hscptcrash

Serendipity (2001) Christmas (sort of) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h31
Release 01.02.2023 (In the US)
Director David Hunt
About Jon and Sara decide to separate after a night of romance when they were shopping for their respective spouses. But destiny has other plans as it brings them together before their respective marriages.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV
Trailer:

Naughty

How is this considered a romantic classic? Within the first 5 minutes the film establishes that they both have partners. Not casual partners either. Very “committed” to their people given that Beckinsale’s Sara says yes to a proposal and most of the film post meet-cute takes place during the wedding weekend of Cusack’s Jon.
I don’t know about anyone else, but it’s hard to root for these people when they are at best uncommitted to the person they’re with and at worst, actively and emotionally cheating on their soon-to-be spouse.

The partners, while on the topic, seem more like a plot obstacle than actual characters. I guess that’s so we don’t feel too bad for them that our two leads are thinking about other people. It also doesn’t leave me feeling great for Sara and Jon’s future post-credits.

The transitioning “joke” doesn’t land how it perhaps did back in 02 (However do note that Beckinsale’s Sara does correct Cusack’s use of pronoun) and the navigation of perceived homosexuality feels clunky.

Nice

Beckinsale and Cusack have chemistry and the support cast is really good.

It’s a short film, and the premise of leaving everything to fate works. Just not with both of them being in relationships and being total dicks about it.

Final Thoughts

What a horrible, horrible, fucking film. Why it’s listed among Christmas movies is beyond me.

The Machine (2023) Film Review

Rating 15
Length 1h52
Release 31.05.2023
Director Peter Atencio
About The past comes back to haunt Bert Kreischer when a murderous mobster tries to kidnap him to atone for his crimes. With help from his estranged father, Bert must retrace the steps of his younger self as a sociopathic crime family goes to war.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV/ Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase)
Trailer:

The Good

Mark Hamill is a renaissance man! For years he solely belonged to the geeks, known for Star Wars and his epic voice work in Batman. Now he’s being cast in everything, and I’m here for it! From Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman to the scene stealing turn in Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher, Mark Hamill is getting the career he deserves. Much like Brendon Fraser and Key Huy Quan, I’m so very happy to see the good eggs get their time.
The Machine is certainly good for showing another side to Hamill. Not Luke, not the Joker, but a character somewhere in between. He’s a saving grace for this film, and the main thing you should be watching it for.

The action is pretty cool and there is the novelty of it being quasi-biopic. I’d also imagine that if you’re familiar with Bert Kreischer’s comedy, you’ll find the retelling of his infamous robbery and a subsequent “what if?” rather entertaining.

The Bad

The film takes way too long to get going. The whole setting up the family dynamics, while great for establishing the character, does very little to set the pace of what is meant to be an action movie. By the time there’s any sort of speed to the plot, I was checked out.

The Ugly

Given the current political climate with Russia, I did find it difficult to settle into the film and find the whole Russia is the capital of violence shtick. While I can imagine the film was in production long before Putin decimated Ukraine and displaced an entire country, but its release seems in bad taste; even with it very much poking fun.

Final Thoughts

Well, I know someone would have been laughing like Muttley throughout this. My brother will have loved so much about this film. Unfortunately, for me, the trailer showed all the best bits and outside of Mark Hamill, the full runtime fell flat.

Dream Scenario (2023) Film Review

Rating 15
Length 1h42
Release 10.11.2013
Director Kristoffer Burgle
About A family man finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. However, when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, he’s forced to navigate the consequences of his newfound stardom.
Moon: Not that I saw

Trailer:

The Good

Nic Cage does what he does best; he gives us an extroverted off the wall, unhinged performance while still presenting a strangely bumbling every-man. No one could provide us with both and make it convincing.

The story is scary. It’s creepy and chilling, not only in terms of the dreams but the way people respond firstly to the dreams, but then to the real Paul. It actually is a fascinating look at celebrity and cancel culture.

There’s just something about a horror that makes you laugh as well as be on edge. Largely to do with Cage’s performance you just cannot help but have a good time.

