100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 142: Snowpiercer

Director: Joon-ho Bong

Genre: Action/ Drama/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 126 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Ed Harris, Alison Pill, Luke Pasqualino, Ewen Bremner, Kang-ho Song, Ah-sung Ko, Tómas Lemarquis, Steve Park, Kenny Doughtry, Emma Levie

Description: Set in a future where a failed climate-change experiment kills all life on the planet except for a lucky few who boarded the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe, where a class system emerges.

Review: We are dealing with a change of climate and this problem is what sets of “Snowpiercer”. In an alternative 2014 the climate has changed drastically. The whole world has turned into an ice planet and the only survivors live in train, the Snowpiercer, that goes around the world endlessly.

There is a separation, where the rich people live in the front part of the train with of all the left over luxury. And the rest live a terrible life in the back of the train. History has thought us one thing: living in a society like this, never stays for all eternity. A lot of big-budget science fiction films have disappointed us

, but “Snowpiercer” proofs that the genre is still going strong. The director and his cast work very well together. Not all the characters have the right depth, but serve their roles well. Chris Evans does an amazing job and shows us the many varieties he has as an actor. And Octavia Spencer does a solid job too. Tilda Swinton, who is known for her weird characters, disappoints a bit. I found her character a bit too quirky for this movie.

The set design is excellent. The surrealistic atmosphere is beautifully made. And the storyline also does its job. It’s especially the decisions that were made for this story that are great. There is no romantic storyline and there is a strange intermission in a very brutal action scene. This is where “Snowpiercer” is different and original.

“Snowpiercer” is a great movie, and might become a classic in the sci-fi genre eventually.

Rating: 4/ 5

Monthly 4 - November 2014

The last day of november. I did and saw some great things.

 

 

1. Every year my mom and I go to Kreadoe. It’s a fair for everything that has to do with arts & crafts. Two big halls filled with stands with all sorts of hobby’s, it’s a dream world for every creative person.

2. I bought the DVD of “True Detective” season 1 for my brother’s birthday. He is a big fan and he kept raving about it. So he told me I had to watch it too. And I did. I finished it in two days! I was hooked immediately and Matthew McConaughey plays his best role ever. Great show.

3. After waiting an entire year, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” finally made it to the theatres. Me and my brother saw it on opening night. It is my least favorite of the series so far, but still very awesome!

4. My friend Irene is having her first baby and my other friend Evelien and I arranged a baby shower for her. She didn’t know about it. Irene was super surprised when she saw us all sitting there.

Movie Trailer Sunday (166)

Here are this weeks trailers.

Jurassic World

Description: Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park , Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly.

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Greer, Chris Pratt, Ty Simpkins, Jake Johnson, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D'Onofrio, BD Wong, Omar Sy, Katie McGrath, Lauren Lapkus, Andy Buckley

Trailer: Trailer "Jurassic World"

Comment: The nerd in me is really happy! I watched this trailer so many times already, this better be good!

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Description: A continuation of the saga created by George Lucas set thirty years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983).

Director: J.J. Abrams

Starring: Harrison Ford, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Max von Sydow, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Lupita Nyong'o, Crystal Clarke, Pip Anderson, Christina Chong, Miltos Yerolemou

Trailer: Trailer "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens"

Comment: I'm not a fan like many people, but still a geek alert here!!!

Unfinished Business

Description: A hard-working small business owner (Vince Vaughn) and his two associates (Tom Wilkinson, Dave Franco) travel to Europe to close the most important deal of their lives. But what began as a routine business trip goes off the rails in every imaginable – and unimaginable – way, including unplanned stops at a massive sex fetish event and a global economic summit.

Director: Steve Conrad

Starring: James Marsden, Tom Wilkinson, Sienna Miller, Nick Frost, Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco

Trailer: Trailer "Unfinished Business"

Comment: Great cast, I hope it's worth while.

Murder of a Cat

Description: A man investigates the murder of his cat.

