Film Review: Welcome To Me

Director Shira Piven’s Welcome To Me is an amusing comedy drama. The film has an air of authenticity, in spite of some outlandish action.

Alice Klieg suffers with borderline personality disorder, but she has her routine of watching tapes of Oprah Winfrey’s shows. When Alice wins millions on the lottery, she decides that she wants her own show. The subject of the show? Alice herself…

Welcome To Me is an original comedy drama that highlights the performance of its protagonist. Writer Eliot Laurence has crafted an unusual story that engages throughout. The film balances humour with more serious aspects in a natural way.

With a protagonist who has borderline personality disorder, there could be a danger that this could be poorly portrayed. Thankfully, Laurence eschews this, shining light on the illness in a thoughtful way. Director Piven does not shy away from depicting both the difficult and the more amusing sides to the disorder. Welcome To Me tackles its subject matter in an authentic and non-patronising way.

There is a lot to laugh at in the film, not least the central premise. In the middle third, there  are many segments from Alice’s talkshow. Most of these work well to generate laughs. There is a level of absurdity to the film that is very welcome. Welcome To Me is adept at switching from outlandishly funny moments to poignant ones in an instant. The film never forgets there is an illness at its centre, yet there is no melancholic air to this.

Protagonist Alice is a three-dimensional character. Kristen Wiig gives a wonderful performance in this role. She is very believable as Alice in her darker moments, yet also generates laughs very effectively. Wiig is ably supported by decent performances from Wes Bentley, Joan Cusack, and James Marsden.

Welcome To Me is an original film that should engage viewers. An enjoyable watch.

Welcome To Me is out in UK cinemas and available on Sky Store on 25th March 2016.

Previews: Captain America: Civil War Posters, and more!

Plenty of blockbusters in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including Captain America: Civil War posters, X-Men: Apocalypse, Independence Day: Resurgence and more…

Captain America: Civil War Posters

Are you #TeamCap or #TeamIronMan? These new Captain America: Civil War posters highlight the division in the Avengers. Captain America: Civil War is as much a follow-up to Avengers: Age of Ultron as it is to 2014’s superlative Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and a host of other Marvel stars, Captain America: Civil War hits UK screens on 29th April 2016.

Welcome To Me Trailer

Welcome To Me is about a lottery winner who decides to spend her winnings on creating her own talkshow. Kristen Wiig stars at the winner inspired by Oprah Winfrey, and the film also stars James Marsden, Wes Bentley and Joan Cusack. Welcome To Me will be released in cinemas and on Sky Store on 25th March 2016.

 

X-Men: Apocalypse Poster

Michael Fassbender’s Magneto leads the four horsemen of the apocalypse in this new poster for X-Men: Apocalypse. The film sees the return of familiar characters from previous instalment as well as new additions played by Oscar Isaac, Sophie Turner and others. X-Men: Apocalypse blasts onto UK screens on 18th May 2016.

Florence Foster Jenkins Trailer

Florence Foster Jenkins star Meryl Streep as the New York heiress. She has a desire to sing, but her voice does not live up to her concert-hall aspirations. Also starring Hugh Grant, the film is directed by Stephen Frears. Florence Foster Jenkins is released in cinemas on 6th May 2016.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children First Look

Well this looks mildly terrifying. Here is one of the first images released from Tim Burton’s upcoming Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Based on the bestselling novel, the film stars Eva Green, Allison Janney, and Samuel L. Jackson. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will be released in UK cinemas in Autumn 2016.

Demolition Trailer

Demolition is about a successful investment banker who struggles to cope after the tragic death of his wife. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts and Chris Cooper. Directed by Dallas Buyers Club helmer Jean-Marc Valleé, Demolition hits UK cinemas on 29th April 2016.

Independence Day: Resurgence Poster

Here is a new poster for the delayed sequel Independence Day: Resurgence. The film is set twenty years after the original, and sees the return of director Roland Emmerich and cast members Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and Vivica A. Fox. Independence Day: Resurgence launches on UK screens on 23rd June 2016.

Film Review: Zoolander 2

Male model Derek has spent years in exile following the decline of his career and a tragedy. When he and Hansel are invited to model in Rome, they see it as their comeback. Not all, however, have the same idea in mind…

A long-delayed sequel to the 2001 comedy Zoolander, the film attempts to capture the same tone as its predecessor. In this regard, the Zoolander 2 is successful. Nevertheless, the film does not reach the comedy highs of the original, with many of the jokes falling flat. It is a shame, as the original is seen with so much affection.

