Duplicity starring Clive Owen and Julia Roberts

Posted on January 26, 2010 Written by ripitup

Duplicity movie review, starring Clive Owen and Julia Roberts — Duplicity stars Clive Owen and Julia Roberts. It might require some fast-forwarding, but it is fun.

Duplicity is a 2009 movie; written and directed by Tony Gilroy.

This is a weird film. It is a romantic/spy sort of thriller but it is not the thrillers we are used to from spy movies. Maybe it is just me but when I hear the word spy, I expect fighting scenes, explosions, complicated disguises, foreign languages spoken with perfect accents, adrenaline… Maybe it is the side effects of watching shows like 24 or Alias. I also like movies like The Saint. So imagine my surprise when all the spying takes place between two leading and competing corporations. Sure there are bugs, contacts, handlers and high-tech stuff, but all the disguise Clive Owen gives us is a southern accent with eye glasses.

Now, the movie is fun. I have always liked Julia Roberts and after having watched Beyond Borders, I decided to make a habit of watching Clive Owen movies (well, I hated Closer. So I watch anything with Clive but that). The movie’s basic problem is that it is too long. About 2 hours with lot of unnecessary dialogue. They also didn’t spend enough time trying to show how Ray (Owen) and Claire (Roberts) fell for each other. It would be cool to shoot for the lust angle but here we are talking about an actual long-distance relationship.

So a thriller with no chases and a relationship with no depth…Big cons, right? But I have to admit I did still enjoy it. Sure it dragged on and I’d have edited the script to 90 minutes tops if it were me. However, I have a degree in Business. It was our thing to go over case studies and study what corporations did or did not do right. And trust me- it is not that hard to imagine stuff like this happens all the time. You probably know at least a couple real life stories yourself. Pepsi vs Coca-Cola, anyone?

The plot? Oh yeah, that:

Claire and Ray go back 5 years. They meet, have sex and Claire disappears with some important stuff that belongs to Ray. Ray demands an explanation the next time he sees her. As it turns out, they are both spies and now they are forced to work together. Claire is the mole in a big company and Ray is her contact officer. They absolutely detest each other. Or do they?

The CEOs act like they would feel more at home at CIA headquarters than at their corporate offices. They each think they are smarter than the other. Each CEO is confident that his men will nail the next big thing. However Claire and Ray have a totally different plan of their own…

Harmless fun. But don’t even bother if you are in the mood for fast-paced action or if you don’t particularly like Roberts or Owen.

[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkx2vYNE9V0[/pro-player]

20 Reasons to Love Stardust- feat. Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Robert De Niro & Charlie Cox

Posted on January 22, 2010 Written by ripitup

Stardust starring Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro. Image via amazon.

Stardust is- hats off- one of the most entertaining, beautiful, fun and impressive movies I have ever seen. The story is based on a novel by Neil Gaiman. It is an advanced fairy-tale for adults which children can enjoy as well. It is complicated, original, life-like and lovely. Complete with witches, kings, throne-thirsty princes, stars, pirates…The whole works. Yes, I am extremely positively biased because I love absolutely everything about the movie. Hang around and see if you agree.

1. The Novel: Neil Gaiman

The story is based on Neil Gaiman’s novel.

2. The Story: Jane Goldman – Matthew Vaughn

Little English village Wall is bordering next to a magical kingdom called Stormhold. While Wall is a typical English town with typical humans, Stormhold has witches and weird stuff going on. Right now, the main question for the King and the remaining sons (3 sons have been murdered by their brothers) is who will own the crown. The king-to-be is supposed to acquire the jewel, which flies out the window and into the sky. The sons start chasing the star while trying to get rid of each other.

The jewel causes a massive reaction in the sky, causing a star (Yvaine) to fall down- in the form of Claire Danes, wearing the jewel.

