Review: The Big Short (2016)

Surprise night out with one of my friends ended up in the cinema watching The Big Short, she tried to convince me she had planned it because she knew  I liked all the actors in it but i know the real reason.  She is currently working through her first year towards her MSc in Finance so I suspect she had an ulterior motive.

The Big Short follows three groups of people who all predicted the US housing crisis and set about betting against the housing market.  Michael Burry (Christian Bale) is the first to spot the blip and sets himself up to basically bet his entire hedge fund on the outcome.  Two further groups catch on Mark Baum (Steve Carrell) and his team of misfits and newbies Jamie (Finn Wittrock) and Charlie (John Magaro) who recruit seasoned trader, Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt) to help them jump on the band wagon.

Admitted that is probably the worst synopsis of a film...EVER.  Yeah, way to make a comedy sound boring Jenna! Also, it is fair to say it sounds like the most boring film and when it started and they used all this financial and banking lingo (Shola sat next to me looking all smug because she knows what they are talking about). I have a blank look on my face when all of a sudden a definition pops up on the screen to help me along, then Margot Robbie, in a bath tub appears and starts explaining something or other.  Basically, it's like the film takes mini breaks to explain things and clarify whats going on.  The first few times it happened it threw me off the story and it actually annoyed me but as it went on it actually helped understand what was going on and added humour to the proceedings.

I was feeling so lost and out of my depth until Margot Robbie in a bubble bath explained it all to me. Why couldn't my Finance Unit of my HNC in Business have been presented that way? I might have listened! I loved how different The Big Short is to anything else I've seen, it had that almost 'The Office' style to it but it broke the 4th wall constantly which cracked me up. 

Between the crazy way this film is presented and the comedy that runs through it I was really entertained and, contrary to my very boring synopsis, I wasn't bored at all (and I actually feel like I might have learnt something about the cause of the global recession). Even though I knew they outcome, that all the main characters were right about what was going to happen, I still spent the last half an hour on the edge of my seat while their companies floundered waiting for the inevitable.  The final piece of the puzzle for me was the emotion that was run through the latter half of the film, particularly with Steve Carrells character, obviously they wanted to succeed and make their investors money but if they did the global economy would collapse.  It was really a no win situation for all these guys and Carell really highlighted that struggle between the rock and the hard place.

Oh I agree! Steve Carrell just shone brighter and brighter as the movie went on. I thought Christian Bale was superb though too, he definitely deserves that Oscar nomination.

I just feel that despite how much I enjoyed the movie, I didn't have a clue what was going on. It did a better job at explaining the situation to idiots like me than The Wolf of Wall Street did, but about half way through I gave up trying to understand the financial lingo and just enjoyed it for what it was.

In the car on the way home, my fiance and I worked out between us what a Synthetic CDO was, but what I still can't get my head around is what these swaps are in the first place. How can you bet against the housing market? When the average Joe can't pay his mortgage, where is this money coming from?

This is me the day after watching The Big Short, reading up on CDO's!

I have really fluffed this review, anybody that reads it is probably not going to want to bother with the film but do watch it, you have to decide for yourself and I enjoyed it much more that my review suggests.

How true was that final statement on screen right before the credits rolled? I can't remember what the term was for it, but it basically said that this is all starting again, as of last year. Where can I buy some swaps?

Looking Forward to Seeing in the Cinema this Month...January 2016

You don’t understand how hard it is to pick just one movie for this post, guys. Here in the UK we’re normally at least a week behind the US, meaning a lot of the big winter releases fall into 2016 for us. I’m somehow meant to pick from Joy, The Revenant, The Hateful Eight...the list goes on.

I haven’t yet had the chance to look into all of the January releases, but there’s one that’s been on my mind for a while now, The Big Short. I know little about the plot or the housing market collapse that it focuses on, but I’m a sucker for a big cast, and well, this one sounds promising.

Starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt (and Schmidt from New Girl!) I’m not sure where this movie can go wrong. Don’t let me down, guys! Here’s the trailer if you haven’t seen it yet. In fact, I’m watching it myself right now because it’s been at least a month since I saw it!

The Big Short will be released in UK cinemas on 22nd January, 2016.

I have been away from the blog for a short while over Christmas but I have been well into my movies, between DVD's, TV and the Cinema I have watched countless movies over the festive period and watched a lot of trailers...

Of all the trailers I have seen for movies this is the one that really got my attention, the one that may finally get Leo his well deserved Oscar nod!!

The Revenant is inspired by the true events of Hugh Glass and his story of survival and revenge and although it looks pretty dark in places I am really eager to see how it plays out. In case you haven't seen it, here is the dark trailer...

The Revenant will be released in UK cinemas on 7th January, 2016.

Review: Minions (2015)

Back in 2010, Universal Pictures gave us an animated film that many never expected to love as much as they did. Three years later we were given a sequel, which failed to wow but certainly reminded us just how much we love Despicable Me. Fast forward to the present day and Gru’s minions are everywhere. They’re on pajamas, sweets, bedspreads, and now they even have their own film. I got the pleasure of watching Minions the way I think it should, with a kid by my side. Who said babysitting your brother had to be boring?