Ben Stiller directs, co-writes and stars in Zoolander 2. The film reunites the main characters from the first film, whilst also relying on the same brand of humour. The problem with this sequel is that the comedy is not as funny the second time around. The jokes are not as solid as they were in the original, disappointing viewers looking for plenty of laughs. There are a few decent moments, such as the parodying of the use of social media and hipster culture, but overall the film simply needed to be funnier than it is.

The narrative of Zoolander 2 revolves loosely around the murder of some well-known stars and Derek’s journey to win back his son. The plot is a silly one, but this would not have mattered if the jokes had hit the mark. The film is brimming with celebrity cameos. There are so many, in fact, that it is easy to miss some of them. Stiller and Owen Wilson still have good chemistry after all these years. Kristen Wiig is great in a completely over the top role, and Will Ferrell seems to be having fun reprising his role from the original.

Zoolander 2 has a similar feeling to Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues; a delayed sequel of a much-loved comedy that does not live up to expectations.

Previews: Nine Lives Trailer, Deadpool and more!

Plenty in this week’s preview of upcoming films, including the Nine Lives trailer, a Deadpool clip, Zoolander 2 and more…

Nine Lives Trailer

Talking animal film alert! A cat is at the centre of the film in the Nine Lives trailer. The film tells the story of a billionaire businessman who finds himself trapped in the body of the family cat. Starring Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner and Christopher Walken, Nine Lives is set for release later this year.

Deadpool Clip

What is clear from the fantastic marketing for the film is that Deadpool is not for children. This clip falls in line with what has been revealed. Deadpool looks as if it will be a heady mix of comedy and action. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, and Gina Careno, Deadpool hits UK screens on 10th February 2016.

Zoolander 2 Commercial

Here is a spoof commercial for Zoolander 2. The clip offers us a insight into Kristen Wiig’s character Alexanya Atoz. The film certainly continues the theme of parodying the fashion industry. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell reprise their roles in Zoolander 2, which opens in UK cinemas on 12th February 2016.

The Secret Life of Pets Poster and Trailer

Here is a poster for one of the most anticipated films of the summer (in my eyes at least). The Secret Life of Pets answers one of lives quintessential questions; what do pets do whilst their humans are at work? With the voices of Louis C.K., Kevin Hart and Eric Stonestreet, The Secret Life of Pets will be released on 24th June 2016.

Disorder Trailer

Disorder focuses on a secret service soldier who takes a private job protecting a wealthy family. Matthias Schoenaerts stars as the soldier, and Diane Kruger as the wife of the wealthy businessman. Disorder will receive its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on 21st February, and will be released in cinemas on 25th March 2016.

Eddie The Eagle Trailer

Eddie The Eagle tells the story of Michael Edwards and his determination to become Britain’s first Olympic ski jumper. The film stars Taron Egerton in the title role, and Hugh Jackman as Eddie’s coach. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Eddie The Eagle is out in UK cinemas on 1st April 2016.

Previews: Finding Dory Trailer, Triple 9 and More!

Much to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the first Finding Dory trailer, Triple 9, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and more…

Finding Dory Trailer

Here is the first Finding Dory Trailer. Finding Nemo is a modern Disney classic, so its sequel has to impress. From the looks of the Finding Dory trailer, the film has the same feel as its predecessor. Finding Dory is set to hit the big screen in Summer 2016.

Triple 9 UK Trailer

Triple 9 has a most enviable cast. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Kate Winslet and Anthony Mackie are among those who star in the crime thriller. When a group of corrupt cops are blackmailed by the Russian mafia, they must go to desperate measures to pull off a heist. Triple 9 will be released in the UK on 19th February 2016.

Zoolander 2 Poster

Derek Zoolander and Hansel are doing what they do best in this poster for sequel Zoolander 2. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell are joined by Kirsten Wiig this time round, with a screenplay written by Justin Theroux. Zoolander 2 is out on 12th February 2016.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 Trailer

This seems to have sprung from nowhere. Here is the unexpected trailer for belated sequel My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. The sequel reunites the cast of the original, as the Portokalos family come together for another wedding. Also written by and starring Nia Vardalos, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 hits UK cinemas on 25th March 2016.

Bridge of Spies Clip

In this Bridge of Spies clip, Tom Hanks’s character James Donavan discusses his controversial forthcoming case with his family. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film also stars Mark Rylance and Alan Alda. Bridge of Spies is out in UK cinemas on 26th November 2015.

Victor Frankenstein Clip

In this clip from Victor Frankenstein, the famed scientist exhibits much enthusiasm for his work. James McAvoy stars as the title character, with Daniel Radcliffe as protégé Igor. The film, written by Max Landis, is a twist on the Mary Shelley classic. Victor Frankenstein hits UK screens on 3rd December 2015.

