Date: Sunday 17th February
Film: Margin Call (2011)
Director: J C Chandor
Starring: Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey and Penn Badgley
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 7/10
In the least eloquent way possible, I will describe this film as thus: a group of beautiful people, wearing shiny suits, sit around a large table and talk about finance for almost two hours.
Somehow, I really enjoyed it. I think it was the solid cast of actors I like watching, who managed to make the dullest of all financial talk a little easier to understand.
Challenge day: 145
Challenge time: 09 days, 06 hours, 36 minutes
Challenge film total: 114
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
We cross and re-cross our old paths like figure-skaters.
Date: Monday 11th February
Film: Cloud Atlas (2013)
Director: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski
Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving and Hugh Grant
Running Time: 2 hours, 52 minutes
Rating: 6/10
I haven't read the book, I didn't know what to expect. I've had over a week to mull it over and I'm still not sure what I watched. I only know it looked pretty.
Challenge day: 139
Challenge time: 09 days, 04 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 113
Film: Cloud Atlas (2013)
Director: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski
Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving and Hugh Grant
Running Time: 2 hours, 52 minutes
Rating: 6/10
I haven't read the book, I didn't know what to expect. I've had over a week to mull it over and I'm still not sure what I watched. I only know it looked pretty.
Challenge day: 139
Challenge time: 09 days, 04 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 113
That was a highly inappropriate series of comments and I apologize.
Date: Sunday 10th February
Film: Friends with Benefits (2011)
Director: Will Gluck
Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson and Woody Harrelson
Running time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 7/10
As modern rom-coms go, this one is pretty good. I think that can be contributed to Mila Kunis. Why isn't she in more things?
Plus, Justin Timberlake isn't terrible. I don't know why this surprises me - I have a real soft spot for Alpha Dog.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 01 hours, 57 minutes
Challenge film total: 112
Film: Friends with Benefits (2011)
Director: Will Gluck
Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson and Woody Harrelson
Running time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 7/10
As modern rom-coms go, this one is pretty good. I think that can be contributed to Mila Kunis. Why isn't she in more things?
Plus, Justin Timberlake isn't terrible. I don't know why this surprises me - I have a real soft spot for Alpha Dog.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 01 hours, 57 minutes
Challenge film total: 112
You're born into a family. You do not join them like you do the Marines.
Date: Sunday 10th February
Film: While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Director: Jon Turtletaub
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher
Running time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
Sunday afternoon and a little bit of rain means a day in front of the telly. Channel 5 were showing While You Were Sleeping, a film I hadn't seen in forever. The Luce stopped over just as it started and we settled down to enjoy a spot of Sandra Bullock.
I watched the opening credits in awe, not realising how many familiar names were in the film. The Luce very kindly pointed out that a large percentage of the supporting cast were no longer with us, and I came to the conclusion that I have not watched this film at any point in this century. Now I know why. While You Were Sleeping is not a bad film, it just isn't a good film either. I often found my attention wandering - not the greatest of signs.
Considering how much of this seemed new to me, this film was predictable, and not all that interesting. Either I've matured, or it hasn't aged well. Or both.
I think it will be another 15 years before I watch this again.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 00 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 111
Film: While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Director: Jon Turtletaub
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher
Running time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
Sunday afternoon and a little bit of rain means a day in front of the telly. Channel 5 were showing While You Were Sleeping, a film I hadn't seen in forever. The Luce stopped over just as it started and we settled down to enjoy a spot of Sandra Bullock.
I watched the opening credits in awe, not realising how many familiar names were in the film. The Luce very kindly pointed out that a large percentage of the supporting cast were no longer with us, and I came to the conclusion that I have not watched this film at any point in this century. Now I know why. While You Were Sleeping is not a bad film, it just isn't a good film either. I often found my attention wandering - not the greatest of signs.
Considering how much of this seemed new to me, this film was predictable, and not all that interesting. Either I've matured, or it hasn't aged well. Or both.
I think it will be another 15 years before I watch this again.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 00 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 111
You are the husband they never had! You are that dreamboat guy that never came along!
Date: Friday 8th February
Film: Magic Mike (2012)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey and Cody Horn
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
After almost getting stuck in Barnes, The Luce and I finally made it home and planned to follow up Gangster Squad with a little more Gosling. Then The Luce got a glimpse at the post-Christmas updates to my movie collection and, somehow, I was introducing her to Magic Mike.
I know what you're thinking, we are perverts that want to watch Channing Tatum dance around with no pants on. That couldn't be further from the truth. I want to watch Joe Manganiello dance around with no pants on.
