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Short movie reviews by Adriana Popovici

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2008
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Writer: Jason Segel
Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, etc.

For more information on “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
I don’t have much to say about this movie. I liked it. It is funny and entertaining, definitely a good comedy; a movie about growing out of a relationship and up into a better, more fulfilling stage of life. It may sound serious, but it’s marinated in humor. Moreover, Russell Brand manages to make his character amusing, artless, almost likable – I know he is a comedian, but I had my doubts. The fact that Jason Segel is the writer of this movie is a big plus for him.

Highlights:
It’s worth the laughter.

Downside:
Nothing major.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
It’s a good summer movie, so it goes well with lemonade 🙂

 

The Duchess

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2008
Director: Saul Dibb
Writers: Jeffrey Hatcher, Anders Thomas Jensen, Saul Dibb (screenplay), Amanda Foreman (book)
Starring: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, etc.

For more information on “The Duchess”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
In terms of filmmaking, “The Duchess” is bland and weak. Not a lot of emotion, little food for thought (if any); it simply tells a story, and that story is the only interesting part of this movie. To be honest, you don’t need to watch the movie to find out the story. You can read it, even on Wikipedia – with links, portraits, and all kinds of details, such as the fact that “Earl Grey” tea was named after Georgiana Cavendish’s (the duchess this movie is about) lover.

Highlights:
There is nothing truly outstanding about this movie.

Downside:
The fact above: nothing outstanding.

Would I see it again? – No

My Rating (1 to 10): 6.5

Recommended: It’s not a complete waste of time, but it’s definitely not a must-see either.

Suggestion:
Check out the real (story of) Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.

 

Step Brothers

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2008
Director: Adam McKay
Writers: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay (story & screenplay); John C. Reilly (story)
Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, etc.

For more information on “Step Brothers”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
This movie came out when MySpace was still king, and I remember seeing the ads while logging in. I did not see it then, but after a couple of years, and although I didn’t regret seeing it later, I did enjoy it. It’s expressive (maybe too expressive), one of Will Ferrell’s funniest movies. Just look at him – his unfunniness is pricelessly amusing, and his “step brother” is an equal match.

Highlights:
Some scenes (such as this one) are hilarious.

Downside:
It’s just entertaining, nothing more 🙂

Would I see it again? – Yes, when in the mood for this type of comedy

My Rating (1 to 10): 7

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Don’t expect anything but pure silly gags that will most likely make you laugh without realizing why.

 

Sunshine Cleaning

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2008
Director: Christine Jeffs
Writer: Megan Holley
Starring: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, etc.

For more information on “Sunshine Cleaning”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
You watch it for a few minutes, and you can guess that it is a movie made by women – not in a bad sense. I liked it. It’s a nice movie about entrepreneurial issues in the real, beginner’s world. It deals with troubles any entrepreneur encounters, the mindset you need to enforce, the moods you have to control, the situations you need to act upon, the tasks you need to manage, associations, preconceptions and prejudices. It’s not a cinematographic masterpiece, but it has a good story, credible characters, and acting talent at work. I already appreciated Amy Adams; Emily Blunt was new to me. Now I like her too :). These two “sisters” represent two different attitudes in business. If you’ve gone through something similar, you may see deeper.

Highlights:
It recognizes the importance of people who care and believe in you.

Downside:
If the entrepreneurial spirit is not very strong in you, you may think it’s a bad, bland, ignorable movie.

Would I see it again? – Maybe, but not soon

My Rating (1 to 10): 7.5

Recommended: Yes, why not

Suggestion:
Try starting a business. It will reveal, change, and surprise you – to say the least 🙂

 

Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (EN: Welcome to the Sticks)

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Image source: Wikimedia

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Year of release: 2008
Director: Dany Boon
Writers: Alexandre Charlot, Dany Boon, Franck Magnier
Starring: Kad Merad, Dany Boon, etc.

For more information on “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” (EN: “Welcome to the Sticks”), visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb

 

General impression:
This was so funny! I’ll definitely keep it on my list of movies to cheer me up in case of occasional blues. It was very enjoyable, and I laughed out loud at some gags. I love it when a movie leaves joy in my heart and a lasting smile on my face. If you like stories about friendship, people and accepting them as they are, you may like this down-to-earth comedy.

Highlights:
It seems and feels inspired by real life. The humour (even the exaggerations) is natural, fluid and positive.

Downside:
You have to know a little French to enjoy it fully.

Would I see it again? – Yes

My Rating (1 to 10): 8

Recommended: Yes

Suggestion:
Take a virtual tour of Bergues, in the “frightening” North of France, home to the “ch’tis” 🙂

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