American Hustle (2013)

7.6/10

Irving Rosenfeld: She was the Picasso of passive-aggressive karate.

It is always a pleasure to indulge in the world of the 1970s. Especially when that world involves some clever plot narrative and an exceptional string of actors to acccompany this tale of conning. 

'American Hustle' tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down. (source: www.imdb.com)

The film starts off demanding the viewer's attention. Introducing heads on, one by one each character, letting us know throughout who's who and what's what; a technique that lets us focus more on each character's individual journey and dramatic unravelling. Everyone has it's own little story to tell; from the con-man to the corrupt police-officer sitting beside his safety desk. 

David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter, Three Kings) is a cunning director, who cleverly popped into the filmmaking rader and made sure that we give him a chance. And boy, what a chance he got. The art of crafting visual stories is but a puzzle to him that he simply cannot wait to share with his audience. First indulging us into their lives, their small-town drama that seems to be taking on a more human note throughout the film. The intermixture between the comedic and the dramatic seems to have a key role in thickening of the plot, as it doesn't let the audience get weary of the variety of story lines. 

Likewise, just as the story interchanges from one character to another it tends to be a bit demanding of the director to keep up with who's dealing with who and what's going on when. All this trivial information tend to get entangled something which can easily make for a complex viewing, something which is not very well received from the average viewer. 

However, the brilliance here lies in the cast as well; the thespians. The talanted Mr. Christian Bale (The Dark Knight, The Machinist, The Prestige, American Psycho), who is the king of kings, a sort of Ozymandias to this entire expedition, portrays the key con-man, that woos and seduces his way through everything. Along the way, love seems to be his driving force, that ultimately leads him to a tone of redemption in his character. Bale is the kind of actor who put the phrase 'good acting' to shame; not because his in lack of it, but because he's in an overflow of it. His evocative presence on screen is something that we are unwilling to resist. Quite rightly so that he is also up for an Oscar of Best Actor.

Similarly so, the stunning and ever so glorious, Amy Adams (Enchanted, Doubt, The Fighter, Julie and Julia) she seems to bedazzle the audience; after one stops learing from her alluring physical seduction, he is in awe of what an incredible acting performance she gives out. Her engagement with her character, the warmth and her passion into the story is but a few examples that make one rethink of this hometown sweetheart who seems to not only blossoms in front of our eyes but engross us into her character's dramatic narrative. Adams is a worthy contender of this year's Best Actress nominations, and one should not underestimate her acting skills for she has come a long way and in 'American Hustle' she seems to be shinning as bright as she possibly can. 

Likewise, it would be a terrible omission not to include the likes of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, who both seem to have been somewhat of a charm for David O.Russell. In all fairness, David O.Russell cleverly put his two most productive cast actors from his previous films together ('The Fighter' and 'Silver Linings Playbook') and once again seems to have struck gold in the hearts of his audience and for the Academy's committee too. 

'American Hustle' may not be the most brilliant con-plot story in filmmaking history but it's definitely clever, if not amusing to say the least. 

Hope you enjoy it. Make sure to take notes on how to avoid getting caught. The key is to pay attention to the details. 

           

American Hustle (2013)

Frozen (2013)

8.1/10

Olaf: Hi, everyone. I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs!

It's been a long time coming for this particular film, and most improtantly for Disney. From the makers of 'Pocahontas', Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, this film is everything every Disney lover was hoping for. 

'Frozen' tells the story of Anna, a fearless optimist, sets off on an epic journey - teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven - to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. From the outside Anna's sister, Elsa looks poised, regal and reserved, but in reality, she lives in fear as she wrestles with a mighty secret-she was born with the power to create ice and snow. It's a beautiful ability, but also extremely dangerous. Haunted by the moment her magic nearly killed her younger sister Anna, Elsa has isolated herself, spending every waking minute trying to suppress her growing powers. Her mounting emotions trigger the magic, accidentally setting off an eternal winter that she can't stop. She fears she's becoming a monster and that no one, not even her sister, can help her. (source: www.imdb.com)

With an incredible voice-acting and singing cast, that which most of all the likes of a them such as Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, this Disney masterpiece is all that an adult or a kid loving fan could have asked for. The music, the Hans Christian Andersen spin-off story of 'The Snow Queen', the moral messages, lest we forget them, the jokes, the chemistry. Take all that, mix it up together and you've got a dream film that Disney hasn't seen in years.

So dreamy in fact that 'Frozen' has warmed its way into the Academy's heart and it's most likely the biggest contender of getting the golden statue at tomorrow award's ceremony, both for Best Animated Film and Best Song. 

For those who are look to have a good time, a totally old-magic-Disney time this film will not in the least bit disappoint. It also teaches, finally, that Disney female characters don't need saving by a male one. Go Disney!!! 