The reality of it is this, Magic Mike is much more than a film about strippers. In fact, the dance scenes make me cringe, a lot. The beauty of Magic Mike is in the story, it has a heart. You believe in the characters and their attempts to make a life for themselves.
This film makes fun of itself, it mixes the drama with comedy and ultimately is a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Don't write this off as a stripping film
Challenge day: 136
Challenge time: 08 days, 19 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 108
Film: Magic Mike (2012)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey and Cody Horn
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
After almost getting stuck in Barnes, The Luce and I finally made it home and planned to follow up Gangster Squad with a little more Gosling. Then The Luce got a glimpse at the post-Christmas updates to my movie collection and, somehow, I was introducing her to Magic Mike.
I know what you're thinking, we are perverts that want to watch Channing Tatum dance around with no pants on. That couldn't be further from the truth. I want to watch Joe Manganiello dance around with no pants on.
The reality of it is this, Magic Mike is much more than a film about strippers. In fact, the dance scenes make me cringe, a lot. The beauty of Magic Mike is in the story, it has a heart. You believe in the characters and their attempts to make a life for themselves.
This film makes fun of itself, it mixes the drama with comedy and ultimately is a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Don't write this off as a stripping film
Challenge day: 136
Challenge time: 08 days, 19 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 108
They're the dance people. They're here to keep the, uh, guests happy.
Date: Saturday 9th February
Film: Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director: Emile Ardolino
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Jerry Orbach
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 10/10
I have seen this film more times than I can count. I can't explain why I love it so much, most memories of my childhood are of me, the sister and the not quite sister waltzing around the house in our nighties, on our tiptoes, channelling Baby.
For the longest time, the majority of the plot was lost on me. I knew Penny got knocked up by Robbie the creep, I just didn't know what knocked up was. I knew that it was bad for Baby to be in Johnny's room all night, I just didn't know why. All I knew was that I needed to find a man that could wear a mullet and a leather jacket, move his hips to the rhythm and sweep me off my feet, possibly in a lake.
Dirty Dancing is my feel good film. One of my go to happy places. A film that I will always watch if it is on the telly, a DVD I will dig out any chance I get.
It may not be the greatest film ever made, but to me it is perfection.
Just don't call it a musical.
Challenge day: 137
Challenge time: 08 days, 22 hours, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 110
Film: Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director: Emile Ardolino
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Jerry Orbach
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 10/10
I have seen this film more times than I can count. I can't explain why I love it so much, most memories of my childhood are of me, the sister and the not quite sister waltzing around the house in our nighties, on our tiptoes, channelling Baby.
For the longest time, the majority of the plot was lost on me. I knew Penny got knocked up by Robbie the creep, I just didn't know what knocked up was. I knew that it was bad for Baby to be in Johnny's room all night, I just didn't know why. All I knew was that I needed to find a man that could wear a mullet and a leather jacket, move his hips to the rhythm and sweep me off my feet, possibly in a lake.
Dirty Dancing is my feel good film. One of my go to happy places. A film that I will always watch if it is on the telly, a DVD I will dig out any chance I get.
It may not be the greatest film ever made, but to me it is perfection.
Just don't call it a musical.
Challenge day: 137
Challenge time: 08 days, 22 hours, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 110
There's positive energy and then there's just plain dumb luck.
Date: Saturday 9th February
Film: Just My Luck (2006)
Director: Donald Petrie
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine and Samaire Armstrong
Running Time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 4/10
Considering this film mixes a couple of my favourite things - Captain Kirk and my biggest guilty pleasure, those charming scamps from McFly - it can only be described as 50 shades of complete tripe.
Still, The Luce and I were not in a rush to do anything on our lazy Saturday and somehow this ended up in the DVD player.
We knew it was not going to be great, that didn't stop us getting caught up in it. As teen films go, it could be worse. It has some funny moments and it contains one of the greatest chat up lines I've ever heard. One I can't wait to try out; "I'll be the redhead with a face like this".
Probably not the worse film I'm going to watch on this challenge but still, it's the one I'm most ashamed to admit watching.
Challenge day: 137
Challenge time: 08 days, 20 hours, 45 minutes
Challenge film total: 109
Film: Just My Luck (2006)
Director: Donald Petrie
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine and Samaire Armstrong
Running Time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 4/10
Considering this film mixes a couple of my favourite things - Captain Kirk and my biggest guilty pleasure, those charming scamps from McFly - it can only be described as 50 shades of complete tripe.
Still, The Luce and I were not in a rush to do anything on our lazy Saturday and somehow this ended up in the DVD player.
We knew it was not going to be great, that didn't stop us getting caught up in it. As teen films go, it could be worse. It has some funny moments and it contains one of the greatest chat up lines I've ever heard. One I can't wait to try out; "I'll be the redhead with a face like this".