Minions is a prequel of sorts to Despicable Me, and tells us the story of how the minions came to be, and what they did before they found Gru. The story itself focuses on three main Minions, Kevin, Stuart and Bob, as they leave the rest of their pack (group? What’s the collective term for minions anyway? swarm? gaggle?) and try to find a new boss. Their journey leads them to Villain Con in Orlando, where they meet Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and do everything they can to impress her.

The start of the film was painfully slow, and although the narration was needed, it felt like I was being read a children’s story and I felt quite bored.  I loved the beginning, although I had seen a lot of it in the trailer but I still loved the story telling and the narration. Once the minions arrived in Orlando though, the pace picked back up and the rest of the film was enjoyable.  I  did however get a bit bored in the middle but luckily my 2 year old niece didn't "Aunty Jenna, loooooooooooook" *points frantically at the screen* It did suffer I thought from the age-old issue of all the funniest moments being in the trailer.

There were two main things I loved about Minions. One was of course the little yellow cuties themselves, but with them being the main characters this time, we got to hear a lot more of their own language, which derives from languages from all over the world (and Bananas), which now makes sense after the introduction to the film. There are moments where I was begging for subtitles, but for the most part you can tell what the little guys are trying to say. I think its more about the body language and the actions to understand what they are saying, I still love the scene with Stuart and the yellow fire hydrant...."Ello papagena...."

What got the most laughs from me was the British stereotyping. I feel like I should be mildly offended? Like I want to assure people that our policemen do not drink and drive (tea from china cups that is) and we don’t all cry ‘blimey!’ when we’re distressed! We do drink a lot of tea though...I type this whilst drinking tea so it must be true, ha!  I too am drinking tea but not driving at the same time but it does explain why the UK area of Epcot in Florida looks the way it does!

I loved this film (excusing the brief boredom around the middle), but I only ever remotely enjoyed Despicable Me 2 because of these little guys, the rest was a waste of time.  I thought it was as good as Despicable Me and really made me laugh out loud and made my niece squeal with delight (which always makes my day!).

Minions wasn’t as good as good as the original Despicable Me, although the ending made me squeal with glee (I won’t spoil it) and I’d rank it on par with Despicable Me 2. It’s a good film, don’t get me wrong, but I think Minions appeals to a much younger audience.  Maybe I have a lower mental age than you?! 

Thursday Movie Picks: Road Trip Movies

It's Thursday, and that can mean only one thing, it's time for Thursday Movie Picks! This is an amazing series hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves. Each week brings a new theme, and all you need to do is pick 3 movies that fit the bill. They can be the best of, the worst of, or hidden gems.

Man, it’s been too long since I’ve last taken part in Wanderer’s Thursday Movie Picks. I couldn’t miss this week though. It’s Road Trip Movies, and despite never going on a road trip myself (I don’t think 3hrs to Cornwall counts) I love road trip movies. That makes this week a hard one, but only because I can only pick 3 movies! Here goes…

I’ve got to start with my favourite. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) is weirdly one of my childhood movies, mainly because it’s all my family would watch on a Sunday when we all got together. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) takes his family on a road trip across America to Wally World, and just about anything that could go wrong, does. They’re doing a remake this year which I’m equal parts dead excited and horribly worried about.

I had to check I hadn’t picked this before, but it seems we just like to talk about Little Miss Sunshine (2006) a lot on this blog. One of my favourite Drama/Comedies, this movie focuses on a truly messed up family as they take a road trip so that their daughter can take part in a beauty pageant. Olive’s (Abigail Breslin) dance routine at the end is a major highlight and Steve Carell gets to play a serious role, which he nailed.

Another movie I like to talk about! Chef (2014) is one of my favourite movies of 2014, another Drama/Comedy following a working road trip that Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) takes with his son in their food truck after he loses his job at a restaurant. The plot doesn’t sound like much but it’s one of the most heartwarming movies I’ve ever seen. It has tasty food too, what more could you ask for? Don’t watch on an empty stomach!

Honourable mentions go out this week to Zombieland (which I did choose before), We’re the Millers and Paul, which very nearly made my list.

Review: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

I wanted to see this at the cinema but unfortunately, I missed it.  Luckily, it's now on Sky Movies and although it was enjoyable, I'm ultimately glad I didn't buy the DVD straight off.

Funnily enough I started watching this nearly a year ago and had a power cut (weird!) half way through, and it was only Jenna's review that reminded me I never watched the rest!

Three weeks before an asteroid is due to hit Earth and kill all of humanity.  Dodge meets Penny and they embark on a a road trip to find her family and his long lost love before its too late.  Their journey teaches them a lot about themselves, but is also pretty funny in places.  (The Friendsy's scene had me laughing my head off!)

