Black Widow

Tags

2020’s, Action, Black Widow, Cate Shortland, Florence Pugh, O.T. Fagbenle, Olga Kurylenko, Rachel Weisz, Ray Winstone, Scarlett Johansson, Spy, Superhero Film

A stand alone film for the Avenger character from which this flick takes its name, Black Widow is thankfully not just another in a long line of generic superhero movies. Instead it has enough action to please die hard fans and depth/story to thrill those new to the character. Plus, a stylish look and a game cast truly make Black Widow something special and definitely what I call a thrilling film.

We begin with Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) from authorities for actions committed while she was an Avenger and hiding out in Norway, aided by resourceful ally Rick Mason(O.T. Fagbenle) . Out of nowhere she is sent an antidote by someone she hasn’t seen since childhood, her “sister” Yelena(Florence Pugh) . It transpires that they were raised by “parents “ in Ohio while they acquired intel as spies. Later both girls were taken for training in the Red Room, where they ended up separated but highly skilled in combat. It was controlled by the cruel and power-crazed Dreykov(Ray Winstone) who Natasha believes is dead but is in fact alive. The two women, who were raised like sisters , have animosity towards each other at first which begins to thaw once the true scope of what they are fighting comes into view. It transpires that the legion of Black Widows that are from the Red Room are controlled via sinister means like a chip in the neck that renders the wearer completely under the power of another. Yelena was exposed to the antidote which broke the control over her before she went rogue. There is also a being by the name of Taskmaster , who can mimic the movements and skills of others who is in search of the antidote to bring it back to Dreykov. After breaking their surrogate “father” Alexei( David Harbour) out of jail where he has been still trying to capture his glory days as a hero, Natasha and Yelena meet up with their “mother” Melina(Rachel Weisz), who also has important information having worked for years as a sleeper agent. It’s going to take all of their resources to take down the powerful and his brainwashed ‘Black Widows’ so it’s all hands on deck in this fight to avert global disaster courtesy of Dreykov and for Natasha to atone and learn from her past.

I’ll admit that I’m not what you’d call the biggest fan of Marvel Movies . But I know enough about them to pass muster and have some understanding of them. I’m not opposed to the films as I find them quite entertaining, I’ve just lost count of how many there are. To be honest, while a bit of knowledge is good, Black Widow stands well enough as a stand-alone feature and you can go in uninitiated . Director Cate Shortland shows a skilful talent for blending kinetic action, snippets of humour and set pieces with a story boasting more depth that just your standard superhero movie . If anything, although definitely boasting tropes of a superhero film, it also functions as a cracking and twisty espionage thriller with more than a little sprinkling of Bondian greatness. Being a huge Bond fan, seeing various nods here had the inner geek in me thrilled and I’m sure it’ll do the same for the audience who sees this action packed movie. Keep an eye out for the sequence in which break out of a snowy prison. To say it’s epic is an understatement as it’s so outrageously entertaining . Shortland is clearly a director who has a handle on things and keeps Black Widow flowing to stunning effect. A slight sag in pace can be forgiven in a film like this that sweeps you along with action and surprising depth. Black Widow is also very stylish to look at, especially in the action sequences and a grainy, snappy title sequence of being indoctrinated into becoming set to the sound of a haunting cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. And speaking of music, a grandiose and thundering score of action, peppered with Russian chanting, is another highlight in a stellar production that surprised me in how much I enjoyed it.

