Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts

Crimson Peak (2015)

So, saw this interesting piece last night. Beautiful sets, beautiful actors, breathtaking movie.


Plot: Young aspiring author Edith Cushing meet an exciting charming young gentleman Thomas Sharpe. He initially come to America to find an investor, pursuing Edith's father to be specific, to fund his clay mining machine.  He, and his sister Lucille, lives in an old family house back in England, that is build on a huge hill, that is nothing but red clay. As family gone broke, they seek for a funding, so they can keep the house. Edith eventually marries Thomas, and goes to England, to start a new life on a Crimson Peak. 

Actors: TOM HIDDLESTON. Oh, boy do I love him. He's so charming, oh my. And I read, that the part was initially offered to Benedict Cumberbatch. Weh, And Mia Wasikowska is just in her field. Also, thank God, the part didn't go to Emma Stone. That would be weird. Jessica Chastain is just gorgeous. I was surprised to see Jim Beaver, he played Bobby in Supernatural. 



What I liked: I loooved the sets. So beautiful. The house, the Crimson Peak is just hauntingly beautiful. I loved little repetitive details - the use of colour red, the butterflies. One of my favourite scenes in the whole movie - the dancing with the candle scene. Guillermo del Toro delivers his signature monsters - beautifully done ghosts. And I feel I must warn you - this is not a ghost story, this is rather story with ghosts in it. 
Some parts really made me laugh, to be honest. And I thought this intended to be a horror story. But it is one beautifully done movie. Aesthetically pleasing (and we get so see Hidles' ass. Which is not a bad thing). 


What I didn't like: I hated that the main story was so... natural. So explainable and so human. I wanted something out of this word. Even motives were very human. Money, it's  all about money. Sad. Also, I wanted more ghosts :( 

IMDB ratted this 7.1. I can see why that kind of rating, cuz after walking out of the cinema, I felt a bit cheated and mislead by trailers and all. Didn't really get what I expected. But on the otherhand, it was beautiful and trilling movie. 7.5. 




Spy (2015)

Sorry for absence, been busy with.. everything really. Anyway, kind of stopped watching movies for a while (it's a tv series season). Watched a while ago, but feel like I should at least give it a mention.


Plot: A desk-bound spy Susan, whose job is to sit next to computer, watch other agents on a missions and help them. One day, her partner in the field Brandley gets killed, so she volunteers to go undercover on a field mission. Something she never really done before.

Cast: Some very knows faces in this one, I mean Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law and Jason Statham, to name few. Supporting cast was very strong as well - Rose Byrn and Miranda Hart were great. What I was surprised to see, was Verka Serduchka as herself (east europeans know him/her quite well). 


Directing: Paul Feig. A man behind "Bridesmaids" and "Heat". Both with Mellisa. All these movies had similar vibe. All really smart and funny, so I wasn't really surprised. 

What I liked: It was a really witty comedy, but packed with spy-movies cliches. Some jokes were better than others. I liked the cast. Oh I looooved Jason Statham. His character was a breath of fresh air. Brilliant. Oh and they briefly played Mika's "Boum boum boum". I love hearing my boy in movies. 


What I didn't like: I'm not really a fan of Melissa, she kind of annoys me. Also, there were a scene, where viewers are exposed to a series of photos of fully erect penis, and that kind of set the tone for the rest of the movie. I know it was a sort of parody for Bond movie, but nothing can top "Kingsman: the secret service". That movie was the BOMB. This one was a sometimes-on-point second cousin of it. 


IMDB is very generous for this movie - 7,2. It's just a bit above 6 for me. I just praise Statham's crazy performace, as it was the best thing about this movie.

Going to see "Crimson Peak" in cinemas today, hopefully I'm gonna love it! 


Parer Towns (2015)

I was never really excited about this one, but I kin d of enjoyed "The Fault In Our Stars", so I thought I might spend my evening with another creation by John Green.


Plot: Quentin and Margo were childhood friends, that sort of grew apart, but on night, Margo burst into the Quentin's room at night, asking him to go on an adventure with her. It was fun night at all, but the next morning Margo goes missing... Quentin stars seeing these little clues, from Margo, about her whereabouts. 

