Tag: EizaGonzalez

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice

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For many years, Mike (James Marsden) and Nick (Vince Vaughn) have had each other’s backs as friends and as colleagues. But when something goes awry during one of their jobs, Nick uses a time machine to go back to before the scene of the crime to change the future.

Sometimes you just need to leave your expectations at the door and put on a film that is pure entertainment. After a long week at work, that is exactly what I wanted for a cozy Friday night in. I didn’t know much about Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice except that it was part time travel, part buddy comedy and park mob action flick. The cast were also a selling point so I figured why not? It was definitely better than I thought it was going to be.

I love a good time travel plot line and while I understand why this was integrated in the film, I have to wonder if it was entirely necessary. It had been set up to be a huge deal and in the end it was just a detail to go with everything else that was happening. Had they fleshed out this particular aspect more, I think it really would have tightened up those loose ends.

The cast are all fabulous and were what made the film watching. I have been a fan of Marsden since he starred in Hairspray; he is such a dynamic actor who approaches each role with everything he’s got. Vaughn typically plays the same type of characters, but I did enjoy his portrayal of two versions of the same person. They were different enough to decipher who was who and really added to the comedy. Eiza Gonzalez starred as Alice, Nick’s wife, who just so happens to be having an affair with Mike. I loved how even though she was swept up in the drama, she tried to help out instead of sitting back and acting like a damsel in distress. Keith David was enjoyable as shady boss Sosa while Jimmy Tatro, who played his son Jimmy Boy, was a big scene stealer.

We’ve seen plenty of similar storyolines before so it’s not trying to reinvent the genre by any means. But where it exceeds is in its comedy and action sequences. There are some genuinely funny moments throughout that had me laughing out loud. I also thought that the action was exciting. That final fight scene was particularly amusing and thanks to a killer soundtrack, it all just came together.

Overall Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is the perfect film for a quiet night in. It’s not perfect, nor does it entirely make sense, but it is highly entertaining and that was all that mattered. I’m glad I gave it a go.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Fountain Of Youth

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From director Guy Ritchie comes a new swashbuckling adventure. Luke (John Krasinski) and Charlotte Purdue (Natalie Portman) are estranged siblings who team up to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. Together with their team of misfits, they travel all over the globe finding clues that will help them in their quest.

If Indiana Jones and National Treasure had a baby, it would be this. It was a total throwback to the action films of yesteryear and I was so here for it. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was a blast from beginning to end and I just couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Krasinski did a great job as our protagonist. I’ve heard some people say that he was miscast though I don’t agree. Not only was he hilarious, it was obvious that he was enjoying himself to the fullest. I felt similarly about Portman. I liked their banter and thought that they easily passed as brother and sister.

The supporting cast were equally as fun. Laz Alonso and Carmen Ejogo were Patrick Murphy and Deb McCall respectively; the team wouldn’t have been complete without them. Domhnall Gleeson was Owen Carver, the reason why the team decided to go and search for the Fountain of Youth in the first place, and Benjamin Chivers was Thomas, Charlotte’s son who comes along on the journey. With every adventure there are always some obstacles that get in the way. These come in the form of Eiza Gonzalez as Esme, a protector of the Fountain, and Arian Moayed as Jamal Abbas, a police officer who tries to keep up with everyone.

Where the film lacks is in its script. It’s corny and doesn’t quite pack the punch that it otherwise could have. It makes up for all that with the action sequences and there are plenty! I particularly fancied the scene that took place on the sunken ship. I just thought it was so well done.

Overall, Fountain of Youth is exactly the type of action adventure film that I love. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and instead just totally leans into itself. It’s fun, over the top and it is a great way to spend a Friday night in. I would 100% be on board for a sequel.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

I Care A Lot

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I didn’t know what to expect from I Care A Lot. All I knew was everyone and their mother was talking about how amazing Rosamund Pike’s performance in it was. Frankly that was enough to gauge my interest. What I didn’t bargain for were the emotions this film took me on. I was gripped from the get go and can’t get over how eye opening it was at the same time.

Marla Greyson (Rosamund Pike) is a legal guardian who always gets off scot-free when she screws over her clients. Up until now she and her partner – in crime and in life – Fran (Eiza Gonzalez) have never had any problems. When Marla decides to target Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), however, she lands herself in hot water. Jennifer’s son Roman (Peter Dinklage) is a powerful gangster who will stop at nothing to make sure his mother is safe.

This movie is pegged as a comedy thriller and I definitely agree with that. At times it seems as though the comedic aspects don’t quite fit in, but I am glad that they are there because it is a nice balance to the darker nature of the story.

To reiterate what everyone has said about Rosamund Pike’s performance, I do believe that this is one of her best yet. We may not see her in a lot of projects, though when we do, she always gives 110% to whatever the role is. In some ways, I like how the character of Marla has been compared to Amy Dunne from Gone Girl. They are both conniving, ruthless and badass. I definitely think that Rosamund’s Golden Globe nomination is well deserved. In addition, the rest of the cast are brilliant too.

I think that what struck me the most about I Care A Lot is that it is based on true events. Being an elderly person in the United States is no easy feat these days because people really do pose as legal guardians in hopes of getting money. On top of this being eye opening, it was also educational and kind of scary.

I Care A Lot was a surprise for me. The fact that it was unlike what I was expecting it to be in the best way possible was just a bonus. It took me on a rollercoaster journey and I really loved every moment of it.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