The cast is where it’s at when it comes to Black Widow. Scarlett Johansson can play the part in her sleep, yet she still displays various facets that are new and revealing. Whether it be in the action scenes or emotional moments of attempting to reconcile her past , Johansson is nothing short of fantastic at shading her part and providing backbone to an already popular character. The always watchable Scarlett Johansson is what I’d call perfect casting having played the part for so long and continuing to impress us. Ably backing her up and burning up a storm is the ever talented Florence Pugh portraying sister figure Yelena . Pugh nails the feisty, foul mouthed and quick witted Yelena while showcasing a buried resentment and hurt at realising that her past was so controlled and not what she thought. As a result much in the same way that Johansson explores Natasha , Pugh crafts a multi-layered character in Yelena that you truly root for. It helps that both actresses convince as sister figures slowly regaining trust after being separated for so long. The chemistry between the two is evidently strong and a valuable asset to the film. David Harbour provides much in the way of laughs as the washed up superhero dad to the two leading ladies. He’s comically endearing as a character and Harbour finds the genuine feeling of pathos beneath the clownish exterior. Rachel Weisz adds layers of complexity to a woman who seems sightly cowardly yet warm in the beginning before revealing a vast intelligence and ruthless determination. The wonderful Weisz makes every moment she’s on the screen count with her performance. O.T. Fagbenle provides nice support as a loyal friend and helper to Natasha, who trades good quips and witty banter along the way. The only people who get somewhat shortchanged and not given that much to work with are Ray Winstone and Olga Kurylenko. Both do what they can with their roles, I just would have preferred a bit more of them and more material for them to work

A thrilling superhero/spy-action film of great performances, twisty story and oodles of style, Black Widow is what I’d define as high powered entertainment and a film that has something for everyone to enjoy.

Lost in Translation

Tags

2000's, Bill Murray, Drama, Giovanni Ribisi, Lost in Translation, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Coppola

Film Title

Lost in Translation

Director

Sofia Coppola

Starring

• Bill Murray as Bob Harris
• Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte
• Giovanni Ribisi as John

A bittersweet and moving drama, etched with comedy and pathos from Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation makes for a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking movie of alienation and connection. Featuring two beautifully subtle and captivating performances from Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, Lost in Translation is a movie to treasure for its quiet and engaging impact.

Bob Harris is a middle-aged, washed-up actor who has journeyed to Tokyo, Japan to shoot a whiskey commercial. Completely alienated as he doesn’t understand the language and blue because of his directionless existence( that includes estrangement from his wife and kids), Bob is lost in a sea of uncertainty and slowly drowning. Meanwhile, a young woman named Charlotte, fresh out of Yale and newly married, is also in Tokyo and the same hotel. She too feels ignored and questioning of herself, as her inattentive photographer husband John seems to care more about his career than her. Charlotte is left to her own devices, yet can’t shake the instability and indecision of her life. Both jet lagged and struggling with insomnia, Bob and Charlotte meet one night in the hotel bar. Despite them being different in more ways than one, they begin to forge a friendship that opens their eyes to something more positive and worthwhile. Through their encounters, both of the humorous and heartfelt variety, and the deep bond that they form, Bob and Charlotte are able to face the challenges of life and consider that it actually be something wonderful if they look closer.

Sofia Coppola strikingly yet subtly directs and writes this wonderful movie, capturing an honesty and heartfelt story of two unlikely soul mates finding solace in each other’s company. Her rendering of their existences as troubled and searching is nicely complimented by a good dose of humour. It straddles the line between comedy and drama, without sacrificing any of the poignant or bittersweet angles of the tale. Coppola displays a quiet confidence and her measured approach with both her directing and script is notably transfixing. Loneliness and a feeling of not belonging are heightened by the culture shock of the Japanese setting and the visuals of large buildings that dwarf Bob and Charlotte. And talking of visuals, they are simply sublime and have real substance in framing the central duo as isolated and fish out of water. The lighting scheme, gold hues and often a certain blue, highlights both the melancholia of their situations and the often nighttime confessions that each shares along the way of their bond. A certain shimmer is found in the cinematography too, hinting at their may be a chance of hope for both the listless souls in Lost in Translation. And the way that Japan is used is gorgeous, utilizing the beauty and scope of the country to its advantage. Crucially and one of the instruments that really made me appreciate Lost in Translation, was that although an emotional feeling is generated between Bob and Charlotte, it doesn’t lead to a love affair. So many Hollywood films go for the obvious and expected when you have a film about two people unintentionally connecting, thankfully Lost in Translation doesn’t fall into that trap. An atmospheric and ambient soundtrack is the ideal companion to the film, soaking it in a layer of hope, escape and pathos.

