THE NICE GUYS - film review

THE NICE GUYS
Director: Shane Black
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Angourie Rice, Margaret Qualley, Kim Basinger, Matt Bomer

Synopsis (written by @onecriticalgeek): Set against the backdrop of 1977 Los Angeles, THE NICE GUYS opens when a single father and licensed PI Holland March (Gosling) is hired to investigate the apparent suicide of famous porn star Misty Mountains. As the trail leads him to track down a girl named Amelia (Qualley), he encounters  less licensed and less hands-off private eye Jackson Healey (Crowe) and his brass knuckles. However, the situation takes a turn for the worse when Amelia vanishes and it becomes apparent that March wasn't the only party interested. As both men are forced to team up, they'll have to take on a world filled with eccentric goons, strippers dressed as mermaids and even a possible government conspiracy. 

Well folks, I spent a gloroius 2 weeks away gallivanting around Hong Kong for a dancing competition with my studio and whilst I had a glorious time, it did mean that the only films I saw were movies on the plane. I managed to catch 45 YEARS (really good, you should definitely see it), REGRESSION (terrible, don't bother), HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS (really cute, do it) and ROOM (incredible). I was pretty wrapped with how I went at the competition, and while I was in Hong Kong I also managed to get to Disneyland and Macau as well as general wandering through Hong Kong and plenty of shopping!

Some shots from our dancing competition

A little collage of my day in Macau

I got to meet some pretty great characters at the happiest place on earth!

I got back into the country late Saturday night, just in time to celebrate the second anniversary of my 29th birthday with my bestie, her boys and the most glorious pink party cat cake decorated by said bestie.

Party cat cake complete with party cat Lego and Disney princess plates 

 
But after two weeks without cinema, I was glad to get back to it on Monday when I took myself out to see THE NICE GUYS with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Set in the 70s it revolves around a licensed PI, Gosling, who knows your case is a crock, but takes your money anyway because he's got a daughter to provide for (Angourie Rice) and a not so licensed "PI" (muscle for hire), Crowe, the kind of guy who will stop your daughter from dating some douche-canoe druggie clown, by smashing him in the face with his trusty brass knuckles. The unlikely pair is stuck together solving the mystery surrounding the death of a porn star and the disappearance of the daughter of a government official. Uncovering a great scandal in the process, which of course leads to danger, stripper mermaids, dead goons and a super hot assassin (Matt Bomer).

Hello super hot assassin Matt Bomer

Image via Warner Bros. 

Shane Black and co-writer Anthony Bagarozzi have put together a fairly formulaic piece of cinema, in this mystery-comedy with a twisted sense of humour. Despite it's formula, THE NICE GUYS has a personality. It's dark and twisty, and takes a turn somewhere at the corner of 'wrong-town' and 'they're not going to, oh yeah they did-ville'. It's no surprise that I bloody loved this film, Shane Black also penned LETHAL WEAPON and KISS KISS BANG BANG among others and he has perfected the twisty buddy comedy over the years. I think this film is going to go off with the general public, as it's put together by a guy who really knows what he's doing.

Such an unlikely pair

Image via Warner Bros. 

What I really liked about it was that I didn't hate Rusty and that's a unusual for me. I used to be a huge fan of Rusty, but in recent years I've really gone off him for some reason. Don't ask me what it is, I can't tell you, but in this film I actually really liked him as Healy and was pleasantly surprised by that. There's something about the way that he delivered his savage beatings as casually as you or I would do our taxes that is hilarious. His little emotional conundrum about whether or not he's a terrible person for what he does is also a nice little side line for his character. After casually breaking March's arm (the equivalent of a friendly handshake), they are working together and their chemistry as a mismatched pair is actually really good. As for Gosling, well, it's Ryang Gosling, what could possibly go wrong?

hey girl, Pinterest can wait, this bath cannot...Le sigh...

Image via Warner Bros.

Anyway, enough of me drooling over Gosling, let me get back to the point. He has developed into an excellent physical comedic actor, and his physicality in portraying March is a delight to have on screen. There is a particularly great scene where he is trying to confront Healy from a toilet stall, holding the door open, waving a firearm and trying to keep a magazine in front of his peen - hilarious. The pair give so much in this film and are so committed to the ridiculousness of their characters that I really got swept up in who they were playing. Cudos to the pair of them!

