Stuff To Look At

A myriad of trailers this week, including Far From The Madding Crowd, Cinderella, Aloha, and more…

Far From The Madding Crowd

Far From The Madding Crowd was one of the few books I remember reading at high school. How the names Bathsheba Everdene and Gabriel Oak take me back. This adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel comes with good pedigree; it is directed by Thomas Vinterberg and stars Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Michael Sheen. Far From The Madding Crowd is released in UK cinemas on 1st May 2015.

Aloha

Cameron Crowe’s latest Aloha features a stellar cast, including Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Bill Murray, and Rachel McAdams. Bradley Cooper stars as a military contractor who is given the opportunity to return to the site of his greatest triumphs in Hawaii. Aloha is scheduled for release in September 2015.

Cinderella

From the above trailer, it looks as if Cate Blanchett will really shine in Cinderella. As well as, of course, that magnificent-looking slipper. Kenneth Branagh’s update of the classic fairy tale, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, hits UK screens on 27th March 2015.

The Age of Adeline

The premise of The Age of Adeline hinges on an interesting aspect; its protagonist stops ageing at 29 years old. If only that could happen in real life, although granted, it would be a bit odd. Starring Blake Lively and Harrison Ford, The Age of Adeline is released on 8th May 2015.

Mommy

Xavier Dolan’s latest offering is receiving a lot of critical praise. Mommy stars Anne Dorval as a widowed mother tasked with the full-time custody of her son, who has ADHD. Mommy is released in UK cinemas on 20th March 2015.

Trainwreck

Here is the first trailer for Trainwreck. Directed by Judd Apatow and written by and starring Amy Schumer, Trainwreck is about a young woman who doesn’t think monogamy is possible. The comedy will be released on UK screens on 28th August 2015.

Hot Pursuit

Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara are the unlikely double act in Anne Fletcher’s action comedy Hot Pursuit. Straight-laced cop Witherspoon is tasked with protecting Mafia witness Vergara. Hot Pursuit speeds into UK cinemas on 8th May 2015.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Here is the trailer for Guy Ritchie’s update on 1960s television show The Man From U.N.C.L.E.. Set against a Cold War backdrop, the film focuses on a CIA agent forced to team up with a KGB operative. Starring Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is set for release on 14th August 2015.

Focus

Upcoming thriller Focus stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Rodrigo Santoro. Veteran con man Nicky takes on novice Jess and teaches her the tricks of the trade. Focus hits UK screens on 27th February 2015.

Film Review: This Is The End

Apocalyptic comedy This Is The End is squarely aimed at the Judd Apatow audience. It is sometimes crude, but more often than not pretty amusing.

When Jay Baruchel goes to Los Angeles for the weekend, he is hoping to spend the time catching up with his best friend Seth Rogen. However Seth is keen that they go to a party at James Franco’s house. The party is a bad idea, but not for the reasons Jay thought…

In This Is The End, all the characters play themselves. The film itself boasts a fun premise – a group of Hollywood actors trying to survive an apocalypse. This set-up wears a little thin over the almost two-hour duration, but This Is The End is thoroughly entertaining for the most part.

The fact that the characters a playing themselves, or at least a version of themselves, is one of the film’s main attributes. With the inclusion of a plethora of cameos, it is certainly fun to watch these stars sending themselves up. Nonetheless, it is a pity that James Franco, for example, does not make more of his perceived persona.

The humour in This Is The End is often crass. This is not unexpected, however, given the talent involved in the film. Although the jokes tend to go for the lowest common denominator, the humour does generate laughs.

Jay Baruchel is a likeable protagonist. He functions as the ‘normal guy’ within the sea of celebrities. As a result, he is the one viewers will most likely identify with. Jonah Hill and Craig Robinson offer good support, whilst some of the film’s funniest moments arise from the high-profile cameos.

Although it won’t be to everyone’s tastes, This Is The End should certainly satisfy the demographic it will appeal to. The film is silly fun, and recommend just for this purpose.

Film Review: Wanderlust

Light on narrative, but with substantial laughs, Wanderlust is an entertaining 98 minutes. It is surprising that the film performed poorly on its opening weekend at the US box office, as it is enjoyable enough.

After buying a small but expensive apartment in New York, George and Linda’s financial situation changes. Forced to move to Altanta to stay with George’s brother, the couple stumble across a commune on their journey. The alternative lifestyle could offer a solution to George and Linda’s housing problem…

Directed and co-written by David Wain, Wanderlust begins well; the opening sequence is a good set up for the rest of the film. The premise of the movie is a simple one, although there are some amusing sidelines. Wanderlust offers few real surprises, but the selling point is not its originality.

Wanderlust‘s lack of pretensions is definitely a positive. The film only enters a more serious territory on a few occasions. The emphasis lies firmly on making viewers laugh, rather than on any more deeper meaning. There are moments in the film where director Wain pushes a joke to its extreme. This results in some cringing, although humour is always retained.

The film has a streak of randomness that runs throughout. This works well as another layer to the humour. Episodes such as the brief appearance of George’s nephew add little to the overall narrative but are successful in providing amusement. The script capitalises on these unusual moments.

Performances by the two leads are fine. Paul Rudd in particular seems happy to play the fool, while Jennifer Aniston appears slightly less game. As Seth, Justin Theroux is a bit of a scene stealer. This role, as well as  Theroux’s high-profile romance with co-star Aniston, should see the actorincreasingly feature in Hollywood’s output.

Wanderlust is sometimes crass, but this is hardly surprising given Judd Apatow’s involvement. Nevertheless, it is an amusing comedy for those looking for some mindless fun.

Wanderlust Trailer

If this was a showbiz news website, I would be commenting about how Wanderlust is the film set that Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux met. As this is a film site, I will say that Wanderlust is the new Judd Apatow-produced comedy. Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd play a Manhattan couple who stumble upon a commune on a trip to Atlanta. Directed by David Wain, Wanderlust is out in cinemas on 2nd March 2012.