This film captured a nostalgia of close female friendships that some are lucky to experience. It was more of a captured experience than a film focused on a narrative arc. Would recommend.
Reviews
4 Reviews
La La Land
(2016)
Try it, even if you don't enjoy musicals
27 January 2017
I am not a lover of musicals. I have seen and studied the origins of film musicals, so perhaps it is more accurate for me to say that I do not enjoy the 'cheesy' utopian tone which many musicals tend to adopt. La La Land was spectacular, and fought off any potential 'cheesiness' with showing the reality behind the Hollywood dream. It did begin with a musical number which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I believed that the characters breaking into song was so cohesive because it was written into the narrative in such a naturalistic way. Emma Stone's performance was thrilling, she is an actress of amazing talent and I believe she far outshined Ryan Gosling's performance in this film (perhaps he acts better when he is in slower moving and more emotional films). The choreography and cinematography worked hand in hand and I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh breath of air in the film musical genre. Congratulations to the director for pulling this off, I can't imagine it was easy to pitch a musical given the current 'successful' films.
T2 Trainspotting
(2017)
Excellent Piece of Filmmaking
27 January 2017
I went into this film having seen the first but not remembering all of its events (I would recommend re-watching before seeing this film), however the combination and recreation of scenes from the previous film help evoke the nostalgia which the characters possess. This film has excellent cinematography with inventive and creative shots, and precise editing that evokes whatever reaction it is going for to the maximum. Danny Boyle has exploited the medium of film perfectly with the visuals and audio combining to create a piece which really emotionally impacts you. It was funny, it was dark and it was a journey. It is not a film I can say that I enjoyed, however it is a film which I experienced, and would recommend to others (who have strong stomachs).
A Series of Unfortunate Events
(2017–2019)
Inventive Cinematography, Disappointing Performance
17 January 2017
( I don't tend to write reviews for IMDb, however I felt that it was necessary in this case as the very positive score it possesses (currently 8.5) does not reflect my opinion and I wanted to share my views to help restore balance. At this stage I have watched the first 2 episodes streamed on Netflix and will return to reevaluate after watching more. )
I will say that the cinematography has distinct style, and at times is very inventive, which is inspiring to watch as a film student. Occasionally it is jarring and a particularly adventurous shot will feel out of place. I am appreciative of any film or television show which invests thought and meaning into the camera work and so I recognise the attempt and creativity in this show. The green screen work and CGI is also generally very well done.
I remember watching the first film based on the book series which came out in 2004, and although I cannot say I have read these books, or that I remember the film all too well, Jim Carey's classic acting style and animation was memorable and he was perfectly cast for the character of Count Olaf. Neil Patrick Harris' performance is vaguely disappointing and during moments of supposed comic relief I find myself questioning why he was cast in the role. I enjoyed his part in How I Met Your Mother, however his performance here seems to be imitating Carey's performance while conveying his own personality. The result of his acting is an awkward watch at times, and I have not found myself laughing at his performance.
Perhaps this is a reminder of the differences between American and British humour and I am simply on the wrong side of the pond to appreciate it.
I will say that the cinematography has distinct style, and at times is very inventive, which is inspiring to watch as a film student. Occasionally it is jarring and a particularly adventurous shot will feel out of place. I am appreciative of any film or television show which invests thought and meaning into the camera work and so I recognise the attempt and creativity in this show. The green screen work and CGI is also generally very well done.
I remember watching the first film based on the book series which came out in 2004, and although I cannot say I have read these books, or that I remember the film all too well, Jim Carey's classic acting style and animation was memorable and he was perfectly cast for the character of Count Olaf. Neil Patrick Harris' performance is vaguely disappointing and during moments of supposed comic relief I find myself questioning why he was cast in the role. I enjoyed his part in How I Met Your Mother, however his performance here seems to be imitating Carey's performance while conveying his own personality. The result of his acting is an awkward watch at times, and I have not found myself laughing at his performance.
Perhaps this is a reminder of the differences between American and British humour and I am simply on the wrong side of the pond to appreciate it.
Tell Your Friends