Directed by: Ryan Murphy
UK Release: 24 Sept 2010
US Release: 13 August 2010
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardiem, Billy Crudup, James Franco, Richard Jenkins
IMDB page
He said:
Eat, Pray, Love is a film that coasts through its narrative; it is a story (based on the memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert) about a woman traveling the world to find herself with a much broader appeal.
This is a long film that some might find stalls a bit while heading towards it's conclusion. I found when the film ends I had enjoyed the journey as much as the destination. Much like life this film has a rhythm all it's own and follows it stunningly.
The destinations in Eat, Pray, Love were all filmed on location, and each of them made me realize there is so much more of our beautiful planet that I have yet to see. This film is about Liz finding not only herself but her place in this world, something I think the large majority of the target audience will identify with very well.
This is a film with a wonderful heart, and I would not be surprised to see it receive numerous nominations as the award season comes around in a few months. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}
She said:
I was really interested to see this film which is about travelling the world to find yourself (something everyone probably wishes they could do if money were no option, which unfortunately it is). I found the film slow to get going and though I hate to admit it, there were points in the narrative when I found myself slightly bored. Despite this however, I really did enjoy what this film was trying to achieve, and overall I think it did achieve it.
Eat Pray Love is definitely a film with a brain and a soul. It is a film that makes you think about your life and the way you live it both practically and spiritually. Although I can't connect to the spiritual side of the story easily (being not spiritual in any way) I appreciated these moments nonetheless. Of course if you aren't into that sort of thing you can always laugh at Julia Roberts and another annoyingly slim woman trying to claim they have 'muffin tops'.
This film was beautifully filmed on location, as James previously mentioned. I found myself much more intrigued about what I can learn from the world and what there is 'out there' to see and discover, rather than looking inwards at myself to 'find my path in life'. It is a movie about self acceptance rather than self reflection; about forgiving yourself for what you have done (whether that be eating too many carbs or something more serious).
Overall despite the slow start it was well worth sticking with. The film really shines in the 'second act' which is mainly due to a fantastic performance by Richard Jenkins, which really solidified my affection for this story. I give this film {{{3.5 out of 5}}}
They said:
The fact that this film is based on a true story is what makes this film; the fact that the journey and discoveries Julia Roberts' character makes is achievable makes you connect with it more. It is shot on some amazing locations in Italy, India and Bali which will make you drool with envy and make you want to start saving for your next holiday now! We give this film {{{7.5 out of 10}}}
QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Showing posts with label Billy Crudup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Billy Crudup. Show all posts
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Double feature: Crime fighting!
Hot Fuzz (directed by Edgar Wright)
Watched Jan 12th
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Steve Coogan, Bill Nighy, Timothy Dalton, Martin Freeman, Bill Bailey, Steve Merchant and basically any British male actor you can think of.
Internet Movie Database Link
She said:
Despite being a cop film parody this film actually managed to depict quite an accurate portrayal of rural England. The creepy and quirky village people I have to say were comedically exaggerated into simple, set minded buffoons. The comedy mainly lies in the eccentric nature of the rural middle class and the alien nature of it to the London Metropolitan police officer.
In my opinion this film would have been better as a mystery/thriller parody than an action film parody as you see in the trailer. The contrast of action cliches is funny but I laughed more at the murder mystery plot and graphic gore which were played out in front of this idyllic West Country backdrop.
As is only natural, this film is compared to the Wright/Pegg/Frost debut Shaun of the Dead. Unlike a lot of people I did not prefer Hot Fuzz over Shaun. I felt the vision and presentation, as well as plot development were more thought out in Shaun. However saying this, I still think it was a fantastic follow up to what I class as one of Britain's funniest comedies.
If you like Peter Jackson-esque gore (Bad Taste) then you should see this film. If you don't understand parody then avoid it. I rate this film <<<3.5 out of 5>>>
He said: I think if anything this movies suffers from it's association with it better known cousin. Though I have seen this movie more than once previously when ever anyone suggests we watch it I am hesitant at first, there is this thought in the back of my head that it isn't as good as Shaun of the Dead. When in a lot of ways I feel this movie is superior to it. This film has an underlying joke of just how many British comedians they can introduce during the course of the story. There are action sequences that are taken from almost every action film you can think of with a lot of focus on Point Break and Bad Boys 2. I really enjoyed this film and can't think of any reason to tell you to avoid it... I give it {{{3.5 out of 5}}}
They said:
If you need a laugh, or just really want to laugh at action films and their subtle absurdity you should rent this film. If you don't understand parody then avoid it. ((((We give it 7 out of 10)))
Watchmen (Directed by Zack Snyder)
Watched Jan 14th
Starring: Billy Crudup, Malin Ackerman, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earl Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson.
Internet Movie Database link
She said:
Adapted from the biggest selling graphic novel of all time, Watchmen is a fascinating take of the world of superheroes. It was a clever mix of gritty realism, dystopian nightmares and hyperbolic cartoon-like idol. Set in an alternate 1980s where the Cold War is still raging, this is political, clever and tense.
In terms of cinematography and mood this film was a cross between Blade Runner and The Dark Knight. There are very few daytime scenes, and when they do appear it is a strange and unusual contrast to the darkness you became accustomed to. The framing has a panel comic quality and I am now intrigued to see the graphic novel to compare the shots.
