Griff the Invisible

Question: Do you ever feel invisible? You are standing there, existing in the world but no one seems to notice you or how special you are? I am positive a lot of you think this way but there is at least one person who gets you and when that happens – all is right in your world.

An Australian film I just watched on Netflix, Griff the Invisible, touched on this subject. The movie stars Ryan Kwanten also known as Jason Stackhouse from TrueBlood speaking in his native Australian accent and playing a very different type of character. Anyway, he plays Griff, an introverted, awkward fellow who sees the world differently but who also lives in the world where no one really sees the true him. Um, not sure if I am describing it right…. The whole point of the film is that we all have our own perspectives on things but there are those rare few that no one understands and they become obsolete or unnoticeable to most.

Bottom line, Griff thinks he is a superhero put here to protect the innocent which in turn makes him want to hide from others so no one figures out his secret (mission). Okay, that’s enough detail of the story. Let’s talk overall picture.

Well, Griff the Invisible started off intriguing and with me wanting to know more about each character, specifically Griff. Ryan Kwanten was quite adorable as the awkward, unassuming chap who just wanted to do good deeds. He pulled off the innocence and detachment from the real world in a very convincing way. It was a big departure from his role on True Blood – the overly cocky yet not so smart character.

Another element that stood out in Griff the Invisible was the cinematography/art direction. There were not a lot of special effects in this film but just enough to keep the story on the fantastical side. Also, the use of a certain shade of yellow was splattered throughout the film. It caught my eye as I enjoy color theory and know that yellow is an intense color to grab people’s attention which is the opposite of what Griff wanted. It made me curious especially when the love interest wore the other two primary colors. 

Besides Ryan Kawnten and the visuals of the film, I finished the film with an unsatisfactory energy even though the ending made me smile. It started about halfway through the film, the story dulled and I found myself not really interested in the characters as much as I was in the beginning of the film. However, it was worth the viewing.

Directed & written by Leon Ford, Green Park Pictures, 2010.

Starring: Ryan Kwanten, Maeve Dermody, and Marshall Napier.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance.

My favorite thing: One character (Melody) had some great lines in it. Some made me giggle.

My least favorite thing: That the story wasn’t well-rounded, I suppose.

Rating: PG-13

Length: 90 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

Here

Question: When was the last time you looked through the view finder of a camera and had to physically focus the lens? Depending on the type of lens (wide-angle, telephoto, fixed, marco or fish-eye) focusing on something can take some work, dedication. It could be the smallest detail or the expanse of sunset over the mountains and bringing it into focus is up for interpretation. The type of person who is looking through the lens and what they really want to view can affect what is seen. We all see things differently; interpret the world through our own lenses.

We go through this world [alone] observing, learning and deciphering what we see to make it fit into our viewpoints. However, there are moments in our lives when paths cross and we begin to see the world from a different perspective. Those are the moments truly worth living for because experiencing life with a different mindset is scary and exhilarating all at the same time.  That is living!

I just finished watching a film on Netflix: Here. The film stars Ben Foster and Lubna Azabal with narration by Peter Coyote. The two main characters represent how people see and live in the world oppositely from the other. Ben Foster is a cartographer; his livelihood depends on precision and measurement – an exact science to viewing the world. While Lubna Azabal plays an art photographer who looks through a lens to see beauty of vastness uncertainty. She can still see a detail but is always just a part of something grander.

The story tells the time when these two meet in Armenia. He is American and she is an expatriate from Armenia. The film is catagorized as a romance and drama but to me the story was a slice of life when two strangers meet and experience life together.  There isn’t a lot to tell about the story in Here and I wouldn’t talk about it anyway. However, there are suggestions, hints or it could just be my over-active imagination always seeking for nuances in film. It kept me engaged despite being a relatively slow paced story. I don’t particularly like saying “slow paced” because I fear that might turn some off. Don’t worry, Here is worth watching/experiencing.

