Whilst Darius’ boss, Jeff, and Kenneth, the would-be time traveller (Mark Duplass), are given suitable depth, Arnau is nothing more than a one joke stereotype. As the standard ‘geeky Indian student/virgin’, it’s something we’ve seen before, and he isn’t even given an interesting character arc throughout the course of the film.
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Continue reading Safety Not Guaranteed
There are some narrative beats that don’t quite ring true – ones that feel like they’re simply conforming to the romcom standard rather than occurring organically – but these are fleeting and don’t sully the rest of the film. This is director Peter Templeman’s first feature, but he’s a veteran of TV and short films and it shows.
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Continue reading Not Suitable for Children
An entirely serviceable film, The Five Year Engagement is charming and witty, and at least manages to avoid being offensive (unlike anything that Katherine Heigl has done, for instance). It could have been shorter, but I enjoyed it for all its flaws.
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Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Five Year Engagement
The foul odour of imperialism isn’t too far off, yet the film manages to avoid it for the most part by simply not being concerned about the country in which it’s set at all. First and foremost it’s about a group of people nearing the end of their lives and looking back on what they’ve done; the setting is for the most part immaterial.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
As with most comedies, the best roles are the supporting ones, and in this case it’s Kris Marshall who steals the show as one of the titular Best Men, Tom. Despite the fact that he’s clearly too old for the role, his characterisation of a laidback yet witty stoner is the best part of the film.
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Hoopla Factor: Continue reading A Few Best Men
Halle Berry and Robert De Niro share what are easily the most effective scenes, however their sub-plot is wrapped up nicely in a trite little bundle that suggests their author was interested in anything but their truth. Additionally, their precious moments of worthwhile screentime are swamped by the time spent with characters played by Sarah Jessica Parker and Katherine Heigl.
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Continue reading New Year’s Eve
Nicole Kidman appears in a rather striking reminder of her talent in a supporting cameo that unfortunately was probably unnecessary and only serves to pad the film rather than enhance it. The film is overlong and could have benefited from a harsher edit.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Just Go With It
One could be forgiven for asking what purpose is served by repackaging and rebranding the same film over and over, other than the obvious answer: the pursuit of wealth. As far as modern romantic comedies go, No Strings Attached is at best passable.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading No Strings Attached
The soundtrack is catchy enough, and the film’s design is first rate: technically, Morning Glory bears all the trademarks of a big Hollywood production. Although the obvious talent on display may serve as a diversion, it is hard to see many viewers watching Morning Glory again.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Morning Glory
Grint is entertaining enough also, though his character is woefully underwritten. Martin Freeman would have to be the standout in Wild Target, if only because he gets to play a character completely different from his usual lovable loser type. As rival hitman Hector Dixon, his scenes comprise the best of the lot.
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Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Wild Target