MINIONS - review

MINIONS
Director: Kyle Balda & Pierre Coffin
Cast: Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Geoffrey Rush, Jennifer Saunders, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan

My sincerest apologies for being behind the times with getting this review out. I have been busy sunning myself in far north Queensland for the wedding of a dear friend and did not ahev the access to the interwebs that I thought I would have. The school holidays are all but over now, but if you still have time over the weekend to get out with the kiddies, or want something to do in the freakish cold snap that's happening in the southern part of the country - get amongst it I say!

Kevin, Stuart and Bob are off on atheir biggest adventure yet

image via Universal Studios

MINIONS was one of the most highly anticipated school holiday films for mid-year 2015, and in my opinion didn't disappoint. DESPICABLE ME 2 was funnier than the first installment because those lovable little yellow guys got more screen time, so it stands to reason that spin-off focussing solely on the minions would be a huge hit and while it hasn't been smashing any box office records, it has been a hit with children and adults alike.

I scooted off pre-holidays with LahLah and Team B to catch this film before the hoards of kiddies managed to get in and I'm sure glad I did - my local has been playing the film to sold out sessions all through the holidays and rightly so I say. I mean it's 91 minutes of miniony adorableness, their distinctive design, their individual personalities, their non-sensical and yet somehow understandable language, voiced by the incredibly talented Pierre Coffin, what's not to love?

As if you wouldn't pick up these adorable hitchikers!

image via Universal Studios

I have to be honest, I was excited, but sceptical about this film. Would their adorableness run out in a full feature about them? Would I get tired of not knowing exactly what the hell they were talking about? Would these comdeic scene-stealers leave me bored and disappointed? Luckily screen write Brian Lynch has managed to keep up the comic momentum of these little yellow dudes for almost the full 91 minutes. Instead of trying to fill the film with emotional depth and meaning, Lynch just sets them loose for 91 minutes of slapstick comedy gold.

The Minions sole purpose in life is to serve the biggest, baddest, evil genius around, the only trouble is, they aren't very good at keeping the biggest, baddest, evil geniuses around for very long. Without a boss, our little yellow buddies lose their drive, they have no purpose and become depressed. Never fear, Kevin has a plan. He's going to go and find his family a new boss, and so with the help of Stuart and Bob, Keving embarks on the greatest journey any minion has ever been on. They travel the world and eventually end up in Orlando at a secret villian conference aptly named "Villain-Con". There they meet their new boss, Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the world's first female super-villain.

BANANA!!!
image via universal studios

Overkill sends them on their first mission, which (to no ones surprise) goes belly up. Disaster after hilarious disaster sees them battling it out with Overkill to save the United Kingdom. The slapstick comedy keeps the pace moving throughout the film, and only a few times did I think to myself "hmmm, I wonder how much longer it goes for?".

There's not as much subtle adult humor in MINIONS as there is in some other animated motion pictures, but it is still enjoyable for all you mums, dads, aunties and babysitters out there looking for something to keep the kids occupied in the second week of the holidays. The little ones will get plenty of laughs out of the glorious slapstick comedy. Maybe avoid the cheap Tuesday crowds, it's pretty good value at 20-something dollars.

3.5 out of 5

xoxo
The Blonde Bombshel

WOMAN IN GOLD - review

WOMAN IN GOLD

Director: Simon Curtis

Cast: Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl, Katie Holmes

Synopsis: Maria Altman, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the Austrian government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family

Well, wasn't this a charming little film. If you don't know the story that this film is based on then my review might have a few spoilers, so just beware. I don't want to ruin it for you, but I might give a few little tidbits away as I'm talking about it. Not on purpose,, but it might just happen, so beware. Now that you've been duly warned, it's time for me to get right into it. 

Helen Mirren plays Maria Altman, a Viennese-born resident of Los Angeles, who fled the Nazi invasion, and lost everything that she held dear. Her family, her home, her family heirlooms, and some very lovely artwork, including a wonderful Klimt painting of her aunt, better known as Woman in Gold. The painting along with numerous others was stolen by the Nazis during the invasion. In 1998, she seeks the assistance of a young lawyer, the son of a long-time family friend and believe it or not, the grandson of composer Arnold Schoenberg. They take on the Austrian government to get back the property that is rightfully hers, a painting that she holds dear not for it's monetary value, but for what it means to her, when she sees the painting, she sees her beloved aunt and all the things she's lost.

