A Refreshing Attempt at Oiling a Rusty Romp: Hope Springs

Hope Springs is a warm comedy/drama/romance, tackling the age-old challenge of stale marriage, and how to attempt fixing things. Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell do not disappoint in this not-so-easy quest, and deliver an entertaining diversion.

Hope Springs...Glimpsing Passion After 30 years?

Hope Springs... A Fun Jump Into Kickstarting an Unfun Marriage

Starring: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carrell
Directed by: David Frankel
Written by: Vanessa Taylor 
Released: August 2012 
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Synopsis: A humourous examination of a  marriage void of any passion after 30 years, and the quest for a cure while embarking on week-long couples counseling course in Maine.

Trailer



 "Hope Springs" takes a refreshing peek at stale marriage, mixing humour, candidness, and some courage in trying to mend a fragile union.

Kay Jones, (Meryl Streep) and her accountant husband Arnold, (Tommy Lee Jones)  are empty nesters, robotic in their daily routine, and sadly barren of any hint passion in their marriage after 31 years. Their  lives have become a is a dismal, mundane display of marriage, void of any affection and even interest. Arnold, primarily  a grumpy old man,  and is seems to only desire television instructional golf programming and his job, and drifts to sleep each night in his recliner.They sleep in separate beds , and only Kay seems frustrated with the situation but no indicators of anything wrong from Arnold.

Kay picks up a book at the bookstore about marriage advice, and after pondering its content, firmly decides that a week of counselling from the author of the book, Dr. Feld, (Steve Carrell), is the only possible resolution for her marriage duldrums. She pays for herself and Arnold for a week-long  marriage course at Feld’s office in a Maine called Hope Springs, and proceeds to tell her husband that the trip is booked, and she expects he will attend. Arnold reluctantly accompanies her bringing his no-point attitude in tow.

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The actors illuminate rather simple content, working sarcasm, and wit with ease. Carrell shines in his bluntness, yet does not overpower the main characters.
The action is occasionally awkward,  although there’s no nudity to speak of.  The fun moments are many, and the story is light, easy and uncomplicated.

 The reason to see it is for Jones. He typically engages roles requiring strong, determined men, in control, and lots of action in the mix. (Men in Black I, II) With this role,  he explores a  character who seems unlike any other he has played and delivers it with courage.

As Kay and Arnold stumble toward  considering intimacy, a playful display of their acting prowess emerges, rarely observed in Streep and practically never in Jones. Rather his signature rigid persona dissolves, into grins and tenderness. 

Hope Springs' sincere, considered, and unembarrassed exploration of mature sexuality marks a welcome exception, perhaps Hollywood's bold exploration of the aging population has been born.  A hilarious romp of tearing away the comfort zone, and examining the all too common scenarios many face in three plus decades of marriage.

 

Swimming Upstream with a Winner; Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

What a surprise! A refreshing humorous drama about love, environmental issues,  faith, sticky politics and a ``reel`` catch of a unique story!

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen; Casting a new Faith?

 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked and Kristen Scott Thomas

Directed by: Lasse Hallstrom

Written by: Simon Beaufov, (screenplay), Paul Torday (novel)

Released: March 2012
Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
 

Synopsis: A  sheik (Amr Waked) with unlimited financial resources has a vision to create a salmon fishing mecca  in a Middle Eastern desert and hires a reluctant fisheries expert Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) to realize his dream. He embarks on an upstream journey of faith, and fish, amidst a budding romance between the fisheries expert and a financial consultant.(Emily Blunt)

Trailer

Sheikh Muhammed believes his passion for the peaceful sport of salmon fly fishing can truly enrich the lives of his people in many ways  and is steadfastly determined to bring the pastime to his homeland in the Yemen. His British financial consultant, Harriet (Emily Blunt) is cast into figuring out the logistics of this far-fetched but intriguing task, and needs to make it a reality for the Sheik. The major stumbling block is convincing the professional fish expert, Dr. Jones to come on board with the project.  When he learns of the request, he regards the idea of salmon fish surviving in the desert as ludicrous.

However, the project takes a positive turn when the British Prime Minister's overzealous press secretary, Patricia Maxwell  (Scott Thomas) latches onto the whole idea as a "good will" political story worth high profile recognition in support of her boss.  She pressures the group to believe in the project for all the right reasons.

What is notable is the gamble of the director to present a drama about a sensitive political situation. Yet... it works and does so beautifully. Like a surprising olive branch extended from  the Middle East to Britain, a refreshing optimistic romantic comedy emerges with pensive moments in store when you least expect them. The film presents moments of insight, environmental issues, political drama, and complicated romance, combining to offer an entertaining, unusual story.


Blunt who has a new boyfriend recently deployed to Afghanistan delivers her over ambitious job tasks in a professional mode,  while snidely mocking her very awkward scientist partner. Yet she also offers a tenderness, and understanding for the scientist that is warm, and enduring. Dr. Jones, a reluctant goofy nerd, unfortunately saddled with a  lack-lustre marriage,  stumbles into this unlikely assignment offering adventure to his life.   He delivers the realistic science and environmental platform for the film whilst also hinting of a possible attraction. His serious, dry personality is in stark contrast to Harriet`s bubbly innocence. The eccentric Sheik is very convincing, portraying someone very aware, with both with his intuition and wit. A humourous, feel good film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen flows gracefully, while also unpredictably as a catch of fish. Best film of 2012 so far!