The best thing about this film was the moral and political debates it raised. The superheroes of this film have been forced into hiding through claims of vigilantism. This viewpoint is contrasted against a 'for greater good' God-like ideology that is ever-relevant to 21st century political cultures.
To discuss all of the film's themes here in detail would take away the fun of watching it but they all appear to revolve around perception: masks and hidden identities, time and relativity, costumes and fetishism, love versus lust, etc.
I really do not want to give anything away about this film so I may write a spoilers review on my own blog at some point. With my film studies degree hat on have to give this film a <<<5 out of 5>>>
He said:
uh... yeah what she said....
I think one of the strengths of this film is that though they did stray from some vital plot lines of the graphic novel they kept the heart and over all feel of its story. If you aren't a giant Super hero film fan this movie may not appeal to you, but it is a great film. Having seen it multiple times, I founf myself trying to match characters to their D.C. Universe counterparts (Vertigo the Graphic Novel's Publishing company is a DC subsidiary.) I give this wonderful film {{{4.5 out of 5}}}
They said:
If don't mind a bit of gory violence and enjoy dystopian realities then this is the film for you. If you are a bit squeamish and try to avoid politics where possible then probably best to avoid it. We give this a combined rating of {{{{9.5 out of 10}}}}
Watched Jan 12th
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Steve Coogan, Bill Nighy, Timothy Dalton, Martin Freeman, Bill Bailey, Steve Merchant and basically any British male actor you can think of.
Internet Movie Database Link
She said:
Despite being a cop film parody this film actually managed to depict quite an accurate portrayal of rural England. The creepy and quirky village people I have to say were comedically exaggerated into simple, set minded buffoons. The comedy mainly lies in the eccentric nature of the rural middle class and the alien nature of it to the London Metropolitan police officer.
In my opinion this film would have been better as a mystery/thriller parody than an action film parody as you see in the trailer. The contrast of action cliches is funny but I laughed more at the murder mystery plot and graphic gore which were played out in front of this idyllic West Country backdrop.
As is only natural, this film is compared to the Wright/Pegg/Frost debut Shaun of the Dead. Unlike a lot of people I did not prefer Hot Fuzz over Shaun. I felt the vision and presentation, as well as plot development were more thought out in Shaun. However saying this, I still think it was a fantastic follow up to what I class as one of Britain's funniest comedies.
If you like Peter Jackson-esque gore (Bad Taste) then you should see this film. If you don't understand parody then avoid it. I rate this film <<<3.5 out of 5>>>
He said: I think if anything this movies suffers from it's association with it better known cousin. Though I have seen this movie more than once previously when ever anyone suggests we watch it I am hesitant at first, there is this thought in the back of my head that it isn't as good as Shaun of the Dead. When in a lot of ways I feel this movie is superior to it. This film has an underlying joke of just how many British comedians they can introduce during the course of the story. There are action sequences that are taken from almost every action film you can think of with a lot of focus on Point Break and Bad Boys 2. I really enjoyed this film and can't think of any reason to tell you to avoid it... I give it {{{3.5 out of 5}}}
They said:
If you need a laugh, or just really want to laugh at action films and their subtle absurdity you should rent this film. If you don't understand parody then avoid it. ((((We give it 7 out of 10)))
Watchmen (Directed by Zack Snyder)
Watched Jan 14th
Starring: Billy Crudup, Malin Ackerman, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earl Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson.
Internet Movie Database link
She said:
Adapted from the biggest selling graphic novel of all time, Watchmen is a fascinating take of the world of superheroes. It was a clever mix of gritty realism, dystopian nightmares and hyperbolic cartoon-like idol. Set in an alternate 1980s where the Cold War is still raging, this is political, clever and tense.
In terms of cinematography and mood this film was a cross between Blade Runner and The Dark Knight. There are very few daytime scenes, and when they do appear it is a strange and unusual contrast to the darkness you became accustomed to. The framing has a panel comic quality and I am now intrigued to see the graphic novel to compare the shots.
The best thing about this film was the moral and political debates it raised. The superheroes of this film have been forced into hiding through claims of vigilantism. This viewpoint is contrasted against a 'for greater good' God-like ideology that is ever-relevant to 21st century political cultures.
To discuss all of the film's themes here in detail would take away the fun of watching it but they all appear to revolve around perception: masks and hidden identities, time and relativity, costumes and fetishism, love versus lust, etc.
I really do not want to give anything away about this film so I may write a spoilers review on my own blog at some point. With my film studies degree hat on have to give this film a <<<5 out of 5>>>
He said:
uh... yeah what she said....
I think one of the strengths of this film is that though they did stray from some vital plot lines of the graphic novel they kept the heart and over all feel of its story. If you aren't a giant Super hero film fan this movie may not appeal to you, but it is a great film. Having seen it multiple times, I founf myself trying to match characters to their D.C. Universe counterparts (Vertigo the Graphic Novel's Publishing company is a DC subsidiary.) I give this wonderful film {{{4.5 out of 5}}}
They said:
If don't mind a bit of gory violence and enjoy dystopian realities then this is the film for you. If you are a bit squeamish and try to avoid politics where possible then probably best to avoid it. We give this a combined rating of {{{{9.5 out of 10}}}}
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