Tag: movie review

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Widows – Movie Review

Wow! Now I love a good robbery caper and this movie did not disappoint. This film had suspense, intrigue, romance, drama and a surprising twist that had everyone in the theatre (me included) yelling at the screen.

Directed by Steve McQueen and co-written by McQueen and Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl), the script is tight and superbly acted by the ensemble cast. Everyone was on top of their games. Even the dog.

Here is the premise taken from the movie website:  A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows — Veronica, Linda, Alice, and Belle — have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses’ criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, Veronica joins forces with the other three women to pull off a heist that her husband was planning.

When I tell you that those women did the damn thing, trust that they did that. Viola Davis as Veronica is an acting genius and she should get all the awards. You know Viola is on one when that snot bubble makes an appearance. I mean, you feel the pain when Viola cries no matter what character she’s playing. All of the women were given enough of a back story that they felt real. These are women you know. You could be one of these women.

I could go on but there are other reviews more detailed on the web. You should go see this movie. You won’t be disappointed.

 

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Movie Review – Crazy Stupid Love

Let me start by saying I LOVED this movie.  Yes, I know it came out in July 2011 but I just rented it and stayed up late to finish watching it.  It was worth it.

For anyone who hasn’t seen it yet here is a quick summary courtesy of IMBd:  A middle-aged husband’s life changes dramatically when his wife asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a new-found friend Jacob, learning to pick up girls at bars.

What made this movie different from the hundreds of other romantic comedies?  Short answer:  the characters are fully developed.   I once read a quote that described a good book.  Simply put, a good book is one that once you read the last page, you miss the characters like old friends.  The same can be applied to a good movie.  The casting and acting were heartfelt and realistic.

I am a huge fan of Steve Carell (The Office) and he brought the right amount of charm and vulnerability to the character of Cal Weaver, a man who has been married for years and is happy and content in his life.  Watching him struggle with learning to date again was touching.  Seeing a playboy be redeemed (Ryan Gosling) was done in a refreshing manner.  The additional subplot involving Cal’s 13 year old son and his crush on his babysitter was priceless.  The writing and dialogue were on point.

I enjoyed this movie so much I’ve watched it twice.  I plan to buy it for Christmas.  It is a case study in character development and story structure.  I recommend you go out and rent it immediately.  You won’t be disappointed.