Romantic Comedy

Last Cab to Darwin (2015)

/ Shawn / Leave a comment

mv5bmtk2ndawnty1ov5bml5banbnxkftztgwodqwodg1nze-_v1_sy1000_sx690_al_

So I’ve been trying to work my way through all of the “brand name” films, trying to put together my end of the year list, and I thought I’d take a break and slide this film in as a sort of “palate cleanser” with no hope of it being anything more than that. Wow, was I wrong. This might be one of my favorite film experiences this year. It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for films from Down Under, and although this one might benefit from my bias, I feel comfortable recommending it to anyone. It’s not a film filled, like so many others this year, with heroic action sequences, stylistic camerawork, witty dialogue, or over-the-top violence. It’s a film about believable, real characters dealing with an, unfortunately, all-to-real situation. And I can tell you, as I sit here writing this with a tear still on my cheek and a smile on my face, it will make you care about these people. Continue reading →

The Lobster (2015)

/ Shawn / Leave a comment

mv5bndq1nde5nzq1nf5bml5banbnxkftztgwnza5otm2nte-_v1_sy1000_cr007051000_al_

I’m not sure how to describe this film, except maybe to say imagine if Logan’s Run was written by Woody Allen and directed by Terry Gilliam (or maybe Wes Anderson). Colin Farrell, who I normally don’t think much of, gives a nice, understated performance here as David, a newly-single man from a mildly Orwellian future, who is shipped off to stay at a hotel (Room 101!) where denizens are all single, and must find a mate within 45 days or be turned into an animal of their choosing (in David’s case, a lobster) and released into the forest. He’s got nerdy glasses and a paunch, and (perhaps because he’s relying less on his looks) I don’t think I’ve seen him better. Continue reading →

Sing Street (2016)

/ Shawn / Leave a comment

mv5bmjezoda3mdcxml5bml5banbnxkftztgwodgxndk3nze-_v1_sy1000_sx675_al_

Conor: “We’re just starting. We need to learn how to play.”
Brendan: “Did the Sex Pistols know how to play? You don’t need to know how to play. Who are you, Steely Dan?”

Sing Street reminds me of what The Commitments would be if the band members were still in high school, and instead of being inspired by Motown soul, they were inspired by Eighties new wave bands like Duran Duran and The Cure. Continue reading →

Gambit (2012)

/ Shawn / Leave a comment

mv5bmje3nzu5mduzmf5bml5banbnxkftztcwnjm4mdq0oa-_v1_

It’s amazing how much easier it is to see the flaws in a remake when you watch it back to back with the original. I just HAD to go out and watch the “modern” version of the film, with Cameron Diaz and Colin Firth in the roles originated by Shirley MacLaine and Michael Caine, respectively. That previous sentence should actually clue you in on the first flaw. Colin Firth is a good actor, but just not right for this role, at least the way it’s written. But whoever thought Cammy would be a viable substitute for Shirley should probably find a new way of making a living. Oh, I’ve seen her do some decent work, but again, not for what this role needs. But all the blame can’t be put on them. The Coens. Damn your spotty genius! They have a penchant for making those “quirky” films, and when they work, they work brilliantly (Barton Fink, Raising Arizona, Fargo). When they don’t….The Hudsucker Proxy.  (“You know…for kids!”) Continue reading →

Gambit (1966)

/ Shawn / Leave a comment

mv5bnjk0mjywotm2m15bml5banbnxkftztcwodazntazmq-_v1_

Okay, I was all set to write a review of this that completely contradicted my view on horror remakes (see my Poltergeist review). I hadn’t heard of this film until someone recommended it to me, and as I was watching it, I kept thinking “this is great, but you know, this is one of those films that might benefit from a remake.” There’s nothing wrong with it—it’s funny, got great performances (especially from MacLaine), and was fairly well directed. It even reminded me of one of my favorite episodes of “Laverne and Shirley” in its execution. But it felt a little dated, and some of the storyline seemed a little unbelievable for a modern viewer. Besides, it wouldn’t be like remaking a film after 20 or 30 years; this film is pushing 50. Continue reading →

Aloha (2015)

/ Shawn / Leave a comment

mv5bmtg4mjc0nte1nv5bml5banbnxkftztgwnzcwntq3nte-_v1_sy1000_cr006401000_al_

I was prepared not to like this one, but as it turned out, it was a decent watch. A lot of the negativity I had heard had to do with Emma Stone’s character, Allison Ng, who is one-quarter Hawaiian. Some people were up in arms that a little white girl was playing a Hawaiian. How dare she?! Of course, there is no “real” Allison Ng (the character was based on someone director Cameron Crowe knew. A redhead, no less), Continue reading →