The Bad

There’s a very cringe and awkward scene near the mid mark that will put you off sex for life. That is literally all I’m going to say on the matter. If, and once, you’ve watched it, we have much to discuss.

The Ugly

Nic Cage is only getting better. Even with his bad performances, he’s a genius and he’s had four films and a lifelong dream fulfilled (eh, sort of) with a cameo. However, in recent weeks Nic Cage has spoken about retirement and it’s making me sad.

Final Thoughts

An odd story, an even odder Nic Cage and I loved (almost) every minute of it. I do have a theory though and I need to know if anyone else picked up on something that comes back towards the end of the movie.

Unexpected (2022) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h48
Release 01.02.2023 (In the US)
Director David Hunt
About Music critic Bob is out of a job, addicted to Zoloft, and trying to wrangle the menagerie of animals that his wife Amy has accumulated.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase)
Trailer:

The Good

The moment Joe Mazzello begins his narration, I know I’m in safe hands. I’ve yet to see the actor turned director take a creative misstep in his entire career (Although give me three wishes, I’m using one of those bad boys to have Small Soldiers and A.I added to his filmography) He has always been excellent at playing characters that are steeped in tragedy, but Mazzello has evolved into an entertainingly dark comedian and it is exactly what a film like this needs to lighten the tone.
Bob was also someone I was able to identify with and a brilliant way connect to the film. The Character’s arc of acknowledging his depression, the all-too-real experience of psychotherapy and the complications of prescription medication could feel too heavy if it wasn’t for Mazzello’s performance.

The film is funny. Not only the character of Bob. Yes he’s dry, witty and sarcastic in a way that I find charming, however the film itself is able to bring a comedic tone to much of the events. Some reminds me of Tom Hanks’ Money Pit (1986) and other situational comedies.

One thing I love about independent films is that the audience are given a different storytelling experience. Along with the change in narrator throughout the film, there’s some playing with time when we’re coming to the end of the film to allow an element of completion and fulfilment. Something other, more mainstream, films would not attempt and leave the audience without closure.

The Bad

This is a bittersweet film that does not provide the typical narrative. It plays like real life. Largely to do with it being based on upon the biographical book Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tart. However it does mean that it touches on difficult topics and not everyone gets a happy ending. For some this may be too much like their own lives, for others it may be triggering.
For me, it was comforting to know that others go through similar thoughts and feelings. That I’m not alone and there’s a hope for coming out the other side.

It is hard to watch this film and not be even the tiniest bit curious about what the version with Ashley Tisdale as Amy would have been like. That’s not to say Anna Camp was not perfectly cast; she’s adorable and bubbly, but able to handle the emotional consequences of life not going quite to plan.
I just know that dynamics and nuances will have given a completely different film. I also spent a lot of time following this film and was saddened upon the shoot having to shut down due to covid-19 restrictions with mere days left to film.

I’m not sure the film plays on the use of music enough. It’s a personal thing, but to me the protagonist is Bob. Yes, other characters contribute to the narration but 90% is Bob. I would argue that most of the music is reflecting Amy. It is at odds with the film for me. That’s not to say I didn’t like the choices, I just would have liked it to either be a reflection of Bob.

The Ugly

The ugly truth is that living in the UK has meant I’ve had to wait until today, 21 December, to be able to watch this film. Independent cinema is stunning, it is meaningful and it offers an alternative to the loud and fast blockbusters that dominate the cinema.
This film would have had a decent box office and could have enticed viewers similar to those who sobbed their way through My Sister’s Keeper (2009) and those who chuckled and cried through Juno (2007). However, films like Unexpected are not finding their way into the cinema and it really is heartbreaking to see.

Final Thoughts

While the topics of depression and fertility may not be my usual go to topics for a Friday night watch, Anna Camp, Joe Mazzello and Scrub’s Neil Flynn not only make me glad I watched, they are the reason I’ll be watching again.

