Tag Archives: Sebastian Stan

Biography, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Sport

I, TONYA (2017): Good, Notable Performances…

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I, Tonya (2017), Margot Robbie
I, Tonya (2017), Margot Robbie

I, Tonya, the true story of competitive ice skater Tonya Harding, and the unfortunate events that led to the end of her career is a movie well done. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film is structured and captured in a way that’s engaging both in style and content.

I found myself impressed by all the performances. Robbie’s portrayal is memorable because of what she was able to achieve both physically and emotionally. There’s even been talk of how impressive her solo scene in front of the mirror is, and it really is. But the moment that moved me most happened in the courtroom, immediately following sentencing.

As Harding’s abusive mother, Allison Janney did brilliantly. This of course, didn’t surprise me, because Janney always delivers. Always. The hateful truth of her character was conveyed so perfectly in her entire being, and very clearly through her eyes. 

Until this movie, I hadn’t really seen Sebastian Stan in much, except his work in Marvel’s Captain America and Avengers movies. Because of what he did with his role as Harding’s abusive husband, I’m now more interested than ever before in what he does next. Another highlight in Gillespie’s film is the well-chosen music.

Watch I, Tonya for the performances and the story. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to Robbie’s next leading role in a drama.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Biography, Drama, Sport

I, TONYA (2017): New Trailer From Margot Robbie, Bobby Cannavale, Sebastian Stan, Mckenna Grace…

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I, Tonya (2017), Margot Robbie
I, Tonya (2017), Margot Robbie

Read my spoiler-free movie review of I, Tonya (2017).

I, Tonya is the true story of competitive ice skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie), a skater who rose amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. However, unfortunately for her, things change drastically when her ex-husband intervenes.

Directed by Craig Gillespie; Bobby Cannavale, Sebastian Stan and Mckenna Grace also star.

I’m watching because it looks like this movie really allowed Robbie to act her socks off, and I personally can’t wait to see how that unfolds.

I’m also curious about the scary truth of what happened.

Additional supporting cast includes Joey Thurmond, Bojana Novakovic, Allison Janney and Julianne Nicholson.

I, Tonya Release Dates: December 8th, 2017, (US); February 16th, 2018 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

THE MARTIAN (2015): For The Time-Sensitive Problem Solving Fun…

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The Martian (2015) Matt Damon
The Martian (2015) Matt Damon

I myself would never want to typecast anybody against their will, but I did find myself  very glad to learn that in The Martian, Matt Damon gets to play the role of a hero once more. Having to ‘hate him’ in Interstellar (2014) proved more challenging than expected.

Directed by the rightfully celebrated Ridley Scott, and based on Andy Weir’s best selling book of the same name, The Martian is a predominantly Mars-based adventure with a sprinkle of funny moments.

As you might imagine, similar to Interstellar (2014), there’s a fair amount of ‘science speak’ in the film. Most of it I personally will probably never understand, but you don’t need to in order to have a good time. The movie works, thanks to the story and the likability of its star.

The thing I enjoyed most about The Martian is all the scientific problem solving that Damon’s character, astronaut Mark Watney and the wider NASA team do in the effort to bring him home in one piece. I like the movie for this reason and as a story of teamwork and survival. I’ll also confess to getting quite a kick from seeing the female commander, played by Jessica Chastain take charge.

You may have heard that a few awards bodies placed The Martian in the comedy category. About that, there are a few funny quips here and there – and by ‘a few’ I don’t mean ‘a good few’ in the way that some people use the phrase to mean ‘a lot’. I do actually mean ‘a few,’ meaning no more than 5 laughs/giggles at most – which, in my mind doesn’t equal to a comedy. But, hey, trust the studios to find loopholes so that their film gets a chance at an award.

Science fans will likely enjoy this movie most, but everyone else will be pleased also, for the topic of surviving on Mars is a relevant and interesting one at this time. With that said, watch it because it’s good. Another reason would be to find out for yourself whether categorising The Martian as a comedy is at all justified. I remain unconvinced.

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Mara, Donald Glover, Sebastian Stan, Mackenzie Davis and Benedict Wong also star.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

CAPTAIN AMERICA – CIVIL WAR (2016): New Trailer From Chris Evans & Scarlett Johansson

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Captain America - Civil War (2016), Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans
Captain America – Civil War (2016), Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans

A second trailer from directing brothers Joe and Anthony Russo has landed for the 2016 instalment of Marvel’s Captain America.

Trailer 1

Trailer 2

I like the first trailer more than the second, thanks to the music and the circumstances of the the characters involved. I’ll watch Captain America Civil War for this reason, and for another chance to see Chris Evans’ portrayal of the rather admirable Steve Rogers.

This instalment of the franchise doesn’t seem to be about saving the world, but more about Captain America’s relationship with his childhood friend, Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier, and how that effects others including Robert Downey Junior’s Iron Man.

Beyond the above, my personal level of excitement when it comes to superhero movies has definitely dwindled over time. That’s what happens in most instances when you’re fed the same kind of thing repeatedly and with minimal respite. At this time, I find myself actually looking forward to the time when this particular series of the Captain America Story is wrapped up. Still, that doesn’t mean I wont enjoy it if it’s good. 

Release Date (s): April 29th, 2016 (UK), May 6th, 2016 (US)…

Happy Film Loving, 

Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

THE MARTIAN (2015): Another Space Sci-Fi Hit Is Coming…

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The Martian (2015), Matt Damon
The Martian (2015), Matt Damon

Read my spoiler-free movie review of The Martian (2015)

The new film from Ridley Scott, director of many hit films including Gladiator (2000) stars Matt Damon and it looks amazing.

As excited as I undoubtedly am, something tells me I’m probably going to get my heart broken, and by that I don’t mean I’ll be disappointed but that something similar to the end of 1998’s Armageddon might happen. 

I’d of course much rather be pleasantly surprised than have that particular theory come to fruition.

Then again, on the other hand, whatever it takes for the film to be great is what I really, really want. As such, I surrender.

Bring on November!

Happy Film Loving,

G