Actors: If you've seen "Fault in our stars". also witten but John Green, you might find some fimiliar faces. Like the main protagonist Nat Wolff. Also, I was really excited to see Ansel Elgort, just for a brief moment. The way they introduced him, was like an Easter Egg for hardcore fans. Hehe, kudos me for catching the reference. Also, unpopular opinion - Cara Delevingne is like the plainest looking girl ever. Like.. seriously... 



What I liked: I loved how all the guys, boys and girls, in the movie, actually looked like 18year-olds. Like, not adults yet, just normal regular age. That was really refreshing. Also music was great (they played my lovely Vampire Weekend's "Taxi Cab", oh and HAIM's "Falling". Lovely). 
Also, the road trip was bad ass. Me, I just received my driving license, I am afraid to ride around my own hometown, I would never have gone to a road trip like that. 
I liked Quentin's buddies, great comic relief in otherwise kind of boring movie. 
I did not read the book, as I was doing with "Fault in our Stars", I trusted the direction, because "Fault in our Stars" movie was really close to the book, so I guess I din't miss much, tho I read the book's ending was a bit different.
I liked that this wasn't a traditional rom-com, not even that romantic at all. It was more of a coming of age tale.


What I didn't like: Nat Wolff was a bit awkward... He's cute and all, but I think his awkwardness was kind of annoying. His character was kind of plain and unrealistic to me. Other characters had a great progression over the movie, even Margo gets some closure, but Quentin kind of stayed the same. N character development at all. I din't like Cara's performance, as I said, the plainest looking girl ever. 

Other than that, I did enjoyed the last outcome of this movie. Pretty enjoyed it at parts as well. So, I'd give it a 7. IMDB, tho, 6,7. Looking forward which next John Green's book will get an adaptation.


Trainwreck (2015)

I really wanted to watch some light easy movie last night, so this seemed like a good choice. Great cast, light topic and some time well spend.


Plot: Amy never believed in relationships. As her parents divorced, her father thought them that monogamy isn't real and that you'll always want somebody else. So this works for her, she is having fun, she is free, has a great job... Oh and she works at some men magazine and is pitched to write an article about this sport's doctor (and she hates sports just like any other girl duh) which happen to be Aaron, a guy she actually likes and wants to spend the rest of her life with. 

Actors: Let me tell you this - I loooove Bill Hader. Even since Saturday Night Live (he was one of my favourite cast members). He is just so funny. Though, when they did promotion for this movie on youtube (they appered on some regular youtube shows, like Good Mythical Morning made by Rhett and Link), he seemed like a bit of a jerk, but know knows. I only know Amy Schumer as a stand-up comedian, but since I do not really follow that kind of entertainment, I can't really say anything about it. Half the rest of the cast were actors from SNL - Vanessa Bayer, Pete Davidson, Leslie Jones, Tim Meadows etc. Also it was fun to see Tilda Swinson into some what different role, but she is chameleon I didn't even recognize her until I read the credits! Ezra Miller was a surprise as well, also Daniel Radcliff and his infamous dog-walker role. You know what I mean. Also bunch of real life sportsmen, like John Cena and  LeBron James. 



What I liked: I liked for even though this was a cliche rom-con, Amy wasn't a typical pretty-pretty girl. Quite opposite, I'd say. More like real life normal woman. That makes her relatable and real. Also Bill's character wasn't idealized as well. He acted like a normal man, not like romantic prince. So a huge plus for braking these clichies. Writing was very funny (kudos for Amy, she wrote this movie), some really fresh and witty humor. 
Also, I feel like I have to mention Daniel Radcliff and his dogs. You all probably remember the pictures of his walking tons of dogs. Well, this was for this movie. Actually for a movie within this movie. It was brilliant! 
And as a plus I'd mention that this movie was directed by Judd Apatow, a great man behind "This is 40", "the 40 year old virgin" and "Knocked up". 