Maria and Randy in front of Woman in Gold

There is a vaguely educational feel to the film, and there are some extraordinary flashbacks to Vienna in times pre and post invasion, and some flashbacks to a young Maria and her husband fleeing the invasion, which are not quite as heart-wrenching a I thought they might be, they are more heart-warming.

This film is impeccably directed by Simon Curtis, and the events are well narrated and do take you on the emotional journey of both Maria and Randy (Ryan Reynolds). Randy, who doesn't want to take on the project and then refuses to let go, and Maria, who gives up hope when the obstacles become too big.

A young Maria and her husband Fritz, fleeing Vienna

Mirren and Reynolds really shine in this film, there wouldn't have been many surprises for them, or many liberties they could have taken with their characters, given that this is a true story, but they both do a marvelous job.

The film was nice, and it was well executed and I'm not going to tell you anything else because if you don't know the outcome of this story, then I want you to discover it and enjoy it for yourself. You can do without spending 20-something dollars on it if there's something else you'd rather see, but it's definitely worth a watch.

Maria's aunt posing for Klimt

3 out of 5 for WOMAN IN GOLD

xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - review

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

Director: George Miller

Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne

OK, so I'm going to just come right out and say it. I didn't love MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. *pause for gasps of shock and disapproval*  That's right, I said it. Controversial isn't it? Someone even called me un-Australian. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person out there who didn't love it. The first time I saw it, I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was about it that I didn't love. So, I wanted a week and saw it again, but I still felt the same. So I waited another week, read some reviews, spoke to some people and waited for my feelings about it to change. They didn't and I'm still not 100% sure why that is. 

In a start desert landscape where hunamity is broken, two rebels just might be able to restore order: Max, a man of action and of few words, and Furiosa, a woman of action who is looking to make it back to her childhood homeland. 

the chase to bring Furiosa home begins

IMDB makes it sound good right? The trailer looks awesome right? The review are incredible right? Right. All of those things are right. I grew up knowing Mad Max, I loved MAD MAX and back thn I even loved Mel Gibson, I was so excited that George Miller was back with another installment of the franchise. I, like most other people, could not wait until FURY ROAD hit the big screen. Everyone was raving about it, I was buzzing with anticipation. It was clear the rest of western Melbourne was too, because it took me three goes to get into a session at my local cinema. I was so ready, so imagine my surprise when at the end of two hours, I wasn't really sure how I felt or why I couldn't just be like everyone else around me, raving like a lunatic about how awesome it was. 

I saw how great everything was - the casting, the directing, the narrative, the character arcs, the set, the costuming, the special effects. I saw all of that and I loved it. Miller has done an amazing job. Within about 3 minutes, we're in the middle of an intense high speed chase, there's dust storms, explosions and flashbacks to help cast our minds back to why Max is mad. It's glorious, it really is. I have no doubt in my mind that this films is going to bring about some major nominations buzz when the time comes. 

look at that - it's marvellous

So why? Why didn't I like it? Nay, why didn't I love it. I should have loved it. Everything was so on point, I just should have loved it. Upon reflection here's a four things I can come up with that have maybe impacted how I feel about MAD MAX: FURY ROAD; 

1) the hype - there was so much hype, maybe part of me couldn't help but wonder if it lived up to it

2) the goodness - maybe I wanted it to be a little bit less Hollywood blockbuster, and more grungy Australian film

3) the length - some of the chase scenes, although amazing to look out were drawn out - I would have left a bit more on the cutting room floor I think

4) Furiosa - raved about as an incredible feminist heroine, which she was, but in the end men did a bunch of the dirty grunt work, and made the final decision about where to go and what to do next. 

I wouldn't recomend running right out to see it, although because I've taken so long to write my review, you proably already have. I am probably glad that I didn't spend the 20-something dollars on it, although, I would say that it's almost worth it just for the SFX which are bloody phenomenal. Watch it, see what all the fuss is about. I'm not sorry I saw it, I maybe am sorry that I saw it twice though, I should have trusted my gut the first time round. 

2.5 out of 5

xoxo

The Blonde Bombshell

PITCH PERFECT 2 - review

PITCH PERFECT 2
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine, Elizabeth Banks, John Michel Higgins

It probably comes as no surprise to you all that I am a massive fan of the first film in this franchise and that I can pretty much sing every tune note for note and quote the film line for line. I have seen it about 50 squillion times, own the soundtrack and use it for my warm up music at the dance studio. So it also probably comes as no surprise that I saw the new film on the opening weekend and have since seen it twice more since then. What might surprise you is that I was a little disappointed in the second  installment of this franchise. Now I'm calling it a franchise here because they have left it open for follow up films with the introduction of a shiny new character who has the the potential to be used for more aca-movies feauting the Barden Bellas.

