Wish I Was Here - Trailer

Looks so good!

The Grand Seduction - Trailer

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - Soundtrack

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Soundtrack

1. Jose Gonzalez "Step Out"
2. Of Monsters and Men "Dirty Paws"
3. Jose Gonzalez "Stay Alive"
4. Junip "Far Away"
5. Junip "Don't Let It Pass"
6. Rogue Wave "Lake Michigan"
7. Jack Johnson "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)"
8. Bahamas featuring The Weather Station "Don't You Want Me"
9. Rogue Valley "The Wolves & The Ravens"
10. David Bowie (Mitty Mix) Featuring Kristen Wiig "Space Oddity"
11. Jose Gonzalez "#9 Dream"
12. Grace Mitchell "Maneater"

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

 

I remember watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) trailer for the first time and I was completely blown away. The visuals were just remarkably beautiful and hypnotizing and the whole concept just drew me closer to watching it when possible.

The whole idea of having a man being constantly overtaken by his daydreaming just reminded me so much of my own character (yeah, such a narcissist thing of my part), because I too struggled with that problem growing up. In fact, I still do (even if to a lesser degree)...
There are times where I completely switch off, or better yet, "zone out" as they keep referring to it in the movie masterfully directed by Ben Stiller.

As far as I know, this project was long due, with several producers and directors being attached to do it over the years, but only in 2011 it was finally given the green light with Stiller at the helm of the movie as director and lead actor.

Based on a 1939 short novel by James Thurber, its first movie adaptation came out in less then ten years (1947 to be exact) and despite some similarities, this original and now "remake" share some common trades in essence, but still holding two different identities. That's good I guess, since this newer version touches different elements and sides of the human being.

With Stiller leading the way, alongside with Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, Kathryn Hahn and Sean Penn, Life magazine employee Walter Mitty leads us to look deep into our lives and see whether or not we've been making the best of it. It challenges us to dream higher and chase our most deepest wishes with complete disregard for what others may think. It reminds us that if there's anyone stopping us from accomplishing our goals, its ourselves!

Yes...the movie has received mixed reviews by critics and even though I can agree - at certain stages - that the film can lack some substance, I honestly think that Stiller through his directing and acting efficiently passes a wonderful message and moves the audience into self-consciously evaluating years gone by and also looking at years ahead. When a movie can lift the viewers spirits like that, I call this mission accomplished!

All and all, it's a wonderful movie with some of the most beautiful and creative sequences I've seen with outrageously gorgeous Icelandic landscapes serving as a huge part of the background/setting.

The scenes where Ben Stiller plays football with Sean Penn (who plays a small, but vital role to the movie's unfolding) and the downhill skating through the roads of Iceland are just breathtaking, working superbly with great music as soundtrack.

That takes us to another big... let me rephrase this.... to another HUGE part of this film which is the outstanding soundtrack (well deserving of a post of its own) with names such as Jose Gonzalez (Step Out is super appropriate and just stands out), Junip, Of Monsters and Men and David Bowie (with his classic Space Oddity being sang by actress Kristin Wiig), just to name a few...

It's a movie that dreamers everywhere will surely enjoy!

RIP Ultimate Warrior (1959 – 2014)

We Won't Stop - Miley, Jimmy and The Roots

If only she did things like this on a regular basis...

Palo Alto - trailer

Mistaken For Strangers - The Documentary

Existential Bummer

Best prank call... EVER

Oldman does DeNiro

Just wait for it...

Pepsi Max does it again!

Happy Birthday George

Where Can I Go?

by: Laura Marling

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…

My advice?

Just stick to the 1987 masterpiece.  

2014

1987

 

I do exactly the same thing...

... except I'm usually Arnold!

I'm Aquarius

by: Metronomy

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!

Micheline (Live in 2013 - Aveiro, Portugal)

by: Sun Kil Moon

The Spectacular Now (2013)

 

 

One of the great contemporary movies from the last few years. 

A - definite - must see!

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!

Wildfire (SBTRKT feat. Drake & Little Dragon - cover)

by: Jeni

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.

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.

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!

Sur Le Fil

by: Yann Tiersen

Benedict Cumberbatch Reads R. Kelly's "Genius"