Movie Review - Project Hail Mary

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Genre: Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 156 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller
 
Description: A science teacher (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone on a spaceship. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth’s sun, and realizes that an unexpected friendship may be the key.
 
Review: “Project Hail Mary is an absolute triumph for modern science fiction cinema. Directors Phil Lord and Christoper Miller succeed in transforming Andy Weir’s complex, scientific source material into a visually stunning cinematic spectacle that excels in both scale and pure humanity. The film strikes a fabulous balance between the cosmic grandeur of “Interstellar” and the optimistic humor of “The Martian” (which was also based on a book by Andy Weir). Maybe an unpopular opinion and a very rare statement, but I think the film is better than the book.

Ryan Gosling plays the cynical yet resourceful scientist Ryland Grace. He effortlessly carries the film and he is at his best in “Project Hail Mary”. He manages to make the existential loneliness of space palpable, while simultaneously retaining his irresistible, dryly humorous charm.

The introduction of the alien Rocky elevates the film to a masterful level. The interaction and communication through musical tones is exceptionally creative. It results in one of the most heartwarming, believable, and memorable friendship in film history.

Greig Fraser’s cinematography makes space feel as terrifying as it is beautiful. The mix of physical effects and CGI ensures that Rocky never feels artificial.

The flashbacks on Earth provide the film with the necessary context. Sandra Hüller shines as the cool, pragmatic Eva Stratt, which serves as a perfect contrast to the more relaxed, emotional tone in space.
In the final fifteen minutes, the film leans a bit to heavily on feel-good sugar coating. A bit too Hollywood for me and the only reason I couldn’t give it a full 5-stars.

“Project Hail Mary” is the ultimate science fiction experience of 2026. It redefines the classic space film by wrapping a pitch-black scenario in a hopeful, moving, and at times hilarious adventure about universal connection. An absolute must-see for every sci-fi.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - The Fall Guy

Director: David Leitch
Genre: Action/ Comedy
Runtime: 126 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke, Teresa Palmer
 
Description: A down-and-out stuntman (Ryan Gosling) must find the missing star (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) of his ex-girlfriend’s (Emily Blunt) blockbuster film.  

Review: The profession of stuntman is often undervalued in Hollywood. It’s a pretty thankless role, because no one knows who you are and the actors take all the credit. So, it’s high time the stuntman is put in the spotlight.

Director David Leitch pays an homage to the many anonymous stunt people. We meet stuntman Colt Seavers. For years, he has been working as the regular stuntman for movie star Tom Ryder. Colt understands his craft and has a romance with camerawoman Jody Moreno. When Colt performs a new stunt on set in which he has to fall of a tall building, things go wrong. He breaks his back and realizes he has to retire from the stunt business. He also stops talking to Jody. When a year and a half later, he is contacted by producer Gail, Colt hesitates. But when he finds out that it’s Jody who is directing the movie, he decides to make a comeback.

“The Fall Guy” is an entertaining and visually stunning action flick. It’s pretty obvious that director David Leitch previously made “Deadpool 2” and “Bullet Train”. The same type of humor. Which I enjoyed. The film is, sadly, fairly predictable. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is really strong and I loved both actors in this film.

“The Fall Guy” is a great time, but it’s also a bit forgettable in the end.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Barbie

Director: Greta Gerwig
Genre: Adventure/ Comedy/ Fantasy
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Michal Cera, Kate McKinnon, America Ferrara, Helen Mirren
 
Description: Barbie (Margot Robbie) suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence.

Review: Most movie trailers show the entire movie in a brief moment. The makers of “Barbie” understood that the first half hour contains enough material to use only its footage to pique the audience’s interest. What follows after that is probably a surprise. For some a disappointment, because they got something completely different as the trailer showed us. To me it was a much wanted delight.

Stereotypical Barbie lives with all the other Barbies and Kens (and Allan) in Barbieland where everything is perfect and women have finally won an equal place in the world. One day Barbie suddenly feels a little less cheerful. She learns that this is because the girl who plays with her in the real human world apparently no longer feels happy either. Barbie travels to the real world to fix it, but that turns her world upside down even more.

People learn their lessons best when they are felt from within. Barbie is a mirror for a major problem in society that many people do not even see in its completeness because it is so deeply rooted.

