Movies and Actors | pinartarhan.com

My Favorite Movie Proposal: Braveheart – William Wallace to Murron:

Posted on July 2, 2012 Written by ripitup

Braveheart movie poster, Braveheart starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau & Catherine McCormack. Image via popcornfreak.com

Of all the movies that I have seen, my favorite proposal in a movie remains Braveheart. Yes, Braveheart is my favorite movie ever and there are hardly any scenes I don’t enjoy (except for the ones where Bruce talks to his sick father. The man gives me the creeps- looks and personality wise).

But I am a big fan of Randal Wallace, just because he wrote Braveheart and I’m willing to forgive him for Titanic (I just didn’t like that movie.) The dialogue is smart, touching, inspiring, sad, romantic and funny -combinations depending on the character and the scene.

The Background

The scene will probably mean more to you if you’ve seen and liked the film. But even if you haven’t, I’ll give you all the crucial details so that you can enjoy it more. And this is not a spoiler. The catalyst of Wallace’s quest for freedom will start a little later anyway.

The 13th Centrury, Scotland

Scotland is under the rule of England. King Longshanks is ruthless, and he enjoys the suffering he inflicts on the Scottish.

Wallace is a young boy with a loving father and older brother. He’s not yet old enough to join them in their battle to get their freedom, but his father isn’t willing to put his life at risk. When they are trapped by the English and killed along with other Scottish men, Wallace is naturally filled with a desire to take his revenge. But a distant uncle (Brian Cox) arrives at the funeral, and he explains to him that a man’s strength doesn’t lie in his sword but in his brain. Wallace is to go with him.

This is one of the significant events that is about to make Wallace the smart and strong man that he’ll become. The second event that will shape the rest of his life is a little girl named Murron who sees how sad Wallace is, and she picks up a beautiful purple flower that she sees, and runs to him and gives it to him. Neither of them says anything, but share a moment. Then she runs back to her parents.

Flash-forward many years, and Wallace (Mel Gibson) returns to his village, as it is where he belongs. Raised and trained by his uncle, he has fought in many battles. He has seen the world, learned French and Latin and has become a very good warrior who can outsmart any enemy.

However his desire for revenge has been replaced by a desire to live happily and peacefully in his home town, raising a family.

When he arrives, he goes to a wedding where Murron is. (Catherine Mccormack). Before he can get to her, he is challenged for a fight by his old friend Hamish (Brendan Gleeson)– who doesn’t recognize him. However while Hamish fails to beat Wallace despite his size and strength, Wallace manages to knock him down with a strategic throw of a little stone. This makes them realize that it is Wallace, and he is welcomed back. Even though the wedding is interrupted by a horrible intervention by English lords who take the bride away- as it is their “right. “

Wallace doesn’t lose any time in courting Muron and impressing her with his charm, knowledge and sense of humor. But it is what Wallace gives to her end of the end of their first “date” together that totally wins her heart. He has kept the flower all she gave him all those years ago and gives it to her.

braveheart-mel-gibson-william-wallace-and-catherine-mccormack — Catherine McCormack (Murron) and Mel Gibson (William Wallace) image via theiapolis.com

During another day together, this is how he starts his proposal:

Braveheart Proposal Scene : Witty, romantic, sweet & original

Wallace: Of course running a farm is a lot of work but that’ll all change when my two sons arrive.

Murron: (taken aback) So you have got children?

Wallace: Not yet, but I was hoping you could help me with that.

Murron: So you want me to marry you then?

Wallace: (smiling) That’s a bit sudden but alright.

Murron: (amused) Is that what you call a proposal?

Wallace: I love you. Always have. I want to marry you.

They kiss.

Wallace: Is that a yes?

Murron: That’s a yes.

They kiss.

They get married in secret, have their wedding night in secret. But even though they could hide their marriage, they can’t hide their happiness, and I don’t want to recount what happens next.

Why I love the proposal:

It’s romantic, heartfelt, original, sincere- led to by a sweet sense of humor. It i so romantic , surrounded by the gorgeous Scottish nature and it kinda makes you feel like you wouldn’t minmd living in that century if you could love and be loved like that, by someone like that.

