Non-Stop

I’d inundated myself with every interview of Kenyan beauty Lupita Nyong’o since she won and was nominated for all the film awards this year and was blessed with the role of a life-time and in each interview she’d say, “And don’t forget to catch me on my 2nd feature film ‘Non-Stop’ with Liam Neeson!” Well, I finally caught it - and though her role was very slim, the film itself was quite a  riveting and thrilling cinematic culmination!

If you haven’t seen it yet - you’re in for a treat. Starring the serious and soft-spoken Irish Liam Neeson and the lovely red-head Julianne Moore this film is not only action packed but one of the better thrilling mysteries I’ve seen lately. Written by John W. Richardson and directed by Barcelonian Jaume Collet-Serra this film was not only nail-bitingly entertaining but equally clever. 

With a run-time of 106 minutes, fantastic camera-work and techniques (on a small airplane set) and even comical moments, it won 2 nominations this year as well as a huge profit at the box-office - jumping from $50 million USD to $91 million USD only 2 months later. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea and there were moments somewhat incredulous as I have firsthand experience of what its really like on an airplane and the criteria and steps we take to do things - but all in all it was a wonderfully exciting ride! 

Chloe

I've watched scores of films with Amanda Seyfried and her performances didn't really impress me; especially that in ‘Red Riding Hood’; striking features and bright bold eyes, but she didn't seem to be connected with her characters. I am happy to say that 2009’s dramatic thriller ‘Chloe’ disturbed the hell-out-of-me; however finally made Amanda connect. Not because she portrayed a lesbian whore, but because she showed vulnerability and a little bit of craziness and those two qualities are unique and admirable qualities to possess in any actor. I’d like to continue seeing the roles and chances she takes in the future as she has been fortunate to work alongside some of the best actors, and directors.

Written by Erin Cressida Wilson and Anne Fontaine from Luxembourg and directed by Egyptian Atom Egoyan, this movie was full of seduction, un-faithfulness, and menace. Despite its racy and sex-induced content, this story kept the audience attentive yet baleful every step of the way. It was creepy yet unfolded beautifully with lovely framed shots, fantastic classical compositions and exceptional acting by Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore.

This film exemplifies that once you tell a good story well, even skeptics will believe you! The power of story is the ability to convince someone beyond questionable doubt. J But just because people are good at telling stories, doesn't always mean that the story is the truth. Winner of 2 awards and 4 nominations, Chloe was a dark ride into the troubled mind of someone who needed to find closeness with her mother.