Tag: MovieBlog

Luck

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Sam Greenfield (Eva Noblezada) is the unluckiest girl in the world. Having grown up in the foster care system, she never found a forever family. Now that she is eighteen, it’s time for her to get her own place and find a job. On her first day, she wakes up late, locks herself in the bathroom, struggles with the toaster and notices that her bike has a flat tire. When she stumbles upon Bob (Simon Pegg), a talking cat, she is whisked away to the Land of Luck where she hopes to turn things around for herself.

From John Lasseter of Pixar and Disney comes Luck, the first title from Skydance Animation. While their aim is to tell entertaining stories that will capture the hearts of audiences everywhere, I have to say that their first venture didn’t hit the mark for me.

I appreciated how, despite her misfortunes, Sam was able to stay upbeat and how she put the needs of those around her before her own. While it didn’t seem very realistic to me (I’d get annoyed if I was in her position), her outlook on life was admirable for the most part. The cast of characters were also magical and full of fun. Simon Pegg, complete with a Scottish accent, was brilliant as Bob the cat. It was great hearing the voice talents of Jane Fonda as The Dragon, Whoopi Goldberg as The Captain and Colin O’Donoghue as Gerry and I enjoyed getting lost in the Land of Luck.

However, the film, overall, fell short for me. There was nothing exciting about the storyline and while predictability is not always a bad thing, I felt like the emotions that were supposed to come across here didn’t quite hit like they should have. Here I was, expecting the next Inside Out, and instead I was left yearning for more.

Luck may have some important messages at the end of the day, but that’s about it. Definitely aimed towards a younger audience, the film is fine for some casual viewing though I won’t be running back for a second watch anytime soon.

Rating: ♥♥

Bullet Train

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Ladybug (Brad Pitt) is an assassin who has been unlucky in his latest missions. Now he finds himself on a train going from Tokyo to Kyoto where all he wants to do is his job. What he doesn’t bargain for is the many other assassins that are traveling along with him, all for their own purposes. What started off as something seemingly easy turns out to be the complete opposite.

One of the summer’s hottest blockbusters, Bullet Train is an action adventure romp that doesn’t let up for one moment. It starts off with a bang and keeps going until the credits roll. The fight sequences, in particular, were entertaining and exciting. Sometimes it was as if they came from a comic book and while the gore was pretty graphic, it was executed in a way that made it funny.

Brad Pitt is one of the best actors of our generation and he knocked it out of the park as Ladybug. He carried the movie on his back and had great interactions with his fellow costars. Other standouts for me include Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry) and Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). They captured every scene they were in and made me laugh constantly. I wish we’d had more of them because they were just that good. And while we didn’t see much of her, I loved Sandra Bullock’s role as Maria, Ladybug’s handler.

The movie may have boasted even more well known names such as Joey King, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Bad Bunny, Logan Lerman and Zazie Beetz but they weren’t featured nearly as much as I would have liked. I guess that is one of the downsides of having such a large cast of characters. There were a couple here that we didn’t learn anything about which was a pity.

With bright neon lights and a killer soundtrack complete with Japanese covers of Stayin’ Alive and Holding Out For A Hero, Bullet Train sucked me into a thrilling adventure. There were a couple of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and while it was totally bonkers at times, I was able to let go and get lost in it.

Rating: ♥♥♥

Purple Hearts

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Cassie Salazar (Sofia Carson) and Luke Morrow (Nicholas Galitzine) couldn’t be more opposite from each other if they tried. Cassie, a singer/songwriter, works every odd job in order to afford her diabetes medicine while Luke has decided to enlist in the military after a stint in rehab. Deciding to get married solely for the benefits they would both receive, the two believe their arrangement won’t last for longer than a year. But when Luke is injured in battle, everything changes.

To think I almost missed out on this movie. I wasn’t expecting much from it because, you know, Netflix. Their films have been more miss lately than hit and I didn’t want to be disappointed. But I was in the mood for something romantic and this totally fit the bill. I have to say it actually exceeded my expectations in more ways than one and I’m still surprised over how much I liked it.

Carson and Galitzine shined together as the two leads. Their chemistry was palpable from their first scene in the bar and didn’t let up for one second. I liked how it was slow burn and how they really got to know each other before their feelings developed on a deeper level. The fake relationship trope was well done here, much to my delight.

While the film was predictable, I have to say that that didn’t deter my enjoyment of it. Sometimes it’s nice knowing that there will be a happy ending. It’s all about the journey that takes you there. I would have appreciated more in the final act, however. All the loose ends were tied up rather quickly and a bit too perfectly for my liking. There were certain conversations that should have been had, like between Cassie and her mother, that would have added a little more beef.

