Blog Archives
A Lift Back in Time
Sequels, historically, have a mixed record. How about a non-sequel sequel?
The 2011 film Crazy, Stupid, Love starring Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Emma Stone and Julianne Moore is a wonderful cinematic achievement. Akin to the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy, the casting, writing and acting was pitch-perfect and clever throughout with fun twists and fantastic settings we wish we could hang-out in on the weekend or on vacation.
Great escapism.
Speaking of escapism…
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s chemistry in Crazy, Stupid, Love is clearly evident. Remember the Dirty Dancing-inspired scene with the famed lift? It’s fitting the two would make a movie that expands their burgeoning romance from that dynamite move.
Despite not being their first reunion on film (Gangster Squad in 2013), the brand new teaser trailer for La La Land is, in terms of tonality, a similar feel-good spirit for the actor and actress as their beloved roles as Jacob Palmer and Hannah. The classical, dreamy aura reminds us of the Golden Age of Hollywood, inviting us into a world that serves as confirmation for why we enjoy movie magic and how this magic is created.
This film is unapologetic in celebrating Hollywood’s bright, shining spotlight elevated on and for the stage of suspended belief.
La La Land doesn’t look crazy or stupid, but full of love.
The Wedding Party That Never Ended
Six degrees of separation is remarkably prevalent to many things in our lives. No, it’s not a perfect scientific theory, but the more you talk with people and discover things about them, it’s usually mind-blowing how connected we all really are. The best part is you never expect it. You could be on a blind date and, halfway through, you realize a commonality that seemed entirely improbable.
How? When? With who, again?
The same applies to movies. And the 2005 fan favorite, Wedding Crashers (one of the best buddy comedies and most quotable films in recent memory) was the unlikely springboard to future collaborations and careers:
- It featured supporting actor Bradley Cooper, before he became an Oscar nominated machine
- Brought back Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell in a not-so-goofy comedy and led to the completely unrelated “sequel,” The Internship, in which the comedic trio reunited
- Inspired the on-screen romantic return in, Midnight in Paris with Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams (though in a different mood)
- Inspired the engaged coupling return of Bradley Cooper and Rachel McAdams in a soon-to-be-released movie, Aloha
Speaking of Hawaii, has anyone ever met Pierce Brosnan? Hey, just like the trailer below, you never know what someone is going to say…
Aloha arrives in theaters on May 29, 2015.
Boosted careers and created lasting partnerships, that’s what Wedding Crashers did.
Happy Monday!
According to this video, it’s undoubtedly clear how and why Emma Stone was cast as Sophie Baker, a young woman with supernatural powers in Woody Allen’s 2014 major motion picture, Magic in the Moonlight.
Have a Magical Monday and Week!
Midnight in France
When living and breathing in the midst of the impossible transcends into a reality of playful imagination and limitless possibilities, then there’s not only a story there, but a delightful tale exposing the ambiguity and magical nature of love and life.
Throw in France nearly a century ago (a “golden age” to some) and a short guy with thick, black glasses from the Bronx and we can all take pleasure in traveling back to a time and place that will reveal something profound about ourselves today. Woody Allen is an iconic writer and director, while simultaneously defined as a controversial figure. However, taking the latter aside for a moment, it should be noted how he expanded his audience with his inspired 2011 hit Midnight in Paris. It seems as though Mr. Allen discovered a way to feature his usual band of intellectually obnoxious characters, but this time with a sense of humor that is well contrasted with a “normal,” romantic protagonist.
Ironically, the protagonist in Midnight in Paris (played by the free spirit Owen Wilson) appeared to be a younger, wide-eyed version of Woody himself.
Nonetheless, that was then and this is now.
Magic in the Moonlight comes to theaters (wait, don’t tell me…) on July 25th.
From Owen Wilson to Colin Firth.
Wait, forget that. This movie stars the beautiful, wonderfully amusing Emma Stone.
Okay, no need to explain the title.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 