Tag: Netflix

The Merry Gentlemen

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Netflix has been really delivering with their Christmas movie offerings this year! Up next on the rota is The Merry Gentlemen. Ashley (Britt Robertson) comes home with her tail between her legs after she’s let go from her job as a Jingle Belle. When she discovers that her parents’ (Michael Gross and Beth Broderick) performing venue is struggling, she decides to stage an all male revue. With the holidays coming up, she is hoping she’ll be able to raise enough money so that business woman Denise (Maria Canals-Barrera) doesn’t replace it with a juice bar.

When I heard that Chad Michael Murray was starring in a knock off version of Magic Mike, I thought sign me up! He’s been a heartthrob since his One Tree Hill days and though he’s not as prominent in the industry anymore, I still like seeing him on my screen. Robertson is someone else who I’ve been familiar with for a while having seen her in many TV shows and films growing up. While I didn’t totally buy the chemistry between the two, I did root for them by the end.

I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t completely invested in the film at the beginning. Though there was a short run time and it didn’t take too long for things to get to going, I would have liked a little bit more background on some of the characters or some extra scenes here and there to really make me care. Unlike Hot Frosty I didn’t feel like this one had much substance.

That being said, I was totally sold on the musical sequences. Another one of the members, Troy (Colt Prattes) has a dancing background and you could tell. I liked how each night was dedicated to a particular theme and it didn’t hurt that they were all good looking.

Overall, The Merry Gentlemen was a fun film. I think I was looking forward to it more than I actually ended up liking it, but that’s okay. It still provided me with the right amount of entertainment.

Rating: ♥️♥️

Hot Frosty

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Kathy (Lacey Chabert) is a recent widow who owns a diner and gets by with some help from her friends. When she accidentally brings a snowman to life, Kathy learns that maybe there’s a second chance at love after all. But Jack’s (Dustin Milligan) time is running out – it will take a Christmas miracle for the two to realize their feelings for one another.

It’s important to suspend belief while watching the film as the plot not exactly believable. That being said, once you go along with it, it’s actually a pretty cute story. I like how Kathy started as someone stuck in the past and then slowly seeing her open up again once Jack comes into the picture. The character development and the heavier subject matter helped ground the story more.

Chabert has starred in many Christmas romcoms. She’s got this easiness and charm about her that makes watching her so enjoyable. Milligan, on the other hand, went for it with his portrayal as Jack Snowman. The innocence he embodied added an extra playfulness to his budding relationship with Kathy on screen and I liked watching them together. I also need to give a nod to Joe Lo Truglio and Craig Robinson as Deputy Ed Schatz and Sheriff Nate Hunter respectively who provided many laughs. Having previously starred together on Brooklyn 99, you just know it’s going to be comedy gold.

Over the years, Netflix have become well known for the various titles they release around the festive season. Whether or not these films are anything to write home about is a different story, but I can never resist them. Hot Frosty was no exception. Luckily there was a little bit more meat to it this time around which I appreciated.

Rating: ♥️♥️.5

Emilia Pérez

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

From director Jacques Audiard comes a story centred around four women in Mexico City. When lawyer Rita Moro Castro (Zoe Saldana) is approached by a cartel boss named Manitas to help fake his death and take on the life he’s always wanted as a woman, it is an offer she can’t refuse. And so Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón) is born. Four years later, Emilia gets back in touch with Rita with a new mission: to reunite her with her wife Jessi (Selena Gomez) and their children.

After winning the Jury Prize and the Best Actress awards at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as receiving a nine minute standing ovation, I knew I had to check it out. Not only did it have an amazing cast, the fact that it was also a musical was something that interested me.

There’s a lot going on in the film. With many different genres ranging from crime to comedy to thriller to self-discovery, one might get lost amongst it all. It’s certainly an ambitious project, but I thought it was well executed for the most part. I couldn’t help but watch in awe as the events unfolded before me. The set up in particular was engrossing as well as the riveting final act when it all came together. Though the middle was a bit clunky, it was able to even itself out.

