy Robertson, Adam Driver, Netflix
Marriage Story (2019), Scarlett Johansson, Azhy Robertson, Adam Driver, Netflix

I’m glad to confirm that the things I liked most about the trailer for Marriage Story are the very things that stood out beautifully in the  finished film. Great writing and dialogue, editing so well executed that I personally didn’t need a second to question any of Baumbach’s creative decisions; they all made sense to me since everything felt rooted in a level of unquestionable realism that resonated.

As you watch Baumbach’s movie, almost throughout you’ll find yourself smiling, then sad within seconds or minutes. Yet it’s unlikely you’ll be mad that you decided to watch at all.

Other things that stood out about Marriage Story… I loved the humour, perfectly choreographed scenes and the film’s general rhythm. There’s also the heartbreaking yet fun to watch courtroom drama antics, that last big argument and Driver’s character’s singing at the very end. That scene was just somehow perfect. 

Definitely watch it because it’s very good.

Happy Film Loving 

G

BLACK WIDOW (2020): New Trailer From Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh…

Black Widow (2020), Scarlett Johansson, Marvel Studios
Black Widow (2020), Scarlett Johansson, Marvel Studios

Read my spoiler-free movie review of  Black Widow (2020).


The long awaited trailer for a stand-alone Black Widow Marvel movie is here.

Starring Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh and Robert Downey Jr., the story focuses on Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) in her quests between the films Civil War (2016) and Infinity War (2018).

Directed by Cate Shortland, additional key cast includes William Hurt, Ray Winstone, O-T Fagbenle…

The fight scenes and action look very promising indeed – and as always, we have another well executed Marvel trailer.

I especially love the music that starts at 0:32 seconds; so unexpected and brilliant, it hits me right in the chest / heart area. I can’t wait!

Michelle Lee, Nanna Blondell, Olivier Richters, Ahmed Bakare, Jade Ma, Yolanda Lynes and Shaina West also star.

Black Widow Release Dates: Jul 9th, 2021 (US)…

Happy Film Loving

G

MARRIAGE STORY (2019): New Trailer From Noah Baumbach, Starring Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, Adam Driver, Ray Liotta…

Marriage Story (2019), Adam Driver, Netflix
Marriage Story (2019), Adam Driver, Netflix

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Marriage Story (2019)


Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern and Ray Liotta, are the stars of the latest Noah Baumbach directed comedy / drama, Marriage Story.

It’s the story of a stage director (Driver), his actor wife (Johansson) and their unfolding divorce that spans from New York City to Los Angeles…

What a beautiful editing job. I was smiling and then sad within seconds. Considering Driver’s characters many admirable attributes, I’m looking forward to finding out the detail of where it all went horribly wrong.

Already I can’t wait for more of the comedy. I loved the ‘I cried four times’ ‘Me Too’ moment.

Merritt Wever, Julie Hagerty, Alan Alda, Mark O’Brien, Ayden Mayeri and Mary Hollis Inboden also star.

Marriage Story Release Dates

Happy Film Loving

G

JOJO RABBIT (2019): New Trailer From Taika Waititi, Rebel Wilson, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson…

JoJo Rabbit (2019), Scarlett Johansson, Fox Searchlight
JoJo Rabbit (2019), Scarlett Johansson, Fox Searchlight

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Jojo rabbit (2019).


Directed and co-written by Taika Waititi, JoJo Rabbit is a new comedy about a young boy in Hitler’s army who finds out that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.

Key cast includes Waititi, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen…

My question is, how amusing will this satire be considering the time period and subject matter? There’s perhaps extra hope that the result will be good considering all the big names involved. This is my hope.

Stephen Merchant, Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Sitara Attaie, Victoria Hogan, Brian Caspe and Luke Brandon Field also star.

JoJo Rabbit Release Dates: October 18th, 2019 (US), January 3rd, 2020 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G