9 Jul 2015

LOVEFILM: JUNE '15.

ZERO THEOREM ... 

Ten minutes was enough to prove to me this was too weird for my liking. Something Mr T confirmed on his having finished watching the film ... by himself. TT

Gilliam the cartoonist goes into overdrive in this creation of the surreal. In some respects 'Brazil' for the internet generation but in many ways that little bit darker as the subject of the controlling powers in consideration, is nihilism. Our hero is set to prove mathematically that the universe begins and ends in nothingness and much of that which is experienced in between is similarly a zero. With some spectacular sets and bleak characters, it is a projection of Gilliam's mind that some will tune into, but I imagine will probably leave the majority feeling cold and lonely. What gives being, meaning and purpose in the face of the failure of human constructs? An interesting film to have watched just before Lucy. NJT

LUCY ...

'Are humans more concerned with having, than being?' intones Morgan Freeman in his lecture, portending a film that could touch on the nature of human flourishing and how the potential to chemically create a super-human as the next evolutionary step forward... and yet we go down the path of a rather violent excursion through the dregs of humanity. The eponymous Lucy inadvertently becoming the experiment to prove the scientists hypothesis. Still as she becomes rather overdeveloped and determines to pursue and punish those who are responsible. And just what does one do with the sum of all human knowledge, the powers to shape-shift, read minds and bend all matter to your will? Are we become Gods? NJT

Weird but not so weird as to be un-watchable. Once I'd suspended disbelief and managed to disregard the strange little asides (IE images of the African savannah) that peppered the early part of the film this filled an hour and thirty minutes quite nicely. TT

(Inspired by Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings 'One Sentence Movie Reviews'. To read her thoughts on Lucy please see here).

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY ...

Difficult not to compare this with the book BUT .... 

An enjoyable film even if they did miss out the whole bit of the book that saw the family in London and thus one of my favourite characters. The Hundred-Foot Journey is ultimately a feel good 'foodie flick'/'culture clash drama' which stands out not because of the plot but main characters, Helen Mirren (Madame Mallory) and Om Puri (Papa). TT

Very entertaining film about roots and the tensions of traditional cultures meeting. Helen Mirren as the seemingly austere widow preserving her husbands memory to maintain the highest standards of cuisine at their Michelin starred restaurant is challenged by the arrival of an Indian migrant family who set up shop directly opposite her establishment.  Om Puri heads the family fleeing oppression in India that has cost him his wife; whose sense of kharma turns an unfortunate vehicle breakdown into his determination as to where the family should be.  A film of passions, for food, for family and for the new and adventurous as the and cultural differences merge and learn from each other just as the cuisine is edified by the blending of styles. NJT

(To read Kelly's thoughts on this one click here).



11 comments:

brandileigh2003 said...

I have had my eye on journey, the previews made it sound good

Gina said...

Ah yes! I have actually seen the last one. Enjoyed it as well but now of course, I've added the book to the wish list. Thanks. ^-^

Sherry Ellis said...

I saw the trailer for Hundred Foot Journey, but haven't seen the movie. It's one I'd like to see.

Literary Feline said...

I remember seeing Lucy and the theater and feeling like I'd just wasted my money. I didn't like it very much.

Kelly said...

I have a feeling I would share your sentiments about the first one. It sounds a little TOO weird for my taste.

While I did enjoy Lucy (in an odd sort of way), I'm not sure it would have been worth a "movie theater" ticket.

Thanks for the link ups!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Thanks for sharing. I haven't seen any of these, but I know my dad was interested in Lucy. I don't think he's seen it though. I didn't think it looked that great.

Brian Joseph said...

Great reviews Tracy.

I must admit that Zero Theorem sounds interesting to me. I am OK with a bit of witty nihilism once in a while.

My wife read the Hundred Foot Journey so I suspect that we will be seeing the film soon. I suspect that I will like it.

Natasha said...

I must read The 100 Foot Journey, my friend recommended it to me. - Tasha

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

I confess to not having watched any of the films, or read any of the books relating to them.

To be honest, we seldom go to the cinema and I don't watch much in the way of television. Hubbie records copious films, which he then works his way through, usually into the wee small hours and long after I have gone to bed!

'The Hundred-Foot Journey' is probably the one I would choose to watch if the occasion arose, as the storyline sounds quite interesting and the talented Helen Mirren never fails to impress :)

Sorry I can't add anything of much interest to such a good post :)

Yvonne

Barbara said...

Hello Tracy, first of all I must thank you for the sweet comment left on my blog and for the mention on Facebook. I'm sorry I've not been around much this week it has been manic! I hope to get back to regular visits to your lovely blog once things settle down a bit.

Zero Theorems doesn't sound like something I would enjoy, but I really like Morgan Freeman so Lucy might suit me better.

Have a lovely weekend x

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh yea! I so need to watch Lucy. I've been wanting to see it weirdness and all... :)