Movie Review: SPY (2015)
June 30, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment
Themes: Body positivity; body acceptance; never judge a tiger by it's stripes; cultural differences and exchanges; there's treasure everywhere you look; dreamers and dream deferrers; belief in oneself; enjoying the ride no matter what happens; feminism and sexism.
I took a few additional moments to find as many of the themes in SPY as possible for two reasons: one, to challenge myself. And two, because this film is NOT your typical one horse slapstick or sketch comedy. Far from it in fact – and THAT is just part of what makes it fun, truly funny, and truly a joyous film for so many different demographics.
Now, let's get started shall we? Oh and take a deep breath as you gaze upon Jude Law in what I believe is a Navy Blue Armani Navy Tuxedo! I mean the snazz in this film is OFF THE CHARTS to be fair!!! Jude Law, Jason Statham, Bobby Cannavale, AND Peter Serafinowicz?!?! WHEW!!! Ice bath!!! Ok ok ok back to the gloriousness that is the instant classic espionage parody known as SPY.
#WhatWorks
Aldo, Fine, Rayna, Ford, Fine, Nancy, De Luca, Sharon, and Cooper. Remember ALL of these names because without every single one of them SPY would not work! But thanks to them, it works and it works brilliantly!!!!!
In case you haven't been able to ascertain SPY is a modern-day take on I-Spy, Airplane, and maybe even the old Pink Panther films. It's a new take on an old story where we have the phenom known as Susan Cooper, a basement agent who is living vicariously through the eyes of the man she loves (from afar but hey) the daring, dashing, apparently completely clueless Bradley Fine. Things don't quite go as planned and very soon into the film, we find our dahling Susan in the field on a reconnaissance only mission that very few people believe she can handle!
A couple of key things to note here, the duo of Statham (Ford) and McCarthy (Cooper) is absolutely side-splitting!!! I screened this film THREE times. Why?!?! Because it's hilarious so much so that the first two times we saw it, I laughed far too much and far too hard to legitimately be able to take notes and focus on my key pointes!
Ford is literally this over the top über spy that if you listen to him long enough you'll realise in all his hyperbole that not only is he apparently walking around with a permanent concussion, but that his egoism is something that clearly should have gotten him killed – and you find yourself trying to figure out why on EARTH he hasn't been!!!
Then we have the connections between Cooper and Nancy, who has now become the lifeline for Coop; that Coop was for Fine! And. Nancy has a ton more faith in Coop than Coop has in herself but it's not necessarily for the reasons one might suspect!
You literally feel like between earpiece and spy gadgets that Nancy being Coop's biggest cheerleader is to the advantage of all involved (well maybe except for Rayna lol). There literally feels like a tether exists between these two superstar women holding them and all the scenes they're in together even if they're not physically in the same space!!!
I cannot even begin to stress enough that you have to look at this film as a PARODY because that's what it is. But that doesn't take away from the experience because it's a FANTASTIC one!
There are such fluid connections and moments that you have to remind yourself are meant to be superfluous for a reason: It's a brilliantly fun film! It's so very much about not only having faith in oneself. But also having cheerleaders whom genuinely not only know you're capable of such great things but that they expect these great things from you on a regular basis.
I love how Crocker (Allison Janney) does her homework on Cooper rather than do the typical judging a book by its cover cliché that the world we live in puts forth far too often. Crocker gives Cooper instructions that honestly there's NO way she can follow, and Crocker knows that even if Cooper does not. People often set for arbitrary finish lines in our lives knowing full well we are capable of crossing that finish line and running another few laps. You can start to see the confidence others have in Cooper manifest in not only her confidence level, but her movements, cunning, and finesse!
I literally could not have seen anyone else be chosen for the role of Rayna. Rose Byrne? I always enjoyed her take on her roles, she has this sort of whimsical soothing nature that you can be drawn to and it's nearly always an enjoyable experience.
Let me clear this up now, because when Rayna uses the word "fuqqery" to describe the mayhem that is going on all around her it was clearly a #LIFERECEIVED moment for everyone in my viewing group!
Rayna is blatantly gruff, clueless, and flashy even when she has the moments of pot meet kettle – like calling Rome tacky and constantly demanding that Susan upgrade the clothes she's wearing and dress like a normal person, etc. Never mind that Rayna's hair was clearly sculpted by rats while she slept!
I love how you see Rayna and Susan's relationship evolve into something surprisingly supportive. Rose Byrne is amazing and uncanny in her ability to portray a pompous arse the entire film and yet when it's all over she and Cooper have an endearing moment. Well…sort of.
I desperately needed more screen time from Bobby Cannavale (De Luca)! Not only is he handsome and charming, but he's a lovely sort of delirium on-screen in his avant-garde, flamboyant, deliciously bi-sexual sort of way.
He drives a $500,000 car named Renaldo and walks with a cane he clearly doesn't need. He's literally the perfect parody of the "King of his castle villain" that we've all seen and quite possibly adored at one time or another in our cinematic lives. And he's an absolute treasure that I genuinely wish had more screen time because he owns it when he's on it!
And Nancy (Miranda Hart) and 50 Cent (AKA FIDDY)?!?! Their interactions are hilarious on camera so I can only imagine what it was like between takes! In fact I suspect this entire shooting schedule had to have mini "hysterics breaks" in between takes because there are more than a few dialogues where you know all the players are fighting for their lives to hold it together and keep the takes from adding up! But sometimes it's simply not possible no matter what and I know those moments were a blast for the cast and crew.
Just when you thought that there would be a slight lull in the film, in arrives literally like a wrecking ball (sorry Miley) is Aldo played phenomenally well by Peter Serafinowicz. He is Susan's contact in Rome, and rather than be the typical Italian super charming parody, Aldo is blatantly sexist and so volcanic when his attention is focused on Susan, that you literally want to slap him and kiss him (ok more than a few times) all at once!
Aldo is such a key to this puzzle, because while Susan is undoubtedly the spider at the centre of the web, he is her anchor in that he serves to continue to build her confidence in her abilities and to grow her self-esteem to be WAY high! Aldo's sexism is such on display but you watch Susan handle him so adeptly that even though he never underestimates her in ANY way, the tongue thrashing she gives him for his overtures makes you think that he has.
He sees her so different from how she initially sees herself. His being grabby and clearly a candidate for a sexual harassment lawsuit isn't something that takes away from what Cooper is trying to accomplish, nor does it take away from the film in any way either. We find ourselves enjoying Aldo, even as we continue to fight he and all of his grabby hands off! You know, the sort that's harmless yet oh so helpful! lol!
#WhatDoesNotWork
Nothing. It's like I stated earlier, without having ALL the players in this film, it would not work. Because we do have all of them, it works brilliantly and entertainingly well. All of these people literally are key parts of Susan Cooper's web, and her handling it one situation at a time and always thinking on her feet means that as the film progresses, they're strengthening it fibre by fibre.
If you walk into the theatre preparing to see James Bond as opposed to Susan Cooper, you're doing yourself a disservice because Cooper, Susan Cooper, is so much more fun and enigmatic than any old Bond. Bond is the debonair, while Coop is the dynamic unforeseen, invisible twist the makes SPY so much more of a rip-roaring, side-splitting EXPERIENCE than a film.
#SheCritiquesIt #WhatWorks #WhatDoesNot
A Spellbinding, Mesmerizing, Life Changing, History Making, MAGICAL FILM! And YES, She Critiques It!
Our Resident Movie Reviewer Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll's personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.
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Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster of SPY (2015) obtained from official Facebook page. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews, Series Tagged With: Joyll Cambridge, Jude Law, Melissa McCarthy, movie reviews, Rose Byrne, Spy
12 Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Right Now
June 11, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 2 Comments
The Swirl World Podcast launched June 9, 2014.
That means It's Our Anniversary – or in "Podspeak," It's Our "Podaversary!"
In Part 1 of the Anniversary Episode, I'm giving major shout outs and podcast love to 12 Podcasters whose shows I faithfully listen to and highly recommend.
So, besides ours, wanna know what podcasts you should be listening to?
See the list below, and check out Part 1 of the Anniversary episode for more background info on these talented podcasters. Woot!
CHONILLA – Sherley and Clove Roy
Behind The Brilliance – Lisa Nicole Bell (I also give a shout out to Rosetta Thurman of Happy Black Woman)
Black Girl Nerds – Jamie Broadnax (I also give a shout out to This Week In Blackness and Elon James White)
JTOL "Just Thinking Out Loud" Media – Lavinia SheBeShoNuff and her cousin, Boughetto Rising
Her Power Hustle – Michelle Y. Talbert
Live By Design Radio Network – Nancy Gathecha
Back2UsRadio – Annise Mabry
Design The Life You Want – Shimeka Williams
The Freedom Biz Podcast – Siedah Mitchum
The Productive Woman – Laura McClellan
Hand & Foot Prints–What is Your Legacy? & 15 minute CONUNDRUM – Rikki R. Jones
#SmartBrownVoices – Mike Street
If you can't see the podcast player, click here for the direct download or here for the show's permanent link.
You can also listen to this and other episodes on Sound Cloud.
If you can't see the Sound Cloud player, click here. You can also head over and listen to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or PlayerFM.
Want to be a guest on the podcast, or know someone who should?
Send an email to Podcast@TheSwirlWorld.com.
Copyright © 2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photos property of The Swirl World™.
Filed Under: Announcements, Black Women Living Well, Business & Entrepreneurship, Inspiration Daily 2015, Men's Podcast, Podcast, Podcasts We Love, Reviews, Shout Outs, Special, Special Guests, Uncategorized Tagged With: 15 Minute Conundrum, anniversary, Back2Us Radio Network, Behind The Brilliance, Black Girl Nerds, CHONILLA, Design The Life You Want, Hand & Footprints, Happy Black Woman, Her Power Hustle, JTOL Media, Live By Design Radio Network, Podaversary, podcasters, podcasts, Smart Brown Voices, special, The Freedom Biz Podcast, The Productive Woman, This Week In Blackness, What Is Your Legacy
Joyll's Movie Review: Entourage (2015)
June 8, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment
Let me start off by saying this review of Entourage (2015) is going to be rather short.
And for good reason!
#WhatWorks:
If you are NOT in any way familiar with the Entourage television series that this film hails from, thankfully even never having seen the show you are caught up to speed about the premise's roots, who the players are and how they got here. Ari Gold, Vincent, E, Turtle, and Drama: Remember their names, because as crazy as they sound you will see them again.
This film is FUN. Plain and simple.
Between the interesting yet somewhat pedantic origins of the primary crew, to seeing all the beautiful people, fantastic scenery, and gorgeous luxury cars everywhere, to the many over the top moments that are a standard in the Entourage franchise, IT'S FUN.
The cameos of so many of Hollywood's finest young and not so young, to the hilarious but at times awkward connection of the Father and son duo McCreadies played by Billy Bob Thornton and an interesting re-introduction of Hailey Joel Osment, it's absolutely positively a BLAST.
This is the sort of film where there isn't much to analyse (ok, maybe the accession and the hard crash heard round the world in Ari's case) or find something that you connect to.
(Mind you there are those moments; you're just not necessarily required to find meaning in them in order to enjoy the film). It's SUMMER here in the U.S. and this is a summer film so going into the theatre with that type of expectations means no pressure on ANYONE.
#WhatDoesNotWork:
You cannot go into a film like this expecting some profound epiphany because it just isn't going to happen. The beginning act is a little slow at times and a cacophony at other times. But there's a method to the madness that makes it bearable.
For some reason I sort of feel like they thought it would be a good idea so put all the sex scenes from the entire run of the show into ONE film! At first it's laughable, than it gets annoying. BUT, then again that is in line with how the original series flows so it's not a break from the norm and not unexpected!
If you find yourself wanting to enjoy a film where you literally don't have to think it through, this movie is an absolute bull's-eye! And as was the case with Entourage the successful series, there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with that!
Enjoy the moment, live life, and laugh for a few hours! Laughing is indeed a biological need despite what my dahling Athena from Tomorrowland says!
#SheCritiquesIt #WhatWorksWhatDoesNot
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Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster of Entourage (2015) obtained from the movie's official Facebook page. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Adrian Grenier, Entourage, Jeremy Piven, Jerry Ferrara, Joyll Cambridge, Kevin Connolly, movie review, television
Joyll's Movie Review: Child 44 (2015)
May 23, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment
You know, I couldn't quite figure out WHY Child 44 was getting panned by other critics but exalted by everyday viewers. Honestly, upon screening the film, I still am not 100% certain, BUT I have some idea.
First let's talk about what works (and indeed there is A LOT of that to be had) so let's get to it shall we?
Initially, I need to disclose something. I hadn't read the book yet but upon hearing that Tom Hardy would star as Leo, there wasn't any question that I would be seeing the film regardless of what I had to do in order to view it.
The theatre closest to us literally is ONLY showing Child 44 ONCE per day! As you can imagine that might make things a bit difficult, BUT, it does tend to create larger crowds mostly due to curiosity.
Leo is a Ukrainian orphan whose family was both killed in the siege that Russians had laid upon Ukraine called Holodomor. This was the genocide of the Ukrainian people by the USSR Russian government. They were literally STARVED to death and starved into submission.
As one can imagine, this experience had to weigh extremely heavy on a boy; that basically the only family he had DIED an extremely painful death from starvation rather than resort to cannibalism or other things.
Leo is taken in by a sympathetic Captain in the Russian army whom not only raises him, but indoctrinated him heavily into the machine that is Soviet Russia in the period between World Wars I and II.
Tom Hardy is absolutely SUBLIME in this film among so many others. He's clearly read not only the script, but conducted much research on the genocide of these people. You can also tell he's researched extensively into what his character's language and mannerism would need to be in order to be convincing, and he does indeed do just that.
Throughout the film, there are quite a few times where you find yourself in a state of sadness because you're watching him on-screen. You see the sadness behind his own eyes as he struggles to come to terms with what he has realised is truly going on in Stalin's Russia. People are being hunted so much so that they are denouncing others left and right, whom haven't ACTUALLY done anything, but simply expressed an opinion different from the doctrine of the Stalingrad Machine. FYI, Hardy's Ukrainian accent is fantastic, I applaud his dialogue coach!!!
Raisa (played brilliantly by Noomi Rapace) and her connection to Leo, is solidified very early in the film, in fact only moments after the opening scene. Here at this table, is a dinner of SO many key players in this film and you feel that from the beginning. There is tension between Raisa and Leo yes, but there is also LOVE. These two are absolutely inter-connected "till death do us part" and that plays out so beautifully as the film progresses that when you get to the end of the film, you truly believe you haven't wasted any energy pulling for and supporting them throughout! There are moments of regret, yes, but they are a minutia in comparison to the level of love and support that they give each other.
Excellent villains in Joel Kinnamon and Vincent Cassle, and then of course you have the Big Bad Wolf, whose name I won't reveal for reasons you will no doubt notice when you screen the film. There is a well-played rivalry between Vasili (Kinnamon) and Leo and I have to admit I didn't expect Kinnamon to be able to handle that as well as he did.
Brilliant addition of Gary Oldman whom is also a mentor to Tom Hardy and a key part of Leo's ability to do what he knows in his heart is the right thing. Oldman provides a season talent and a leveling of the film which has many twists and turns and so many peaks and valleys you think you're on a roller coaster. And that brings me to what does NOT work in this film.
There's far too many stories being told in this film at once!
If you're like me and you attempted to count and STOPPED because your other hand was busy well…Anyway, the thing is, I almost feel like here should have been three films, a true trilogy indeed because there are at least 5 stories that are being told and they feel INCOMPLETE. And you want more.
You want a prequel to Leo being found and raised.
You want the story of how Leo and Raisa met and how over the years they have dealt with the very difficult times in their marriage, mostly but not always because of what he does for a living.
You want the story of why Leo and Vasili are at such odds (mind you, in a sense you know partly why but there's not enough there to justify….).
You want the story of HOW Stalin's government was able to keep the murders of 45 children quiet for SO long, and why only ONE man chose to no longer accept the status quo and do what could potentially see him and his beloved wife murdered by firing squad.
There's SO MUCH more to this outstanding film that as much as it gives, as much as it does, it's still lacking of effort. Nothing ever beats a failure but a try. And while Child 44 is definitely NOT a failure and an absolute #MUSTSEE, it's something I wish had tried a bit harder, even with the potential failure ahead.
Courage in film is what drives so many filmmakers to take chances and do things that no one else can imagine them being able to do.
Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster of Child 44 obtained here. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Child 44, Gary Oldham, Joyll Cambridge, movie review, Noomi Rapace, Tom Hardy
Joyll's Movie Review: Maggie (2015)
There are THREE immediate things that you need to know about MAGGIE (2015).
First, this film is NOT about Zombies. NOT. AT. ALL!
Second, this is undoubtedly Arnold Schwarzenegger's (who executive produced this film, FYI) FINEST PERFORMANCE OF HIS CAREER.
And third, it's a film you're going to need to see at least TWICE (and YES, I'm doing my second screening literally right now as I'm typing this intro) in theatres, to get the full scope of what it is that you're watching. You'll also learn WHY is extremely thought-provoking, mentally draining while be enlightening and uplifting, and why we need more films such as this one.
Let's handle this, shall we?
"They Don't Separate The Phases." -Trent (played brilliantly by Bryce Romero whom I wish we saw more of!)
Here are a couple of really fantastic things that I need to pointe out right away:
This film is NOT a zombie flick. It's NOT an action film (it does have action but NOT much).
Some really key stars in this film that must be immediately paid homage to? Well, the unassuming yet perfectly chosen scenery, the "couldn't be more perfect" location, the luminescent cinematography, AND the MAKEUP.
In fact, I fully expect Oscar nom's for makeup and cinematography as well as potential Oscar noms for both Schwarzenegger and Breslin. (Work with me here I promise I will explain!)
Maggie's magic is in all of the above, and yet you're reminded constantly throughout the film, that an improper casting could sink this ship before it gets a chance to swim. Thankfully, that's not an issue here. As I've stated before, there can be no doubt this is Schwarzenegger's finest performance, but why or even more pressing, HOW?
Maggie is the story of a Father's limitless love for his daughter and the bond that they carry as reflected in everything they have endured together.
It is ALSO a brilliant and extremely thought-provoking film about END OF LIFE. I know what you're thinking. But 'wait, isn't this a film about zombies?!?!' It is absolutely essential and adamant that you understand that this film's message, its moments, its premise, its aim, ultimately, is to get people talking about the END OF LIFE.
What do I mean by "end of life?"
Well in America at least, there are thousands upon thousands of discussions nearly every day held between family, doctors, nurses and other caregivers about a patient's ability to make their own choices about how they want their life to end. There is a form several pages long called an Advanced Directive or Durable Medical POA which families sit through and often agonise over because no one wants to be the one to 'pull the plug' on a beloved family member. This form has created many a riff, many a chasm in households for a very long time.
Caregivers will often tell you that if your loved one could speak for themselves, they would not want to be hooked up to any life support for in some cases ANY length of time and you need to respect their wishes. This form is a way of ensuring what those wishes are, and how they are to be carried out.
One of the key concepts in Maggie is that we entrust our family members to make the right decisions about caring for us, even when we can't care for or speak for ourselves. And just how difficult if they are indeed capable of making such decisions, is it for those decisions to be carried out. And Maggie literally slaps one in the face with just his difficult times like these can be for ALL of those around us, not just our immediate family.
Now, to touch upon the castings for Wade (Schwarzenegger) and Maugerite (Breslin). This film absolutely requires kinetic energy and synergy in chemistry in order to work. You absolutely MUST believe that Wade and Maggie are indeed a loving Father and his angst-ridden yet rudderless (understandable under the circumstances) teenage daughter.
It's extremely uncanny how masterfully this relationship is portrayed. These two sell it so gut-wrenchingly well that you often find yourself attempting to counter their brilliance with, I know they aren't Father and beloved daughter in real life but….
You are fed the angst, the sadness, the anger, and the inevitability so effortlessly that you are on keel with these characters from title sequence to wrap/credits. You feel what they feel, you see what they see. Their pain rips through you like an asteroid colliding with Earth. It's indelible mark upon your spirit forever.
Another thing I have to pointe out (because I haven't been able to think about little else since first screening this film), is the fact that the screenwriters clearly researched not only how a virus such as the necroambulist virus would wreak havoc on the human body, but they also paid keen attention to the fact that in the late 90s to early 2000s, disease protocol and medical advancements in this country would NOT have been able to stop such a virus.
There's no computer tracking, they're actually using rotary telephones to communicate (electricity seems to be minimally available), and there's no acknowledgement of the scope of the virus and no way of knowing just how many people were infected and who patient ONE would be.
The symptoms that are shown in Maggie and others (like Trent), are almost EXACTLY how such a virus would affect the human body. I must admit I'm a wee bit awestruck by that attention to detail. From the pale skin to the necrotizing of the skin and limbs, to the decay of one's eyesight or the infected wheezing heavily because the body is destroying its own tissue (in this case the LUNGS).
They even correctly show that the blood of an infected person would be darker than the non-infected person because the red blood cells are also necrotizing, causing the blood to become DE-oxygenated.
The devil is indeed in the details here and they have done their research and that in itself gives this phenomenal film just one of its 5 stars. I got more than a few chills screening it! Bravo!
Another wonderful but unfortunately short-lived gem in this masterpiece is the connection between both the infected Trent (Bryce Romero) and Maggie. As far as is known, Trent is the only other infected person in the film who still has a functioning brain and is in control of his own body. The younger the infected is, the faster the metabolism, and the faster the virus consumes the human body. So it was a welcome sight to see another infected that Maggie could not only relate to as his friend, but also see the anguish and inevitability that a parent or significant other must deal with watching the one they love fade away.
We are given a sense of the love and compassion that having such a caring but firm Father that Maggie has in Wade, and why the grey areas of life are such minefields. Trent helps to show that the humanity in the infected is still there, and if one is strong willed enough, that there needn't be surrender.
Fighting until you're no longer you is indeed possible, even if the others looking at you don't understand that this is what you're trying to do. Again, another end of life concept that this truly endearing, soul-stirring film does a brilliant job of making the centre of discussion.
There is such a humanity that is reflected in Wade's eyes that catches you off guard quite frequently, again causing one to question if that is indeed Arnold Schwarzenegger on-screen. He does such a marvelous job of conveying every emotion, every whim, every dire moment of desperation. Every other character that he interacts with seems to reflect back his energy all the while feeding off of it like a vampire. The scenes he's not even in still carry his essence from scene to scene, act to act. It's almost as if his soul is present on constant watch standing sentry, while his body has left in aura-like footprint.
This film is about family, it's about the shades of grey, it's about community and how easy it is for others to turn against each other in desperation. It's ultimately one of the best in-direct discussions about End Of Life that I've ever seen on-screen.
One could say that may not have been the film's ultimate aim, but I don't believe so. The sharp thought pointes that you are stuck with from beginning to end simply must mean so much more than one initially feels. They have to, in order to appeal to a viewer's sense of humanity and survival in utter chaos and sheer terror.
If this film has an Achilles heel, it's Caroline (Joely Richardson). And no, it's not an issue at the actor level. Not at all. You expect Caroline to be the vacillating source of dissension from the beginning. You see the level of commitment to what must be done, fading in her steps from onset. To be fair, she has a lot to lose. There are times when you feel like she's been shoehorned into a moment, which would normally be a welcoming sight but they fall flat.
She's written with quite a few uncharacteristic moments that certainly don't support the unified narrative you're feed from scene one. When she's in scenes with Wade, he carries such a big stick that she nearly fades completely into the background; she doesn't hold her own. She's written to be weaker, unsupportive, etc.
I understand exactly WHY this was done, but you almost wish her moment of clarity and recognition, had happened sooner so that you can see not only dissension in the ranks, but genuine tension. Does it detract from the film? In my opinion, NO. But it doesn't add value to it and I really believe it needed to in order to tell the story in the best light and path possible.
In Conclusion . . .
So many expertly placed pieces ultimately create such a beautifully constructed puzzle. Rarely do we get to see such a film. And it reminds me so very much that we need to see more of them! More films that leave their mark upon us in such a way that we won't soon forget. More films that are worthy of such discussions and potentially a few arguments. More intelligent, thought-provoking, soul-stirring, mind-blowing, small pebble making huge waves types of films.
They stay with us because they are meant to. They reside within us, their marks forever seared into our skin, forever etched into our hearts. As human beings, we are indeed capable of great things. If we chose to accept that and go forward in that path, a film like Maggie is simply the tip of the phenomenal iceberg.
An absolute #MUSTSEE. A true 5-Star film.
Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll's personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.
Joyll is our Resident Movie Reviewer. Look for more movie reviews from Joyll!
Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission.
Movie poster from the movie "Maggie" obtained from "Maggie (film) POSTER" by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maggie_(film)_POSTER.jpg#/media/File:Maggie_(film)_POSTER.jpg. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Amanda Breslin, Arnold Schwarzenegger, End Of Life, Joyll Cambridge, movie, movie reviews, zombie
Joyll's Movie Review: Furious 7 (2015)
Having screened this film THREE times since it's opening, it's not lost upon me that I finally see my way clear to review it objectively – on the very same opening weekend another massive blockbuster is set to take Furious 7's BILLION $ crown (which I correctly predicted it would).
Having seen this film opening night and a few more times since then, you may ask WHY has it taken me so long to review a film I absolutely LOVE? Because with every earlier screening, I simply bawled like a 14-year-old being dumped by her boyfriend a few weeks before prom.
This film is such beautifully moving and fitting tribute to the late, great Paul Walker. My generation; we grew UP with The Fast and The Furious series.
The characters are legitimately people who so many of could relate too and empathise with in such a profound way. I didn't feel as though I could be objective enough to pick this film apart and speak about what works, and of course what does not.
So without further ado, here's to you Paul. I'm along with you for one last ride. See you at the finish line!
Furious 7 literally opens up with a BANG, or maybe I should say SEVERAL bangs. Of course, with this series is there really any other way for it to open?
And while the bangs are expected what's really brilliantly done is the immediate yet VERY strong connection that has been established between Hobbs (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and Gisele (played by Gail Gadot). There is a chemistry there that is just slightly overly inappropriate in a GOOD way if you will.
Of course, almost instantaneously we also meet Deckerd Shaw (Jason Statham who is so good at being a villain, it's well, SCARY). Shaw's bang of an entrance serves basically to set the tone for this film. There are NO moments for mercy, and there's absolutely NO turning back.
Now if you have seen the entire series (except Tokyo Drift, which I actually liked) you know that Dom and Letty are linked in love for life. There are so many warm moments throughout this film between the two of them, and then we find out that the issues that failed miserably in their attempts to break them apart are still driving a prominent wedge into their relationship.
They're literally trying to get re-acquainted with each other, with Letty's still severe bout with amnesia. Vin Diesel does an extraordinary job of conveying the strength he's had to use in order to weather this storm and be with Letty until the end, whatever that end may be.
Your heart has moments where it's genuinely heavy because you can see him wanting Letty to be HIS Letty, and yet your heart is even heavier when you watch his heart visibly breaking when Letty's eyes don't reflect back at him in the way he desperately wants them to. As these two have aged through the series, you genuinely are pulling for them. Their chemistry and connected energy are matched by very few onscreen couples.
Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) is trying desperately to settle down into married with kids life with Mia (Jordanna Brewster) and baby Jack, and he finds himself longing for certain parts of his past, all while clearly having eyes on the future.
It amazes me how Paul and Jordanna have forged such a strong bond that there really isn't much effort needed to sell their bond as husband and wife on their way to a house with a white picket fence, football Mums, carpools, and 2.5 kids. Many people would consider that a happy life, a life without any unfulfilled wants or desires and yet…Bullets.
The battle between Dom and Shaw is one of such epic proportions that it spills over into other scenes. Depending on whom you ask, this can be a positive or a negative. I actually find it a positive because anything that gives me more access to seeing more of Jason Statham and Vin Diesel is a TRUE GIFT! :-))
Another really solid theme that carries well in F7 is the transformation and growth of Tej (Chris Ludacris Bridges) and Roaman (Tyrese Gibson).
Tej is not the same ole man geek. He's still brilliant as ever but there is a new side that can only be described as osmosis of Alpha male-ism from hanging around Dom and Brian so much. Lol!
But you also see that the things that they've experienced and the people they've lost have rendered a great deal to shaping and encouraging Tej's growth. There's a humanity there that has always been just below the surface that we finally get to see in full bloom and it's a true pleasure to watch.
Character growth through a series is ESSENTIAL and when screenwriters or show runners don't know how to portray that on screen, we're left with the dreaded hideous mess. That absolutely isn't the case here at all and I'm overjoyed because of it. Roaman on the other hand, well there's growth, but ultimately, Roaman is still Roaman and in this film, that's ESSENTIAL and absolutely a blast to see!
One of the Achilles heels of the FF series has been that the writing hasn't been strong enough to make the Alpha male that is Vin Diesel disappear into the screenplay. In my opinion, FINALLY we are carried through the film in Dom's world because there is ACTUAL growth – actual movement; actual fluidity in motion.
Finally, the character traits that make Vin Diesel the only man whom could ever play Dom, are strong enough to remind us exactly WHY no other actor could ever play Dom. I think Vin Diesel's BTS interview where he talks about the importance of them putting everything they had into this film (while Walker was still alive of course) so that if indeed it was the last film in the series, that it would be the best ever. Mission Accomplished!
Now, for the part I dread (or should):
Literally the only issue I could find with this film is there simply isn't enough Dwayne Johnson in it. Why? Because he's the Calvary, and we'll always need more Calvary in our lives. He has a certain charisma to him as Hobbs that we don't get to enjoy as much of, as we really should. Oh pooh! Have to figure out how to rectify this situation. :-))
The key reason that I was adamant about being able to review this film objectively was because I wanted to be able to step away and respect it for what it is and possibly rib it a bit for what it isn't.
What it IS, is FOR PAUL, and that's bloody brilliant enough for me. RIP Paul, we've grown up with you and this franchise, and trying to imagine it continuing without you in it just isn't in my capabilities right now. Maybe later, maybe not. FOR PAUL.
Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Gallery photo from the movie "Furious 7" obtained from Furious7.com. All rights reserved.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Chris Bridges, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, H. Moritz, Jason Statham, Jordanna Brewster, Joyll Cambridge, Michelle Rodriguez, movie, movie reviews, Paul Walker, Vin Diesel
Movie Review: Still Alice (2014)
April 5, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment
Those of you whom have the INSANE pleasure of knowing me ITRW (in the REAL world, lol) know that I'm a tremendous fan of Julianne Moore and her body of work.
You should also then know that as an admirer of hers, any performance that she puts in front of me, I'm going to be a bit tougher on. I expect greatness from her because that's generally what she gives.
So here we go…..
What Works:
Some films in the introductory scene try to drub you over the head. Some of them try to calmly pull you in and gain your attention that way. And others sort of don't really know what they're doing and sort of just throw something on screen and hope you'll figure it out!
Still Alice, IMO is a mixture of the three! (I know right?) The thing is, as strange as that sounds, IT WORKS. You are drawn to Alice and you immediately empathise with her situation, although you may have NO idea what it is at the time! You instinctively are aware that something is wrong.
HORRIBLY wrong.
Those of you who are or are not fans of the Twilight series are no doubt very well acquainted with Kristen Stewart. The great thing here is, this is far and away NOT the Kristen we're used to!!!
There's enough flexibility in the Still Alice screenplay to ACTUALLY allow this dynamic young starlet the ability to shine. There's so much emotion, anger and angst, but it doesn't take away from her scenes with Julianne at all!
In fact, everything, including her facial expressions, PLAY NICE together! Genuinely entertaining and you find yourself warmed up to the reality that Lydia (Kristen Stewart) and Alice (Julianne Moore) are going to need each other more NOW than ever, and because of the connection between the two, you're THRILLED about that!!
Let me pause here for a moment because, I need for people to know something. A realisation that it literally took me TWO viewings of this film to gain an understanding of. I must admit when I first realised it, I questioned my faculties (ironic, I know) momentarily.
I did I know but…Alec Baldwin does NOT get enough credit for the very strong performance he put into this role! Why?!?! Because he's the poor step standing next to Julianne Moore (who is now the OSCAR WINNING Julianne Moore)!!!
We must remember that a husband who finds himself in such a dire situation with a woman whom has been his true helpmate, has options. He can leave, abandon you if you will. He can continually be in a state of denial. He can even start out gung-ho and then diminish, knowing that as the situation becomes more dire, it gets tougher.
I get the feeling that Alec would NOT have taken the role if his character had been slated to do ANY of those three! Why?!?! Simply put because it's so much more challenging, so much more natural, so much more of the requirements of a STRONGER male protagonist to DO THE RIGHT THING.
Not only do we feel him and the choices he makes EVERY step of the way, but we also feel empathetic when the seeds of doubt creep like vines as he is forced to make the decisions he HAS to in order to take care of his beloved wife the best way he knows how, all while being a solid role model to his ever-growing close family.
Their interactions are GENUINE. There is a solid chemistry there between these two and every emotional change, every peak and valley they experience is indeed a joint venture.
Now, For What Does NOT Work:
Well there isn't much. HOWEVER, I do have two things. The passage of time for an Alzheimer's patient is something of such importance. There are dates everywhere, calendars, reminders, etc. And while Alice has those things, she mostly creates them for herself which isn't really realistic in memory care.
Between doctors and in home care providers, memory aids are available serving as a joint venture between patient and caregivers. I felt like they didn't make it a priority to include Alice's caregivers in these types of situations, so you get a sense that she's doing all this by herself when it's legitimately NOT possible that she is.
Another issue I have regarding the passage of time; we don't have any markers to give us a sense of just how rapidly what's happening to Alice is occurring. There are markers AROUND her, but none in her immediate personal circle (aging, etc.) that give us a sense of just how much longer we have, before she completely loses herself. It's not there, and I feel like for more people to understand that, we needed that.
And while Alice loves all of her three children, we don't get clear links, connections so to speak, between Alice and her other two children. The interactions are just not there. They happen, make no mistake, but clearly they're not as strong and we don't gain a clear understanding as to WHY.
That being said, I believe this to be Julianne, Kristen, and Alec Baldwin's finest performances to date and absolutely call this film a #MUSTSEE!!!
#SheCritiques #WhatDoesWhatDoesNOTWork
The Swirl World's resident Movie Reviewer Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. Joyll loves all things movies, fitness and swirling.
To read her personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.
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Copyright ©2014 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster from the movie Still Alice obtained from Wikipedia.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Alec Baldwin, Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart, movie reviews, Still Alice
Movie Review: Woman In Gold (2015)
Right now as I'm attempting to construct this review, I'm bewildered as to how I'm going to sit here standing in a line in front of teenagers whom (like myself) are awaiting for us to be let into another theatre to see Furious 7.
Unlike me, they're being loud, crass, and boisterous, and I'm having a bit of a cry because the film I've just seen is so masterfully constructed, that its images, dialogue, flow, mettle, and most importantly, its MESSAGE, will remain with me to the rest of my days.
I will admit without trepidation that I literally spent the last 13 minutes of the film with tears water falling down my face. I'm sitting here now with my eyes blood shot and my heart beating far quicker than it should be.
I've been to Wien (Vienna), I've been to Auschwitz, I've been to Dachau, and I've lived many years (happily) in post-World War II Germany. The UK is my blood but Deutschland is my HEART. Most of the scenes that are subtitled in English, I did not need to read in order to understand nearly every word. And for that, I am grateful, and yet heartbroken for all that the Jewish people have endured for the last 70 years.
For those of you who are NOT familiar with the bittersweet story of Frau Maria Atlman, here's a very quick history lesson.Maria was forced to flee Ostereich (Austria) when she was a young woman because she is Jewish and her family was wealthy. For that reason, the Nazis permanently stationed an SS soldier in their home because of such wealth.
They were NEVER alone and yet somehow they managed to escape BARELY with their lives. They fled first to Koln, (Cologne) then to the United Kingdom and then to the United States which at the time was deemed the ONLY safe haven for Jews in the world that was accessible.
Now, by now most of you all know my review format and how this works. It's sort of a game of the dozens in #WhatWorks #WhatDoesNOTWork. This film is going to be very different from most of my other films in that the latter simply does not apply for me, and I suspect most other viewers if I am being honest (as most of you know I generally AM).
So here goes.
We all know that Ryan Reynolds (Schoenburg) is fantastic at being an arsehole on-screen. (This isn't a critique, mind you!) In this film it's necessary to COUNTER the quick-witted Maria (played so perfectly by Dame Helen Mirren).
It literally took about 5 minutes before me and the other theatre goers settled in and began to openly anticipate a bone chilling, stellar film all around literally from the beginning.
Maria is an iconic and stately woman. She commands attention and the entire space (in other words no one other than Mirren could have been cast because that is as it must be) in literally EVERY scene she's in and you find yourself literally BREATHLESS awaiting her words, her thoughts, her will.
I admit, having known this story as a young adult (it's actually talked about IN Germany because of the repercussions and how so many of the German people actually WANT to return as much art as they can), that I initially had my doubts about Reynolds being cast. I'm happy to admit, my doubts were unfounded.
Those of you whom know me, know how much of an intense fan I am of Daniel Brühl for his brilliant portrayal in the highly under-appreciated Ron Howard epic, RUSH. He and Helen actually played the largest part in my enthusiasm to screen and review this film. That, and of course, though seeing so many parts of Austria and being reminded of while my childhood was happy, the people who were there before unfortunately did NOT have such happy times.
Brühl with his dialogue and instant connections to everyone in this film, and the manner in which he chose to portray Hubertos, gave me such great joy and such satisfaction with him being the main draw to this film for me. There is no wasted dialogue, no wasted moments, no wasted positioning. I expected him to be great on-screen and he was but so much more than I had hoped for. There's a scene where Maria hugs him tightly and I imagine them having to cut after that because the intensity of the scene and the link between the two of them clearly was not severed when the hug ceased. The emotion, the seizure of moment, is so strong; you as a film goer instantly regret NOT being at the receiving end of such a hug, although you appreciate the sentiment.