The Grey...Survival or Not...Possible, and Predictable?

A terrifying tale of man against beast, set in the barren and unforgiving cold of the Arctic. Liam Neeson superbly portrays a leader struggling with his own hardships, trudging  with a broken group of lost souls who offer little hope themselves, leaving one man to defiantly fight for them all.

The Grey...Neeson excels, but the ending?

   The Grey...The Cold ...Calculated...Canine

Starring: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney and Frank Grillo

Directed by: Joe Carnahan

Written by: Joe Carnahan and Ian Mackenzie Jeffers

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Released: January 2012

Synopsis: After their plane crashes in Alaska, seven oil workers are faced with a bleak outlook for survival.  A leader amongst them emerges, desperately hinging on his fine-tuned survival skills in the daunting quest to reach help, while a pack of relentless wolves lingers in the darkness.

Trailer

An airplane loses the battle with turbulence, plummeting into the Arctic landscape, coddling only seven oil field survivors who are outcasts, heavy drinkers, and lacking in most everything. There are insurmountable obstacles confronting the unfortunate survivors including life-threatening internal and external struggles. Many central themes emerge within this drama including isolation, frustration, conflict, and masculinity.

Ottway (Liam Neeson) is a loner, his wife no longer in his life,  and has fallen miserably into a deep depression teetering on the brink of suicide. The movie drifts to soft, serene, mind-filled images of his deceased wife, (Anne Openshaw) in tender, admiring moments which is in drastic contrast to his profession as an apparent tough sharp-shooter, protecting staff of a petroleum company from wildlife as they work. His skills are gladly tapped in a variety of ways when needed most, as the group is confronted with numerous survival dilemmas.

No doubt the passing of Neeson's wife Natasha Richardson just prior to  filming this movie, had a verisimilitude impact on the intense moments of compassion displayed. He writes, then covets final words to his wife in this drama, crumpled on a scrap of paper throughout his journey,  while also reflecting on a framed four-line poem at home, treasured and created by his father.

The poem is starkly simple, yet intriguing, bluntly maintaining a framework for a deeper meaning to his being and fosters an essence to the film. Ottway convincingly delivers a gripping emotional portrayal exploring loss, courage, love, and fear.  Overall, his realistic performance is more than notable, and leaves the audience with an elevated respect for the breadth of  Liam Neeson's acting abilities.

The film does indeed present some terrifying moments,  and is not for the weak of heart. The scenes display a vivid, cold, hopeless, backdrop, (blood included) only calmed slightly by the interesting dialogue amongst the rogue group of survivors.  A disappointing observation is the group's predicable pattern that evolves. Stop each night, make camp, chat,  drink, and opps... someone goes amiss! And so goes the story...

The ending is not what I expected, and in essence the director leaves the conclusion up to the audience. A tip... stay in your seats until after the credits, as there is an additional 5-second scene, that may or may not shed some light on your own version of how you determine this story ends.

Oscars are here!!...So....the envelope please..........

The infamous Billy Crystal... Best Oscar host ever!!!

 

Brenda’s 2012 Oscar Bets 
 84^TH Academy Awards February 26, 2012.
 Host:  Billy Crystal  

Best Motion Picture Film

Toss up between The Help and The Artist.

My Choice: The Help

 The Help deserves the win.  A story of  courage, a young journalist, and a quest to  tender the disclosure of life as a maid in 1960’s Mississippi.

Actual Winner most likely: The Artist in that the voting academy membership is primarily 94% white and is comprised of over 77% men, what are the odds the majority will vote for a “you go-girl” film of colour, characterized in The Help...??? Possible, I am hopeful, but maybe not. The Artist has generated mounds of momentum... a unique and also tremendous gem of a film worthy of a bevy of Oscars, illustrating the re-examination of the silent film genre, an actor’s unraveling career,  and an intriguing love story. Both films no doubt will go home with hardware.

Best Actor in a Leading Role                                                            

Uggie, my hero, deserves an award....OUTSTANDING in The Artist

Jean Dujardin

George Clooney

Toss up between Jean Dujardin, The Artist, and George Clooney, The Descendants.

My Choice:  Jean Dujardin, The Artist. He was superb in The Artist, exuding a range of emotion, elevated body lanuguage to a new level, sexy to a tee, and relayed a very entertaining story of his acting career struggles without dialogue.

Best Actress in a Leading Role 

Toss Up between Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady, and Viola Davis The Help.

Viola Davis

Meryl Streep

My Choice: Viola Davis, The Help. Her raw emotion and honesty speaks volumes in this revealing story about the challenging life of maids.  Strong contender Meryl Streep was also superb in her role as the “Iron Lady,”portraying Margaret Thatcher with impeccable precision. Bérénice was impressive in her role as a rising actress, and she could be the underdog surprise winner if the vote is split between Meryl Streep and Viola Davis.

