BEGIN AGAIN - film

I thought this movie was delightful. A feel good film that I would happily recommend to a pretty broad range of people. 

Keira Knightley plays the lead female and I'm not much of a fan of hers so it's testament to what a lovely film this is that I could get past that. And she even sings in it! And can actually sing! Adam Levine from band Maroon 5 is also in it (they both play singer/songwriters) so together, it's a really great soundtrack too. It probably also helps that it also stars Mark Ruffalo and James Corden - love them both!

Though not groundbreaking cinema, it's a damn nice way to spend 105 minutes! And special shout out to the Sun Theatre in Yarraville where I saw this one, a beautiful old cinema I haven't been to in about ten years. If I lived closer, I'd be there all the time.

For more on the story and a great four star review, check out this piece from The Guardian.

JERSEY BOYS - film

I'll be honest, I didn't know a thing about The Four Seasons or Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons for that matter. If you don't either (I'm too young, I hear you cry! Me too - yay us!) don't let that stop you. This Clint Eastwood film is a great with brilliant music throughout. So I guess it'd be a no if you don't like musicals but otherwise this is just a jolly good time!

Here's a four star review from the Fairfax press, check it out for some nice praise and more details on the flick if you're thinking of seeing it.

Trailer here.

SEX TAPE - film

I'd read this 1.5 star review in the Fairfax press so I had low expectations. The first little while was actually ok and I was thinking that the review was pretty harsh. 

And then it all went down hill.

Given the title, I'm sure you're all clever enough to know that this is about a couple who make a sex tape and then... surprise! It gets out! Hijinx ensues!

I'd say give this a miss. Maybe on DVD at a stretch. And to anyone who's heard Cameron Diaz is naked in this and wants to perve on her, just Google it & save yourself a lobster. (It's not full frontal or anything!)

Trailer here.

THE LUNCHBOX - film

"A mistaken delivery in Mumbai's famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connects a young housewife to an older man."

This got four stars from both Judith and Jason on At The Movies (filling in for Mum and Dad... I mean, Margaret and David) so I had pretty high hopes for this film and it didn't disappoint. It's poignant, subtle and funny. My one criticism would be that it felt long - longer than it was at a reasonable 101 minutes. There was a few sneaky peeks at my watch which is a sign things are moving slowly for me.

It's a more arthousey kind of flick (Indian) than mainstream, with some of it subtitled. If that's not your thing, you probably won't love this but if you like more contemplative kind of stuff, go for it.

More on the lovely and unusual storyline in the At The Movies review here and trailer here.

CALVARY - film

Loved this film!

It has so many things you want in a good film - compelling story that maintains your interest, humour, a great cast performing beautifully and an element of the unexpected.

An Irish crime drama with moments of black humour, I'd highly recommend you get along to this one. Stars Brendan Gleeson, who is off-the-dial good, with great support from Chris O'Dowd and others.

Read this 4.5 star review in the Fairfax press for more on the story or just to hear more high praise for this flick.

Trailer here.

BLENDED - film

The only thing crappier than this film was this promotional cup I accidentally bought at the Hoyts candy bar...

Seriously though, this film was ordinary, full of lame jokes, cliches and unbelievable plot lines.

I'd confidently say give it a miss but in the interests of fairness, most people in the cinema laughed more than me.

Here's a 2-star review from the Fairfax press that I reckon is bang on and a trailer for your viewing 'pleasure'.