Probably not the worse film I'm going to watch on this challenge but still, it's the one I'm most ashamed to admit watching.
Challenge day: 137
Challenge time: 08 days, 20 hours, 45 minutes
Challenge film total: 109
Well ya gotta die of somethin'.
Date: Friday 8th February
A weekend visit from the Luce and finally time to catch a film we'd been waiting to see for a while. A film that, I'm not ashamed to admit, I mainly wanted to see because it starred Gosling. In a suit. A joyous sight.
The reviews hadn't been great, I entered with low expectations. Thankfully, it was much better than I expected.
Gangster Squad is not a serious gangster film, and it doesn't seem to set out to be a serious gangster film. In my view, it is trying to make a gangster film in the vein of 80's comic book movies. A little corny, a little unrealistic and overwhelmingly, it sets out to entertain.
A great cast make a so-so script work well. All in all this is an enjoyable film. I don't know if I'll be rushing out to see it again but if it was on the telly I know I'll stop to watch. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone come out shining. As usual, they steal the show and prove, yet again, that I am right to adore them both.
Film: Gangster Squad (2013)
Director: Reuben Fleischer
Running Time: 01 hour 53 minutes
Rating: 7/10
A weekend visit from the Luce and finally time to catch a film we'd been waiting to see for a while. A film that, I'm not ashamed to admit, I mainly wanted to see because it starred Gosling. In a suit. A joyous sight.
The reviews hadn't been great, I entered with low expectations. Thankfully, it was much better than I expected.
Gangster Squad is not a serious gangster film, and it doesn't seem to set out to be a serious gangster film. In my view, it is trying to make a gangster film in the vein of 80's comic book movies. A little corny, a little unrealistic and overwhelmingly, it sets out to entertain.
A great cast make a so-so script work well. All in all this is an enjoyable film. I don't know if I'll be rushing out to see it again but if it was on the telly I know I'll stop to watch. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone come out shining. As usual, they steal the show and prove, yet again, that I am right to adore them both.
Challenge day: 136
Challenge time: 08 days, 17 hours, 12 minutes
Challenge film total: 107
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
To be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art.
Date: Tuesday 5th February
Film: Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe and Michelle Yeoh
Running time: 02 hours, 25 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Under much duress from friends, I finally read this book a couple of years ago and, loathe as I am to admit they were right, I loved it. After being burned before with adaptations of books I loved, I then avoided the film. Again, these so-called friends told me that I would love the film. Again, they were right (I'm beginning not to like them, how dare they know me so well).
Memoirs is a stunning adaptation of the book. It sticks fairly faithfully to the story and adds striking visuals to the plot. This film is worth watching purely for it's beautiful cinematography.
Challenge day: 133
Challenge time: 08 days, 15 hours, 19 minutes
Challenge film total: 106
Film: Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe and Michelle Yeoh
Running time: 02 hours, 25 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Under much duress from friends, I finally read this book a couple of years ago and, loathe as I am to admit they were right, I loved it. After being burned before with adaptations of books I loved, I then avoided the film. Again, these so-called friends told me that I would love the film. Again, they were right (I'm beginning not to like them, how dare they know me so well).
Memoirs is a stunning adaptation of the book. It sticks fairly faithfully to the story and adds striking visuals to the plot. This film is worth watching purely for it's beautiful cinematography.
Challenge day: 133
Challenge time: 08 days, 15 hours, 19 minutes
Challenge film total: 106
You can't change your situation. The only thing that you can change is how you choose to deal with it
Date: Sunday 3rd February
Film: 50/50 (2011)
Director: Jonathan Levine
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Considering the subject matter, 50/50 could have gone two ways - it could be a 'pulling on your heartstrings, sobbing your heart out, serious cancer' film or it could be a 'laugh at cancer with inappropriate jokes' film. Luckily enough, 50/50 manages to combine both of these to be a genuine, heartwarming, funny, touching film about those dealing with cancer.
Joseph Gordon-Leviit is wonderful (I wouldn't expect anything less), as a man dealing with illness and the effect it has on his life, relationships and outlook on the world around him. Supported by Rogen, managing to be appropriately funny, and Anna Kendrick being sublime as usual, 50/50 is a movie that could have been a disaster in any other hands but excels, for me.
It manages that difficult task of being both funny and sad. As soon as you feel yourself getting to close to a sob they manage to drop a line that makes you laugh out loud.
I have a real soft spot for this film.
