It was 'About Time'

Two consecutive posts about 'time', well that's something.
Yes that's right, I recently (well a few months ago actually) watched the new (no longer new, I guess) movie starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson. To be honest, regardless of the fact that I know McAdams is a good actress as she has been in films that I like, I didn't expect much from this film since I just thought it would be another 'soppy' romance with some time travelling like in "Time Traveller's Wife", which also coincidently (coincidence? I think not) stars McAdams. So going to see a film at the movies that you didn't have major interest on didn't really seem that exciting. However, I was actually surprised. I actually loved the film.

It was a Wednesday, that day after the French exchanges arrived. During the morning, I chilled with my exchange, a friend and two other exchanges, having fun in the music rooms and the dance studio. In the afternoon, the correspondents went on a small trip whilst I basically waited and ate food at home. Yes, I stuffed myself with Nando's crisps, not that has any importance to you guys...ANYWAY, afterwards, I came to meet my correspondent and we went to the movies as a big group.

Before I continue, SPOILER ALERT. I decided to make that bold and red so that it would stand out, just in case there are people still wanting to watch the film and prefer not to know what happens. What follows will most definitely tell you about the film.

Plot Summary:

• At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel in time... The night after another unsatisfactory New Year party, Tim's father (Bill Nighy) tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Tim can't change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own life-so he decides to make his world a better place...by getting a girlfriend. Sadly, that turns out not to be as easy as you might think. Moving from the Cornwall coast to London to train as a lawyer, Tim finally meets the beautiful but insecure Mary (Rachel McAdams). They fall in love, then an unfortunate time-travel incident means he's never met her at all. So they meet for the first time again-and again-but finally, after a lot of cunning time-traveling, he wins her heart. Tim then uses his power to create the perfect romantic proposal, to save his wedding from the worst best-man speeches, to save his best friend from professional disaster and to get his pregnant wife to the hospital in time for the birth of their daughter, despite a nasty traffic jam outside Abbey Road. But as his unusual life progresses, Tim finds out that his unique gift can't save him from the sorrows and ups and downs that affect all families, everywhere. There are great limits to what time travel can achieve, and it can be dangerous too.
  - Written by Universal Pictures

"About Time" begins in quite a witty way, if that's how you could put it, because for example it began like them films when the protagonist talks in-a-way to the audience and it gave me a sense of...Right, it is quite difficult to put in words, but made me feel like I was watching a British film like "About a Boy" and "Diary of Bridget Jones". Gleeson's accent is like the same as those in them films and the beginning was filmed in a 'different' way. I feel like I'm going in circles here and I don't actually know if you guys get my drift...Oh well, back to the main point. That's it, the beginning of the film was quite comedic but in a humour that's not loud in your face thus the use of the word: witty. Tim (Gleeson) tells us about his unusual family and we're shown scene of each member of his family.

For characters, we have:

• The mother 'Mum' played by Lindsay Duncan.

The story didn't really focus much on 'Mum', since of course she is not the main main character despite being the mother. At the beginning of the film, she seems like a very homey Welsh mother that lives life happy and just one of them people you don't really see 'loosing their cool'.

• The father 'Dad' played by Bill Nighy. 

When this guy came up, the actor seemed like a familiar face but I couldn't pin point where exactly I've seen him but after some research he's been in quite a number of films such as "Love Actually" and "Pirates of the Caribbean". A tall, lanky 'Dad' that also seems the homey type, like them fathers who spend time with their children playing games with them or taking walks. The typical, however, I find families with parents like these pretty cute as long as they don't go overboard with the chesseyness. There's a fine line between sweet and creepy.

• The sister 'Kit Kat' played by Lydia Wilson.

This character is quite 'wacky'. She is even described as being different by Tim, her brother. It is quite obvious that her (the character's) personality is strange but in them chilled and relaxed way. In some ways, she sometimes reminded me of me, but in a much much more exaggerated way since I'm not that 'wacky' (I've used that word quite a bit already). Her role as a sister is pretty sweet as well, since she loves her brother and the rest of her family. Towards the middle/end of the film, Kit Kat gets a little story 'focus' where it sort of centres towards her. I guess I sort of liked her personality despite it being rather strange.