We are introduced to Barbie by the use of a voice over and a wink to the classic sci-fi film “2001: A Space Odyssey”. Helen Mirren narrates and tells us how life works in Barbieland. Next we hear a song by Lizzo, twice in fact: once to describe Barbie’s daily life and then again to depict how, for the first time, things are not going so well. Real people live in the real world and think Barbie’s are just dolls, but there is a hidden reality where Barbies live, enjoying themselves in their own little paradise.

The start of the film, in Barbieland, is very cheesy and over-the-top, just like Barbie is. When Barbie enters the real world, everything is new and she notices the difference between what is normal in her little world and the real one.

The interaction between Barbie and Ken and the people in the real world is hilarious. It doesn’t rhyme with their worldview and they speak about this openly and literally. The mystery of who is behind Barbie’s growing depression is quickly solved; cleverly thought out, because this is not what it’s about anyway.

What follows is razor-sharp criticism of us and society, told in a childlike, naïve way. Barbie speaks up  simplistically and directly; no one will be able to claim that the message is not clear. A certain norm in our society is so standardized that even those who are against it still partially go along with it.

Because the film is so incredibly upbeat and colorful, it never feels pedantic or preachy. The jokes keep coming, Barbieland’s sets are impressive. This is not a woman’s movie, anyone can have a great time with this adventure. But it’s definitely not for children, it will go way over their heads.

Even though the Ken-song towards the end feels a bit out of tune with the rest of the film, I couldn’t help but smile from start to finish. It’s been living rent-free in my head ever since.

 
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were perfectly cast for their respective roles. America Ferrara was a pleasant surprise, her character’s monologue was my favorite moment of the film. And Michael Cera as Allan was just too funny. I think he was my favorite character.

That “Barbie” would be a fun film was to be expected, but it’s a very good movie with a strong, clear message and substantive comedy. Fans of Barbie who were expecting a fun, simple, bubbly Barbie adventure in her dreamhouse, will probably be disappointed. This film has way more substance and layers.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - First Man

Director: Damien Chazelle
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, Patrick Fugit, Ciarán Hinds, Ethan Embry, Brian D’Arcy James

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 24: A MOVIE FROM A DIRECTOR YOU LOVE
 
Description: A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling), and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

Review: The true story of Neil Armstrong, the astronaut who became the fist man to walk on the Moon.
Director Damien Chazelle mainly tries to show that Neil Armstrong was a man of heart and feeling. A man who has a trauma to deal with in the form of a child death. That the loss and the almost obsessive drive for ambition and accomplishment also took their toll is elaborated somewhat less accurately. Armstrong’s family had to put up with a lot by having to put up with a father who only looked after his family with one eye.

With that, “First Man” does stumble on two minds. Space fans, above all, want to know how Armstrong and his men pulled it off. In this respect Chazelle does not disappoint and the fans are amply served. The director shows us creaking cockpits, makeshift repairs, predicaments and roaring rocket engines.
At the same time, the personal drama surrounding this achievement is flat. There could have been a lot more interaction between Ryan Gosling’s Armstrong and his wife Janet, played by Claire Foy. What effect this all has on Janet and their children isn’t shown much.  

Visually this movie is amazing, it proofs why Damien Chazelle is one of the great of his generation. “First Man” is nothing like his previous films “Whiplash” and “La La Land”, completely different theme, based on a true story, no focus on music or Hollywood.

This movie was tough to get through because of the pace. It’s extremely slow and I felt that the entire time. So, overall, it looks good, has a great performance by Ryan Gosling and an interesting story. But the drama lacks and the pace was way too slow for my liking.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - The Gray Man

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Genre: Action/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 122 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Billy Bob Thornton, Jessica Henwick, Regé-Jean Page
 
Description: When the CIA’s most skilled operative (Ryan Gosling), whose true identity is known to none, accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague (Chris Evans) puts a bounty on his head, setting off a global manhunt by international assassins.

Review: Ryan Gosling is a prisoner, nameless, talking to shady CIA chief Fitzroy recruits him for a team that operates even more secretively than the CIA already does. Under the name Six he manages in a few decades to work his way up to one of the most feared hit men, until he goes a bit over his head during an attack. His new boss Carmichael is not all that happy with his somewhat old-fashioned tactics.

All that remains is for him to gon on the run, where he gets help from the also discredited Dani. Six and Dani flee from Prague to Vienna from Berlin to Croatia, and so on. Meanwhile, Carmichael has enlisted the psychopathic Lloyd to take out Six.