Challenge day: 131
Challenge time: 08 days, 12 hours, 54 minutes
Challenge film total: 105
Film: 50/50 (2011)
Director: Jonathan Levine
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Considering the subject matter, 50/50 could have gone two ways - it could be a 'pulling on your heartstrings, sobbing your heart out, serious cancer' film or it could be a 'laugh at cancer with inappropriate jokes' film. Luckily enough, 50/50 manages to combine both of these to be a genuine, heartwarming, funny, touching film about those dealing with cancer.
Joseph Gordon-Leviit is wonderful (I wouldn't expect anything less), as a man dealing with illness and the effect it has on his life, relationships and outlook on the world around him. Supported by Rogen, managing to be appropriately funny, and Anna Kendrick being sublime as usual, 50/50 is a movie that could have been a disaster in any other hands but excels, for me.
It manages that difficult task of being both funny and sad. As soon as you feel yourself getting to close to a sob they manage to drop a line that makes you laugh out loud.
I have a real soft spot for this film.
Challenge day: 131
Challenge time: 08 days, 12 hours, 54 minutes
Challenge film total: 105
I am just a man hiding in the corner with a camera. Watching.
Date: Sunday 3rd February
Film: Hitchcock (2013)
Director: Sacha Gervasi
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren and Scarlett Johansson
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Still recovering from PJ Party, with a little nap in my system, the sister and I headed off to an advance screening of Hitchcock. It was sponsored by Haagen-Dazs. We didn't get any free ice cream. Rubbish.
Maybe it was because I was tired but the sister and I apparently didn't see the same film. She believes it is the best film she has seen in 2013. I believe it had so much potential and fell flat on it's (rubbery) face.
Whilst I have seen a few Hitchcock films in the past, I am by no means a super fan and I don't know all that much about him as a person. I'm not sure Hitchcock changed things. It is an exploration into the making of Psycho and, if anything, just made me want to go home and watch that instead.
I don't know if I was distracted by the make up - it made for a successful silhouette but up close looked rubbery, powdery and overwhelmingly false - but I had a hard time getting into the characters.
By no means am I saying Hitchcock is a terrible film, I just did not engage in it at all. I'd much rather watch Psycho and read a book about the man himself.
Challenge day: 131
Challenge time: 08 days, 11 hours, 14 minutes
Challenge film total: 104
Film: Hitchcock (2013)
Director: Sacha Gervasi
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren and Scarlett Johansson
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Still recovering from PJ Party, with a little nap in my system, the sister and I headed off to an advance screening of Hitchcock. It was sponsored by Haagen-Dazs. We didn't get any free ice cream. Rubbish.
Maybe it was because I was tired but the sister and I apparently didn't see the same film. She believes it is the best film she has seen in 2013. I believe it had so much potential and fell flat on it's (rubbery) face.
Whilst I have seen a few Hitchcock films in the past, I am by no means a super fan and I don't know all that much about him as a person. I'm not sure Hitchcock changed things. It is an exploration into the making of Psycho and, if anything, just made me want to go home and watch that instead.
I don't know if I was distracted by the make up - it made for a successful silhouette but up close looked rubbery, powdery and overwhelmingly false - but I had a hard time getting into the characters.
By no means am I saying Hitchcock is a terrible film, I just did not engage in it at all. I'd much rather watch Psycho and read a book about the man himself.
Challenge day: 131
Challenge time: 08 days, 11 hours, 14 minutes
Challenge film total: 104
The PCC Pyjama Party - Episode 4 - The John Hughes Edition
Date: Saturday 2 February/Sunday 3 February
It's that time again, another night spent tucked up in my favourite place in the world. This time around, the PJ party is all about John Hughes, a writer and director who has, in my opinion, made some of the greatest films of all time.
No matter how quickly we ran, we didn't manage to snag the special seats but, a little further along the row, PJs on and The CW and I were ready for a night with some of cinema's greatest teenagers.
Film: Weird Science (1985)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Kelly LeBrock
Running Time: 01 hour, 34 minutes
Rating: 7/10
First film of the night, and one I haven't seen in a very long time. So long that I had forgotten, and was pleasantly surprised by, the appearance of a youthful Robert Downey Jr. Looking back over my Twitter feed, on the night I described this film as 'hilariously odd', something I'm going to stick with. Mainly because it's about boys that use 80's computers to create their perfect women, whilst wearing bras on their heads, and if that's not odd, then I don't know what is.
Film: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara and Jeffrey Jones
Running Time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Ah Ferris. A film that holds a place in my heart. It's one of those films that I have seen countless times and have limited recollection of when I saw it first. It's just ingrained into my brain that I love it. Something that is reaffirmed every time I watch it.
Yes, Ferris is not the nicest of characters - he railroads over the feelings of his friends - but that doesn't stop this being a great film, mainly because the supporting cast are so great.
Although, the adventures around Chicago did make me a little homesick for my second favourite city. Can I go back now, please?