I know, I know I'm breaking some kind of aca-law or something by saying that, but I truly did feel a little let down by this sequel. Thankfully not all the funny bits were in the trailer, but this second film fell a little short of the aca-awesomeness of the first film. I liked it well enough, but it's certainly not going to feature as a go-to movie for me on a rainy day.

The Bellas receive some bad news...no performing for them!

PITCH PERFECT 2 finds the Bellas on a victory tour after winning three more championships and opesn with what should be a monumental performance at the Kennedy Centre for Predient Barrack Obama himself. A very unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions turns the Bellas into a national discrace, sees them stripped of their rights to perform and to audition new members. Their national victory tour is taken over by the European champions Das Sound Machine led by some very large, overbearing and beautiful Germans. Which in turn leads to some excellent banter and a lovely riff-off that also features The Tone Hangers, the Treblemakers and the Green Bay Packers.

Das Sound Machine in the throws of performance

Things aren't looking great for the Bellas as the only way to get reinstated as an acapella group is to win the world championships, where they will be competing against Das Sound Machine. Heads of the American acapella institution laugh in their faces as they make their case and bargain that should they win they are to be reinstated and with good reason - no American team has ever won at the worlds.

John and Gail the comedic duo who are the bearers of the Bellas bad news

Elizabeth Banks has taken on the directorial role of this film, and has done an alright job with the less than inspired script for our returning cast. The character arcs are flimsy and underdeveloped, and see a lot of re-hashing of the plot lines from the first film.

There are some fantastic one liners throughout, but the script itself is more like a filler between aca-performances - which are pretty great btw. Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and Bumper (Adam DeVine) feature pretty heavily in this new film, as does legacy Bella Emily Junk (Hailee Steinfeld). Emily id accepted into the Bellas even though they are not permitted to audition as she is a Bella legacy, her mother was a Bella and is played by the formidible Katey Sagal. The focus on Emily throughout made me instantly think about their options for a third film in the franchise and made me a little angry just watching it becuase I hate thinking about the future of films when I should be focussing on the film itself.

Fat Amy and Bumper

The song choices weren't as great, but the staging of the performances was much more elaborate than the first film. That being said I will probably still purchase the soundtack and sing along to most of the tunes.

As a nice little side line, Beca gets an internship at a record label and her interactions with her boss there provide some of the best comic one liners of the film, and I will say I was excited to see old Snoop perforing some Christmas tunes!

Other critics are saying that the film tries to hard, that it is a disaster, that it doesn't hit the mark and that regular film goers are probably going to wonder what all the fuss was about. I don't often agree with most critics, but in this case I don't necessarily think they're wrong. Fans of the first film will enjoy it, even though they will be slightly diappointed, but newcomers are certainly going to be confused by the whole thing. It doesn't quite have the magic of the first and the script and character development don't carry it as well as in the first.

The Barden Bellas in the final performance of the film

I know it sounds like I'm trashing the film a bit and I guess I kind of am, but it's because I was a little sad about it. All that being said though, I laughed out loud, I cringed at the slightly wrong-town humour, I sang and I danced in my seat so it can't have been all bad! Also I've seen it more than once, so you know...Die hard fans will appreciate it, newcomers probably not so much. If you're a die hard fan, go on, spend the 20-something dollars, you know you want to. Newcomers, I wouldn't bother. Just wait til it's out on DVD if you're curious.

3 out of 5

xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA - review

CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA
Director - Olivier Assayas
Cast - Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, Chloë Grace Moretz

How do you solve a problem like Maria? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? Questions we have been asking ourselves since we first saw The Sound of Music and questions that remain unanswered after watching CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA.

It's taken me about a week to process this film and to be able to write a review, I felt a bit off-kilter after watching it. I wasnt' quite sure that I knew what had happened, in fact, I'm still not quite sure what happened, but I'll try and put together a review anyway!

CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA takes a look at celebrated actress Maria Enders (Juliette Binoche) who is  on her way to Zurich to accept an award on behalf of the playwright who kickstarted her career (Wilhelm Melchior). She is heading there with her personal assistant Valentine (Kristen Stewart). The shit hits the fan however when said playwright just up and dies while they are in transit No matter though, as they say in the classics 'the show must go on'. Maria still fulfills all her publicity requirements including a Chanel photo shoot. The tribute goes ahead, and during the after party Maria meets with a hot new director who wants her to work with him on his new play. This new play is however not new to Maria, it is the same play that kickstarted her career all those years ago.

Juliette Binoche as Maria Enders

In the play the first time round, Maria played a young woman who seduces a female coporate boss, has an affair with her and then leaves her. This time she has been asked to play the role of the older female who is seduced by the young assistant who will be played by Hollywood's latest IT girl. This is confronting for Maria who has to let go of a role she holds so close to her heart at such a traumatic time as well as coming to terms with the fact that she is no longer a young IT girl, that page in her life has turned.

Maria and her assistant are invited to stay at Melchior's house by his widow while she is away dealing with her grief. And so, high in the Alps, Maria rehearses her new line with Valentine reading the part of the seductive assistant in Melchior's home and on long-ass hikes through the mountains.

Kristen Stweart as Valentine

All sounds a bit odd right? Well it is. The whole thing is just a bit odd. I'm not sure if it was just odd, or if Assayas intended the viewer to feel like that. Valentine drives the windiest mountain road ever and hops out for a bit of a vom on the side of the road and I felt so giddy myself that I probably could have had a vom! There is a real uncertainty throughout the whole film as to whether the dialogue belongs to Maria and Valentine, or whether it is just them rehearsing the script. Where does their relationship end and their fictional play rehearsal one begin? To this day I still don't know. I spent a lot of time processing this week and talking it thorugh and I am still a bit unsure about the whole thing.

The majority of this film is in English, there are a few moments where you will need to read the subtitles, but the whole film has the feel of a really poorly translated foreign novel; over written, clunky and not quite natural English. Again, not sure if that was just me or if that's what Assayas was going for.

Maria and Valentine - real dinner or are they the characters? 

I think this film is going to be seriously devisive. People will love it, people will hate it, and then there are those who like me will be not wuite sure what to make of it. I think the unreality has a poiint, althought it's taken me a week to work it out! The film is about actors, and the world of the famous, which has it's own set of rules and regulations that separate it from the life of the normal people. It's unreal to us and doesn't make any sense and makes us feel confused and unsettled. At least I think that's what the point is.

Next comes Jo-Ann Ellis (Chloë Grace Moretz) the new IT girl who is slated to play opposite Maria in her old role. This whole section of the film is fragmented and confusing and I struggled to follow along...we jump from Maria looking at internet gossip on Jo-Ann to a clip from Jo-Ann's latest Hollywood blockbuster, to her being on a date with a married man, to her meeting Maria for the first time. It's all very tumultous and confusing, and perhaps it represents Jo-Ann's life which is tumotuous and confusing and intense.

Chloë Grace Moretz as Jo-Ann 

There are a few twists and turns at the end of this film that will leave you reeling and make the film even more confusing than it already was and then  it just ends. 

So, after a more analytical review than usual, I summarise by saying I still don't know if I liked it or not. I probably wouldn't recommend spending the 20-something dollars on it unless you really like this existential type of film or you have seen Assayas' other films and have loved them. 

2 or maybe 2.5 out of 5 I think

xoxo

The Blonde Bombshell

TESTAMENT OF YOUTH - review

TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
Director: James Kent
Cast: Alicia Vikander, Kit Harrington, Taron Egerton, Colin Morgan, Emily Watson, Dominic West

TESTAMENT OF YOUTH is the film adaptation of Vera Brittain's memoir and is a tastefully executed film that doesn't quite do the powerful and moving memoir justice. Vera Brittain's story is an incredible journey of a young woman desperate to make something of herself and become a writer whose world is torn apart by the ravages of war. She gives up her hard earned place at Oxford to volunteer as a nurse, loses a friend, her fiance and her brother - a cruel irony given that she convinced her father to let him sign up.

