movies

Is this reel life? – Take This Waltz (Review)

/ riainthecity / 23 Comments

‘Everyone’s life has gaps but that doesn’t mean that you have to try to fill them up like a lunatic’ or a line along those lines was the only thing that was thought provoking about this movie. Apart from that, the only thought it provoked was, ‘why am I watching this garbage?’

Yes folks! I am talking about ‘Take this Waltz’

It was hyped to be a romantic movie and coming from Sarah Polley, people, well at least I, had high expectations from it. If the point of the movie was to make people hate the lead character then Bingo! If not, then the movie has totally missed the point.

Margot, played by Michelle Williams, is a writer who really has issues and she constantly feels ill at ease with her marriage. Despite the fact that her husband, played by Seth Rogen, is loving and doting, she requires constant attention and when he is unable to do that because of work commitments she looks for that attention outside her marriage and unsurprisingly, cause that’s what always happens in movies, she finds it in her next door neighbor, played by Luke Kirby.

At the risk of sounding like a prude, cheating spouses don’t really appeal to my sensibilities. Luke Kirby is attractive though, so one can imagine why Margot would fall for him. Furthermore, the lead character had a very weak personality and after nearly two hours of her wanting to cheat on her husband, incessant crying and depression, she finally realizes that she needs to love herself before she can ever love anyone else.

Deep. I know.

However, remember what was wrong with 127 hours? Yeah, basically this movie doesn’t have a story that should be made into a movie. It feels like a soap opera!

However, all is not bad and there were some strong points about the movie. The acting was rather convincing, so much so, that at times it felt like a documentary. The videography, music and direction were excellent as well.

I am not saying that you shouldn’t see it. You can, and you should and I am pretty sure that it will hit right home for many. After all, we all have moments when we feel like something is missing from our lives and that if we just found that ‘something’ then our lives would be complete. But I’d say watch it on Netflix or at least on $5 Tuesdays.

Also, if you have ever felt like you had issues,  after watching this movie, you would not feel that way anymore.

***

Director: Sarah Polley

Writer: Sarah Polley

Stars: Michelle Wiliams, Luke Kirby, Seth Rogen

Duration: 116 minutes

Rating: R

My Father and The Man in Black (Part 2 – Review)

/ riainthecity / 19 Comments

Jonathan Holiff said, ‘The movie has a star attached to it and thus it may have an appeal for movie goers.’ Well that holds true but you will find that the movie has more of an appeal because it is about you and me. It is a story so true to life that all of us can relate to it. 

My Father and The Man in Black

Director/Writer: Jonathan Holiff

Actors: Jonathan Holiff, Joshua Robinson, Saul Holiff

Duration: 90 mins

Genre: Documentary

My Father and The Man in Black: the phrase ‘The Man in Black’ holds a special significance for Johnny Cash fans, for we know that the man, the legendary man in black, always donned black. Hence, when I first heard the name of this particular film, I hoped and prayed that it will be about him and that I, as a fan, would take home some little known facts about Johnny Cash. After all, Jonathan Holiff is the son of Saul Holiff, Johnny Cash’s manager from 1960 to 1973, so he must have access to some awesome stuff about Johnny Cash, right?

Right. He did.

But I got to take home a lot more than what I had hoped for, in a good way of course.

What Jonathan has in store for us, is a universal story of parent child misunderstandings and one man’s journey to make amends with his father, beyond the grave.

I was rooted to my seat from the very first scene (you will have to see the movie to find out what it is! 😉 ) and I was genuinely disappointed when the film ended and the credits began to roll. I wish it had been longer! Reason being that the direction and story telling skills were incredible and I felt as if I was living and breathing alongside Saul Holiff and Johnny Cash and I didn’t want the dream to end!

The film also explores the relationship between Saul Holiff and Johnny Cash,to a certain extent, but the focus is on Jonathan Holiff and Saul Holiff’s relationship. However, Johnny Cash fans are in for a treat; the film has original audio recordings of conversations between Saul Holiff and Johnny Cash! (Do I hear cheering?)

A word of advice: keep some tissue paper handy when you watch the film because you are in for a roller coaster ride! One minute you will be tapping your feet to an awesome selection of tunes (Think Ring of Fire!) by Johnny Cash and the next you will be holding your breath to find out what happened between Jonathon and Saul.

The movie is suitable for all ages, is a visual and audio treat and promises to leave you with wanting more!

Disclaimer: I have not done a movie review for a movie I have loved this much, so please pardon my incoherence. I give it 4 thumbs up, hands and feet included!

P.S: Clicking on Jonathan Holiff’s name will take you to his IMDB page. For the film’s Facebook page click here and you can follow Jonathan Holiff on twitter @Holifffame