U-571 (2000)

Rating 12
Length 1h 56
Release 02 June 2000 (UK)
Director Jonathan Moscow
About A German submarine is boarded by American submariners disguised as Germans. They must infiltrate the security and steal the Nazi’s top-secret Enigma machine.
Streaming on Netflix

First Thoughts

This film was released during the height of my love for Bon Jovi; the band and the man. Not only that, but Erik Palladino had been part of ER and I was excited to see that he was a part of this film. I was also setting up my future, and my love was History. I either wanted to work as a curator in a museum, an archeologist or a History teacher. This film was on my watch list for the longest time.
My brother, preparing for an interview, asked me to complete his worksheet in exchange for a trip to the cinema. Normally, the person doing the favour would get to choose the viewing and I voiced my choice.
Instead, we went to see Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999) which was released in the UK 26 May 2000 and already seen by my brother. It wasn’t the first, and it wouldn’t be the last time I missed out on seeing a film in the cinema due to someone else.

I eventually saw the film at home on VHS and it wasn’t as good as I expected. Maybe my love for both Palladino and Jovi had passed, but I suspect it was that this film really needed a big screen to appreciate the visuals, action and story. I’ve not watched it again before today, and while there are faults and I maintain it needs a big screen, there’s certainly enough good.

The Good

I don’t know why it has taken me so long to warm to Matthew McConaughey, but I’ve been sleeping on an excellent performer. I could not think of anyone better to play Tyler and present the story arc of rejected, too green, XO to leader under pressure in a situation more experienced would not have been prepared for. The arc itself provides so much tension, not only as Tyler questions himself, but of those under his command who heard about his public and brutal rejection of his own command.

There’s something about a submarine movie I adore; from the sounds of the sonar, to the close quarters and the added jeopardy of being in a place where, at times, there is no escape.

The Bad

Might be a personal thing, but I’m not a fan of war-based films and shows for one particular reason: I find it hard to follow the action and often miss the deaths of key characters as a result.
The nature of war is fast paced and often presents over wide angles and very little dialogue. Without being able to follow these segments, it does mean I lose some engagement with the story.

The Ugly

It’s clearly a work of fiction. Due to the very nature of its form, the audience does know to take the story with a pinch of salt. Film’s primary purpose is to entertain, however some do also seek to inform. This film did not promote itself as biographical however, being based upon historical events does make this problematic as it was not the US military, but the UK navy, that performed the feat of capturing a coveted Enigma machine that represents the turning point during World War II.
This subversion of events caused much controversy upon release, to the point it was brought up in the House of Commons and the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair condemned the film. Now, if this was today, perhaps the government would not have a leg to stand on based on their conduct. However, Blair did have a point. Lest We Forget is only a sentiment if we remember correctly and we don’t rewrite history.

The Final Thoughts

The lack of authenticity is by no means a reason not to watch. It is an incredibly well made film, with a talented cast and a concise story.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Theatre Review)

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Story

I’m not going to give too much detail about the plot, other than to reassure. It is a Stranger Things story, but it does not alter what fans will have seen in the show so far. It also can be watched by anyone, no matter their level of Hawkins knowledge they have.
While I’ve questioned some of the character inclusions, I will admit it’s more my saltiness at the absence of gone-too-soon Benny Hammond. It was the only hope I had; seeing what the diner owner’s friendship with Hopper was like.
It is something quite enchanting about having the backstory of Henry Creel fleshed out and, as a story, it works being in a different format and for those familiar with season 4, will feel themselves on the edge of their seat as the narrative cranks up to events we already know of.
I was sold on seeing this play from the start, but the fact that it includes time with the younger versions of Jim, Joyce and Bob was too good to pass up and this is where the true element of Stranger Things comes to life: the powerless, becoming empowered and learning about themselves while looking into a town-based mystery. Of course there perhaps would have been a different ending without having to be written to the confines of the franchise, but the play still ends with an ending that will satisfy.