Film: Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Steve Martin and John Candy
Running Time: 01 hour, 33 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
Another film I haven't seen in a long time. Also, a film that I haven't seen that many times. Watching it at PJ Party was a revelation - I barely remembered the film so it all seemed new.
Film: Pretty in Pink (1986)
Director: Howard Deutch
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy
Running Time: 01 hour, 36 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I adore this film. I fell asleep in the middle, much to my horror. Woke up just in time to see the worst dress in cinema history (it has to be official, right? I've yet to meet a person that isn't horrified by it).
Luckily for me, someone else in the cinema was kind enough to point out my dressing gown matched the dress pattern exactly. Let's all pretend I did that on purpose.
Film: Uncle Buck (1989)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: John Candy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Macaulay Culkin and Amy Madigan
Running Time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
Again, a film I haven't seen for the longest time, and I'm not sure I'm completely sold after watching it again. I think this might have to be one of those films that you loved as a child and therefore love for life and if you missed out, then you'll never really get. A bit like when I make people watch The Princess Bride and they don't enjoy it anywhere near as much as me.
Plus, there's a clown in it and clowns are truly horrifying.
Film: The Breakfast Club (1985)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy
Running Time: 01 hour, 37 minutes
Rating: 10/10
There are not enough superlatives to describe just how brilliant this film is. It is essentially 90 minutes with the same faces in one room yet manages to engage the audience with it's exploration of teenage life. I cannot heap enough praise on The Breakfast Club. It is, in my eyes, perfection.
Another morning, another PJ Party finished. Again, it was pure joy. I can't wait for the next one...
Challenge day: 130/131
Challenge time: 08 days, 09 hours, 36 minutes
Challenge film total: 103
It's that time again, another night spent tucked up in my favourite place in the world. This time around, the PJ party is all about John Hughes, a writer and director who has, in my opinion, made some of the greatest films of all time.
No matter how quickly we ran, we didn't manage to snag the special seats but, a little further along the row, PJs on and The CW and I were ready for a night with some of cinema's greatest teenagers.
Film: Weird Science (1985)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Kelly LeBrock
Running Time: 01 hour, 34 minutes
Rating: 7/10
First film of the night, and one I haven't seen in a very long time. So long that I had forgotten, and was pleasantly surprised by, the appearance of a youthful Robert Downey Jr. Looking back over my Twitter feed, on the night I described this film as 'hilariously odd', something I'm going to stick with. Mainly because it's about boys that use 80's computers to create their perfect women, whilst wearing bras on their heads, and if that's not odd, then I don't know what is.
Film: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara and Jeffrey Jones
Running Time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Ah Ferris. A film that holds a place in my heart. It's one of those films that I have seen countless times and have limited recollection of when I saw it first. It's just ingrained into my brain that I love it. Something that is reaffirmed every time I watch it.
Yes, Ferris is not the nicest of characters - he railroads over the feelings of his friends - but that doesn't stop this being a great film, mainly because the supporting cast are so great.
Although, the adventures around Chicago did make me a little homesick for my second favourite city. Can I go back now, please?
Film: Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Steve Martin and John Candy
Running Time: 01 hour, 33 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
Another film I haven't seen in a long time. Also, a film that I haven't seen that many times. Watching it at PJ Party was a revelation - I barely remembered the film so it all seemed new.
Film: Pretty in Pink (1986)
Director: Howard Deutch
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy
Running Time: 01 hour, 36 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I adore this film. I fell asleep in the middle, much to my horror. Woke up just in time to see the worst dress in cinema history (it has to be official, right? I've yet to meet a person that isn't horrified by it).
Luckily for me, someone else in the cinema was kind enough to point out my dressing gown matched the dress pattern exactly. Let's all pretend I did that on purpose.
Film: Uncle Buck (1989)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: John Candy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Macaulay Culkin and Amy Madigan
Running Time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
Again, a film I haven't seen for the longest time, and I'm not sure I'm completely sold after watching it again. I think this might have to be one of those films that you loved as a child and therefore love for life and if you missed out, then you'll never really get. A bit like when I make people watch The Princess Bride and they don't enjoy it anywhere near as much as me.
Plus, there's a clown in it and clowns are truly horrifying.
Film: The Breakfast Club (1985)
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy
Running Time: 01 hour, 37 minutes
Rating: 10/10
There are not enough superlatives to describe just how brilliant this film is. It is essentially 90 minutes with the same faces in one room yet manages to engage the audience with it's exploration of teenage life. I cannot heap enough praise on The Breakfast Club. It is, in my eyes, perfection.
Another morning, another PJ Party finished. Again, it was pure joy. I can't wait for the next one...