The acting in Lost in Translation is a definite high point of an already impressive movie. Bill Murray turns in a restrained yet subtly expressive portrayal of tired loneliness and the want to experience something. Moving from deadpan comedy to sensitive depth, Murray is at some of his best as the sympathetic Bob, searching for something hopeful to come along. All it takes is just the slightest movement of his eyes and face, and you know all there is to know about the character, down to the fact that Murray plays him so stunningly. Equally as good is Scarlett Johansson, who despite only being 17 at the time of filming, contributed a mature and exquisitely subtle performance. Finding nuance, humour and melancholy in Charlotte, Johansson holds her own and is mesmerising to watch. What makes their portrayals so beautiful is the little moments of quietly suggesting thoughts and dreams, achieved with the most simple yet meaningful ways. The two boast a believable rapport with each other, discovering a platonic yet still caring need for the companionship to combat the alienation of their respective lives. Giovanni Ribisi, who previously narrated The Virgin Suicides, appears as Charlotte’s busy husband, whose hipster attitude and blatant lack of concern have you seeing why she wants to find something close to connection.

Evocative, soulful and charming, Lost in Translation is a triumph for both Sofia Coppola and main actors, Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Together, they create a touching film about unexpectedly finding someone to relate too and escaping from the pressures of life while facing up to some of them.

Lucy

Tags

2010's, Action, Amr Waked, Choi Min-Sik, Luc Besson, Lucy, Morgan Freeman, Scarlett Johansson, Science Fiction

Film Title

Lucy

Director

Luc Besson

Starring

• Scarlett Johansson as Lucy
• Morgan Freeman as Professor Norman
• Choi Min-Sik as Mr. Jang
• Amr Waked as Pierre Del Rio

Lucy comes courtesy of director Luc Besson and emerges as a wholly ludicrous but enjoyable action/science fiction film. It’s big ideas and imaginings get a bit over the top and out of control, but some curious theories, bright visual palette and Scarlett Johansson as the eponymous character, more than engage with you, even when the overall film itself gets wildly uneven.

Lucy is an American woman, studying in Taipei. The film starts as her latest boyfriend and slime ball coerces her into delivering a mysterious case to a shady man named Mr. Jang. Lucy doesn’t want to do it, but her beau handcuffs her to the case leaving her with little choice. After this, Lucy is kidnapped by Jang’s associates, who it transpires are all in the Mob. Along with a few other men and through force, a bag of drugs is sewn into her system, and she must act as a drugs mule, otherwise those closest to her will be killed. During a torturous isolation, Lucy is severely beaten by the guards. One of these moments has big consequences, as the drugs that were implanted in her for trafficking burst and leak into her bloodstream. Quickly, Lucy grows incredibly powerful and escapes. From this moment on, her abilities advance alarmingly with her being able to not feel pain, manipulate objects and people and become almost impervious to harm. As she unlocks more of her brain power, the dangers arise as no one is sure just what will occur when she hits the highest level of brain activity. Professor Norman, a respected scientist who has studied topics relating to the powers of the cerebrum, becomes fascinated and curious of this young woman and just what she is capable of. On top of this, the mobsters are on her tail, which combines with her attempting to discover more about her accelerating powers. The main question is, just what will transpire and how dangerous will it be when Lucy reaches 100%?

