Mamma Mia! The Movie; musical comedy film review

TRIPLE THREAT: Rosie (Julie Walters), Donna (Meryl Streep) and Tanya (Christine Baranski) reminisce about the days of young love on the eve of Sophie's wedding in a scene from Mamma Mia!. Image: Universal Pictures.


Dancing Disco Divas by Linh

Based on the stage musical, Mamma Mia! is brought to the silver screen with a stellar cast including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. Producer of the stage version, Judy Craymer and director Phyllida Lloyd have remained loyal to Catherine Johnson's script, transposing the hit musical from stage to screen.

With the blessings of ABBA band members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, who were also the executive producers alongside Hollywood super couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, more than twenty ABBA songs are performed and woven into the narrative.


In the simplistic plot, Sophie Sheridan is about to get married and lives on a beautiful Greek island with her mother, Donna, who runs a crumbling hotel. Sophie has never known her father and dreams of finding him to walk her down the aisle. She finds her mother's diary and invites three candidates who might be father to attend the wedding, without telling her mother.


Double Oscar winner Meryl Streep is definitely the stand out performer amongst a talented ensemble cast. Having sung in numerous stage and screen productions, the role of Donna seems to be a vocal fit for the likeable Streep. Even doing the slits mid-air while singing and bouncing about on a bed comes naturally to her. Streep has a powerful vocal delivery and is sensational in her dance sequences. Her highlight is the emotionally gut-wrenching The Winner Takes It All, but other solos of note include Money, Money, Money and Mamma Mia.

Amanda Seyfried, of Mean Girls fame, stars as the wide-eyed and sweet-voiced Sophie, who is engaging and shines with humour in her lead vocals for Honey, Honey, moving and melodic in I Have A Dream and in romantic mode for her duet with Dominic Cooper, Lay All Your Love On Me.

British actress Julie Walters is Rosie, the comical and supportive writer friend of Donna's, who is also a member of the girl power band Donna and the Dynamos. Walters delivers here harmony parts in Chiquitita, Dancing Queen and Super Trouper with aplomb. Her duet with Stellan Skarsgård, Take A Chance on Me is an absolute hoot.

Christine Baranski is the bold and brassy socialite, Tanya, who is also a member of Donna and the Dynamos, with a huge sexual appetite for younger men. She is hilarious in her duet with young suitor, Philip Michael,with Does Your Mother Know?, and provides brilliant harmonies in Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)and I Do, I Do, I Do.

Although the male cast for Mamma Mia! looks stylish, their vocal prowess lacks the intensity and energy compared to the ladies.

Pierce Brosnan plays the architect, Sam Carmichael, whose heart still burns for Donna after twenty years apart. Brosnan adds the same suave and smoothness to Sam as he does for James Bond, but his singing is a little rough around the edges. Despite this, Brosnan is capable of carrying a tune (you could even hear his Irish accent while he sings) and he gives his all in S.O.S and Our Last Summer.

Everyone's favourite Mr Darcy, Colin Firth, is amazing as the former rebel rocker turned corporate banker, Harry 'Headbanger' Bright. Firth is the strongest vocally and musically of the male leads, even playing his guitar during Our Last Summer. He lends his talented vocals in harmony for Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight) and Voulez-Vous.


Other notable performances come courtesy of Stellan Skarsgård as Bill Anderson, Sophie's third possible father and travel writer whose care-free spirit and larrikin humour provide comic relief; Dominic Copper as Sophie's fiancee, Sky, has barely enough screen time, yet he is competent as singer and dancer; and the actors who play the hotel staff and also double as chorus singers and backing dancers throughout
were excellent.

Eagle-eyed audiences would be able to spot ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus in cameo roles during the middle and the end of the film. Stay around for a special encore performance from the entire cast, that's ABBA-solutely fABBA-ulous.
It's a nostalgic dance down the 1970s dicso memory lane, with sequins, skin tight spandex and silver-soled platform boots.
Whether or not you've seen the stage musical, it won't affect your enjoyment of the sparkling and exhilarating spectacle of Mamma Mia! The Movie.

In The Valley of Elah; mystery drama film review (Advance Screening)

ESSENCE OF HUMANITY: Hank and Joan Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon) deal with losing another son in the film In The Valley of Elah.
Image: Warner Independent Pictures


Post-War Pains by Linh

Writer, producer and director Paul Haggis' latest film In The Valley of Elah is a mystery thriller and drama concerning a former military police investigator and war veteran, Hank Deerfield, who goes in search of his missing son, Mike, with the help of a reluctant civilian officer,Detective Emily Sanders, only to discover the horrifying truth surrounding his son's death.