OK, obviously reality sets in after the movie but the important thing is that the movie- not specific to that scene takes you into that time, that world and makes you forget that it is a movie. That it is fiction, just accompanied by historical facts and real characters –Wallace being the Scottish hero.)

I love everything about this movie. If you haven’t seen it, remember that a movie rarely scores well both with the oscars and box office, fans and critics. And the director/producer/starring actor is hardly ever the same guy (in this case Mel Gibson) – and he/she doesnt usually put $60 million dollars from their own money when the studio doesn’t finance fully.

Rated at 8.4. on IMDB, has been on the top 250 for a very long time and it has been rated by nearly 360.000 people. It has won 5 Oscars, been nominated for 5 more. Mel Gibson received Best Director and Best Film.

How do you like the proposal scene? What do you feel about Braveheart?

And what is your favorite movie proposal ever?

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen: Gorgeous, Entertaining & Heartfelt

Posted on July 1, 2012 Written by ripitup

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen starring Ewan McGregor & Emily Blunt. Image via movieposter.com.

Plot

Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) is a fisheries expert with a respectable academic position in a dead marriage. He is stuck in his routines, and when he hears about the “insane” idea of the Yemen Sheikh (Amr Waked) through an investment company, he is sure that they have all gone mad.

The idea is to introduce “Salmon Fishing” in the Yemen. However he’s blackmailed by his boss into doing it, and his boss was blackmailed into it by the Prime Minister’s press secretary Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas.) She sees this as a crazy yet wonderful opportunity for good press.

The investment company representative, Harriet (Emily Blunt) is also extremely hopeful about the project; and along with the Sheikh’s (Amr Waked)’s unlimited resources, Alfred starts to find himself enthusiastic.

As Harriet and Alfred form a friendship with the Sheikh and each other, Alfred starts to loosen up, become full of life and get drawn to the emotional and natural Emily, who is the exact opposite of his wife. When Harriet’s soldier boyfriend Robert (Tom Mison) is lost in action, it’s Alfred’s turn to provide Emily with support and enthusiasm.

And while Harriet had spent a wonderful couple of weeks with Robert, can it really beat the connection two people find through a shared dream, friendship and the experience of a lifetime?

Then there’s the question of pulling the project off despite the lack of cooperation from the British fishermen and the Yemen Rebels….

Should You See It? Definitely! Here’s why:

1) Swedish director Lasse Hallström. Apart from a movie that I didn’t really care about (Dear John), Hallström has directed movies that filled me with warmth, lust for life and hope. They usually include a decent sense of humor, full of interesting characters, good actors and engaging emotional story.

Some of Lasse Hallström’s films:

His What’s Eating Gilbert Grape starred Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis and Mary Steenburgen, bringing Leo an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Chocolat starred Juliette Lewis, Alfred Molina, Peter Stormare, Lena Olin, Judi Dench and Lena Olin. An deven though I don’t like half of Depp’s movies, both Hallström- Depp collaborations ended up as Depp movies I loved.

Casanova starred Heath Ledger, Jeremy Irons, Oliver Platt, Sienna Miller, Charlie Cox, Lena Olin.

Hachiko: A Dog’s Story feat. Richard Gere and Joan Allen

2) The actors: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas were made for their roles, and so was Amr Waked.)

3) The two lead characters are just relatable, entertaining and sweet. I also loved the cultural empathy they display both towards the Sheikh, and the Sheikh to them. His “subtle comments” on Alfred and Harriet’s relationship are priceless.

4) The transformation of McGregor’s character

5) The lines. Especially the Sheikh’s use of British English and slang.

6) The project’s transformation.

7) The scenery, cinematography, the music

I’m not a huge Ewan McGregor fan. I think he is a very good actor, but he usually doesn’t pick my kind of stories. However I really enjoyed Big Fish and The Ghostwriter, and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen became my favorite McGregor effort, as well as one of my fav. Hallström.

Emily Blunt is lovely, Kristin Scott-Thomas is hilarious- especially with her relationship with the prime minister.

Still, it might not be for everybody:

This movie will probably relate more to romantics and dreamers, people who emotionally and professionally put themselves out there to find success and happiness, and self-actualization. It’s also a lovely story about friendship and love, with the project providing the chances and the platform for it.

