Godzilla
I’m not a fan of remakes and I have been singly unconvinced about a good US remake of the classic monster movie. But I got to see some extra extended preview footage recently and I’m actually now really intrigued. Not quite excited but it’s much better than my previous feeling of ‘meh’.
They Came Together
I’m not convinced this is actually a movie. It feels like a parody of a romantic comedy trailer. These few minutes made me laugh but despite so many of my favourite actors being present I’m struggling to see how this could be funny over 90 minutes.
But to complete it here’s the obligatory happy frolic.
Bad Neighbours
What’s it about?
A couple with a newborn are forced to suck it up when a fraternity moves in next door. The family man (Seth Rogan) squares off against the frat guy (Zac Efron).
What did we think?
It’s often juvenile, not subtle and oddly paced – and yet Bad Neighbours sort of works. Maybe it’s the improv feel or the fact that Efron, Rogan and Rose Byrne are all very good. Or maybe it’s just Efron’s topless scene.
There are things people will hate. There are gross bits. There are the obligatory penis/dildo/phallic jokes. It’s not a classic but it will probably make you laugh. In the US it’s simply called Neighbors – I’m assuming it’s been renamed in Australia to avoid comparisons with the TV show. Rest assured there’s no danger anyone will confuse this for Ramsey Street. If nothing else, yay for the Zac six-pack.
Fading Gigolo
What’s it about?
A guy that gets talked into becoming a professional male escort by his cash-strapped friend.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The plot sounded dubious and the inclusion of Woody Allen left me extra concerned but I walked out of Fading Gigolo pleasantly surprised. It’s a light but intelligent comedy that I actually found delightfully charming.
John Turturro (Transformers) wrote, directed and stars in a pic whose star power reflects the strength of a quirky but interesting script. Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara play almost predatory females who are looking for attention and a selfish satisfaction that makes their interactions with Virgil fascinating. Not only what they want from him, but also the way they treat him. And then we meet a quiet widow who I think we all fall in love with a bit including our hero but can he have her? Especially given her devotion to the Jewish faith.
One of the criticisms of this film is that Turturro is not an attractive man, especially odd given the profession he’s supposed to portray but I think that actualy adds to this film. It’s about his quiet confidence and his attentiveness to the women’s needs, rather than a cheeky smile and six packs. He’s an unlikely but likable hero.
Warm-fuzzy feelings and no, not THOSE kind – there’s actually very little in the way of nudity and sex scenes. But see it anyway. 😉
Malificent
Okay so it looks like Disney ripping off the concept of Wicked but man Angelina Jolie (an actor of whom I’m NOT usually fond) really looks to bring it. I’m curious.
Apparently Jolie also insisted upon the canonical ‘horns’ despite the studio execs being concerned they would diminish the star’s attractiveness and pulling power. Good for her.
A Million Ways To Die In The West
I normally HATE anachronistic moments in movies but perhaps I can suspend that rule for this comedy. Because it looks bloody funny. I’m already laughing.