Best Supporting Actor

Christopher Plummer

My Choice: Christopher Plummer, in Beginners. He has been positioned a front runner in this life changing realization drama, and has pulled away from the other nominees. At eighty-two years young, a long awaited honour in waiting.

Best Supporting Actress
My Choice: Octavia Spencer, The Help

Octavia Spencer

Melissa McCarthy

Octavia was outstanding in her portrayal of a maid, and best friend of Viola Davis in the aspiring story of womanhood, trust, humour, and righteousness.

Bérénice Bejo

Bérénice Bejo, The Artist, was impressive in her role as a rising actress, and could be the underdog  and a surprise winner.

Melissa McCarthy

By far my best laugh of the year at the theatre, was due to Melissa McCarthy's antics in The Bridesmaids. She was superbly funny, and if not for the Academy's typical aversion to honouring humorous roles, she would be front row centre, to win the best supporting actress award. Possible, and would be sweet!

 

The Artist...Is Silence truly Golden...Oscar Golden?

The Artist is a compelling journey of an actor who is lost within his steadfast passion for silent films, and cannot embrace the freshness and differences of newly created talking films.  Silent film defines him. Jean Dujardin portrays the pride of Hollywood, George Valentin,  passionate about his craft,  and endearing. He manages to juggle a quirky relationship with Peppy Miller, (Bérénice Bejo), the emerging movie extra whose career in talking films is on the rise.  The Artist is a successful behind the scenes peek into what film used to be, and an appealing story that speaks volumes with 10 Academy Award nominations.

The Artist...Emotion Screams in this Silent Film

The Artist

Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, and Uggie, the dog.

Directed by:  Michel Hazanavicius
Written by:  Michel Hazanavicius

Released: December 2011
Genre: Silent, with English subtitles, Drama, Romance and Comedy.
Synopsis:

A love story/drama showcasing silent film star George Valentin, whose career unravels as "talkie" motion pictures emerge. He refuses to let go of the silent film genre that gave him stardom; the only life he values until a unknown newcomer Peppy Miller, tries to present new options for him. 

Trailer

George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is the silverscreen heartthrob of 1927 and married to a blonde high maintenance leading lady; Doris (Penelope Ann Miller). Their marriage is struggling, and although they relish in  the typical rich and famous lifestyle of movie stars, they are bored and unhappy with each other. George seems content at home,  not for the time with his wife, rather, it is his razor smart dog, (Uggie) who makes him smile, and is his constant companion. George is a master of his acting craft, no doubt, taking care to use his entire face with endless options of expression. There is a sense of accomplishment in his uncanny, consistent ability to convey to the audience his acting journey, whether exhibiting despair, connection, friendship, depression, or joy.

In a chance encounter at one of George's public appearances, a groupie spectator Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) who was also waiting to audition as a movie dancer extra gets knocked into George's way. They meet face to face and sparks fly.  She is smitten with him, and gives him a peck on check, which makes headline papers  the next morning to the dismay of his wife. As his marriage disintegrates, so does his career, with time running out on the popularity of silent films.

Peppy Miller's career however,  takes off into the world of talkie films embracing all the technical advantages emerging to her advantage. In contrast, George's pride in clinging to his barely there career is frustrating to witness,  because he refuses to even consider working in films with sound dialogue. 

Peppy tries to help him understand, but his enthusiasm for the new film world, is held at bay, his finances dry up, and he stubbornly produces, directs and acts in a film himself. Her feelings for him are real, and she longs to be with him, displayed in a tender scene with her sneaking into George's dressing room and embracing his jacket. Her performance is precision-like, her glances heartwarming, and understanding. Peppy's dancing is exceptional and adds spunk to her already dynamic acting talent.

One of the many memorable actors in this film, is Uggie. He is loyal, funny, and smart, and in numerous scenes steadfastly scampering beside George.  He easily wins the hearts of the audience, and adds the man-dog best friend bond chemistry to the storyline, with ease and perfection. Uggie deservedly walked the red carpet at the Golden Globes,  in January 2012.  (Uggie apparently stole the show dressed in black tie steering lavish attention away from George Clooney, and Jean Dujardin, who were also at the Globes.)

Uggie has over 4,000 followers on his Twitter account, and can be reached @Uggie_TheArtist.

The audience for the film is pin drop quiet throughout The Artist. The accompanying background music is exceptional, which elevates the impact and flow of the plot.  The emotion, expressions, and humour are handily accomplished without the requirement of sound.  The chemistry between the actors is subtle, undeniable and delicately portrayed with superb camera capture, shadow, and light. 

The result is a tremendous work of art; a drama that demands your attention, and ends with the feel-good messages of hope, and love. The overall intensity is surprising and will likely not disappoint those who can appreciate the craft and history of film-making and an unusual love story. The Artist has already achieved 3 Golden Globes wins, (Best Comedy/Musical film, Best Actor, and best Musical Score)  and has earned 10 nominations for the February 26, 2012 Academy Awards including; Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress among additional categories.