Currently at 6.9 on IMDB, and I do find it highly underrated. After all, it makes you laugh, smile, think, believe and dream.

Based on the novel by Paul Torday and adapted to screen by Simon Beaufoy.

This Means War: A Funny Action Comedy with a Fun Romance & Brilliant Ending

Posted on June 27, 2012 Written by ripitup

This Means War movie poster - movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine & Tom Hardy — This Means War starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. Image: moviepostersdirect.co.uk

Plot

CIA Agents Tuck (Tom Hardy) and FDR (Frank – played by Chris Pine) are partners and best friends- they consider each other family despite having totally different outlooks on life and romance:

Tuck is divorced with a kid, but he hasn’t given up on romance. He wants to find the right woman to share an immense, permanent bond.

Frank on the other hand is the perfect womanizer. He’s gorgeous, a smooth talker and he always has the perfect strategy-compliments of being a good agent. And while Tuck is an equally kick-ass agent, he prefers honest, serious relationships – although he has to lie about what he does for a living.

But things get complicated when the pretty, successful but romantically jaded Lauren (Reese Witherspoon) is forced back into the dating pool by her married friend Trish (Chelsea Handler.) But Lauren’s outrage about Trish’s putting up an online dating profile for her disappears when she sees that a “travel agent” named Tuck seems interested.

Frank, however, is not willing to put Tuck’s heart on the line by letting him go dating on his own. After all, there’re lots of crazy women out there, and he is out of practice. Tuck unwillingly lets him to be at a safe, unseen distance – just in case.

The date goes great, but unfortunately before Tuck can let him all about it, Frank meets Lauren – and is totally attracted to her no-bullshit, I-don’t-date-players-like-you attitude.

When they boys find out they’re dating the same woman, they decide to “let the best man” win, as they both seem to like her a lot. But unfortunately their spy habits turns the deal into “let the best agent” win as they start spying on and sabotaging each other’s dates.

Lauren wouldn’t take Frank seriously, but a chance encounter forces her to give him another chance. Then she gets into a dilemma however when she realizes that she is dating two great, gorgeous guys. She decides to choose after a couple of more dates.

So who is going to win as both men are playing “dirty”? And will their friendship survive their increasingly growing rivalry? And how the hell are they going to protect Lauren when they are too busy to notice that their ultimate CIA target is on the right track and dying for revenge?

Why You Should See It:

This movie is just so much fun. It is a lot more hilarious than it is romantic, and the fighting scenes are really cool – and when the fighting gets funny, it is still really cool because let’s remember, we have two badass fighters instead of Colin Firth’s Darcy and Hugh Grant’s Daniel “fighting” on Bridget Jones’ Diary (they fought quite clumsily in both movies.) Don’t get me wrong, I love those scenes, they make for great comedy – but two agents fighting is a lot sexier than watching two clueless men fighting.

As for the ending, let’s say there is more to it than a happy ending. And the very last scene might be my ultimate favorite in the entire movie.

If you were Lauren, who would you pick?

OK, this might suit my dating blog more, and I’ll post a related article there too. But both guys have their flaws and dealmakers so let’s have fun. My point of view:

( I do give a bit about the tricks and events, so it might be a bit spoilerish).

My turn-offs from Frank (Chris Pine)

– I hate clubs – I can’t stand the music played there. It’s a nightmare for a rock addict.

– I’d love it if potential Mr. Right hadn’t slept with 500 women.

Sure, your past is past- but a guy having slept around that much is not a very impressive trait. I get that he is gorgeous, but I really hope he doesn’t tell Lauren- if he is going to be all romantic and loyal it is great- but I’d not be happy knowing my boyfriend slept with pretty much any girl he wanted.

– His taste in music. Sade? Really?

– His taste in movies. Titanic? You’ve got to be kidding me! I guess that he was in the mood for sappy and cheesy and overdramatic – but he could have just as well opted for a much more heart-felt romance with a better story. Titanic? Seriously?

– He is too freaking arrogant! He looks great and he knows it, but at least he can fake a little modesty.

– Pretending to like the art when he doesn’t.