Overall, Purple Hearts was probably one of the biggest surprises I’ve had in a long time. I went into it not expecting anything and was really touched when it was done.

Rating: ♥♥♥.5

Not Okay

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From director Quinn Shephard comes the story of Danni Sanders (Zoey Deutch), an aspiring writer whose life is going nowhere fast. In order to boost her social media following, she decides to fake a trip to Paris. When a terrorist attack strikes while she is supposedly aboard, Danni’s lie takes on a world of its own. Suddenly everyone wants to be her friend, including influencer and trauma survivor Rowan (Mia Isaac), and her crush Colin (Dylan O’Brien) is showing interest in her. Danni’s newfound fame, however, is not all its cracked up to be.

I love everything and anything that Zoey Deutch touches. She tends to star in more offbeat films which I have always admired. I remember when I first heard about Not Okay. While Deutch once again knocked it out of the park, I have to say that because I had such high expectations, they weren’t exactly met.

What I did enjoy was the way in which social media was depicted throughout. I found myself nodding along to certain moments and cringing at others over how realistic it was to see Danni so reliant on her Instagram followers. I also thought it was a bold choice not to go with a happy ending; life doesn’t always tie everything together so neatly in a bow after all.

Unfortunately there were times when the pacing was slow and not much was happening. I also can’t say I liked any of the characters. While we were warned of Danni’s awful ways in the beginning, I still didn’t know how to feel about her. I also couldn’t get on board with O’Brien’s Colin who came across as a vapid fuckboy. If I had to choose, I’d say Rowan was the most tolerable because at least she was being true to herself from the beginning.

At the end of the day, I have to say that I expected more from Not Okay. I guess I should have known better. I built it up in my head for too long and ended up feeling slightly disappointed as a result.

Rating: ♥♥.5

Where The Crawdads Sing

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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: ♥♥♥♥

The Gray Man

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After uncovering top secret agency secrets from the CIA, agent Six (Ryan Gosling) finds himself on the run. With the help of Dani Miranda (Ana De Armas), he must escape time and time again from former agent Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans) who will stop at nothing until Six is dead.

Once upon a time, I used to look forward to action movies. They aren’t my favorite genre by any means, but as long as there is a good balance between the fight sequences, explosions and the overall storyline, I can usually get behind them. Unfortunately I cannot say that The Gray Man falls into this category. I was excited for this one too as it was set up by Netflix to be the next big summer blockbuster. Alas, it fell short.

The only good part about the film was a few of the cast members. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I saw Ryan Gosling in anything, so it was refreshing to have him back on my screen. I also loved seeing Ana De Armas again, who always brings her A game. While the movie boasted other large names such as Alfre Woodard, Regé-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton and Chris Evans, I have to say that they delivered less than stellar performances. I was stoked to hear that Page, Netflix protégé, was cast in something after Bridgerton. His scenes were lacklustre and his accent pretty terrible. And then there was Evans, who I am beginning to think is taking after Ryan Reynolds in that he plays himself. I liked seeing him portray a villain, although he was over the top and whiny. And what was up with that moustache?

I wish I could say the action itself was entertaining, but that would be a lie. There was way too much CGI and the fight scenes were repetitive, they just took place in different locations. I understand the purpose behind it and maybe it’s some people’s cup of tea. It just wasn’t mine. I wish there’d been more beef behind the scenes to make me care more about what was happening.

While The Gray Man seemed to be so very promising, I was massively let down by its execution. Sometimes, watching a movie for its stars is just not enough for me anymore.

Rating: ♥.5

Persuasion

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Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) has always been underestimated by her father Walter Elliot (Richard E. Grant) and sister Elizabeth (Yolanda Kettle). Believing they know best, they persuaded her not to marry the love of her life, Captain Frederick Wentworth, eight years ago. When Wentworth comes back into Anne’s life, however, sparks the internal struggle of moving forward with her life or giving him a second chance.

Loosely based off of Jane Austen’s final novel Persuasion, this adaption has sparked controversy with die hard fans. Over the years, there have been various versions of Austen’s work, particularly when it comes to Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility. While some have closely followed the source material (the Keira Knightley version of the former from 2005 rings a bell), others were a more modernized retelling (the now classic Clueless).

I, for one, was very much looking forward to this new version. I knew going into it that Netflix was giving it a new life and that was a welcome change. I liked the updated script and the fact that Anne interacted with the audience. It kept me totally invested in what was happening and like I was a part of the story too.

