Mini Reviews: High-Rise (2016), Triple 9 (2016) & Dirty Grandpa (2016)

As we approach the middle of the year, all the movies that I missed in January and February are slowly released on DVD and VOD, meaning I can finally catch up and rack up a few more 2016 releases on my 'watched' list. That means, for the first time in forever, one of my Mini Reviews posts has a theme. These three movies were all released in the UK at the start of 2016, and I've caught up!

OH MY GOD WHAT WAS EVEN GOING ON HERE. Seriously. I was so excited for High-Rise (2016) when I first saw the trailers. A suited and booted Tom Hiddleston? I’m in. A weird and quirky plot? Excuse me, I already told you I’m in but now I’m excited. I was gutted I missed this in the cinemas, but now? I’m relieved. This movie was so weird. It was like Snowpiercer but in a high-rise building. Snowpiercer also had a plot! This had so many suit-clad characters I forgot who was who. What made it worse was that the movie starts with the ending, so it’s not like I felt the need to stick with it to find out what even happens. Argh!

I had no intention of seeing Triple 9 (2016) in the cinemas, truth be told, it’s not my kind of movie, but I saw it get a lot of decent reviews, so I made sure I gave it a try once I could. It’s your typical action-heist movie, filled with dirty cops and criminals, and takes a few turns that the veteran action fans probably smelt a mile away, but I really enjoyed it! My fiance (probably husband by the time you read this!) plays a game called Rainbow Six Seige, and I got that vibe from this, so he was kind of bummed that I watched it without him. Still, he gives me this proud kind of look when I start spewing lines about breaching the door and stuff…

I don’t know what made me give Dirty Grandpa (2016) a watch, but sometimes you just need to watch some mindless comedy, you know?! These things are so hit and miss and even though general consensus seems to be that this is one a stinker, it just hit my funny bone in a way that a comedy hasn’t for a long time. Maybe it’s my growing appreciation for Zac Efron, or the shock of such foul words coming from Robert De Niro, but this worked for me. Sure, the plot is tired and has been used time and time again, and yep, 99% of the comedy relies on rude jokes, but what more did you expect? I’m still laughing at the ‘Jenny from the c*ck block’ line, and it’s been weeks.

Dream Vacation Blogathon (Allie's Version)

Summer is here and I can’t help feeling a little glum. I’m not going on a vacation this year, although to be fair it’s because I’m saving for my wedding next year which is much more exciting. However, Katy at Girl Meets Cinema has saved the day with her Dream Vacation Blogathon!

The idea is simple enough, we get to pick 3 characters to bring with us on our vacation, and we can go wherever we want. I’d say the sky is our limit, but it really isn’t. Please check out Katy’s original post here, she explains it much better than I ever could.

I’m not one for a ‘relax and do nothing’ holiday. I don’t do sitting quietly by the pool with a book, I’m much happier exploring local towns and beaches, so this holiday is going to be one big adventure. What use is an adventure like this without a seasoned adventurer such as Mr. Bilbo Baggins? We’ll be travelling to some weird and wonderful places on this vacation, and so I’m bringing Katniss along for protection. Plus, I’m hoping she can give me some fashion advice and teach me to braid my hair. For some fun during this trip, who better to bring than the God of Mischief himself, Loki! He’ll probably cause the trouble that Katniss will have to help us get out of.

To start us off, we’ll don our warmest gear and set sail for Arendelle, the home of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from Disney’s Frozen. I’ll sing cheesy songs with Anna, and yes, I most certainly want to build a snowman! Katniss and Elsa with have some sort of braid-off, I’m sure. Bilbo heard that Arendelle throws a fantastic feast, so he’ll be happy, and Loki and Olaf will no doubt be creating some kind of snow-related disaster. That’ll be the signal that it’s time to leave.

After purchasing some souvenirs from Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, Loki will show us the way to Asgard. I’ve been fascinated with Asgard ever since I watched the Thor movie for the first time, and would love nothing more than to take a stroll down the rainbow bridge, accompanied by Thor himself, for safety of course, you know, in case I swoon and fall. In the evening, Katniss and I will swap our furs for fine silk, and get ready to party into the wee hours of the morning.

Putting these fantasy worlds behind us, Heimdall will provide us with safe passage to Manhattan, New York. There are too many movies to name filmed in this action packed city, but I had Begin Again in my mind when planning this vacation. Who doesn't want to bump into Adam Levine whilst on vacation? I’ve been to Manhattan once before and will hopefully go back again next year. I’d love to spend a whole day just walking through Central Park in the summer. That is, if Loki doesn’t try to take over the world while we’re there. There’s always one, eh?

Using the powers of Twitter, we’ll track down which city in the US Carl Casper’s food truck from Chef is at the moment, and take a road trip for some tasty food. Have you noticed that food seems to be a prominent feature in this vacation? Oops. It’s for Bilbo I swear, not me! If you’ve never watched Chef before by the way you really should, unless you hate food, and well then I’m afraid we really can’t be friends.