– Pretending to love animals.

(Not that I care about Lauren’s taste in art or am that keen about pet shelters, but I’d be disappointed to find out we didn’t have that much in common after all.)

My turn-offs from Tuck (Tom Hardy)

– He is divorced- which would bring me to the question –what did he do? Was it a mutual screw-up or did he cause it?

– And he has a kid, and an ex-wife- and if things worked out, it would be a little complicated.

– Not to mention that his wife is gorgeous and they don’t seem to be completely over each other.

Turn-ons – Frank

– The moment Frank sent the stewardess home.

– He actually tried to be a gentleman when he took her home. It lasted for 2 seconds, but in all fairness, she didn’t want him to be a gentleman.

– He is a badass agent- I love all the fighting stunts.

– He’s a great friend – for the 95% of the time anyway.

– When he is in love, he really is in love.

– He’s the perfect “fake” boyfriend to drive your ex crazy in about 2 minutes.

– He is good in bed. And he can do it 5 times in one night. Hallelujah!

– Did I mention hot? He’s also charming and he can be very nice and cute when he wants to be.

Turn ons – Tuck:

– Great guy.

– A decent dad.

– He is a lot of fun.

– I love safe and earnest, but I never thought he was safe- first date was about acrobacy after all.

– I should mention sexy and cute, which is a pretty irresistible combination.

– He is very funny. Half my favorite lines come from him.

– Him being British is a perk, not a flaw!

– He actually is a gentleman- he’d let you take control over how fast you want to go.

-When he chose fun dates for Lauren, he didn’t fake interest in anything. He just chose something she’d love, but he’d also enjoy. Remember the convertible ride?

– He is a pretty cool agent. I loved how he got rid of the cameras when he wanted to.

– I’m sure there is more. But you get the idea.

Does it look like I’d pick Tuck? Well, I’d- had it not been for the whole ex-wife/kid/unresolved feelings bit, as well as the several redeeming qualities they threw in for Frank (the whole time at his grandma’s house was “emotional porn”(Tuck’s words) indeed. Throw in the stewardess rejection and looking genuinely hurt when she was with Tuck). But when you add it all up, Frank actually does seem to be a pretty strong rival to me.

Yes, I was lusting after them both, though I rooted for Tuck for the 85% of the time.

And during that 85%, I was lusting after Frank. Though I didn’t/couldn’t picture myself dating him. He seemed like the guy even the most emotional and romantic of girls would want to have on speed dial as a booty call. And then I’d want to date Tuck, and just Tuck for good (as I said- had it not been for the ex-wife (Abigail Spencer and the son.)

You can write your vote in the comments. I’d love to hear your preferences and why.

But the ending was perfect, and I couldn’t have written it better myself. And by the ending, I do mean all the scenes starting at the showdown at the restaurant.
*

Why the ending is awesome: it ends with action, and not the romance (though we get to learn about the romantic decision too right before.)

I always make fun of a friend of mine for seeing Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona as the ultimate “romance” movie- and I totally get it. Trust me. Two girls, one guy, all meaningless in a cool city. And I enjoyed Vicky Christina Barcelona as a movie- just I didn’t like any of the characters, including Bardem’s. No, wait –especially Bardem’s.

But This Means War might very well be a girl’s Vicky Christina Barcelona. Two hot guys fighting for one girl, being romantic and fun and adventurous – and not to mention their ass-kicking skills. I had a great time with all the action and eye candy, and I also enjoy seeing Witherspoon on the screen.

See it. It is in the league of Knight and Day – the romance is there, but so are humor and action. And if someone deems this one a chick flick, I know that we have totally different taste in movies. It’s OK, as it is all relative.

But I freaking loved this movie because it made me laugh out loud, a lot!

ONLY Disappointment:

Angela Bassett didn’t have a bigger role and I’d have loved to see her bring her A-game from Strange Days and beat the hell out of the boys for abusing the agency resources.

Favorite lines:

Tuck or Frank: I love you, man

– Tuck or Frank: I love you too.

-Lauren: Oh my god! I’m yoko

(though I don’t think that Paul McCartney ever had a thing for Yoko. But she did break the band so this line did crack me up.)