Challenge day: 130/131
Challenge time: 08 days, 09 hours, 36 minutes
Challenge film total: 103
Nobody could've landed that plane like I did.
Date: Tuesday 29th January
Film: Flight (2013)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle and Kelly Reilly
Running time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'm a little conflicted on Flight, but I can tell you this for a fact - I am now irrationally freaked out by any slightly lower than normal plane I see in the sky.
This movie is a little patchy. There are characters that are phenomenal, as is some of the action, but there is something missing in the emotion of the story, and the majority of the characters come across as underdeveloped or, in the case of John Goodman, like they were straight from a different film altogether.
Denzel Washington plays the part of an alcoholic, drug addict, pilot brilliantly, however his character, Whip Whitaker, does seem to be the only person who is fully developed. Other characters are one dimensional, unrealistic and leave the viewer with more questions than answers.
The plane crash is brilliantly shot, particularly the scenes from within the aeroplane. It really gives you a sense of the drama and emotion faced by the people on board the plane.
Flight is worth seeing, yes it is a little patchy, but that does not stop it being an enjoyable film. Plus, Denzel is, as always, phenomenal.
Challenge day: 126
Challenge time: 07 days, 22 hours, 13 minutes
Challenge film total: 96
Film: Flight (2013)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle and Kelly Reilly
Running time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'm a little conflicted on Flight, but I can tell you this for a fact - I am now irrationally freaked out by any slightly lower than normal plane I see in the sky.
This movie is a little patchy. There are characters that are phenomenal, as is some of the action, but there is something missing in the emotion of the story, and the majority of the characters come across as underdeveloped or, in the case of John Goodman, like they were straight from a different film altogether.
Denzel Washington plays the part of an alcoholic, drug addict, pilot brilliantly, however his character, Whip Whitaker, does seem to be the only person who is fully developed. Other characters are one dimensional, unrealistic and leave the viewer with more questions than answers.
The plane crash is brilliantly shot, particularly the scenes from within the aeroplane. It really gives you a sense of the drama and emotion faced by the people on board the plane.
Flight is worth seeing, yes it is a little patchy, but that does not stop it being an enjoyable film. Plus, Denzel is, as always, phenomenal.
Challenge day: 126
Challenge time: 07 days, 22 hours, 13 minutes
Challenge film total: 96
Monday, 11 February 2013
We never sought out to build the biggest house in America
Date: Wednesday 30 January
Film: The Queen of Versailles (2012)
Director: Lauren Greenfield
Starring: David Siegel, Jaqueline Siegel
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Interesting documentary about the 2008 financial collapse in the US. Specifically focusing on a family that were so reliant on mortgages to keep their business running that they were at risk of losing their half built house - a house that, when completed, would be the largest residential home in the US. Bigger than the White House.
It was fascinating to look at how these people, who had spent their lives building up their fortune, dealt with the issues they faced when they lost their money, as well as their interactions with those around them.
Challenge day: 127
Challenge time: 07 days, 23 hours, 53 minutes
Challenge film total: 97
Film: The Queen of Versailles (2012)
Director: Lauren Greenfield
Starring: David Siegel, Jaqueline Siegel
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Interesting documentary about the 2008 financial collapse in the US. Specifically focusing on a family that were so reliant on mortgages to keep their business running that they were at risk of losing their half built house - a house that, when completed, would be the largest residential home in the US. Bigger than the White House.
It was fascinating to look at how these people, who had spent their lives building up their fortune, dealt with the issues they faced when they lost their money, as well as their interactions with those around them.
Challenge day: 127
Challenge time: 07 days, 23 hours, 53 minutes
Challenge film total: 97
Friday, 8 February 2013
I could write shorter sermons but when I get started I'm too lazy to stop.
Date: Monday 28th January
Film: Lincoln (2013)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and David Strathairn
Running Time: 02 hours, 30 minutes
Rating: 5/10
Monday night, and we are back in the Barbican (those cheap Monday nights are a thing of wonder), this time for a little Lincoln.
I'm no expert in American History. I know that Lincoln ended slavery, I know that he was President during the Civil War, and I know he had some pretty impressive facial hair. Did I learn anything more from Lincoln? Not really.
The acting was exceptional, the direction and visuals were equally brilliant, but I just could not connect to the film. Lincoln is stunning, but somehow incredibly dull.It is, essentially, over two hours of people sat around talking.
I'm glad I watched it, it helps my Oscar predictions if I watch as many of the nominated films as possible, but I don't think I came away from the film with all that much.
Long and boring yet, somehow, pretty special.