• The uncle 'Uncle D' played by Richard Cordery.

Not much of a major role this guy, but there to lift up the mood a little bit. This fellow made me laugh a little when you sort of laugh and like puff a little bit of air out of your nose. I think his role is the dopey but cute one since he's not always up-to-date with the current situation, but the way he is just makes him lovable as 'Uncle D'.

Overall, I think Tim's family is a cute and close family. One which can be adored for their closeness and praised for the fact that their kids aren't ashamed to be with and spend quality time with their parents. You know, a sad thing is that not all those who are fortunate to have a 'family' have the opportunity to spend time together. Some families are torn due to circumstances and events, whereas other families don't make the effort. It's a shame when I think about, because I for one, truly believe that my family is a blessing to me and I hope people, especially the youth, realise that your parents won't be 'physically' be there for you to lean on forever thus we mush CHERISH our time with them. With siblings, if any, it is the same sort of thing as eventually in life each kid goes their own way and sometimes you won't see your brother or sister as much anymore due to them studying at University or they've moved abroad or something. Sorry if I seem to be rambling about this, it's just something I feel quite...I dunno, something worth mentioning to you guys. For this reason, that is why I admired the togetherness of Tim's family (yes, back to the film) and it made me smile and go "Aw..." when I saw them laughing together. From the way this is turning out, I have a feeling this post might be a long one...Best not to babble on too much.

• Oh, and we can't forget Mary played by Rachel McAdams.

Well durgh, she's one of the two main main characters hence she's pretty important. An American Kate-Moss-loving girl who's pretty 'basic'. That sounds mean, but I guess she portrays the simple type but with a sweet personality. Someone who doesn't reject the guys that aren't as muscley, tall and handsome which is good for Tim, since although he's tall, he's not the 'muscle man' type. Mary is...normal? HaHa, I don't know how else to describe her since that's what she is and it's Tim who is pretty 'different' with his time travelling skills.

Technical Stuff

This film was filmed (no pun intended) well. Simple yet effective. As I am typing these very words, I'm straining my memory to the movie because it was a while ago now and I've had this post on drafts mode for quite some time. I'm no director but the angles of some of the shots were done well. Oh, there was that scene at the very beginning, when Tim and Mary have their 'first' meeting in that dark bar-like literally DARK. It was slightly confusing at first but I guess an artistic approach.

Music/OST

Average music.
None that really pops up in my head.
I suppose I focused more on the story and what was happening in the film. Quite different compared to Korean Dramas where the OSTs freakin' make you all emotional. =')

Overall

About Time is a very good film. I wouldn't say it's major blockbuster, meaning it won't win every single award, but perhaps a film that is worthy of praise. The people involved in making the film haven't tried too much fancy stuff and basically delivered the movie in an effective way. The acting was good, but the writer...well, very well done. It's pretty hard to describe how simple yet good it is and I feel like I keep repeating myself now...I suggest y'all should watch it.
Great film.
I even cried a little. =')

Review: Despicable Me 2

(credit: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/despicable-me-2-108348)

Salut!
Don't worry, I haven't neglected this blog, I just haven't had the right time to do an entry. I have things in mind that I hope you guys will hopefully appreciate. ^ ^
Ok, so finally another entry-Yay! And this one will be my 'first' review on my 'new' blog. What other movie can be a good beginning post? Of course, one of the hyped Summer Film of 2013-Despicable Me 2.

Pretty nervous about how this post will turn out. I want to create a sort of checklist kind of thing that obviously will be flexible, but a good initial structure that my movie reviews can form with. And let's get this out clear, my so-called reviews aren't really like film critics kind of reviews, they're more like opinions and summaries, hence rather informal and personal-ish. =') In other words, just blab on about them...And those willing to spend their time reading it, will hopefully appreciate them. I hope.