Director: Gillian Greene

Starring: Nikki Reed, Greg Kinnear, Blythe Danner, Fran Kranz, J.K. Simmons

Trailer: Trailer "Murder of a Cat"

Comment: Looks like fun.

The Wedding Ringer

Description: Doug Harris (Josh Gad) is a loveable but socially awkward groom-to-be with a problem: he has no best man. With less than two weeks to go until he marries the girl of his dreams (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting), Doug is referred to Jimmy Callahan (Kevin Hart), owner and CEO of Best Man, Inc., a company that provides flattering best men for socially challenged guys in need. What ensues is a hilarious wedding charade as they try to pull off the big con, and an unexpected budding bromance between Doug and his fake best man Jimmy.

Director: Jeremy Garelick

Starring: Cloris Leachman, Jenifer Lewis, Kevin Hart, Olivia Thirlby, Mimi Rogers, Josh Gad, Ken Howard, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting

Trailer: Trailer "The Wedding Ringer"

Comment: It's supposed to be funny, but I think it's going to be bad.

Video of the Week (29)

I always like a funny cat video, like for instance this cute cat who aspires to become a DJ. So, DJ Cat.

 

 

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 141: The Guest

Director: Adam Wingard

Genre: Thriller

Runtime: 92 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Sheila Kelley, Leland Orser, Brendan Meyer, Lance Reddick

Description: A soldier (Dan Stevens) introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.

Review: I always find it very exciting to not know much about a movie before watching it. That’s how I went into watching “The Guest”. The movie starts with a soldier on family Peterson’s doorstep. He, David, tells the mother he knew her son who died in action. She invites him in and the family lets him stay for a little while longer. He seems like a nice man, but strange things start happening around town.

“The Guest” is a very strong action thriller. It’s daring and hearkens back to the same kind of movies from the 80's with its own modern touches. The soundtrack is amazing, it reminded me of “Drive”. And some of the music is also very similar to the ones John Carpenter used in his films.

Dan Stevens, who plays David, is the glue that binds this movie together. He exides vulnerability and charm that you just can’t help but like the guy and yet he still stains some sinister vibes underneath that smiling exterior. He knocks it out of the park. Also Maika Monroe turns in a strong performance.

This movie has great thriller elements, especially the last 30 minutes are worth watching. There is an amazing scene in a haunted house.

Like I said before, it’s always nice to start your movie experience before actually knowing anything about the movie, especially when it’s such a pleasant surprise. “The Guest” is a very good thriller. I’m afraid not many people will see it, which is a shame.

Rating: 5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Chefs

I really love to cook and I like trying new things. I have some awesome cookbooks. Sometimes I try their dishes. I know I will never be as good as them, but I love cooking for people. Here are my favourite chefs.

5. Maggie Beer

She reminds me of my mum: rustic and homemade food. It’s very clear she loves cooking and she puts that love in her food.

 

4. Heston Blumenthal

Heston Blumenthal is a more complicated cook, he uses cool techniques. But I just love his style. It’s a pleasure to watch him cook.

 

 

3. Matt Preston

Technically he’s not a chef, Matt Preston is a food critic. But he can also cook very well and I just love his books. His books I actually use the most, because his recipes are quick and easy with not too many ingredients.

 

 

2. Jamie Oliver

People say British people can’t cook. Well, that’s not true. Jamie Oliver’s food might not always look appealing, he always makes a bit of a mess, but it’s very tasty. And simple. I also love his book “Save with Jamie” which can make everyone a good home cook.

 

 

1. Nigella Lawson

I really think this is home cooking to the max. Nigella really is a domestic goddess. Her food is simple, though very elegant and really tasty. Her Italian cookbook was the first I ever cooked from and I was hooked. Nigella is a wonderful cook.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Curtis Stone, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran, Marco Pierre White, Annabel Langbein

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 140: Napoleon Dynamite

Director: Jared Hess

Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 92 minutes

Year: 2004

Starring: John Heder, Aaron Ruell, Jon Gries, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Diedrich Bader, Sandy Martin, Haylie Duff

Description: The listless and alienated teenager Napoleon (John Heder) decides to help his new friend Pedro (Efren Ramirez) win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home.