The acting by the two leads was authentic to the core. It never felt rehearsed or improvised with the actors being told – “act this way, or pretend that…” Ben Foster portrayed a quiet fellow with something hidden that I wanted to figure out. Lubna Azabal also intrigued me with her ambiguity. Did I ever find out? Not going to say as you should find out for yourselves. Nonetheless, Here displayed two opposing viewpoints of the world and how they comingle for a brief time. Precision vs. indefinite; Science vs. art; Control vs. freedom.

One thing I will mention about the film: there are stunning views of Armenia. I am not very familiar with that particular country and it was a pleasure to view the countryside, cities and one specific area that I want to go to someday. It was breathtaking. And the score was perfectly juxtaposed with the softness and subtly of the story. Lovely.

My favorite thing: One specific speech that Ben Foster gives. And the narration between the acts gave even more depth to the story of the two opposing modes of thought. Brilliant. Oh, there is one more thing - at the very end - a gift left for her.

My least favorite thing: Someone got sick and I have a weak stomach – just can’t handle that.

Directed by Braden King, Truckstop Media, 2011

Written by Lars Kundsen & Braden King.

Starring: Ben Foster, Lubna Azabal and Peter Coyote.

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance

Rating: NR

Length: 126 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10


*Photo courtesy of Strand Releasing

Perfect Sense

Question: Do you remember when you were a kid and you constantly asked people “what if” questions? My kids do it all the time. So much so it drives me nuts some days. “What if the sky was green? What if we had a cat instead of a dog? What if I had an extra arm?” etc... I also recall when I was younger and being asked what if I had to choose to lose one of my senses which one would I select? I always had difficulty with that one. Losing my sight or hearing were an automatic no, but what about taste, smell or the ability to feel? Oh, I struggled with giving an answer. They all have importance to me and the way I live my life. Which one would you choose?

I ask these questions because I watched Perfect Sense recently and the plot was about this exact topic. In typical form I don’t want to give the plot away so I will try and just give you some details that I really enjoyed about this film. Yes, I will skip over the fact that Ewan McGregor stars in this, but I do have to say he was quite good in this one.

First, Perfect Sense told on a very unique “what if” story but took it to an extreme. Imagine losing one of your senses. How would you cope? What other senses would heighten or adjust? How would it affect your job? So many questions get asked in this film it was sometimes hard to keep up with what I would do. So, I just let the story take me away and I let the filmmaker prove their vision for specific outcomes. And both lead characters, Ewan McGregor and Eva Green, did a fantastic job showing how different types of people react to losing a sense. I'd say more about the specifics of the characters but it is best you just find out for yourselves how they meet, connect and deal with their issues.

Second, then the plot added in a romance that became affected by the “what ifs”, and it makes you really think about how people, why people and what people do when they are in love and when something is subtracted from the equation. Brilliant! We all have been romantically involved with someone, and usually there are certain obstacles to get over, get around or avoid. But what if everyone had the same obstacles? A level playing ground, so to speak. The film delves into this and I was completely mesmerized by the progression of certain relationships. 

Lastly, by the end of the film, and I cannot say as to why or I will give too many details away, I was smiling when I hadn't really throughout the majority of the film. Not just at what was happening in the film but how the filmmakers communicated the finale. It gave me goose bumps and it really brought me even more into the story, if that was possible. I totally lose myself when I watch a film but the experience I had with Perfect Sense brought me in so much deeper. Well done!

And on that note: I am going to let my children ask me as many “what if” questions as they want because I know believe they are the impetus to good storytelling. You'll never know where asking certain questions will lead.

Directed by David McKenzie, BBC Films, 2011.

Written by Kim Fupz Aakeson. 

Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi. 

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Eva Green, Connie Nielsen, Denis Lawson, Stephen Dillane, and Ewen Bremner. 

My favorite part: Well, Ewan McGregor, of course but honestly I loved how the film ended.

My least favorite part: A scene with people eating – that is all I will say about that.

Rating: R

Length: 92 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10


*photo courtesy of IFC Films.

Expats Post: Seeking a Friend For the End of the World

Hello movie fans:

I am just dropping by to let you know about my review of Seeking a Friend For the End of the World on Expats Post. The movie was out recently in theatres but didn't stay long. Not too long ago I even posted the preview on here. I rather enjoyed the film and you can find out why here :

Review: Seeking a Friend For the End of the World

Stars Steve Carell and Keira Knightley.