Luc Besson has always been a stylish director, which he shows off again generously  here. Yet while his direction is far from his best as it leaves things a little too ambiguous, his penchant for strong female warriors remains in a great quantity. The presence of the what if possibilities of the human brain(taking cues from the myth referred to in the film that humans use just 10% of their brain functions) act as both a string to the film’s bow and something that drags it down. It’s hard to explain as it ends up a bit of a mixed exercise in storytelling and ideas it brings into play. Lucy excels the most when delivering action and thrills, of which many can be gleaned. Also when it poses some philosophical questions regarding existence and time, the film shines. A great example is a scene near the end that is visually arresting and compelling to watch, but I won’t spoil it in case anyone hasn’t seen it. The film as a whole is more than a bit messy, but that scene is ace. Yet for all the probing of matter that goes on, the science and events grow absurd and a little repetitive, mainly in the mid-section. Still, somehow I couldn’t divert my eyes from Lucy, which suggests that it at least made some impact on my viewing experience. The most arresting and attention grabbing element of Lucy was the general unpredictability arising from what Lucy’s powers and capacities would reach too, and how many were exhibited with science fiction flair. These moments were resplendent with verve and sparks of imagination, that rose above the jumbled science and lack of real logic. The visual side of Lucy is superbly designed and detailed, particularly the shots of Lucy’s body on the inside as power and acceleration take their place in her blood through rapidly speeding shocks of light that keep going and increasing. A pounding soundtrack hits just the right feelings of something mysterious and dangerous about to hit.

Scarlett Johansson is one of the best things in Lucy. As the title character, she has enough charisma and presence to make the part memorable. The luscious Johansson is most adept at displaying Lucy’s shift from waif like innocent to omnipotent being with a detached confidence; as Lucy’s emotions thaw and all that makes her human is replaced by knowledge and steel. Some will say that she is a blank slate, but her intense eyes and focused demeanor boost the character to something else that other actresses would not have been able to do. Morgan Freeman is given scant material in a pretty thankless role, but in a style typical of him, he makes what he has good and filled with the intelligence we have come to associate with the great man. Choi Min-Sik is effectively used as the nasty mob boss who tangles with Lucy, while Amr Waked suffers from a badly written part of a police captain caught up in everything, yet at least attempts to ring something true out of it.

It’s completely barmy and preposterous, which both helps and weakens the film, but there is enough action and points of interest to be found in Lucy. Plus, the allure of Scarlett Johansson in the title role bolsters it significantly. It’s messy and scattershot, but I found myself largely entertained throughout this outrageous venture.

The Jungle Book

Tags

2010's, Adventure, Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Christopher Walken, Giancarlo Esposito, Idris Elba, Jon Favreau, Lupita Nyong'o, Neel Sethi, Scarlett Johansson, The Jungle Book

Film Title

The Jungle Book

Director

Jon Favreau

Starring

• Neel Sethi as Mowgli
• Ben Kingsley as Bagheera
• Bill Murray as Baloo
• Idris Elba as Shere Khan
• Lupita Nyong’o as Raksha
• Giancarlo Esposito as Akela
• Scarlett Johansson as Kaa
• Christopher Walken as King Louie

When I was first informed that they were doing another version of The Jungle Book, combining live action with CGI, I’ll admit to being a bit skeptical over how successful it would turn out. I’m happy to report however that this interpretation from Disney is a triumph in almost every department, while adding some new touches to the adventure tale. Trust me, you’ll be blown away by this version of the beloved story.

Mowgli is an orphaned man cub, who is raised by a pack of wolves deep in the Indian jungle. He was brought there by the panther Bagheera, who watches out for the young and wild boy. While the wolves treat him as family, the leader of the pack Akela, disapproves of the boy using tricks considered human and wants him to be more like a wolf. Raksha, a female wolf acts as a strong mother figure for Mowgli and considers him her son. Yet as Mowgli grows older, the threats to him become more pronounced. The main one is the reappearance of the evil tiger Shere Khan, who strikes fear in the heart of all the other animals. Having been burned by humans in the past, Shere Khan has a deep hatred for man and seeing Mowgli vows to kill him. Fearing for the safety of young Mowgli, Akela has Bagheera take him back to a man village where it is hoped he will be safe from Shere Khan. Mowgli doesn’t want to leave, but sees that the danger posed to him is great. Yet getting to that village is no easy task as Mowgli and Bagheera become separated and he must fend for himself. Thankfully he encounters Baloo, a lazy but lovable bear who he quickly forms a bond with. Yet there is peril to be found in the jungle in many forms and with Shere Khan attempting to draw him out, it comes down to Mowgli to discover where his place in life is.

