Keep Smiling

**A hilarious scene, in my opinion from the film 'I Give it a Year' starring Rose Byrne - life may be hilly and filled with stresses at time; but you got to keep stress at bay and keep a smile on your face ~ Enjoy! **

Tommy Boy

A beloved American comedy; quite different from the last film reviewed with dry and witty humor, this one was active humor or slap-stick comedy but very well done. Written by Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner and directed by Peter Segal, this 1995 ‘Tommy Boy’ had a remarkable mix of very funny situations as well as dewy-eyed scenes to keep our main character lovable enough for the audience.

With 2 nominations and 1 win, this film grossed a whopping $32 million USD that year and the ultra-talented and late Chris Farley (who died at the tender age of 33) and straight man David Spade made the perfect combination on their journey to success. The tag-line for this story was: “If at first you don’t succeed, lower your standards,” but I think it really should be, “Don’t believe what people tell you, believe in yourself.”

Enjoyable from beginning till end. Farley certainly carried the film with high energy and quirky comedic movements, but he also showed range in his acting by also appearing sentimental and tender at some moments too. Certainly a great film to garner girly giggles! Enjoy! I’ll leave you with one of the many great scenes throughout the film:

I Give it a Year

Perfectly possible scenario and yet this simple tale kept the audience at bay for the entire 97 minutes. Starring strong regulars like, Aussies Rose Byrne, and Simon Baker, English Rafe Spall, and Alex Macqueen, and American Anna Faris, all showcased wonderful comic timing and complete commitments with their characters. Englishman Stephen Merchant though, in my opinion, stole the show with his preposterous and outrageous banter at the most inopportune times. 

This 2013 romantic comedy written and directed by English Dan Mazer surely had a lot of heart. The questions posed in this film are ones quite real and for the most part dreaded to be answered if put in similar situations. Despite the laughs, sentimental moments, and smooth transitions and camera framing and techniques this film failed to do well at the box-office. Grossing a measly $32,000 at the box-office.  My only inkling on why it may have not done well was because perhaps American audiences don’t identify with the European sense of dry humour. It played a lot more witty and clever and for some, it may go straight over their heads.

Certainly my cup of tea. I laughed heartily and wondered also a great deal! Makes for a cute date-night!

Sunlight in the Rain

**Now I'm lonely never more...since you came into my life!~ You've turned my world around~ :))**

Peeples

Not your typical family from the Hamptons, and not a typical movie brought to you from Tyler Perry; but this 2013 comedy/romance was just what the doctor ordered. Written and directed by Tina Gordon Chism who brought us Drumline, ATL and Nappily Every After brings to us a comedy, and a pretty good one at that.

David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson, Tyler James Williams, Kerry Washington, Kali Hawk, and Craig Robinson among others brought this quirky family to life. Laugh after giggle this movie delivered on the jokes. It was not the best comedy I’ve seen in a  long time but it was entertaining to say the least. Although nominated for 6 awards, with a budget of $15 million USD the film only made 9 million USD at the box-office.

Predictable story but positive message, it’s a cute movie the whole family can enjoy! 

The Tall Man

Another 2012 film, this time crime/drama/mystery, starring Jessica Biel, was nothing what I expected. Thought-provoking to the max, and wonderfully written but with a few missing elements/pieces. Written and Directed by Canadian Pascal Laugier, this film started off ‘on the edge’ and then took it’s audience on an intense eerie ride until the very end.

There seems to be some truth behind every legend and Laugier feeds viewers hunger every step of the way, making them wonder what’s real and what’s false. Jodelle Ferland who you may remember from films like ‘Cabin in the Woods’, ‘Case 39’, and ‘Silent Hill’ also stars in this film and effortlessly steals the show. She is gifted beyond her short years and well-trained in expressing intense emotions with ease. Biel also does a splendid job and isn't afraid to get down and dirty. I must point out the massive continuity flaw with the bloodied make-up but for those watching for pure enjoyment, it shouldn't take away at all from the story and what message this film portrays.

Who is ‘The Tall Man’ and why has everyone seen him but can’t catch him? You’ll enjoy watching this movie to find out.  

Mud

Written and Directed by the fairly new-on-the-scene Jeff Nichols, where you might not of heard of his movies but this 2012 film is the one that finally shot him on the ‘who’s-who’ film scene with 13 wins and 15 other nominations. This drama was slow-moving with a heap of interesting shots and lovely cinematography on location in Arkansas by the Mississippi river. Mathew McConaughey shines as ‘Mud’ but the two children ‘Ellis’ played by Tye Sheridan and ‘Neckbone’ played by Jacob Lofland are the ones that carried the film along beautifully. Reese Whitherspoon, Sam Shepard, and Ray McKinnon also portray great acting chops, but it’s Sarah Paulson that plays ‘Mary Lee’ that second’s best in performance for me.

Its a wonderful sort of hero-boy story like ‘Tom Sawyer’ or ‘Huckleberry Finn’ type stories where the boys make a discovery and try to make things better in secret. This film’s message is a powerful one, of identifying what real love is, and if it’s not, when to cut it loose; because the wrong kind of love can be a toxic one that destroys everyone and everything in it’s path.

'Mud’ was a long one with a run-time of 130 minutes but despite the length they were able to triple what they started off with at the box-office with a whopping gross of $21 million USD that year. Certainly some of the best work by McConaughey; before (Dallas Buyers Club) and recommended for a decent movie night.

Keep Rising Up

**Soulful and meaningful lyrics and tune - Enjoy a smooth melody, you don't hear on the radio too often these days! :))**

Out of the Woodwork

For those of you unfamiliar with this phrase, there are many examples that can explain what it means; it comes from the etymology of insects that suddenly come out from under boards in a house where they have been hidden. You see darlings, you have your “true” friends and then you’ve got those that come out of the “woodwork” when it suits them best. 

These so-called “friends” usually come out of the woodwork to do something unpleasant, hurtful, or to offer unwanted advice. What’s in it for them? Is the type of “selfish” people they are. Where true friends are constant, thoughtful and generous, those that come out of the woodwork seem to only focus on themselves and are oblivious to everything that goes on around them until something that catches their eyes make them come scurrying out.

Don’t invest in ‘’woodwork’’ friends darlings; it’s a waste of your precious time, and time is one of the most valuable things you have. Spend time with people who matter, people that are genuine, humble, and inspiring, not those who constantly focus on themselves and ignore the desires of your heart. You’re worth more than that. If you don’t love and respect yourself, if you’re not gentle and kind to yourself, who else is going to follow suit? If you continue to allow ill things to happen to you, they will. 

It’s time for us to let go of negative and harmful people, and negative and harmful situations. Friendship is one that is there for you always, especially when you need them most, not only for the good times.This is when you know who your “true” friends are. As Oprah said: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” And that my darlings, is the plain truth.

Trust is hard to practice these days, when people keep disappointing you and bringing you down. I suggest that you give your all at first. Be generous, be kind, be thoughtful, be mindful, be a good friend, and sooner or later that person will show their true colors. When you see it; don’t be sad, be grateful that you were able to identify the wolf in sheep clothing. There are so very many disguised these days. True friends are few, and the Universe/God removes all those who don’t need to be in your world - trust the process - keep climbing - stop giving attention to those who don’t deserve it!

Bless-up!

Love Jair

Can't Touch This

**Haters gonna' be hating - but you're protected, keep FoCuSeD; they 'can't touch you'! ;)) When Hip Hop used to be clean, fun & positive~! Enjoy :D