'La La Land' Review

'La La Land' is a the story of a Jazz musician who falls for an aspiring actress in L.A. They both are trying to achieve their dreams in a city known for destroying them, whilst keeping their relationship going. It is a hypnotising movie, that you will struggle to look away from, the visuals are stunning, the music is catchy and Emma Stone's acting is top quality.

This musical is an ode to old Hollywood, it captures the essence perfectly. There are tap dance numbers as a tribute to actors Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and there are various musical numbers to remind us of what movies used to be like.

The chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is so natural, you believe in their relationship, and get swept up in the thought that the characters Seb and Mia are meant to be together. The story is a simple one, yet the way it is told is completely mesmerising. It is a a heartfelt storyline, of these two characters having to decide what is more important to them, their love and relationship or the spotlight they have always wanted.

Emma Stone won the leading actress Academy Award for her part in this film, and it was completely deserved, she stole every scene she was in. She captured the character Mia's emotions brilliantly, and has you routing for the aspiring actress from the get go. Emma is known for her work on mostly comedy films, and this shows through the performance, she provides scenes that have you laughing, as well as ones that have you emotional. Emma gives a really good all round performance, her singing is perfect, her dancing is great and I'm glad she got the recognition that this portrayal deserves.

Ryan Gosling plays the other leading part of the film, jazz pianist Sebastian. Ryan Gosling is playing the piano throughout the film, and his musical talent is unbelievable, especially after finding out that he learnt how to play in just 3 months. His singing is not the best but his piano skills more than make up for this. Ryan's acting is good, better than all other films of his I have seen, but unfortunately for him Emma Stone's enchanting performance has you focusing on her and not him. Gosling provides good support for the character Mia though, and Emma's portrayal would not have been as believable without him.

The film was written and directed by Damien Chazelle, who found initial fame through his 2014 picture 'Whiplash'. Chazelle won the best achievement in directing Academy Award, and definitely deservedly so. This film is completely different to all others released last year and the last few years, it does give you the impression of old Hollywood, unlike any other recent picture.

A huge part of the film is obviously the music, the catchy songs will stick in your head long after the movie is finished. Justin Hurwitz won two Oscars for his songwriting. The musical score complements the story perfectly, it is a huge part of the movie's charm and a main reason for the film's success. Without the soundtrack the story would not transfer over to the watcher so smoothly.

If you are a fan of musicals or old Hollywood movies then you have to watch 'La La Land'. It is unlike any film I have seen in recent years, it is a truly stunning picture. The film uses bright colours, beautiful scenery and catchy musical numbers to draw you in to the point you do not want to miss a single scene.

'La La Land' was a part of controversy at the Academy Awards this year for being read out as the winner of best picture by mistake, and after watching it I don't know how this film did not win, as it is completely unique to all recent movie releases.

I give this film a 9 out of 10 and highly recommend 'La La Land' to all film lovers.

'My Cousin Vinny' - Underrated Film Review

This is the third instalment in my underrated films series, where I am reviewing films that I believe are underrated within the film industry.

CLICK HERE to see my review of 'Frances', and CLICK HERE to see my review of 'Cake'.

This review is of the 1992 classic 'My Cousin Vinny'

This is a film that has received some backlash over the years. People were not happy when Marisa Tomei won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mona Lisa Vito despite being a huge underdog for the esteemed prize. There was even rumours swirling around that she had won by mistake, and that 74 year old presenter Jack Palance called out her name by accident. 

These are all made up rumours by people who were upset that a comedy film was getting such high recognition, as the Oscars usually favour dramatic pictures. I do agree that the acting in more serious movies is often better than those of other genres, but I believe that Marisa Tomei's is one of the few comedic performances that thoroughly deserved the honour of being nominated and winning. She paved the way for future funny women to also get nominated, such as Melissa McCarthy in 2012 for her role in 'Bridesmaids'. 

'My Cousin Vinny' is the story of two young New Yorkers are accused of murder after a series of unfortunate incidents whilst driving through rural Alabama. They cannot afford an attorney so have to call for help from one of the boy's lawyer cousin, Vinny. Vinny has only worked on personal injury cases before, and none of them have ended successfully, but he is determined to to get the two teenagers off the hook. 

Joe Pesci plays the part of the titular character, and Marisa Tomei plays his fiancee. They both have you laughing out loud with their excellent comedic timing. The character Vinny is having a hard time taking on his first trial, but his underdog status and determined attitude has you backing him throughout the whole film. Vinny and Lisa use their New York street smarts to prove to the rural townsfolk that this case is not cut and dry. Pesci and Tomei have you believing in these characters as though they were real.

This film has had some bad press just because some people don't think it should have won that Oscar, but if you watch it you may change your mind. All of the actors play their parts well, you can believe their emotions, and get onto their side, and Marisa Tomei is the main one to achieve this.

'My Cousin Vinny' is a comedy movie, but not your usual slapstick physical comedy, it has hilarious dialogue instead. If you are a fan of this genre then you should watch it, as it's one of the best out there. If you are in the mood for an extremely well written and well acted picture then also look no further than here, I very highly recommend this movie.

I give the 'My Cousin Vinny' a high 7 out of 10.

'Logan' Review

I have to admit I wasn't as excited for this release as I am for other Marvel universe films out this year, but I'm extremely glad I took the time to go see it, as 'Logan' definitely exceeded my expectations. Here is my short review of the movie.

Professor X is ill and Logan (Wolverine) has to take care of him, while trying to hide them both from the world, but finds this increasingly difficult when a young girl arrives at their hideout near the Mexican border.

This is not your usual Marvel film, it is much deeper and intense than any other I have seen, the story is thrilling yet upsetting, and the acting matches up to that of Oscar nominated motion pictures. I am not just speaking about Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart, Stephen Merchant was an excellent addition. He plays the character Caliban, and is helping Logan take care of the Professor, providing some wit and comedic value to the film, which helps to break up the seriousness of the storyline. I also personally like the fact that he kept his strong Bristolian accent, as it made him seem relatable and down to earth (although I am biased being from Bristol myself).

This is Dafne Keen's first feature length film but you would never think that whilst viewing. She plays the part of Laura fantastically. This is not an easy character to portray, especially for someone at such a young age. Laura is someone who acts tough on the outside but you can tell she has deeper emotions on the brink of bursting out. She has had an extremely hard time and just wants to escape her problems, this is where Logan becomes a part of her life, reluctantly agreeing to help her out. I completely expect to see more of Dafne Keen in future films, as her performance captures the essence of the character Laura perfectly. She steals a lot of the scenes throughout the movie, which is extremely impressive for a young girl acting alongside some great performers.

Hugh Jackman has perfected the character of Wolverine through the years, and 'Logan' introduces us us to the gritty, honest truth of what he has become. The film still has all the violence that Wolverine usually brings, but it develops his human side. He is tired after all these years and struggling to carry on after all he has been through. Logan is for once vulnerable and broken, and certain scenes will make you want to cry. He is trying desperately to find his purpose, but has lost all hope, straight from the beginning you can see he has just given up. You have never seen Wolverine portrayed like this, it is gripping and emotional, you don't want to look away from the screen for a second.

If you are wanting to see just another superhero movie then you might be disappointed, as you forget about this genre very early on, this is a serious and gripping film that has you experiencing a range of emotions whilst sat on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend 'Logan' to any Marvel fanatic or dramatic film lover, I believe you can watch this film without seeing any previous X-Men universe movies and still get the full experience.
I truly enjoyed this film, and was not expecting the such high standard. I rate it a solid 8 out of 10.