A Thousand Words

It was really interesting to see Eddie Murphy stretch and evolve in his acting in 2012’s ’A Thousand Words’. Audiences around the world are accustomed to ‘Eddie Murphy’ comedy which is fast-paced and witty, but for this film even though less was said, he still delivered the laughs. The extension of hhis dramatic muscles though were quite evident and it left the heavy comedy to his co-stars. I was really impressed with the versatility of actor Clark Duke who played Murphy’s assistant, I felt that he stood out a lot in this film. I also enjoyed Kiwi Cliff Curtis whom you may remember from ‘Training Day’, ‘Three Kings’ and ‘The Fountain’ who played the perfect ‘Dr. Sinja’ (Deepak Chopra). Award-winning sweet-heart Kerry Washington also displays good range (not in this film) but in comparison to her heavier dramatic characters.  

Written by Steve Koren and directed by Brian Robbins the estimated budget of $40 million USD, sadly the film did not gross nearly as much in the box-office. I think more viewers were expecting the ‘usual’ Eddie Murphy comedy and not such a dramatic movie. In my opinion this film’s message was a lot more powerful than the numbers portray and despite it’s poor release, it was a valuable story that needed to come to life (no pun intended). Reminiscent of 1997’s ’Liar-Liar’ the story sheds light on the negativity and loudness in life that many of us need silenced in order to know our true selves and pay attention to what’s important around us.

This movie was heart-warming with a solid directive and I felt all actors portrayed their roles well.

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 Details

"Doing the right thing has never gone so wrong…"

The adorable Tobey Maguire stars alongside funny beauty Elizabeth Banks, excellently quirky Laura Linney, the "scandalous" star Kerry Washington, a serious Ray Liotta and the lulling Dennis Haysbert, whom you may remember from 'Far From Heaven' but more likely, from all the 'State Farm' insurance advertisements, with the slogan, "Are you in good hands?" Written and directed by Jacob Aaron Estes, this 2011 drama-comedy was much more of a thriller for me. I've never found people's pain comedic, but this film despite the series of unfortunate events was a fantastic, incredibly unbelievable ride of chaos! Who would think that a few raccoons could lead someone to the darkest moments of their lives.

Wonderfully written and executed, this film was quirky and outrageous and viewers find themselves appalled, worried but thirsty for more. It unfolded very much like a fairy-tale on acid; hopeful and bright beginnings, the plot, the climax and then a cool-down very much mirroring a backyard of beauty yet filled with worms living underneath it all.

Rated R for language, sexual content and adult situations, this film isn't for the little ones, but full of itty-bitty and not so itty questions one might ask themselves if they were caught in such situations on their choice of actions. Maguire who replaced James McAvoy who originally was to play the part of 'Jeff Lang', shone exceptionally in this film with his magnificent and priceless expressions throughout the steady rolling turn of events.

Very dark comedy, but if you want guaranteed fun - do see it - it's an absolute delight!

Django unchained

I can see now why ‘Django Unchained’ was the talk of the town and why my male friends professed over and over again that they needed to re-watch this film. This was 2 and a half hour of pure entertainment! Certainly not what I expected, as it was a glamorous, violent and revengeful type movie stacked full of unpredictable humor, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino (whom you may remember from the series of successful ‘Kill Bill’ movies) and based on the original Django played by Italian Franco Nero nearly 50 years prior this film although adapted from this Western idea proved to be like no other film of its kind because it made a black person ‘Django’ played by Jamie Foxx the hero of the story – in the south – pre-civil war – which is unheard of! It’s difficult to say what genre of film this is because Tarantino carefully melds drama, with action, with comedy, with romance, with so many other things and does so effectively.

With an estimated $100 million USD budget, filmmaker Tarantino gave his audience a widely versed pop soundtrack, exquisite cinematography, laughter, adventure, empowerment and pure un-adulterated show business. He also managed to have a fantastic cast of talented actors to bring his vision to life including the immensely gifted Leonardo DiCaprio, versatile Samuel L. Jackson, hilarious Jonah Hill, beauty Kerry Washington and my favourite German Chistoph Waltz who played ‘Dr. King Shultz; the original Franco Nero as well as Quentin Tarantino also make guest appearances.

Nominated for 5 Oscars, another 20 nominations and 13 wins, it’s easy to say this is becoming the height of Tarantino’s career; and well-deserving. Despite high gore, violence, language and brief nudity, he possesses knowledge on film and pop-culture and knows how to execute what the masses want. It is not only a story of a free-slave post-civil war in America turned bounty hunter to rescue his wife, it is also a story showing how ruthless, jealous, silly humans can be, the pain that was caused and the pain we still continue to cause and how love even then was able to survive and be something worth fighting for! J