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I Really Hate My Job (2007)
funny and well-written enough to keep you watching
Five restaurant employees take on a night of wild fun and dramatic life crises in a London fine-dining establishment. While not perfect, I Really Hate My Job is hysterical and loquacious. The ensemble cast is vibrant and interesting; you can't help but love them all and find something to relate to. I tried to choose which character was my favorite (or better yet which actress was best) and I just couldn't decide. The whole cast is truly fantastic. Everyone really brought something to the table. The Dishwaher caused my eyes to water with her inane, hysterical dancing and speeches. The Chef (Shirly Henderson) was perfect as a secluded, self-contained, intellectual writer on the verge of cracking. The Waitress (Neve Campbell) was just downright daring in manner, actions, and speech. The Other Waitress (resptively Alexandra Maria Lara) was sweet, perky, and optimistic; I enjoyed her quirky sense of the world and positive suggestions on how to better everyone else's life. The Boss (Anna Maxwell Martin) was great at trying to maintain control while her love life was possibly ending and the business was declining. Another commenter mentioned the potential of this being a great play... I full heartedly agree. The script, story, and actresses are what make this enjoyable.
The only drawback, I guess, would be that the ending was inconclusive. All these character problems were introduced and none were solved. Particularly when Abi (Neve) asks her boss about her real name; it's never revealed why the boss changed her name but it is brought up enough times that you are disappointed when they never tell you. Things like that lessened it for me.
Evening (2007)
Take away Hugh and you don't have much left.
So Basically, it is the story of a woman on her death bed and she is remembering her life and more specifically her lost love. Her memories mostly consist of life-changing events that occurred at her best-friend's wedding and the decisions she made dealing with her career and family.
It really it is excellent story. Very beautiful and moving. I imagine the book being a great read. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the film adaptation. While the performances are fine (especially by Hugh Dancy) and the plot is perfect, it is the direction and pace that is disappointing. There were so many moments where I felt that if they only showed me a little more or little less then I would have been completely enthralled and satisfied.
If it were not for Hugh Dancy and some very meaningful, tender lines and moments, I probably would have turned the thing off without regret.
C+
The Aviator (2004)
Great Performances...Great Movie
'Aviator' was a wonderful film that did a great job of giving the people an inside look at Howard Hughes life. Although the film was not completely accurate it sure was close.
Cate Blanchett was magnetic. Her portrayal of Kate Hepburn was very well done. Her accent and personality were right on target.
Leonardo did a great job also. I've never been a big fan of his but this movie made me respect him more as an actor.
Kate Beckinsale also did a nice job. Her performance was not as great as Cate Blanchett's but Beckinsale definitely held her own.
All in all this was an extraordinary film with superb performances.