In The Valley of Elah is inspired by a true story and addresses the human costs of war rather than the politics surrounding it. The title comes from the biblical story of David and Goliath where David slays Goliath in the Valley of Elah.
It's an allegory to Hank seeing himself as David who has to fight the might of the American military for the truth of his son's death and their determination to cover it up.

The ensemble cast is brilliant in handling the emotional content and ambiguous script to bring a film that goes to the heart of human conflict and tragedy with US soldiers returning from war.

Tommy Lee Jones gives an Oscar-calibre performance as Hank Deerfield who starts questioning his long held beliefs of the America he once supported, which now misuses and places its young soldiers in horrific situations, then help is not forthcoming when they return.
Jones' sincere and deeply reflective portrayal of Hank is superb and worthy of his Best Actor Oscar nomination for this film.

Charlize Theron plays Detective Emily Sanders who assists Hank Deerfield by investigating his son's disappearance. Theron does well in showing a tougher edge as the lone woman in a male dominated workplace and then a gentler side as the single mum to a young son.

Susan Sarandon has a small but pivotal role as Joan Deerfield, wife of Hank and mother of Mike, who excels as the griefstricken mother and long suffering wife of Hank in an already tense relationship.

Jonathan Tucker appears as Mike Deerfield, but only in photographs, in the grainy images recorded on his mobile phone and throughout Hank's flashbacks of his son. Tucker gives a powerful performance as the brave soldier who was serving his country, before returning to find he barely recognises himself as post-traumatic stress disorder sets in.

Cinematographer Roger Deakins' subtle lighting and excellent camerawork adds to the intrigue of Paul Haggis' script.

In The Valley of Elah is a moving and thought-provoking film that's heavy with symbolic gestures with a brutally honest depiction of the de-humanisation of soldiers fighting in a climate of fear and death, and the impact of their experiences psychologically and emotionally.

Definitely, Maybe; romantic comedy film review

POLITICS OF LOVE: Ryan Reynolds as Will Hayes and Isla Fisher as April in a scene from Definitely, Maybe.
Image: Universal Pictures, www.movieweb.com

Definitely Friends, Maybe Lovers by Linh

Definitely, Maybe tells the story of a soon-to-be divorced father, Will Hayes, who has failed in love three times. His inquisitive daughter, Maya, asks how he met and fell in love with her mother. Will tells the story as a puzzle, with the names altered to keep his daughter guessing which of the three ladies is her mother. The film then flashes back sixteen years when Will leaves Wisconsin for New York to work on the Clinton Presidential campaign. He soon finds himself romantically involved with three very different women.

Ryan Reynolds is the well-meaning and amiable character Will Hayes, whose presence as a father and a lover is overshadowed by the females in his life, including his daughter. Reynolds downplays his character as if highlighting the roles of males in aspects of love and romance as passive while the females are the instigators and embracers of change. However, where his character's romantic ways are fallow, there is plenty of energy and enthusiasm in his work as political campaigner and consultant.

Isla Fisher sparkles on the screen as the apolitical April, whose character meets Will at the Democrats' campaign office in New York. April soon becomes Will's confidante and best friend, and they share laughs and personal stories with alcohol and cigarettes. April is one of the stronger and more complex female roles in the film which Fisher tackles deftly and with aplomb.

Rachel Weisz gives a consummate performance as Summer, a journalist for 'New Yorker' magazine, whose gentle and free-spirited exterior hides a tough and ambitious personality. Summer's fling with Will ends in heartbreak and job-loss for him, yet her resilience keeps her on top of her game.

Abigail Breslin shines in the role of Maya, Will's ten year old daughter. Maya may seem precocious at times, but mostly her cuteness factor wins over the audience.

Elizabeth Banks plays Emily, Will's wholesome and pretty college girlfriend who breaks up with him after sleeping with her room mate. Seemingly a minor role, yet Emily's actions have a far greater impact on Will than those of the other women. Banks succeeds in maintaining an air of mystery about Emily which makes the character seem hard to forget.

Definitely, Maybe is charming in its attempt to make the complications of love and relationships intriguing, yet fails to keep the momentum flowing throughout. With a romantic mystery plot combined with affable characters, Definitely, Maybe is slightly better than the usual batch of Valentine's Day film releases.