Thanks!






*Photo courtesy of Focus Features.

Preview: Ruby Sparks

What is it about movies, writers as the main character and their imagination? Well, actually, I might know a little bit about that. Here's a preview of a new film about this very subject: Ruby Sparks. 

From the producers of Little Miss Sunshine.

Due out July 25th, 2012 in limited release.

Preview: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

I don't do this very often, but I had to share a preview of a film I just saw at the theatre: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World . Stars Steve Carrell Keira Knightley.

The story is unique, touching, funny and inspirational.


 My review will be out soon but don't miss this film.

Updated: My review

This Means War

Directed by McG, 20th Century Fox, 2012.

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Angela Bassett, Rosemary Harris,Til Schweiger, Abigail Spencer and Chelsea Handler.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance.

Question: How would feel if a handsome British man, with a sultry accent, asked you out for a first date and wanted to meet you an Irish pub; AND then later that day you had an equally hot American man, with the sexiest blue eyes, hit on you in a DVD store while you were searching for a movie to rent? Well, I would think I had died and gone to heaven - TWICE!!

I believe This Means War was made for ME! I mean, seriously, there are two hot guys with qualities that get me weak in the knees and then you mix in romance, humor and action; I am so there. However, I glanced at some of the reviews of this movie (which ripped the movie apart) and it sort of turned me off. Also, I had a feeling the preview showed WAY TOO MUCH. Well, I was right about the preview. Nearly every funny line Chelsea Handler's character had been already shown in the trailer; but I was wrong in thinking this was going to be a bad movie. Was it a great film? No, however, it was a fun movie that was worth the watch.

The part that surprised me the most and why I enjoyed This Means War was due to one of the actors and their performance. No, I am not going to say Chris Pine, even though I am a fan of his, but Tom Hardy. I only recall seeing him in one other movie, Inception, which he was decent in but he didn't stand out to me. Now in this movie he was front and center and it made me want to see more of him. He plays a CIA agent named Tuck; a charmer with a heart of gold and in some of the scenes he was quite sexy in such an endearing way. I simply wasn't expecting that. He was why I liked this movie. His responses and reactions were just precious. And the movie was still pretty funny despite the trailer showing too many of the jokes.

There were only four to five people in the theatre when I saw This Means War but each of us laughed out loud several times. The comedic chemistry between the two men worked and it worked well. Chris Pine and Tom Hardy looked like they had a blast with their characters and it showed on-screen. Their relationship is what also made this movie enjoyable.

Now on the flip-side, the women were the disappointment in this movie. First, I will admit I am not a fan of Chelsea Handler, and I just don't see her appeal or get her sense of humor so I was a little biased on that casting choice. Second, Reese Witherspoon's and Chelsea Handler's characters were apparently best friends but there wasn't any real chemistry between them. Finally, the character Reese Witherspoon played was just kind of boring that I ended up not really caring all that much about her or her dilemma.

Another part that didn't work for me for this film had to be the editing or the overall care the film-makers took on the movie. It seemed rushed or an amateur attempt at telling a story. There were some good parts but something just seemed missing as a whole package.

So with all that said, the men made This Means War worth it for me. Perhaps a male reviewer might have a different interpretation. But, honestly, their characters were just more developed and better acted. (Okay, okay, they were both not hard to look at for two hours. Fine, I will admit it!)

My favorite thing: Tom Hardy was a delight.

My least favorite thing: The editing and Chelsea Handler - although when she wasn't going for a laugh she was pretty good.

Rating: R
Length: 97 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

Click on film poster below for DVD or VOD:

Forget Me Not

Directed by Alexander Holt & Lance Roehrig, Quicksilver Films, 2010

Starring: Tobias Menzies, Genevieve O'Reilly and Gemma Jones

Genre: Romance

Question: Do you believe you can fall in love with someone in 24 hours? I do, or maybe I have just seen too many movies. Either way, I think it can happen and Forget Me Not may show you how.

