Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robocop (2014)
It’s been out there
for a while now that Hollywood is getting more and more desperate for new,
fresh ideas...
That’s why production
companies, screenwriters and directors keep working on adaptations and re-adaptations,
reboots and remakes… From books, comics, theater, classic movies and even recent ones.
Robocop (2014) is just one of those examples. The original from which this was
inspired (directed by Dutch master Paul Verhoeven) came out in the late 80’s as
a huge success – enjoying cult status amongst moviegoers/critics - so obviously
an older audience – or at least those who’ve seen the original - would set the bar really high for the “revamped”
version.
I guess it’s no
surprise when I say this 2014 version was poor. They’ve tried so hard to make
themselves a different film from the original that the whole thing came out
wrong.
A lot of people
actually defend this, arguing "why bother putting effort to do the exact same movie"?
That's fair enough… but that just brings me back to that original point.
Why do it?
Haven’t you heard: “If
it ain’t broke, don’t try and fix it”.
Not even its talented
cast – with the likes of Joel Kinnerman, Gary Oldman, Abbie Cornish, Michael
Keaton, to name a few - and the up and coming Brazilian filmmaker Jose Pandilha
(bringing some of his Elite Squad
techniques) could salvage what was truly a disastrous screenplay/storyline.
Maybe a younger and
unfamiliar audience will enjoy it… iMDB seems to show it that way.
With its flashy special effects and full throttle action scenes it can satisfy those who don’t know better…
With its flashy special effects and full throttle action scenes it can satisfy those who don’t know better…
My advice?
Just stick to the 1987
masterpiece.
2014
1987
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Dallas Buyers Club (2013) is the remarkable story of Ron Woodroof told by Jean-Marc Vallée through
the magnificent performances of Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, both
deserving of various award nominations and accolades.
I wouldn’t say it’s a given
that both will win the golden statue come March 2nd, since I believe the impact
of their characters – while outstanding – is not far superior than the other
actors contending for the award. What I mean is that… while Matthew is
brilliant, that doesn’t necessarily mean he was able to stir my emotions (be it
for laughter or tears) more than perhaps a DiCaprio, Dern or even a Tom Hanks (who
was unfairly left out of the list for Oscar nominees) with his epic last 20
minutes of sheer acting talent. However, there is no doubt that they have
performed the hardest of roles this year, with a high level of acting that
demanded both physical and psychological sacrifices.
I would also like to leave a positive note to
the wonderful Jennifer Garner. She’s clearly away from the spotlight that
shines over McConaughey and Leto, yet she is able to deliver a sweet and
enduring character that provides a certain amount of balance to the
storytelling. She is (or tries to be) everything that is good in the world and
when you are confronted most of the time by illness, despair and prejudice…
that my friends is a breath of fresh air and she was able to provide us with the
right amount.
All and all, a
must-see movie… one that would certainly be featured in my top 10 list for 2013
If I had seen it in time.
Don’t miss out!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The Spectacular Now (2013)
One of the great contemporary movies from the last few years.
A - definite - must see!
Monday, February 10, 2014
The United States of Leland
Ignore what the critics have said about The United States of Leland (2003). Forget Rotten Tomatoes, but rather focus on iMDB. In my opinion, it's that score that reflects how good the movie is... and trust me... it's very good.
It's well written, using a style of narrative that I don't see that often anymore. On top of that it features a stellar cast made names such as Don Cheadle, (a young) Ryan Gosling, Kevin Spacey, Jena Malone, Michelle Williams, Chris Klein, Michael Pena, Kerry Washington and Sherilyn Fenn.
Definitely worth watching!
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
About Time (2013)
“Never judge a book
but its cover” so they say…
Yet I seem to make
that same mistake from time to time, consequence of intricate aspects of past
experiences which lead me to misjudge character or value in something… whether
be it a person, a film, a play… anything!
However, in certain
occasions that sense of misjudgement can set in motion a great reaction. Having
incredible low expectations for something that ends up being quite good, thus
catching you by surprise and leaving you almost in utter disbelief.
That’s what happened
with the movie About Time (2013).
During the longest time I saw the poster all over London, featuring a smiling Rachel McAdams under heavy rain… It looked like one of those basic, cliched romantic comedies. Right from the start, I was quick to dismiss the film… until the day where I got to its iMDB page. I don’t know how or why, but something took me there and having seen the rating, my level of curiosity arose.
During the longest time I saw the poster all over London, featuring a smiling Rachel McAdams under heavy rain… It looked like one of those basic, cliched romantic comedies. Right from the start, I was quick to dismiss the film… until the day where I got to its iMDB page. I don’t know how or why, but something took me there and having seen the rating, my level of curiosity arose.