The supporting cast is also really great in THE NICE GUYS. They're both nicely scripted and nicely acted. March's daughter Holly (Rice) is one to watch, she's been in a few shorts and a couple of episodes on TV and THESE FINAL HOURS, but this could the kick off to something more for her. She was light and sincere in the delivery of her character and she even had a few scene stealing moments which is tough going when you're up there with two very powerful leading men. She really held her own out there with her sass, and impressive detective skills.

Girls got sass

Image via Warner Bros. 

Overall, this was the perfect film for me to get back to the cinema with. Dark, twisty, wicked sense of humour, well cast and bloody brilliantly directed by one of my favourites. There are some things that don't quite fit the time in the 70s that this is set, a few songs that didn't come out til a few years later and such, but nothing that causes you to not believe that you're in the 70s. It might be different for those who grew up in the 70s, but for this 80s baby I thought it was alright. I highly recommend handing over your 20-something dollars at your nearest cinema and getting in to see THE NICE GUYS. Unless you seriously hated LETHAL WEAPON and then maybe give it a miss. I loved it.

4 out of 5

Xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

THE MEDDLER - film review

THE MEDDLER
Director: Lorene Scafaria
Cast: Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne, J.K. Simmons, Jerrod Charmichael, Cecily Strong, Lucy Punch

Synopsis: An aging widow from New York follows her daughter to Los Angeles in the hopes of starting a new life after her husband passes away

I didn't get to see any films at all last week as I had to dash off to Hobart to be with the family for a few days, so my regular movie-going days off work were taken up with flying and cuddling babies and then more flying.

Baby cuddling time!!

Then when I did get back it was my favourite time of the year - EUROVISION!!! I look forward to Eurovision the way most people look forward to Christmas, I countdown through the year and then I spend three days in media lockdown until I get to watch the replayed telecast. Down under we get the live telecasts at 4am, and sadly I had to go to my regular job, so had to wait until 7:30pm for the replay. I spend the weekend with my bestie The Red Haired Amazona and this year we spent the Saturday semi-final celebrating our friend Elise's birthday with dumplings and Eurovision drinking games, then Sunday we watched the grand final with Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam. Glorious.

Glorious, glorious Eurovision

Anyway, I digress...I got to go to the cinema yesterday and see a film, I had wanted to see the new X-MEN, but the timing didn't work out so I caught the new Susan Sarandon film - THE MEDDLER. Quite a naff title for a film that actually had a little bit of substance. It doesn't entice you to go and see it, the only reason I did was it worked out timing wise and I like Susan Sarandon. Otherwise I probably would have given it a miss, particularly with some of the films it's opening against this week. With only 4 other people in the cinema, it seems like I wasn't the only one thinking it sounded a bit naff.

Marnie Minervini (Sarandon) moves from New York to LA to be closer to her daughter after her husband passes away. Now I don't know about you, but my mother is actually not that intrusive, but I've seen an intrusive mother and I can totally appreciate how unnerving it would be. Marine is the mother of all intrusive mothers. Calling her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne) about 30 times a day, leaving voicemails just updating her on the day. When Lori decides they need to have "boundaries" Marnie finds other people to smother, like Lori's friends, the guy at the Apple Store, offering them reproductive advice, driving them to night classes, paying for their weddings. Marnie's level of intrusive varies from completely harmless like calling to tell her daughter about the new Beyoncé song, to downright out of control like making an appointment with Lori's shrink to ask questions about Lori.

Nothing like a Valentine's Day date with one's mother

Image via Sony Pictures

Writer-director Lorene Scafaria (SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD) based THE MEDDLER on experiences with her own mother, and although the script was not as sharp or witty as I might have liked, it will incite laughs, awkward winces and perhaps even a few tears from the general movie goers. I'm not sure it will fare as well with the critics, it's a little on the predictable side, and teeters on the verge of sitcomy humour. It is essentially a vehicle to showcase Sarandon, who is a little too glamourous and cool to pull off the Brooklyn-accented nosy britches mother, but nonetheless I think it will fare well as a lovely mother-daughter date film. Shame it didn't release over Mother's Day weekend - rookie error Sony.