For the final leg of our journey, and with Loki’s rebellious streak rubbing off on me, we’re going to break the blogathon rules and head to the beaches of Miami, home of Dexter Morgan, the star of the TV Show, Dexter. Living in the UK, we get to see very little sun, and living right in the Midlands as I do means I hardly ever get to visit a beach. After the journey we’ve had, I’m sure we would all appreciate some sunbathing and cocktails.

Finally, I want to thank Katy for hosting this blogathon and giving me the chance to create my dream vacation! I can’t wait to read everyone else’s posts, too.

Review: Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

The other night I really felt like a Tom Hiddleston film, and I’d heard a lot of good things about Only Lovers Left Alive. I think what intrigued me the most was that it was a romantic vampire film which couldn’t be further away from Twilight. I was forced to watch this one alone, my other half wanted to nothing to do with this!

Only Lovers Left Alive tells the story of Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), two married vampires. They currently live apart, and Adam is suffering terribly from depression. Eve comes to visit him, and life gets better again for Adam, until Eve’s sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska) comes to visit un-invited. In fact, this is the whole plot line, when you actually sit and try to explain it, not an awful lot actually happens in this film!

Adam is a famous musician who lives in a flat, trying to keep himself to himself. He has just one friend, Chekov Ian (sorry) who is nothing but loyal and runs all sorts of errands for Adam, who he admires. Adam is extremely talented, but only leaves home to visit a dirty doctor to get a blood supply from him. It’s incredibly sad watching Tom Hiddleston play this character, I really felt the depression that Adam was suffering. His wife Eve couldn't be more different, she seems to find joy in everything around her. The contrast is clear enough on it’s own but it’s also reflected through their clothing. Adam is always in very dark outfits whereas Eve is normally wearing white.

Although I enjoyed Adam & Eve’s reunion, the story started to slow until Eve’s sister, Ava was introduced. She brought in a lot of noise to an otherwise quiet film, but she definitely needed a slap! As much as her character was unlikeable, I loved watching her and I’m really impressed with Mia Wasikowska as an actress. One thing I really loved about the film was the soundtrack, which fit perfectly. I had Adam’s song stuck in my head for hours after watching it, and I’m humming it to myself now as I type this.

I wasn’t certain how the film would end, I had a gut feeling that there wouldn’t be a conclusive finish but I wasn’t expecting the actual ending. It was quite simple in itself, but haunting when you really think about it. It was perfect, actually.

Only Lovers Left Alive is a film like nothing else I've seen before. It met my expectations and more, although I just wish there was a more detailed plot.

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)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

I had to check with Allie because I couldn't believe we hadn't reviewed Thor 2 when we both thought it was great.  So here it is:

Thor: The Dark World follows on from the events of Thor and Avengers Assemble, with Jane Foster on Earth and Thor back in Asgard preparing to take over the throne from his father.  However, on yet another one woman mission, Jane gets 'infected' by the one thing that can destroy the nine realms and has to be taken to Asgard to be saved and of course help to save the world and the nine realms. I hate it when that happens...one minute I'm shoe shopping, and the next, a planet of aliens is trying to destroy my home world. Such a nuisance!

Is it just me, or was there no real need for Natalie Portman's Jane in this movie?  Don't get me wrong as a romance fan, I like the idea that you get to see the development of her relationship with Thor, however I feel like the story had to be forced to include her character, when not really necessary.  This does not take anything away from the movie, which for me was great. 

That never occured to me actually but you have a point. On the whole romance thing I would have loved a Thor-Jane-Sif love triangle! 

I still love Chris Hemsworth as I did in the first film (mostly for his biceps) and his response to being on Earth (cracking scene with a coat rack - although I have read good points about this, in that the coat rack surely should have been ripped off the wall by the weight of the hammer) always makes me laugh.

As a sequel, I was all ready to be disappointed (as I usually am with sequels) and I wasn't even close and there is only one reason for this..... Loki!! Without saying a word, he stole every scene he was in with his witty one liners, genius facial expressions and brilliant timing he just made this film for me.  One word ... TA-DA!!! I think that's two. I put a dash in it to make it one ;-)

Somehow I just knew that the sequel would be better than the first. I really loved the first too - it's the first film I saw at the cinema twice in years. In The Dark World, it just feels like more is at risk, and the world is in greater danger than before, which makes all the action that little bit better.

The first half of the film was a little bit slow and I was a bit worried for a minute but as soon as Loki made his appearance and they were on their brotherly mission, all became well again. I still love Darcy played by Kat Dennings and her sarcasm and general normalcy in a film made up of Gods, elves and alternate realms.  

Tom Hiddleston was just born to play Loki, I couldn't image anyone who would be able to equal him in the role, let alone do it better. His chemistry with Chris Hemsworth is fantastic, and he just steals every scene he's in. In fact, Loki is so amazing that I named one of my cats after him. It doesn't get much better than that, folks.

A sequel that can live up to it's predecessor, should be watched for that reason alone.  This was a 7 but Loki makes it a solid 9!