If you haven't read the book and you like to read, I would recommend reading the book over watching the film. The film is fine enough, it tells the story well, but doesn't leave room for the passion and anger that should have been depicted in this film about the horrors of war. Alicia Vikander plays a lovely Vera, but she isn't afforded the time or direction to really let show the breadth and depth of emotion that should have been there.

such a lovely ensemble whose talents were a little wasted

The performances all round were lovely, but everyone seemed slightly reserved. It felt a little like it was just on the peak of the emotional explosion, but for fear of offending people or perhaps a desire to keep it all in good taste director Kent doesn't let it go. Given the sheer talent of this fantastic little ensemble I was disappointed. Vikander has one brief moment at the end of the film where she lets rip on the futility of war, but I wanted more. Kit Harrington (Vera's fiance Roland) comes back from the front on home leave and you can tell he's tormented, but again, apart from one moment where the anguish really shines through, the emotion is a little stiff. Taron Egerton (Vera's brother Edward) and Colin Morgan (Vera's friend Victor) are also both wonderful actors and yet they seem a little lost in this piece. Egerton's relationship with Vikander is natural and loving and they seem as close as siblings can get, but when Edward dies just a short time after Vera saved his life in a 'hospital' at the front she should be madder, and sadder or something. We should have been given more - I felt more, but I didn't get to share that more with the characters.

Vera and Roland on their first real date

I felt like I should have been a sobbing mess during parts of this film, but the emotion was held back just enough that it didn't quite take me there. I had one moment where a few tears fell, but I wasn't the blubbering mess I had prepared myself to be. I could tell the points where Kent wanted to audience to really feel and to open the flood gates, but I wasn't taken there and that's saying something given that I usually cry at the drop of a hat in films!

Overall the film is lovely, well executed, well acted and well directed. There isn't much to fault it on in terms of the quality of the production, however it was a little more reserved that I had been anticipating and to me that was disappointing. With such a powerful and affecting source material, I think there was so much more that could have been acheived in this film. No matter, I'm still glad I went to see it. I think it will sit well with most audiences, and that people who have perhaps not read A TESTAMENT OF YOUTH will enjoy it and will not find fault with the level of emotion in the film as I did.

If you don't mind the odd war film, superb costuming and set design, lovely acting and a hint of romance then I think it's worth spending the 20-something dollars on a ticket for TESTAMENT OF YOUTH. If however you have read the book and have high hopes for this piece, either lower your expectations significantly, or save your dollars and wait for it to come out on DVD.

xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

X+Y - review

X+Y
Director: Morgan Matthews
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Jo Yang

I've got a penchant for films that get you in the feels at the moment, and X+Y didn't let me down!

Is there a formula for love? I don't know, but if there is I would sure like someone to explain it to me because I can't work it out myself. I'm not a gifted, brilliantly minded mathematical genius though, so maybe that's my problem? Although, the young, mathematical genius in this film can't quite work it out either, so maybe that's not it.

X+Y zooms in on a teenage mathematical genius, who sits on the spectrum, and can't quite grasp the concept of a normal relationship. The only thing that makes sense to him is maths. Something I myself cannot relate to at all. Slowly, slowly though with the help of his math tutor, his struggling mother and his new found friend, he begins to work out what it is that defines a good relationship, and what it is that other people need to feel loved and what it is that's important in life.

Sound like a film you've seen before? RAIN MAN or perhaps A BEAUTIFUL MIND or maybe even DAVID AND LISA? Once you've seen X+Y you may find it difficult not to compare it to those films, or even reference them when you're talking about it. I know I did, and even though those comparisons and references are not necessarily a bad thing, I think that this film stands well on it's own and proves it's own worth as a compelling, emotional and satisfying drama.

This is the debut fiction film for Morgan Matthews and I think that he's done a smashing job with it. This work of fiction was inspired by his own documentary BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MINDS", and whilst I haven't seen that documentary I am led to believe by others who have that the main character in X+Y is not unlike one of the more memorable subjects, math prodigy Daniel Lightwing (awesome name PS).

Asa Buterfield as Nathan in Taipei

Our main man, Nathan Ellis, is diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum at a young age, and finds comfort in math - something that he is good at, and the only thing that makes sense in his world. In the early scenes of the film Nathan is played by a talented young man by the name of Edward Baker-Close (stay tuned here peeps!), as a skittish little introvert, who connects only with his dad and not his mum. When his dad is dies in a car accident, he seems to shut down that part of himself and maintains a steady, but unemotional relationship with his ever patient and incredibly strong mother (Sally Hawkins).

