So this here is a delightful little story from New Zealand about a kooky little couple and their journey to find love.
Oh, this is one for the books. Everyone who hasn't seen this movie should without hesitation. Comparisons to Napoleon Dynamite (2004) have been made, which I guess I understand. Eagle vs Shark came out not long after the previous, and they both have that small quaint quietness about them both. Oh and they both contain characters that beat their own drum loudly and proudly. Ok so maybe they are similar. Who cares? Not me. Love it and live it.
Why should you watch this movie? Because it's from New Zealand and I think every movie that comes from that direction is a piece of tiny gold. Because if you've ever felt insecure and small, you'll get a warm tingle in your insides when you watch this film. Because it's full of epic video game battles and revenge seeking missions and some wonderful celebrity impressions and of course love.
Up in the Air (2009)
Well this is a bit of a jump. From New Zealand to what I was sure was going to be a highlight at the Academy Awards this year.
While I'll start by saying I really liked this film. Now I'm going to go on a tangent. I've got a bit of a bee in my bonnet about the Oscars. So many gems get passed by good old Mr Oscar and usually my favourite film of the year doesn't even get a mention. Like Zombieland (2009). I mean come on people, horror comedies deserve a bit more credit surely! Oh at least Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) got a mention (but didn't win) or I might have had to boycott the awards all together (oh wait, I did anyway).
Where was I? Oh yeah Up in the Air. Another quiet, yet brilliantly written and directed film. Jason Reitman directed another ball out of the park after the wonder that was Juno (2007). It sneaked up on me this one. I mean yes the peeps where talking award winning before it even left the gate, but as I watched and enjoyed the story, sneaky little Reitman tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear "Nice try.. but you won't guess this one". And he was right.
Oh what's it about? A man who spends his life constantly traveling across the United States firing people for a living. He lives a life of simplicity and order until of course as these things go, his company starts to make some changes and his life is thrown askew.
An interesting and new view of corporate America that shouldn't be missed, but be careful. If you are part of a similar environment, this movie might just change your life.
Madagascar (2005)
Ok this little animated piece of joy was one I just never quite got around to watching. Yet my husband would often mention it to me, sharing with me it's glorious wit and pointing out his love for the penguin troop of which is a highlight.
Here we are in the New York Central Park Zoo, and we have before us it's beloved animals, some of which dream of a world beyond the fences. Escape (sort of) ensues.
I was expecting to enjoy this film of course. I like the charms of most animated films. What I wasn't expecting was the plethora of Pop Culture references and homages contained. It was most certainly my favourite part, watching and guessing the spoofs of so many different films, oh and of course the penguins my husband had previously mentioned.
There is something about films paying tribute to other films that I just adore. Maybe it's the fan girl in me (I'm almost sure of it) but I also think it's the film makers of the world giving a little nod to the past. In a time where almost anyone can make a movie (no matter how big or small), there is nothing better than seeing the worlds inner fan girl/boy shine on the big screen, even if it's in a less obvious fashion such as a screen angle, lighting style or my personal favourite The Whilhelm Scream.
Madagascar has taken me on a tangent I can't come back from, so I'll just stop here. This ones for all the Fan Girls and Boys of the world. Cheers!
Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975)
There has been some pretty kick-ass females in films over the years. The Charlie's Angels, Lara Croft, Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, but in the 1970's there was Cleopatra Jones. If you took Grace Jones, dabbed on some James Bond and add just a dash (or a whole ton) of clown makeup you get Ms Jones.
When two friends of Cleo's go missing while on an under cover mission in Hong Kong, Cleopatra Jones with the help of detective Mi Ling heads on a whirlwind adventure to find them. Hunting down local drug lord and.. wait for it.. lesbian, The Dragon Lady.
It's a crazy and hilarious snap shot of 1970's fashion and stereotypes. Half the fun of this film is watching the crazy outfits and eye makeup worn by our illustrious heroin.
How can you not love a movie with pithy 70's quips, kung fu, knife throwers, lesbians, gun fights, sword fights, explosions, and drug lords who were playboy centerfolds.
Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold is certainly one for the ages. Oh and it's one of two Cleopatra Jones movies! There is another one out there! Huzzah!
Valentine's Day (2010)
So here is a first for this movie blog. A movie I didn't like. Oh Hollywood when will you stop trying so hard.