There was some serious potential in this script for big side-splitting belly laughs, but Scafaria barely touches the surface of those moments which is a real shame. The bit where Marnie is seeing Lori's shrink could have played off into something huge, as could the moment where Lori starts pestering Marnie about her new "friend" Zipper, played by the gloriously moustached J.K Simmons.

Hello moustache

Image via Sony Pictures

Seriously, look at that stache!! Glorious! 

Image via Sony Pictures

THE MEDDLER had some lovely moments, but it wasn't as rich or filled out as it could have been, almost as though Scafaria was holding back a little. Unfortunate really as it had big potential. Nevertheless I enjoyed the film, it was short and snappy, at only 1 hour 40. It was refreshing to be out of the cinema before I was dying for a loo break. Overall, I think doting mothers and their daughters everywhere will get a good giggle out of it and if you're looking for something to take your Ma to go and see then I'd recommend a trip to go and see this film. I'm not raving about it and telling you to immediately go and hand over your 20-something dollars, but I don't think you'll be sad if you do part with that money.

3 out of 5

Xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY - preview review

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY
Director: Matt Brown
Cast: Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Toby Jones, Stephen Fry, Devika Bhise

Synopsis: Growing up poor in Madras, India, Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar earns entrance to Cambridge University during World War 1, where he becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor G.H. Hardy. 

Hello there friends. It's been a while. I've been trying to catch a few films here and there, but that bloody thing called life keeps getting in my damned way. Between working my "real" job, working at my passion job, and trying to find time to spend with my SO and friends, I haven't had 5 seconds to myself, let alone two hours to catch a movie. Luckily for me, I had a minute to myself on Friday and I took myself to the preview screening of THE MAN WHO KNEW INIFINITY. I didn't know too much about it, but I like Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons and Toby Jones, so I figured it couldn't be all that bad, and I have to say I was right. It wasn't all that bad. It could have been better, but it wasn't all that bad.

THE MAN WHO KNEW INIFINITY is a pretty standard paint by numbers biopic of Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel), one of the greatest mathematic minds of the 20th Century. He overcame poverty and hardship, all the odds were stacked against him, but he never ceased to believe he was on the verge of something great. He fought his way into a job, got someone to take notice, sent countless letters to people, until finally someone stood up and took notice. That someone was G.H Hardy (Jeremy Irons). Hardy brought Ramanujan to Cambridge and set to work on proving the mathematical theories that were spewing forth from his beautiful mind. Pushed by Hardy, Ramanujan worked at his proofs, and solved such great mathematical mysteries such as partitions (look at me talking about it like I know math and stuff). A fascinating tale for a non-mathematically minded person such as myself.

THE MAN WHO KNEW INIFINITY delved into this world, but focussed mainly on the notional story, the one that will connect itself to the wider audience. I didn't mind that so much, if it had been purely focused on the math I would have been like a small child lost in the vast chasm of a shopping mall.

                                  

However, I can imagine the frustrations of someone who does know math (like my SO who studied quantum mathematics - what?!) when the film does little more than glaze over the mathematical genius behind this story.

Patel is no stranger to playing the loveable character who overcomes all odds to succeed (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL to name a few), but the familiarity of the character does not do justice, his loveable-ness did not exude the sheer intellectual brilliance that I think Ramanujan should have had. Not to say that Patel didn't play the scripted role well, he did, but I think the script failed him in this instance. Jeremy Irons lucked out with the character of Hardy, a stubborn cantankerous atheist Prof who struggles with personal interactions. That character was meaty and well written, and Irons was brilliant in playing it. The rapport between Irons and Patel as teacher and student, atheist and believer, and eventually friends, carried this story, the pair are lucky they had a great on screen chemistry otherwise it would have lost me.

Patel and Irons strolling the grounds of Cambridge University

Image via Warner Brothers Pictures

The side story about his wife and mother left behind in India, did nothing for me, it was predictable and distracting. I appreciate that it was meant to show a driving force behind Ramanujan's work, mind and increasing loss of spirit, but the constant flashes back to that world interrupted my viewing. It will connect the audience on an emotional level to the characters and the story, I don't doubt that. Everyone loves a good star crossed lovers theme with a meddling mother, but there was too little of it to be of significance, and too much of it not to be disturbing. They either needed to make more of it or leave it behind on the cutting room floor.