Production

The show takes what was started with the production of The Cursed Child, an incredible feat in its own right, and refines the skills and techniques to perform what I can only describe as magic.
Again, not something I want to spoil by going into detail, but it’s safe to say that the method and quality of bringing the Upsidedown to life will leave all enthralled. It’s clear money has been well spent to keep the show up to the production value of the streaming show. Even the song choices are as on point as the show.

Casting

I could speak about every single person who is in the play. It is very much an understatement to say that this is a well cast production before you even begin to think about the boots they’ve had to fill.

Isabella Pappas and Christopher Buckley play Joyce and Bob respectively. Their performances are perfect. For me, these two are mimics of Ryder and Austin and winning the audience over in that respect is what makes the show work as well as it does. From mannerisms to characterisation, they are the teens that our favourite Hawkins’ adults become.
Oscar Lloyd gives an incredible performance as the boy who will become the beloved grouch, Jim Hopper. Most importantly, he didn’t make me miss David Harbour. Instead he gave me a Hopper, while far from carefree, void of the trauma of war and loss. Lloyd is perhaps the least like the character from the show, and is something that comes across as a choice and rightly so. The other thing I absolutely adore about Oscar Lloyd and his performance? You could easily cast him as Steve Harrington; the charm, the movement on the stage and the look. This may seem like a strange compliment to most, however take a look at photos of a young David Harbour and you’ll understand why.

Finally, in his stage debut, is Louis McCartney as Henry Creel with an incredible challenge of not only fleshing out the dark big bad from season four, but making him a character the audience feels for.
Not only is he successful in this, he is able to do so while keeping the idea of Vecna/One intact. From his arrival into Hawkins, to the acceptance of his fate you are captivated by him. You’re also on the journey with Henry, and if McCartney was not able to win over the audience and subvert those expectations of the character so quickly, it would not work.
When it comes to the physicality of the role, I am in awe. How he has managed to keep up the energy while contorting his body to represent his interaction with the mind flayer is mind blowing.

Final Thoughts

It is a blessing and a curse that I am no longer a resident of London. I am incredibly sad because I don’t know when I’ll get back to watch, however I also know I would be bankrupt going repeatedly, spotting all the little bits I’ve missed this first time around.
I very much hope they publish the script and, should it be turned into a version for the streaming platform, this original cast is used.

Christmas Advent 2023: It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)

Rating 18
Length 1h27
Release 1.12.2023
Director Tyler MacIntyre
About What would happen if George Bailey stopped a serial killer before asking to have never been born? Winnie, a year after ending a psychotic murder spree is consumed with PTSD. It doesn’t help that the whole town she saved has moved on.
So in a Christmas classic wish, she is shown a town in which she was never part of and that’s where the nightmare begins…
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Online in the US
Trailer:

Naughty

There’s what appears to be a final act rewrite that just doesn’t quite mesh with the rest of the film that we’re meant to buy due to some magical inclusion.
While the slasher outfit is incredible once you know what it is; it’s impractically for a spree and really just takes me slightly out of it.
The happy ending for happy ending sake! Bullshit! Let it be the start of something new and not some magic loophole.

Nice

Some great casting going on from the get go; from tween show stars taking their leap to movie horror, to character actors Joel McHale and Justin Long.
It’s an ideal blend of Christmas kitsch, meta comedy and all out horror.
Short run time is always a win for me. Especially with these types of films that play fast and loose with the meta sheen.
Stay put for the credits because Joy 2 the Girls by Hael is a bop.

Final Thoughts

Could this have been sacrilege? Oh yes, this could have easily been the worst film ever made for taking the greatest film and making it into a horror comedy! However, it works.