Walk Hard - Dewey Cox Story; film review

SPOOFING IT UP: Jenna Fischer as Darlene Madison and John C Reilly as Dewey Cox in a scene from 'Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story'.
Image: Columbia Pictures


Pastiche Parody by Linh

'Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story' is a mocumentary with ironic pop culture references, and crass sexual humour. It's a parody on the musical biopics like 'Ray' and 'Walk The Line', with the lead character encompassing the musical and personality traits of Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

The film follows the life of Dewey Cox who accidentally chops his brother in half with a machete, then becomes one the most successful musicians from the 1950s to 2007. Along the way to musical stardom, Dewey Cox experiences all the drugs, sex and rock 'n roll, with hysterical results and running gags.

Co-writer and producer Judd Apatow ('Knocked Up', 'Anchorman' and 'The 40 Year Old Virgin'), combines his flair for satirical absurdity with director Jake Kasdan's tongue in cheek approach to create a spoof which pokes fun at every element of Hollywood biopics, albeit with a serious tone.

John C Reilly shines and is convincing as he sings and plays guitar in his role as the hardworking and impressionable Dewey Cox.

Jenna Fischer plays the seductive and sprightly Darlene Madison and Fischer's interpretation of her character cleverly combines the passion of June Carter and the sex appeal of Marilyn Monroe.

Tim Meadows is hilarious as the drummer of Dewey's band whose delivery of one-liners are sharp and deadpan.

Raymond J Barry gives a solid performance as Pa Cox who's unwilling to forgive Dewey for killing his brother and effectively delivers the emotionally frustrating line "The wrong kid died!" throughout.

Guest appearances and cameos make the film a hoot with Jack Black as Paul McCartney who clashes with Paul Rudd as John Lennon; Jack White (lead singer of the rock band The White Stripes) plays Elvis Presley; 1960s soul and r'nb group The Temptations, Eddie Vedder, Jackson Browne, Jewel and Lyle Lovett appear as themselves.

The music and songs throughout 'Walk Hard' cleverly reflects the respective decades and pays homage to some of the industry's greatest musicians, while the lyrics are ridiculously funny. Highlights include the duet of Dewey Cox and Darlene Madison Let's Duet, Walk Hard, Hole In My Pants and Beautiful Ride.

'Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story' is a film filled with soul/blues and rock 'n roll, witty punchlines aimed at everything about the music industry and brilliant performances from a stellar ensemble cast.

Juno; comedy drama film review

FOETAL ATTRACTION: (From left) Kaaren de Zilva as the ultrasound technician, Ellen Page as Juno, Olivia Thirlby as Leah and Allison Janney as Brenda in a scene from 'Juno'.
Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures, www.movieweb.com

*Up The Duff For MacGuff by Linh

Following his highly successful satirical drama 'Thank You For Smoking', director Jason Reitman effectively brings Diablo Cody's brilliant screenwriting to cinematic perfection in 'Juno'.

'Juno' tells the story of sixteen year old Juno MacGuff who falls pregnant, considers abortion, opts for adoption and gains an understanding of being a woman despite her tender years.

The film's allure is in Diablo Cody's script which finds humour in the most serious and dire situations. The dialogue is sprinkled with impressive one-liners and phrases that are destined to become part of the everyday contemporary lexicon. The film's fantastic soundtrack adds to the scenes' nuances and reflects the characters' idiosyncrasies.

Ellen Page is exceptional as the impulsive and intelligent Juno MacGuff, whose naïveté and immaturity leads to her pregnancy. Page's portrayal of Juno deserves an Oscar, and she draws you into her character's world and makes you laugh, respect, admire and care about Juno.

Michael Cera is affable as the father of Juno's baby, Paulie Bleeker, but is downplayed and he is absent in the choices and decisions regarding the baby. Yet, this may point to Bleeker's childlike and trusting nature, who is happy to have Juno around on her terms and he would do anything for her.

Allison Janney gives a classy performance as Juno's stepmum Brenda MacGuff, who starts off as the typical overprotective parent with suspicions her children are messing with drugs, alcohol or being expelled from school. The clever script allows Brenda to evolve into a hip and sharp-tongued parent winning approval from Juno and the audience.

JK Simmons is superb as Juno's dad Mac MacGuff, who shows similar character evolution with his dialogue going from square to there. His father and daughter talk with Juno includes the hilarious line "Isn't that what the girls call it these days? Skanky? Skeezy? You know, tore up from the floor up?".

The adoption couple have a more complex character structure as a pair as well as individually.
Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman play Vanessa and Mark Loring, who at first seem like the happily married couple desperately wanting a child to complete their domestic bliss. Garner exudes plenty of maternal warmth and sincerity as Vanessa who gains a child despite losing a partner.
Jason Bateman's Mark is a child at heart and a man whose rock 'n roll dreams remain unfulfilled. Bateman is charming as Mark, and his character's mutual affection towards Juno reveals a yearning to be young again and live for his music.