           

Frozen (2013)

The Great Beauty aka La Grande Bellezza (2013)

7.4/10

Jep Gambardella: This is how it always ends. With death. But first there was life, hidden beneath the blah, blah, blah... It's all settled beneath the chitter chatter and the noise, silence and sentiment, emotion and fear. The haggard, inconstant flashes of beauty. And then the wretched squalor and miserable humanity. All buried under the cover of the embarrassment of being in the world, blah, blah, blah... Beyond there is what lies beyond. And I don't deal with what lies beyond. Therefore... let this novel begin. After all... it's just a trick. Yes, it's just a trick.

This film was made to remind us of what we all forget to appreciate; beauty. Raw, extravagant, extraordinary, magnificent, omniposcent beauty. It's all around. Just sometimes we do not stand still to glorify it. Paolo Sorrentino made this film to help us remember the beauty in everything. From the silliest of conversations to the most magnanimous piece of art. 

'The Great Beauty' is about journalist Jep Gambardella, who has charmed and seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades. Since the legendary success of his one and only novel, he has been a permanent fixture in the city's literary and social circles, but when his sixty-fifth birthday coincides with a shock from the past, Jep finds himself unexpectedly taking stock of his life, turning his cutting wit on himself and his contemporaries, and looking past the extravagant nightclubs, parties, and cafés to find Rome in all its glory: a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty. (source: www.imdb.com)

Pay close attention to the word 'absurd' in the description above, since it plays a key part in Sorrentino's film. The film is stylized in such a way that one cannot help but make the comparison between Fellini's masterpiece '8 1/2'. The visually stunning spectacle of Rome's landscape and the high society represented in both film is simply inescapable. From Rome in 1963 to Rome 2013 we see that 'the artist' is still struggling with himself to find his inner peace. 

Sorrentino cast Toni Servillo as his leading man, the tortured soul of the artist who goes from one luxury party to another, from one great hedonistic adventure to another all the while feeding us with the absurdism that surrounds still this modern society. In this journey of self discovery and inner peace there comes the brilliance in Servillo's acting; the haunted man, who finds little pleasure from the high end lifestyle he was so far leading, searching and yearning for a greater beauty.

Speaking in visual terms Sorrentino has drew great imitations from Fellini's Roman filmmaking, 'La Dolce Vita' and '8 1/2', all equipped with the glitz and the glamour of the decadance of the elite; the high society who circles its prey until they are left hollow and with no purpose in life, aimlessly wandering trying to find what it's all about. This point Sorrentino cleverely gives us a glimpse of what that hollowness feels and tastes like after years of endless extravaganza. 

The film however, tends to become somewhat of a long and tedious journey of an artist's search of his inner psyche, that at the end concludes into a nothingness of air; in other words as sarcastic as Sorrentino is trying to be about how vain our small little lives are, his visual eye seems to drift and strecth so much that it can easy pass on as nothing more than a story of surrealistic narrative. 

Despite its wombly bits, this film aims to rekindle a long forgotten bond between past and present, drawing to an open conclusion of what is real beauty in the end for each person. 

An excellent submission from Italy for this year's Academy Awards and from the looks of it this might be getting the dear old Uncle Oscar in the end, since it is truly a marvel to watch the evocative restless spirit of Servillo on the big screen. 

          

La Grande Bellezza (2013)

Philomena (2013)

7.7/10

-Philomena: And after I had the sex, I thought anything that feels so lovely must be wrong.
-Martin Sixsmith: Fucking Catholics.



There's always something heart-warming when you sit down to watch a film about self-discovery and atonement. And it's always equally surprising when you enjoy the film more than you initially anticipated.

'Philomena' tells the real life story of Philomena Lee, who after years of keeping mum, she went seeking for her long lost son. When former journalist Martin Sixsmith is dismissed from the Labour Party in disgrace, he is at a loss as to what do. That changes when a young Irish woman approaches him about a story of her mother, Philomena, who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin arranges a magazine assignment about her search for him that eventually leads to America. Along the way, Martin and Philomena discover as much about each other as about her son's fate. Furthermore, both find their basic beliefs challenged. (source: www.imdb.com)

Steve Coogan (Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, Hot Fuzz, In the Loop, Tropic Thunder), who co-wrote the script with Jeff Pope, also stars as the gifted yet misunderstood journalist who is trying to find himself after his horrendous dismisal from the BBC. Coogan has proven time and time again what a brilliant comedian he is, but with this one he goes one step further in showing to the wide audience that drama suits him equally well. 

The sensitivity and the humanity in which both Coogan and Dame Judi Dench treated Lee's real life story is extraordinary. Two very un-similar characters onto a journey of soul searching. The humourous blends ever so subtly with the dramatic, keeping the viewer to sympathize even, with what the characters are going through. Who said that drama can't be hilarious? This film proves that even evil nuns can have their funny side. 

In all seriousness though, the genious behind the film is truly owed to the evocative story of the real Philomena Lee and the man who sought out to make her story be heard. Coming to add a little bit more of his genious is Oscar nominated director Stephen Frears (The Queen, High Fidelity, Dangerous Liaisons), who makes sure that his audience does not fall into the trap of the melo-drama, but instead builds up the suspsense in sweet down-to-earth agony of where this story could end. 