Halloween 2023 Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023)

Rating 15
Length 1h27
Release 07.10.2023
Director Lindsey Anderson Beer
About In 1969 a young Jud Crandall and his childhood friends band together to confront an ancient evil that has gripped their hometown of Ludlow.
Moon: Literally the first shot of the movie.
Where to Watch: Part of Paramount+ subscription on Amazon Prime
Trailer:

Trick

The film has a little bit of a clunky start that almost had me disengaged. Thankfully, the trope of “shrouded mystery” meant I hadn’t missed much. However, it did also mean that the reveals didn’t pack the punch they could have.
One of the biggest ball drops for me is the handling of the catalyst for this film. It almost occurs prior to the start of the film and relies on you having read the book or watched one of the films. Okay, perhaps in the world of Marvel Monopoly and its required viewing the audience is used to that. However I like the element of stand alone, just as a curtesy.
There’s an attempt to cash-in on generational trauma and responsibility. However it feels too much like lip service to say anything meaningful about it. Yes, there’s hints at links between the colonisation of the America’s and the American actions within Vietnam, and there’s even an attempt to retcon the Native American involvement and presence in Ludlow, but it is all ultimately lost to the cheap jump scares and audio jump-cuts. Also, the less said about the sound of flies the better (if not entertaining to watch my cats trying to find them).
My petty quibbles: Those fucking trucks as jump scares and Norma’s hair.
The trucks: okay we get it, you’re referencing the big scene from the original. Leo D is pointing once he’s jumped. The first time. By the closing credits though, it’s not even a case of diminishing returns. You are annoying your audience because, lets be honest, it isn’t even clever the first time and if (that’s a big *if* by the way) anyone rewatches the film they’re cringing the very first time you pull that “scare”.
Norma not only is in a different movie with that hair, she’s in a different decade. It’s 1969, she’s joining the peace core. Yet she’s been given poker straight bleach blonde hair complete with extensions. I’m not in any way into my beauty or fashion, yet I do know that the 60s and 70s were about bobbed volume, natural curls and waves. Norma’s stylisation was so wrong (Like 2018 Robin Hood’s set in the past, but stylised as the future) that it took me out the film every time she was on screen.

Treat

Henry Thomas, Pam Grier and David Duchovny are really wonderful to see as the supporting cast. Henry Thomas seems to be in a renaissance with a leaning towards Horror thanks to Mike Flanagan. Great in their individual roles, but it is the final act that sees them interact.
Duchovny?! Well, where has this character actor been all these years? Do not get me wrong, I recognise him as the hunk that gave us the red speedos (Personally a Walter Skinner girl myself) but there’s something about him aging that has roughed up those looks and given him much more to work with that the 90s swoon. Keep it coming Mulder!
Considering the elements that could make this entry into the Sematary franchise a slasher, its refreshing to see our lead be a Final “guy”.
One the topic of slasher, there’s a mid-film gut punch and a chilling chase worthy of any slasher.
The film has a lean runtime. Sorry Mr Scorsese, but fuck your 3 hour 25 runtime and how we should respect the craft. Sometimes, just sometimes (okay, all the time since Endgame) I want my fat trimmed. While there are issues and underdevelopment in parts, I believe that can be corrected without adding to the run time.
I enjoyed most of the final act. Some of those who were dispatched were a little telegraphed, but ultimately it made for a solid final showdown.

Final Thoughts

I liked what it was attempting to achieve rather than the final product and the biggest part I took from it was that I really want to see both Henry Thomas and David Duchovny in more gritty films.

What to Clash with ….
I’m currently listening to Clash of the Titles podcast in which Alex Zane, Vicky Crompton and Chris Tilly pitch two comparative films together, review them on their individual merits before declaring one the victor.
In honour of this, and until I run out of ideas, I will suggest films that share *something* in common with the movie that I’m reviewing. I’m not going to tell you what, but if you happen to know… by all means, leave a comment below.
Practical Magic
Dog Soldiers
Cujo
I did have a forth, but I told myself I didn’t need to write it down, and now I’ve forgotten what it was.