Tristan Thorn is young man has to get the star to show to his beloved Victoria. Victoria is a spoiled young woman who is merely using him. Tristan and Yvaine have to start an unwilling alliance, since she needs Tristan’s magical candle to go back home. How Tristan came to possess the candle has a beautiful story of its own.

But of course things are more complicated: 3 sister witches need to get the star. One of them goes out to get it- they need to cut out the star’s heart and eat it, to restore beauty and youth. The journey is full of adventure, surprises, interesting characters, dangers, romance and fun.

3. Direction: Matthew Vaughn

Vaughn is a British director who previously directed Layer Cake with Daniel Craig. Haven’t seen it yet, but I fully intend to. Of course has nothing in common with Stardust, apart from Vaughn himself. But I don’t care if he doesn’t direct anything I like ever again. Stardust is perfect and Vaughn deserves a lot of credit for that.

4. The whole movie crew: Especially production, cinematography, effects and make-up.

Amazing. If you saw the movie, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, wait till I go over the cast members.

5. The Score:

Just right. Adds to the magic, action and romance.

THE CAST

6. Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer in Stardust. No worries, we see both versions in the movie. Image credit: People.com

She is the witch out after our star. She is just breath-takingly beautiful and cunning. Michelle Pfeiffer is brilliant as the main villain. She has always been my favorite actresses and one of the women I find truly gorgeous. She is a woman to be envied and admired.

7. Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro in Stardust. If you thought Jack Sparrow was interesting…

You have never seen him De Niro this. I watched tens of movies of him and I thought I had seen all his faces. I was wrong. His performance as the captain of a lightning- catching pirate ship (now, that sounds like a great job) is just hilarious. Without him, the movie would just not be half as good.

8. Charlie Cox

Charlie Cox in Stardust — Charlie plays Tristan. And I thought all the good looking men were born in the 60s…Shame on me.

Cox Plays our male lead Tristan. He makes a perfect transition from the naive boy to the smart guy- getting only more handsome with the captain’ touches to his image. He grows wiser but remains nice and romantic. The result? Eye candy and lovable character all in one. Cox is growing up nicely. I previously watched him in Casanova. Period pieces and swords just become him…

9. Claire Danes

Stardust- Claire Danes with Charlie Cox — Claire Danes is lovely as Yvaine.

She is just adorable as the star Yvaine. She shines (both literally & metaphorically) throughout the movie. She has the truest observations about mankind. She is pretty and I totally forgave her for boring me to bits in Romeo + Juliet (I dislike the movies as a whole, not just her as Juliet)

10. Ben Barnes

Ben Barnes has a small part as Tristan’s father’s youth. He conveys innocence, curiosity and fascination perfectly. I wish he had a bigger part but hey, the film-makers worldwide seemed to agree with me that Ben is a great actor so he went on to get leading parts in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Kasbian, as Prince Kasbian and Easy Virtue. They also seem to agree that Ben is just as beautiful as a man can get since they cast him as Dorian Gray in Dorian Gray.

11. Mark Strong

Mark Strong in Stardust — Mark strong rocks as the ambitious prince after the jewel.

I had first seen Mark Strong in Body of Lies starring Russell Crowe and Leonardo di Caprio. He played his accent so perfectly; I could swear he wasn’t a native English speaker. He is English however and he is a marvelous actor. He can make you forget you saw him in any other role. He truly becomes his character. He is perfect as the King’s smartest, most cunning and charismatic son. He also makes one badass villain in Sherlock Holmes.

12. Henry Cavill

When I found out that the guy playing Victoria (Sienna Miller)’s arrogant jerk of a boyfriend- who also seemed really awfully blond and stupid- was the same gorgeous Henry Cavill who stars in The Tudors next to Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Wow! Kudos to making department for making Henry repelling. That takes talent.

Henry Cavill in the Tudors — Henry in The Tudors. Now, that’s the Henry Cavill we are used to.

13. Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller in Stardust — Sienna Miller as Victoria. Tristan’s journey starts because of her.

