“Love, Rosie” (15)Directed by: Christian Ditter.
Starring: Sam Claflin, Lily Collins, Tamsin Egerton and Jaime Winstone.
Rated: ‘15’ for containing strong language and sex references.
Running time: 102 minutes.
Out now on DVD/Blu-Ray, in UK stores.
Romantic comedies. I either love them, or downright hate them, and that’s all there is to it. In the case of “Love, Rosie” however, I seem to be edging further towards the opinion of loving it, due to its engaging approach by defying genre expectations and generally being a painfully honest portrayal of love in our busy lives. It’s smart, sassy and is perhaps one of the best Rom-Com since 2011’s “Crazy Stupid Love”.
Having been best friends since their younger years, Alex (Claflin) and Rosie (Collins) were destined to be together. But what next? School’s out and it’s time for the two to make some rather difficult decisions. After much discussion, they decide on moving to the US together to study at nearby universities, but as life so often does, problems are thrown into the mix, prompting Rosie to stay behind. But as the years pass, their lives entwine in many ways, prompting the question: is it ever too late for love?
There were times in which I felt far too connected with “Love, Rosie”, prompting me to shout at the screen during plot twists and the saddest of scenes, but maybe that was a good thing? It shows that Ditter’s glossy adaptation of “Where Rainbows End” (by Cecelia Ahern) has succeeded in being able to make me care about its two central characters. Alex and Rosie are full of delightful British wit and charm, proving to be the most engaging of characters within the piece, especially when Claflin and Collins are on-screen together, carrying a wonderful chemistry seldom seen in many of these clichéd pieces. The film itself is beautifully shot and avoids certain clichés, eventually approaching an ending which (technically not a spoiler!) I would have liked to have remained inevitable. But this is a romance after all…
In spite of its charm, there are problems within. Perhaps the unique plot device becomes tiresome after an hour, which is mainly due to a supporting cast who aren’t all as talented as its confident leads, and yes, there are irrational decisions made by the least likely of characters, but this is an interesting contribution to the tired genre. It features a delightful soundtrack, warm humour and perhaps the makings of a cult (girly) sleepover film. Abandon your cynicism, and you may just enjoy the occasional absurdities of “Love, Rosie”.
Film - 6.5 stars out of 10
DVD/Blu-Ray extras – 4 stars out of 10
Film/TV Rating Key
1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.
Trailer
“Wolves” (15)Directed by: David Hayter.
Starring: Lucas Till, Stephen McHattie, Merritt Patterson and Jason Momoa.
Rated: ‘15’.
Running time: 91 minutes.
Out now on DVD/Blu-Ray, in UK stores.
Clearly a love letter to the camp and erotic horror films of the 80’s, David Hayter’s (writer of “Watchmen and “X-Men”) directorial debut may be particularly light on action, yet is heavy on the love of the genre, becoming embroiled within an extensive plot revolving around centuries of werewolf tradition which is evidently utter nonsense, yet somewhat entertaining.
Hayter’s coming-of-age tale begins with Cayden Richards (Till, perfectly cast), a high school jock with an elegant girlfriend and presumably, the perfect life. However, on one strange evening, Cayden awakes to find that his beloved parents have been brutally murdered. Framed for their murder, he flees, discovering in the meantime that he is blessed (or cursed) with the powers of a wolf. Whilst on the run, Cayden encounters a small town in the middle of nowhere, discovering that it is home to two small factions of werewolves. Intending to unearth his past, Cayden comes across Angelina (Patterson), the beautiful owner of the only bar in town and soon begins a friendship. But Cayden then realises that to truly win her affections, he must face the wrath of Connor, the most feared of all wolves, who intends to marry Angelina and steal her away.
There are elements of romance and material which is heavily clichéd and quite honestly, downright terrible. But, it’s the likeable lead actors (McHattie and Momoa are clearly enjoying themselves here) which place this piece apart from most straight-to-DVD horror flicks, especially in the scenes filled with poor CGI and monster costumes which aren’t at all convincing. Call it “Teen Wolf” with guts, but “An American Werewolf IL” this isn’t. For the horror fanatics amongst you however, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Film - 5.5 Stars out of 10
DVD/Blu-Ray extras - N/A
Film/TV Rating Key
1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.
Trailer
No comments:
Post a Comment