*****************************SPOILER ALERT***********************************

The thing that got me in the feels was Ramanujan's deteriorating health and eventual death, it left me wondering how much more could have been achieved if this great mind had survived in the world. Imagine all of the accomplishments that would have got a little mention in the closing credits if he had been able to continue his work, just imagine.

*******************************SPOILER OVER***********************************

Overall I think the general movie goer is going to enjoy THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY, it gives a glimpse into the life of a mathematical genius, and there is enough to tug on the heartstrings and keep you connected to the characters. I just think it's a bit sad that after two hours, I still don't really know what the hell he managed to do and why it was so important. The little mentions in the closing credits expressed some pretty important stuff, like using his theories to do stuff with black holes and the like. That seems like a big deal to me (although really what do I know about math?!), and I think there should have been more attention paid to the mathematical breakthroughs.

3 out of 5 purple hat wearing aliens

Xoxo The Blonde Bombshell

DIRTY GRANDPA - review

DIRTY GRANDPA
Director: Dan Mazer
Cast: Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Zoey Deutch, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Mantzoukas, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Hough, Jeffrey, Bowyer-Chapman

Synopsis: Uptight lawyer Jason Kelly (Zac Efron) is one week away from marrying his boss's controlling daughter (Julianne Hough), putting him on the fast track for a partnership in his firm. Tricked by his grandfather Dick (Robert De Niro), Jason finds himself driving the foul mouthed old man to Daytona Beach, Florida, for a wild spring break that includes frat parties, bar fights and an epic night of karaoke. While Jason worries about the upcoming wedding, Dick tries to show his grandson how to live life to the fullest. 

In a complete change of scene, I took a break from my Best Motion Picture nominee viewings to squeeze in a little bit of shirtless Zac Efron, and while most of the jokes are more cringe-worthy than funny, those that do work will have your crying with laughter. To be honest I was not expecting much from this film, the trailer doesn't do it any favours, nor do the copious amounts of reviews touting it as the worst film of 2016. One reviewer even said "I wouldn't recommend watching this while still alive" or something to that effect. Now, that seems a bit extreme, I mean anyone can tell from the trailer that this is going to be a trashy, b-grade film and with that in mind I think it's unfair to then carry on about how b-grade it is. What did you think it was going to be? The greatest piece of cinematic history that never was? That right there is one of my pet peeves when it comes to reviewers. Not every film is going to be Oscar material, not every film is meant to make you think deep and meaningful thoughts, or question the whole human existence. Some films are meant to be mindless pieces of drivel that let you escape the shitiness of the world for 100 minutes, and that's exactly what DIRTY GRANDPA is. A piece of mindless drivel that let me escape the shitiness of the world for 100 minutes, and honestly, Zac Efron wearing nothing but a hornet plush covering his junk and dancing to the Macarena is everything I could have hoped for and more.

Seriously, what more do you want? 

Gif via Perez Hilton

One week out from his wedding Jason Kelly is duped into driving his Grandfather to Florida the day after his Grandmother's funeral because Grandpa can't drive and Grandma would have wanted it. Arriving to pick up his Grandpa, Jason cops an eyeful of his Grandpa doing a 'number 3', and it all spirals downhill from there. With lines like "throw the clubs in the giant labia you drove up in" referring to Jason's fiance's pastel pink mini, you know the direction the film is headed, and it can go one of two ways, you can either resist, or go with it. I recommend going with it, you'll have a much better time of it if you do.

The car that is referred to as a "giant labia" and yes, it is all downhill from there

Image via Lionsgate

Stopping for lunch on the road they run into an unlikely trio of college students, one of whom was in Jason's photography class before he became an uptight lawyer. The magical show stealer is Aubrey Plaza who plays a college girl with a penchant for older men, and her dry delivery makes the ridiculous lines she's been given hysterical. Wrong, so very wrong, but hysterical. The on screen comedic chemistry between Plaza and De Niro really makes this film. It's like Plaza knows she's got a raw deal with her script and De Niro is giving the finger to cinema goers everywhere and it's magical. To be fair, at his age and with his career history, De Niro has earned the right to give us all the finger and do whatever the hell he wants.