Jon Favreau directs with a sure hand, crafting The Jungle Book as an entertaining yet heartfelt production of massive scope. The CGI is quite simply breathtaking and awe-inspiring, worthy of every ounce of praise that has been aimed at it. Nary a frame of The Jungle Book is wasted due to the precision of the direction and the sheer majesty of everything going on. Everything in this Disney production looks so life-like, you could almost touch it and taste it with your senses in every shot. The jungle comes alive on the screen, resplendent with dangers and adventures for young Mowgli, as well as the audience too.  In a different move, the darkness quota is significantly raised like never before. This gives The Jungle Book that something else that balances being a fun adventure with some genuine moments of danger. Moments that signify this shift are plentiful; from the large snake Kaa revealing the past of Mowgli while reeling him in to a large and menacing Orangutan-resembling ape King Louie, who wishes to harness the power of fire. And the biggest one is having Shere Khan as a ferocious beast who was scarred by man and looks frightening from the very moment he appears. I must say this new direction of making things darker really impressed me because it infuses the film with probably the darkest presentation of the source material yet doesn’t forget the atmosphere of fun that children and adults alike can enjoy. The coming of age elements are brought out with deeply riveting and soulful results as Mowgli attempts to find his place. An excellent music score highlights the thrilling adventures and soul of The Jungle Book. It was also a blast hearing some of the songs from the 1967 animated version, but done in other ways to distinguish it and not make the film a remake.

Newcomer Neel Sethi, as the only physical performer in the film, is naturally convincing as the curious and rebellious Mowgli. Considering that he would have been acting against nothing, he marvellously conveys a big load of emotions and reactions that never ring false for a second. The voice cast for the animals that inhabit the jungle are expertly employed and add their own inflections to their parts. I have always found Ben Kingsley as an actor to have something of a stately presence and this feeling of authority is reflected in his voicing of Bagheera, which emanates with wisdom and firmness. The amusing and always joyful Bill Murray is inspired as the honey-guzzling Baloo, who provides the comic moments of the film with a dash of classic Murray sarcasm. A real standout among the voices is Idris Elba as the evil Shere Khan. His booming, resonant voice utilized to maximum effect that makes the creature genuinely scary and filled with rage. Reverberating whenever he shows us, Elba’s voice is a clear winner. The assured and nurturing inflections from Lupita Nyong’o as the motherly Raksha pull out the emotional centre of the story and go a long way to creating moving results. Giancarlo Esposito has the required feelings of strength and leadership in voicing the head wolf of Akela, while the seductive voice of Scarlett Johansson colours the segment with her as Kaa the snake with a hypnotic impact. Christopher Walken’s distinctive voice is put to excellent use as the gigantic King Louie, with him sounding like something of a dodgy deal maker in the gangster mode and a menacing force. As strange as that combination sounds, it works wonderfully for this creation.

Imaginative, lushly directed and filled with something for everyone, The Jungle Book is a wonderful film in every way. Whether it’s the visuals, cast or the story, every department pulls tether to breathe fresh life into the well-known story and put a new stamp on it. I can’t think of a movie of late that has left me so thrilled and excited to talk about.

Match Point

Tags

2000's, Brian Cox, Drama, Emily Mortimer, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Match Point, Matthew Goode, Penelope Wilton, Scarlett Johansson, Thriller, Woody Allen

Film Title

Match Point

Director

Woody Allen

Starring

• Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Chris Wilton
• Scarlett Johansson as Nola Rice
• Emily Mortimer as Chloe Hewett Wilton
• Matthew Goode as Tom Hewett
• Brian Cox as Alec Hewett
• Penelope Wilton as Eleanor Hewett

A dramatic thriller that takes aim at the price of ambition, lust and luck, Match Point is gripping viewing and an excellent change of pace for Woody Allen.

Chris Wilton is a tennis instructor, who used to be a pro. As the film opens, he gets a job at a swanky club in London. While there, he strikes up a friendship with the wealthy Tom Hewett, who introduces Chris to his world of riches and his sweet sister Chloe. Chris is someone who wants to strive for something in life, mainly a sense of position, and slowly he integrates himself into Tom’s family and climbs the social ladder due to his charming nature. The family approves of the charming Chris and he soon becomes engaged to Chloe, who he really cares for. As he becomes a part of the wealthy life, he encounters Nola Rice, a struggling American actress who is engaged to marry Tom. A sexual spark is apparent from the first meeting and as Chris thinks more about Nola, the two eventually give into a passionate encounter. Afterwards, ambitious Chris marries Chloe, but can’t shake the thought of the bewitching Nola. Many months later, he encounters her again and as she has broken with Tom, he resumes his clandestine affair with her. Meanwhile, Chloe is desperate to have a child and becomes suspicious that Chris is straying from the marriage bed. Yet Chris, with all his ambition and want for his ideal life to stay well, is not prepared for when Nola becomes particularly temperamental and significantly obsessed with Chris and the idea of him leaving his wife for her. Chris is put into a tailspin as his actions to keep her quiet seem to have no affect on her and she starts to become a lot more unstable. Fearing that his perfect existence is going to crumble, he realises that he may have to take drastic action to keep his affair silent and carry on his charmed life that he has become very accustomed to.

Match Point represents Woody Allen at some of his most serious and passionate, tinged with more than a real hint of darkness. He has looked at themes of fate and luck before, but here it has a really philosophical edge that also examines the morality of ones actions with a real feeling of impending doom. Although it has traces of humour which is customary from Allen, he keeps it controlled and allows the complexity and drama to unfold without overloading it with humour. He injects a real sense of urgency into the proceedings that is felt throughout the entire film. Match Point also stands as one of Allen’s most sensual movies, filled with some really passionate love scenes between Chris and Nola that shows the sheer animal attraction and magnetism between them. Allen also dispenses with his usual jazz music, instead using opera that captures the undeniable passions and encroaching fears that envelope Chris. Even the visuals have a moody atmosphere fear to them which adds further impact to the tale of consequence and luck. I would suggest this film to people who don’t usually watch Allen’s stuff as it may just change your mind.

Where Match Point really soars is with the characters and the splendid acting on display. In the lead role of the social climber threatened by his actions, Jonathan Rhys Meyers excels at making Chris both a selfish and conflicted character. He could have been just a cold, unfeeling character, but Meyers lets us see both sides of a character whose near destruction is built from his own hands and his own ambitious nature. Equally as excellent is Scarlett Johansson, who turns in an exemplary performance. Playing Nola as something of a femme fatale, but injecting determination, capricious anger and obsession into the mix, Johansson succeeds at fleshing her out and making a deep impression with a bewitching and layered performance. And the chemistry shared between Meyers and Johansson is all sorts of sexy, electric and complicated. Emily Mortimer is very good as the privileged Chloe, who is won over by Chris yet senses that something is not quite right. Matthew Goode is impressive with the material he is given, as are Brian Cox and Penelope Wilton as the rich parents welcoming Chris into their world.

With great writing, a multitude of interesting themes and a genuinely serious maturity about it, Match Point stands as an accomplished film from the prolific Woody Allen.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Tags

2000's, Chris Messina, Christopher Evan Welch, Comedy, Drama, Javier Bardem, Patricia Clarkson, Penélope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, Romance, Scarlett Johansson, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Woody Allen

Film Title

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Director

Woody Allen

Starring

• Rebecca Hall as Vicky
• Scarlett Johansson as Cristina
• Javier Bardem as Juan Antonio
• Penélope Cruz as Maria Elena
• Patricia Clarkson as Judy
• Chris Messina as Doug
• Christopher Evan Welch as Narrator

Witty, sexy yet tinged with a longing and pervading melancholy, Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona is an ambivalent examination of love, sex and discovery that is dappled in sun and filled with engaging work from the cast.

