Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies,

Played out like a stage production, the beautiful Good Luck Leo Grande is making its way into our homes today, with its DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally versions becoming available.

Written by Katy Brand, the feature tells a story not often explored. Whilst a number of films touch upon the sexual awakenings of young women, not many delve into that of those over 30. Yet, that has finally changed with Sophie Hyde directing Emma Thompson in a career defining performance. 

Looking into the world of female pleasure, Thompson plays Nancy, a woman who has never experienced an orgasm before. It is completely and utterly obvious from the get go that Thompson wants to make a difference with this feature. 

Sharing everything and giving everything, she holds nothing back. Portraying a character who is both vulnerable and bold, it feels like Thompson is the only person who could play Nancy. Especially when her character meets sex worker Leo. Someone she truly puts to the test. Both emotionally and physically.

The pair open up to each other. They share their wants. Their desires. But also their fears. For the situation and the world around them. Something that is truly allowed to flow well, due to the whole feature being set in one place. The hotel room they agree to meet in. 

With an award worthy script, two fabulous actors and a director who knows what they need to do to get the best out of every scene, the whole film works. Luck isn’t needed for this feature to be a winner. It already is in every way. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Good Morning Lovelies,

Love is a tough subject for many. Some fall in love easily. Others not so much. Some can’t describe the feeling. Others write about it with ease. Some find that the models on the covers are the only heroes they need. 

Especially in the case of Sandra Bullock’s character in new feature, The Lost City, who turns to her cover star to help her save the day. A star for who takes on the form of Channing Tatum. 

Bullock plays romance novelist, Loretta, who  ends up being kidnapped by an over the top billionaire. Faced with only her cover model, Alan, on hand to help try and save her, the pair end up going on an epic jungle adventure. 

Comedy is a strength for both actors and whilst they may not have the strongest of storylines here, they are able to save it from being a disaster movie for all the wrong reasons. Capturing the essence of old romantic comedies, this feature has a sense of humour that modern audiences will appreciate. They will embrace the world of comedy in every manner and feel the force of the brilliant acting that comes from it. 

Bullock plays a figure very much like the one we all love her playing in The Proposal, whilst Tatum gives a comedy turn like that in 21 Jump Street. A winning formula when placed together. With so many rom-coms not being made nowadays, it is brilliant to see it work leading to a huge amount of cinematic appreciation. 

However, they aren’t the only element to the film that you will enjoy seeing. There is a beauty in the way that the environment and landscapes capture the true essence of adventure within the film. Placed up against the stars in it and it becomes its own hero. One that everyone will dream of going to. 

With many romantic comedies now not getting made, it is nice to see this one being a stand out feature. All of the stars, all of the features and all of the landscape shots are a thing of beauty. Yes, it isn’t completely perfect, but it is close enough. Something we can all fall in love with. Even if we get lost looking for it. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Remember a few years ago, the incredible feature Sing? Well, it is back for a second outing. One that is still all singing and all dancing. Just with animals instead of humans. Making it even more of a winner in my eyes. 

With many familiar voices returning, including Matthew McConaughey, Taron Egerton, Bobby Cannavale and more, the film also introduces Letitia Wight and Bono into the mix too. McConaughey’s Buster Moon is looking for a new challenge for his stars, seeking the biggest stage he can find for them. Yet, when he is threatened by Mr Crystal (Cannavale), he has to work hard with them to save everything they have built. 

Taking on covers of some of the biggest songs of the moment, such as Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars and more, there is something magical about seeing a gorilla giving the performance of its life. Especially, when there is so much talent within the film to spend it guessing who is who. 

Proving that they can sing, no matter what the song maybe, this film isn’t as strong as the first, where they proved they could do what they had come to do. Yet, for a family feature, it is fine. For older viewers though, there is a sense of why has it been made, however. Even with the new additions to the cast, such as Bono, who plays musician Clay Calloway, the idea of a new production being troubled is something we have all seen before. Really the real winner of the film is the songs, which everyone can sing along with. Especially with singer Halsey stealing the show with her new character, Porsha Crystal. 

The film may have and aspire to have the energy of the first, yet it fails to make it flow in the same way that it once did. Enjoyable for the young ones, older viewers may find it hard to watch what they have seen before. Just get the karaoke mic ready to help you get through it if so. 

3 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Who doesn’t love a rom-com? Especially when it features one of the queens of the genre, Jennifer Lopez. Out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, the star plays pop icon Kat Valdez, a woman about to marry her long-term boyfriend. Yet, upon the big day arriving, she finds out that he has been unfaithful, leading to her pulling a random man from the crowd and marrying him. Something teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson) is definitely not expecting. Together, the pair must work to find out if they want to be together or not in the end. 

With all the cheese that you would expect, this light-hearted feature film, see drama be pushed to the side, with catchy songs, glitter and sparkles taking over instead. Oh, and of course love. From early on, you can guess where the story will go, but it doesn’t make it anymore less special. Especially, when the world has been filled with many dark features recently. 

Lopez and Wilson play a likeable couple, who upon meeting and marrying under unusual expectations, bring happiness to the audience. Lopez’s character is funny and sweet, with Wilson’s bringing the reality but charm to the feature that it needs to give it those old-school early 00s romance film vibes. Both are irresistible to the viewer.

Director Kat Coiro appears to have another message she wants to give audiences though. She obviously wants to show audiences the dark side of fame. As well as the loneliness and comical elements of it too. Yet, she doesn’t really get a chance to, with a story based like this. However, it doesn’t make the film any less enjoyable. Especially when it feels like it might touch on the personal life of Lopez and her public relationships. All of which build on her character and the way she appears on the screen.

Ultimately though, the film is a likeable feature, with beautiful shots of Lopez on stage, singing her heart out. The feature begins where many would end, giving it a fresh revamp, which works for all watching. It is a fun, charismatic film that wins due to the connection made between Wilson, Lopez and the audience. All looking for comfort in all the right places. 

4 Stars

Joey X