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matthewlee1985
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Reviews
Going Down in LA-LA Land (2011)
An incredible movie surpassing my expectations
When I first stumbled across this film, the poster left me thinking it would be light on substance. It was an assumption I am glad did not deter me from watching. And now, having watched the film, the poster makes a lot more sense.
The cast is strong and the storyline a great tale of celebrity and how despite all the trappings of success, stripped away we just all want to be loved.
The characters are engaging and believable. Even the minor castings are strong - an example of how every detail was given a thorough once-over before the final cut.
There's humour and a touching love story of courage and being true to yourself.
In fact, the ending when Adam and John decide to go public with their relationship, despite the threat to John's television career, just lifted my spirits and it is a feeling that is staying with me. There's much to be said for being true to ourselves and embracing love.
The only negative I can find after much trawling is the film felt a little slow in the beginning, although it quickly started to build momentum. This momentum was subsequently never lost, leading to a very poignant conclusion. It may have felt predictable, but what love story isn't?
Candy is a great central character. She is shallow in some ways and career driven to the point where her obsession with celebrity is unhealthy. However, beneath this veneer is a good heart as she genuinely cares for Adam and his welfare. The hospital scene after Adam's wayward encounter with prescription drugs reinforces this.
A lot of films with gay themes can focus heavily on stereotypes to try and generate humour. This film is better than that - more clever. The humour is genuinely funny and well-written.
Overall, I am giving the movie a resounding nine stars because it's refreshing to see a diverse representation of gay people and a positive portrayal of gay relationships.
In a world still besieged by negative connotations when it comes to homosexuality, a movie like this makes a bold statement and sends an uplifting message to gay youth.
I started watching with some doubts and finished watching feeling impressed and uplifted by a truly well-told story.
Definitely worth watching.
A Four Letter Word (2007)
Average but solid enough to enjoy
A Four Letter Word is not a ground-breaking piece of cinema by any stretch. But for all its failings, there is enough substance to enjoy.
The plot leans on the weak side and the main character (Luke) extremely unlikeable. I found myself, at times, feeling very disengaged with his experiences in the film.
But pushing past this, there are laughs along the way and some of the minor characters actually steal the limelight.
The problem with this film is that it throws together all the major gay clichés, and for this reason it stumbles constantly. The director surely must have had more vision than to peddle worn-out and tired gay stereotypes.
Successful gay cinema celebrates diversity and breaks free of the constraints and expectations society imposes on homosexuality.
If anything, A Four Letter Word is a major disappointment in this regard. I expected a lot more.
It's easy to pick holes in this film but there is enough to keep watching until the end.
I have given it a solid 5 for a pass and the power of the support cast saves me from a harsher judgment.
The Iron Lady (2011)
Worth the effort
There will never be another Margaret Thatcher in world politics and The Iron Lady is a brilliant tribute to her life and career.
Some will struggle with the film's structure but the initial discomfort should be tolerated for the story to be told is compelling.
We join an elderly Thatcher battling the onset of dementia, talking to her imagined deceased husband, Dennis, while remembering snippets of her illustrious political career.
Some viewers would like a story running from A to B of Thatcher's life. But that would be too easy.
Instead, the director has been crafty and the film has a raw quality to it that exposes emotion.
The sadness I feel watching an elderly Thatcher succumbing to dementia is ultimately a stark reminder of the respect and fondness I feel for her and her achievements.
Then there are memories of triumphs and challenges. The miners' strikes and Falkland War right through to Thatcher's removal from top office by her own party.
I enjoyed The Iron Lady and appreciate the off-centre approach to its story telling.
It won't appeal to everyone but I would bet most people can work through this to find enjoyment.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Sheer perfection!
This film works and I am not sure why, giving it an almost elusive quality. On paper, the storyline of a family of misfits traveling across the United States so a girl can attend a beauty pageant seems thin and almost dull. But make no mistake, this film is anything but dull. The characters are all fleshed out with every detail making them feel realistic and easy to relate to. Toni Collette is remarkable and a true credit to Australia representing us so greatly on the big screen. Little Miss Sunshine makes you laugh and cry and everything in between. It's gauntlet of emotion as an odd-ball family tries hard to make sense of it all.
Make the Yuletide Gay (2009)
A great film worth seeing
I knew upon viewing the film's trailer it would be a worthwhile watch. Fortunately, the film stayed true to my expectations and even exceeded them.
It's a straightforward story in some respects as a young gay couple struggles to come to terms with one partner not yet out to family. But that aside, it's a story well told and with plenty of humor along the way.
The lead characters are strong and well-rounded and the script flows nicely too. Gunn's mother is a scene stealer on many occasions. Her wicked laugh and affection makes for plenty of interesting scenes.
Make the Yuletide Gay is not pretending to be some deep exploration of any particular issue, but instead a funny examination of the struggles some couples must face when coming out to family. It's humorous yet delicate and touching when needed.
The jokes are mostly sharp and effective. A few of the gay jokes feel a little forced at times, almost obligatory, but this is picking for holes and easily forgiven.
This film is a celebration. A celebration of Christmas and being with family while a celebration of love and being true to yourself.
The film is frothy and fluffy but that is what gives it charm and makes for a fun journey.
Bachelorette (2012)
Absolute garbage. Avoid at all costs.
This film is in strong competition for being the worst I've ever seen. Despite a strong cast, it falls flat on its face and left me angry I was fleeced of my money for admission. Bachelorette is a horrible attempt at cashing in on the popularity of Bridesmaides. Unlike the latter, this film is a crime against cinema. The characters are hollow and the script weak and lackluster. In the absence of substance, laughs are gained through crudity and after a while this is tiresome and almost desperate. I cringed and felt embarrassed for everyone associated with this disaster movie. Avoid like the plague and see something else more deserving.