Recently we have had an epidemic of films that focus on three things, 1. having as much fun as possible doing as many ridiculous things in one night 2. Drinking more than you can physically handle and 3. getting girls. I have no problem with films that stem from these factors for example Superbad, Project X and The Hangover. They are highly entertaining and hard to match on the humour scale. I believe these films reach a very profitable target audience which is why yet another similarly themed film has hit our screens again.
I found many parts of this film to be funny - the banter between the three of them is natural but it doesn't quite level up to the predecessors within this genre.
This is a good effort, a decent film but very similar to what has been out before - watch it if you enjoy these types of films as it does not disappoint and do not take it too seriously - it's a bit of college fun with a slight twist. I like the frat party scenes and the pre-drunk section where the boys are entering every club that has ever 'carded' them and refused them entry - I know we have all been there before!
''When you develop an infatuation for someone you always find a reason to believe that this is exactly the person for you. It doesn't need to be a good reason. Taking photographs of the night sky, for example. Now, in the long run, that's just the kind of dumb, irritating habit that would cause you to split up. But in the haze of infatuation, it's just what you've been searching for all these years''
Pappadopoulos & Sons is a great, heart warming and valid film that depicts some of the realities of our modern Greek/Cypriot society. It addresses key points about our values, morals, successes and our failures. As a community it highlights our long standing community spirit and how, no matter what, we will be there for each other.
This transcends into the actual advertising for the film as the director Marcus Markou self distributed the film and the support was fantastic, showing how we value the progression of our fellow Greeks.
The film stars Stephen Dillane as 'Harry' - the millionaire gone bust and he is just a treat! Playing the almost self loathing Greek - as far away from a traditional Greek man and Father as you can get - but he pulls it all together at the end, realising that 'Success is the joy you feel'.
Georges Corraface is brilliant as the lovable 'Uncle Spiros' and he really reminds me of one of my relatives! It's all about dancing, having fun and appreciating the little that you have - my motto always. I like the fact that this film highlights the great potential we all have to start from scratch if we have to - and that a good entrepreneur will always land on his/her feet.
It is full of optimism beneath some sad scenes, the audience's response was a positive one in the cinema last night and I know that there are more great things to come from Markou. He is self motivated and can clearly make a cinema worthy film off his own back! Hollywood - who needs them when you have the backing of the Greeks!
Check out the trailer and take a trip to your local Cineworld, it may only be on our screens for a short while. Below are the details of where you can book to see the film. Let me know your comments below.
I will be mentioning this on LGR next Saturday - especially since Vasilis Panyayi (producer/programme organiser/presenter on LGR) had a guest role in this film which suprised me no end!
Love this image of Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg in the film Basketball Diaries (1995). One of my favourite films of DiCaprio's and a must watch if you are a fan or not. Both actors are great in this film and there are some powerful scenes here - tear jerkers for sure!
Plot: Inventor Andrew sets upon a cross-country journey to pitch his cleaning invention to high end buyers but invites his single Mother for the ride to introduce her to an old flame. Along the way both Mother and Son learn to tolerate each others annoying habits and Andrew eventually benefits from his Mothers wisdom.
The Guilt Trip appears to be a very light hearted, predictable film but in fact it surprised me by being funny, heart warming and entertaining. Rogan and Streisand have great chemistry and fit well as a Mother-Son duo. I really enjoyed watching Streisand on screen - she has an air of authority and grace with great comedic skill. Rogan is always a favourite for me, very likable and charming but he is outshone by his co-star in this film.
I just wanted to update that I am now working as an assistant every Saturday at LGR - London Greek Radio 103.3FM. I assist with researching for the film segment as well as with interviews and then I present the Top 5 Films/Musicals for the week from 3.30-4pm every Saturday!
With over 300,000 listeners, this radio station caters to all Greek and non Greek listeners with a mixture of music, interviews and spoken in both English and Greek.
Hope you can listen in and here my slot! Let me know in the comment box if you do get a chance to hear me and let me know what you think!
Django Unchained has a rating (18) and rightly so, directed by Tarantino so you can expect a lot of unnecessary bloodshed. To be honest, it is a far too lengthy and self indulgent film from him. The actors of this film - Jamie Foxx (Django), Lenorado DiCaprio (Calvin Candie) and especially Christoph Waltz (Dr. King Schultz) really make this film entertaining. Set in pre-civil war America this films western flair does have it's good and bad points.