Review: When you think about nerds you often picture teenage boys with greasy hair, glasses, white socks and the wrong choice of clothes. In movies they are portrayed this stereotypical so they win over you sympathy. The main character, Napoleon Dynamite, is also a nerd. If we look at the previous characterizations, he checks all the boxes, but he’s not a complete stereotype. Napoleon is a big pain in the ass. That’s why “Napoleon Dynamite” isn’t a standard high school comedy.

“Napoleon Dynamite” is slow paced and you hardly see an actual story. But the movie is very entertaining and funny. The character of Napoleon is a breath of fresh air in the genre. And the retro eighties feel is perfect.

John Heder is great as Napoleon. With his weird look, the way he walks and his view on the world, he actually manages to create an almost iconic character. One you would recognize within seconds. I especially like Napoleon’s dance to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat”.

“Napoleon Dynamite” is an enjoyable movie. It has a lot of fans, who think this movie is genious. I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s a fun film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Favorites: Shaun of the Dead

Synopsis: Shaun (Simon Pegg) doesn't have a very good day, so he decides to turn his life around by getting his ex to take him back, but he times it for right in the middle of what may be a zombie apocalypse. But for him, it's an opportunity to show everyone he knows how useful he is by saving them all. All he has to do is survive. And get his ex back.

Unique Selling Point: This is the kind of comedy I like, a zom-com in fact. And with this movie we’re also introduced to an amazing trio: Wright, Pegg and Frost.

Most Valuable Player: Nick Frost as the numb nuts sidekick Ed, who doesn’t really do anything useful.

Best Moment: Whacking zombies while “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen is playing on the jukebox. “It’s on random”.

Pic Spam: Vera Farmiga

Vera Farmiga is an exceptional beauty, you can't see past her. I love her eyes. But above all she is a fabulous actress. Don't you just love her in "Bates Motel"? Here are some of her best pictures.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 139: Begin Again

Director: John Carney

Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 104 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, Hailee Steinfeld, Catherine Keener, Adam Levine, James Corden, Ceelo Green, Mos Def

Description: A chance encounter between disgraced music-business executive Dan (Mark Ruffalo) and the young singer-songwriter Greta (Keira Knightley) new to Manhattan turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents.

Review: In “Begin Again” we follow two music lovers who happen two run into each other. Greta followed her boyfriend Dave to New York. He is starting to break through as a pop star, but the fame gets to him and he dumps Greta. Record producer Dan’s life is a complete mess. He lives separate from his wife and hardly connects with his teenage daughter Violet. With that Dan also loses his job. One night Greta and Dan meet during open mic night and they decided to make an album together. Recorded in the most beautiful places in New York.

“Begin Again” brings together a famous actress who never sang, with a famous singer who hardly ever acts. Keira Knightley has a surprisingly good singing voice, fit perfectly for a modest singer-songwriter. Adam Levine, frontman of Maroon 5, has a very good voice and isn’t a bad actor either. It’s a bit of a risk for Levine to play a role that actually mocks singers who sell their soul for hits. And for Knightley it’s also a very huge step to start signing in a movie. The best role however is for Mark Ruffalo. His role might not be the most original, but Ruffalo is experienced enough to make it a memorable role. Dan is funny, pathetic and enthusiastic and you just hope the best for him.

Clearly present is the critique on the current music business. Stay authenic and let the music speak for itself. The result is in Dan and Greta’s album. With minimal resources they record an album on the streets of New York. It gives us some beautiful scenes and it shows us the power that music can have.

The film is filled with beautiful songs and it shows New York at its best. “Begin Again” is a delightful movie that puts a smile on your face. I loved it!