Challenge day: 125
Challenge time: 07 days, 19 hours, 55 minutes
Challenge film total: 95
Film: Lincoln (2013)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and David Strathairn
Running Time: 02 hours, 30 minutes
Rating: 5/10
Monday night, and we are back in the Barbican (those cheap Monday nights are a thing of wonder), this time for a little Lincoln.
I'm no expert in American History. I know that Lincoln ended slavery, I know that he was President during the Civil War, and I know he had some pretty impressive facial hair. Did I learn anything more from Lincoln? Not really.
The acting was exceptional, the direction and visuals were equally brilliant, but I just could not connect to the film. Lincoln is stunning, but somehow incredibly dull.It is, essentially, over two hours of people sat around talking.
I'm glad I watched it, it helps my Oscar predictions if I watch as many of the nominated films as possible, but I don't think I came away from the film with all that much.
Long and boring yet, somehow, pretty special.
Challenge day: 125
Challenge time: 07 days, 19 hours, 55 minutes
Challenge film total: 95
I've got to try and fix this. Trust me, I know what I'm doing.
Date: Sunday 27th January
Film: Contraband (2012)
Director: Baltasar Kormakur
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Beckinsale and Ben Foster
Running time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Sunday Night Film Club is, again, attempting to make a revival. A certain blue cross sale has bolstered our DVD collections and the SNFC 'to watch' list is getting a little out of control, something we attempted to remedy this week by watching Contraband and Wild Bill.
Unfortunately, this didn't pan out. Mainly because forcing our attention onto Contraband was exhausting.
With a cast of actors I adore (and Kate Beckinsale) and a relatively simple plot - a retired smuggler takes on one last job to settle a debt for his brother in law - we were expecting a bit of old fashioned action fun. We didn't get this.
Contraband tries, really tries, but it left me cold. The action scenes just didn't seem to have enough action, the emotional scenes seemed a little forced, and there is only so much excitement you can get from a shipping ferry.
The biggest downside for me had to be Giovanni Ribisi. Someone who I normally adore, I rarely find fault with his performances, but in Contraband he appeared to choose an unusual accent, one that could only be described as Boston-weird, and ran with it. To the point where it became a major distraction in every scene he was in, and belittled his role as the bad guy.
I can't even say Contraband was an easy to watch action film. It just left me feeling a little cold.
After that it was hard to muster up the energy to watch Wild Bill. SNFC finished a little earlier than usual this week.
Challenge day: 124
Challenge time: 07 days, 17 hours, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 94
Film: Contraband (2012)
Director: Baltasar Kormakur
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Beckinsale and Ben Foster
Running time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Sunday Night Film Club is, again, attempting to make a revival. A certain blue cross sale has bolstered our DVD collections and the SNFC 'to watch' list is getting a little out of control, something we attempted to remedy this week by watching Contraband and Wild Bill.
Unfortunately, this didn't pan out. Mainly because forcing our attention onto Contraband was exhausting.
With a cast of actors I adore (and Kate Beckinsale) and a relatively simple plot - a retired smuggler takes on one last job to settle a debt for his brother in law - we were expecting a bit of old fashioned action fun. We didn't get this.
Contraband tries, really tries, but it left me cold. The action scenes just didn't seem to have enough action, the emotional scenes seemed a little forced, and there is only so much excitement you can get from a shipping ferry.
The biggest downside for me had to be Giovanni Ribisi. Someone who I normally adore, I rarely find fault with his performances, but in Contraband he appeared to choose an unusual accent, one that could only be described as Boston-weird, and ran with it. To the point where it became a major distraction in every scene he was in, and belittled his role as the bad guy.
I can't even say Contraband was an easy to watch action film. It just left me feeling a little cold.
After that it was hard to muster up the energy to watch Wild Bill. SNFC finished a little earlier than usual this week.
Challenge day: 124
Challenge time: 07 days, 17 hours, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 94
Forgive me, your scar is legend. As, of course, is the wizard who gave it to you.
Date: Saturday 26th January
Film: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running Time: 02 hours, 41 minutes
Rating: 8/10
More Harry Potter. A little less introductory explaining, a lot more action. Plus, we get to meet Dobby, and what kind of person doesn't love Dobby?
Challenge day: 123
Challenge time: 07 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes
Challenge film total: 93
Film: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running Time: 02 hours, 41 minutes
Rating: 8/10
More Harry Potter. A little less introductory explaining, a lot more action. Plus, we get to meet Dobby, and what kind of person doesn't love Dobby?