Dakota Johnson shined in the role of our protagonist. Her honesty and vulnerability was refreshing to watch. Another exceptional performance came from Mia McKenna-Bruce who played Anne’s younger sister Mary. Her spoiled brat ways could have come across as cringy but instead was anything but. I only wish the same could be said for the male leads. Cosmo Jarvis was fine, though nothing extraordinarily memorable and I wish we’d had more time with Henry Golding’s Mr. Elliot. He was brought it way too late in the game I almost didn’t see the point.

An Austen fan through and through, I was perfectly content with this new version of Persuasion. While it has been ages since I read the book, I was happy with it’s make over. It had everything I could have wanted: longing stares, witty banter, beautiful landscapes and stunning costumes that made me seriously question whether or not I was born in the correct century. Don’t let the negativity deter you – give this one a go!

Rating: ♥♥♥.5

Thor: Love and Thunder

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Our favorite God of Thunder is back in the latest instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Bidding farewell to the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) turns his attention to a new foe – Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale). With the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex girlfriend Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), they embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

The Thor movies have always been my favorites in the MCU. I think I like them so much because they tend not to take themselves too seriously and you know what what to expect. The newest addition boasted just that and I couldn’t wait to see what was in store.

I know I’m in the minority here, but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. With a vibrant color palette and a killer soundtrack, I felt like I was sucked into a cosmic universe. While I understand why people prefer a longer run time, I have to say that I prefer them shorter. My attention span isn’t what it used to be, so that was rather appreciated.

Gorr as a villain was brilliant. Bale’s portrayal was scary and haunting to the point where I wouldn’t want to see him standing over my bed in the middle of the night. The reintroduction of Jane was great as well and I loved seeing her become Mighty Thor. I only wish we’d had more scenes with both characters.

Overall, Thor: Love and Thunder was just what I was in the mood for. Wacky humor, crazy scenarios and out of this world fun. I cannot wait to see what will happen next.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

The Princess

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When a princess (Joey King) refuses to marry evil sociopath Julius (Dominic Cooper), she is kidnapped by his henchmen and locked in one of the towers of her father’s castle. As Julius plans on taking over the kingdom, the Princess must escape and save her people before it’s too late.

Hulu’s The Princess is an over the top action movie, so if that isn’t your thing, then I would stay clear. There isn’t much to the plot; instead the story moves forward with one fight sequence after another. Some of these are rather gory and can seem repetitive, but I have to commend Joey King for giving it her all here. As someone who has always wanted to star in an action flick, not only does she perform the majority of her stunts, she does them well too.

As for the rest of the cast, it was fun to see Dominic Cooper in the role of a bad guy. It seemed as if he was having a fun time with it. Other honorable mentions go to Olga Kurylenko as Julius’s accomplice Moira. She was completely ruthless. I also enjoyed the additions of Kristofer Kamiyasu as Khai and Veronica Ngo as Linh, both of who were important in The Princess’s combat training.

Overall, The Princess is an entertaining enough romp perfect to indulge in on a Sunday afternoon. The girl power atmosphere heightens the overall experience, but aside from that, it falls short.

Rating: ♥♥.5

Minions: The Rise of Gru

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Gru and the minions are back! This time around, Gru (Steve Carell) is almost twelve years old and has been practicing his evil ways. When supervillain supergroup The Vicious 6 stage a coup from leader Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin), Gru is invited to an interview. In a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself in the role of enemy number one. It is up to his trusty sidekicks Kevin, Stuart, Bob and newest Minion Otto (Pierre Coffin) to help him out.

Thanks to a two and a half year delay due to the pandemic, the follow up to the smash hit Minions has finally hit cinemas. I have to say it was well worth the wait! There is something about this franchise that is just so fresh and fun; it’s impossible not to enjoy yourself while watching.

With the stakes raised even higher this time around, we get to know a different side of Gru. The way in which Steve Carell voices this character has always been a treat, however, this time around was even better. We are also introduced to a couple of other newbies who I feel added an extra element to the story. I loved the addition of Michelle Yeoh’s Master Chow, who helped prepare Kevin, Stuart and Bob to fight against the bad guys, not to mention Taraji P. Henson as the incomparable Belle Bottom.

Hands down, though, the best part of this movie was, of course, the minions. These lovable yellow creatures are just so damn cute, I can’t decide if I want to own one or be one. Every single time they were on screen was a pure joy. I was close to tears from laughing so much at their antics.

Minions: The Rise of Gru is the animated film of the summer. It’s got action and adventure, with a little bit of heart thrown in. The soundtrack is great and the Easter eggs that are scattered throughout are a hoot if you’re a big fan!

Rating: ♥♥♥.5