FILM: The Truth Hurts // Burlesque

So I thought I’d take advantage of Events Cinema’s $8 Monday’s for Students and have a mini-Movie Marathon with literally a couple of my friends.

Kudos to: 7 Eleven for the Slurpee's

I am so glad I have guy friends that will go and see any movie with me. Jase (left) and Joey (middle) came with me to see The Dilemma and Burlesques with me last week. To my surprise, neither one of them minded going to either, so in this blog they’ll have their say on each film.

The Dilemma staring Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly and Channing Tatum.

Have you ever been in a real fix and didn’t how to deal with it? Ronny (Vaughn) has. He’s just seen is best friend’s wife (Ryder) cheating on him. Determined to do the right thing, Ronny finds himself in the midst of lies, hurdles and a business deal. With his own commitment problems with his girlfriend (Connelly), Ronny’s finding it hard to keep his head on his shoulders and his mind out of the clouds.

The question is: What would YOU do?

Jason Says: It appears that Ron Howard (director) has his own dilemma on how to direct this [film]. Whilst the cast is likable, he doesn’t know what kind of film he wants to make. It turns into a mess of a dramatic romance with a heavy dose of slapstick and dark comedy. Star rating: 1.5 Stars

Joey Says: It's good that the actors Vaughn and James (Comedy Legends) and Tatum (Rising Action and Romance Star) did a genre outside their comfort zones – and they did it quite well. But the story felt a little too cliché. Star rating: 3.5 Stars

Thanks boys…

In terms of casting, the film was brilliantly held by the counter balance of comedic actors Vaughn and James. The addition of the He’s Just Not That Into You star, Jennifer Connelly added that down to earth touch, while J.I. Joe’s Channing Tatum played a very lovable villain. I have to say that the outstanding performance came from Queen Latifah. Who plays this over-the-top entrepreneur who helps Ronny and Nick get the biggest deals of their life.

In terms of cinematography, the camera angels were perfect in every shot, but I think the music could've have been a little more helpful in telling the story. The mise en scene in this film was particularly brilliant when Ronny was praying to God for help. I thought the location and the synchronisation of the traffic lights with the camera shots depicted his dilemma perfectly.

As for the storyline, I thought it was a little too funny at times, but was well controlled in the scenes that needed that element of seriousness. I particularly like how it comes together in the end. It wasn’t cliché, but it was an ending that was both believable and satisfying. I also liked that they stuck to The Dilemma rather than going into different tangents. What I mean is there were several angles that this movie could have stressed the reason behind or a diversion from the initial problem, but the truth is: here’s a guys who’s just seen his best friend cheat on her husband, who also so happens to be his other best friend. That’s his dilemma, not that he has a major business deal to seal or that his girlfriend wants to be his wife – it’s he knows the truth and it needs to come out.

sL star rating: 3 Stars

Token Line: “You killed my fish.”

You guys have to see the sandwich they made me for lunch:

Kudos to: Parramatta's Local Polish Butchery and Bakery

Not to mention what I made them do for me before we went into Burlesque:

Kudos to: Event Cinemas and there lovely employees.

Burlesques starring: Cher, Christina Aguilera, Stanley Tucci and Cam Gigandet

Ali was just your typical small town girl who had a big dream. Getting a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, Ali tries to live her dreams by going from one audition to another, finding herself with yet another tray in her hands. In the Burlesque Lounge, you have to start at the bar to get to the stage. When there’s an opening on the stage, Ali steals the spotlight with her amazing dancing, but when they’re in further crisis, she steals the entire show with her voice.

But problems seem to follow her both at work and at home – especially when the two worlds collide. Can Alice ever get out of Wonderland?

Jason says: The film [was] style over substance. Sure, it looks good and its musical acts are well produced (though the music [was a] hit and miss), but it’s expected from these Hollywood movies. It’s also overshadowed by its horrible moral, unlikeable characters and strangely, every conversational scene features shaky camera work. Star rating: 1.5 Stars

Joey says: Just by story [was an average] 2.5 [star rating], but it had an alright cast, a quick but easy-to-follow pace and the soundtrack was brilliant. Star rating: 4 Stars (Storyline alone: 2.5 Stars)

I must say for this film, I agree mostly with Jase, though I’m not as quick to hate. I agree that the morale of ‘you won’t be accepted until you’re somebody’, along with, ‘you’re absolutely attractive and I’m looking for a rebound – “I love you”’ ethics made me shift in my seat. But I must say, the story was not that terrible. Though the story was a little cliché in some areas I loved the incorporation of legal formalities and seeing familiar faces like, The O.C.’s, Peter Gallagher and Grey’s Anatomy’s, Eric Dane.

The cast was absolutely fabulous, and it was refreshing to see Veronica Mars’, Kristen Bell, play the naughty, annoying tart rather than her goody-goody Sherlock Holmes attitude that she’s famous for. I was absolutely blown away by the balance between legendary Cher and pop princess Christina. Cher’s been doing great films for the past years and it’s great to see her back on the big screens. Plus, for her film debut, Miss Aguilera was absolutely gorgeous and nothing but talented – I felt like I had just paid $8 for a front seat ticket to her concert. Stanley Tucci is always fabulous in all his roles, and Sean is no different. He never overplays the humour, nor does he underplay the seriousness of a scene.