Previews: Ant-Man Trailer, Irrational Man Trailer and More

Previews of forthcoming attractions this week include the latest Ant-Man trailer, Irrational Man, Steve Jobs…

Ant-Man Trailer

Here is the latest Ant-Man trailer. The film looks like it will have a healthy dose of comedy, and given that the film is about an ant-sized superhero, this will be welcome. Starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, Ant-Man hits the big screen on 17th July 2015.

Irrational Man Trailer

Woody Allen’s latest film Irrational Man stars Joaquin Phoenix as a philosophy professor who  gets caught in a love triangle with two women. Emma Stone returns for her second performance in an Allen film whilst it is the first for Parker Posey and Joaquin Phoenix. Irrational Man opens in UK cinemas on 11th September 2015.

Steve Jobs Trailer

Here is the debut trailer for Steve Jobs. The film comes with quite a pedigree; it is directed by Danny Boyle, written by Aaron Sorkin, and stars Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen. Steve Jobs will be released in UK cinemas on 13th November 2015.

The Walk Poster

The Walk is based on the true story of a man who walked between the two World Trade Centre towers in New York. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon and Ben Kingsley, and is directed by Robert Zebecks. The Walk hits the big screen on 2nd October 2015.

Creed

The Rocky franchise gets another instalment, albeit with a bit of a difference. Michael B. Jordan stars as the son of Apollo Creed, and sees Sylvester Stallone reprise his role as the boxing legend. Creed also reunites Jordan with his Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler. Creed is set for release on 27th November 2015.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl Trailer

The Diary of a Teenage Girl has already won praise at film festivals this year. The film is about a teenage girl growing up in San Francisco in the 1970s. Starring Bel Powley, Kirsten Wiig and Alexander Skarsgård, The Diary of a Teenage Girl will hit the big screen in the UK on 7th August 2015.

Masterminds

New comedy Masterminds tells the true story of a group of idiots who pulled off a $17 million heist. The film stars Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Own Wilson and Jason Sudeikis. Masterminds will hit UK screens on 7th August 2015.

 

 

Film Review: Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2 is entertaining family fun. It lacks the momentum and some of the charm of the original, but should still satisfy its target audience.

Gru has settled down into the role of father to Margo, Edith and Agnes. When the Anti-Villain League ask for his help to track down a powerful criminal, Gru is reluctant to juggle a top secret spy mission with bringing up his three girls…

Three years after the success of Despicable Me comes its sequel. The narrative of Despicable Me 2 trends the expected path. There are a number of strands at play which means that the film has a little of everything. The relationship between Gru and the three girls is the strongest aspect of the film, much like the original. Despicable Me 2 depicts the progression of this relationship as the girls grow older.

The story of Gru and his hunt for the villain is secondary to his family relationship. The strand lacks the momentum and mystery that would have given the film a spark. The love story element in Despicable Me 2 is well crafted. These scenes make Gru a more multi-faceted character.

Ultimately, Despicable Me 2 is not as charming as the original film. This is because it lacks the freshness of the first film’s storyline. However, it is nice to see what happens to the characters after the first movie.

The Minions are wisely moved towards the centre of the stage in this instalment. These characters are a lot of fun, and are responsible for much of the film’s humour. Despicable Me 2 is amusing throughout, even if some of the laughs are slight. Steve Carell is joined by the capable Kristen Wiig, who voices newcomer Lucy.

Despicable Me 2 fails to match its predecessor, but is still an entertaining animated adventure.

Stuff to Look At

A catch up of all the trailers you may have missed for the Easter weekend…

The Big Wedding

Robert De Niro heads an all star cast in comedy The Big Wedding. I wish Robert De Niro was still making films with Martin Scorsese, but there you go. The film also stars Susan Sarandon, Diane Keaton, and Katherine Heigl, who surely cemented this role in her pact with the devil. The Big Wedding is released in UK cinemas on 29th May 2013.

Oblivion

Above is a featurette on upcoming movie Oblivion. Starring Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko and Melissa Leo, Oblivion is a future-set science fiction film from the director of Tron: Legacy. Oblivion is out in cinemas on 10th April 2013.

Star Trek Into Darkness

Star Trek Into Darkness looks very promising. J.J. Abrams’ 2009 update of Star Trek was a great sci-fi action romp, and Into Darkness seems to be following the same path. Starring Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch, Star Trek Into Darkness hits UK screens on 9th May 2013.

World War Z

Brad Pitt stars in apocalyptic extravaganza World War Z. Based on the novel by Max Brooks, Pitt stars as Gerry Lane, a UN employee trying to ascertain the cause of a pandemic which is threatening the world. World War Z is released in UK cinemas on 21st June 2013.

