Tag: Julia Roberts

Previews: 10 Cloverfield Lane Trailer, Sing Street and more!

Plenty of film previews this week, including the 10 Cloverfield Lane trailer, Sing Street, The Secret Life of Pets and more…

10 Cloverfield Lane Trailer

This is a bit of a surprise. From the 10 Cloverfield Lane trailer, it is unclear whether the film is a sequel, prequel or sidequel to Cloverfield. Produced by J.J. Abrams, the film features Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman seemingly as survivalists living in a basement. I’m sure more will be revealed soon. 10 Cloverfield Lane hits UK screens on 8th April 2016.

Sing Street Trailer

Set in 1980s Dublin, Sing Street is about a boy who is forced to transfer from a private school to a inner-city state school. Starring Ferdia Walsh-Peelo and Aiden Gillen, the film is set to have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Sing Street will be released in UK cinemas on 22nd April 2016.

The Secret Life of Pets Trailer

This trailer exhibits why no one should ever have a pet snake. The Secret Life of Pets is about what domesticated animals get up to whilst their humans are at work. The film features the voices of Kevin Hart, Louis C.K. and Eric Stonestreet. I think it will be one of my favourite animated films of the year, if filmmakers get things right. The Secret Life of Pets is out on 24th June 2016 in the UK.

Money Monster Trailer

Julia Roberts and George Clooney team up again for real-time thriller Money Monster. Julia Roberts is the producer of host George Clooney’s financial show when they are taken hostage live on air. Directed by Jodie Foster, Monster Money is set for release in May 2016.

Hail, Cesar! Trailer

The more I see of the Coen brothers’ new comedy Hail, Cesar!, the more I am looking forward to it. The film stellar cast is enough of a draw, yet the film also looks as if it will be hilarious. Moreover, I have just noticed that Dolph Lundgren stars in this. Give the film all the Oscars next year! Hail, Cesar! sweeps onto UK screens on 4th March 2016.

Film Review: Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror is a visually sumptuous film. Tarsem Singh’s version of the Snow White fairy tale has enough substance to entertain audiences of all ages.

In charge of the kingdom, the Queen is jealous of the youth and beauty of her stepdaughter Snow White. She banishes the young princess to her room, eager to be seen as the fairest in all the land. When Snow White sees the outside world, she is convinced the Queen must be stopped. Snow White needs some help in her plan to reclaim her birthright…

Mirror Mirror is light in tone, which should enamour audiences. The film does not take itself too seriously, the campy feel hits the right balance been joviality and keeping the story engaging. The script is amusing, there is plenty of humour throughout the duration. Pacing is not as tight as it could be, however.

Although it retains the general plot, Mirror Mirror updates the Snow White fairy tale. Singh’s adaptation is somewhat more modern than the Disney version at least. There is a greater emphasis on the power and responsibility of Snow White; she is not quite the passive princess of previous incarnations. There is also more of an accentuation on the importance of working together, which is surely a good message for younger viewers.

Everything about Mirror Mirror is pleasing to the eye. The film features a highly stylised look, something of a trait the director. The art design, costumes, sets and effects are quintessential fantasy in their removal from reality. Colour is used extremely well in the film, particularly in the costumes of Snow White and the Queen.

Julia Roberts is a little irritating as the Queen. The actress had obviously been told to ham it up. Lily Collins is a delight as Snow White, looking every inch the part. Armie Hammer takes to light comedy surprisingly well as Prince Alcott. Nathan Lane provides good support as Brighton.

Mirror Mirror should prove to be enjoyable viewing for both family audiences and those looking for a light and amusing distraction.

Mirror, Mirror Trailer

I’m a little tardy with this one. Hot on the heels of Snow White and The Huntsman, the trailer for Tarsem Singh’s Mirror, Mirror: The Untold Adventures of Snow White was released last week. This version of the fairy tale takes a decidedly different approach to its rival, with a much camper feel. Like Snow White and The Huntsman, the central character seems to be the Evil Queen in Mirror, Mirror. It is Julia Roberts’ Evil Queen which makes the film less appealing; she is too over the top in this trailer at least. However, Mirror, Mirror does star Lily Collins as Snow White, and Armie Hammer as the Prince, so the casting is more promising in some respects. Perhaps the ideal version of Snow White features Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen and Lily Collins as Snow White? Mirror, Mirror is out on 16th March 2012.

 

Snow White and The Huntsman Trailer

The film may be called Snow White and The Huntsman, but this trailer is all about Charlize Theron’s Evil Queen. Directed by Rupert Sanders, this looks as if it will be a definitive live-action fairy tale. This is especially pertinent, as next year also sees the release of Mirror, Mirror: The Untold Adventures of Snow White, starring Julia Roberts. I think it was a smart move to concentrate on the Evil Queen, who was always going to be the most fascinating character. Perhaps trailers focusing on Kristen Stewart’s Snow White and Chris Hemsworth’s Huntsman will also be released in due course. Snow White and The Huntsman will be released in the UK on 1st June 2012.

Film Review: Larry Crowne

A rare directorial feature from Tom Hanks, Larry Crowne is a warm-hearted comedy. It is likeable in its inoffensiveness and an enjoyable watch.

Larry Crowne is a popular colleague at the retail store he works at. When he loses his job, he decides to go to college, having joined the navy from school instead of going to university. Enrolling in a public speaking course at the community college, Larry meets interesting new friends as well as teacher Ms Tainot…

Larry Crowne is unlikely to have an astronomical impact on cinema. It is, however, a fun movie that should charm audiences. There was always a danger that the film would succumb to unadulterated schmaltz, given its premise, genre and stars. Larry Crowne manages to steer clear of this for the most part, thanks to the screenplay by Hanks and Nia Vardalos. The film is cute without being too cheesy.

The comedy in the film is light with occasional bursts. This is as expected, and in keeping with the tone of the movie. There are some amusing references, as well as some delightful banter. Larry plays the straight man to the amusing ensemble cast more often than not. Ms Tainot and her interactions with her class are a good source of humour.

Some of the themes touched upon by Larry Crowne are very contemporary; the effects of the recession on middle-aged men will be pertinent to today’s audience. Nevertheless, the film has a timeless quality. Aside from a few references, no doubt Larry Crowne will be just as enjoyable for audiences of the future.

Hanks brings a light touch to his direction. There are some nice shots, Larry looking at Lamar and Bella in his rear window for example. This scene in particular is suggestive of the replication of Larry’s adolescent journey. Parallels between Larry’s choices and that of a young adult are clear, although it is never overtly referenced. This is a nice touch, with the film appearing like a love letter to Hanks’ character in 1988’s Big (whether intentional or not).

Tom Hanks is as amiable as ever as the title character. Julia Roberts brings her usual charisma as Ms Tainot. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is also appealing as Talia, while Wilmer Valderrama is amusing as Dell Gordo. Casting is great, with George Takei bringing laughs as Dr Matsutani. Dave Mack is underused as Michael.

Larry Crowne‘s brand of comedy and romance will not appealing to everyone. However, the film is lovingly crafted, and is an entertaining diversion.