What I didn't like: The movie seemed  little stalling and slow at the times. For example, Amy and Arron didn't even meet for the like the first 30 minutes or so. Also, I know that Amy Schumer is a comedian, but I'm not sure about her acting abilities. And Bill Hader is such a funny guy, like, the best, but he kind of seemed overshadowed by Amy. 


IMDB rating - 6.8 and I feel it's a bit Amy's fault, cuz the movie is some what great overall. I'd give solid 7, just because it is so common and so different at the same time. 

Ant-Man (2015)

Ok, I kinda cheated my "The Before Trilogy" marathon. I will come back to the last movie "Before Midnight", but I kind of interrupted it to see the newest adventure in Marvel cinematic universe.


Plot: Scott Lang, just got out of the prison, trying to turn a new page, get a job, be a clean man. After his infamous heist to some super secure program, he was observed by Dr. Hank Pym, the creator of the Pym particle that can basically shrink you to the smallest size. So Dr. Pym wants Scott to become new Ant-man, for one last heist, to steal a very familiar suits, that was created by Dr. Pym's student Daren Cross, who intent to sell his suit and technology to HYDRA. So, we all know that HYDRA is a bad guy, so naturally Ant-Man has to save the day! 

Thoughts: I love love love Marvel Cinematic Universe! Gosh, ever since Avengers I can't get enough. And I don't even read the comics.  Visuals are goods, plots are entertaining enough, acting is good, and the whole atmosphere just feels epic. What more do you need? 



Actors: Oh man, don't we all have a crush on Paul Rudd? He's just... I mean, the older he gets, the better. Am I right? Though I still remember how cute he was in Clueless. Oh my. I'm happy to see some new faces in Marvel universe. Evangeline Lilly is one nice addition to the bunch. Can't wait to see her becoming a Wasp. That's gonna be amazing! (Sorry if I'm spoiling anything, you have to wait for the post credit scene to see her reveal.) Also loved seing some old faces, like beloved Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell and also The Falcon, by Anthony Mackie. Oh, and I saw one youtube, Anna Alana. Lovely! 

What I liked: I loved cheesy jokes, I did. I loved references they did to the other Marvel movies, like they talked about what happened in Avengers: Age of Ultron, about other little details that are like one big inside joke. Love the careless character of Scott, he is gonna be one hell of an avenger in the future. Oh man, this just gets me so excited for the future. The ants were sweet, made them look like a nice pet to have. I loved one character, Scotts friend Luis' way of telling some little thing with huge amount of details You'll know that I mean, when you see the movie. Also, not movie itself related - I loved the cute posters they made for this movie. Like, Captain America's shield, really close up, with little ant-man on it, same with Thor's hammer, or Black Widow's gun etc. So cool! 



What I  didn't like: Again, I'm just so in love with everything Marvel is doing that it is hard to find weak points. But, I'd say, I feel like they can go deeper and develop some good and interesting villains. Marvel has only used like 5% of awesomeness that it is, and the villains we've seen so far are far beyond what we might get in the future.

IMDB rated this as 7.9, pretty much the same as other Marvel cinematic universe movies. I agree, this one wasn't as bad or as unambitious as others. If you haven't seen it - go to the cinema! 

Ruby Sparks (2012)

I don't know if you ever heard of this movie, I mean I just spotted it on tumblr, just a simple production still of a guy leaning over his typewriter with caption "OH MY GOD THIS IS MY FAVOURITE MOVIE EVER". You know, I raised my eyebrow, like "hmm, I've never even heard of it and it is someone's favourite movie". I should at least check it out.


Plot: This young writer struggles with what appears to be writers-block. While sleeping, he dreams of this girl, he's talking to her, she's sweet and interesting. Basically just Zooey Deschanel of everything. Inspired by her, he wakes up and stars writing. Imagine his surprise, when one morning he finds her in his kitchen making breakfast. 