So in terms of 'form', I sort of have something I'll be working with so far until I think of other ways to improve. Drama 'summaries' may follow this format also.
Here's how they'll go:

• Introduction-What the film is about and perhaps that synopsis (they're still called that with movies right? not just dramas I hope).
• Review(-ish)-Structure/ Storyline; Characters; Cinematography & Lighting; Music/OST.
• Overall view-Includes certain scenes or captions that particularly caught my attention.
• Overall rating-not sure at the moment whether to give section ratings or an overall one? 

If you guys have any suggestions on how to improve or any details or points you'd like me to comment on or even a basic comment, comment below. Much appreciated. =)

With that out of the way, I can finally get going...

(credit: wikipedia.org)

I think a good start would be to begin with the first movie: Despicable Me. I remember watching the first movie and my first few thoughts were: "This movie's weird" and in all honesty it pretty much was. The way it was 'directed' was different and in some ways, wacky. The characters I initially thought were strange as Gru's proportions are so out of balance, but then again, I should be used to that since I watch animes and stuff. In my opinion, the film was an average. Not the most awesomest film, but not so terrible that it made me want to cry out in annoyance. I found Agnes incredibly adorable though! And everyone loves:

(credit: both gifs found on tumblr, original creator of each .gif unknown)

And so that brings us to the main point of this review: Despicable Me 2.

(credit: http://www.ruthlessreviews.com/16348/despicable-me-2-film-review/)

This movie is basically a follow-through (I don't even know if that's what they call it, pardon me) of the life of the main character Felonius Gru, as former villain turned father. After some research, it's supposedly set around about three years after the first film. He's tried stealing the moon and being 'evil', but has found a new way in life. He's now a father with a changed personality and tries to find a comfortable lifestyle for himself, his three girls and of course, les minions. It's pretty difficult for him, since making "Jam and Jellies" don't quite make it.

While Gru, the ex-supervillain is adjusting to family life and an attempted honest living in the jam business, a secret Arctic laboratory is stolen. The Anti-Villain League decides it needs an insider's help and recruits Gru in the investigation. Together with the eccentric AVL agent, Lucy Wilde, Gru concludes that his prime suspect is the presumed dead supervillain, El Macho, whose his teenage son is also making the moves on his eldest daughter, Margo. Seemingly blinded by his overprotectiveness of his children and his growing mutual attraction to Lucy, Gru seems on the wrong track even as his minions are being quietly kidnapped en masse for some malevolent purpose.

(credit: taken from imdb, Written by Kenneth Chisholm )

After seeing all the trailers for this film, it made me want to go watch so badly. I don't care about how some people may think cartoons are for younger children, who freakin' cares man? Well, I know I don't. Animations are awesome and they too can hold such meaningful messages or simply make you smile. For example, even though rather off the topic of Despicable Me 2, Disney Pixar's Up I felt had a very cute storyline that in my opinion can be enjoyed by all audience who appreciate those sorts of films. Them videos of the cute minions are funny. Practically everyone knows...BA-NA-NA-AAH-AH-AAH! POTATO-NAH-AAH-AH. And on that note, I just had to link the video in down below.

Plus, even more awesomeness. Pharrell sings one of the OST songs for this film. Since I don't want to be linking too much videos from Youtube on here, check it out: Happy-Pharrell Williams. I like how the song gives a chilled, feel-good kind of feeling. Ya get me? Despite it's part in the film, as far as I remember, is pretty short, it's still a pretty good summer easy-jam.

Storyline/Structure

The movie hasn't got much complications in terms of storyline since even though it's a movie that all audiences can watch, it is geared so that the younger ones can understand. The beginning gives a good sort of summary in terms of like it sets the scene in some way showing how Gru's life has changed having a new lifestyle and now watching over his three girls. I think the story was pretty easy to follow. However, I think the main purpose of the Despicable Me movies are to entertain meaning they focus on adding the comedic details that viewers like to point out and remember. We all like to have particular scenes that we recite or even act out when reminiscing about certain films. Like how the movie, Mean Girls is such a quotable movie that I know quite a good selection of lines from that film. "You don't even go here!", "Your Mom's chest hair", "Too gay to function", I could go on for ages with lines and phrases, but I think that'd be enough. I might already be boring you guys...=/
For this film, I think it'd be the minions' scenes and the cute agnes scenes!