Where the film really excels is in its performances. Saldana shines as Rita. Her Spanish was impeccable and she had a lovely singing voice too. She was the glue that held the story together and I wouldn’t be surprised if she got some nominations come awards season. Gascón was a total force to be reckoned with. Not only did she portray the titular character, she also took on the role of Manitas which I thought was a brilliant choice. Her performance was both heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time. Gomez really impressed me here. I’m used to seeing her act in more comedic roles so this dramatic turn was welcoming. She also got to act and sing in Spanish which was new territory for her. I also can’t forget Adriana Paz who portrayed Epifanía Flores, a woman who becomes enamoured with Emilia. Her poignant delivery helped tie it all together.

Overall, Emilia Pérez is a film unlike any other. Because there is so much going on, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The performances are A+ and the exciting musical sequences, this has been one of my favorite film experiences of the year.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5

Time Cut

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Four students were murdered twenty years ago. Lucy’s (Madison Bailey) sister Summer (Antonia Gentry) was one of them. While she’s always tried to forge her own path, it’s clear that Lucy will never fill the void that Summer left behind. When she accidentally time travels, she has the chance to get to know the sister she never had. But uncovering the decades long mystery becomes difficult for if Lucy alters the timeline, she will cease to exist.

If you saw Prime’s Totally Killer from last year, then you know more or less what to expect from this film. The similarities are endless, but what I really enjoyed about Time Cut was the time period in which it was set. Being transported back to 2003 was such a nostalgia trip. Reliving the velour sweatsuits, platform flip flops, French tips and initial necklaces had me feeling like a preteen again. Throw in a banger of a soundtrack with tracks such as So Yesterday by Hilary Duff, Complicated by Avril Lavigne and All You Wanted by Michelle Branch and my heart was soaring.

The cast did a good job in their respective roles. I’ve been a fan of Bailey’s since the early days of Outer Banks and I am familiar with Gentry thanks to Ginny and Georgia. Seeing the two of them team up and as sisters was enjoyable. I felt like they had a natural chemistry. Griffin Gluck, who portrayed Quinn, was a welcome addition. I like how he helped the sisters track down the killer.

Though the film started off on the right foot, it seemed to lose its way around the midpoint mark. It started with a dip in which some scientific jargon had to be explained and then it didn’t really bounce back afterwards. I did have an inkling as to who the killer was and though I was proven right, it wasn’t in the way that I was expecting. The twist was certainly different, but ultimately confusing and could have been explained better.

Overall Time Cut is a fun little slasher flick that is perfect for this time of the year. I would have liked for it to be a bit more fleshed out and with some more gruesome kills, but the nostalgia trip alone made it worth watching.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Woman Of The Hour

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Based on a true story, Cheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick) is an aspiring actress who goes on the matchmaking TV show The Dating Game. Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), also known as bachelor number three, is the lucky winner. What nobody knows is that Alcala is a serial killer responsible for the death of many women.

I remember hearing about this ages ago so the fact that it is now out for the world to see is a treat. Kendrick, who not only stars in the film, also directs for the first time. I have to say that I was very impressed; the way in which she approached the subject matter was perfect. I can’t wait to see what else she ends up working on behind the camera in the hopefully near future.

The acting on display is nothing short of brilliant. Kendrick aside, we have Zovatto who was so amazingly creepy that I was very much convinced with his performance. He made you want to know more about him. Not only that, he was very charming and easily manipulative towards the women we see him come in contact with. I do wish we’d had more backstory about why he was the way he was though. The supporting cast of Tony Hale as Ed, the TV show host, Nicolette Robinson as Laura, a woman who had a previous brush with Alcala, and the various victims we were introduced to were all great additions. It was Autumn Best, however, whose portrayal of Amy, was pivotal to the story. The final act of the film had me on the edge of my seat.