As if her face doesn't say it all - magical

Image via Lionsgate

Grandpa Dick makes out like the trip is all about him getting laid now that he's single for the first time in 40 years, but really it's about getting Jason to realise he's about to make the biggest mistake of his life. He's let everyone tell him what to do with his life - his father, his boss and now his fiancé - and he's become but a shadow of his former self. With the help of illicit drugs, frat parties, bar fights, their three new friends and some epic karaoke (Efron singing Celine Dion is magic), slowly but surely Jason finally comes to the realisation that his Grandpa is not a crazy nut bag, he's right. Then, boy chases girl in an ice cream truck, girl says she won't stay, boy goes with girl and everything ends happily ever after.

Not everything about this film works, there are some bits that reached a whole new level of wrong, but there are lines like this;
"Where do you get your taxes done? H and R Cockblock?" 
And this;
"Tell me it was better under Eisenhower"
That had me crying with laughter.

Everyone loves a good selfie

Image via Lionsgate

If you're expecting anything more than mindless drivel, then you will be sorely disappointed. But, if you take it for what it is and don't even worry about it then you might get a few laughs out of it. I know I did. Sure, there are moments that leave you thinking "oh no you di'nt", but there are moments that are truly funny. If you want a good girls night out with a piece of shit film, a glass of wine (ok who are we kidding, a bottle of wine), and a shirtless Zac Efron singing Celine Dion, then go, spend the 20-something dollars and indulge in this guilty pleasure of a film. It's not a great film, he'll it's not even a good film, but I don't feel like I completely wasted my life, I had a laugh and Zac Efron as I mentioned dances to the Macarena almost naked and sings Celine Dion. Win win really.

3 out 5

Xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

SPOTLIGHT - review

SPOTLIGHT
Director: Tom McCarthy
Cast: Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Liev Schreiber, Brian d'Arcy James, Stanley Tucci

Synopsis: When the Boston Globe's tenacious "Spotlight" team of reporters delves into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.

Well shiiiit. That was some fairly heavy viewing for a rainy Thursday night. I went into the Sun knowing that I was going to see one of two films - the last two available to me on the Best Picture nominee list because Brooklyn isn't out yet because Australia - either SPOTLIGHT or THE ROOM. I knew both were going to be heavy, and I wasn't fussed which I saw so I let the lovely staff decide for me. They chose SPOTLIGHT, so off I went with my coconut choc top (the lactose intolerant person has no regrets, the bloating and cramps are totally worth it) and settled in with my crochet to tick another film off my list. Walking out of the cinema I saw the friendly staff member who chose my film and she asked "how was it?" My reply? "Well shiiiit."

Well shiiiit is exactly what these guys are thinking too let me tell you

Image via eOne Entertainment

Unless you've been living under a rock (no judgements) you will know the story of the Catholic Church and the years of abuse scandals and cover ups and controversy, and you might also well know the story of the crack team of journalists who really brought it to the fore in a Pulitzer winning piece of journalism. I knew what I was in for, but I really didn't think it would hit me so hard. I've read the articles, I'm up with the facts, but holy hell, seeing it on screen like that...I mean wow. It's really screwed up.

The Globe gets a new editor, he wants the Spotlight team to investigate a story about a Catholic priest under fire for abuse. Little did any of them know they would uncover a further 69 priests along the way. The lies, the under rug sweeping of it all really gets my goat, at least it would if I had a goat (I never understood that saying, but I digress). All those years and not one person listened to the few people who tried to say something, the thought horrifies me.

Liev Schreiber as Marty Baron 

Image via eOne Entertainment

McCarthy has put together a slow building, meticulous and gripping film that is incredibly sobering. Like a good piece of journalism it gathers tidbits of information and puts them together like a giant puzzle, each piece revealing a little more of the picture, but also revealing that there are more pieces than you thought. SPOTLIGHT has been nominated for 6 Academy Awards this year and I can see why. Best Motion Picture, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Supporting Actor (Mark Ruffalo), Best Supporting Actress (Rachel McAdams), Best Writing Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen and Best Achievement in Editing. SPOTLIGHT is deserving of all of these noms, although the sadly I  don't think it will take home the hallowed trophy for any of them.

Let's talk about Mark Ruffalo, underrated and under appreciated for so many years, he was incredible in this film. I don't know much about the real people of the real Spotlight team, but when Mike Rezendes (Ruffalo) dropped his bundle, I dropped mine too. I got really mad right along side him, yet at the same time I could completely see where Walter 'Robby' Robinson (Michael Keaton) was coming from. If that's not a sign of a good script and spectacular acting and direction I'm not sure what is. Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) had the pretty shitty job of interviewing survivors, and McAdams I thought could have done a little tiny bit more - I didn't see her feeling all of the feels, and I wanted to. To be fair, that's not her fault, that's the script and the limitations of time. If you'd seen her feel all of the feels every time it might have killed you and her and it would have made the film about 70 million hours longer. I just wanted a little something extra on that front.

Their faces say it all - when you realise you're going to need a bigger boat

Image via eOne Entertainment. 

On a side note, the one person I didn't get enough of in this film is Stanley Tucci, who played Mitchell Garabedian, the lawyer representing survivors in court, no under rug sweeping allowed. I wanted more of that story, but I think that's because I'm partial to Stanley Tucci and the more screen time he gets ever the better off the world is in general. Seriously though, I am going to find out more about that little side plot that we get glimpses of because that man is a hero to many, and I want to know about it. Stanley Tucci made me want to know about it.

Mitchell Garabedian - the lone wolf, the hero 

Image via eOne Entertainment. 

If you don't mind something heavy and you're prepared to deal with the sobering fact that the world we live in is bullshit and that people are asshats, and to have yourself wondering for hours "how the hell could so many people let this happen" then I think you'll enjoy SPOTLIGHT. It is a beautifully put together film, and the ensemble cast is wonderful - not a bad apple among them. A slow build, but with a driving pace that keeps you locked into the story. Also if you have an appreciated for underrated actors like Ruffalo and Tucci then you'll want to see them in these roles. I even liked Liev Schreiber in this film and that's saying something - credit to Tom McCarthy for that one. Anyway, if you can deal with the heaviness, then I think SPOTLIGHT is worth forking out the 20-something dollars (plus snacks, it's a long haul). "Well shiiiit" is a good phrase to know, becuase there are no other words at least not ones that are appropriate and lady like and your'e going to want to say something.

4 out of 5

Xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

THE DANISH GIRL - review

THE DANISH GIRL
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Amber Heard, Ben Whishaw, Matthias Schoenaerts

Synopsis: A fictitious love story loosely inspired by the lives of Danish artists Einar (to become Lili Elbe) and Gerda Wegner. Einar and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Einar's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer becoming Lili Elbe.

The first thing I remember seeing Eddie Redmayne in was SAVAGE GRACE in 2007, I loved him then and I love him even more now. 12 months of the back of his award winning performance in THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, Redmayne is back with a performance that is equally as good and a transformation that only he could pull off. The true story of Einar Wegner's (Eddie Redmayne)  journey to become Lili Elbe in the 20's and 30's and how his wife Gerda Wegner (Alicia Vikander) copes with and assists this transition is tragic and yet somehow awe-inspiring, and Tom Hooper has created a film that evokes similar emotions.

There are small hints of what is to come in the beginning, Redmayne running his hand over a rack of women's clothing, a longing look at a beautiful pair of shoes, but much of the beginning of the film is setting up what a happy and functional marriage Einar and Gerda have. How perfect they are together, how perfect they are for each other, how perfect their lives are. And they almost convince you, but those small subtle hints that something is not quite right has you teetering on the edge of disbelief.

The beginning of the end

Image via Universal Pictures

When Gerda's model cancels a session, she asks her ever loving husband to put on the stockings and shoes so she can finish her work, and holds the dress up against him. That is the moment you see a flicker of Lili in Einar's eyes. Something there that isn't him, yet strangely is. He is christened Lili by their good friend Ulla, and Gerda convinces Einar to attend a party he has no interest in by coming as Lili where she meets, flirts with and kisses Henrik. Something inside of Einar has changed, you can see it in his eyes and slowly but surely the Wegner's lives fall apart. Einar continues to dress as Lili in secret after Gerda begged him to stop playing the silly game they had made up, until he can no longer go on living a double life. Trips to doctors, who mostly call him insane, or gay, fail to make a great change in Einar who now spends more and more time as Lili, and slowly but surely Gerda comes to terms with the fact that the person she married is slowly disappearing. Lili becomes Gerda's muse and her big break in the art world, and Gerda becomes Lili's biggest advocate.

There is significant criticism that Hooper haws played it safe with this film and its subject matter, and while that may be true, I don't think the film is any worse off for it. Carried by stellar performances by Redmaye and Vikander alike THE DANISH GIRL is powerful and it brings on all the feels. Aside from my penchant for Redmayne, who is marvellous in this film, Alicia Vikander is absolutely the one who steals the show here. Her journey through the film is incredible, there isn't an emotion she doesn't feel, and damned if she doesn't make you feel them with her.

Gerda doesn't stop loving her husband or the woman he has become

Image via Universal Pictures

There is something about the chemistry between these two that really makes the film work, the other actors are merely shadows in this film, which is a shame because it's not like they're terrible actors, they're actually quite good. You just don't really notice them or what they're saying and doing. There could have been more to them throughout the film, but it's only upon reflection that I think that. I didn't mind during the film, I was too wrapped up in Redmayne and Vikander to care.

Don't let what the critics are saying put you off, I really enjoyed THE DANISH GIRL and think it's worth the 20-something dollars to see it at the cinema. Yes, it probably doesn't delve deeply enough into the meaty subject matter, and yes, some of the facts are loosely interpreted, but THE DANISH GIRL isn't so much about the transgender transformation as it is about the relationship between Einar/Lili and Gerda and that was magical.

3.5 out of 5

Xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

PS. If you want to know more about Lili Elbe's story check out this article from The Telegraph

THE REVENANT - review

THE REVENANT
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson, Forrest Goodluck

Synopsis: Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT captures one man's epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption.

Doesn't that synopsis sound like you might actually want to see the film? I thought so. That coupled with it's wins at the Globes, I took myself off with my man to go and catch this much talked about film. Silly me, I should have known better than to listen to all the hype, but the trailer looked like it might be ok and I was pleased for Leo in his Globe win for Best Actor, and was excited to be seeing yet another Academy nominated Best Picture film. Well, let me just tell you that I felt every single second of the 2 hours and 36 minutes that this film runs for. Every. Single. Second. When I looked at the time and realised that we'd only been in there for 30 minutes and still had another 2 hours to go I nearly cried.

Upon speaking to others who had seen the film, I discovered that people were really divided. They either loved or hated it. There was no one who was like "meh, it was ok". Well, let me tell you which side of the fence I was on...I hated it. Every. Single. Second. I appreciate that the story was inspired by true events, but it was so far from believable that I couldn't get involved in the story at all. All I could do was internalise how impossible it was, how ridiculous it was, how highly improbable it was that Glass didn't die at least 75 times in the first 30 minutes.

To me this film was a vehicle to finally get DiCaprio an Oscar, and by God I think they may have done it. He was incredible in the film, but honestly there are only so many close ups of Leo being pained that I can endure.

The direction of the film was really well done, but in my honest opinion the film was at least an hour too long. Some drawn out, slow moving scenes of nothing could have easily been left on the cutting room floor and no one would have been any the wiser. I probably would still have hated every single second, but there would have been less of them for me to hate. Knowing that this film has received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and CAROL didn't makes me all the more angry about it.

The film was gratuitously violent, which I normally can stomach, but there was plenty in there that I had to half cover my eyes for, so be warned. If you have a weak stomach then THE REVENANT is not for you. Bear attacks, scalpings, wound cauterising by gunpowder and fire, stabbings, rape, horse skinnings and the like, you need to steel yourself for this one.

Glass carrying his son to safety

Image via Fox Studios

The driving force behind Glass' survival is his love for his son and then his desire for revenge to hunt down and kill the man who murdered his son, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). I imagine that is a pretty powerful emotion, but there is part of me that wonders how close to the truth this film is what actually happened. How much of an interpretation have they made of this story? How did he not die the 75 times he should have? I don't know, and frankly even though I could google it and find out, I honestly hated it so much that I don't even care.

I think that there will be no surprises when DiCaprio wins the Oscar for Best Actor and Alejandro González Iñárritu wins for Best Director and THE REVENANT wins for Best Picture, but I honestly don't think it should win. Leo deserves to win, but THE REVENANT sucked and I hated it and I don't want it to win, so that means it probably will. Ugh. If I was you, I would save the 20-something dollars and not bother going to see this film at the cinema. It's nearly 3 hours of your life that you won't get back.