A typical Sunday afternoon in my house involves laundry. One thing I detest so I have to balance it out with something I love. Do I have to tell you what that is? I grabbed my laptop and headed towards the back of my home - a sanctuary from the rest of the house but also where the laundry room is located. First load in, headphones on and I hit play on Netflix Instant Play queue with Forget Me Not.


I didn't know anything about this film except what IMDb said about it in its summary:

"Love Happens. When you least expect it. Forget Me Not is a moving, modern day love story set over twenty-four hours against a stunning London backdrop."

London?! YAY!! I lived in London for a short time and miss it nearly every single day so anything that has "a stunning London backdrop" in it, count me in. Plus, I had just completed watching a foreign mafia film that I did not like and not sure why, so a romance was the best genre to counteract the effects of the other. And it did.

The movie starts off in a London pub with a musician singing and strumming his guitar. The female bartender serves up drinks to the locals watching him out of the corner of her eye or when she has a break from serving the drunk in front of her. His melancholy tune permeates the surroundings but you are too busy waiting for what comes next to take notice. His gig soon ends; he goes home and takes a bath. Then he starts to do something that makes your heart tighten, especially if you have ever been in that state of mind. He tries again but realizes he requires a drink first. Back to the pub. Okay, I am giving a play by play of the movie - I am stopping that now.

At this point you are completely lost as to what is going on, and you desire to find the answers to all your "whys?" But in the back of your mind you really don't want to find out. Luckily the story then has you following the bartender and the musician as they walk through London on their way to a party after an unforeseen run-in with one of the pub patrons. During the course of this walk the two strangers begin to talk and share stories about each other. This is where I really started to drift head, or heart, first into the story...and then...buzzz...pause film...damn, laundry! Second load in. Play.

Where was I? Oh yeah, the strangers continue on through the night walking through the streets of London, revealing stories about themselves that you might not think they would. However, it seems so comfortable that you don't question it. Yet something is held back by both. Understandably. What would make any two people, complete strangers, open up and share personal stories? That is hard to say but perhaps when you are lonely, scared or unable to recall a happy time, a stranger might be the best person to open up to. And they might just surprise you with being the right person for what you need.

Okay, I am giving way too much away on this one. What is wrong with me? Perhaps it's the laundry...anyway.

Dawn soon arrives and a trip to visit someone starts to bring the story closer to its climax. A revelation from one/a reminder to another surfaces, but as the audience member you are still in the dark. Where the love story goes from here was expected but then one stranger finally reveals all about themselves. And in one of the hardest but most understandable speeches it all made sense - the beginning, the middle and the finally, the conclusion. Two people who didn't know each other yesterday, and might not remember later, fall in love because they always have today.

So if you are in the mood for a decent romance - check out Forget Me Not. 


My favorite thing: That I didn't even notice I was doing laundry.

My least favorite thing: That I don't have plans to visit London anytime soon.

Rating: R
Length: 93 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10




Click on film poster for film:
 

Preview: The Pill

Alright fellow movie fans, here is another trailer that I found interesting. The Pill. Not sure if I have ever seen a story based on this idea and it looks a little quirky, which is a compliment. Enjoy.

Warning: I do think this shows a little too much of the story.

The Next Three Days

Directed (and written) by Paul Haggis, Lionsgate, 2010. Starring Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson, Daniel Stern and Brian Dennehy.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance

Question: What would you do for the person you loved if they were in trouble?  To what length would you go to rescue them?

This morning I decided to watch my favorite kind of movie - a thriller. I know what it says above but this was a thriller through-and-through. The Next Three Days was sitting in my Netflix Instant Play queue for a while now and something made me choose this today. Russell Crowe stars in this film and Paul Haggis wrote and directed The Next Three Days. I think they both have made a decent movie or two before, right? Oh, I know - they are a couple of the best in their field and that is why I chose it.

Russell Crowe plays John Brennan, a devoted husband and father, whose wife is convicted and sent to prison for murdering her boss. The movie is not about proving her innocence or guilt or another elaborate courtroom drama. This film takes place after her appeals have been exhausted and the husband can no longer take that his wife, the mother of his child, will be in prison for the rest of her life. So he realizes he must do something to help her. No more of the story - you should know by now I don't like to divulge too much information especially when it is this type of story.

