Black Mass

2015’s ‘Black Mass’ was based on a true story of an FBI informant tracking down a Mafia family in the South of Boston. This Biography/Crime/Drama had a run-time of 122 minutes and in my opinion Johnny Depp’s character ‘James Whitey Bulger’ stole the show. Eerie, disturbing, un-settling, shocking and exciting are a few words I could use to help you grasp the type of film it is. Reminiscent of other cult crime movies? Perhaps. But If it weren’t for Depp’s Oscar-worthy performance and the strong execution of the rest of the cast including Julianne Nicholson (August Osage County), Jesse Plemons (Battleship, Bridge of Spies), Benedict Cumberbatch (Atonement, Star Trek), Kevin Bacon (Footloose, Apollo 13), and Aussie Joel Egerton (Gatsby, Exodus) to name a few, it wasn’t necessarily crafted any differently or significantly unique.

Written by Mark Mallouk and directed by Scott Cooper, the film was indeed beautifully shot and terribly moving, and chilling to see. With a budget of $65 million USD, filmmakers were able to make back a cool $62 million within a few short months. The audience is taken on a very dark journey and understands that even in a close-knit community and love within families there are secrets and corruption that takes over creating something so massive that only evil ensues.

Wonderful soundtrack, thrilling story and interpretation and magnificently rich scenes viewers are sure to enjoy! 

Chocolat

“One Taste is All it Takes…”

It only took me all but 12 years to taste this remarkable film! J And how could you not say Chocolat without “Mmmm”! J This 2000 film set in the equally remarkable small and rural 1959 French village was a delicious delight from start to finish – no ‘pun’ intended J

I wasn’t quite sure if the audience could handle all that chocolate and Johnny Depp at once; but somehow it was an ever such marvelous idea! This drama, romance was written by English Joanne Harris and adapted into screenplay by Robert Nelson Jacobs and directed by Swedish director Lasse Hallstrom. French beauty and actress Juliette Binoche starred in this film as the mysterious woman Viviane who brought ecstasy to this little community. Other well-known and well-loved actors you may recognize in this quaint film would be the alluring Johnny Depp, English ‘force-to-be-reckoned-with’  Judi Dench, Canadian Carrie-Anne Moss whom you may remember from ‘The Matrix’ and Oscar nominated Swedish Lena Olin and Irish ‘innocent-faced’ Hugh O’Conor you may remember from ‘My Left Foot’ to name a few.

It was a film experience similar to none-other; with splendid cinematography, the simple story of doing what feels right and keeping the balance and splendor of life as well as one that warmed the heart with fragranced and lovely tang! J With an estimated budget of $25 million, it was easy to see how all their hard-work was paid off as they made back a well-deserved $152 million world-wide.

It made me laugh and cry – I’d certainly recommend for a wondrously luscious night of fun. Alone or with friends – even if they happen to be some good ole’ blocks of Chocolat! J

What's Eating Gilbert Grape

“You’re my knight in shimmering armor. Did you know that?”

“I think you mean shining.”

“No shimmering. You shimmer and you glow.”

It isn’t everyday that a movie truly touches your heart; and 1993’s ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’ does exactly that. This American drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, written by Peter Hedges and directed by Lasse Halstrom received 6 wins and 1 nomination that year. Wrapped up with subtle jokes and warm cinematography it was an intimate look between the relationship between a boy and his family, of him reaching his breaking point and wanting more out of life, and also about him discovering true love.

Set in a small town of Endora, it’s easy to live a simple life and keep out of trouble; I feel that this film was special because despite it lacking any fancy footwork, the story stood solid on it’s own and the actors brought it home by truly connecting with their characters. Johnny Depp who played Gilbert Grape showed immense gentleness and Leonardo DiCaprio who played Arnie with a mental condition gave marvelous execution. I also enjoyed watching Juliette Lewis who played the free-spirit and love interest Becky and Darlene Cates who played the loving but helpless obese mother Bonnie.

In addition to the lovely soundtrack, this film easily had its audience hanging on to see what happened next; and for me brought tremendous joy and sadness. It isn’t everyday you see a story of people ‘really’ doing things that matter and have their priorities in order. It isn’t everyday that you find romantic moments that are true, stops time and make you feel something magical inside either! J

Life can be awkward and unfair but we must learn to adapt and do the best with what we have. Change comes but you must prepare yourself for it; you’re never given more than you can handle, so breathe and let things be. Keep doing the right thing; you’ll be blessed for it! J

“Tell me what you want as fast as it comes to you!”

“But what do YOU want?”

“I wanna’ be a good person.”