I don’t know why people think she can’t act. I think she gives whatever the role requires. She plays the beautiful and superficial Victoria just right. I also loved her as Casanova’s true love in Casanova.

14. Kate Magowan

Well, Tristan owes his existence to her. Literally. She is one of the key characters. I can’t imagine anyone else for the part. She is pretty, strong and determined.

WITH

15. Peter O’ Toole

He has only about 5 minutes as the king but who cares? He is Peter O’Toole and we love to see him on the screen.

16. Rupert Everett

Same 5 minutes goes for Rupert, but he really is good for an idiotic prince.

17. Nathaniel Parker

He play’s Tristan’ s father. Aside from the best father figure one can have, I think he is a good choice for Ben Barnes’ grown-up version. However I can’t see Ben turning into him in 18 years. Maybe 36? But hey- I guess it was tough being a single dad during those times…

18. Ricky Gervais

Always funny to see him. I especially enjoyed his part this time I saw Stardust- having recently watched The Invention of Lying and Ghost Town.

19. Ian McKellen

How is that for a narrator?

20. Seriously? You need more reasons? You have got to be kidding me!!!

7.9 from IMDB, voted by over 87.000 people. Not bad, but I voted it a 9, just for the record. What are you waiting for? Let the magic begin. I think I saw it 4 times already. And no, I am not done with the movie yet.

The trailer is below.

[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6_gBg4XjWk[/pro-player]

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Couples Retreat starring Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis and Jason Bateman

Posted on January 21, 2010 Written by ripitup

Couples retreat starring Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Jon Favreau and Kristin Bell — Couples Retreat Cast: Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Jon Favreau, Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman, Faizon Love and Kali Hawk.

[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbfhb-43UNQ[/pro-player]

Let’s talk about your expectations first. The trailer was fun enough and made me expect a funny film with familiar actors. Now, there is no originality. The film is all about stuff you have seen before. But then again, it is about something that never gets old: Relationships. There are no plot twists or surprise endings. So, if you are looking for a smart and somewhat original script, run away from the film and never look back.

Why on earth did I enjoy it then?

1) Vince Vaughn. I like that guy. He surely seems to be playing the same talkative half-wiseass, half-sweet guy over and over again. But he is always entertaining. He proved his dramatic skills in Return to Paradise, which is unlike any Vince movie you have ever seen. I find Wedding Crashers and Old School hilarious and The Break-Up tolerable. Mr. and Mrs. Smith only got more fun with his contribution.

2) Jon Favreau. Now, you have to like a guy who directs the Iron Man movies.

3) Kristen Bell. She had the title role in the interesting TV series Veronica Mars. She also stars in the 2010 romcom When in Rome, crime/romantic/comedy Serious Moonlight alongside Timothy Hutton and Meg Ryan; as well as the hilarious romantic comedy written by and starring Jason Segel – Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

4) Kristin Davis. I loved Sex and The City and its 4 girls.

5) Carlos Ponce. Yes, I know you have seen his character Salvador a million times before: The extra-muscled exotic yoga instructor with a heavy accent. He makes all the men feel threatened. But, if you have seen Carlos in Lipstick Jungle, the difference alone will put a smile on your face.

6) Just look at the place they retreat to. Just breath-taking.

7) The kid playing Vince’s younger son. He is a riot!

8) Malin Akerman: If you liked her in The Watchmen (she plays silk Spectre II), there is a chance you will like her here. But of course for a totally opposite character, you can watch The Heartbreak Kid, also featuring Ben Stiller.

9) Jean Reno: Oh yes, he can pull off everything. But for maximum effect, remember Leon. You will laugh your butts off.

10) I have always loved Guitar Hero. You will know what I mean after you see it.

The plot? Four couples are best friends with each other: Lucy and Joey (Davis and Favreau), Dave and Ronnie (Vaugh and Akerman), Cynthia and Jason (Bell and Jason Bateman) and their friend in crisis: Shane. I said 4 couples. I will come to that.

