Directed by Dexter Fletcher
Written by Sean MacCaulay and Simon Kelton
Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Jo Hartley and Keith Allen
"Eddie the Eagle" is your typical underdog story. A less experienced, less talented athlete going up against the big dogs in competition. But unlike many films in its genre, this is a true story.
A man, who grew up wearing a leg brace for most of his childhood, is determined to beat the odds and become an Olympic athlete. Much to the likeness of the Jamaican Bobsled team, which also competed during the '88 Olympics in Calgary, he did so with little expectations but was more than happy to attend.
The story itself isn't much to write home about, as heart warming as it is. But the performances in this film, specifically by Taron Egerton, are extraordinary and bring this whole film together.
Honestly guys, I saw this on Thursday and completely forgot to write a review for it… so this one is not that informative…. It was good though. That's all you really want to hear anyway, right?
Directed by David Simpson
Written by Paul Mackie
Starring Luke Griffin, Andrew Regan and Paul Mackie
When Mark's Facebook friend goes missing, he and his two friends go on a rescue mission to find her.
This crude, alcohol fueled, yet somehow charming indie comedy about three friends on an inebriated adventure is the very definition of "independent". It got it's legs after writer, Paul Mackie tweeted out the script and got a following for the project.
From there, cast and crew members were attached to the script completely through social media. It is the first of what I suspect many films to be independently made by creative people coming together via the internet to do what they love. It is truly a beautiful notion that we live in a world where this can happen.
The writing in this British comedy reminds me of Quentin Tarantino's writing. Filled with fast-paced dialogue that, regardless of it's lack of relevance towards the movement of the plot, is swift and flows naturally.
Particularly in the opening scene in which they talk about the economy, I was reminded of the first scene in "Reservoir Dogs", in which Mr. Brown talks about Madonna's "Like a Virgin". It had nothing to do with the actual plot, but it provided a realism and character development that is often lost in modern films.
Along with the writing, the performances by the three main actors is impressive. The fast-paced, continuous nature of the dialogue is not an easy thing to pull off, and these three guys nail it. The chemistry between them is undoubted and it is believable that they have been friends for years.
Really, the majority of the problems with this film were budget related. But what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish was clear and given a bigger budget may have disappeared completely. The ambition of everyone involved is the most important thing when it comes to Indies. At least in my mind. And there was plenty of passion behind this project.
As of now, I don't believe "#DrunksLikeUs" is available for public viewing. Once I find out more details, I will let you all know so we can support Independent Filmmakers.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Written by John Michael Hayes, based on the novel by Jack Trevor Story
Starring John Forsythe, Shirley MacLaine, Edmund Gwenn and Mildred Natwick
The trouble with Harry is that he's dead, and everyone seems to have a different idea of what needs to be done with his body.
In this rare, dark comedy from the incomparable Alfred Hitchcock, murder is not the punchline, but rather the set up to many ludicrous situations. In 1950s Vermont, the citizens of this small town seem to be more concerned with being proper and polite than they do with a dead body. Perhaps a satire of the unachievable expectations of manners in the 50s. But I was born in 1989, so what the hell do I know?
The film itself isn't filled with jokes or slapstick situations. It is the sheer macabre nature of this story that makes it's own humor. Hitchcock's dark sense of comedy is so apparent that I could just imagine him sitting bend the camera, grinning from ear to ear.
The age of this movie will turn many away and as much as I urge people to give this and any other classic movie a shot, I understand completely. Older films are not always for everyone due to the way films have changed overtime. The evolution of humor alone has created such a gap in what people of different generations find funny.
"The Trouble With Harry" is dry, dark and ridiculous. If anything, I would say that you will most likely never see another film quite like it. It speaks about death so nonchalantly that it's no surprise that the writer of the novel and the director were both British. So painfully British.
Directed by Danny Boyle
Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Starring Alex Entel, James Nesbitt, Lewis McGibbon and Daisy Donovan
A 7-year-old English boy finds his ethics tested when he stumbles upon a bag of British Pounds just days before the currency is switched to Euros. With pressure from his brother to keep it a secret and spend it on himself, the young child finds an overwhelming urge to give the money to the needy.
Undeniably the most un-Danny Boyle film Danny Boyle has ever directed, it feels more like a Tim Burton film with just a dash of Boyle influence. Everything about the setting, the music and the cinematography reminds me of Burton.
A feel good crowd pleaser about the human condition, this movie will put a smile on your face from the beginning. Filled with great humor and lessons on morality, this film is quite enjoyable. The imagination of the main character added for some entertaining and at times, some touching moments.
The only problem that I had with it, if I had to choose one, was when they decided to take a darker root. It only combined for maybe a total of ten minutes. But it stuck out like a sore thumb among the rest of the movie. It just didn't seem to fit. But other than that, I rather enjoyed it.
Directed by James Griffiths
Written by Jon Brown and Nick Frost
Starring Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O'Dowd and Olivia Colman
When he was a child, Bruce Garret had a burning passion for one thing. Salsa dancing! He was on his way to becoming a great competitive dancer when a few bullies beat the passion out of him. Now, as an adult, Bruce is overweight and lacks the confidence he once had. But his heart hasn't changed. Now, one woman is about to reignite his Latin fire!
"Cuban Fury" is your typical "don't judge a book by it's cover" story. But it is backed with the greatness of Nick Frost and Chris O'Dowd and seasoned with the greatest dance fighting since "West Side Story". The fight is both hilarious and impressive.
The themes of being who you are regardless of what others think and not judging people are heavy in this movie and mean well, but with countless, seemingly never-ending fat jokes, you just want the guy to stick up for himself. And he never really does. Things just kind of happen for him while he's being walked on.
There is nothing terrifically special about this movie. But it is enjoyable. This is nothing more than a movie that you watch when you want something light and there is nothing else on. The most noteworthy part of this film is the spectacular choreography in the dance sequences. Really other than that, there is nothing else to say about this movie.
Directed by Declan Lowney
Written by Peter Baynham, Steve Coogan, Neil Gibbons, Rob Gibbons, Armando Iannucci and Patrick Marber
Starring Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney, Felicity Montagu and Nigel Lindsay
When famous yet aging radio DJ Alan Partridge's station is taken over by a new media conglomerate, they begin to make cuts and bring in new, younger DJs. But when a fellow senior DJ gets sacked (British speak for "gets fired"), he holds the station hostage in an attempt to regain his job.
That trailer does not do it justice. Filled with clever one-liners and filled with superb comedic timing that only the British seem to be able to get a hang of. Steven Coogan is fantastic as a man who cares about fame above all things, including his life in a dangerous situation.
Much like a less obnoxious, British Ron Burgundy (although Partridge came first), Alan Partridge is a down played character that is each to believe actually exists in the real world. His narcissistic personality somehow makes him likable. And his fear of everything remotely dangerous becomes a recurring joke, regardless of him ignoring danger for the sake of fame. Narcissism trumps fear every time.
I find it hard to write about comedic movies. The plot is often just a cause for more jokes to be told in them and this is no different. Regardless it is a great movie that reminds me of the high brow "Airheads".