Another aspect that I appreciated was the combination of pure seriousness one moment and the sudden change to something more light and comedic. I would be holding my breath during those tough scenes and then I would have to recalibrate my brain and shift gears. I truly believe that The Dating Game sequences are the best of the film, with great writing to boot.

Overall, Woman of the Hour was a captivating experience. I went into the film not knowing anything about it and found myself completely enthralled with what was unfolding in front of me. I hadn’t know anything about Rodney Alacala until that moment and learning about how horrible he was was eye opening. I recommend giving this one a go.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

His Three Daughters

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Three estranged sisters come together in the last days of their father’s life. They couldn’t be more different: Katie (Carrie Coon) who has been struggling to get through to her teenage daughter, Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) who is away from her child for the first time and Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) who has never left the apartment she shares with her dad. Being in such close quarters for the first time in years will surely bring up all sorts of emotions.

I always like it when a film takes place in one location. It makes me feel like I’m watching a play. Not only that, but it really makes the overall atmosphere more intimate than usual because its focus is on a few select players. The father’s apartment holds a different meaning for each of the sisters though that doesn’t make it any less important. The only time the setting shifts is when we see the park and that in itself just feels like an extension.

Each actor delivers an impressive performance. They know these characters well and the way in which they work off each other was enjoyable to watch. Coon drove me crazy at times with her controlling ways, but I could also emphasize because as the eldest daughter she obviously felt like she had the most responsibility. Olsen was the peacemaker; I appreciated her efforts to mend the bridge between Coon’s Katie and Lyonne’s Rachel. Speaking of Lyonne, I’ve never seen her in such a role before. Her fear of a life without her father was so relatable. I think she was my favorite.

One of the downfalls for me was that sometimes the arguments would be solved too quickly. I would have liked more time in between for the dust to settle. I do understand these time constraints, however. In addition, there was a choice made in the final act that I didn’t completely agree with. It would have been more impactful if they had left it out entirely.

Overall, His Three Daughters was a realistic depiction of a family going through tragedy. With plenty of dramatic moments, there were also had some hopeful ones that perfectly balanced everything out. I’m not sure if it’s a film I’ll be revisiting anytime soon, but it is one that I’m glad I watched.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

A Family Affair

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

In Netflix’s newest romantic comedy offering, Zara Ford (Joey King) works for movie superstar Chris Cole (Zac Efron) who is the worst boss ever. By a twist of fate, Chris strikes up a relationship with Zara’s mother Brooke (Nicole Kidman).

This is not the first time we’ve seen a relationship blossom between an older woman and a younger man. I liked how this time around the age factor wasn’t the focal point of the story. Instead the audience is invited into the worlds of these characters as they embark on a journey of self discovery. Of course some hijinks ensue. There are some laugh out loud moments and one in particular that had my husband reaching for the remote to rewind it and watch it again.

At the core is a heartfelt story about finding yourself and growing up. Sure Chris and Brooke form the central romance, but I really liked the depiction of the mother daughter relationship between Zara and Brooke and that of Brooke and her mother in law Leila (Kathy Bates). It really helped tie it all together for me.

The cast was what definitely made the film. King, although a bit whiny at times, was relatable as the lead. Efron proves he’s still a heartthrob and Kidman is as lovely and beautiful as ever. At first I didn’t buy their chemistry, but I have to say that it did eventually win me over. The fact that they got Bates for the grandmother was genius and we can’t leave out the supporting cast of Liza Koshy and Sherry Cola as Zara friends Eugenie and Stella.

Overall, A Family Affair may not add anything new to the genre, but it is a perfectly fine flick with something everyone can enjoy. Thanks to the star studded cast and the emotional material it left me feeling satisfied.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Hit Man

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

From director Richard Linklater comes a caper full of twists and turns that is a guaranteed good time! Gary Johnson (Glen Powell) is a college psychology professor who also moonlights as a hit man for the New Orleans police. When he breaks protocol to help Madison (Adria Arjona), a woman who is trying to leave her abusive husband, the two lives that he has worked so hard to keep separate suddenly blur together.