The film is beautifully shot in locations between Ireland, England and the United States, giving the viewer a travelling feast between the then and now moments, whilst at the same time raising some serious fundamental issues regarding religion and faith. Cleverly so, the writers implemented their stories with philosophical and moral questions such as 'Is there God?' or 'Should one believe in God?' or 'How do you keep your faith, even after the nuns sell your child to the Americas?'. Coming back to an age where a good Catholic girl should be pious and pure, Philomena Lee had sinned, and for her mistake, she was punished rightly so, by having her son taken away from her. 

The humanity and the empathy in which Dench operates as Philomena is remarkable. Her humility and her strength to forgive makes us realize that there are greater things to hold onto nowadays than the anger that we are taught not to let go in modern day society. This wholesome feeling of faith is what truly inspires audiences and what makes them connect to Philomena's story.

A very heart-warming film that it is definitely worth a watch. Albeit nominated for Best Picture as well, it rightly deserves its place in the list. 








           

Philomena

Blue Jasmine (2013)

7.6/10

Jasmine: Who do you have to sleep with around here to get a Stoli martini with a twist of lemon?

Last week I happened to be in an interview and I was asked if my ambition in life would be to become Woody Allen. My response was 'God forbid, no'. And it was absolute. My answer was not due to any dislike towards Woody Allen. On the contrary, I relish in his filmmaking genius. How can one suppose himself that he can ever top this tiny little man with glasses and his profusion of witty dialogues and story lines? Truly this puzzles me. 

'Blue Jasmine' is a film that speaks to every neurotic nerve in every person's body. And I mean that in literal sense. It tells the story of Jasmine French, who used to be on the top of the heap as a New York socialite, but now is returning to her estranged sister in San Francisco utterly ruined. As Jasmine struggles with her haunting memories of a privileged past bearing dark realities she ignored, she tries to recover in her present. Unfortunately, it all proves a losing battle as Jasmine's narcissistic hangups and their consequences begin to overwhelm her. In doing so, her old pretensions and new deceits begin to foul up everyone's lives, especially her own. (source: www.imdb.com)

This time around Woody Allen chose to portray a woman who goes full circle in her journey; kind of more like a Mother Courage type of psychological journey, rather than a journey of atonement and self-discovery. The dialogue is beyond caustic, going from action-interaction in nano seconds. So brilliantly witty that one would be too ignorant or too much of a snob not to actually appreciate the hilariousness of the whole situation. 

To accompany this wonderful executed script came an equally talented actress, from the land down under, an actress whose proven more than capable to take on the role of Jasmine French. At first you would think that an eloquent name as Jasmine, would be the tale of a romantic 'flower' ahead. What Cate Blanchett so brilliantly give us is a much more perplexing yet at the same time endearing tale of a woman going from one nervour breakdown to the next. She is the kind of actress that makes a nervous breakdown a sheer delight to watch. Her microcosmos is nothing but a blimp but nonetheless is so absurdly humaine that the viewer cannot help but empathise with.

Aiding this wonderful journey of superficiality is the British born actress Sally Hawkins, who portrays Blanchett's sister; she is the other side of the story, the sister who was never given half the things her sister had in life but who is willing to stand by her blood. Hawkins and Blanchett blend so gloriously together that you get to such points as to relate with their sisterly bond, albeit the fact they are suppose to be step sisters. 

The brilliance of this film though comes all too much from the characters journey; this circle of the psychological journey they go through remind us of a much loved role by Tenesse William's "A Streetcar named Desire". Albeit the low budget look that the film carries with it throughout the film, the Blance deBois psyche praddling from our screens back and forth is there to show us that once the brain is rewired everything is on a non-stop repetitve rollercoaster. 

Worthy to briefly mention the appearance also of such actors as Alec Baldwin, the liar in the plot, Peter Sarsgaard, the false hope and the joker but ever so brilliant Bobby Cannavale. 

Perhaps not one of Allen's best ever, but personally I glorify the man's genius way of approaching female roles. My opinion is that he sees women as these wonderful creatures he can derive so much from and he knows as an auteur and a director, as well as a script writer how to fairly portray them on screen. 

Hope you enjoy his humour for those who will indulge in this film. As for the people who simply do not enjoy his sense of absurdism, try to read Ibsen and compary Allen's female characters with his to see how much relative their treatment of female psyche is. 

            

Blue Jasmine

Jeux D' Enfants aka Love me if You Dare

Rating: 8.6/10

"Cap ou pas cap?" - "Game or no game?"

This film for me is the ultimate romantic film of the last decade. It was after all made by the experts of romantic love...the French!