I will admit I wasn't expecting to like The Next Three Days and I really can't say why. It was just a hunch. Well, my hunch was wrong. From the first few minutes to the last heart-pounding thirty minutes this story kept me on the edge of my seat. I hate to use that expression because I really wasn't on the edge of my seat, but I did feel anxious and intrigued with the story. There were a couple of overly-dramatic details but I'll let it slide.

Russell Crowe really is a phenomenal actor and proved yet again he can take on any role. The love he had for his wife, the extreme desire to help and the overwhelming fear he held was front and center with his performance. Elizabeth Banks played his wife and, although I usually see her in comedic roles, she did a decent job in The Next Three Days.

One thing I found odd in this film was the lack or how little certain actors were used: Liam Neeson, Brian Dennehy and Daniel Stern. A couple of the them were only in one scene while one had very little dialogue. It was perplexing to see why these veteran actors were used so little but it wasn't my movie to cast. Just a detail to point out in The Next Three Days

I apologize for the short review but I hate to spoil stories and feel if I say more I will. Enjoy the movie.

My favorite thing: That I really was unsure of what the truth was regarding the murder.

My least favorite: One scene (over-dramatic) that brought the story out of credibility for a moment or two.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 122 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Click on film poster below to watch instantly:
 

My Favorite Christmas Movies - Part 4

Well, we have come to the end of the line. Here are my final two favorite Christmas movies of all time. Up until now there hasn't been any sort of order and with the next one the same goes; however, the final film is one of my ALL TIME favorite movies and resides up in the top 5 on that list. So I am saving my favorite holiday movie for last.

The Holiday (2006) Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. This film is the most recent one added to the list since it only came out 5 years ago. This was another surprise rent one day and not a theatre attended movie. It's a romantic comedy that takes a twist on finding the right person. Two women, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, both have relationship issues and decide to switch houses for the holidays. One lives in England and one lives in America. While on their holiday escape they meet a couple of guys worth looking into (Jack Black and Jude Law). That's all I will say about that since I have feeling many of you haven't seen this film, but I know you girls out there can probably relate to these girls' dilemmas. My favorite part of this movie is Kate Winslet's character's friendship with her elderly neighbor - a former Hollywood screenwriter. Here is one of the best scenes from The Holiday....oh, and may I just say I would go to England in a heartbeat for Christmas...then again, the other goes to LA...oh, that would be a tough decision for me.


Drum-roll, please......my favorite Christmas movie of all time is:

While You Were Sleeping (1995) Starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher and Peter Boyle. I know what you are thinking. 'What?! REALLY?! Are you nuts?' And my only response is emphatically YES, I am crazy but I just love this movie!! I know I am in the minority here when it comes to this one, but when I first saw this 15 years ago I fell in love with it. There was just something about the romance story, the main character, played by Sandra Bullock, and the combination of the "family" dynamic in While You Were Sleeping that just spoke to me. It's not the best film ever produced; It didn't win any Oscars but Sandra Bullock was nominated for a Golden Globe; And most of you probably never saw it. Don't worry I have seen it enough for all of you. I honestly can't tell you how many times I have seen it but I am on my second DVD - and watch it at least 5 times a year. I am crazy, I know, but this is my go to movie whenever I need a pick-me-up, in the mood for a little romance or when I just want to relax. My kids watch this movie with me and make fun of me at how much I smile while I am watching it. Most of you won't see what I see in this film and I am okay with that. We all have our movies that speak to us and no one else. And While You Were Sleeping is mine and I am not embarrassed to say it anymore :-)

I didn't post a scene from my favorite holiday film but here is a link to the first 9 minutes on YouTube. The entire movie is on there. If you want to see just how nuts I am, take a gander. While You Were Sleeping

So, there you have it. My top 11 favorite Christmas movies of all time. I know there are a few that are missing on here that you may think I need to list, but I had to weed it down to this. There are more Christmas movies I enjoy, but when I want to get in the holiday spirit these are the first that leap to mind.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Click on the film posters below to watch instantly: