Monday, 13 April 2015
Thursday, 9 April 2015
250W: While We're Young
Short reviews for clear and concise verdicts on a broad range of films...
While We're Young (Dir Noah Baumbach / 2015)
Who doesn’t look forward to the new Noah Baumbach? He’s Woody
Allen via Jean Luc Godard, set amongst the cool-kids in New York. Director of
the lovable Frances Ha and mentally-unhinged
Greenberg, his latest film, While We’re Young, returns to similar
themes of youth and age amongst urban city-slicker art-types. Cornelia (Naomi
Watts) and Josh (Ben Stiller) are introduced as they hold a crying baby, and
uncomfortably fawn over the child. It’s not their child, thank god. New Yorkers
through-and-through, they are stuck between that early-forties phase whereby
they’re not keen on the responsibility of parenthood. Then, they meet young and
cool Jamie (Adam Driver) and Darby (Amanda Seyfried), and feel better about
themselves. Josh is inspired to wear a hipster-hat and tries to ride a bike.
Cornelia attends hip-hop work-out classes and they both enjoy hallucinogens
while dreamily confessing their fears and desires. It’s the age-old fight
against old-age – and, like the best films, it raises more questions than it
answers. Nobody is perfect and this isn’t a world whereby life is fair. A
personal highlight is when documentarian Josh requests to zoom-in on footage,
only to be met with the stunted response that the program can’t zoom in. While We’re Young is the type of story
that only reaffirms your own frustrations about the fragility of life, with acutely-observed
comedy and self-effacing criticism. Youngsters will like the young. Oldies will
relate to the older folks. But this careful balance is what makes While We’re Young so elegantly
exquisite.
Rating: 4/5
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
250W: Fast & Furious 7
Short reviews for clear and concise verdicts on a broad range of films...
Fast & Furious 7 (Dir. James Wan/2015)
Rarely does such a dark cloud hang over a film. Fast & Furious 7 tragically lost
lead actor, Paul Walker, mid-filming in November 2013. Not only did this have
an enormous practical impact on the production (pushing the release date an
entire year ahead), but emotionally, a series that thematically reiterates the
importance of family, had to contend with mourning the loss of a loved one.
Director James Wan and writer Chris Morgan adapted the story and, in consultation
with cast and crew, ensured that Walker had a positive send off. Thankfully,
this unfortunate situation is handled sensitively and with respect. Separately,
the seventh instalment doesn’t live up to its predecessors. Introducing new
characters who fail to match the engaging bad-boys of the past, it’s a surprise
that even Jason Statham (introduced in Fast
& Furious 6) doesn’t strike fear as others before. He’s almost mute,
and seeks only revenge. A strong opening perhaps, but compared to Owen Shaw, Reyes
and Braga in previous films, he doesn’t stack up – though he carries more
grenades. The crew – noticeably smaller now - are tasked with saving hacker
Ramsey (perfectly cast…) and taking
down Statham. Kurt Russell and Djimon Hounsou support, but again, they lack
character and fail to ignite any urgency or passion to our favourite team. Fast & Furious 7 showcases
incredible stunts (Impressively requiring little CGI), and bids goodbye to Paul
in a heartfelt manner – it’s just a shame the new guys pull the breaks on such
a strong franchise.
Rating: 4/5
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