Finally we seem to be back on track, there’s nothing I like to see more than an abundance of films I really have to think hard about when choosing what I need to see. The choice on offer this week has made it extremely hard for My Pick of the Week and the winner only just made it to the number one spot. With lots of Drama, action and comedy you’re certainly not going to have a dull weekend.
The Butler
1926 see’s a young Cecil (Forest Whitaker), as he escapes the oppression of a fiercely segregated South America. His journey is far from easy but along the way he picks up some invaluable skills which lead to the job of a lifetime, as a Butler at The White House. Whilst his wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) brings up their two sons with all the benefits of a middle class family, Cecil’s continuous commitment to his “first family” causes nothing but tensions with his real family.
From the academy award nominated Director of Precious, Lee Daniels delivers yet another powerful story of one man’s journey to better his life and that of his family against the odds of discrimination of the time he lives in no matter what it may cost him. With an abundance of great actors such as Forest Whitaker, Aml Ameen, Vanessa Redgrave, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jnr, Terence Howard and many more, The Butler is sure to deliver a rollercoaster of emotions which might just leave you drained but will be worth every penny spent.
SEE IF YOU LIKED: The Color Purple, The Help.
The Counsellor
Counselor (Michael Fassbender) may seem like your normal everyday lawyer, who is looking forward to marrying his fiancée Malkina (Cameron Diaz), the story soon unravels as Counselor find himself over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking. The plan takes a horrifying twist leading to him having to protect not only his life but that of his bride to be as secrets are exposed.
The Counsellor is brought to you by 20th century fox and the acclaimed director of Gladiator and Prometheus, Ridley Scott. You can count on intriguing action and violence all the way. Not only are we graced with the amazing acting talents of Fassbender, this film is full of big names such as Diaz, the very beautiful Penelope Cruz and her husband Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt. If that doesn’t suck you in then maybe the fact that this film has caused some major controversy due to implying that morality does not exist, plot structure and the fact it has a very explicit sex scene involving a Ferrari windshield. Love it or hate it people will be talking about it.
SEE IF YOU LIKED: Limitless, Side Effects
Dom Hemingway
Cockney Wide boy and villain, Dom Hemingway (Jude Law), is finally back on the streets of London after spending 12 years in jail and keeping his mouth shut, “he ain’t no grass”, and is out to collect the money he is due in reward for his silence. However, accompanied by his best mate Dickie (Richard E. Grant) they take a trip to France to visit crime boss Mr Fontaine to claim his reward. Dom’s drink and drug fuelled ego get’s in the way and he decides that what he is owed is lost after 2 disastrous incidents, making Dom realise that his top priority should be to start to build a relationship with his long lost daughter.
From the producer of Sexy Beast, this British comedy crime drama promises to give us a laugh a minute, not just from Law’s receding hairline and London geezer accent he tries to pull off, No I’m being unfair, but also the plot of the storyline. Let’s just hope this doesn’t leave us feeling flat, and gives us what British film does best, a sense of a warm feel good movie.
SEE IF YOU LIKED: Sexy Best, Alfie
Don Jon
Jon Martello (Gordon-Levitt) is what some might call a modern day Casanova, Don Juan, he’s an egotistical womanizer with a short list of things he cares about “my body, my pad, my ride, my family, my church, my boys, my girls, my porn” Although he has a very active sex life with many a one night stand his porn obsession has no sign of faltering and he develops unrealistic expectations. In the end he turns to the love and intimacy with a potential new love to find true happiness.
As well as starring and having written this film, Don Jon is Gordon Levitt’s feature directorial debut. He could just well be a genius and an extremely exciting new director to watch. Not only is this film laced with humour, but it’s extremely touching and smart too. Bringing into the fold Scarlett Johansson (who I actually do not rate as an actress), to play his “romantic” lead was a good choice for his character to bounce off. Along with Julianne Moore who has received high praise for her performance. The only down side of this film it has a vague similarity of that of Saturday night Fever, we just seem to be missing the white suit and the swinging arm of John Travolta.
SEE IF YOU LIKED: Knocked Up
MY PICK OF THE WEEK: THE BUTLER