Philadelphia (1993)

Rating 12
Length 2h06
Release 25.2.1994
Director Jonathan Demme
About A young Philadelphia lawyer who is infected with AIDS keeps his homosexuality hidden from his employers. When he is suddenly dismissed, he hires a homophobic lawyer for a wrongful dismissal suit.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV
Trailer:

The Good

Both Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks gave incredible performances.
The story itself is powerful and one of the first of its kind to explore, or rather challenge, views on sexuality and the stigma of the HIV/AIDS crisis that had been misrepresented in mass media for the entire decade since being recognised as a “novel illness” in the early 80s.
By no means an easy watch, the film highlights the difference between opinion, morality and the law. It will make you think, learn and question. Something all films try to achieve, but very rarely accomplish.
For me, one of the highlights of the film is Daniel Von Bargen as the Jury Foreman. He’s a well known, been in everything, character actor (films include Thinner, The Faculty and A Civil Action). You’ll be forgiven for any presumption you make; don’t worry, the film manipulated you in that way too. He has very few lines, but draws your attention from the start to give a rather surprising and satisfying payoff in the end.

The Bad

There’s a use of the camera as Andrew’s POV. I can see what it was trying to achieve, however I felt it distracted and pulled the viewer from the story rather than being emotive and immersive.
How was it that Denzel Washington was not even nominated for an Oscar?! I knew he hasn’t won, because I believe he received that honour for Training Day (2002) almost a decade later.

The Ugly

The tears. This might be one you watch alone, because there’ll be a point in which this film will break you. When that happens, the cathartic tears will come, but they won’t stop till long after the film’s credits finish.
There’s some ugly language used, even by one of our protagonists; Joe. However hard it is to hear them being used, we have to remember the context and it’s representation of a certain time, culture and society. It makes for a hard, but important watch.

Final Thoughts

So good everyone must watch it once in their lifetime, but so heart breaking that it most likely be just that once.

Juno (2007)

Rating PG
Length 1h36
Release 12.4.2017
Director Jason Reitman
About Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman makes a selfless decision regarding the unborn child.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Disney+
Trailer:

The Good

The music. Damn, that’s a time capsule of the late Nought’s indie scene. Not only that, but it plays perfectly into the relationships and the situation.
There’s some heavy hitters coming to play and they really bring their all. Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney and J K Simmons all are all bringing their known faces a-game.
Elliot Paige and Michael Cena are both excellent in their breakout roles as awkward teens navigating a difficult situations. It annoys me how good Cena is, and if anything it makes me hate him more.

The Bad

I hate Michael Cena. Despite his perfect approach to the role, his existence in it makes it near on unwatchable. Everyone has one, that actor that you just cannot stand for an inexplicable reason.

The Ugly

I didn’t find the Juno-babble as charming this time around. Perhaps being older, I now see it for what it is: rude and self centred. Particularly in the way the character talks to her step-mother. Who has been incredibly understanding, supportive and loving throughout.
Yes, Elliot Paige is amazing in the role and he is perfect casting. However, the charm of the film as a whole is dampened by not finding the charm in Juno.
The ick factor of the jailbait love-in sub-plot. Don’t get me wrong, I love how it all ends up, but no matter how many times I watch this film, I physically feel sick.

Final Thoughts

It’s a feelgood pro-choice movie with a chunk of charm. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but most importantly you’ll feel uplifted before the credits roll.

Shotgun Wedding (2022) Film Review

Rating 18
Length 1h40
Release 27.01.2023
Director Jason Moore
About Darcy and Tom gather their families for a destination wedding, but the ceremony gets put on hold when gunmen take everyone hostage. Now, they must do everything they can to save their loved ones — if they don’t wind up killing each other first.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

J-Lo is not winning any Oscars here, but I’m okay with that. She gives a solid comedic performance that one would expect. She does carry a lot of the film so it’s good that she’s really the worthwhile selling point.
The character of Darcy is likeable enough that you’re with her and want her to succeed. It’s just a shame the same cannot be said about the relationship she’s in.
Jennifer Coolidge! I love her! Not only do I love her, I finally appreciate what she brings to the table that no one else can. Honestly, if you’d had her as the focus of this film instead of J-Lo I would have watched the fuck out of that.
Would her comedic style translate to a protagonist without it’s novelty wearing off?! Maybe not, but I know I’d at least give it a go.
In the same sense as J-Lo, she ain’t winning any awards for the gimmicky Mother of the Groom but she will crack everyone watching up.
The story is fine enough. It’s Die Hard at a wedding. Only there is the refreshing change that there’s no one there who has a John McClain wrong place, wrong time but having that unique set of skills brings to an action movie. Yes, the movie makes use of Duhamel’s Tom being a baseball player and pretty much everyone gets to grips with handling a gun pretty quickly, but that’s easily overlooked.