As he gets older, his mother recognises that he has a talent for maths and helps him to reach his potential by getting him some tutoring from a teacher who was once a math prodigy himself before multiple sclerosis and his own self loathing got in the way of his ambitions. The now older Nathan (played now by Asa Butterfield) moves forward in leaps and bounds with the help of his tutor Martin (Rafe Spall) who is quick to recognise and eager to nurture his skills. They are both working towards the ultimate goal - the IMO. International Mathematics Olympiad. Sounds exciting right? You bet your ass it's exciting. As long as you're a math genius, who can solve equations more complex than 1+1=2. Like binary numbers and finding x and cos sign and other things that made as much sense to me 20 years ago when I was learning them as they do now. None. I hear a math problem and it sounds to me like this;

Q: If Johnny has 4 pencils and Sarah has 7 apples, how many pancakes will fit on the roof?
A: Purple, because aliens don't wear hats.

Don't worry though, there isn't too much focus on the actual maths, and you don't have to answer any complex equations at the end of the film, it's more about the relationships formed throughout.

Nathan struggles with relationships, he struggles with change, he struggles with things that most of us take for granted and Asa Butterfield did a magnificent job with this character arc. He delves nicely into all aspects of this character and Matthews' draws out a solid performance from this young man. I think that we can expect more wonderful things from both these two in the future. Matthews' not brings out the best from Butterfield, but he also brings out strong performances from Spall, Hawkins, Marsan and the very lovely Jo Yang.

Butterfield and Yang at maths camp (aka my worst nightmare)

Yang plays Zhang Mei, Nathan's very sweet and very chaste love interest. His first real friend, she is truly accepting of Nathan and all his quirks, and likes him for all that he is. There was a beautiful line where Nathan's mother tries to explain love to him, she uses a strange semi-mathematical analogy to explain it to him and it's quite a lovely moment between these two.

I shan't give away any more information, there were a few heavy-handed moments from Matthews, but no film ruining moments. I really enjoyed this film and connected with the characters on an emotional level. I think it's absolutely worth the 20-something dollars if you're looking for something to see this weekend.

4 out of 5

xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

FURIOUS 7 - review

FURIOUS 7
Director - James Wan
Cast - Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster, Jason Statham

FURIOUS 7 is the final instalment in the FAST & FURIOUS franchise, and Paul Walker's final film. Dominic Toretto and his crew are back together for one last adrenalin fuelled adventure that kicks off with the funeral of a beloved crew member Han. 

Han's death is the result of a revenge killing by Shaw's older brother Deckard (Jason Statham), which was the final scene of the previous film FAST & FURIOUS 6. Deckard is now on a mission to kill all of Toretto's 'family' and he is not about to let that happen. 

A welcome addition - Statham is the vengeance fuelled Deckard Shaw

What ensues is an action packed, adventure to see who can catch who first. It brings all our favourites together, including Dom, Brian, Tej, Roman, Lettie and of course Hobbs (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson) and I loved every cliched, unrealistic, CGI laden moment of it. 

Johnson using a drone weapon to belast a helicopter out of the sky because why the hell not?!

I am a huge fan of the franchise (with the exception of TOKYO DRIFT, I could take that or leave it), and I was saddened by the news of Paul Walker's death during the making of FURIOUS 7. Ever curious, busy body that I am, I spent a lot of time trawling the web to see what director James Wan was going to do about this little predicament and I was not disappointed. Killing Brian off would have been a travesty, and I am mighty pleased that didn't happen. Wan even said in an interview that if that was what the writer's were planning to do then he didn't think he could continue making the movie! Go Wan! Walker's younger brothers Cody and Caleb stepped in as body doubles, with Paul's face CGI'd onto their bodies for some of the final scenes, and the way they wrote him out of the franchise was lovely, even if it was cliched! 

As with all of the films in the franchise the ending is open enough that if they did want to keep milking the cash cow, they probably could, although without Walker I dare say it would never be the same. Deckard Shaw is not dead, just locked up, and the rest of the crew is still in one piece, and we know how they all love a bit of drama in their lives! 

From jumping suped up cars out of carrier aircraft, to passengers jumping between cars at high speeds, to driving a squillion dollar car between 3 skyscrapers, Furious 7 has enough action in it to keep every adrenalin junkie satisfied. I particularly liked the car driving through the skyscrapers myself. 

let's all reverse our cars out of an aircraft carrier and hope that our parachutes work!

