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Friday Flix Fix – 20th June 2014

Friday Flix Fix – 20th June 2014

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FFF 2006

It’s an odd week, this week. Somewhat like an eye of the storm as there’s only one major Summer film getting a general release this weekend: The Fault In Our Stars. Considering how jam-packed this season is with blockbusters, many of which sequels and adaptations, Stars being of the latter, a weekend with only one big opener is like some sort of glitch in the matrix. Nonetheless, there is company within the cinema as a few smaller releases are getting their time on the big screen – some are worth seeing, some absolutely aren’t (as you’ll see here). That said, it’s nice to not have some 100 million dollar special effects bonanza sucking up all the possible profits; hopefully that means my pick of the week will make a lot of money. Not that it needs it, or anything, but it’s always nice to see a good film get it’s due. Here’s my picks for what you should see, what you shouldn’t, and something a little more obscure.

The Good: The Fault In Our Stars
Director: Josh Boone, Rating: 12A, Running Time: 126 minutes

In a dreadfully predictable move if you read my review, my pick for what to see this week is The Fault In Our Stars, the adaptation of John Green’s beloved novel. Take a teenage love story, remove the bad cliché, put cancer in, garnish with existentialism and the kind of wisdom having numbered days at a young age grants and you have this film. Shailene Woodley is stunning, warm and authentic while co-star Ansel Elgort provides a witty wall that just helps her performance and his go beyond that of their characters and really delve into the core themes of the story and the tragic events that unfold. Boone directs the narrative masterfully, maintaining a gentle tough that stops the story from feeling gritty or aggressive in making it’s point; perfectly complimenting the teenage protagonists innocence that remains intact throughout.

The Bad: 3 Days To Kill
Director: McG, Rating: 12A, Running Time: 117 minutes

Kevin Costner stars in action film that’s like every other action film ever. There’s a bit of a running theme at the moment on the back of The Expendables that’s creating these films for older action stars to essentially ride out their glory days once again. The problem with this is that The Expendables is the only film these older guys are making that still feels at all valid to the genre. Neeson did what Neeson does earlier this year with Non-Stop, and Stallone and Schwarzenegger just can’t stop making films together now, it’s like some sort of explosive diarrhea with lots of bullets and grenades. Costner hasn’t been altogether relevant in the last few years, and this isn’t going to suddenly put him back in the public eye. If you need a fix of the (almost) first big screen Batman, wait for Birdman next year. While it is intriguing that McG is directing this, he of Supernatural fame, it’s not enough to warrant strong attention. If it’s the only film left to see for you, see this, but if it’s not, wait for the dvd.

The Anto: Jersey Boys
Director: Clint Eastwood, Rating: TBC, Running Time: 134 minutes

In a curve-ball release that has me utterly filled with curiosity, Clint Eastwood has made a musical. It’s an adaptation of a musical of the same name that tells the story of the band The Four Seasons. Eastwood has directed a LOT of films, and not many are all that good, but when he’s on form, man, he is on form. Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven and Letters From Iwo Jima are all powerhouses of differing style and genre, and I really hope he’s about to add musical to what he’s capable of doing well. The cast features relatively small players, which often bodes well because it means they were chosen for talent rather than their promotional ability associated with their presence. Throw in regular Woody Allen collaborator Marshall Brickman (Annie Hall amongst his works) and this has all the ingredients to be a distinctive watch, if nothing else.

So yeah, strange week. The Fault In Our Stars is far and away big film this weekend, and it’s brethren are just a level down altogether. But, I’m far from complaining. Some teenage love, some old guys blowing stuff up and some older guys making musicals. Sounds like a David Lynch screenplay draft. Good stuff. See y’all next week, same Arcade time, same Arcade channel.

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