Powell is hands down one of the best actors around right now. He has been on a steady incline and I’m sure he will only keep getting better. This role solidifies him as a bona fide star. The different personas that he dons while dealing with different clients just got better and better; I couldn’t decide which one was my favorite! Arjona, who I was not previously familiar with, holds her own against Powell. Their chemistry is electric and full of passion and I couldn’t help but swoon when they were on screen together.

I have to admit that there were some pacing issues throughout the film. It seemed as though a lot of time passed until things really started to happen. I didn’t mind the slow burn because I feel like the payoff was worth it, but I can imagine that other people would have expected more. Once the twists kept coming however, they didn’t stop. I do think that they tried to pack so much in that the ending was abrupt as a result.

Hit Man is a film with something for everyone to enjoy. The fact that it is based on true events is pretty cool! Having the chance to join Gary on his adventures and never knowing what to expect was a great way to spend a Friday night.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Scoop

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

In 2019, the world watched as journalist Emily Maitlis sat with Prince Andrew to discuss his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. So many people tuned in to the interview that eventually led to Andrew being stripped of his royal duties. Now Netflix has brought us a recounting of what happened.

I actually did not see the original interview, though I did hear about all of its ins and outs. This sequence in the film was certainly the highlight. Everything was building up to it and I thought that it was done very well; it seemed incredibly realistic. I wish that there had been more focus on the interview and the aftermath of it instead of so much build up. Some plot points didn’t seem necessary and were only there for dramatization purposes.

The cast choices were bang on. Gillian Anderson was a force as Maitlis. Her character took centre stage later on, but once she was at the forefront, she completely excelled. Rufus Sewell looked so much like Prince Andrew it was scary. He had the mannerisms down pat too. Keeley Hawes was ever so dedicated as Prince Andrew’s private secretary, not willing to believe he could be at fault for anything and Romola Garai helped bring it all together as fellow journalist Esme Wren. It was Billie Piper as Sam McAlister, however, who shined the brightest of all. Not only did she break the story, she the real life Sam wrote the book that the film is based on.

Adapting a real life news story like this is no easy feat. Similar projects like Bombshell and She Said paved the way for Scoop and I feel like it was mostly enjoyable. It’s natural to add some padding for entertainment’s sake, but I wish there’d been just that something more to completely hold my attention.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

The Beautiful Game

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

A football team led by their coach Mal (Bill Nighy), travel from London to Rome to compete in the Homeless World Cup. A last minute addition is former semi-professional Vinny Walker (Michael Ward) who has a chip on his shoulder, but a great set of skills. He soon learns that he will have to confront his past in order to help the team and move on with his own life.

I think what makes this movie so compelling is the fact that it is based on true events. The Homeless World Cup is a real life football competition that takes place annually. It gives opportunity to those who may not otherwise have it . And while the stories of our characters may be fabricated, I really enjoyed seeing how these countries banded together over the love of a game.

Nighy is a world class actor who has tackled many different roles throughout his career. He was the perfect choice for the England team coach. The way in which he mentored these men who had once lost their way was really lovely to see. His relationships with each team member (Callum Scott Howells, Tom Vaughn-Lawlor, Sheyi Cole, Kit Young and Robin Nazari) were special in their own way – he was like a father figure to them. I have to say that this is very much Ward’s movie, however. He gave a convincing performance as the jilted football star and while at times it was starting to get old, it was also necessary to the plot.

The match scenes were a joy to watch. They were filled with so much energy and excitement, which is normal for a football game, but this time around felt different. You could tell that this Cup meant so much to these characters and that just added to my overall enjoyment of the film. There were so many moments where I couldn’t decide which team I wanted to win!

I really liked The Beautiful Game. A feel good story at its core, it makes you appreciate the little things in life. There were various moments throughout where I had tears in my eyes because it really touched me and that wasn’t something I was expecting. I highly recommend checking out this wholesome film over this Easter holiday weekend.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️