Every teenage comedy drama needs a best friend for the hero/heroine and Olivia Thirlby exceeds beyond expectations as Leah. Thirlby gives her character Leah a vibrant and optimistic energy, with enough perkiness to enliven any gloomy situation, especially in helping Juno find adoptive parents, "You should look in the Penny Saver...Yeah, 'Desperately Seeking Spawn'."

The soundtrack to the film is eclectic with indie-pop and pseudo-folk songs which include Sonic Youth, Cat Power, Kimya Dawson and The Kinks. A duet is featured in the film with Ellen Page and Michael Cera performing Anyone Else But You.



*Up the duff - Australian slang meaning pregnant.(www.alldownunder.com)

Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; musical film review

Johnny Depp as GORE GALORE: Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd and Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs Lovett in a scene from 'Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'.
Image: Leah Gallo, Warner Brothers and Dreamworks.

Bleeding Blades by Linh

'Sweeney Todd' is Stephen Sondheim's musical brought to the big screen courtesy of director Tim Burton's eccentricity and the astounding talents of an ensemble cast led by Johnny Depp.

Director Tim Burton has cleverly re-created the dark, dingy and bustling streets of London to set his latest film 'Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street', including the costumes and accents befitting the period.

The casting enables the film to be less theatrical with greater emphasis on cinematic qualities, employing actors who can sing rather than singers who can act. Most of the singing sounds rock-pop oriented and some songs have been shortened, while others have been omitted.

Versatile actor Johnny Depp extends his talents to greater lengths in accomplishing the characterisation of wrongly convicted barber Benjamin Barker, who returns as the gothic-looking and greying Sweeney Todd. Johnny Depp's singing expresses the pain and loss in the heart of a ruined man after losing his wife and child, yet is filled with anger and vengeance. Not known for his singing skills, Johnny Depp surprises with his vocal prowess throughout, including his highlights Epiphany and Pretty Women with Alan Rickman.

Although pregnant during the filming of 'Sweeney Todd', Helena Bonham Carter manages to capture the quirkiness and minx-like temperament of Mrs Lovett, physically and vocally. Helena Bonham Carter is breathtaking as she sings and moves in syncopation to Sondheim's music, particularly in The Worst Pies In London. She has previously performed with Depp in 'Corpse Bride' and the pair's playful and extraordinary chemistry is evident onscreen.

Alan Rickman rises to the challenge of villainous heights as Judge Turpin whose self-indulgence and corruption stems Sweeney Todd's thirst for vengeance. Rickman's consummate performance captivates and his ability to draw audiences' reactions of hate and disdain towards his character is exceptional.

Timothy Spall gives a delightfully devious edge to Beadle Bamford, the brutal henchman of Judge Turpin. Spall's Beadle is the mini-me to Alan Rickman's Judge Turpin and Spall presents an equally satisfying performance.

Providing most of the comedic moments in the film is Sacha Baron Cohen as the fraudster Signor Adolfo Pirelli. Cohen's portrayal of Todd's former employee is hysterical as he flashes a cheesy grin while shaving a customer, and hitting a dazzling falsetto note in The Contest.

The impressive supporting cast adds spark to the film with Jamie Campbell Bower as Anthony Hope whose polished tenor voice is sublime in Johanna; as the innocent and reserved Johanna, Jayne Wisener is lovely in voice for Green Finch and Linnet Bird; youngster Edward Sanders gives a brilliant performance as Toby and is definitely one to watch in the future; and Laura Michelle Kelly does well to evoke pity as the Beggarwoman, then educes sadness as Sweeney realises she is his wife Lucy.

Disney's Enchanted - film review

ENCHANTMENT: A hand drawn animation scene from the film 'Enchanted'. Image: Walt Disney Pictures -
www.sewardstreet.com

Fairytale Fun by Linh

Disney has returned to its roots yet has added a touch of reality to its usual animated magic.

In its latest family film offering, Disney's 'Enchanted' combines comedy and musical animation with live action in a wonderful juxtaposition of fairytale 'happily ever after' and cynical New York style endings.

In its opening scenes, 'Enchanted' encompasses all the typical Disney animated flair which is reminiscent of its classic hand drawn animation films, but the fantasy continues in a different form when the animated characters enter the real world of modern day New York as real people.