They make a great movie like Love Actually (2003) and Hollywood just sees dollar signs. As a result we get Valentine's Day with the same formula, but without the heart.
I actually can't quite put my finger on the problem. The cast is great, and it's directored by Gary Marshall of Pretty Woman (1990) fame. You can even spot the homage barage to the 90's romantic classic. The same opening titles font, a voice over to gently bring us into the story, and of course LA and Hollywood. Actually it could be the Gary Marshall factor that is irking me. Maybe he doesn't have it anymore.
Oh, it wasn't all bad. I enjoyed several of the individual love stories, but cramming them all together was a bad idea. This will never be on my purchase list, even if it was in a bargain bin. I do feel bad leaving you without a bit of happiness... um.. Ashton Kutcher was surprisingly adorable.
The Boat That Rocked (2009)
So the Queen, The Beatles, and a hot cup of tea. Where are you? The United Kingdom of course. Add Bill Nighy and Richard Curtis and you've got The Boat That Rocked.
Richard Curtis is the man responsible for almost every good romantic comedy to come out of the UK in the last 15 years, starting with Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). Now don't be mistaken, this ain't no Chick Flick, it's almost more of a Bro-mance. With it's story emerging around a band of DJ's from Radio Rock, a rogue radio station broadcasting from the North Sea, bringing pop music to the people of England in the 1960's. What you've got right here is a boat full of fellas (and one lesbian) full of crazy shenanigans.
Of course friendships and rivals form, love is found, tears are shed and laughs are a-plenty. All courtesy of one of my now all time favourite ensemble casts. I had flashes to other great films such as Almost Famous (2000), High Fidelity (2000) and even Pump Up The Volume (1990). All films, like this one where the soundtracks speak as loudly as the actors words.
Films like this one spread such warmth through my heart. It's almost cheating. Music has such a power to transport us to another time, another place, to happy memories and to sad ones with such ease. All it takes is a few simple notes, an opening riff and we're gone.
The Boat That Rocked is what happens when you have perfect ingredients, and a wonderful recipe. You know it will turn out to be delicious.
Whip It (2009)
Speaking of the perfect recipe. I was destined to love Whip It before I'd even seen it. First, it's the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore. Second, we have the delectable Ellen Page. Then last you have ROLLER DERBY! Oh. My. Gooodness. Heavy on the Goodness.
Oh I counted the days til this came out, then I got married and went on my honeymoon instead. Completely missing it at the cinema, of course that's a little disappointing, but hey, I got a husband. Not too shabby *smile*.
Fast forward to its DVD release and I made what I considered a very safe bet and purchased said movie without having seen it. I was not disappointed.
Everything I wanted I most certainly got out of this little indie joy of joys. Drew Barrymore as a director FTW. Yes, it's a little rough around the edges, but so is Drew. Jam packed full of girl power and ass kicking, the whole film screams Drew and who better to help that vision along than a crew of kick ass chicks.
You've got Ellen Page from Juno (2007) fame, Juliette Lewis who's been kicking butt for years, and my current favourite New Zealander (Sorry Flight of the Concords) the adorable Zoe Bell who is more famous as a stunt woman but made her acting debut in Grindhouse: Death Proof (2007).
Ok, so the boys are scared now. Don't be. It's not all girl power. Ok, I lie. It is, but you will love love love it I promise. Boys, you will love the girls, you will love there tiny outfits and bad attitudes, and you will love them speeding around a roller derby track on skates, kicking butt and takin' names.
The Boat That Rocked (2009).. again.
Yes only one movie between! Love love love.
Oh I have to say, if.. no wait.. when you see this film, watch the deleted scenes. OMG every deleted moment could have been in the film and it would have been one really really long full of awesome movie. Instead it's a normal length full of awesome movie.
Anyway, still fantastic the second time round, my favourite moment now involving the delightful Chris O'Dowd (from UK series The I.T. Crowd) miming along too the song Stay with Me Baby. Amazing.
Go get the movie now! So if we run into each other we have something to talk about. Ok, so you could mention any movie and I'd be jabbering on for hours, but lets not get all picky. Ok, lets get picky. I'm never for a lack of words, and always have something to talk about. But treat yourself and see this movie.
Actually see any of the movies I've mentioned. All but one of them is a movie full of happiness and even that one is about love. Movies are happiness and I won't ever be convinced otherwise.
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