The Reel Life of Real Life

Rating: PG-13 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Directed By:   Richard LaGravenese Written By: Steven Rogers, Richard LaGravenese Released: December 21 st , 2007   Runtime: 127 minutes Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Summary: Following her husband, Gerry’s death due to a brain tumour, Holly begins receiving letters from him. As she tries to come to terms with life without Gerry, in time they begin to help her along the way, each one signed “P.S. I love you.” Review: I remember I loved this movie when it came out first! And even though it's not really my genre anymore, it's still pretty good. I really loved the book. I have to say I think the book is miles better than the movie, but the movie is good too in its own right. There were a number of changes made in the movie compared to the book, the biggest being the book is set in Ireland, while the film of course had to be set in America on account of having an American cast of actors. But they do ...

Rating: R (for language) Genre: Comedy, Drama Directed By: Damien O'Donnell Written By: Jeffrey Caine Released: February 4 th , 2005 Runtime: 105 minutes Studio: Focus Features Summary: Set in Ireland, Dublin, Michael Connolly is a long-term resident of the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled with cerebral palsy. However, his life is transformed following the arrival of free-spirited and outspoken Rory O’Shea, who has muscular dystrophy, at the care-home. Michael is stunned to discover that Rory can understand his almost unintelligible speech. The pair strike up an unlikely but immediate friendship, and decide to embark on a chance of living an independent life in an apartment of their own. Review: I love this movie so much! I love it, I love it, I love it. One of my favourites. It's just...I don't think it's possible to not smile while watching it. Ok, there are some sad moments over which I cried excessively, but...the m...

Rating: R:15 Genre: Drama, Mystery & Suspense Directed By: Andrew Jarecki Written By: Marcus Hinchey, Marc Smerling Released: December 3 rd , 2010 Runtime: 101 minutes Studio: Magnolia Pictures Summary: Heir to a real-estate dynasty, David Marks (Ryan Gosling) lives in the shadow of his father, Sanford (Frank Langella). He takes a chance at true love when he meets Katie (Kirsten Dunst), a woman of modest origins who sees David's real worth as a person, not just his family's wealth. David and Katie marry and plan to build a life together, but their once-loving relationship deteriorates after David gives in to his father's demand that he work in the family business. Review: Hmm… I think this film is good up to a point, and from that point on, unfortunately not all good things can be said about this tragic ensemble. It kind of becomes something mundane, nothing really to get excited about. Then by the final 40 minutes or so it see...

Rating: R:15 Genre: Drama, Mystery & Suspense Directed By: Darren Aronofsky Written By: Andres Heinz, Mark Heyman, John J. McLaughlin Released: January 21 st , 2011 Runtime: 108 minutes Studio: Fox Searchlight Summary: Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina whose passion for the dance rules every facet of her life. When the company's artistic director decides to replace his prima ballerina for their opening production of "Swan Lake," Nina is his first choice. She has competition in newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) however. While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, Lily personifies the Black Swan. As rivalry between the two dancers transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina's dark side begins to emerge. Review: One word comes to mind – wow. This is a considerably complex but visually beautiful film. It’s hard to know what is really happening and what isn’t. This makes the film quite confusing. Eventually every scene is...

Rating: PG Genre: Family, Fantasy Directed By: Robert Stromberg Written By: Linda Woolverton Released: May 30 th , 2014   Runtime: 97 minutes Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Summary: As a beautiful young woman of pure heart, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) has an idyllic life in a forest kingdom. When an invading army threatens the land, Maleficent rises up to become its fiercest protector. However, a terrible betrayal hardens her heart and twists her into a creature bent on revenge. She engages in an epic battle with the invading king's successor, then curses his newborn daughter, Aurora -- realizing only later that the child holds the key to peace in the kingdom. Review: I really enjoyed this film! I thought it was a brilliant take on the infamous Sleeping Beauty tale. We see the evil Maleficent in a whole new light and as is to be expected learning how misunderstood she was. The tables are turning around in this version for everyone involve...