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 138: Pitch Perfect

Director: Jason Moore

Genre: Comedy/ Romance

Runtime: 106 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Skylar Astin, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Ben Platt, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins

Description: Beca (Anna Kendrick), a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.

Review: “Pitch Perfect” usefully plays in on the success of the TV show “Glee”, that also centers around an a-capella groups of students. The popularity is thanks to the catchy songs and the ‘underdog’ characters. In “Pitch Perfect” the characters are a bit older, but the tenet is the same. Throw in a bunch a quirky characters, mix modern songs and a little bit of romance and everyone will be singing and swinging. The makers of the film never seem to know if they should parody or praise the a-capella groups though.

As a comedy the movie is pretty good. Rebel Wilson shows us that, in every scene she steals the thunder and I love her self-mockery. The movie is sometimes a bit predictable, but somehow it doesn’t bother me that much here. Even the cheesy boy-meets-girl storyline puts a smile on your face.

The lead role is played by Anna Kendrick, who we know from “Up in the Air”. The character of Beca fits her and she also has an incredible singing voice. I really liked her in “Pitch Perfect”. Together with the ever so charming Skylar Astin, she forms a great duo.

“Pitch Perfect” is a pleasant film, filled with catchy tunes. Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson are the big plusses. If you like “Glee” you’re going to love “Pitch Perfect”. If you don’t, you better skip it.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 137: Abduction

Director: John Singleton

Genre: Drama/ Action

Runtime: 100 minutes

Year: 2011

Starring: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Sigourney Weaver, Maria Bello, Jason Isaacs

Description: A thriller centered on a young man who sets out to uncover the truth about his life after finding his baby photo on a missing persons website.

Review: Taylor Lautner is known for his role as Jacob in the “Twilight” series. His fans get it all with “Abduction”, where we see Lautner shirtless, driving a motorcycle and joyrides on front of a car. Lautner’s character Nathan is a bit of a bad boy, but he also gets nervous whenever he’s around the pretty Karen.

While working on a project for school, Nathan finds a picture of a missing boy who looks like him. When he eventually finds evidence of that boy actually being him, him confronts his parents with it. From that moment on his life is flipped upside down, when he and Karen have to run from the CIA.

“Abduction” is directed by John Singleton, the man who also gave us “Boyz ‘n the Hood”. This movie never reaches that same standard, but the audience he’s targeting might like it. Youngsters who don’t really know that there are hundreds of movies in the genre that are way better than this. The plot is somewhat okay and not always predictable, but the dialogues are just awful.

The acting is just average and sometimes just really bad. Sigourney Weaver, Alfred Molina, Jason Isaacs and Maria Bello do a solid job, but their roles are minor. Taylor Lautner has to carry this film and he is just too inexperienced for that. And Lily Collins, as Karen, is just terrible.

For fans of Taylor Lautner “Abduction” is a treat, but for the real movie fans it’s another bad action movie. The plot could have given us more and it simply isn’t exciting enough.

Rating: 1,5/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (165)

Here are this weeks trailers.

The Age of Adaline

Description: After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever.

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Starring: Harrison Ford, Blake Lively, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker, Amanda Crew, Michiel Huisman

Trailer: Trailer "The Age of Adaline" br /> Comment: Michiel Huisman is a Dutch actor, fun to see him in this film.

Cinderella

Description: Young Ellas (Lily James) merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella's father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes of once again encountering the charming "Kit." Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella's life forever.

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, Stellan Skarsgård, Derek Jacobi, Nonso Anozie, Holliday Grainger, Lily James, Richard Madden, Sophie McShera

Trailer: Trailer "Cinderella"

Comment: A Disney tale coming to life....

The Peanuts Movie

Description: Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace! – embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home.

Director: Steve Martino

Starring: -

Trailer: Trailer "The Peanuts Movie"

Comment: Snoopy is adorable!

Pitch Perfect 2

Description: Collegiate a cappella group the Barden Bellas enter into an international competition that no American team has ever won.