Best friends Vicky and Cristina decide to vacation for the summer in Barcelona and stay her distant relative Judy, who has agreed to put them up. For the straight-laced and cautious Vicky, who is engaged to be married to dull Doug, it is a trip to conduct her research on Catalan culture. Yet for the restless and searching Cristina, it is somewhere to explore and find a way to express herself and love, which so far she has found hard to do so. The two young ladies soon catch the eye of handsome artist Juan Antonio when at a party. The seductive painter was once in a stormy relationship with a fiery woman that ended in near death. The seductive painter approaches both ladies with a brazen request to spend the weekend with him, where he hopes they will enjoy dinner, see the sights and eventually fall into bed with each other. The spontaneous Cristina is immediately won over as the hint of a little naughtiness entices her, while Vicky is skeptical but tags along to keep tabs on Cristina. As the weekend progresses both women become attracted to Juan Antonio, culminating in the engaged Vicky surrendering to a highly charged encounter with him. Although Vicky attempts to forget her night of passion, she simply can’t deny being enamoured with Juan Antonio and attempts to stifle her guilt at cheating on her fiancée. Meanwhile Cristina grows closer to the artist and vice versa, leading her to quickly move in with him. Yet trouble and upheaval is just around the corner as Maria Elena, Juan Antonio’s ex-wife arrives back on the scene setting in motion a conflicting love triangle. Or should that be love quadrangle?

As both writer and director, Woody Allen’s witty dialogue and confidentially fluid direction makes Vicky Cristina Barcelona go along at a lively place, much like the electricity that sparks between the four characters. Allen has a lot to say about modern relationships and the complexities of the heart and he adroitly examines these subjects with both a passion, longing and wit. I liked how for a move that on the surface seems warm and breezy, there are touches of darkness and unearthed desires looming large over it. I thought this added another layer of engaging quality to the story blending laughs with some pathos. Visually, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is sublime and gorgeous. Wrapped in gold hues that invite you in and paint a sexy atmosphere, the cinematography is breathtakingly lovely and at times look downright delectable with its honeyed tint. Now there is one point of contention that lies within Vicky Cristina Barcelona and that is the narration. Not that it isn’t good, it is just something of a double-edged sword. It does well in setting up and closing the story, but for most of the time it is a little superfluous. That being said the voice of Christopher Evan Welch is engaging enough, it is just overused. Still this shouldn’t put you off because the movie is witty and engaging nonetheless. A sizzling soundtrack of Spanish guitars, quick drums and passion filled voices is an excellent companion to the various switches of romance and the clash of the heart and head when sensuality enters the picture.

Woody Allen assembles a very impressive cast who fill his words and characters with verve and talent. Rebecca Hall makes quite an impression playing Vicky, who is the more traditional and serious of the two best friends. We glimpse through her movements and facial expressions the suppression of desires and how it rises within Vicky as something she can’t keep control of as the vacation goes on. Scarlett Johansson is natural and footloose as the free spirit that is Cristina, who also has her own conflicts over her opinion of herself and wants to find her meaning. There is a real vibrancy and playfulness to the performance from Johansson that is hard to ignore and a real subtle beauty too. Then we have Javier Bardem who has all the necessary charm and seductive presence to burn as Juan Antonio. Yet what is really good about his performance is the way he injects it with a humour and soulfulness that in the hands of any other actor wouldn’t have worked. It is however Penélope Cruz that makes the largest impact in a role that garnered her a deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Playing the unstable spitfire Maria Elena as a whirling dervish of emotion, Cruz captures the mercurial temperament, sensuality and all-consuming passion of this woman. From the moment she appears on screen, you just know that Penélope Cruz is going to own the role with her talent and unique way You simply can’t take your eyes of Cruz as she completely steals the show with a performance of both tragic and comic dimensions that threatens to ignite the screen with its fiery presence. Patricia Clarkson has a neat supporting role as the philandering wife who pushes Vicky to act with her heart and Chris Messina has the distracted dullness that makes you see why Vicky would consider a dalliance with another.

