Sense and Sensibility

When the Dashwoods are forced to move out of their family estate, they find solace in a humble cottage in the country. Three sisters Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones), Marianne (Esmee Creed-Miles) and Margaret (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) embark on a journey of love, heartbreak and self discovery while in their new surroundings.

Author Jane Austen has had her work adapted for the screen time and time again. Sense and Sensibility, on its own, has been made into three television series and two feature films! Sometimes these updated versions are unnecessary, but because I am a big Austen fan, I was curious to see director Georgia Oakley’s take on the classic.

I know I read the book, but this was a while ago now and I cannot remember much. It’s not one of the ones that I am overly familiar with and as a result I went into the film with a fresh pair of eyes. I felt like this was the best way to do it as well because I was able to fully immerse myself in this version of the film. I was worried it wouldn’t grip me or that I would find it difficult to follow though that wasn’t the case at all.

A good romance is supposed to make you feel absolutely everything. Butterflies in your stomach, sweaty palms and above all the hope that the characters you are rooting for will end up together. At the centre of the story is the relationship between Elinor and Edward Ferrars (George MacKay). The will they won’t they was enough to make me want to rip my hair out because I honestly did not know how they were going to end up. There’s just something so innocent about love during this time period that hits differently. Marianne, on the other hand, captured the heart of two suitors – Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum) and Willoughby (Frank Dillane). Her journey was the opposite of her older sister’s and it really made me feel sorry for her.

At the core of it all, however, is the depiction of sisterhood. While the film focuses more on the experiences of Elinor and Marianne, Margaret is still very much apart of the events that occur. Their bond is unlike any other and while they may disagree at times, they are always there for one another and really help build the other up in their time of need. I enjoyed the simpler scenes when Elinor and Marianne would be chatting in their bed chambers or when Elinor would spend time with Margaret in the fields close to their home.

Up until now, the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley was my favorite of Austen’s adaptions. I think that Sense and Sensibility has come very close to that. It really was beautifully done from its phenomenal casting choices (I mustn’t forget to mention Fiona Shaw’s scene stealing performance as Mrs. Jennings), to the breathtaking landscapes of the countryside and the sweeping score that really helped set the tone of the film. I know I was a bit late to the party with this one, but I am so glad I made time for it.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Twisters

The blockbuster hit of the summer has arrived with Twisters! Serving as a standalone sequel to the 1996 version of the same name, former storm chaser Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is lured back to Oklahoma by her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) after a tragedy. Out on the field they come across Tyler (Glen Powell), a social media superstar. First at odds, Kate and Tyler end up working together to figure out how to beat the twisters once and for all.

I’ve never seen the original film so I cannot compare it to this new version. What I can say is that I had a total blast! Right from the very beginning I was gripped with that hardcore opening sequence and that feeling didn’t go away until the credits started to roll. The storm sequences were heart pounding and constantly had me on the edge of my seat.

One of the main areas in which the film excels is in its cast. Edgar-Jones is someone I’ve enjoyed watching since Normal People and Where The Crawdads Sing. Now that she is in such a mainstream movie, she has proven that she can do anything. Ramos was perfect as Javi, a man who didn’t always do things for the right reasons, while Powell killed it as Tyler. Words cannot express how much I love that man; he is so incredibly charismatic and this douchebag character was so much fun! I also need to shoutout the players that made up Tyler’s team (Brandon Perea, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sasha Lane, Tunde Adebimpe and Katy O’Brien). They were fab and I would totally go storm hunting with them.

Something I didn’t expect was that the story, with all its crazy moments, had an emotional tone to it. The tragedy that occurs at the beginning comes back throughout the course of the film. It helped make the characters more realistic and multi-dimensional. I also liked the hints of romance between Kate and Tyler. It was never the full focus, but the way in which it was handled was really sweet.

I honestly did not think I was going to enjoy Twisters, but it’s certainly up there with one of my favorites of the year so far. With its action packed storm sequences, fabulous cast chemistry and emotional heart, this is the film of the summer that you don’t want to miss.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Where The Crawdads Sing

Known by others as ‘Marsh Girl’, Kya Clark (Daisy Edgar-Jones) was abandoned by her family as a child and had to grow up quickly as a result. When she comes across two young men (Taylor John Smith and Harris Dickinson) over the span of her life, she opens herself up to a world she never knew possible. But as one of them turns up dead, all fingers point are pointing at Kya.

Where The Crawdads Sing is based on the 2018 best seller by Delia Owens. Now considered to be quite controversial due to the author’s involvement in a real life murder case, there has been a lot of negative talk about the movie. That being said, I still wanted to see it as I did enjoy the novel and Reese Witherspoon’s production company was behind its creation.

The first thing that struck me about this movie was the way in which it was filmed. The locations, for starters, were absolutely breathtaking. I loved the aerial shots of the marshes and those of the various wildlife. It’s almost as if the marsh was its own individual character; it wasn’t at the forefront of the film, but you never forgot about it.

A simple story about a girl who just wants to find her place in the world, Daisy Edgar-Jones’s performance as Kya was outstanding. The vulnerability and simplicity that she brought to the role took my breath away. Every time I see her in something new, I am constantly impressed by her acting chops and can’t wait to see what she does next. As for her gentlemen counterparts, I preferred John Smith’s character more than Dickinson’s, though I suppose that is the point. I also enjoyed David Strathairn as Tom Milton, Michael Hyatt as Mabel and Sterling Macer Jr. as Jumpin’ all of who the film would not be complete without.

With major To Kill A Mockingbird vibes, Where The Crawdads Sing was a book to movie adaption that I have to admit was well executed. The main plot points were included and the few changes added made sense. This is the type of story that will sit with you long after you experience it and I know I’ll be playing Carolina by Taylor Swift on replay as a result.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Fresh

Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is fed up with dating. Believing she will never find the man of her dreams, when she happens upon Steve (Sebastian Stan) in a grocery store, she thinks her luck is changing. Not only is he a doctor, he’s charismatic, charming and very good looking. So, why shouldn’t she throw caution to the wind and go for it? When Steve suggests a trip away, Noa agrees, hoping it’ll bring the two of them closer together. What she doesn’t bargain for is just how much.

Directed by Mimi Cave, Fresh is one of the most refreshing movies I have seen in a long time. Just when you think you know where the film is going, you are forced to think again and re-access everything. With a witty script and an impending sense of dread through, I was kept on the edge of my seat all the way through.

The performances by our two leads are outstanding. Daisy Edgar-Jones is the heroine that you want to root for. I’m so glad that Daisy is getting more recognition. After starring in Normal People, it was clear that she’s got a bright future ahead. As for Sebastian Stan, I was completely blown away with what he brought to the table. It’s nice to see that he can branch away from the Marvel Universe into a completely different genre.

I don’t want to say too much about Fresh. It’s best if you go into this movie blind. I wouldn’t even watch the trailer. The less you know the better. I guarantee that the rollercoaster ride you embark on will be well worth it.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