Director: Elizabeth Banks

Starring: Brittany Snow, Anna Kendrick, Katey Sagal, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine, Hailee Steinfeld, Ester Dean, Kelley Jakle, Hana Mae Lee

Trailer: Trailer "Pitch Perfect 2"

Comment: Never saw the first movie.... yet.

Danny Collins

Description: Aging rock star Danny Collins (Al Pacino) decides to change his life when he discovers a 40-year old letter written to him by John Lennon.

Director: Dan Fogelman

Starring: Al Pacino, Annette Being, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale, Christopher Plummer, Josh Peck

Trailer: Trailer "Danny Collins"

Comment: It's about time All Pacino returned in a movie that wasn't ridiculous to begin with.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 136: Flight

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 138 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Don Cheadle, Bruce Greenwood, John Goodman

Description: Airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) saves almost all his passengers on his malfunctioning airliner which eventually crashed, but an investigation into the accident reveals something troubling.

Review: Director Robert Zemeckis has already earned his Hollywood status. Movies like “Back to the Future”, “Forrest Gump” and “Cast Away” are on his résumé, so we know what he’s capable of. With Denzel Washington in the lead role, “Flight” seems to be a guarantee for success.

The start of the film is amazing. Whip Whitaker is an experienced pilot with a big problem. He’s an alcoholic. Days in a row he has been flying to and from Atlanta and in between flights he spends his time in bed with his gorgeous stewardess, a bottle of gin and some coke. A couple of hours later he gets in the plane, still drunk. When his plane suffers a malfunction, his confidence and his qualities manage to avoid a major catastrophe. Whip is seen as a national hero, but some dark secrets are revealed.

The first fourty minutes of the film are engrossing and exciting, also thanks to Denzel Washington’s great acting. Even with his irresponsible behavior, he manages to win over your sympathy. However “Flight” isn’t a disaster movie, but a character study with a big moral. That moral is sort of forced on you more and more towards the end of the movie. That’s what this movie misses: cogency. When Whip meets former junkie Nicole and a dying cancer patient, the movie gets a depressed feel. Only John Goodman, who plays Whip’s drugdealer, manages to keep it a bit lighter.

“Flight” stays on its feet though, because the acting is very good and Zemeckis manages to keep the audience’s attention. Denzel Washington’s performance is better and more memorable then the movie itself.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 135: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Director: Frances Lawrence

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 123 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Natalie Dormer, Sam Claflin, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland

Description: When Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin (Julianne Moore) who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) from the Capitol.

Review: In this franchise they choose to split up the last book into two movies. Mostly for financial reasons, but for fans one extra movie to enjoy the adventures of Katniss Everdeen. For people who read the books, it’s great to see the buildup, for neutral viewers it might by a bit unsatisfying.

Katniss Everdeen has survived her second time in the games and sees that her previous enemies turn out to be her allies. They wanted to free her so they could rebel against the capitol. District 12, Katniss’ home front, has been destroyed and Peeta has been heald captive by the enemy. Because the movie is in two parts, everything has been stretched a bit.

They take the time to show the audience what the impact of the events in the previous film is. Katniss is heavily traumatized, an underground defiance wants her as the face of the revolution. She doesn’t want it at first, but after her visit to Distruct 12 she wants to find a way to protect her loved ones. Katniss’ personal development is very interesting to see in this film.

Jennifer Lawrence is again great as Katniss. You feel her pain and agony. A great new addition is Julianne Moore as Alma Coin. A perfect choice for the role. Elizabeth Banks portrayed Effie Trinkett again, this time in a different way. Maybe my favorite version of Effie.

The movie doesn’t contain any actual Hunger Games. It isn’t as action packed as the other two movies and the pace is a lot slower. That never means it’s dull, because time still flies while watching it. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” is a fantastic film, that will especially please the fans and the people that know the books very well. I think this movie will eventually be more appreciated when part two comes out.