My SO thought it was dumb that they put all the mushy, love stuff in there, but I have to disagree with him. As mushy and gross as it is, it is a draw card for the female audience. You know the ones that might not necessarily go in for the fast cars and explosions no matter how much their SOs beg them. Not to make any gross generalisations here, because I am a girl and I like all that stuff and I know plenty of girls who are the same, but I also know plenty of girls who like the franchise because of the romantic and family based story lines, and the cute boys. 

The script is corny, the CGI is obvious but incredible, the stunts are unrealistic and so far fetched that at times they are simply hilarious, the fight scenes are obviously choreographed, and the ending is a happily ever after with a slight hint of sadness. As far as quality cinema goes, this is not a film that will go down in history as an incredible piece of cinema, but as a satisfying end to a franchise that has a huge fan base and that I love dearly, it is outstanding. 

Brain (Walker) jumping from a speeding car onto an armoured bus = gold

The carefully crafted ending that sees Brian and Dom go for one last ride together and then go their separate ways was lovely (cliched like everything else in this film, but lovely nonetheless), and the tribute to Paul Walker at the end of the film was very sweet - do stick around to see some of the best shots from the previous films. 

If you are a fan of the franchise and can take it for what it is then I'm sure you will love it. If you're after the next best film nominee then perhaps FURIOUS 7 is not for you. The speeding cars, explosions and incredible soundtrack may not have the same effect on a TV screen at home, so if you like the franchise then I would recommend paying the 20-something dollars to go catch this on the big screen. 

3.5 out of 5 for this lovely, adrenalin fuelled, cliched mess. 

xoxo

The Blonde Bombshell

A LITTLE CHAOS - review

A LITTLE CHAOS

Director - Alan Rickman
Cast - Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci

Well wasn't that an unexpected surprise. A date night with myself after a tiresome day at work, to catch a film I didn't really know anything about other than Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci and Kate Winslet were in it. I'm here to tell you that if you don't know anything about this film watch the trailer right now - here let me assist you with that;

and now that you've seen the trailer, tell me that you don't want to see it. Go on, I dare you! Alright, I appreciate that there are probably some of you who have no interest in seeing this film, but for those of you whose fancies were tickled by the trailer, you should definitely go. A superb cast, outstanding cinematography, a fantastic script, a score to be reckoned with and a set that takes the wind right out of you.

Madame Sabine De Barra, a female landscape gardener gets a highly coveted position of designing and building part of the gardens of the yet to be completed palace of Versailles. Her mind is chaotic - you can tell by looking at her - and her gardening style is equally chaotic, yet incredibly captivating. The chappie that hires her is very clinical in his gardening style and everything is ordered and very classical. Polar opposites in landscape gardening, and in life, and yet it seems they are each exactly what the other needs.

As she builds on her creation, she is drawn to her employer Andre Le Notre and he is equally drawn to her. Part of her magic is that she is unassuming and does not suffer the need to pander to the wants and needs of those around her. She is honest, hardworking and passionate and that shines through in Winslets performance of De Barra. What also shines through is her internal torment and it is captivating.

Winslet as Sabine De Barra in a garden shrine - sublime

There is sufficient scandal and intrigue in the story to keep the mind ticking and as readable as De Barra is, Le Notre is mysterious and tormented in his own way. I wanted to know more of his suffering outside of his marital issues - what caused his marriage to collapse aside from his philandering wife, what torment did he suffer to drive his wife to become so unfaithful? Why was she so heartless and cruel in a time that he needed her most? So many unanswered questions in the story of his life. He puts in beautifully when telling Sabine of his crumbled marriage in that they must have taught each other to behave the way that they did and that the blame was as much his as it was hers. I found that to be a very real description of relationships - we teach each other how to behave and how to treat one another. It resonated strongly with me.

The intricacies of the characters in this story were lovely and well played out, not only in the script, but also in what was told through the looks given and the gesticulation. I was captivated not only by the main characters - King Louis XIV, De Barra and Le Notre - but also the supporting characters, Madame De Montespan, Madame Le Notre, Duras and the others.

Sabine and Andre at the unveiling of the garden 

Let me rave a little more about Winslet, she is exquisite in her fear and her honesty and her openness. This is a film in which she shone and made me remember what I love about her as an actress. *gush gush gush*.

Rickman was not only outstanding as King Louis XIV is this film, but his direction was marvellous. I have not seen the other film that he has directed (THE WINTER GUEST 1997), but I do so want to see it now, because the direction of A LITTLE CHAOS was measured and appropriate and brought an beautiful story to life on the screen. Thumbs up for him on both counts in this film.