“The Gray ma” is a delightful no-brainer action film with rather standard Bond-elements, but with a wonderful cast. The action especially is very good in this film. And I’m glad it looks good, since it’s one of the most expensive Netflix films ever made. The scenario was a bit predictable and not all that special, but nonetheless it was a very entertaining and enjoyable film.

Ryan Gosling’s character in “The Gray Man” resembles the one he played in “Drive”: nameless, stoic and ruthless. Ana de Armas, who was in the latest Bond-movie, had a bigger role in this film. The one she should have gotten as Bond-girl. I especially really like Chris Evans in his villainous role, quite different from the heroic Captain America.

“The Gray Man” gets a lot of hate, which I don’t fully understand. Because it’s a great time. I get that, for that big of a budget, you expect a more surprising and less standard action flick. But aside from that budget, it’s a fun action movie, though very forgettable.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Big Short

Director: Adam McKay
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, Marisa Tomei, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Melissa Leo, Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, Karen Gillan, Finn Wittrock, John Magaro, Hamish Linklater, Jay Jablonski

Description: In 2006-2007 a group of investors bet against the US motgage market. In their research they discover how flawed and corrupt the market is.

Review: “The Big Short” is based on the true story of fraud within American banks, right before the financial crisis. Four outsiders try to expose these banks and want to make money from it at the same time. Dr. Michael Burry starts this, when he discovers that most mortgages aren’t as safe and secure as they seem. Most banks think he is crazy and there are only a few others that believe him.
The cast of “The Big Short” is one to be proud of. They are all big names in Hollywood and are all seemingly enjoying the roles they’re playing. Christian Bale portrays the eccentric Dr. Michael Burry, Steve Carell is the loud Mark Baum, Ryan Gosling is the slick Jared Vennett and Brad Pitt plays the reluctant Ben Rickert. All characters are well-developed and the performances are fantastic.
And that’s where I’m going to stop with the positive, because aside from this, I hated this movie. And it’s not the director or the style it is filmed in. It’s simply the theme and story. Adam McKay tried so hard to create an intense and interesting film with the somewhat dry material he had. But in my opinion he didn’t manage to do that. At least not for me.
The film is too long and it drags. I think 90 percent of the dialogue and story didn’t interest me at all and sometimes I had no idea what they were talking about. This movie made me feel dumb, but then again I don’t know much about the financial world nor am I interested in it.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad movie. Because it’s well-made and all performances are great. Most critics praise this movie and it’s a typical film for the Academy Awards. “The Big Short” simply didn’t do it for me because of the theme it was dealing with. And if a movie’s theme doesn’t appeal to me and I can’t sympathize with any of the characters, you lose me as a viewer.
A movie not for everyone, and I’m sadly one of the haters. And I don’t often share the more unpopular opinion.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Crazy Stupid Love

Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, John Carroll Lynch, Analeigh Tipton, Joey King

Description: A middle-aged husband's (Steve Carell) life changes dramatically when his wife (Julianne Moore) asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a newfound friend, Jacob (Ryan Gosling), learning to pick up girls at bars.

Review: Filmmakers have tried so many times to create a romantic comedy that is liked by women and men. But they have only managed to succeed a couple of times. “Crazy Stupid Love” is one of them.
Cal is a decent, good 40 something guy, with a solid job, nice kids and a beautiful wife. During a nice dinner with his wife Emily, she surprises him with a request for a divorce. Because she slept with someone and they have drifted apart. Cal doesn’t know how to handle the situation and goes to bars, sobbing about his failed marriage. In that bar there also happens to be Jacob, a handsome, smooth talker that can score any woman any night. The two meet each other and Jacob decides to help Cal rediscover his manhood.
Cal and Jacob are the central figures in “Crazy Stupid Love”, but there are other characters struggling with love in many shapes and forms. And it’s one of the strongest elements of the film. All those different characters and their different feelings and emotions, they make sure everyone can relate to someone in this film. “Crazy Stupid Love” is fresh and has some surprising moments.
Every member of this cast seems perfect for their role. There is not one star, they are all equally good. And the humor and drama is in perfect balance.
“Crazy Stupid Love” is probably one of the best film to watch on a date.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Song to Song

Director: Terrence Malick
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Holly Hunter, Bérénice Marlohe, Val Kilmer, Lykke Li

Description: Two intersecting love triangles. Obsession and betrayal set against the music scene in Austin, Texas.

Review: Again a cinematographic meditation by director Terrence Malick, about love and life. He takes the audience on a poetic journey to finding the meaning of life. As always, Malick doesn’t work with a straight forward screenplay and the (amazing group of) actors improvise.
Malicks style is very recognizable. It’s more a chain of images, because there are no real scenes. He creates a series of situations and it’s clearly his intuition that make his montage choices. The randomness of these images make me think of perfume commercials on TV. And that’s really not a compliment here. “Song to Song” kind of feels like a commercial, but then with the length of a film. And I think we could take off an hour, without losing any important moments.
There is no focus, because we see so many characters. And we don’t get to understand them, there is barely any development and their motives are unclear. Hardly any communication between the characters. Whispering voice-overs tell us some philosophical things and a lot of existential questions are asked.
The camera work is a big plus though. No steady images, always moving. The camera is constantly with the characters and switches between warm close-ups and distant shots. And the camera looks for the little things in the surroundings.
I never really understood Terrence Malick and I really don’t get why so many actors want to work with him. He always gets such big names to work with him and all the performances are really good by the way. But “Song to Song” is just a lot of improvising. Maybe that’s it, that the actors can let go of the rules for once. But all that cuddling and stroking, after a half hour I’m done! “Song to Song” is just not for me I guess.

Rating: 2/ 5

10s Movie Review - Blade Runner 2049

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 163 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Sylvia Hoeks, Jared Leto, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista

Description: A young blade runner's (Ryan Gosling) discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who's been missing for thirty years.

Review: In 1982 director Ridley Scott brought us “Blade Runner”, a film loosely based on “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. After “Alien” he took another big step in the sci-fi genre. The film was, because of the combination of film noir and a philosophical take, not for everyone. Even critics weren’t agreeing at the time.
In 2017, the opinions about the sequel, are extremely positive. Some even call it an instant classic and a masterpiece. “Blade Runner 2049” will still not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I do agree with the positive responses. And I even think it’s better then the film from 1982.
Ridley Scott passed the directorial position over to Denis Villeneuve, a talented director that yet has to make his first mistake (let’s hope not off course). After “Arrival”, from 2016, Villeneuve showed the audience he knows his way around science fiction. But “Blade Runner 2049” is so very different.
Villeneuve asked all the journalists not to talk about the plot to much in their reviews. He wanted all the moviegoers to experience this film to the fullest and give them the same experience as he critics.
“Blade Runner 2049” is a film filled with emotion, beautiful shots, deeper layers and fascinating characters. So I will not share any plot details with you either, you really have to see for yourself. I do think it’s a shame that I didn’t get to see it in theaters at the time. Literally no one around was talking about this film and I simply missed it. And now, I don’t understand why and how.
Villeneuve often manages to make your jaw drop. And that’s also happening here. The images of misty cities filled with big in-your-face billboard commercials, immense garbage piles and abandoned factories. But also the ochre colored field with giant statues of women.
The role of K, was written for Ryan Gosling. He gives his role depth and he proofs again that he chooses his projects wisely. Harrison Ford’s role isn’t as big, but noteworthy, just like in the first film.
Like I stated before, “Blade Runner 2049” is not for everyone, just like the first film. The slow sci-fi by Denis Villeneuve is not to everybody’s taste. The film is hard to grab and its unpredictability could trouble the average moviegoer. All those things are just why I love “Blade Runner 2049”. Besides the gorgeous images and great performances, it’s very pleasant to see a sequel this good and this surprising. Better then “Blade Runner”, mission accomplished!

Rating: 5/ 5

Oscar Predictions 2017

A bit late to the party, by here are my 2017 Oscar predictions.

Best Motion Picture of the Year
Should Win: "La La Land"
Will Win: "La La Land"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Should Win: Ryan Gosling for "La La Land"
Will Win: Denzel Washington for "Fences"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Should Win: Emma Stone for "La La Land"
Will Win: Emma Stone for "La La Land"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Michael Shannon for "Nocturnal Animals"
Will Win: Mahershala Ali for "Moonlight"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Viola Davis for "Fences"
Will Win: Viola Davis for "Fences"

Best Achievement in Directing
Should Win: Damien Chazelle for "La La Land"
Will Win: Damien Chazelle for "La La Land"

Top 5 Thursday: Ryan Gosling Movies

I’ve listed Ryan Gosling’s movies before, but there have been so many great films added to his resumé, that I need to revisit this list. Here are my five favorite Ryan Gosling films.

5. Blue Valentine
Many people think it’s a romance film when they see the title. Well, I’ll have to warn you then. It has romance in it, but it’s not a romantic movie. It’s actually quite depressing and wants you to never be in a relationship ever again. The acting by Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling is just fantastic.

4. Lars and the Real Girl
Gosling can be your movie hunk, but in “Lars and the Real Girl” he is a nerdy, lonely shy guy who dates a mannequin. It’s a weird plot, but the film is so heartfelt and honest. I loved it!

3. The Nice Guys
This is a 2016 movie that not a lot of people talk about, but the people that do all loved “The Nice Guys”. Nobody is talking about it, because not a lot of people saw it. It’s the perfect definition of a buddy cop movie, without the clichés. And Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are such a good duo.

2. Drive
This used to be my number one and “Drive” will always be one of my all-time favorite films. It’s a cinematographic masterpiece, filmed so well with one of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard.

1. La La Land
This movie stole my heart and not only mine. This is a phenomenon and shows us that musical isn’t dead. A film for the dreamers, the creative mind. So, perfect for me. I’m totally in love with “La La Land” and many with me.

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Place Beyond the Pines, Half Nelson, The Notebook, Fracture, Crazy Stupid Love

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 167: La La Land

Director: Damien Chazelle
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Romance/ Musical
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, J.K. Simmons, Rosemarie DeWitt

Description: A jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) falls for an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) in Los Angeles

Review: Even if you’re not a fan of musicals, “La La Land” will mesmerize you. The ode to love, passion, creativity and dreams by director Damie Chazelle stands out and manages never to fall into clichés.
Chazelle uses two characters to tell the story about people who desperately want to make it in Hollywood. Emma Stone plays Mia, a waitress who wants to be an actress. But she is dealing with disappointments and rejections. Ryan Gosling has an even bigger goal as Sebastian, to become a pure jazz musician without any commercial concessions. But he works at a restaurant where nobody really listens to him. By Mia does and they go on an incredibly journey together, trying to pursue their dreams.
“La La Land” isn’t just an ode to all those themes I mentioned earlier, but also an ode to the classic film and classic musical. Nowadays musicals aren’t what they used to be, but “La La Land” got it right. The characters don’t suddenly burst into song, the songs all seamlessly weave into the story.
It’s the most beautiful film I’ve seen in 2016, it constantly amazed me and it put a big fat smile on my face. The film looks beautiful. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have perfect chemistry and they are both sublime in their roles. The music is fantastic and I loved every minute of “La La Land”.
“La La Land”. And instant classic that many movie makers should take as an example.

Rating: 5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Actors That Are Sexier with a Beard

I love beards, or I love men with beards. A good beard. And there are so many men that look much hotter with a beard. I listed five of those men, actors to be specific, that look way better with a beard.

5. George Eads
He had many looks on “CSI”, but the season(s) where he had a beard I loved Eads the most. Eads is one of those men that gets more attractive by the years. And that beard on him is just sexy. Especially with a few grey hairs in it…

4. Ryan Gosling
He has a more trimmed beard, not very heavy on the facial hair. And Gosling is extremely attractive without it, just look at him in “Drive”. But that beard makes him more of a man and more handsome too.

3. Ryan Reynolds
Without a beard, Reynolds simply has a baby face. He is super hot with that beard, just look at the Amity film he was in.

2. Chris Evans
The beard doesn’t make Evans a tough guy, it just makes him more serious and appealing. As Captain America it doesn’t fit him, but for other roles it does. Throw that razor out Chris!

1. Chris Hemsworth
Okay, this man. I sometimes think he isn’t real, that’s how perfect he is. And with that beard he is the definition of a perfect man.

They Almost Made the Top 5: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hardy, Jake Gyllenhaal, Bradley Cooper, James Franco, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Idris Elba, Kit Harrington

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 87: The Nice Guys

Director: Shane Black
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angouri Rice, Matt Bomer, Keith David, Kim Basinger, Ty Simpkins

Description: A mismatched pair of private eyes (Russel Crowe, Ryan Gosling) investigate the apparent suicide of a porn star in 1970s Los Angeles.

Review: Besides a director, Shane Black is also a great writer. While “The Nice Guys” is only his third directed film, he impresses. Like his previous film “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, this movie has a film noir feel and is a detective story set in Los Angeles. And again it’s fabulous!
The buildup in “The Nice Guys” is a bit more traditional, but the two private detectives in the story aren’t. Holland March, played by Ryan Gosling, is the kind of guy that hates himself. He doesn’t believe he will ever be happy again and blames himself for the death of his wife. March is cynical and funny. Gosling has a surprising talent for physical comedy. Russel Crowe plays Jackson Healy, a more straight forward detective. Probably better at his job then March, but less conventional. Crowe’s character is also very likeable. Angourice Rice, who plays Gosling’s daughter in the film, is fantastic. She is a smart twelve-year-old, who wants to work with her father even if it’s a danger for her own life.
Gosling and Crowe are a match made in heaven. They have great chemistry and good dialogues. Most ‘buddy cop’ films have two cops paired that are very different from each other. The characters in “The Nice Guys” are really not that different and that’s why this movie feels so fresh. It’s a great crime comedy for a broad audience. I love the cynicism, humor and action in this film. “The Nice Guys” is definitely a favorite of the year

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 63: Lars and the Real Girl

Director: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner, Patricia Clarkson

Description: A delusional young man (Ryan Gosling) strikes up an unconventional relationship with a doll he finds on the Internet.
Review: Lars is different. He is afraid of human contact, he says it even hurts him physically when they touch him. Off course this stands in the way of a relationship for Lars. A co-worker shows him a website where they seel real life dolls. In a scene that is both very endearing and hilarious, Lars introduces his new ‘girlfriend’ Bianca to his brother Gus and sister in law Karen. Gus thinks Lars has lost his mind and they take him to a doctor. She advices them to play along, because to Lars, Bianca is real.
It’s funny to see the ‘relationship’ between Lars and Bianca. But at the same time you see how happy Lars is and how he is slowly coming out of his shell and is opening up more. And I love the fact that his family, his co-workers and everyone in his town play along and accept Lars for who he is. At first they don’t know what to do with the situation, but out of love for Lars they go with it.
Ryan Gosling delivers a wonderful performance as Lars. Gosling is a very handsome, okay sexy, man. It’s great to see him as a shy, dorky, character. It’s really hard not to like Lars, even with his quirks. Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider and Patricia Clarkson are all very strong as well.
“Lars and the Real Girl” is a fantasticly heartfelt film, whimsical and touching at the same time.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Favorites: Drive

Synopsis: A mysterious man (Ryan Gosling) who has multiple jobs as a garage mechanic, a Hollywood stuntman and a getaway driver seems to be trying to escape his shady past as he falls for his neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) - whose husband is in prison and who's looking after her child alone. Meanwhile, his garage mechanic boss is trying to set up a race team using gangland money, which implicates our driver as he is to be used as the race team's main driver. Our hero gets more than he bargained for when he meets the man who is married to the woman he loves.

 

 

Unique Selling Point: Magnificent montage, great camera work. An easy switch between fast action sequences and slower scenes. Sharp dialogues and on edge humor. The acting is strong, the movie is visually stunning, this is powerful cinema. Very impressive and intriguing.

Most Valuable Player: Cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel, it’s pure art.

Best Moment: The elevator scene. Driver and Irene are in the elevator when he sees the other passenger is carrying a gun. Driver wants to protect Irene and he pushes her back, kisses her and then he smashes up the guys face.

Top 5 Thursday: Movie/TV Womanizers

I really don’t like a womanizer, I really don’t. But in movie and television shows, well, I still don’t, but at least their fictional characters and they are enjoyable to watch. Here is my top 5 of movie/TV womanizers.

5. Jacob Palmer (“Crazy Stupid Love”)

I think I couldn’t even resist Jacob, even with those cheesy pickup lines.

 

 

 

4. Joey Tribbiani (“Friends”)

One simple line does it for him: “How you doin’? Joey isn’t very smart or rich, but he is charming, handsome and kind of sweet.

 

 

3. Charlie Harper (“Two and a Half Men”)

A middle aged man, heavy drinker, jingle writer. Doesn’t sound like the perfect man right. Still Charlie concurs beautiful women all the time.

 

 

2. Barney Stinson (“How I Met Your Mother”)

Barney isn’t picky, his women preferably need to be pretty and under 30. That’s it. And everyone is wondering how he manages every time. Just follow the ‘rules’.

 

 

1. James Bond

How could he not be number 1? He is the biggest womanizer in movie history. He hooks up with at least three women every movie (with off course the occasional exception) and all beautiful women too. Women are his weakness.

 

 

The Almost Made the Top 5: Hank Moody (“Californication”), Alex Hitchens (“Hitch”), Alfie Etkins (“Alfie”), Steve Stifler (“American Pie”), Tony Stark (“Iron Man”), Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli (“Happy Days”), Giacomo Casanova (“Casanova”), Templeton ‘Face’ Peck (“The A-Team”),

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 12: The Place Beyond the Pines

Director: Derek Cianfrance
Genre: Drama/Crime
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper, Rose Byrne, Ray Liotta, Dane DeHaan, Bruce Greenwood, Ben Mendelsohn

Description: A motorcycle stunt rider (Ryan Gosling) turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover (Eva Mendes) and their newborn child, a decision that puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop (Bradley Cooper) navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective.

Review: We follow the stories of Luke and Avery. Luke is a motorcycle stunt rider, who finds out he has a son. He wants to be a part of his life and he decides to rob banks to support his son and the mother Romina. Luke is confronted with the idealistic cop Avery. One decision changes their lives completely.
The movie is divided in three parts: Luke, Avery and their sons. It’s a pretty long movie, which you only feel in the last part of it. Especially the first part is fantastic. The part with the sons is a good addition to the story, but it could have been a bit shorter.
We know director Derek Cianfrance from his intenste drama “Blue Valentine”. Ryan Gosling had a strong performance there and in “The Place Beyond the Pines” he shows that again. He’s the best part of the film. His character Luke is an anti-hero, with a body full of tattoos and who keeps people at a distance. The combination of his vulnerability and his tough image make his character interesting. Bradley Cooper has been doing some great things too, although his performance isn’t as memorable as in “Silver Linings Playbook”. Eva Mendes gives away her best performance so far, as the mother of Luke’s son.
“The Place Beyond the Pines” is a beautiful drama about choices, fathers and sons. Derek Cianfrance confirms with this movie that he’s an exceptional filmmaker.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 8: All Good Things

Director: Andrew Jarecki
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Romance
Runtime: 101 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst, Frank Langella, Philip Baker Hall, Nick Offerman, Kristen Wiig

Description: Mr. David Marks (Ryan Gosling) was suspected but never tried for killing his wife Katie (Kirsten Dunst) who disappeared in 1982, but the truth is eventually revealed.

Review: Today the American Kathleen Durst is still missing. On January the 31st of 1982 the student from Manhattan, who was 29 at the time, disappeared. Thirty years later Andrew Jarecki makes the movie “All Good Things”. The movie is inspired by the life of Kathleen and her husband Robert Durst, son of an influential real estate agent.
The two main characters, Katie and David, are very well introduced and the movie has a strong start. The bond between them and the viewers is developed, so you can easily relate to the characters. The young David Marks meets student Katie. Very soon a passionate and tender romance develops. The natural chemistry between the actors Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst makes it all very believable and their relationship looks very real.
After David decides to work for his father, things start to go downhill for them. And even David’s behaviors changes and not in a good way. David is no longer the man Katie fell in love with.
From that moment on, and the moment where Katie disappears, the movie is going in a different direction. It gets a bit confusing and I find it hard to keep my attention. I loved the beginning, but disliked the last part of the movie.
The fact that we never find out what really happened to her makes the ending a bit more bearable. This movie could have been so much better.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

In the Picture: The Characters from "Blue Valentine"

This movie sounds like a romance, something to feel good about. Well, think again. It's a pretty depressing film actually, but amazing. Only two main characters, but plenty to talk about.

Dean Pereira
Played by: Ryan Gosling
Dean is a high school dropout, working for a New York moving company. Later in life he starts painting houses and he's pretty content with his life. He's a loving father and he also loves Cindy, but sometimes he takes things for granted. Dean tries to persuade Cindy to give the relationship another chance, because they used to be in love with each other so much. He thinks a night together in a motel solves all their problems, but when Cindy has to leave for work Dean freaks out. Although Dean has good intentions, he thinks to lighty about things.

Cindy Heller-Pereira
Played by: Michelle Williams
Cindy is a pre-med student living with her unhappy parents and caring for her grandmother. When Cindy becomes a nurse, she thinks Dean drinks too much and he lacks ambition. She doesn't know if she wants their daughter Frankie to grow up in a home with parents who are so hateful to each other, because Cindy doesn't feel any love for Dean anymore. Cindy is troubled, confused and filled with all sorts of emotions.

Favorite Character: Cindy Heller-Pereira