Unlike Jason, I appreciated the shaky camera work, as an English student, I noticed that it was only during conflict, not necessarily in every dialogue scene. The shaky camera work just enhanced the tension in the room, not to mention that Tess’ (Cher) world is crumbling beneath her six-inched heels. Overall, take Coyote Ugly’s storyline along with Chicago’s costumes and tunes and you get: Burlesque.

sL Star rating: 3 Stars

Token Line: “Want a cookie?”

Special thanks to:

Jason Tam and Joseph Rana.

Thanks for sitting through both movies and showing me the wonderful combination of Rye, salami, beef, bacon and cheese.

Let's do this again, hey? - YOUR choice next time. ;)

Next on sL: The Least of These - The Powerful Power of the Truth and saying your Prayers.

PS. I know I said I’d write, the “Best Call[s] in Cinema”, but do you seriously think there would be? There was one in Burlesque, but I honestly forgot. :(

FILM: Tangled

Viewed at: Events Cinema, Parramatta

We all know the classic story, but we also know that when it comes to Disney© we can always expect a happy ending – not to mention a tune to go with it! I’m not saying that to spite my childhood companion, I’m just saying it because, well, it’s a fact. 2011 heralds Disney© Animation’s 50^th anniversary by adding another princess into the scene – Rapunzel. The beloved fairytale of the girl with the long golden hair, who was casted out of society by an evil witch receives Mickey’s magic wand and is retold in a Disney© fashion. And yes, it comes with original songs written by Alan Menken, who was recently award with his own star on the Walk of Fame, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Alan Menken is responsible for many classic Disney© songs featured in: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Enchanted and now, TANGLED.

Tangled starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and Donna Murphy

In a castle far, far away lived a sickly queen who was pregnant. The Kingdom needed a miracle, and the only hope they had was an ancient flower that was coveted by a selfish old hag. But when she makes a mistake, Gothel is left to watch as her beloved flower is uprooted and given to the queen. But that doesn’t stop her…

I could probably re-tell the entire story for you, but that would just bore you and I don’t want that! Why? Because it’s one of the best animated films I’ve ever seen! I have to say, Rapunzel has always been my favourite princess and I am so glad that Disney© has given it a modern re-telling.

Instead of a Prince, Rapunzel gets a thug – love it. Instead of witch, Rapunzel gets a lying-overprotective mother. Instead of being absolutely lonely, (in true Disney© fashion) she has a chameleon names Pascal as a friend – but he doesn’t speak! – not very many Disney© characters like that huh? Story wise it’s about stepping out and finding the truth, although mind you, I don’t condone lying and sneaking around your parents’ backs – but it’s really about finding out the truth about the world around you. Tangled features thugs with ordinary dreams and the duality in all people, sometimes all we need to do is see the light.

The animation in this film is absolutely fantastic, but you don’t have to see it in 3D. There’s definitely not enough scenes for the 3D effect to intrigue your sights anyway – and I’m not just saying that because I’ve almost lost hope in 3D films. I think the Disney© animators have definitely stepped up and delivered a master piece.

As for the “acting” – I should say voices – in this film, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi beautifully bring to life these beloved characters. Moore brings a feistiness and grace to her character that almost echoes her role as Anna in her film Chasing Liberty. Moore allows her character to be believable and leaves room for young viewers to still believe in the world of princess. Levi spices up his character with a touch of comedy and charm regardless of the fact that he’s the common thug. Levi identifies with his inner child by portraying a lovable and dependable replacement to the typical Disney© prince – much like Aladdin hey?

But how can you talk about a Disney© animation without the music? What I really love about this film was the fact that it had a great balance between dialogue and signing. The backing tracks for the chasing scenes and emotive scenes were also very believable and encouraging to your impulses. I loved it so much, I bought the soundtrack on iTunes. Mandy Moore lends her voice just like many before her and produced great songs that will be beloved by many of a new generation. Zachary Levi surprises many with his singing abilities and has now also lent his voice to his beloved Disney© animators. But here’s extra help if you don’t believe me:

I’m kidding! Here:

Because it’s a new year I’m adding a new feature: “Best Call in Cinema” (BCC) – this is inspired by a 10-year-old and you’ll only get the call if you’ve seen the film. But since you guys weren’t with me I’ll have to set the scene…

So Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are on their way on a boat to get a better view of the lights, and so they leave Maximums (guard horse) on the dock. Flynn tosses a bag of apples to him and says, “Don’t worry I paid for them,” Maximums starts to eat when Flynn finishes with, “most of them.” Then later on Rapunzel and Flynn are singing and he pulls out some lanterns for them to release… (hence:)
Best Call in Cinema: He stole them!
Token Line: “…here comes the ‘smolder’.”

sLrates: 5 Stars
Next on sL: Mini-Marathon: The Dilemma and Burlesque.