Amy Adams stars as the fairytale Princess-to-be, Giselle, whose only wish is to marry the dashing Prince Edward whom she believes is her one true love. Amy Adams' portrayal of Giselle embodies all the Disney heroines including Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, yet she succeeds in making Giselle a uniquely extraordinary character. Amy Adams shines in all her musical numbers, in particular the big production song That's How You Know with a reggae beat and a touch of cheeky brass accompanying her dulcet vocals. In Happy Working Song her vocal expression is euphonious as she dances and sings while cockroaches, pigeons and rats help her clean the house.

Patrick Dempsey of television's 'Grey's Anatomy' fame, provides the romantic interest who is unusually unromantic. Patrick Dempsey's character represents the realities of life, who unflinchingly dismisses fairytales as nonsense until he is touched by Giselle's irresistible charms.

James Marsden plays the vapid and vain Prince Edward with plenty of charm whose chivalry knows no bounds. James Marsden sings with vocal brilliance in the duet True Love's Kiss with Amy Adams, brings romance and passion to That's Amore and is believable as the fairytale Prince.

Susan Sarandon is the venomous and evil Queen Narissa whose only goal is to eliminate any competition to her reign in the Kingdom of Andalasia. Susan Sarandon is deliciously wicked and quite frightening in both animated version and live action as the Queen.

Topping and tailing 'Enchanted' is the actress who has enchanted a generation of film goers with her familiar distinctive vocals - Julie Andrews, whose narration is fittingly eloquent.

Alan Menken's canorous musical composition combined with Stephen Schwartz's well-pitched lyrics make the score of 'Enchanted' an aural pleasure.

'Enchanted' is a brilliant film for the entire family and anyone who likes the magic of Disney with a twist.

MUSICAL MUSINGS: Amy Adams as Giselle and Patrick Dempsey as Robert in a scene from 'Enchanted'.
Image: Walt Disney Pictures -
www.justjared.buzznet.com

The Game Plan; Charity screening - family film review

FATHER FIGURE: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as Joe Kingman and Madison Pettis as Peyton in a scene from 'The Game Plan'.
Image: Ron Philips/Disney Enterprises.


The charity preview screening of 'The Game Plan' is to support the Starlight Children's Foundation, with all proceeds used to brighten the lives of seriously ill children.

Musclehead Turns Marshmallow by Linh

Former wrestling champion Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson shows he can be soft as a marshmallow on the inside while maintaining his tough exterior with his latest film 'The Game Plan'.

In typical Disney style, 'The Game Plan' consists of the usual formula of children, animals, frazzled adults, and a lesson or two to be learned. There's even American Football, ballet plus shameless product placement and advertising as part of the script.

Dwayne Johnson stars as the self-absorbed, popular and charming quarterback for the Boston Rebels, Joe Kingman, whose well-structured life is thrown off balance when he meets the eight year old daughter he never knew he had. His daughter, Peyton, informs him that her mother is unreachable as she's in Sudan saving lives, so it's his responsibility to care for his daughter. Joe Kingman relunctantly agrees, as he couldn't resist the big, brown innocent eyes of his little girl. Yet she is not as sweet and innocent as he thinks.

Dwayne Johnson is unexpectedly very funny and entertaining to watch as the bachelor learning to be a father. Dwayne Johnson does very well in playing a role against type, a huge change from his other heroic tough guy roles. Joe Kingman is a devoted Elvis Presley fan and fills his life with Elvis memorabilia and actions, which gives Dwayne Johnson the opportunity to sing a stirring rendition of Are You Lonesome Tonight while playing his Elvis Presley labelled guitar.

Madison Pettis is a natural talent as the observant and patient Peyton who sees her father as a challenge but accepts his character flaws with a mature attitude compared to Joe Kingman's childishness and "It's all about me, it's mine" personality. Madison Pettis delivers a very believable performance as the young girl searching for a father figure in Joe Kingman and her ballet scenes with Joe are inspiring.

Kyra Sedgwick is delightfully pushy yet well-meaning as Stella Peck, Joe's very demanding and money-hungry agent whose attempts to secure lucrative sponsorship deals for Joe Kingman are placed in doubt as Joe commits to his Daddy duties. Kyra Sedgwick plays it too straight-faced and serious as she tries to babysit Peyton, but ends up hiring a nanny.

Roselyn Sanchez plays Peyton's ballet teacher, Monique Vasquez whose professionalism and skills at ballet equal Joe Kingman's football playing abilities. Yet the two clash on their first meeting, until she recruits Joe as an integral part of her ballet production. Roselyn Sanchez is dainty and glamourous in her ballet attire, who also provides the strong-willed female mentor Peyton seeks, as a teacher and friend.

'The Game Plan' is a reminder of the importance of family and learning to balance work with family commitments. A thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying two hours of family comedy, much better than other similar Disney films.