Challenge day: 123
Challenge time: 07 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes
Challenge film total: 93
Something in our marriage hasn't quite gelled
Date: Saturday 26th January
Saturday night and thanks to the lovely folks at DIY, J and I are in the BFI at the LOCO Festival for the 'world premiere' of I Give It A Year (we are nowhere near swanky enough for this event. There are people wearing hats. Not knitted beanies but actual Ladies Day at Ascot hats). After discovering we cannot read aisle lettering (it's the BFI that is confusing, obviously), and an unfortunate incident involving a bottle of fizzy water exploding down the front of my frock - yet more proof that I am not classy enough for these events - we settled down to watch I Give It A Year.
We were going in pretty much blind. I'd seen a couple of clips and heard some good things, J had heard me say the words 'comedy' and 'free' and RSVP'd yes faster than lightning.
Luckily for us, I Give It A Year was a great British comedy. Whilst I could see the jokes coming, they still managed to make me laugh, a lot. This film has its flaws - the supporting cast aren't explored enough, the leads aren't the most likeable characters, Stephen Merchant is so overwhelmingly cringeworthy it becomes difficult to watch when he's on screen and I have to say I wasn't satisfied with the ending.
However, in all, I Give It A Year was an easy, funny, watch. It has its flaws but if you aren't after anything fancy, or just want a glimpse at Rafe Spall in the nude, this is worth checking out.
Film: I Give It A Year (2013)
Director: Dan Mazer
Running Time: 01 hour, 37 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
Saturday night and thanks to the lovely folks at DIY, J and I are in the BFI at the LOCO Festival for the 'world premiere' of I Give It A Year (we are nowhere near swanky enough for this event. There are people wearing hats. Not knitted beanies but actual Ladies Day at Ascot hats). After discovering we cannot read aisle lettering (it's the BFI that is confusing, obviously), and an unfortunate incident involving a bottle of fizzy water exploding down the front of my frock - yet more proof that I am not classy enough for these events - we settled down to watch I Give It A Year.
We were going in pretty much blind. I'd seen a couple of clips and heard some good things, J had heard me say the words 'comedy' and 'free' and RSVP'd yes faster than lightning.
Luckily for us, I Give It A Year was a great British comedy. Whilst I could see the jokes coming, they still managed to make me laugh, a lot. This film has its flaws - the supporting cast aren't explored enough, the leads aren't the most likeable characters, Stephen Merchant is so overwhelmingly cringeworthy it becomes difficult to watch when he's on screen and I have to say I wasn't satisfied with the ending.
However, in all, I Give It A Year was an easy, funny, watch. It has its flaws but if you aren't after anything fancy, or just want a glimpse at Rafe Spall in the nude, this is worth checking out.
Challenge day: 123
Challenge time: 07 days, 12 hours, 55 minutes
Challenge film total: 92
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Gentlemen, you had my curiosity. But now you have my attention.
Date: Friday 25th January
Film: Django Unchained (2013)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kerry Washington
Running Time: 02 hours, 45 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
Friday night and a night out with The CW. After witnessing a brilliant spectacle in Nando's, Django had the unpleasant task of keeping up the evening's drama levels.
I went in not knowing what to expect. I'd heard it was Tarantino's best film in a long time, better than Inglourious. I'd heard the controversies about the language and violence. I had heard horrible things about both Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L Jackson's characters. I heard a lot of talk and it was time to make up my own mind.
Honest opinion? I don't get the fuss.
I'm not saying Django Unchained is a bad film, not at all. It was an easy watch. Yes, there is violence and yes, there is a lot of use of that word, but at no point does any of this seem excessive and out of context. If anything, the problem with Django Unchained is the length, the last half an hour dragged by, and didn't add all that much to the story.
Also, can someone please tell Tarantino that there is no need for him to cameo in his own films. Especially if he is going to attempt an accent.
Challenge day: 122
Challenge time: 07 days, 11 hours, 18 minutes
Challenge film total: 91
Film: Django Unchained (2013)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kerry Washington
Running Time: 02 hours, 45 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
Friday night and a night out with The CW. After witnessing a brilliant spectacle in Nando's, Django had the unpleasant task of keeping up the evening's drama levels.
I went in not knowing what to expect. I'd heard it was Tarantino's best film in a long time, better than Inglourious. I'd heard the controversies about the language and violence. I had heard horrible things about both Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L Jackson's characters. I heard a lot of talk and it was time to make up my own mind.
Honest opinion? I don't get the fuss.
I'm not saying Django Unchained is a bad film, not at all. It was an easy watch. Yes, there is violence and yes, there is a lot of use of that word, but at no point does any of this seem excessive and out of context. If anything, the problem with Django Unchained is the length, the last half an hour dragged by, and didn't add all that much to the story.
Also, can someone please tell Tarantino that there is no need for him to cameo in his own films. Especially if he is going to attempt an accent.
Challenge day: 122
Challenge time: 07 days, 11 hours, 18 minutes
Challenge film total: 91
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