No Strings Attached, Gnomeo and Juliet & The Inside Job
No Strings Attached
Release Date: 10/2/11
No Strings Attached is your typical romantic comedy – a somewhat surprising result from director Ivan Reitman who previously brought us the Ghostbusters films (and whose son is acclaimed director Jason Reitman of Juno and Up in the Air). The film follows a couple who are apparently destined to be together – they meet three times throughout their lives before they finally ‘hook up.’ But Emma (Natalie Portman) makes it very clear to Adam (Ashton Kutcher) that she is not interested in starting a relationship – she just wants a ‘friends with benefits/no strings attached’ situation. Following the rom-com formula, their relationship grows stronger, so they decide to briefly stop seeing each other, but then finally commit in the end – a very clichéd and overdone narrative. High points to the film include the supporting cast – while Natalie Portman is not particularly likeable, her roommates (which include Greenberg’s Greta Gerwig and The Office’s Mindy Kaling) were refreshingly funny, and Kevin Kline as Kutcher’s sordid celebrity father had a memorable charm as always. Kutcher’s co-worker Lucy (Lake Bell) is also notable. If you’re looking for a cheesy film to watch on Valentine’s Day, then this is probably a good choice.
Gnomeo and Juliet
Release Date: 17/2/11
Gnomeo and Juliet is yet another take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy about the trials and tribulations of ‘forbidden love,’ and the film represents Disney’s first attempt at “adapting” Shakespeare’s work (though many have noted the similarities between Hamlet and the Lion King). The film is set in the backyard of two neighbours who despise each other and as result, so do their family of gnomes: the blues (the Montagues) are pinned against the reds (the Capulets). But when Gnomeo and Juliet catch each other’s eyes one night, they instantly fall in love. After various battles, the film concludes in a traditional Disney (not Shakespearian) manner. Like most animated films these days, it was filmed in 3D with an all-star cast including James McAvoy, Emily Blunt and Michael Caine. There are also voice appearances by the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Dolly Parton, with music by Elton John. It’s hard for me to judge a children’s movie – this is certainly a sweet, light-hearted film, but most of the jokes are clearly aimed at younger audiences. Overall, it is certainly not of the same caliber as Toy Story.
The Inside Job
Release Date: 17/2/11
The Inside Job chronicles the roots of the 2008 global financial crisis, which cost the world $20 trillion and has been labeled the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Narrated by Matt Damon, this informative documentary provides interview footage with various figures – from investors, to academics, to politicians, to journalists. Subsequently, it puts forth an extensive amount of research and information – perhaps too much for viewers to fully take in at once. Some of the terminology used is hard to follow at times, and those without a solid background understanding of the situation may become a bit lost amongst all of the information. However, the film is very well edited and it effectively highlights and exposes the hypocrisies of the ‘key players’ that nearly destroyed our economy.