Despicable Me 2

Gru is back! But perhaps more importantly, Agnes is back! From the above trailer, Despicable Me 2 appears to have a sound plot. It also features a host of talent, including Steve Carell, Al Pacino, Kristen Wiig and Steve Coogan. Despicable Me 2 is due for release on 28th June 2013.

Kick-Ass 2

Hit Girl is now a fully-fledged teen! Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Chloe Moretz return for Kick Ass 2. The sequel, which also stars Jim Carrey, is released on UK screens on 19th July 2013.

Film Review: Friends with Kids

A romantic comedy drama, Friends with Kids works better as a drama than it does as a comedy. Nevertheless, it is suitably engaging material.

When they see the toll having children takes on the relationships of their friends, best friends Julie and Jason choose to do things differently. They decide to have a child together as platonic friends, so that it won’t spoil any romantic relationships they may have. Their friends have reservations about the arrangement, which prove to be well-founded…

Friends with Kids plays on the fact that it reunites much of the Bridesmaids cast. Given the success of that film, it is easy to see why this would be used as a selling point. Nevertheless, the comparison between Bridesmaids and Friends with Kids is a bit misleading. Although they are both comedy dramas, broadly speaking, Bridesmaids is a lot more humorous than Friends with Kids. Viewers expecting belly laughs from Jennifer Westfeldt’s film are likely to be disappointed.

There is humour to be found in the film, but this is slight rather than hilarious. Much more emphasis lies in the aspects of drama and romance. Writer, director and star Westfeldt attempts to depict characters in an authentic manner. For the most part, this works. Characters in Friends with Kids are believable in their interactions with others. Nonetheless, it feels as if a happy ending is shoehorned in rather than reaching a natural conclusion. The turn around in Jason’s character feels a little rushed, given the time taken to portray him in a different light previously in the film.

Performances in Friends with Kids are good overall. Jennifer Westfeldt and Adam Scott have chemistry as the two best friends. Chris O’Dowd injects some humour, while Kristen Wiig is decent in a more serious role than usual.

Friends with Kids is an entertaining enough film, but more laughs would have been appreciated.

Friends with Kids is out on DVD and Blu-Ray from 12th November 2012.

Film Review: Bridesmaids

The trailer for Bridesmaids suggests that it is a female version of The Hangover. Instead, the film is a less raucous comedy with moments of genuine poignancy. Nevertheless, it is still very funny and immensely entertaining.

Annie is asked to be maid of honour at her long-time best friend’s wedding. Lillian’s other bridesmaids are an unconventional bunch that includes the very wealthy and immaculately presented Helen. As Annie tries to organise the various rituals, her personal life is unravelling at an alarming rate. This contrast becomes all too stark between Annie’s life and those of Lillian and Helen…

Bridesmaids is a great comedy which also displays genuine emotion. The humour is sometimes crass, but hits the right note more often than not. Paul Feig’s film does not always go for the lowest common denominator in terms of comedy, although there is some very literal toilet humour. On the other hand, the more serious moments of Bridesmaids also work well. Annie’s plight is completely identifiable, even if her actions sometimes are not. The chemistry between cast members is evident, which is an enormous help in generating the film’s more emotional moments.

Part of the reason Bridesmaids is so effective is that aspects of the film are very realistic. The jealousy that Annie projects towards Helen and Lillian is perfectly understandable, given the state of her private life. Moreover, her dalliances with Ted are also believable, despite his dubious personality. It appears that humour is the only unbelievable part of film; situations are exaggerated to generate many of the film’s laughs.

There are only two really problems with Bridesmaids. Firstly, the film is too long. It starts off brilliantly, but wanes after about an hour. Annie’s decline is drawn out, and seems to last too long given that the film is marketed as a comedy. Secondly, two of the bridesmaids inexplicably vanish in the second half of the film. It appears to begin with that Rita and Becca are important members of the supporting cast (and vital to bringing humour), but they are nowhere to be seen later in the film. Sufficient time donated to the marital woes of both Rita and Becca, yet these strands are completely omitted in the latter part of the film without any kind of resolution. Their absence is even more unusual given the recurrence of Matt Lucas’ character, who serves little purpose.

Kristen Wiig is excellent as protagonist Annie. She is attractive but not unrealistic, and is adept at both comedy and drama. Maya Rudolph appears very natural as bride Lillian, while Rose Byrne once again demonstrates her great comedic skills.

Bridesmaids is a genuinely enjoyable film. Although there are a few flaws, it is good to see an almost all-female cast star in a film that both sexes should find entertaining.