Wrote down on my “to
see list”… but had so much going on during the next few days, I had no chance
of getting my hands on it. Soon after, I was leaving to Dubai on a work trip…
The movie was long gone in my mind. Didn’t even remember it ever existed.
But it was on my return trip to London that I came across the title on the on-board selection… and with 7 hours to kill… it seemed like the perfect time to watch it.
The movie was long gone in my mind. Didn’t even remember it ever existed.
But it was on my return trip to London that I came across the title on the on-board selection… and with 7 hours to kill… it seemed like the perfect time to watch it.
It was one of the best
things I’ve seen recently… It’s smart,
funny and remarkably profound without having to over-think it.
And it’s a movie which
is accessible for everyone, in the sense that it will suit your needs/demand.
Highly recommend it!
Highly recommend it!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Behind The Candelabra (2013)
Classic example of a movie that I haven't seen in time to include on my "Top 10" list of 2013... but let me tell you now: This would feature pretty high in the list.
Behind The Candelabra (2013) is a movie directed by Steve Sodenbergh that depicts the last 10 years of musician / entertainer Liberace, played brilliantly by Michael Douglas. It is heavily based on a book written by Scott Thorson, who just so happened to be his lover. His role was assigned to Matt Damon, who also delivered a very strong performance, contributing to a wonderful on-screen chemistry between the two leads. But more than the strong roles that are featured in this movie, one of the key elements to its success is the story-telling... and it just so happens that this is no ordinary story. In my eyes, it's a dark, twisted, secret love story, centered in one of American's big pop culture icons.
Not only the movie can be perceived as funny and entertaining, it almost should be viewed as educational. I mean... I barely heard of Liberace until I saw this!
Not only the movie can be perceived as funny and entertaining, it almost should be viewed as educational. I mean... I barely heard of Liberace until I saw this!
And to think it struggled to get produced because most Hollywood studios thought it was "too gay".
Really?
You say no to a film directed by Steven Soderbergh, featuring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon because you think its "too gay"?
Thankfully, HBO was able to recognize serious potential in this project and stepped up to make it happen.
Really?
You say no to a film directed by Steven Soderbergh, featuring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon because you think its "too gay"?
Thankfully, HBO was able to recognize serious potential in this project and stepped up to make it happen.
It just baffles me that several movie companies weren't able to finance something that featured one of the best directors out there, plus an ensemble cast led by two of the most charismatic and talented actors around. I always knew Michael Douglas was good.... but I was used to watching him play "the stud", so you can imagine how "strange" it was to see him play Liberace. Not necessary because he was gay, but because it was quite the opposite of the character stereotype he used to take on. But that's the ability of great actors... the power to metamorphose into whole different creatures. Mr. Douglas did just that...
Aside from those two, it was a pleasure seeing on screen names such as Dan Aykroyd, Rob Lowe (he's hilarious!) and Paul Reiser (who I haven't seen for years!!). Big fan of all three of them!
As Liberace famously said:
Too much of a good thing is wonderful!
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Best of 2013 - From my perspective
It's that time of the year where I compile my top 10 movies, albums and tracks of the year. Like previous years, I will make a list with no specific order...
As always, you should keep in mind that there's a lot of things that I haven't seen or heard... because I was lazy, because I didn't have the time, because I didn't know about it or simply because it hasn't been released in the UK, where I currently live... So feel free to make suggestions.
With that said, let's proceed...
TOP 10 MOVIES
*apparently released before 2013
TOP 10 ALBUMS*
Arctic Monkeys - AM
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
Haim - Days Are Gone
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
White Lies - Big TV
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
Kings of Leon - Mechanical Bull
Atlas Genius - When It Was Now
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
White Lies - Big TV
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
Kings of Leon - Mechanical Bull
Atlas Genius - When It Was Now
Foals - Holy Fire
Kurt Vile - Wakin on a Pretty Daze
Kurt Vile - Wakin on a Pretty Daze
* I wasn't really convinced with I've heard this year so far... out of the 10 albums, only 6 or 7 actually were great. The others, good, but in an "average way" if that makes any sense.
TOP 10 SONGS
Daft Punk - Get Lucky
Kings of Leon - Wait For Me
Kings of Leon - Wait For Me
White Lies - Change
Atlas Genius - If So
Haim - Don't Save Me
Laura Marling - Where Can I Go
Woodkid - Run Boy Run
Klangkarussell ft. Will Heard - Sonnentanz
Deerhunter - The Missing
The Strokes - Slow AnimalsKlangkarussell ft. Will Heard - Sonnentanz
Deerhunter - The Missing
Friday, December 20, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Hamm and Buble
I'm a big Jon Hamm fan.
Despite being known to the wider audience as Don Draper in the TV show Mad Men, his talent for comedy is impressive (and I'm not saying that just based on this SNL sketch)
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
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