Rating: R:15 Genre: Horror Directed By: David Carson Written By: Bryan Fuller Released: November 4 th , 2002 Runtime: 132 minutes Studio: MGM Home Entertainment Summary: Based on Stephen King's novel. A high-school pupil suffers both relentless victimisation at the hands of her classmates and bullying from her strictly religious, abusive mother. Review: I reviewed the original 1976 Carrie and the 2013 remake around three years ago, not knowing then that there was actually this 2002 remake in existence as well. I only came across it recently when my brother and myself re-watched the original. Having seen both the other two, and having read the book, I think I can confirm that the 2013 one is quite possibly my favourite version. While I like a lot of the original and Sissy Spaceck will always be the best Carrie White, I don’t think it stayed as true to the book as people might be aware of. This 2002 remake of Stephen King’s famous tale, is in ...

Rating: PG-13   Genre: Comedy Directed By: Peyton Reed Written By: Jessica Bendinger Released: August 25 th , 2000 Runtime: 99 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Summary: The Toro cheerleading squad from Rancho Carne High School in San Diego has got spirit, spunk, sass and a killer routine that's sure to land them the national championship trophy for the sixth year in a row. But for newly-elected team captain Torrance, the Toros' road to total cheer glory takes a shady turn when she discovers that their perfectly-choreographed routines were in fact stolen from the Clovers, a hip-hop squad from East Compton, by the Toro's former captain.   Review: I enjoyed this movie. I think I would have loved it in my pre-teen years had I heard of it back then. It’s incredibly light-hearted and surprisingly feel-good. There’s no badness to it whatsoever. For sure something to throw on at the end of a long day you can just have a laugh and smile at...

Rating: PG-13 (adult situations/language) Genre: Comedy Directed By: John Hughes, John Hugues Written By: John Hughes Released: June 11 th , 1986 Runtime: 103 minutes Studio: Paramount Pictures Summary: Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) wakes u one beautiful morning in Chicago with the decision that school is not the place to be today. Thus, he convinces his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) to “borrow” his father’s irreplaceable red Ferrari before kidnapping Ferris’ girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) and the three set out for a day of fun and games across town. In the meantime, the school principal (Jeffrey Jones) is after him, as is Ferris’ sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), both sick of Ferris’ unwitting ability to get away with everything! The film is directed and written by John Hughes and is one of his funniest comedies. Scratch that. One of the funniest comedies out there. Review: This is a brilliant movie. What else can be said? Ferris Bueller, is, ...

Rating: R:18 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense Directed By: Mary Harron Written By: Mary Harron, Guinevere Turner Released: Apr 21 st , 2000 Runtime: 97 minutes Studio: Lions Gate Films Summary: In New York City in 1987, a handsome, young urban professional, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), lives a second life as a gruesome serial killer by night. The cast is filled by the detective (Willem Dafoe), the fiance (Reese Witherspoon), the mistress (Samantha Mathis), the coworker (Jared Leto), and the secretary (Chloë Sevigny). This is a biting, wry comedy examining the elements that make a man a monster. Review: First off, I loved the design of the opening credits. It was so satisfying. The simplicity, the colours, the music, the timing – everything. There was a humour and even a shred of elegance while building the idea of bloodshed to come. In a way it mirrored the character’s personality wonderfully. The music was fun too. Lot...

Rating: PG-13 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Directed By: Richard Loncraine Written By: Adam Brooks, Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin Released: September 17 th , 2004 Runtime: 98 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Summary: Frustrated at his own failures and disillusioned with professional sports, tennis player Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) resolves to retire from competition and become an instructor at an exclusive private club. But when Colt receives a surprise wild-card berth in Wimbledon, he can't help but enter the tournament. Soon, Colt meets Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst), a beautiful American tennis player with an upcoming match of her own, and finds the inspiration he hopes will turn his luck around. Review: This is a really sweet natured film. I would say it’s pretty hard to go wrong with it. A sweet romance, some funny moments to make you smile, a warm plot with heart. If rom-coms are your thing then this is one worth adding to the list. ...