Movie Review - Deadpool & Wolverine

Director: Shawn Levy
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Science Fiction/ Adventure
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Morena Baccarin
 
Description: Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is offered a place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by the Time Variance Authority, but instead recruits a variant of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to save his universe from extinction.

Review: The previous two “Deadpool” movies were not only refreshing because they had their own sense of humor and took down the fourth wall, but also because they were just another superhero movie with small-scale goals that could be achieved without taking down entire cities. The third film has a grander plot, but it was everything I could ever wish for.

Ever since the first “Deadpool”, Ryan Reynolds didn’t exactly hide the fact that his original portrayal of the title sucked. Therefore, they simply pretended that “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” never happened. That successful method is exploited in part three for a dignified farewell to 20^th Century Fox’s remaining superheroes.

So count on a lot of familiar faces. Hugh Jackman alone as Wolverine is a big gain, since he indicated he would not reprise his role after “Logan”. But it’s understandable that the script convinced him to make one more appearance.

This all is done entirely in Deadpool-style. You would expect that meta-trick to get boring by now, but it’s not. And you would think you’d know the typical humor by now, but the jokes are still strong and  original enough to make you laugh out loud. Even after the credit role, there is an extremely effective joke that you don’t see coming. And the soundtrack again is very well chosen.

You can’t just go see “Deadpool & Wolverine” without having any knowledge of the previous films and you do need to be familiar with the Marvel films in general. Even outside the MCU, because there is a lot of pop culture reference and many characters from the Marvel universe pass by. It’s not as enjoyable if you have no clue who they are.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is such a joy. It’s clever, entertaining, hilarious, action-packed, bloody, raunchy and just a whole bunch of fun. Porn for the real Marvel fans.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Pride & Prejudice

Director: Joe Wright
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Keira Knightley Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Tom Hollander, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Judi Dench, Rupert Friend, Carey Mulligan, Kelly Reilly, Talulah Riley, Penelope Wilton

Description: Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?

Review: After the 1940 version with Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson and the successful mini-series from 1995 with Colin Firth, this is the newest incarnation of Jane Austen’s literary classic “Pride & Prejudice”.

Keira Knightley, as Elizabeth Bennet, plays her biggest role to date. She is the point of your attention and Knightley shows us she can handle the pressure. Especially in the more dramatic scenes she stands strong, even if she shares the screen with the experienced Judi Dench.

The chemistry between Keira Knightley and her on-screen Mr. Darcy, portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen, is great. Every time the two get closer, you feel butterflies in your stomach. Just a look or response is enough to know what they feel.

Both Knightley and Macfadyen are perfectly cast in their roles, but Rosamund Pike also did a wonderful job. She shines and this is the movie I discovered her in. Judi Dench plays her role as arrogant and respectable Lady Catherine very well, like we expect from her. Tom Hollander as the typical Mr. Collins, is responsible for a more humoristic touch. His character is incapable of saying anything spontaneous, which is especially funny when he has to share some more emotional matters. Then there is Brenda Blethyn as the neurotic Bennet mother, who wants only one thing: her daughters to be married with a preferable wealthy and good looking man.

The camerawork is impeccable and the music fits the style and time period of the film perfectly.
As a fan of the novel, I’m very pleased with this movie version of “Pride & Prejudice”. You might call me a hopeless romantic, but it’s one of my favorite films of all-time.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Assistant

Director: Kitty Green
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Julia Garner, Owen Holland, Jon Orsini, Rory Kulz, Migs Govea, Daoud Heidami, Ben Maters, Matthew Macfadyen, Patrick Wilson, Calara Wong, Noah Robbins, Tony Torn, Dagmara Dominczyk, Alexander Chaplin, Bregje Heinen, Devon Caraway, Genny Lis Padilla, James C.B. Gray, Sophie Knapp, Hunter Hojnowski

Description: A searing look at a day in the life of an assistant (Julia Garner) to a powerful executive. As Jane follows her daily routine, she grows increasingly aware of the insidious abuse that threatens every aspect of her position.  

Review: “The Assistant” works best when you go into it as blindly as possible. Not because of big plot twists, but simple because the film only reveals what it’s about bit by bit. However, since it is quite difficult to review a film without being able to elaborate on something, reading the rest of this review is at your own risk. Thematically, the film revolves around the clogged system that resulted in numerous “MeToo outbursts in 2017, which comes as a surprise to both the viewer and the protagonist. Indeed, hints are not exactly sprinkled throughout, although the story does revolve around the details.
The film covers a full work day of a young woman working in a New York office building, where she is the first to arrive and will eventually be the last to leave. Not an unusual day for her. When she asks a co-worker how his weekend was, he asks her the same question. Her answer, “I was here”. Clearly, her work does not allow her a private life. However, the work she does is simple something her superiors feel to good for: from arranging cabs and ordering lunch to doing the dishes and preparing bottles of water for a meeting. All sorts of thankless work for which she is actually overqualified.
Between her activities it gradually becomes clear that she works for a large film company, as an assistant to a powerful film producer. This comes as a surprise, because visually there is nothing to indicate that. The office building shows no trace od the glitz and glamour that we associate with the film industry. There is not even a movie poster on the wall. If Hollywood is the show window of the film industry, then this chilly workplace is the warehouse. The snippets of conversations she overhears are thus not about the creative aspect of the film world, but purely about the business side: markets, contracts and reports. Her job as an assistant is a first step toward a career as a film producer, but it seems that her work is not so much a test of ability as a test of her loyalty.
Remarkably, in carrying out her daily activity, she has virtually no contact with her boss. The man in question is never seen on screen. He is only referred to with ‘he’ and ‘him’. Everyone on the work floor knows who is meant by that. All sorts of things are expected of Jane at work, but perhaps most important is that she is as invisible as possible. So she is quite surprised when in the middle of the day a girl suddenly reports as the new assistant. A strikingly young and attractive girl with no relevant work experience. Add to that the fact that Jane earlier in the office of her boss, found an earring and it suddenly begins to dawn on us what kind of man her boss is. All of this comes together wonderfully in a scene where the assistant wants to blow the whistle on an HR manager. Right at the start of the conversation, the man reassures her, “whatever it is, you can tell me.” And she does, but nothing she says makes an impression on him, after which the conversation soon becomes not about her boss but about herself. It is constantly clear which of the two has the reigns in this conversation. During her long working days, there is never any sign of thanks or appreciation from her co-workers. But at the end of this conversation, she is the one who thanks her interlocutor. For what exactly? Probably out of nothing but simple politeness, which shows that she still has a long way to go in the film industry.
In an earlier scene, we see Jane on the phone speaking to her boss’s complaining wife. The little she says in the process is enough for her to then be scolded by her boss over the phone. In response, she starts writing an apology e-mail, whereupon a co-worker immediately tells her what should be in it. Apparently he knows the drill. He also asks her if she is okay after the telephone tirade, but the question does not seem to come from a genuine interest. He only offers her the opportunity to confirm out loud that nothing is wrong, which she does immediately. Nothing to worry about: the mantra of both power abusers and look-aways.
“The Assistant” is a small film, but because of its realistic portrayal it really makes a great impression.

Rating: 5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 86: Death at a Funeral

Director: Frank Oz

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 90 minutes

Year: 2007

Starring: Matthew MacFadyen, Rupert Graves, Alan Tudyk, Daisy Donovan, Kris Marshall, Andy Nyman, Jane Asher, Peter Dinklage, Keeley Hawes, Peter Vaughan, Ewen Bremner, Thomas Wheatley, Peter Egen, Jeremy Booth, Angela Booth, Angela Curran, Kelly Eastwood, Gareth Milne, Brendan O’Hea

Description: Chaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family.

Review: “Death at a Funeral” is a comedy about a funeral where nothing goes according to plan. When the casket is brought to the elderly house the oldest son Daniel opens it and says: “Who’s that”? Them bringing the wrong casket is only the beginning of all the mayhem. The film is about taking responsibility. Not for yourself, but also for the people around you. Not that the main characters do that. Dad did. That’s why everyone is sad about his passing. But dad also had some secrets.

The power of the film is the script and the good ensemble cast. One by one the characters are introduced. Invalid uncle Alfie, the successful writer brother, and the other brother that wants to become a successful writer, the mom that hates her daughter in law, the hypochondriac best friend, the stoner. And then there is that little man that no one knows. What is he doing at the funeral? All this makes it to a fun, dark and enjoyable comedy.

Best roles are for Ewen Bremner, who once had a one night stand with one of the relatives. And also Alan Tudyk, who accidentally used a drug. Together with the rest of the cast, it’s a great film for a broad audience.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 29: The Three Musketeers

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Milla Jovovich, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Juno Temple, Logan Lerman, Mads Mikkelsen, Til Schweiger

Description: The hot-headed young D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) along with three former legendary but now down on their luck Musketeers (Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans) must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war.

Review: There are some stories that have been made into films quite too many times. “The Three Musketeers” is one of them. Paul W.S. Anderson tried to give the classical tale a new life, but he didn’t manage that completely. The director does do what you would expect from him: not a very clever film with a lot of action.
It’s almost impossible to ruin the story about D’Artagnan, who looks up to the three undefeatable musketeers Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Each with their own distinctive trades. The book is filled with action, humoristic incidents, espionage, romance and intrigue. Anderson simplifies everything, while the book is a perfect script for a good adventure film. And the characters don’t get the depth they deserve, because I think they were cast very well and they all try their very best. Logan Lerman knows how to be D’Artagnan. Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson and Luke Evans don’t even get the chance to act and portray the most important characters of the story. I think the focus is more on Milady the Winter, who is played by Milla Jovovich. And Christoph Waltz, as villain Richelieu, is seriously underused. If you can get an actor like Waltz, you should give him something to do.
The movie is a visual treat. Great special effects, beautiful settings and gorgeous costumes. The movie was filmed in 3D and I can understand that some parts of the movie look a bit better with this addition. I also liked the idea of the map.
“The Three Musketeers” is a bit of a mess, but it was very entertaining. The end scene suggests a sequel, but I don’t think that should happen.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

Movie Moments: "Pride & Prejudice"

This film is based on my favorite novel, written by Jane Austen. Sometimes I wished I could step into this time and experience Elizabeth Bennet's life. Here are my favorite moments from "Pride & Prejudice".

Moment # 1: The ball
The whole Bennet family is going to a ball where they meet Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Jane gets the attention of Mr. Bingley pretty soon, when Elizabeth tries to talk to his friend Mr. Darcy. When she asks him if he dances, he answers: “Not if I can help it”. Later Elizabeth overhears a conversation between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, where Bingley is stating his affection for Jane. When he tells Mr. Darcy that Elizabeth is also a beautiful woman, Mr. Darcy says she’s barely tolerable.

Moment # 2: Discussing Mr. Bingley
After the ball, Jane and Elizabeth are in bed under the covers talking about Mr. Bingley. If he really liked Jane or not. Elizabeth is glad that she never has to see Mr. Darcy again.

Moment # 3: Mr. Darcy gives Elizabeth a hand
When Jane is visiting Mr. Bingley’s sister, she has to stay in bed al day because she’s ill. Elizabeth, and later Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth’s three younger sisters, visit Jane. When they leave Netherfield, Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth in the carriage, which surprises her. When Mr. Darcy walks away he stretches the hand he offered her.

Moment # 4: Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy dance
At Mr. Bingley’s ball, Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance. She can’t believe she agreed to it. While dancing they start talking and when they stop talking, they dance as if they are the only two people in the room.

Moment # 5: Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth
The Bennet family is having breakfast when Mr. Collins is trying to get their attention. He wants to speak with Elizabeth alone. He asks her to marry him, but Elizabeth declines. Mrs. Bennet is mad at Elizabeth and wants Mr. Bennet to convince her to marry Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet doesn’t want Elizabeth to marry him and Mrs. Bennet thinks she’s ungrateful.

Moment # 6: Mr. Darcy visits Elizabeth
Elizabeth is staying with her friend Charlotte and her new husband Mr. Collins. When they are out of town, Elizabeth is visited by Mr. Darcy. Not with a purpose, because he seems pretty uneasy and nervous. When he leaves very soon after arriving, Charlotte asks Elizabeth what she did to poor Mr. Darcy,

Moment #7: I love you
Elizabeth hears stories about Mr. Darcy and she runs away. In the pouring rain Mr. Darcy follows her. He tells Elizabeth that she’s the only reason he came, that he loves her and wants to marry her. Elizabeth says no because Mr. Darcy was the reason for Mr. Bingley not proposing to Jane yet.

Moment # 8: Elizabeth visits Mr. Darcy’s house
While traveling with her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth visit Mr. Darcy’s house. When they see a bust of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth can’t help but stare at it and admitting he’s a very handsome man. Not much later she sees Mr. Darcy and his sister Georgiana.

Moment # 9: Mr. Bingley proposes to Jane
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy visit the Bennet family. Jane is hoping for a reunion, but both men leave very quickly. Not soon after they leave, Mr. Bingley returns requesting to speak with Jane privately. He asks her to marry her and Jane says a thousand times yes.

Moment # 10: You’ve bewitched me
After a tumultuous night, Elizabeth goes outside. In the breaking dawn she sees Mr. Darcy walking towards her. He tell Elizabeth that everything he did, he did for her. And then quote: “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on”. He kisses Mr. Darcy’s hand and the lean into each other.

Moment # 11: Elizabeth loves Mr. Darcy
Elizabeth is waiting for Mr. Darcy outside of Mr. Bennet’s office. When he leaves the room, Elizabeth enters and while closing the door he smiles at her and she looks at him. Mr. Bennet doesn’t understand why she wants to marry Mr. Darcy, because he thought she didn’t like him. Elizabeth says that she loves him and that they are very much alike. Mr. Bennet gives his blessing and is very happy to see Elizabeth like this.

Moment # 12: Mrs. Darcy (U.S. version only)
A dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy: How are you this evening, my dear?
Elizabeth Bennet: Very well... although I wish you would not call me "my dear."
Mr. Darcy: [chuckles] Why?
Elizabeth Bennet: Because it's what my father always calls my mother when he's cross about something.
Mr. Darcy: What endearments am I allowed?
Elizabeth Bennet: Well let me think..."Lizzie" for every day, "My Pearl" for Sundays, and..."Goddess Divine"... but only on very special occasions.
Mr. Darcy: And... what should I call you when I am cross? Mrs. Darcy...?
Elizabeth Bennet: No! No. You may only call me "Mrs. Darcy"... when you are completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy.
Mr. Darcy: [he snickers] Then how are you this evening... Mrs. Darcy?
[kisses her on the forehead]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the right cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the nose]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the left cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[finally kisses her on the mouth]

Favorite Moment: Moment # 10: You've bewitched me

In the Picture: The Characters from "Pride & Prejudice"

"Pride & Prejudice", written by Jane Austen, is my favorite books and the 2005 version is also one of my favorite movies. There are so many great characters in this film, that I had to bring them up in this item.

Elizabeth Bennet
Played by: Keira Knightley
Elizabeth is the heroine of the story. She is very intelligent and witty and she thinks she's meant for something more then just marry a man and become like her mother. Elizabeth is convinced that she should never marry unless she feels compelled to do so by true love.

Mr. Darcy
Played by: Matthew Macfadyen
Mr. Darcy is a wealthy, reserved and intelligent man. He is a very proud man and slights Elizabeth before falling in love with her. To strangers he can look a bit arrogant.

Jane Bennet
Played by: Rosamund Pike
Jane is the eldest of the Bennet sisters and the one considered the most beautiful. She is very reserved, gentle and doesn't like to show her emotions. Jane likes to only see the good in people.

Mary Bennet
Played by: Talulah Riley
Mary is the third sister, loves reading and is a very shy girl. She hates being compared to her sisters and doesn't care for anything they care for. She hates balls and is very unsure about her appearance. Mary likes to impress others with her schoolwork and limited musical skills

Catherine "Kitty" Bennet
Played by: Carey Mulligan
Kitty is the fourth in the line of Bennet sisters. She generally follows the leads of her younger sister Lydia and is also much like her.

Lydia Bennet
Played by: Jena Malone
Lydia is the youngest sister and extremely naive. She is flirtatious, obstinate and reckless. She actually does want to marry a rich man someday and is the first Bennet sister that does.

Mr. Bennet
Played: Donald Sutherland
Mr. Bennet is a true gentleman, the father of five daughters and husband to a hysterical wife. He does want his daughters to be happy with a man someday, but believes what Elizabeth believes: there needs to be love involved. Mr. Bennet is especially very close with his two eldest daughters.

Mrs. Bennet
Played by: Brenda Blethyn
Mrs. Bennet has only one wish for her daughters: that they marry a preferably wealthy man, as soon as possible. She has high hopes for Jane and doesn't understand Elizabeth when she declined a proposal from Mr. Collins, a man Elizabeth simply didn't care for.

Charlotte Lucas
Played by: Claudie Blakly
Charlotte is Elizabeth's closest friend. She ends up marrying Mr. Collins instead, something that Elizabeth doesn't understand. Charlotte doesn't have the beauty of the Bennet sisters and just has to settle for anything less that comes by. She prefers having a home and security.

Charles Bingley
Played by: Simon Woods
Charles is a young, wealthy man and a very close friend of Mr. Darcy. Charles doesn't hide his feelings and shows his affection to Jane Bennet. He is a kind and good hearted man and truly loves Jane.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Played by: Judy Dench
Lady Catherine is Mr. Darcy's aunt and patroness of Mr. Collins. She is dominant and very proud. She had planned for her daughter and Mr. Darcy to marry, ever since they were children and isn't happy that Darcy shows interest in Elizabeth.

Favorite Character: Elizabeth Bennet

Pride & Prejudice Wallpapers

I recently reread "Pride & Prejudice", my favorite novel! And I also saw the movie again, the 2005 version which is in my top 10 of favorite movies of all time. I love Jane Austen and I love "Pride & Prejudice". I made two wallpapers, one with Elizabeth Bennet and another one with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Here they are and feel free to use 'em on your own computer.

Movie Tip #11 - Pride & Prejudice

Director: Joe Wright

Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Rosamund Pike, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Carey Mulligan, Jena Malone, Judi Dench, Talulah Riley

Description: The story is based on Jane Austen's novel about five sisters - Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia Bennet - in Georgian England. Their lives are turned upside down when a wealthy young man, Mr. Bingley, and his best friend Mr. Darcy arrive in their neighborhood.

Review: I secretly adore every Jane Austen story, with "Pride & Prejudice" being my favourite. This is the remake from 2006, with Keira Knigthley as Elizabeth Bennet. She's a very loveable actress and she portrays Lizzy the way Austen discribed her in the book. Mr. Darcy is perfect, a man you love to hate and hate to love. Matthew MacFadyen (I didn't know him), is a wonderfull Mr. Darcy. It's a great lovestory, a great movie.