Tag Archives: Toby Kebbell

KONG – SKULL ISLAND (2017): The Things I Liked…

Kong - Skull Island (2017), Tom Hiddleston.
Kong – Skull Island (2017), Tom Hiddleston

Telling the origin story of King Kong – the giant movie monster that looks like an ape; Kong -Skull Island follows a group of scientists who enter an uncharted island in the Pacific looking for monsters. They do not arrive with peaceful intentions and therefore end up having to fight to escape with their lives.

If you’ve seen at least one previous King Kong movie, then you know that at some point, Kong ends up in New York city against his will. None of that happens in director Jordan Vogt-Roberts’s fun adventure. At least not in this first instalment. What we do get to see resembles something an aggressor might expect to face when they force their way into a person’s home uninvited; a bloody good fight for survival.

A tear or two definitely escaped my eyes as I watched this film, because I’m a sensitive soul and Kong was peacefully minding his business before ‘the bad men came’. I may have also shed a few tears because of the knowledge that a certain handsome and well-voiced Mr. Hiddleston may probably never, ever, personally escort me to safety through a treacherous jungle, let alone across a busy street.

Besides the good performances by Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly to name just a few, the well-choreographed human vs monster and monster vs monster showdowns, the story, special effects, musical score and cinematography all did a great job of keeping me engaged throughout.

Watch Kong – Skull Island because it’s good.

Happy Film Loving,

G

WARCRAFT (2016): The Things I Liked…

Warcraft (2016), Toby Kebbell (Antonidas)
Warcraft (2016), Toby Kebbell (Antonidas)

I don’t understand the assertion that Warcraft is a movie only true fans of World Of Warcraft (the multiplayer online role-playing game) that this movie is based on can enjoy. I had a good time and I’m certainly not a ‘true fan.’ Especially since the only reason I know about World Of Warcraft is because of the characters of CBS’s comedy series, The Big Bang Theory.

Since fantasy movies generally aren’t my thing, it may not surprise you to learn that I found The Lord Of The Rings trilogy incredibly punishing – and I don’t just mean the length of the movies. Regardless of this, every so often one or two fantasy films gets through to me and I can’t quite explain why. Warcraft is one such movie. Perhaps it’s because something about the fantasy movies I respond most to in a positive way, remind me of tales I heard and/or read as a child.

Warcraft (2016), Paula Patton (Garona)
Warcraft (2016), Paula Patton (Garona)

I like how the story of Warcraft comes together. The characters may not be the most complex but, sometimes that’s OK, for me at least, in this instance. The pace of the movie kept me engaged and the special effects were fun. Another highlight is the way the Orcs move, particularly Toby Kebbell’s Antonidas. 

Directed by Duncan Jones, the rest of the cast , namely Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Ben Foster and Travis Fimmel all played their roles well. I also think that Paula Patton’s Garona is arguably her best work since Precious (2009). She may have been in better films since, but my disappointment as I tried and failed to sit through Baggage Claim (2013) is so very deep that… Have you tried to watch Baggage Claim?

I say ignore everyone that claims Warcraft can only be enjoyed and understood by fans of the game. For a good time is what I had, and the same may be for you.

Happy Film Loving, 

G

GOLD (2016): New Trailer From Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Ramírez, Bryce Dallas Howard…

Gold (2016), Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Ramirez
Gold (2016), Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Ramirez

Inspired by a true story, Gold, the latest movie starring Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Ramirez and Bryce Dallas Howard is about one man’s challenging American dream. A dream of finding gold and the even more difficult task of keeping it once he lucks out and does.

Directed by Stephen Gaghan, I’ll be watching to see McConaughey in yet another new light. I also want to know precisely all the ways that people are going to ‘come for’ his character; that is once they get the distinct whiff of billions and billions  of dollars. The phrase more money, more problems is so very fitting here.

I couldn’t help but get a The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013) vibe from this trailer; such is the mark Martin Scorcese’s movie has left on my brain.

Toby Kebbell, Corey Stoll and Bill Camp also star.

Gold Release Dates: December 25th, 2016 (US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

KONG – SKULL ISLAND (2017): New Trailer From Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson…

Kong - Skull Island (2017) Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston
Kong – Skull Island (2017) Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Kong – Skull island (2017).


Kong – Skull Island is the latest from Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson and John Goodman. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, it’s an  action adventure story focused on the origins of King Kong.

Was I ready and in need of another King Kong movie. No. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be just what I need by the time it’s released. Also, I’m definitely not at peace with the idea that humans are going to Skull Island, Kong’s home to capture and hurt him. Though, at least in this instance, one can say, it’s just a movie.

The cinematography and dynamic between Hiddleston/Larson, plus, Jackson/Goodman are very interesting. The movie also stars Corey Hawkins, John C. Reilly, Jason Mitchell and Toby Kebbell.

Kong – Skull Island Release Dates: March 10th, 2017 (US & UK); March 9th, 2017 (GER)…

Happy Film Loving, 

G

WARCRAFT (2016): New Trailer Starring Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Dominic Cooper…

Warcraft (2016), Travis Fimmel
Warcraft (2016), Travis Fimmel

Of all the Warcraft trailers that were released, this one is my favourite.

May this non-traditional ‘superhero’ movie about saving the word be as refreshingly great as this footage and dialogue suggests – plus,  please let this be the best Paula Patton performance ever.

Lastly, hello, perfect trailer music.

Release Date (s): June 10th 2016 (US), June 3rd 2016 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G