Tag: PaulRudd

Power Ballad

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Rick Power (Paul Rudd) gave up his budding rock star career when he met his wife Rachel (Marcella Plunkett) and had their daughter Aja (Beth Fallon). Now he works as a wedding singer. On one particular occasion he meets former boy band turned solo singer Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas) and the two bond during a late night jamming session. Six months later, Rick learns that Danny has turned one of his songs into the hit that saved his career and he didn’t receive any credit for it. Thus ensues a tumultuous journey where Rick will do whatever he can to get the recognition he knows he deserves.

You know sometimes when you see a trailer so many times it starts to grate on your nerves? That is what happened with Power Ballad. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to see it in the first place and then it literally played before every single film I watched between January and now. It truly seemed as if the entire storyline was featured in that two minute commercial and there would be no reason for me to see it for myself. Boy was I wrong.

I should have known this was going to be a hit for me. Director John Carney was the man behind Begin Again which just so happens to be one of my favorite films of all time. I put it on whenever I need cheering up and Lost Stars is such a perfect song. When I realized that this was the same person, I was won over. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that take place in the film, it is overall a heartwarming story that really resonated with me.

Rudd and Jonas were perfect as Rick and Danny. That sequence of them shooting the shit and writing music together was so fun to watch. They had such an easy dynamic going and even though things turned sour between them, you could tell that they each had their reasons and they still had some respect for one another. Another standout from the cast were Rick’s wedding band members. Sandy in particular, portrayed by Peter McDonald, was super as Rick’s best friend. I really liked their ride or die relationship.

The original songs were A+. We all know that Jonas can sing and he more than delivers here. Though Rudd had some help with his vocal work, I was still bopping along whenever he took the mike. How To Write A Song (Without You) has been stuck in my head ever since. I absolutely loved it.

I went into Power Ballad thinking it would be one thing and I came out having experienced something the complete opposite. It was that same feeling I had after watching Begin Again for the first time. Exploring themes of friendship, the price of ambition and self-respect, it is a film that I will be watching again and again for the years to come.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5

Death Of A Unicorn

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While on the way to a wilderness retreat in Canada, father and daughter Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Jenna Ortega) hit a unicorn. They put the creature in their car and bring it with them. The Leopolds, owners of a popular pharmaceutical company, want to use the unicorn for personal gain, but Ridley doesn’t feel good about that at all.

Going into this film mostly blind was the best way to do it. I also didn’t have high expectations and I really enjoyed myself. It’s not to be taken seriously whatsoever, but the hidden undertones do give it that something extra which I appreciated.

One of the main selling points here is the star studded cast. I wasn’t fully convinced by Rudd and Ortega as father and daughter though I do like them both individually. I’ve never seen Rudd play such a smarmy character before, but I think he was convincing enough (also how does this guy not age?!) Ortega plays emo well and I liked how she had that connection with the unicorns.

The Leopolds consisted of Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni and Will Poulter. I couldn’t say who was the worst of the bunch; they were all equally awful. Poulter really seemed to give it his all though and I found myself laughing out loud during the majority of his scenes.

This truly was the perfect blend of comedy and horror. Most of the jokes landed and the blood and gore was so over the top. I’ll admit that there were some moments where I had to close my eyes because of it and also because of the many jump scares but it all worked.

Overall, Death Of A Unicorn is a fun, campy film that is a guaranteed good time. With a fabulous cast and an interesting storyline, I’m glad I checked it out.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️



Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania

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Kicking off Phase Five comes the third entry in the Ant-Man franchise. Everybody’s favorite little guy Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is adjusting to life post Avengers superhero. When his daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) tampers with a machine that she is not supposed to, the whole family are sucked into the Quantum Realm. There, they not only come across a bunch of strange creatures, but must battle a new foe.

One of the reasons why we enjoy these movies is because they don’t take themselves too seriously. There’s plenty of jokes and quirky scenarios, but this time around, the pacing was different. With an uneven first half that took a bit too long to get going, the film has a heavy focus on science. As the science element is totally elevated, it would make sense for there to be more CGI than ever before and at times I felt like it was too over the top.

I liked how Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne was given more to do this time around. The whole plot centred around her and it was interesting to learn about her time stuck in the realm. Rudd was obviously back as the titular character and just as funny as ever. Also, how does this man not age? I don’t get it! I liked the addition of Newton as Cassie and look forward to seeing more of her in future films. As for Michael Douglas as Hank and Evangeline Lily as Hope, I was disappointed to see that they were sidelined. You’d think the latter, especially, would at least be featured more considering the fact that her name is in the film’s title. The standout for me, however, was Jonathan Majors as new big bad Kang. He was everything that I hoped he would be and while this film only served as a sort of introduction to his character, I am so excited to see what happens with him next.

Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania was not one of the strongest entries into the MCU, but it was an entertaining one nonetheless. There were too many special effects and I could have done without a particular side character who as tacky, cringey and added nothing to the story. Overall, I think it was a good enough set up for what’s to come.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5