A fine romantic comedy/drama from Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a movie that is as lush and as sumptuous as the scenery, but unpredictable and stormy as the heart itself.

The Best Asses in the Business

Tags

Best Asses, Beyoncé Knowles, Chris Hemsworth, Kylie Minogue, Liam Hemsworth, Matt Bomer, Scarlett Johansson

After seeing that fellow blogging buddy Eric is the undisputed boob master and that Zobo is a fan of a pert bottom, I was christened with the title of ass master. Now I have to live up to that title as the expert is all things related to ass. So I decided to compile a list of the best asses in the entertainment business, 3 for women and 3 for men. So prepare for a post of pert, peachy and just all round amazing behinds of some of the hottest people in the business.

So up first are the ladies:

No list of gorgeous bottoms would be complete without Kylie Minogue. The pint-sized superstar boasts one of the most recognizable behinds ever. A sexy woman already with her long legs and killer smile, he pert bottom is the icing on the top of the cake for many a music fan. And who can forget how she had pulses racing in those golden hot pants in the music video for her smash hit Spinning Around?

Beyoncé Knowles is one of my favourite singers. With the voice of an angel and devastating good looks, she’s an amazing entertainer in my book. And with her curvaceous booty that soon became her trademark, it’s not hard to see why she makes this list.

Beside from being one of the foxiest women on the planet, the delightful Scarlett Johansson boasts an incredible behind that has been shown off in multiple movies.

Matt Bomer makes hearts flutter with almost everything he does, but his peach of an ass is in many people’s book a rare piece of art. I can’t help but give him credit for his moneymaker which from the gif above he knows how to work to the best of his ability.

As if being handsome and muscle-bound wasn’t enough for Chris Hemsworth, he also has a finely rounded ass to top that off. Lucky guy, some of us guys just wish for half of those things and never get them.

Having a fine ass seems to run in the family if this gif of Liam Hemsworth is anything to go by.

Ladies in Suits

Tags

Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Charlize Theron, David Gandy, Emma Watson, Ladies in Suits, Milla Jovovich, Monica Bellucci, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Suits

After reading a post over at Zoe’s featuring images of actors in suits for the female population to drool over, it gave me the idea to do a post about ladies in suits for the guys out there. A woman in a suit can be something of immense beauty and sexuality, and so without further ado, here are images of some stunning actresses rocking a suit.

First we have Angelina Jolie, showcasing her toned body with edge and sex appeal.

Italian siren Monica Bellucci is a vision of sophistication and earthy sexuality in this number.

Regal Cate Blanchett shows us her statuesque beauty and commanding persona.

Stunner Charlize Theron brings carefree but sexy strength to this suit with a nonchalant pose and steely eyes.

The delightful Emma Watson brings some old-school glamour to this, with just a hint of sexiness beneath it.

Milla Jovovich is a seductive sex kitten in this revealing suit, that puts the sex appeal into suits.

The sultry beauty of Penélope Cruz is very apparent in this snap that shows of her killer body and undeniable gorgeousness.

Scarlett Johansson is buxom and businesslike in this outfit, which gives her the look of a sultry secretary.

And with all these beautiful women for the guys, I had to include a photo of a handsome guy for the ladies out there. Prepare to drool my blogging sisters. I’m feeling generous again ladies so here’s another guy to fight over in all his masculine glory. In case any of you are wondering who it is, I believe his name is David Gandy, a male model who from what I’ve heard sends the pulses of women racing everywhere.