Rickman as King Louis XIV and his court

The script is wonderful, the acting exceptional and the direction and cinematography is captivating. I felt all of the emotions in this film that were being felt by the characters and I felt drawn to their stories. The film runs just shy of two hours and I did not feel bored, or conscious of the time once. In fact, I could have continued to watch as the story played out.

One of the most magical moments in this film is where we see Sabine breakdown and we discover the true reason for her torment and the way that Andre helps her deal with it. It shows the magnitude of their love and of the beauty of their personalities. It was incredible to watch it unfold even for the brief moment it was on the screen. Each a little broken in their own way, but coupled their broken pieces seem to fit together.

The unveiling of the garden

The film ended beautifully in the completed garden (which was magnificent), which was of course the best place for it to end, but I could have watched for another two hours before we reached that point just discovering the stories of the characters in this film.



I would highly recommend that you spend the 20-something dollars to see this film if you like the trailer.

4.5 out of 5 for this gorgeous piece of cinema.

xox
The Blonde Bombshell

TGIF - days off rule

I finally get to enjoy the saying 'thank god it's Friday' because I now get Friday off work and it's glorious. Friday's off means going to the movies and it's a two movies kind of day. I threw on some comfy pants and my favourite t-shirt and wandered down to the Sun To see what's on.

I'll be catching INSURGENT this morning, the second installment of the Divergent series, and then later on I'll jump into a session of BIG EYES.

I've been hanging out for BIG EYES for months and I'm so freakin' excited about it, I hope it lives up to my very high expectations! I have to wait to see that one though for my movie buddy, who sadly has to work today, but she's just as excited as I am and I promised I'd see it with her. I did tell her this morning though it's taking every fibre in my very being to resist seeing it right now at the 10am session, because I'm here and it's on and other people are buying tickets and I want to!! *sigh* only a few hours to go til I can indulge with Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz.

In the mean time, in settled in waiting for INSURGENT to start. I didn't mind the first one (DIVERGENT), or maybe that could be my altered memory as it's been around 12 months since it came out. Whatever, I remember it being ok, so I'm going to see the second one and I hope it's good. Nothing like a little bit of youth action/drama on a lazy Friday morning. There's about 9 people in the cinema and none of them are the target teen/youth audience that this film is intended for. I think at nearly 30 I am the youngest person here. Whatevs I say, let us indulge in trashy youth cinema together!

I'll post my reviews later today along with a review of MANNY LEWIS which I saw earlier in the week.

Watch this space

xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

and so it begins....

It's been a while since I wrote anything on a blog, or in fact anything at all that other people are going to read, because let's face it no one reads what I write in my reports at work. However, I have made an executive decision that I'm going to get back into this whole writing thing.

When I worked in the cinema industry I used to write reviews, and share little tidbits of information about upcoming films, share trailers and basically just talk about films a lot. Then I stopped working in the industry and whilst I didn't stop watching films, I did stop writing about them because I thought I didn't have the time. Well, I still don't think I have the time, but I have discovered that I don't have time for anything, so I'm just going to do it anyway because that's what you have to do when you're a grown up and you don't have time for things. Do them anyway.

I see a couple of films at the cinema a week usually because I really do love watching movies and I love watching them in a cinema. I'm well known at my local cinema and I very rarely stray and go to other cinemas unless there is something I desperately want to see and it's not showing at my local. I also have a regular standing date with the Red Haired Amazona on a Saturday evening and we watch films together while we crochet.

We watch a wide variety of films, from the very old to the very new. We started this whole affair under the title "Hooked on Classics" where we watched classic films from the 30's and 40's and crocheted. We have since expanded our viewing repertoire so that our SOs who sometimes join us can enjoy movie night as well. They both think we're a little weird that we sit and watch films whilst glancing at our tablets or smart phones to look at the patterns we are currently following, but hey that's just how we roll.

Anyway, I digress. The point that I'm trying to make is that I'm going to get back into reviewing films, and talking about what's new in the entertainment world, what I'm excited about and what I think is worth spending $20 odd dollars on at the cinema because sometimes a film is just better when you see it at the cinema. I will also probably talk about other stuff like crocheting, baking, tea, dancing, books and my cat, because those are other things I love and love talking about.

So, stay tuned because I went and saw two films last night and I'm going to tell you what I think about them shortly.

xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell