Showing posts with label Amanda Seyfried. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amanda Seyfried. Show all posts

Thursday, 10 June 2021

Jennifer's Body (2009)


 

A newly possessed high school cheerleader turns into a succubus who specializes in killing her male classmates.

A horror film wrapped up in a feminist message works both ways as genre movie and as political statement, but some male audiences might not notice.

Maltin**: "Attempt to layer horror-movie tropes onto a story of female friendship (and the roles young women inhabit) doesn't work. Written by Diablo Cody, but this teenage outsider isn't as easy to embrace as the heroine of JUNO." 



Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Mank (2020)



 

1930s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing wit and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish "Citizen Kane."

David Fincher has meticulously assembles a detailed, multilayered, maybe a bit overladen account of 
Mankiewicz' contribution to Citizen Kane, beautifully photographed in black-and-white, full of witty dialogue, enhanced by great performances, but probably can only only appreciated with some knowledge of Hollywood history - repeated viewing.



Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Chloe (2009)


 


 

Suspecting her husband of infidelity, gynecologist Dr. Catherine Stewart hires an escort named Chloe in order to test his faithfulness. Soon, the relationships between all three intensify. 

Disappointing remake of the French movie Nathalie...accentuates the exploitative elements of the tale, and the result is some kind of a threesome love drama - and this despite made by a famed director and a star cast.

Maltin**: "...sexually provocative - with plenty of female nudity - but winds up being downright silly."


 

Saturday, 11 January 2020

Anon (2018)



In a world without anonymity or crime, a detective meets a woman who threatens their security.

Although transporting an in-the-face message warning of the increasing grip of cyberspace onto everyday life, this sci-fi tale has great style and atmosphere, and Owen and Seyfried are convincing in the lead roles.


Saturday, 9 March 2019

First Reformed (2017)



A minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.

Intense psychological drama effortlessy weighs in heavy topics and creates suspense by slowly escalating these issues; Hawke surprises with a stellar performance;  puzzling ending might disappoint some viewers.


Monday, 21 May 2018

A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)



As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival.

Mildly entertaining Western comedy with an unnecessary cast of top-rate stars; most jokes are hit-or-miss and, too often, vulgar.

Monday, 16 January 2017

Lovelace (2013)



The story of Linda Lovelace, who is used and abused by the porn industry at the behest of her coercive husband, before taking control of her life.

Despite good production and some excellent performances this attempt of depicting the actual tragedy falls short on offering any depth to the story.

Maltin***: "Absorbing biopic...Evocative performances and first-rate period atmosphere help make this credible - except, perhaps, for a brief, artificial portrayal of Hugh Hefner by Franco."


Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Gone (2012)

 
 
A woman is convinced her kidnapper has returned when her sister goes missing.
 
Despite a not so very original plot this movie successfully manages to push the right buttons and is highly suspenseful.

Maltin**1/2: "Although this is genre-thriller material, Seyfried's strong portrayal of a woman trying to unlock the truth and move on from her past keeps it going. A couple of nice twists and an exciting finale this a satisfying, if forgettable, kidnap drama."


Saturday, 12 September 2015

The Big Wedding (2013)



A long-divorced couple fakes being married as their family unites for a wedding.

Slightly entertaining but quite unfunny comedy; the biggest joke is the quantity of first-rate stars wasting their talent and our time.

Maltin**: "Considering the couple in question is played by De Niro and Keaton, one might hope for more than this sitcom-like movie delivers. The Big Question is how this Big Wedding attracted an A-list cast with such B-grade material."