The Bad

Josh Duhamel was not right for the part of Tom. He was not believable as the insecure bloke, he had no chemistry with J-Lo and I just didn’t want him there.
In his defence, once you find out the role once belonged to Ryan Reynolds, it’s an uphill battle to be won over by Duhamel. However…. I only found that out because I looked it up because I’d already lost interest in him as a character.
In fact, most of my notes were comprised of actors who would have been better for the role and I settled on Joel McHale. This character is meant to have that insecurity while also having that element of awesomeness that McHale honed during his time on Community.
The relationship of Tom and Darcey doesn’t work. Again, at best it feels force, at worst he’s just an accessory to J-Lo’s Darcey. The biggest problem is that for this to work as a Wedding movie and a hate to love story, you have to start with the couple questioning getting married. Unfortunately, it worked so well that I didn’t feel satisfied with the resolution.
It almost would have worked better if they were the divorced parent’s of the bride who return to love because of the pirate entrance and hijinks.

The Ugly

The opening 20 minutes are painful and what’s worse is that they’re unnecessary. Yes, it’s a way to get to know everyone, but it feels forced and could have been added to the scene of the actual wedding day. It all felt so flat and really made me question Tom and Darcey as a couple.
Like, even at the end I didn’t think they belonged together and that is down to the opinion I formed in those first 20 minutes that the rest of the film could not overcome.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t require thought and it will be an ideal Saturday night movie for most. Just no sparks when it comes to romance.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Rating 15
Length 2h11
Release 07.4.2000
Director Steven Soderbergh
About In Hinkley, California, a legal assistant discovers a major company’s dark secret that affects the health of the residents. With the help of her employer, she sets off to seek justice.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Netflix
Trailer:

The Good

Albert Finney is always on form. From his breakout performance in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, to his main stream choices like Daddy Warbucks in Annie. I may not like his Christmas Carol (Scrooge 1980), but he does give an amazing performance as Ebenezer.
He on perfect form as Ed Masry and his chemistry with Julia Roberts’ Brockovich is phenomenal. It’s hard to say that Finney was robbed of the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Mainly because I’ve never seen Traffic. However, this was an award winning performance from Finney.
Julia Roberts was not only a bankable star, she had the talent to back it up. Her name alone, in the decade since Pretty Woman, guaranteed bums on seats for the producers. That would never have been in doubt.
However, there’s few actresses today, let alone back then, who would have been able to give such a performance that would ensure people would still be watching 22 years later.
The story is gut wrenching, yet understated. Yes, you get the impression good will out, but the intimate perspective the film gives you; you’re there with Erin. You feel every story, you fear for the outcome.
The film is also really funny. You need that in a film that is embedded with emotional journeys. Thankfully the relationship between Ed and Erin gives you that rest bite.

The Bad

There’s no bad in this film. It’s a film that’s economic with it’s time, generous with giving the characters room to tell the story and the cinematography is beautifully intimate and almost independent cinema in feel.

The Ugly

It’s the ugly truth of it all. This actually happened, effecting families and workers. Yet, the company did attempt to cover it all up and those families had to fight hard.
Yes, you’ll feel like there was a win when we hear all the figures being thrown around, but once the film finishes, you do have to remember that $5 million is not actually going to have gotten the Jensen family very far considering the medical bills they would have.

Final Thoughts

Okay, so if you want a cushy Roberts rom-com, you’ve picked the wrong option. If you want a hard hitting, smart, biopic that makes you think this is the one for you.