This is seeing the end of the world from the other side of the coin, there are no rescue missions, no chance of survival, no one even trying to run just two characters and their response to the end of everything.  It is the ultimate 'What would you do?' movie.  Steve Carell's lonely and lost Dodge is painfully believable and heartbreaking to watch.  He has nothing to 'do' at the end of the world, he just carries on with his life as normal, going to work everyday.  It's only when he meets Penny that he is willing to try to do something daring and different in the countdown to his death.  

This is actually a terrifying movie, not in a horror movie kind of way obviously, but it makes you think about what you would do if you had 3 weeks to live and would you be alone.  Is that not the scariest idea ever? Spending the rest of your life completely alone!  

I couldn't understand what this film was trying to be. Is it an end of the world comedy like Zombieland? Or is it just a heartbreaking, no hope film? For me, the characters weren't interesting enough for me to feel sorry for them, and there wasn't enough comic relief to make it a comedy. 

There were a few moments that just didn't make much sense, like when Dodge and Penny visited Speck in his fully stocked titanium bunker. They asked to borrow 'one from the fleet' and from the walls of weaponry, stocks of red bull and displays of games consoles, I expected to see a row of BMWs or huge 4X4s. Instead was a set of Smart cars in every colour possible. What? I'm going to guess that was meant to be funny? I just didn't get it!

Thank god for Penny, played by Keira Knightley, who gives Dodge the kick up the arse he needs to take a chance on his first love, what has he got to lose.  The development of their friendship is lovely to watch and the actors actually have great chemistry (which I wouldn't have thought before I this) but for me the ending (there will be no spoilers here!) ruined the whole film for me.  It suddenly became much less believable, which up until that point had not been an issue and that spoilt it a little for me.

I didn't have a problem with the ending to be honest, I thought that was the only way it could really end. However I'm a real fan of Steve Carell and Keira Knightley and they both disappointed me in this. I don't think it was their acting, perhaps the writing and the direction instead, but not even they could save it for me.

Don't let my opinion of the ending put you off this as you may love it, the rest of the film is entertaining to watch, albeit a little depressing.

Sorry for sounding like a negative Nelly but I just didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped I would!

  

10 Actors I Would Watch in Almost Anything (Allie)

Forgive me if I get this wrong, but I think this theme started with Abbi at Where the Wild Things Are. I love the idea, list 10 actors that you would watch in almost anything, and then another list of 10 actresses. These are 10 guys who could sell a film to me just by being in it.

Why: When I was younger, every Saturday meant another Jim Carrey film. I was so excited the night before Bruce Almighty came out that I could barely sleep, and my brother and I still quote his character from Liar Liar on a regular basis.

Best Role: Bruce Almighty

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: I Love You Phillip Morris This is a great film, you must see it!

Why: This is probably the most simplest of all the actors in my list. I simply have never seen a bad Tom Hanks movie, and so I'm not sure I could ever refuse to see something that he’s in.

Best Role: Forrest Gump

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: Larry Crowne

Why: I’m sorry, I was about to type and then I got lost in those eyes. Can that count as my reason? No? Ok. I just think he’s incredibly charming, and just the right kind of cocky. Oh, and those eyes...

Best Role: Star Trek

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: Blind Dating

Why: He’s the most bad-ass guy I know. Not personally of course, but he’s bad-ass nonetheless. I actually really need to see some of his older work to see another side of him, but I would be first in line for Taken 9.

Best Role: Taken

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: Battleship

Why: I haven’t seen a comedy of Steve Carell’s that I haven’t found hilarious. I first saw him in The 40 Year Old Virgin and he’s just the master of awkward comedy. That’s not all though because I love his serious roles too.

Best Role: Crazy Stupid Love

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: Bewitched

Why: This man is an absolute legend. I love his acting work of course, but I just love how he has so much fun in anything he does. Not that I’ve met him, but he seems so great with his fans and he just oozes charm.

Best Role: The Avengers

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: The Deep Blue Sea

Why: He’s the first actor I ever became fascinated with; I have fond memories of tracking down some VHS tapes on Amazon when I was still in High School. I used to quote Bubble Boy on a regular basis.

Best Role: Donnie Darko

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: Rendition

Why: I don’t think I’ve ever loved an actor as much as Ryan Reynolds. His dry, witty humour is my absolute favourite, and I could watch any of his movies time and time again!

Best Role: The Proposal

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: None, I have actually seen everything he’s been in! So far at least.

Why: This guy makes me smile without even doing or saying anything. He’s just an incredibly likeable actor, and he deserved to be in any of my top 10 lists for the three flavours cornetto trilogy alone.

Best Role: Shaun of the Dead

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: A Fantastic Fear of Everything

Why: Benedict is my current obsession, thanks to Sherlock. I had to forcibly made to watch it in the first place, but I fell in love with his acting skills (and then just him!) soon after. He’s just incredible, and perfects whatever role he plays.

Best Role: Star Trek Into Darkness

The one even he couldn’t convince me to see: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (I really did try)