Dave and Ronnie are happily married with 2 little kids. They are busy with their hectic lives but they are still in love.

Lucy and Joey have raised their daughter and they are counting down the days till she leaves home for college- so that they can get a divorce. Their friends have no idea.

Well, Shane’s wife has divorced him and he is now in the middle of a mid-life crisis, dating a 20 year old.

Cynthia and Jason are having a rough time and they have come with a plan. They have found a really good group discount for a week’s vacation on an exotic island. The only catch is, they have to persuade their friends to join this program that includes counseling as well. What follows is one hilarious week with even wackier characters.

It is harmless, silly and ordinary. But it is fun.

6 Hollywood Stars That Would Make 20-Year-Olds Jealous

Posted on January 19, 2010 Written by ripitup

Looking younger rocks. A close friend of mine hadn’t enjoyed this when he looked 19 (when he really was 27) and was asked for his ID all the time at the entrance of clubs. He is happy that he is not getting ID-ed any more but he still barely looks over 22 at his 30s and he is absolutely loving it.

Of course sometimes there is surgery but some Hollywood stars have made a habit of leaving healthier life styles, working out and looking even better and fitter than their early age. This is good news because they keep getting lead roles and even when they are cast as parents, they have enough scenes to show that they rock. What can I say? For some lucky stars, 40s are the new 30s.

Marisa Tomei

Born in 1964.

Yeah, Marisa can pull it off. She is pretty, young and just lovely in every role. She has a lot of leading roles but even when she is the supporting actress, it is always a pleasure to watch her. You can check her out in What Women Want and Someone Like You.

Terry Hatcher

Born in 1964.

Teri Hatcher is the sexiest Desperate Housewife.

In one of the episodes, Susan (Thatcher)’ s husband Mike (James Denton) gets a plumbing gig in a strip club. When Susan argues that he can’t go, Mike rebels and he claims it is an innocent act and she can’t forbid him. Of course being Susan, she finds a great way to make her point. The next time Mike has a job there, he finds Susan on the stage, stripping. She rocked! Boys, think again before going to a strip club. Because we’ve got a great way to prove our point!

I do have Thatcher’s book Burnt Toast. After all, who better to talk about being fit, healthy and making it in Hollywood?

Timothy Olyphant

1968

I already did a full post on Tim. You can find all about him here.

Hugh Jackman

1968

Have you seen X-Men Origins: Wolverine? If you haven’t, you are missing out on a great action flick. And boys, if you are interested in building solid muscles, I’d suggest buying Men’s Health magazine with Hugh on the cover. In the long run, it really would make you happier than Maxim or Playboy. ; )

Gerard Butler

1969

There’s not much to say, except: This guy rocks. He totally blew it for other guys, as Conan O’ Brien puts in one interview. Oh well, I’ll just link to my review of the Gamer featuring the trailer. Yeah, he kicks ass. A lot.

Justin Chambers

1970

Justn Chambers of Grey's Anatomy — Justin Chamber plays Alex Karev in Grey's Anatomy. His character keeps going from jackass to passionate lover, and then back to wiseass again. He also looks younger than the interns the hospital gets each season.

Grey’s Anatomy’s Alex and former model Justin Chambers will be 40 in July, but I feel bad about forgetting about him in my 6 Celebrities That Aged Really Well post. Wow. As much as 7 ( now 8) kids have caused Mel Gibson to mature too soon, it seems like Justin’s 5 kids are serving as a youth fountain. Yes, he has 5.

FOLLOW-UPs

Six Celebrities That Aged Really Well

(featuring Johnny Depp, Tim Robbins, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert Downey Jr., Keanu Reeves, Billy Joe Armstrong)

40 Somethings That Would Make 20-year-olds Jealous

(featuring Nicole Kidman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Edward Norton, Clive Owen)