The Film's Other Co-Star
The film's other phenomenal co-star?!?! The country and Austria and the city of Vienna. There were so many moments where I began to cry tears a mixture of joy and sorrow, as I remembered just how much those places meant to me as a child.
There is a hearth in each place, a stone of stance if you will that had me longing to see those places again, and thankfully knowing that I will. I imagine what it must have been like for Maria returning to her embattled homeland in some eyes a traitor, not just for fleeing, but more so for fighting for JUSTICE for her family and far too many others.
And that, I think, is the GRANDEST message in this film: That no matter how long we've been fighting, the finish is just within our grasp, even if we can't see clear to it. Disheartened, and broken, there can be NO giving up, as long as we are living out our humanity to our last days.
This film is an absolute #MUSTSEE and a true FIVE STAR film.
To my family and friends in Deutschland, I will indeed, see you all VERY soon, for home is indeed where the HEART rests.
#SheCritiquesIt #MustSee #WhatWorksWhatDoesNOTWork
The Swirl World's Resident Movie Reviewer Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York.
She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll's personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.
Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Photo of movie poster from the movie "Woman In Gold" obtained from Teaser-Trailer.com.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Helen Mirren, Joyll Cambridge, movie review, Ryan Reynolds, Woman In Gold
Movie Review: Black Or White (2015)
March 30, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment
First I must apologise in advance for what is going to be a slightly shorter review than my usual but this rainbeau diva needs some sleep and I want to get the out quickly!
Now, What Works:
Black or White stars Octavia Spencer (Grandmum WeWe), Kevin Costner (Poppa Anderson), Anthony MacKie (Brother of Grandmum WeWe), and a FAVOURITE new up and comer that also did a brilliant job with Selma, André Holland (As Eloise's Father Reggie)! Then of course there is another young super star in Jillian who plays the core at the centre, Eloise.
The connection, the link between Eloise and her Poppa is tested when Eloise's Grandmum (Carol) is suddenly killed in a horrific accident. You watch these two, their banter, their forced re-connection back and forward for nearly the entire film. And they both do a fantastic job of maintaining that bond despite all the obstacles that appear out of NOWHERE.
Let me just say Octavia Spencer's version of Grandmum WeWe is a RIOT! She is the epitome of your stereotypical Grandmum BUT with exceptions like owning six businesses including a real estate company she runs from her garage.
It's obvious that she likes Poppa Anderson (Kevin Costner) but she's no doubt armed to the teeth when it comes to what should be done about Eloise after Carol's untimely death. Octavia is nearly always fun to watch and her attitude towards her son (Holland) and his truly troubled life (which she wears blinders when it comes to him, CLEARLY) plays out SO well and you find yourself empathising with her as Eloise' paternal GrandMum.
You also find yourself empathising with Reggie (Holland) as well just for being HER son. They come from a great family that has high expectations and is prosperous, and he's so much more than your typical black sheep. He's more like a BLACK HOLE coloured sheep, you can't even SEE him!
There's a foil in this film that most people aren't expecting which I will NOT discuss here because it is a bit of a spoiler, but I will say this, there's an excellent addition about 25% into the film that serves one purpose.
Eloise and Poppa Anderson are like mirrors in so many ways. and because of that reflection it's very difficult for them to have a stressor in life and NOT have the other immediately feel that stressor and NOT be simultaneously affected by it.
They both have a tendency to wear their hearts on their sleeve and you realise from the beginning that one would indeed perish without the other. This foil has such a profound impact on the relationship of these two and the growth they both have to experience in order to begin to heal.
What Does Not Work:
Mostly semantics. Things like litigators do NOT handle family court cases. And the forced epiphanies from both Poppa Anderson and Reggie. They feel disingenuous and even contrived. The screenplay is a bit too formulaic at times. Too many moments are clearly set up as plot devices and with a bit more tweaking, said devices are redundant, irrelevant, and simply unnecessary.
With that in mind, I recommend my SWIRL Family see this film because it makes excellent use and reference of MANY of the situations (Clichés or not) that blended IR families go through. And THAT, I think, is the most awesome part of a good film.
It's 2015, and there are far more swirl families like the one in Black Or White, it's time to discuss these things and moved forward instead of letting socioeconomic differences break or provide a huge wedge in families such as these.
#SheCritiques #WhatWorksWhatDoesNot
Joyll joined our team as our Resident Movie Reviewer. Look for more movie reviews from Joyll!
Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster from the movie "Black or White" obtained from Movie Newz.
Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Black Or White, Joyll Cambridge, Kevin Costner, movie review, Octavia Spencer
It's A Wrap! 2014 In Review – And What's Ahead In 2015
December 31, 2014 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment
Whelp, it's a wrap!
2014 will be gone in a matter of hours, and 2015 is banging down the door.
We're READY – are you??
In this final podcast of the year (and a milestone 50th episode, I might add) Adrienne and I give a review of 2014 and share what's in store for the podcast, blog and Facebook pages in 2015.
We also give major shout out to some of our guests, and provide a sneak peek into our Men's Podcast, Singles' Podcast and some of the free premium content we're offering in 2015.
The content is free, but you have to be a subscriber in order to receive it.
See y'all next year!
If you can't see the podcast player, click here.
You can also listen to the podcast on Sound Cloud by clicking here.
Want to be a guest on the podcast, or know someone who should? Send an email to INeedMySay@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2014 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo is the property of The Swirl World™.
Filed Under: Podcast, Reviews, Special, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2014, 2015, content, premium, recap, year in review