Tag Archives: Scarlett Johansson

Action, Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

GHOST IN A SHELL (2017): The Things I Liked…

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Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson
Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson

The problem with Ghost In A Shell  goes beyond whitewashing and the issue with the main character not being completely true to the original story.

Directed by Rupert Sanders and starring Scarlett Johansson and Juliette Binoche, the movie, which is based on the popular Japanese manga story has some moving moments and a handful of satisfying action sequences. Nevertheless, the execution of the story just wasn’t great. I didn’t consistently feel present and invested in the protagonist’s struggle because of how the story is told/edited.

Major’s, Johansson) response to the words ‘You’re what everyone will become one day’ along with her physical sacrifice towards the end were the most moving moments.

I will remember this movie, probably mostly as a missed opportunity, but also as a film where I enjoyed Juliette Binoche’s performance and loved the way Michael Pitt’s character/face was introduced. Last but not least, it was certainly empowering to witness Major’s ‘get it done’ attitude in action.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, No Spoiler Reviews

THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016): So Much To Love…

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The Jungle Book (2016)
The Jungle Book (2016)

Many people probably love Jon Favreau because of what he’s done with Iron Man. My appreciation of the actor/writer/director/producer, etc., first began when he played Monica’s billionaire Ultimate Fighting Champion boyfriend in Friends. Then I saw him as an a**hole husband in one of my favourite comedies, I Love You, Man (2009). As great as his work was in both those roles, I didn’t really ‘fall deeply in love’ with Favreau’s talents until a ‘little’ foodie movie that he wrote, produced, directed and starred in called Chef (2014).

As you may be aware, I’ve reached a reasonable level of fatigue where superhero movies are concerned. Therefore, I haven’t been keeping up with Favreau’s work in the genre, though I did watch the first Ironman movie and maybe the second. Nevertheless, Favreau was a big part of the reason I was excited to watch the live-action version of The Jungle Book (2016). If you’ve seen it, then you already know how well the movie turned out. 

I found plenty to love about The Jungle Book. For example, Idris Elba’s excellent voice work in his role as Shere Khan, how generally well thought out the film is, the beautiful special effects, and the fact that, before this movie, I hadn’t ever taken the time to consider how animals perceive fire.

Whether you’re familiar with The Jungle Book story, a fan of Favreau’s other work or not, watch this movie because it’s good. It’s good, I tell you!

Happy Film Loving,

G

Animation, Comedy, Musical, No Spoiler Reviews

SING (2016): The Thing I Liked…

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Sing (2016), Singing & Dancing Pigs
Sing (2016), Singing & Dancing Pigs

Besides the fun clips in the trailer, I found Sing to be, unfortunately, mostly forgettable. The story centres around the numerous characters involved in a singing competition; the success of which will give the organiser a chance to save his failing theatre. 

I was moved and amused in parts, but I still didn’t thoroughly enjoy Sing because I didn’t find the story and most of the characters, especially, entertaining or interesting. I’m sure that how stereotypical most of them are has something to do with it.

Furthermore, I’m the person who usually doesn’t enjoy watching televised singing competitions. Yet, I wanted to see this because the trailer looked great. Admittedly, there’s also a part of me that didn’t buy into McConaughey’s voice and or his performance as the Koala.

Sing (2016), Matthew McConaughey
Sing (2016), Matthew McConaughey

The main highlight about Sing, for me, has nothing to do with the music. I loved the mommy piggy (Reese Witherspoon) and her ingenuity when no one else was available to take care of her piglets. I also adore her performance partner, another cute piggy. You know, the one in the red sequinned leotard and gold sequinned sweatsuit that you fell in love with, in the trailers.

You’ll very likely have a better time watching Sing if you enjoy singing competitions. If you’re not that person, I hope you like it anyway, should you decide to tune in.

Happy Film Loving

G

Source: JustWatch
Comedy, Drama

ROUGH NIGHT (2017): New Trailer From Scarlett Johansson, Zoë Kravitz, Kate McKinnon…

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Rough Night (2017), Kate McKinnon, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, Scarlett Johansson, Jillian Bell
Rough Night (2017), Kate McKinnon, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, Scarlett Johansson, Jillian Bell

Scarlett Johansson, Zoë Kravitz and Kate McKinnon have a new Lucia Aniello-directed comedy.

The story centres around what happens at a bachelorette weekend getaway, after one of the attendees ends up dead.

I think it’s going to take something pretty special to experience a bachelor/bachelorette getaway movie that’s good enough to come close to the likes of The Hangover (2009) and Bridesmaids (2011).

I’m happy to entertain those who try, though. As long as the trailers don’t look absolutely terrible. So far, for 2017, we have  Girls Trip and now, Rough Night. I’m not particularly over-excited about either option, but I am willing to be pleasantly surprised.

Rough Night Release Dates: June 16th, 2017 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Source: JustWatch
Action, Crime, Drama

GHOST IN A SHELL (2017): New Trailer From Scarlett Johansson, Michael Pitt, Juliette Binoche…

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Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson
Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson

In Ghost In A Shell, Scarlett Johansson is a cyborg Police woman on a mission to bring down an evil computer hacker.

Juliette Binoche and Michael Pitt also star while Rupert Sanders directs.

I know next to nothing about the stories on which this movie is based. That’s ok by me because film is my medium. I want this to be a great movie and much better than Lucy (2014), the last action movie I saw that starred Johansson.

Ghost In A Shell Release Dates: March 31st, 2017 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G