Rating: 4/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: TV Detectives

I always like a good detective story. I like the mystery, the unknown and how it all unravels eventually. TV has brought us many great detectives and here are my favourites (and I’m not counting “CSI” because they are technically not detectives).

5. Fox Mulder (“The X-File”)

Cases of the paranormal. I always liked how Mulder did his job. He was the believer and his partner Dana Scully was a skeptic.

 

4. Sonny Crockett (“Miami Vice”)

In a sun-dappled '80s fantasy Miami where even the walls of the police station were painted neon, Sonny Crockett in impeccable clothes drove fast cars and sleek boats, going deep undercover each week in drug gangs, terrorist cells, and prostitution rings.

 

3. Olivia Benson (“Law and Order: SVU”)

This world is basically ruled by men, by Olivia Benson easily keeps with them. She channels her inner demons into an ongoing struggle to avenge the innocent.

 

2. Rust Cohle (“True Detective”)

You might as well call him Rust Cool. Far out the coolest detective ever. Although he’s a bit unconventional, it’s really hard not to like this guy.

 

1. Sherlock Holmes (“Sherlock”)

No one solves a murder mystery like Sherlock Holmes. If we could only see how this man thinks and how his brain works. I think no one will ever understand Sherlock Holmes fully.

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Magnum (“Magnum P.I.”), Jesscia Tandy (“Murder She Wrote”), Vic Mackey (“The Shield”)

Video of the Week (28)

Dolphins are smart animals. This girl actually found a way to make a dolphin laugh. It's heartwarming and adorable.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 134: The Expendables 2

Director: Simon West

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Runtime: 102 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Liam Hemsworth, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, terry Crews, Jean-Claude van Damme, Chuck Norris, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture

Description: Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.

Review: The first movie, “The Expendables” from 2010, was a disappointment for many people. At least for a movie with almost every big action star in Hollywood, fans were expecting a great action no-brainer. I found it highly enjoyable and I was happy to see a sequel.

The stars from the first film are all present. Barney Ross and his companions are send to Eastern Europe to intercept a safe with classified information in it. This simple operation fails and it falls into the wrong hands.

There isn’t anything more to say about the story. From the start of the film, action is all over the place. It’s badass and non-stop entertainment. It’s great to see the old tough guys show their muscles. The movie is filled with humor, shoot outs and explosions. “The Expendables 2” stays fun and especially the combination of action and wit is great. And some cheesy one-liners, (please don’t take them too seriously) are present as well. It’s clear that all the actors enjoyed making this movie.

The story is bad and some scenes are a bit odd. And dialogues with more than five sentences are hard to find. Why is this movie so much fun? It’s an adrenaline rush, pure action from beginning ‘till end. It’s exactly what you would expect from a movie like “The Expendables 2”, so no disappointments.

I don’t feel guilty liking this second movie. It’s very entertaining and a guarantee for a great movie night.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 133: Oldboy

Director: Spike Lee

Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Action

Runtime: 104 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, Max Casella

Description: Obsessed with vengeance, Joe Doucett (Josh Brolin) sets out to find out why he was kidnapped and locked into solitary confinement for twenty years without reason.

Review: In the same year that South Korean director Chan-Wook Park makes his Hollywood debut with the movie “Stoker”, the remake to his successful “Oldeuboi” is released. Spike Lee got the tough task to direct this movie. It’s 1993. Joe Doucett is divorced and an alcoholic. The more you get to know Joe, the more you dislike him. He’s all arrogance and he doesn’t have time for his young daughter. To make a long story short: he’s an asshole.

After he blew a meeting with an important client, he decides to get drunk. The next day he wakes up in a strange motel room. A room that he can’t get out of and he will be held captive for twenty years. When he is finally released, his journey to find out who and why starts.

“Oldeuboi” is a modern classic and people where skeptic about the American version. According to Spike Lee, this is his interpretation of the original. “Oldboy” is in general the same as its original, but Lee did change things here and there. Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen show they were the right choices for the lead roles. Sharlto Copley, known for his excellent roles in “District 9” and “Elysium”, disappoints. His antagonist role is a bit cartoonish.

It also bothered me a bit that in “Oldboy” there are more questions asked then answered. The moment where Joe meets the man responsible for his captivity, the plot collapses.

It’s not a bad remake, something the fans where afraid of. It’s probably not to their liking, but for the neutral viewer it’s an okay thriller. Not one of Spike Lee’s best movies, but very accessible.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (164)

Here are this weeks trailers.

Song One

Description: After her musician brother Henry ( BenRosenfield) is injured and hospitalized in a coma following a car accident, Franny (Anne Hathaway) returns home after a long estrangement and begins to use his notebook as a guide to how his life has evolved in her absence. Franny seeks out the musicians and artists Henry loved, in the course of her journey meeting James Forester (Johnny Flynn), his musical idol, whose success and fame belie a shy and private man. As a strong romantic connection develops between Franny and James, the question becomes if love can bloom even under the most adverse circumstances.

Director: Kate Barker-Froyland

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Johnny Flynn, Mary Steenburgen, Ben Rosenfield, Li Jun Li, Stefano Villabona

Trailer: Trailer "Song One"

Comment: Not an Anne Hathaway fan, but this movie looks nice.

The Cobbler

Description: Max Simkin (Adam Sandler) repairs shoes in the same New York shop that has been in his family for generations. Disenchanted with the grind of daily life, Max stumbles upon a magical heirloom that allows him to step into the lives of his customers and see the world in a new way. Sometimes walking in another man's shoes is the only way one can discover who they really are.

Director: Tom McCarthy

Starring: Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Ellen Barkin, Melonie Diaz, Dan Stevens

Trailer: Trailer "The Cobbler"

Comment: Typical Sandler.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

Description: Paul Blart (Kevin James) heads to Las Vegas to attend a Security Guard Expo with his teenage daughter Maya (Raini Rodriguez) before she departs for college. While at the convention, he inadvertently discovers a heist, and it's up to Blart to apprehend the criminals.

Director: Andy Fickman

Starring: Kevin James, Molly Shannon, David Henrie, Eduardo Verastegui, Nicholas Turturro, Gary Valentine,Neal McDonough

Trailer: Trailer "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2"

Comment: I actually found the first one pretty funny. Not sure about the sequel though.

Escobar: Paradise Lost

Description: Young surfer Nick (Josh Hutcherson) thinks all his dreams have come true when he goes to visit his brother in Columbia. Against an idyllic backdrop of blue lagoons and white beaches, he falls madly in love with Maria (CLaudia Traisac) a beautiful Colombian girl. Everything seems perfect until he meets her uncle, Pablo Escobar (Benicio Del Toro).

Director: Andrea Di Stefano

Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Josh Hutcherson, Brady Corbet, Claudia Traisac

Trailer: Trailer "Escobar: Paradise Lost"

Comment: Del Toro is one of my favorites.

Against the Sun

Description: WWII pilot, bombardier, and radioman find themselves adrift on a lifeboat without food or water after being forced to ditch their plane during a scouting mission.

Director: Brian Falk

Starring: Tom Felton, Jake Able, Garret Dillahunt

Trailer: Trailer "Against the Sun"

Comment: I'm somewhat excited by this trailer.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 132: Soof

Director: Antoinette Beumer

Genre: Romance/ Comedy

Runtime: 100 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Lies Visschendijk, Fedje van Huêt, Dan Karaty, Lobke de Boer, Chantal Janzen, Anneke Blok, Alex Klaasen, George van Houts, Maryam Hassouni, Dick van den Toorn, Sanne Wallis de Vries, Eva Laurenssen

Description: Soof (Lies Visschendijk) is reaching 40 and has everything she ever wanted: three children, a small catering business, a sweet husband Kasper (Fedja van Huêt) and a lovely home. Until she starts asking herself: 'is this all there is'?

Review: The life of an average housewife isn’t all that simple, proofs director Antoinette Beumer with her romantic comedy “Soof”. Together with her husband Kasper and her three kids, Soof lives the perfect little family life. Kasper brings in the money and Soof is mostly busy with the kids. All this chaos makes it almost impossible for Soof the get her catering company of the ground. One day the couple decides to change something. Kasper takes some time off from work and Soof will be the main breadwinner. Her career as a caterer gets a boost after meeting the handsome choreographer Jim, but that also puts her relationship with Kasper in danger.

Actress Lies Visschendijk is most known for her role in the Dutch TV show “Gooische Vrouwen”. Giving her the lead is the perfect decision. Together with Fedja van Huêt, who plays her husband, she makes this film fun to watch. The supporting actors sadly don’t have that flair, especially Dan Karaty isn’t a very good actor. With that the movie misses a very tight storyline, which gives it some loose ends here and there.

If you look at the complete picture, “Soof” is an enjoyable fun for a night with the girls and it gives you a good feeling. Because sometimes the stress of the day has to be put aside to have eye for everyday beauty.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Battle: Adventureland Vs. The Way Way Back

Both movies I really loved the first time I watched them. They are both coming of age movies, centering around a guy who just tries to feel normal and start a job at a park. “Adventureland” Vs. “The Way Way Back”

 

 

CAST

Adventureland: The leading part is for the easy likeable Jesse Eisenberg. His love interest is played by Kristen Stewart and the really funny roles are for Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Ryan Reynolds also has a role.

The Way Way Back: Relatively unknown Liam Jones plays the leading role. His mother is portrayed by Toni Collette and his douche of a stepdad is played by Steve Carell. A great role by the way. Sam Rockwell plays my favourite character in the movie, it’s impossible to not like this guy. Also a fun roles for Allison Janney and Maya Rudolph, and AnnaSophie Robb plays the love interest.

STORY

Adventureland: It’s set in 1987. Eisenberg plays college graduate James Brennan who takes a ‘nowhere’ job at his local amusement park. He thinks it’s the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.

The Way Way Back: Duncan is a shy guy, who goes on vacation with his mom, mom’s new boyfriend and the boyfriend’s daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds just the place. He starts working at the local Water Park, where he finds an unexpected friend in manager Owen.

EFFECTS

Adventureland: The movie has a cool 80’s vibe, due to the clothes, music and surroundings.

The Way Way Back: It’s mostly about the characters and the story here. You do get a summer feeling while watching the movie.

WINNER

“The Way Way Back”. It’s such a good film, I can’t fault it. It’s a guarantee to make you feel better and gives you an instant smile.

Video of the Week (27)

Jimmy Fallon Always puts a smile on my face. And his item "Box of Lies" is super funny. Here he is with Cahnning Tatum.

 

 

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 1989

The 80s were about to end, but not without leaving us some amazing movies. The year 1989 had some great ones. Here are my favorites.

5. Born on the 4th of July

In my opinion one of the best, if not THE best movie with Tom Cruise. An amazing true story of a man paralyzed by the war and trying to pick up his life again.

 

4. Field of Dreams

Kevin Costner portraying a baseball player again, after his role as Crash Davis in “Bull Durham”. “Field of Dreams” is better and it’s beautiful. I have to watch it again sometime.

 

 

3. Back to the Future Part II

Off course the first movie in this series was amazing, but “Back to the Future Part II” was great too. Things like the hoover board and that book with all the sports results, cool things to have.

 

 

2. When Harry met Sally…

One of my favourite romantic comedies, where you didn’t mind any clichés. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have fantastic chemistry. And who doesn’t remember that scene in the diner.

 

 

1. The ‘Burbs

Many people would think it’s weird to find this movie at number one. It’s probably not the best movie of 1989, but without a doubt the funniest and with that it’s one of the funniest movies ever! My brother and I love this comedy.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Batman, Dead Poet’s Society, Do the Right Thing, Glory, Say Anything…