2 out of 5

Xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell

CAROL - review

Director: Todd Haynes
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler

Synopsis: In an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's seminal novel The Price of Salt, CAROL follows two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950's New York. As conventional norms of the time challenge their undeniable attraction, an honest storey emerges in the face of change. A young woman in her 20s, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), is a clerk working in a Manhattan department store and dreaming of a more fulfilling life when she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an alluring woman trapped in a loveless, convenient marriage. As an immediate connection sparks between them, the innocence of their first encounter dims and their connection deepens. While Carol breaks free from the confines of her marriage, her husband (Kyle Chandler) begins to question her competence as a mother as her involvement with Therese and close relationship with her best friend Abby (Sarah Paulson) come to light. 

Another Golden Globe Best Picture nominee that I had to wait to see until after the Globes had aired, because Australia. I took myself off to see CAROL in my movie marathon week (5 films in 2 days) and whilst I was expecting it to be good, I was surprised at just how good it was. I love Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara has been growing on my over the years, and Sarah Paulson and Kyle Chandler are highly underrated in my opinion. The four of them coupled with a glorious screenplay by Phyllis Nagy (adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel) and incredible direction of Todd Haynes brings about a seriously powerful film, and one of the saddest pieces of cinema I have seen in quite a while.

A chance encounter in a department store changes these women's lives forever

Image via The Weinstein Company

Two women have a chance encounter in a department store that changes both their lives forever. The beginning was a little predictable - Carol (Blanchett) leaves her gloves, Therese (Mara) returns them love ensues. However, after that initial little bit of predictability, I let myself get swept up in the story and I was transported to another world. Todd Haynes has directed an incredible piece of cinema with a lovely crafted script by Phyllis Nagy, I'm intrigued to read to book to see how close to the original text the film is. The pace of CAROL is quite slow, but not in a negative way. It really gives you time to think, absorb and wallow in the emotions of the story as you're being swept away in the lives of Carol and Therese. 

CAROL is highly emotional and Haynes has brought out some wonderful performances from Blanchett and Mara. The chemistry between Carol and Therese is palpable if not somewhat disturbing. A young 20 something woman captivated by an alluring older woman, and at first you think that perhaps Carol is taking advantage, but then you see that Carol's feelings are equal to if not more fierce than Therese's. CAROL brings out all the feels, they share a once in a life time love at first sight love with no explanation, but no explanation is needed. 

One simple touch can convey so many emotions 

Image via The Weinstein Company

CAROL shows the very real power of a mother's love, Carol's husband uses their daughter as a pawn in their relationship, taking her away because of Carol's immoral behaviour. I can't imagine the pain that would bring to someone, but the fierce love of a mother forces Carol to make a choice between her daughter and her own happiness. I was caught up in the sadness of the situation, sympathy and empathy, and the anger and injustice of it all. Immoral behaviour?! What a crock. That was the time I guess...1950's New York, I'm not surprised, but still, what a crock. 

Kyle Chandler and Cate Blanchett - one in love and one out of love

Image via The Weinstein Company

CAROL takes you on a journey through love, exploration of self, pain, anger and heartache. I really love the subtlety in this film, the long lingering looks, the powerful underlying score, the incredible cinematography and the exquisite costuming. In fact, there isn't much that I didn't love about this film.  There are no surprises to me for the nominations that CAROL has received by the Academy, however I am outraged that it didn't receive a Best Picture nomination, outraged I tell you!!

Blanchett and Mara are both deserving of their nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively. I would love to say that Blanchett will win, however I think she has tough competition in Jennifer Lawrence and Brie Larson. Only time will tell, as I've yet to see Brie. Larson in her nominated role (bring on next week), but I think that Lawrence did a lovely job in JOY. 

Do yourself a favour and hand over the 20-something dollars at your local picture house to see CAROL. It was beautiful, captivating, moving and truly a magnificent piece of cinema. However, if you're opposed to lesbianism like the woman who was sat next to me in the cinema tut-tutting and being generally outraged about it the whole time, then do everyone else a favour and stay home. 

4 out of 5 

Xoxo

The Blonde Bombshell