The topic is a sensitive one but it is delivered with wit and humour, so I have to give Taratino some credit for his dialogue and plot. Many have said this film is the 'best' they have ever seen and although it is a good film, it is far too repetitive regarding the rescuing of Django's wife from the plantation. The film could have ended a whole 45 mintures before it did!
Leo plays the vile character of Candie - the plantation owner extremely well and Foxx is a great hero, while Waltz is superb at being the sympathetic and humorous bounty hunter. There are some truly funny parts of the film mixed with serious elements of slavery, I think it is balanced well and it really is a good action film as well. There are some good and realistic fight scenes and I find the way Dr King always ties up his killing with a warrant for the person dead or alive to be a funny touch.
I think it is a good but overrated film. I did find myself checking my watch and I never do that in DiCaprio films! I recommend it but I wouldn't say highly. I will watch it again as maybe sitting in the cinema with my butt going numb was a downside for me! When I get a second viewing I will be adding to this!
Thumbs to the side people! Let me know your comments!
Well this was a real treat for me! I am a massive Arnie fan so watching this was a no brainer! I love the cheesy lines and the slightly unbelievable action sequences considering his age! However this film hits all the right spots. Arnie has not been defeated by his age but has come to terms with it by still holding his ground as one of the top action hero's while still maintaining a realistic edge.
This film has romance, action, more action and guns! What more could you ask for? I like the storyline of a highly dangerous drug cartel crossing the small town in his massive escape route to the Mexican Boarder to be faced with an unlikely team of misfits who come together to defend their Town. I also like the slight dig at the FBI who couldn't manage to stop the gangster while the small town of Sommerton had no problem!
What I love about Schwarzenegger films is the fact that you always come away from them remembering a tag line or a quote and this film does deliver:
''We are not going to let that guy come through our town without a fight''
My only niggling issue is the fact that Eduardo Noregia who played this ruthless drug cartel (Gabriel) is not really scary enough. He is very small and kind of cringey in his mannerisms (when trying to act tough) so I wish we had a better villain to fear! I fully enjoyed the fight scene at the end, as he showed some expert fighting moves but he was no match - seriously I felt like jumping in!
Good film, Great action sequences but not a tough enough cartel to take on Arnie!
I really enjoyed this film, watched it last night for the first time and I was in awe at how Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio played the inverse of their characters in Titanic (1997) 11 years ago. This is the only film since then that they have acted alongside each other. Fantastic portrayal of the breakdown of a relationship and of love. It was a whole different perspective of the pair and it really hits a nerve with me. Brilliant film but such a shame Leo didn't win the award for Best Actor here as his performance was top class.
This film is UNREAL! I knew from the moment I saw the poster that I was going to love it. It has everything, from romance to violence with a true story element and Mob bosses! It is set in 1949 when Mickey Cohen was at the height of his reign in LA and focuses on a secret police force set up to tear down his ruthless campaign to take over.
Every character is flawless in this film, excellent casting and great acting. Sean Penn as Cohen is effortless, he captures the cruel essence very well. I was really impressed by this line up but even more impressed with the delivery of their work. Each character is believable in the role and within that era. Emma Stone is on point as the sexy red-headed vixen and really shines in this film for me as a supporting actress, she has come a long way since Superbad as the lovely girl-next-door. Ryan Gosling is charismatic and easy to watch on screen, previously I have found him quite an introverted actor so it was a nice change. I could go on but to be honest I enjoyed every aspect of this film from the script, the cinematography and the casting.
I think this is the best film I have seen since Lawless and appeals to anyone who loves a good Gangster flick. It could have done with a little bit more violence, an 18 rating maybe as I felt parts were a little tame.
Firstly, I am going to state outright that I am not the biggest fan of the Bond films (I know a lot my loyal readers will gasp at this comment) but for some reason it has never really rocked my boat. I am partial to the ones starring Sean Connery as I feel he epitomises the real action man! He is charming and suave as well as being a believable tough guy!
However I have never found the more recent ones (starring Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig) to be that thrilling. To be honest I prefer Pierce (look at me on first name basis like I know the guy), as at least I can see what would attract the ladies to him but Daniel Craig....really? I literally can only think they chose him for the role because he comes across as tough with a good set of abs. I know I will get some kind of backlash for this but I just don't like him as Bond...I find him boring, barely charming and just a drip.
Back to the actual film, I did like the action sequences but I found it a little bit long winded. It seemed to last for a Century and I found myself getting a bit confused (and a little sleepy). I also found out consequently that this film has been rated 2nd in the 2012 Movie Releases with the most mistakes (moviemistakes.com) with a total of 35 errors ... no wonder I was confused!
If you are a lover of the Bond franchise then of course, you have to see the 23rd instalment but for me, it is a little bit overly stretched now!
Let me know your opinion of the film in the comments below!
Stuck for something to see at the flicks this week? Not too sure if a three hour film about some Hobbit you thought you had left behind in Lord of the Rings is the one for you (no offence but I am kind of anti-fantasty in some respects)? Well Jack Reacher is an easy choice as it combines all the great things that make a good film with one of the great action stars who is now doing a role suited to his age yet still a badass (a short bad ass but a badass none the less).
What a film! Tom Cruise is believable and it has a great action/comedy mix! I really enjoyed trying to figure out who was behind the crimes and it had some great acting to boot! Good casting and a sound storyline.
In light of the upcoming film based on the late filmmaker Hitchcock I thought it would be fitting to have one of his many quotes! He is one of my favourite director's of all time! Below is the trailer to the biography film of Hitchcock (12A)
I decided to stick on a film, one that would satisfy my urge to be intrigued, to laugh and to cry. I chose a film I had seen previously because I know what I am getting myself into - Cast Away.
For starters, what other actor can you sit and watch for the majority of a film, alone on an island? Ninety percent of the film is of Tom Hanks himself and boy, does he know how to hold a film. He makes me laugh when he is discovering how to survive on the island and can make me cry when expressing his loss of his ex-lover Kelly for the second time.
The film itself touches upon human behaviour, survival instinct, love, determination and adaptability. It has so many factors it is hard to find a flaw in this film.
My favourite aspect of the film is Chuck's yearning for a companion when he is stranded on the island. The fact is, it is human nature to set up home, a comfortable setting that puts you at ease and it is that same nature that requires us to stay sane by finding a way to communicate, even on an inhabitable island. Wilson (the ball with the blood hand-print for a face) is Chuck's sanity and companionship. It is his reason for surviving four years and his escape from the island. Wilson is his best friend.
The scene where Chuck has to choose between his raft and Wilson is painstaking as you feel his anguish in making this decision. Wilson helped him in so many ways but he knew what he had to do to ensure his survival.
Another great scene from the film is when Kelly runs back to Chuck and tells him he is the love of her life. However she chooses her husband and child over Chuck. This scene makes me cry so much because Chuck waited four years to see Kelly and in that time he used her as a reason to carry on living and breathing. She was his hope mechanism that ensured his survival (along with the enigmatic Wilson). She had moved on and he had lost her all over again.
You really want her to just ditch her new life and run away with Chuck but as an adult she made a painful but mature decision. I am a romantic and would say 'screw that' and take my child and run but hey, that's just me! I like to follow my heart and hate smart decisions!
''I've lost her all over again. I'm so sad that I don't have Kelly. But I'm so grateful that she was with me on that island. And I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?''
Beautiful film with everything you could want. I can watch this film hundreds of times and still feel the same about it. Tom Hanks is a truly great actor and worthy of my Top 10 Actors of all time, especially thanks to this film. He dedicated himself to the role by gaining weight to film the first half of the film and then taking a year to grow his hair and beard and lose weight to add authenticity to the role. He went back to looking like a young Tom Hanks in Big (1988).
This film will always get a thumbs up from me and although this is not a new release I will rate it an 9/10. Great viewing, over and over again!
Plot: The high school friends reunite for a reunion arranged by John, one of the MILF duo. They all meet up to re-live their high school days even though their lives have changed. Oz is a sports presenter with a narcissistic girlfriend, Jim is married to Michelle with a son but experiencing problems in the bedroom and Kevin is happily married and working from home while Finch is a world traveller supposedly. Stifler is the most unchanged of the guys, working as a temp and just wanting his old high school life back. They all find themselves getting into the same old mischief they used to get themselves into but with older heads on their shoulders and realise that even after all this time, their friendship has stood the test of time.
Trailer:
When I saw the poster for the newest and potentially last instalment of American Pie - Reunion, I was so glad to see all the cast back in the game! The first two films are the epitome of my teenage years and were the first films that I watched that had the laughs and the sex that made us all cringe and cry with laughter at the same time. So needless to say, I made my way to the cinema the same weekend it was released and I was impressed.
Firstly the opening scene did not disappoint. You see good old Jim and Michelle not failing to entertain us with their self-penetration antics! I love the song choice of R Kelly - Bump and Grind to set the mood for Jim before his son interrupts with seriously painful repercussions! I felt all the guy's pain in the audience!
This set the bar for the rest of the film. I was pleasantly surprised that throughout I was kept on my toes and laughing. The film is based around the idea of the school reunion set up by John (John Cho) who was one of the original MILF guys who had a thing for Stifler's Mom. I love the fact that even the secondary actor's are from the original cast and even their story lines are taken into consideration, as MILF guy number one was nowhere to be seen as a fight between them was implied.
Jim's Dad is always the highlight of the film with his cringe Father-Son chats but as he is now a widower he is more dependent on Jim but he has to juggle a sexually frustrated wife, a lonely Father and reuniting with his old school friends.
The reunion reminds the guys how much they have all changed and a piece of them wants to go back to their old days. They feel old entering their town and have to face the facts that growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be. They go to a beach party for Jim's neighbour who has a massive crush on him and he is forced to take her home drunk which leads the boys to have a night just like the old days.
This night also brings up Kevin's old feelings for Vicky and makes Oz re-think his relationship with his girlfriend as he sees Heather again. Stifler is still up to his old tricks and is always the life and soul of the party, even if the group tend to make him the outsider.
For me, the best part of the film is Stifler's sophisticated party that was meant to make everyone reminisce about the old days but just shows them how old they all are 13 years on from high school. I like the fact that Stifler's Mom is still hot but this time she has her sights set on Jim's Dad, so some happiness has come from the party.
The film ties up loose ends and reconnects a lot of old story lines which is what makes it a perfect end to the reign of American Pie. You see Stifler stand up for himself and finally be accepted by the group, Jim and Michelle reconnect where it all began, Oz get his girl and Finch come clean and own up to his typical 9-5 life. Most of all, the cherry on top, is when Stifler gets his own back on Finch and the MILF duo reunite!
The film shows you how good friendships will always last and even though you change and things can never be like they were at high school, you can still keep the original bond and be friends until the end.
My view: A good end (if it is even the end, I feel this should be the end as it is tied up nicely) to a brilliant set of teenage comedy films. The characters still have their great chemistry which is what the film thrives on. I would have liked a little bit more involvement from Vicky as she is just left single and not much else is said! I just hope there are no more spin-offs like American Pie - Band Camp as the original cast are what makes these films so successful and entertaining. Leave it to the professionals!
Sorry for the lateness in this post but I have had work commitments that made me put this post on the back seat! But never fear, the post is now here and I hope you enjoy this review!
Plot: This biographical film focuses on the life and work of J.Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI. It examines his personal life that he kept hidden as this exposure could have ruined his career developments. It explores the difficulties this bureau had in it's beginnings in 1935. It highlights the impact J.Edgar had in developing the technologies we are now familiar with in today's society i.e. finger printing but his controversial actions in and out of office were what made him a figure to be remembered.
Trailer:
J.Edgar for me was an utter joy to watch. Many who know I have an obsession with Leonardo DiCaprio will assume it is just because he is the leading man but alas, my thoughts on this film stem deeper than that alone. I loved this film because it not only gave me an understanding of a historical figure but also because it gave me and insight into his personal life and allowed DiCaprio to fully engross himself in this character's troubled life.
This film highlights the career of a great yet controversial man who was the founder of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and remained the director until his death in 1972.Through this time he battled his conflicting personal life and this film beautifully exposes the stigma and trauma he must of experienced.
DiCaprio really submerged himself into playing J.Edgar which is what makes him a great actor. He had the accent, the ticks and the subtle looks that made the homosexual element of this film not too obvious yet just about readable before it was made apparent.
The three main influential figures in J.Edgar's life were his Mother, played by Judi Dench, Clyde Tolson, his right hand man and Helen Gandy, his secretary. All three impacted his life and decisions in various ways and made him the man he became.
His loving Mother wanted him to always remain strong and not let anyone walk over him in his career. He took her words very seriously and always wanted to please her. When she knew his feelings towards men were not what she had expected, she defiantly said she would not want a 'daffodil' for a son which he took on board until her death, where he had a brief meltdown in her closet! Dench played this role to perfection, as expected. She was strong yet vulnerable towards her later years but never let her guard down when it came to her sons inner yearnings.
Her words rung through his mind and stopped him from fully expressing his adoration and love for Clyde but there was one emotional scene where he does expose his weakness for him. On a vacation the two spend together the love between them is explored after a fight about a woman Edgar is considering for marriage. Tolson is not happy and does not hold back in letting Edgar know about this. They have their dispute and share a kiss which Edgar is shocked by. When Tolson threatens to leave, Edgar begs him to stay. Tolson agrees on the condition that a woman is never discussed again.
For me this scene was so poignantly real and it made me shed a tear. Edgar knows he cannot have his personal thoughts exposed as this could threaten his career and to an extent he doesn't want them exposed to shame him Mother but deep down he knows he cannot live without Clyde in his life. They then both go on living a secret as keeping it hidden is better than not having it at all.
Armie Hammer, previously known for his role as the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network, truly shone in this film for me. He was charming, caring and intellectual, everything you believe Edgar would fall for. He played his part with ease and has really claimed his place within the acting arena.
Helen Candy also influences Edgar's life as she is the only woman he can trust other than his Mother and she supports him to the very end. He has her like he would have a wife only this is a platonic friendship that is essential for Edgar's survival in this industry as she keeps him grounded as well as being the protector of his 'personal and confidential' files.
Edgar was effectively married to the FBI, he developed and enhanced it in so many ways and refused to let this go even when his health slipped. He did reluctantly have visits from his Doctor but ultimately the strain of this position in his later years effected his health greatly, eventually ending in a heart attack.
There are many elements to this film that highlights Edgar's exaggerated involvement in the hands-on element of the job, as well as his controversial use of the evidence he collected and the bribery that he attempted.
The film flashes between past and present day and really goes into the depths of the inner workings of a great but troubled man. It is a must see for all people interested in films of this nature, American history and also to see how well acted all the major parts are.
My view: Being a lover of Leonardo DiCaprio, I say this is a a film worth adding to your list. It is historical, thought-provoking and above all, emotional. You would not think you would cry at a film like this but I was balling at many parts concerning the caring and subtle relationship between Clyde and Edgar. The film runs on truths and rumours concerning Edgar's life from the beginnings of his career to his death but it gives a greater understanding of this historical figure.
This has a very interesting plot about childhood monsters born in our dreams and how these can be hereditary. This sounds like a good horror/thriller to get you shifting nervously in your seat. This may give you a nightmare or two. This is my kind of film and we haven't had a good horror movie for a while so I am looking for a good scare and hope this delivers!
Another film that has caught my eye as a potential hit is The Descendants (15) starring George Clooney. This is a comedy/drama and has had good reviews, especially for Clooney's performance.
He plays a bit of a loser attempting to connect with his daughters as well has learning he has lived within a very failed marriage. He then has to step away from the 'back-up parent' role and face reality after an accident. Interesting storyline and it has various elements that should hopefully keep a wide audience entertained.
Both these films were released on 27th January 2011.
I have a few things to see at the cinema so I need to make my way to see these two very soon! I hope my post can help you choose what film to see next.
Let me know if you see any of these films or the ones I posted about previously in the comment box below!
Plot: Noah is a hapless teenager who is not so lucky with the ladies. He has a bad relationship with his Father who thinks he is a drop out and he left his Mother for Noah's babysitter (cringe!). His Mother persuades him to babysit the neighbours three children so she can have one good night out. He is blissfully unaware of what the night entails for him as he sets out to get drugs for his 'girlfriend' who is obviously using him! He finds out that the three annoying, naughty and totally eccentric children are not too bad and they become his partners in crime (literally).
When I saw this film advertised I was thrilled to see Jonah Hill playing the leading man in this comedy The Sitter. I am a big fan of his work, he is undoubtedly funny, charming and has a very likable quality, even when he is playing a bit of a jerk character (like in Superbad 2007). He can definitely hold a film as this film clearly shows. He manages to make even a serious situation come across as hilarious with a simple look, which shows true comedic acting as he doesn't even have to speak to make you giggle.
This plot is pretty simple, a sitter comes across three reckless children, Slater, Blithe and Rodrigo who attempt to make Noah's night a living hell. They in turn face a sitter who is not what the expect and they all experience a number of crazy events that brings them all a little closer. What is different about this film is the quality of each individual character, especially with the children.
Each child has a quality that makes them annoying but likable all in the same breath. Slater is a hypochondriac who is afraid to be himself; Blithe is obsessed with celebrities, makeup and becoming famous while Rodrigo is adopted and expressing his anger through blowing things up but really just wants to be accepted! The wealth of individuality with each child provides enough engaging elements to keep most audiences entertained.
The night is determined by Noah's apparent girlfriend who persuades him to buy her drugs in return for full on sex and being able to call her his girlfriend. Of course, Noah hesitantly agrees and sets out to meet her needs with some funny and dangerous consequences. He meets Karl who is a slightly camp, over friendly drug dealer who loves Noah's kind eyes and wants to befriend him. This turns sour when Rodrigo decides to steal an egg disguising a large amount of cocaine. Karl then turns nasty and sets out to make Noah repay what he stole.
In the run up to finding Karl's money, Noah is faced by a few unfriendly faces who mess up his night even more but he does end up meeting a girl truly interested in him which is a nice (but optimistic) upside to the film. The twists and random meetings these four face is what will keeping you laughing throughout and I felt my eyes glued to the big screen waiting to see what else was going to happen.
My view: I love Noah's brash attitude and confidence when he gets away with all the mayhem with barely a scratch on him (minus the black eye and a wrecked car). It is funny, thrilling and action-packed! Noah bonds with all the children in different ways and it connects to many different themes, from homosexuality, how adopted children feel in new households to young girls growing up too fast. It has predictable elements but it also has some random twists that are sure to keep you on your toes! At the very least, it makes you LOL (laugh out loud)!
My Rating:7/10
Trailer:
On another note: Jonah Hill has lost some serious weight recently and all I can say is good on him! I think he is funny as the chubby and lovable funny man but losing weight does not mean he will lose his comedic edge! He just looks a little cuter that's all ;) Check out the pics below to see the change!
Now I am really excited about the two films that have been released on the 20th January 2012. I am a massive Leo DiCaprio fan as he is my No1 Actor of all time so the release of 'J.Edgar' means I am hitting the cinema this week to see him in action!
There are good reviews for this film but I am going to wait until I see it before I give anything away with the plot etc as I am just eager to get my ticket and see it on the big screen!
The second film I think will be a worth a trip to the cinema for is 'The Sitter' starring Jonah Hill. I love his comedic skill and since he has been great as a leading 'funny man' in many of his films I am sure this will be a hit.
Plot: A prince with a cruel heart has been cursed to live as a beast until he can find someone to love and for them to love him back. He and his castle are enchanted with this curse until the day Belle comes to find her father, an inventor who has lost his way and found himself captured by the Beast. She trades her own freedom to save her father and she has to endure the Beast and his secrets. She soon learns all is not what it seems in this castle and through many tries by Mrs Potts and Lumiere, Belle begins to see through the Beast's temper and learns to love him. The towns people learn of the Beast and threaten his life and their love but love prevails in this classic Disney cartoon.
My view: It has been re-released on to our cinemas to be seen in 3D. I love this film, as I posted about it in Classic Cartoons but it truly is a wonderful film. I don't know if it will be any better in 3D but it is definitely on my to watch list as I only ever watched it on VHS and I know it will be a great cartoon to see on the big screen!