Actors: I'm just gonna say that Paul Dano and Chris Messina are nooo waaaay loking like brothers. I mean no way. Bad, bad choice to make them brothers. Zoe Kazan is cute, I remember her from "What If" with Daniel Radcliffe, which reminded me of type casting, cuz she was playing exactly the same type of girl. I was surprised to see Antionio Banderas in a movie like this. Fun fact: Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan are dating in real life. Aww, that is so cute. Though, at one point I thought "what a weird casting thing, to pair these two, hmm", but hey, this is even better.


Writing & directing: After watching this movie, I was curious who made it (I should always check that). Honestly, what didn't surprise me was that it was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, since they did "Little Miss Sunshine", one of my favourite movies ever. It features the same actor (Paul Dano) and it kind of has this distinctive feeling about it. Not the story telling, but just feeling. And the poster, in "Little Miss Sunshine"they were running, and they are sure running it this one as well. Maybe just a coincidence, I don't know. Oh, and the writing. What surprised me was that it was written by the main actress Zoe Kazan. I don't know, it was kind of Zach Braff type of moment for me, where he would literally write and direct his own movies. But who knows, maybe she's a very good writer and she's just starting to show what she can do.

What I liked: Oh, I loooved how quickly this movie turned from sweet and cute, to creepy and very dark. I would not have guessed it. So cool, I love how diverse this movie was.
I drooled over the typewriter, I always wanted one, even though I don't know what I would write. Anything, grocery lists or something. I loved music. "Ca plane pour moi"by Plastic Bertrand was playing and I love that song so much. Like, it always makes me happy. It is impossible to listen to that song and feel down.



What I didn't like: I honestly don't know. It wasn't a perfect movie or anything, but I feel like I pretty much enjoyed the movie a lot. I mean, the main character was very selfish and disturbed in a way, but I'm glad of his development through-out.  Oh oh, I know what I didn't like -- the name "Ruby Sparks". That's one fake-ass name. What kind of real person, on their right mind would be named Ruby Sparks??? (*ignores the fact that Fox Mulder does not exist as well*). And doesn't Paul Dano looks like Shane Dawson? A LOT.

Colours: I feel like I have to talk about the colours in this movie a bit, because it makes such  lovely contrast. Calvin, the main character, is plain, he lives in a white house, all his clothes are tone-down soft colours. While Ruby is bright, she has red hair, she wears coloured pantyhose, always with cute colourful dresses or skirts. We never see her home, but she lights-up, when Calvin takes her to see his parents and they live in very lively and colourful home.

MDB gave this 7.2, but I highly believe it would past as a solid 8. Not your typical love story, someone who loves fiction and fantasy might like it as well.









Minions (2015)

Ok, don't point fingers, I went to the movie with my friends, just to hang out. But we also went to the first two movies, so to this one was kind of a way to end the holy trilogy. Also it was fun and I had a great time, ok?


Plot: the little yellow creatures that calls themselves Minions are one a quest to serve the most evil villain of them all. They found one, and by being too loyal they always end up losing "the boss", so they spend their existence by always looking, 

Actors: Well, since I was watching it in the cinema, it was voices in Lithuanian (pity :( ) but I would love hearing all the voise over work done by lovely Sandra Bullock, John Hamm and my lovely Steve Carell. 



What I liked: Honestly, the first two movies were so good and so funny. I'd say the first 20 minutes were the best. Loats of backstory, cute locations, bunch of historical references. Probably the references were the best thing about this movie. The audience was made of 50% kids and 50% of aduls, so I bet the half didn't get the 60th references, like The Beatles "Abbey road" cover shoot, King Kong, young Queen Elisabeth II or even the "making of the Moon landing". Oh and "Villain-con" Brilliant! Oh and little Gru, oh how adorable!

What I didn't like: ummm... well, after the first 20 minutes it kind of went down. Minions turn to be annoying and opposite of helpful. Jokes went flat and only the cuteness and awkwardness of  Minions were kind of helping this. 

IMDB gave this 6.9. Other movies in this franchise, are above 7, and yeah, it's a prehistory, but it was a bit weaker than others. The villain was weak, she didn't even do nothing evil, she just asked Minions to do all her work. I missed Gru :(