As the poster of the film also suggests this film is wickedly delicious. But let's take things one by one shall we? First of all the script. The wonderfully written script of writer/director Yann Samuell who did wonders in his creation of the two main characters. A rather complicated plot to follow but with much wit, raw honesty, humour and a lot of love in it, he poured all of his magic into the creation of two very complex but also unique contemporary characters that would overcome most anything human to be together. Based mostly on the allegoric themes, the dialogue is among the wittiest most intellectually challenging dialogues I have ever come across in a romantic comedy. Having had my share of rom-coms, this one stands out from the lot by far.

Of course it all comes down to the two main protagonists who bring to life these two powerful characters; Julien and Sophie. This for me is the ultimate representation of romantic love and cruelty all rolled into one. Guillaume Canet and Marion Cotillard, who incidentally nowadays are rumoured to be a couple in real life, have done a superb job by performing these two characters. Albeit unknown till then to the wide international public, these two young and fresh actors from France, grasp these two characters with energy, passion and magic and give their simply best in making sure the audience is entangled with them from the very beginning of their introduction. Whether you love or hate them, whether you understand their motives, their actions or even their dialogue it pays of little consequence, as at the end they make you fall desperately and hopelessly in love with their story. Yes, it is that sweet and transcendental.

The musical soundtrack in the film pays homage to the beloved French music legend Edith Piaf (who incidentally is later on performed in La Mome by Cotillard herself). Alongside the visual imagery, which is full of allusions and childlike references, the direction takes you on a wonderful unexpected  and quite unconventional romantic journey of two of the most sadistic romantic couple to have been written for the screen. Albeit the cruelty and the inexplicability of the two character's motives of their actions, this is one of the most powerful and match-made on-screen couples of the last two decades.

Without giving further too much away of the story, below is these tale of these two "star-crossed" lovers:"As adults, best friends Julien and Sophie continue the odd game they started as children -- a fearless competition to outdo one another with daring and outrageous stunts. While they often act out to relieve one another's pain, their game might be a way to avoid the fact that they are truly meant for one another." (www.imdb.com)

This is not a film simply for the chick flick or rom-com lovers. It is a film for film lovers in general, as it holds many wonderful visual and performing moments. Good to watch it with loved ones (not just your other half), 'cause above all the thing that counts the most is love.

Happy screening everyone!




Jeux D'Enfants (2003)

Grease (1978)

Rating: 8.2/10

"Why, this car is Auto-matic. Its System-matic. Its Hyyyyydro-matic. Why, its Greased Lightning!"

Whilst America was in a turmoil over the war with Vietnam in the late 1970s, another genre seemed to bloom out of nowhere, reminiscing the golden days of Hollywood-land; 'Grease'  is the word, as Frankie Valley would sing in the intro of one of the most well-known musicals of all time.

'Grease' was not just a musical of the time, it became a trend, an escape from the suppression that the youngsters felt in the 1970s. What truly is amazing about 'Grease' is that beyond all of the dancing and singing it had a very real message to deliver to its contemporary audience; friendship lasts a lifetime and it can overcome even the most adverse situations.

Starring the very hankie-macho type John Travolta, alongside the newly-presented-to-Hollywood-lan Australian actress/singer Olivia Newton-John. The pair is a match-made in heaven. Fantastic chemistry, witty exchanging of vocals, spirited plot-line of high-school kids of the 1950s.

'Grease', not only offers a trendy and unique style of musical numbers but also it set up a whole trend based on the production design with it's sp8nky fashion and it's leathery costuming. Bouncing through the screen are all the good-old-cheesy-comedic scenes without them being too far-fetched or tiresome, even for today's audience. The spark between all of the cast members is resonating in the big screen and it made for a timely atmosphere between groups of friends.

Albeit the film version is based on the original stage version of the Broadway musical, it did not fail to become the top grossing film of 1978 and was for quite a few years the top grossing film behind Jaws (1975) and Star Wars: Episode IV - New Hope (1977).

The story is "A musical about teens in love in the 50's! It's California, 1959 and greaser Danny Zuko and Australian Sandy Olsson are in love. They spend time at the beach, but when they go back to school, what either of them don't know is that they both now attend Rydell High. Danny's the leader of the T-Birds, a group of black-jacket greasers while Sandy hangs with the Pink Ladies, a group of pink-wearing girls led by Rizzo. When they clash at Rydell's first pep rally, Danny isn't the same Danny at the beach. They try to be like each other so they can be together." (www.imdb.com)

The cast, the costumes, the music, the dance, the friendship, the love...everything in this film is a cult classic and it would be an overwhelming task to try to get it out of people's minds with a remake (hopefully Hollywood will not be that naive or greedy), since it's been well imprinted for the iconic style it brought.

Watch it if you love the 50s, well-made teen flicks, music to shake your boots off, and singing that will make you dance and feel happy! Albeit it not everyone's cup of tea, it is a classic musical and a favourite one.

Enjoy the music!

"-'Dany: Sandy!'

 -'Tell me about it, stud.'"

Grease (1978)

Arthur (2011)

Rating: 5.9/10

"We shouldn't get married... we have nothing in common. You love horses. I don't trust them. Their shoes are permanent. Who makes that kind of a commitment to a shoe?"

This is not one of the films I would normally recommend to any film junkie to sit down and watch, let alone watch it myself, but 'Arthur' left me in a surprise kind of mode, and I mean in a good way. Russell Brand may not be an actor but a comedian but with this one somehow he does seem to making it work. Acting alongside the Dame Helen Mirren, Brand somehow shines and truly seems to be challenging himself with this role.

The story is about Arthur; a rich, alcoholic playboy with no regards to his working life. After another drunken run-in with the law, his aloof mother has had enough and forces him to marry Susan, a proper business woman, or else he will lose his inheritance. Just as he's engaged to Susan, he meets Naomi, a free-spirited girl who Arthur thinks is perfect for him. Any attempts at holding down a job are fruitless, so Arthur has to decide, what is more important: love, or his mother's money. (www.imdb.com)

It is quite a tricky task to unite a Brit comedian with a thespian of Mirren's stature and background, but somehow the two of them seem to have all the chemistry this film and story need. With the quirky sense of humour and the outrageous crude jokes of Brand, the story takes on another level of form when things don't quite turn like a normal cliche comedy does nowadays.

It is not a cup of tea for everyone, I can well assure you this film will be passed on as quickly as it was made in Hollywood. The purpose it serves though is for a fun, entertaining time in for a dull Saturday to fill in the atmosphere with something funny. The direction is mundane and Jennifer Garner's role seems to be suffering, as well as is veteran actor Nick Nolte who seems to be doing this just for the sake of it.

Nonetheless, it serves for a good time. Slapstick jokes are there, too much luxury is there, humungous amounts of wasted money is there, unnecessary nudity is there, Upper East-Side of Manhattan is there, boy-meets-girl-and-falls-in-love-and-will-do-just-about-anything-to-get-her is there, boy-will-screw-things-up-and-see-the-error-of-his-way-when-it's-too-late is there, happy ending with a twist is there.

Generally speaking it won't harm to take a peak at this one. Do not expect any Hangover (2009)/Bridesmaids (2011) moments or even the slightest sympathy from the executive Hollywood producers, but expect a sense of 'what is really meaning full in life' kind of theme lurking in the background.

Hope you enjoy it (or not). Do report part back in case you will!

Arthur (2011)

50/50 (2011)

Rating: 7.3/10

"Adam: A tumor? 

 Dr. Ross: Yes. 

Adam: Me? 

Dr. Ross: Yes. 

Adam: That doesn't make any sense though. I mean... I don't smoke, I don't drink... I recycle..."

 It is a pleasant delight to stumble upon films that not only have brains put into them but lots of heart and love. '50/50' is just that! A film with heart.

It's inspired by a true story and it's a comedy that centers on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease. (www.imdb.com)

A story that seems to be quite popular nowadays, but with this one script-writer Will Reiser managed to put a lot of bittersweet moments in, just to spice things up. Given the fact that this is his first proper try out for a tragi-comedy, '50/50' is one of those films that will have you pop between laughs and tears. The very fact that Reiser managed  to establish 'cancer' as something so not bizarre to happen to a 27-year-old, makes you sit down and pay atttention; what in the world would a 27-year-old healthy (presumably) young man do if he found out he had cancer?

The answer comes in the main lead, who is none other than the Indie-actor favourite over the last decade, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He might first popped through our screens from a mid 1990s TV Show about aliens ('3rd Rock from the Sun'), but over the years he has performed in a swirl of excellent indie films thus reaching a point of his life to be the young prince of the Indie Film Industry. In this film, he was both effortlessly funny and dramatically brilliant, that gave the viewer all these emotional stages to juggle through during the film. For me, this actor is heading to a thespian super-stardom.

Co-staring along-side the brilliant Gordon-Levitt, is the up-coming and Hollywood favourite comedian, Seth Rogen.  Since Rogen is seen in most films these days, I won't say his the most brilliant comedic out there, but he definitely grows on you both as an actor and as a comedian. He has that spark that makes you want to laugh and enjoy his jokes in every film he does. And '50/50' is no exclusion. He is the comedic relief, truth be told, but he does his part so very well, as the best friend of a cancer-patient, that he makes you feel his humane side as well. Look forward in seeing him excel in the near-future.

Of course the film would be altogether a nuisance without the presence of up-coming star-ladies Anna Kendrick and Bryce Dallas Howard, who are both serious and comedic actresses to come in a total completion of this fun-loving cast. But the real gem is Gordon-Levitt's on screen mother, Angelica Huston, who with her warmth and tenderness extends her love to every mother who's child has been struck with cancer of any form. She gives, as always a superb and touching performance, and makes her every on-screen second count.

This film is a small gem for me and recommend it to everyone. It is warm, and touching and has some really sweet, tender moments about family, friendship and above all about the hope to live.

Hope you get to enjoy it!

50/50 (2011)

The Graduate (1967)

Rating: 8.4/10

"Mrs. Robinson you're trying to seduce me, aren't you?"

'The Graduate'. This is the film that made it all happen for newly seen actor back in the day, Dustin Hoffman. He was a shooting star when this film came out. But let's not get carried away shall we? Let's talk fimmaking first.

'The Graduate' is on of those films that made history. Not so much about the story but about the revolution that its themes started. The film centres around a recently college graduate Benjamin Braddock, who is trapped into an affair with Mrs. Robinson, who happens to be the wife of his father's business partner and then finds himself falling in love with her daughter, Elaine.(www.imdb.com)

This is perhaps the film that started the whole the cougar-is-the-best-around theme that has been going on, especially during the last few years in pop culture. The slinky plot-line, the witty dialogue, the brooding/atmospheric music ('Sound of Silence')of one of the most well-known Brit duos back then 'Simon & Garfunkel' and the eerie direction are a few of the ingredients that make this seemingly shallow film work into a classic.

The delight comes from within; acting being a craft in the hands of the two main protagonists, Anne Bancroft and the new-kid-in-the-block-then Dustin Hoffman. They might have seem an odd pair to match but their precise movements and mannerisms in the filmic made both of them sultry and easy to watch. Their affair might not be presented in all the conventional terms, but this is exactly why it still manages to hold the audience's attention so many years later.

In my opinion, what really did fascinated me from the very first time I sat down to watch this film was the brooding melancholia it was transmitting towards me. All those idle moments of Hoffman's character, the need to find something pure and honest, the need to escape the conventions of the elite status of his parents were examples of the modern-man wanting to break free, to escape from the chains of the suburban way of living. Just like so many young people in the late 1960s wanted to break free and see the world with open eyes, so did this film wanted to transmit; the courage to go beyond social convention and give a taste of the "new", the forbidden, the "future".

Stylistically this film has a lot to offer in terms of originality and scripting. At moments it can be both hilarious and at moments desperately dramatic. It swindles you both ways but in all sense at the end makes you understand that love is all you need to prevail. Mike Nichols, the director knew well how to set-about with the themes he wanted to leave his audience with, since he cleverly took us from a very long-lost-suburban-graduate to a rebellious-young-man-who-can-do-most-anything, thus giving the audience back then to believe in the future, in their power to choose and try things.

Understandably this film is considered a classic and still manages to warm up the audience's heart. Witty, smart & sexy, this film has a lot to offer than just a naughty cougar; brains to match it as well.

Hope you enjoy the film!

The Graduate (1967)

Easy-A (2010)

Rating: 7.8/10 

"-Marianne: 'There's a higher power that will judge you for your indecency'. 

 -Olive Penderghast: 'Tom Cruise'?" 

This is one of the best surprise-comedies that have come in the last couple of years. Beyond all the cheese endings and the lame silicone blondes parading through, this film has wit, hard-core old-school humour that many mainstream comedies have forgotten these days.

The new-face on the block (of Hollywood that is), Emma Stone, has taken everyone by surprise when she first popped through our screens by this little tini-tiny role she did back in 2008 in Superbad. But with 'Easy-A' she shines. She is in all possible sense hilarious, sparkling not only her method of being a great comedian but also a dazzling beauty. She is a little rising-star who is slowly proving that she can layer a role so much that you just want to keep watching and layering out this girl.

In 'Easy-A' she gives her role so much depth with  the laughing-out-loud punch-lines that makes the viewer reminisce of the 1980s & 1990s comedies; straight-forward script, clear comedic lines, detailed plot and good chemistry of the casting.

All this is of course achieved by the brilliant conception of the script. Thanks to script-writer Bert V. Royal I was able to genuinely be entertained and laugh my heart out without finding the jokes too vulgar or too far-fetched, something which is evident nowadays in comedies. Royal, a new-comer to the writing skill gives a strong script with loads of reference to films from both the 1980s & the 1990s, thus giving this film a more 'spicy' feel to it. It shows it has a bit of 'wisdom' in it, instead of some sleazy 'sex' jokes.

This film does take place in high-school but is so much cleverer than a your average teenage flick. It's got brains, fast-pace, unexpected plot (with of course the exclusion of your usual romance at the end but without making it a total fake) and a hilarious cast that just won't let you be bored for a second.

Also worthy to mention some lovely acting from Stanley Tucci, Lisa Kudrow, Patricia Clarkson, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Hayden Church, Cam Gigandet, Dan Byrd and acting veteran but never forgotten Malcom McDowell.

In a few words the plot is this:"After a little white lie about losing her virginity gets out, a clean cut high school girl sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne's in "The Scarlet Letter," which she is currently studying in school - until she decides to use the rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing." (www.imdb.com)

Perfect flick with your mates and besties for a Saturday night. You will not regret it and at the end of it you will feel renewed from the fresh humour and the energetic acting of it.

Happy screening!

'Easy-A' (2010)

The Great Escape (1963)

Rating: 9.2/10

"'Hilts: Wait a minute. You aren't seriously suggesting that if I get through the wire... and case everything out there... and don't get picked up... to turn myself in and get thrown back in the cooler for a couple of months so you can get the information you need?' - 'Bartlett: Yes.'" 

 'The Great Escape' is one of the few 3-hour-long films I can watch time and time again without being bored of them. The reason being? Great witty plot, brilliant actors from an International cast, fantastic visionary director and a killer soundtrack that no one who loves cinema will not recognize.

Let's start from the cast; I mean where to start from? The methodic acting of the British thespians like Richard Attenborough, Donald Pleasance, David McCallum, John Leyton, Gordon Jackson, Angus Lennie or over to the always dashing Americans like Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson and James Coburn...

I cannot for obvious reasons take my pick because the above is a handful. The truth is, many whilst many viewers might get lost with this sea of actors and characters in the film, I find it fascinating to get this multi-cast and bouncing from one corner to the other getting a glimpse of all sides of the story and how every character is able to contribute to the story line.

The plot goes like this:"Based on a true story, a group of allied escape artist type prisoners of war are all put in an 'escape proof' camp. Their leader decides to try to take out several hundred all at once. The first half of the film is played for comedy as the prisoners mostly outwit their jailers to dig the escape tunnel. The second half is high adventure as they use boats and trains and planes to get out of occupied Europe." (www.imdb.com)

For me this is not a war film, albeit the fact that it is taking place during WWII and in a concentration camp, this is a film about the war heroes who despite the scrupulous times of warfare manage to have the will to survive and are able to dream outside the barriers of the barbed wire for a free world.

In all fairness the reason I love this film is that it plays most on the intrigue of words and the strategic planning of how the prisoners will get out. The action in the film comes much later on, which I do not seem to mind or even notice as this gives me the ease to just enjoy the war officers mocking around the guards as they try to see their plan through. The acting and the pacing of the film is just a magnetic delight you cannot seem to escape from.

World acclaimed director John Sturges ('The Magnificent Seven')managed to bring an all-acclaimed cast together thus giving the viewers a full-layered background of all the sorts of characters that come and go through our screens during these three hours. In combination with the well-known whistling soundtrac by music composer Elmer Bernstein, the film comes to be complete and gain a character of its own in the cinema hall of fame.

I won't guarantee you the full-packed action like in today's war films but I will guarantee you quality and superb acting. And above all a killer moral message on the human survival!

Enjoy!

The Great Escape (1963)

P.S. Could not find a decent copy of the trailer to upload here so for the proper trailer please follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkwmIDx9RwQ

Beaches (1988)

Rating: 7.1/10

"That's the story of, that's the glory of Love!"

The day requires this specific film. As this is after all the International Woman's Day 2012, I would like to dedicate this film to all women, but mostly to all the Friends out there.

'Beaches' may be considered as a chick flick type of film, but I've always seen it as a buddy-film. Director Garry Marshal is of course known for his romantic comedies such as 'Pretty Woman' but with this film he enthrones the power of surviving friendship through the hardships and adversity.

Of course 'Beaches' follows a rather known pattern of the chick flick and a few melodramatic incidents in the story. Nevertheless it gets its razzle-dazzle from the music, the acting and the moral messages coming through; friendship through anything. What can beat that I ask?

The plot is about a privileged rich debutante and a cynical struggling entertainer, who share a turbulent, but strong childhood friendship over the years. (www.imdb.com)

It may sound simplistic but the soul and heart that Betty Midler and Barbara Hershey put into this film, into the story in general does not let it be as simplistic as it sounds. They give life to a strong female friendship that is willing to surpass poverty, emancipation, erotic jealousy, career let-downs, adultery and the ultimate challenge of all...life! (I try to keep it spoilers free for those who are unknown to the plot).

Betty Midler, not only fills the screen with her smile, her hilarious lines and her enthusiasm but also her angelic voice entangles every viewer into an emotional journey. Barbara Hershey on the other hand comes to balance Midler with her tranquil and pious character, something that works really well on screen as both actresses know when to complete each other. The chemistry of these two is what makes all the difference.

I can of course sit here and tell you that you'll cry your eyes out and that this is one of the best chick flicks out there, but it would be very erroneous of me to do so. Hence I'll simply leave you to decide based on this song!

Watch this with your bestie (best mate) and feel the appreciation of what a powerful thing long-lasting friendship means.

Dedicated to all the strong-bonded friends out there!




Beaches (1988)

La Vita è Bella aka Life is Beautiful (1997)

Rating: 8.8/10

"Buon giorno, Principessa!"

He came, he saw, he conquered. That's what exactly Roberto Benigni did. He had a fantastic film idea. He saw it through. He conquered Hollywood. And after that the Foreign Press Association and the Academy  Awards created the Oscar for Best Foreign Film category so that the Europeans wouldn't come and take their awards away. (just kidding) And here's when we say Viva Italia!

All joking aside Roberto Benigni wrote and directed this wonderful film that talks about a father's will to protect his song against the Nazis no matter what the cost. The plot goes like that:

"In 1930s Italy, a carefree Jewish book keeper named Guido starts a fairy tale life by courting and marrying a lovely woman from a nearby city. Guido and his wife have a son and live happily together until the occupation of Italy by German forces. In an attempt to hold his family together and help his son survive the horrors of a Jewish Concentration Camp, Guido imagines that the Holocaust is a game and that the grand prize for winning is a tank." (www.imdb.com)

Roberto Benigni casted his real life wife, Nicoletta Braschi, as his on screen wife something which really vented on well as these two actors have chemistry both on screen as well as off. Benigni's secret ingredient though was the hilarious and at the same time outrageous comedic lines in the script. Benigni's character is somewhat of a goof-ball what we'd call but he still is smart enough to make all the right moves and still win his audience's hearts.

But I simply cannot stress this enough, this film is so touching and heartwarming that simply will melt even the most demanding viewers. The plot stars off very light-hearted almost  like a romantic comedy with that European light-hearted style and somewhere along we meet the German occupation in Italy and its harsh consequences. Begnini's imagination knows no boundaries in this film as he manages to combine both drama and comedy all into one-film without this feeling awkward or too excessive. He balanced everything just about right for the viewer to follow the plot and have a good time, even with an anti-war film. I gotta handed to the unbelievable acting of Benigni, who simply astounds audiences as he managed to get people from across the world to cry and be moved, as well as feeling a sense of appreciation of everything that one lives for.

One of the true memorable elements in the film, besides the exquisite acting and dialogue is the music, by Nicola Piovani. I'm sure that many people out there will have heard this piece before. This is truly one of the best well-composed musical scores and in all honesty the Academy Award was well-deserved.

Without wanting to spoil too much this touching film, I'll simply say watch it with your family, with your loved ones and I promise you that immediately after watching it you will venture on to your father (or father figure) and go hug them, for this shows the true meaning of flawless family love.

Buonna notte principessi e principi!




La Vita e Bella (1997)

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Rating: 8.1/10

"I'll have what she's having!"

"Harry and Sally meet when she gives him a ride to New York after they both graduate from the University of Chicago. The film jumps through their lives as they both search for love, but fail, bumping into each other time and time again. Finally a close friendship blooms between them, and they both like having a friend of the opposite sex. But then they are confronted with the problem: "Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?"" (www.imdb.com)

We have seen this plot over and over again. Nowadays many people call this phenomenon as 'fuck buddies' or simply 'friends with benefits'.

Rob Reiner had an idea that it has been remade over the years again and again. Two completely strange people meet up. They argue at the beginning but have stimulating conversations for the battle of sexes. Throughout the years these two people keep bumping into each other ultimately leading to a friendship. With friendship comes the physical expression, with friendship and the physical expressing comes love. The theme is neither controversial or novel, but the way Reiner handled it was.

This film succeeds for me for two reasons; the witty down-to-earth dialogue and the actors. I will start from the script by saying that what makes a hefty-dialogue work is wit. For your audience to believe in your dialogue you have to make it real, approachable and try to make your words relate to the everyday common people. Nora Ephron did just that. Not only she wrote a script that's smart and loving, but it made it sparkle with her unbelievable indulgence to make the characters one of us. This plot line is my life, and for ever more I will always find this film a very relatable topic.

But the real magic begun when Billy Crystal met Meg Ryan. These to seemingly very different actors came together to create one of the best rom-coms around that would ultimately leave their own mark in the cinema history books. Billy Crystal, who's more of a stand-up comedian/presenter impersonates the always grumpy and the spirit of contradiction type of guy who refutes the fact that men and women can actually be friends without having the physical part getting in the way. This however, seems to collide with the Queen of rom-coms Meg Ryan's character, who also is very opinionated and has strong views on the matter. But what makes this couple really work is their chemistry. Whether or not they liked each other in real-life, this couple works on screen. They can fight and make up all day long and still one wouldn't be bored of them. They delivered each line with such ease and wittiness that you just love to watch them again and again.

Many directors since 'When Harry Met Sally...' first came out re-visited the theme of close friendship turning into love, and pondered whether this actually work. Films such as 'Boys & Girls', 'A Lot Like Love', 'Friends with Benefits' & 'No Strings Attached' are few of these films that try to make the friendship-love theme work but without quite making it to the top where 'When Harry Met Sally...' is. The fact for this is, as very fortunately for Reiner and the rest of the cast and crew, it was the first among many other films that would follow the Hollywood formula of the rom-com and you ultimately hold a very dear place in the audience's hearts.

This can of course be considered as the ultimately rom-com chick flick but I'd say it goes both ways, as it can interest both sexes equally due to its realistic approach towards the story.

Ladies and Gents out there, enjoy this masterpiece by Reiner. You'll not regret it!

P.S. I don't do this often, but this film has one of the most talked about scenes in all of cinema history and it would be a shame for anyone not to know it. You can get a glimpse of it right here!




When Harry Met Sally...(1989)