Characters

First of all, the character list:

Felonius Gru

Gru's Minions

Lucy Wilde (Gru)

Margo Gru

Edith Gru

Agnes Gru

Eduardo

Antonio

(credit: images taken from website mentioned below)

An interesting 'wikipedia' for the cast here.

Gru in this sequel is the same Gru-the Gru with the less villain side to him though. He's funny in a natural kind of way. Ok, I know he's a fictional cartoon/animation character, but I'm talking in terms of his 'personality'. He's a serious sort of guy, but for the audience his little mistakes and stumbles are funny for us guys and I think that's what makes the audience like him-he's a pretty awkward and wacky guy.

(credit: collider.com/despicable-me-2-sequel-trailer)

Lucy Wilde is a character who takes a bit to getting used to. Of course since she's a new character and all. As with most of the people in this film, they have their 'scenes of fame' in which they get to be funny. She's like the female version of Gru, but a more happier and eccentric person compared to him. I noticed at the beginning that they wear the same sort of skinny scarf, and like I kinda realised that they'd hit it off. I love female spies, ya'know women who are like badass that know kung fu/ martial arts. Yes, Wilde in this movie isn't really a spy/ detective, she does have that lipstick zapper.

(credit: collider.com/despicable-me-2-sequel-trailer)

Argh, the Minions! They're so awesome. Many would agree with me that they are kinda a staple of the film. Even though they're not made out to be the main characters, their role is super important. Especially with the trailers and teasers, I know that they made me watch the film. And when you see accessories or items of minions, you'd automatically associate them with the two Despicable Me films. Like on Facebook, they have them new stickers thats I've already been crazily using. As per, they're crazy and random, making them even more awesome. Their outfits are pretty great too.

(credit: collider.com/despicable-me-2-sequel-trailer)

The three girls, Margo is the oldest of the three. She sort of has a bigger role in this film compared to the first one. Since you know she does have a teenager (wait, teen or younger? I don't even know fully) fling with this Antonio guy. Bleh, the guy is pretty cringey and I don't get his 'look'. I think their 'thing' is just a side-story. Pretty sure the director/producers used them just to find a way to be invited into Eduardo's crib house. Man, the father is weird. Like them Nacho Libre guys. Sorry if I sound very stereotypical...I like the latino/mexican/spanish kinda thing, but in this film, the guy's just...weird. I dunno, he just is. 
Edith doesn't have much in this film, hence I sorta feel sorry for her. Yes, she's a main character, but she doesn't really do much in Despicable Me 2.
Then we finally have Agnes. She's still young at the age of 6, but that's what she's there for-to be cute and funny at the same time. She's a crazy lil' kid and rather random too, but that's what makes the audience absolutely love her. Like the minions, I also think she is a staple of the film.

(credit: collider.com/despicable-me-2-sequel-trailer)

Technical Stuff

Overall, 'filmed' well. Despite being an animation, the shots are good. Sorry, I didn't really spend much time observing this side of the film, just wanted to simply enjoy it's random simplicities (does that even make sense?)

Music/OST

I like how the tracks they used for this film aren't the typical. It gives it an edge. Like with the main trailer they use a rap sorta song and as mentioned, they have a song by Pharrell Williams.

Overall

So overall, a good film! Was expecting more epic movie since I got pretty hyped with the teasers and doing harmonising with some friends as minions. Of course. But then again, pas mal. =) Yup, I recommend it to you guys, whatever your age. And I'll be making some things involving crafts with the minions.
Out of 10? Erm...Argh, I suck at these. I think 8?


There ya go. I know I didn't write much content in terms of an actual review and instead blabbed on about a lot of things that were pretty off topic. OH WELL. I'll be varying the size of my posts but I kinda felt since it's my first review I'd make an effort. You'll notice when they get shorter. =') Sorry if I bored you guys and for those who took had the time to read this all...Whoah, bravo.