Lauren: (on why she doesn’t like the idea of online dating) I might end up in a body suit or in somebody else’s trunk.

Trish: You’re being dramatic. That only happens to one in 20 girls.

Discussing pros and cons of the two:

Lauren: FDR has these tiny, like, girl hands. Like little T-Rex hands.
Trish: Eeww gross that means he’s got a mike and ike for a penis.
Frank: [observing from the ops center- to Tuck] you know that’s not true.

(then he goes on to remind how Tuck has seen it in Bangledash and it is not true. But just as Tuck is enjoying this too much, Lauren says what is wrong with Tuck):

Lauren: He’s British
Now it’s Frank’s turn to crack up.)

Directed by McG, and written by Timothy Dowling, Marcus Gautesen and Simon Kinberg.

Also with Tom Hardy:

Inception

Also on Reese Witherspoon:

Penelope starring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy

Recommendations for the people who enjoyed This Means War and/or people who love the combination of action/romance comedy.

Bird on a Wire starring Mel Gibson & Goldie Hawn

Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz

Air America starring Mel Gibson & Robert Downey Jr. (no romance, action/comedy with some drama)

Man on a Ledge with Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Edward Burns & Jamie Bell

Posted on June 16, 2012 Written by ripitup

Man on a Ledge movie poster with Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Edward Burns & Jamie Bell. Prison break? Check. Cool heist? Check. A female negotiator more invested in helping and solving than the protocol? Check. Image via sinemafilmler.net.

Ever watched a movie that made you feel like you were the spot-on target audience? A movie that makes me feel like that usually has these elements: an entertaining story, a genre that I love, actors that I like and some good humor.

Movies don’t have to be masterpieces or mind-blowingly creative attempts to entertain. I usually just want to have a good time – and Man on a Ledge can definitely show you that.

Here’s why:

1) The Plot

We have the innocent convict Nick (Sam Worthington) who takes a day off for his father’s funeral to make his escape. He knows it is his only shot, and frankly, he’d rather die to go back to serve 20+ years of jail. An former cop, he makes sure he has enough time to set his plan in motion: he rents a room on one of the top floors of a luxury hotel, enjoys a “last” meal, leaves a “note”, wipes off his parents, steps on the ledge and makes his request when the cops (though not the ones who know who he is) arrive in the room: They’ve 30 minutes to get suicide-negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) to talk to him, or he jumps.

The cop who takes his request is Dougherty (Edward Burns), and neither he nor the cop in charge of “ground control” (Titus Welliver) are pleased about it.

But after a short while, Mercer seems to have formed a bond and Dougherty is becoming more convinced of her skills. Still she fears that he might jump, and is also suspecting he might be up to something. And he is. He’s gathering all the attention so that his brother (Jamie Bell) and brother’s girlfriend (Genesis Rodriguez) can break into the vault next door- so that they can steal the “supposedly stolen” diamond from the rich and powerful man (Ed Harris) who framed him.

But as resourceful as he is, he still has to race against time, help out his brother, dodge the cops who are after him while maintaining the Mercer’s trust. Will they be able to pull it off on time?

2) The fun: the heist, Nick’s tactics to keep everyone busy, Dougherty’s reactions to Mercer’s unorthodox methods, and most of all- the fun one-liners between Joey and his girlfriend.

3) The cast: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Edward Burns, Jamie Bell, Ed Harris, William Sadler (Sheriff of Roswell and McGarrrett’s father in the new Hawaii Five-O) and Kyra Sedwick – who makes brief but entertaining appearances as the cheeky reporter.

4) The predictable but highly enjoyable twists. There’re very few twists that get a movie addict shocked, or at least hasn’t seen coming. But I don’t watch a fun action movie for twists – surely you see them coming, but they are so entertaining as a whole that you just care if the way to the “twists” are fun.

5) A protagonist to root for

6) Interesting supporting characters

7) A totally ruthless villain

Man on a Ledge is rated only at 6.6 on IMDB, and I think it should be higher – for its entertainment value. See it to enjoy it. It’s good entertainment- it doesn’t try to be anything more.

Directed by Asger Leth and written by Pablo F. Fenjves.